Ontario Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform

The greatly underpublicized Ontario Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform has recieved some much needed coverage, courtesy of the Toronto Star. The Assembly consists of 103 Ontarians, selected at random, one from each riding, and has the task of making recommendations on changing Ontario's electoral system. Ontario currently uses the highly conservative and outdated first-past-the post system.

Well-known University of Toronto political scientist Nelson Wiseman was asked his opinions on the assmembly; his comments were disappointing to say the least. "Who are these people," he asks, adding that "If you actually believe this is a way to make public policy, why not just have a random lottery and pick our MPPs that way?"

This is absolutely pathetic and disheartening, and I would expect more from Professor Wiseman. His arrogant and elitist viewpoint is sickening. Perhaps the Professor needs to be re-united a dictionary so he can look up the term democracy. Because democracy, a cornerstone of Canadian society, is actually what we have at work here. A panel of ordinary citizens are conducting meetings with their fellow citizens to determine what they believe be the bets policy, and will submit that to the government. Although I often am critical of referndums- it of course depends on the issue- I support the fact that citizens will have some say on electoral reform.

I believe this is much better than a bunch of un-democratic conservative elites such as Wiseman determing policy in the background, seeking no input from citizens. Professor Wiseman ought to be ashamed of his narrow viewpoint, and oridinary citizens ought to take note of his conservative elitism.

As I mentioned, the issue will be decided by a referendum. But let's not get out hopes up, it is hardly democractic. If a new electoral system is put to a referendum, a 'super majority' of 60% is needed, and the question would need to be endorsed by at least 50% of voters in 64 of the 107 ridings be contested this fall.

Keep in mind that the Liberal Party was elected with only 46.6% of the vote, but has an absolute majority of the seats. Naturally, they decided on this 'super majority.' Once again, the anti-democratic forces are hard at work.

In B.C., where a 60% 'super majority' was imposed in 2005, 57.7% of voters endorsed a change, and the initiaive was favoured in 77 of 79 ridings. While the original referndum failed, the question will be asked again in 2009.

Now, what about Ontario? With the lack of coverage the Assembly has recieved, how will Ontarians be informed? The issue is largely dependent on the amount of money the government invests in advertising. And since the Liberal government has a lot to lose, I wouldn't expect a lot of advertisement to inform voters. Interestingly enough, the government, and not the assmebly, decided on this threshold. Apparantly the Liberals see too much democracy as a bad thing. The anti-democrats at work again. Sad, really.