Now that parliamentarians are starting to talk seriously about changing the way we elect MPs, the nay-sayers have come out with the most common argument to leave things as they are. Any of the possible alternatives are too complicated for Canadian voters to understand. That’s a polite way of saying Canadians aren’t smart enough to replace the simple and many would argue undemocratic “first past the post” system we have been using at all levels of government.
I for one am insulted. Two weeks ago, all by myself, I put together a new BBQ by following the 24 not too clear instructions. Recently I was able to get my PVR functioning again without having to call the Rogers Helpline. And it didn’t take me long to figure out that the carton of chocolate milk I bought was not the great deal it seemed to be, given that the volume of the carton was reduced at the same price. But, apparently I’m not able to figure out that a voting system where I’m asked who would be my first choice, and if I can’t have that, who would be my second choice.
Or, how about having a House of Commons where the number of seats for each party is based on the percentage of the popular vote. Still not too complicated for me to understand.
The question that we all should be asking is what system of voting will result in a House of Commons that best represents the voting population. End of argument.
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