Proportional Representation

Presenter: Dr. Lee Ward

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For the first time in generations, Canadians see the possibility of meaningful electoral reform. The current federal government has committed to making the 2015 Federal Election the last one to use the old First-Past-the-Post system, which produces false majorities and effectively wastes the votes of millions of Canadians. If reform is coming, the questions then is: What type of system is best suited to Canada? Dr. Ward argues that some form of Proportional Representation (PR) is required in order to reflect the diversity of the Canadian political experience and in effect to make every vote count. He also tries to demonstrate that the Alternative Vote or Preferential Ballot favoured by some in the current government is not the best choice, or even a real improvement over the current flawed system.