Osoyoos man believes first past the post still best alternative to electoral reform

Dear Editor:

This letter is directed towards Liberal Maryam Monsef, MP for Peterborough-Kawartha and federal Minister of Democratic Institutions.

On Jan. 20, two local newspapers published an opinion piece by my Member of Parliament (Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan-West Kootenay), alleging that since electoral reform was part of the recent election platforms for all of the Liberal-NDP-Greens, and that these parties commanded nearly two-thirds of the vote, this constitutes broad support for abandoning the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.

I believe Mr. Cannings is overstating the case. As electoral reform was a common element, electors probably looked beyond to other campaign promises to differentiate the respective parties and voted accordingly with electoral reform being incidental.

In any event, you rose during question period on Dec.  11, 2015 to announce the convening of an all-party committee to develop an alternative to FPTP, and that steps would be taken to ensure that the voices of all Canadians would be heard throughout the process.

If the voices of all are to be considered, why then was the status quo  of FPTP summarily rejected before the process began?

I submit to you that the supporters of electoral change are campaigning for change because they are unelectable with FPTP.

Why are they unelectable?

Their views (“voices”) on good government policy are so far removed from mainstream logic and philosophy, that many are rightfully concerned about them having undue influence on the governing process.

As potential kingmakers in a minority government, they would paradoxically exert even more power than their numbers would rightfully obtain.

If the supporters of change want to be heard in Parliament, let them develop a platform that many Canadians can accept and duly elect them by FPTP.

In the meantime, the CBC – like the government, also taxpayer-funded, to their benefit – is a more appropriate outlet for their rhetoric.

I note that while unseating Mr. Harper gave common cause with the NDP and Greens, when facing the very real risk of either a Liberal or a Conservative minority, the Liberal party presented the electorate with a platform they could accept, thus delivering a majority.

So, FPTP works; as it has, predominantly for the Liberals, since Confederation.

On the evidence, I respectfully request that your committee seriously consider maintaining FPTP as the best alternative to electoral reform.

Thank you.

Ken Murray

Osoyoos, BC