'First Past the Post' not worth defending | Unpublished
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Mark Johnson
Nepean, Ontario
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Mark has lived in Ottawa since 2005 and hangs his hat in Barrhaven. He grew up near Waterloo, Ontario and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Waterloo as well as master’s degrees in communication (uOttawa) and political management (Carleton). His graduate research focused on political communication and public transit policy. Mark enjoys travelling and reading, and he volunteers with the Canadian Celiac Association and Ottawa123. He also served previously on the City of Ottawa Transit Commission. Mark also has celiac disease and is passionate about health and environmental issues. 

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'First Past the Post' not worth defending

January 1, 2016

This letter is in response to the following column in the Star Phoenix: http://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/liberals-electoral-plan-rev...

To the editor,

Re: Liberals' election plan shows early-onset arrogance, December 29, pg A3 Saskatoon StarPhoenix

I must take issue with Les MacPherson’s admittedly dramatic column and his spirited defence of the status quo. He argues that the current “first past the post” electoral system has “served the country well.” Is that so?

In 1993, the Bloc Québécois became the Official Opposition in Ottawa despite receiving fewer votes than the Progressive Conservatives. The Bloc took 54 seats, while the PCs won two. To confirm, the PCs won more votes. Is this serving the country well?

In the 1998 Québec election, the Parti Québécois won a huge majority government while receiving fewer votes than the Liberals. Is this serving the country well?

In the 1987 New Brunswick election, the Liberals took 60% of the vote and every single seat in the legislature. That’s right, no Opposition to speak of. Is this serving the country well?

I agree with Mr. MacPherson that the current system may be simple from a voting perspective, but it is far from the most democratic option before us. I look forward to the electoral reform discussion to come.

Mark Johnson

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