Category Archives: Reform

Stéphane Dion Is Right: Put Electoral Reform to a Referendum

Posted on 2016/06/05 by J.W.J. Bowden

In 2012, Stéphane Dion wrote a short policy paper on electoral reform in which he advocated that Canadians elect MPs to the House of Commons through a single transferable vote (STV) electoral system. Under Dion’s model, the multi-member constituencies would … Continue reading →

Posted in Electoral Reform, Reform | 4 Comments

A Response to the Broadbent Institute’s Polemic for Mixed-Member Proportional Representation

Posted on 2016/03/25 by J.W.J. Bowden

On Mixed-Member Proportional Representation In March 2016, the Broadbent Institute released a report on electoral reform, “An Electoral System for All: Why Canada Should Adopt Proportional Representation,” and endorsed mixed-member proportional representation. It is in essence and in tone a … Continue reading →

Posted in Electoral Reform, Reform | 7 Comments

In Defence of Single-Member Plurality

Posted on 2016/02/08 by J.W.J. Bowden

Adopting a ranked ballot would in effect convert our single-member plurality into a system of single-member majority, like the electoral system for Australia’s House of Representatives, since it would still rely on single-member geographic constituencies and not party lists. Such … Continue reading →

Posted in Electoral Reform, Reform | 1 Comment

The Trudeau II Government’s Electoral Teleology

Posted on 2016/02/05 by J.W.J. Bowden

The Liberal Platform and the Trudeau II Government’s Policy Proposal During the last general election, the Liberals pledged to study changing the electoral system from single-member plurality (also known pejoratively by its opponents as “first past the post”) to some … Continue reading →

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The Mandate Problem: Early Dissolutions and Fixed-Date Election Laws in Prince Edward Island and Alberta

Posted on 2015/04/09 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction This week, Premier Wade MacLaughlan of Prince Edward Island and Premier Jim Prentice of Alberta joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Premier Kathleen Wynne, and former Premier Pauline Marois as the four and fifth first ministers, respectively, in exposing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crown (Powers and Office), Dissolution, Fixed-Date Elections, Reform | 1 Comment