Published Apr 19, 2025 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 3 minute readThrough the Cooper Institute, Marie Burge works with the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income, Coalition Canada basic income – revenu de base, and Basic Income NOW, Atlantic Canada, as well as Islanders for Proportional Representation and the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands. Photo by The Guardian /FileTen years ago, Canadians were promised that the 2015 federal election would be the last time the country would have a first-past-the-post election. This was not merely Justin Trudeau’s casual mention during his first campaign. No; researchers indicate that the promise showed up in his campaign communications over 1,800 times. Many people were misled, believing that the future prime minister was talking about proportional representation (PR).THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentElectoral reform advocates at that time, however, were quick to point out that what Trudeau had in mind had no resemblance to PR. In fact, his aim was merely to tinker with the method of counting votes, referred to as ranked ballot. The electoral system, as a winner-take-all system would be left intact. It was also clear that the ranked ballot, instead of moving toward PR, could produce even more disproportion.Recommended from Editorial COMMENTARY: Dear candidate: Sorry we missed you COMMENTARY: Does new P.E.I. premier still hold BIG position? Using ranked ballots, almost-absolute power granted to the lop-sided (and false majority) in 2015 would have gained for the Liberals even more seats.All-party committeeThere was new hope for an electoral system change in Canada in 2016 when the House of Commons established a special all-party committee on electoral reform (ERRE). The committee took this work seriously. They developed an elaborate citizen engagement process, criss-crossing the country, and involving a wide range of diverse groups. Much of the consultation was carried out in-person.Article contentThe ERRE report (Dec. 1, 2016) indicated serious interest and a level of agreement across the county about moving forward with electoral reform. The motion (May 31, 2017) to accept the ERRE report, however, was roundly defeated with all the government voting against it (except for two MPs, one from Toronto and the other from Charlottetown). Following this, the government declared that it was no longer pursuing electoral reform.It’s 2025. What about this election? Instead of taking a step away from first-past-the post, the country seems to be embracing it as a saving feature.It may be subtle, but there is a tendency in the community and in the media to think and talk with the mindset of a two-party system. That’s the American political model, with the result in the USA being that two parties, so similar to each other, with many shared values, views, and policy directions are duking it out in their tiny circle on the political spectrum without substantial opposition.Article contentStrategic votingIn Canada, we have a multi-party system. But some well-founded fear leading up to the April 28 federal election is forcing many voters into thinking a two-party model and the conundrum of considering “strategic voting” to avoid a disastrous outcome.Our multi-party system in Canada, is an ideal setting for a proportional system. It would give us a House of Commons which reflects the diversity of the people and how they actually want to vote. Even with the current electoral system, as imperfect as it, it is important for citizens to exercise their right to vote!Islanders for proportional representation is regrouping to renew our commitment to PR. We know from two plebiscites (2005; 2015) and a referendum (2019) that a high percentage of P.E.I. citizens are in favour of proportional representation. The time is right to ignite the proportional representation flame in P.E.I. and to examine new ways of making that happen.Five community-based organizations are taking the lead and are inviting other like-minded organizations and individuals to join in. This is step toward real democracy which is meant to represent all the people. Part of the work for democratic systems and a democratic community involves the work on electoral reform.Recently, CBC Ideas sponsored in Charlottetown a panel on democracy. Two members of Islanders for PR, Chris Ortenburger and Sarah Outram, were noted presenters. It will be aired on CBC Radio’s Ideas program on Wednesday, April 23 at 8 p.m.Marie Burge is a program co-ordinator with Cooper Institute. In that position she works with the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income, Islanders for Proportional Representation, and other public advocacy groups.Article content
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