Electoral Reform

[Jester]

Alan Cairns wrote an interesting article in the '60s or '70's about the effects of FPTP on federal politics. His conclusion was that it greatly exaggerates regional tensions - e.g. the Liberals consistently gain 25% support in Alberta, and yet the province is thought of as strongly "anti-Liberal". Most experts agree that, over time, a more proportional system would likely lead to some softening of the perception that, for example, Western interests are entirely "distinct" from those of central Canadians. The effects of the electoral system on a country's political sociology are so much greater than most people realize. We all take our method of voting for granted, but it really does help to shape the way that we look at our fellow citizens.

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Cairns, it seems. I'll have to track down his article.

The strength granted to anti-Liberal (and anti-federal) forces in this province by their essential monopoly on the provincial government really grates on me. Their position appears implacable, since they win every election, and yet there is a consistent opposition to them that is almost totally silenced by the nature of FPTP.

Thanks for the reference!

-Jester