Tagged with: Ottawa
By KERRY DIOTTE
The governing Liberals insist we must have a new system of voting for future federal elections. Here are 10 reasons why this is a very bad idea:
1 – There’s no groundswell in the Canadian public demanding a new voting system. While knocking on thousands of doors for the October 2015 election I cannot recall one person bringing up the issue.
2 – The Liberals have repeatedly ruled out sticking with our current system of first-past-the-post elections, a method that has served Canada well since Confederation.
3 – Despite pledges to do widespread consultations with the public before changing our system, there’s no plan to hold a national referendum on this historic change to our democracy.
4 – Critics rightfully point out that other systems of voting can favour the ruling Liberals. Under a so-called ranked ballot or proportional representation system, it’s predicted the Liberals would have increased their current seat count Oct. 19 from 184 to 224 in this current Parliament.
5 – The Liberals are already tipping their hand that they’re leaning to the ranked-ballot system. That comes amid news the Privy Council Office (that reports directly to the Prime Minister and minister in charge) recently hired Derek Alton, who founded a group that advocates the ranked ballot system.
6 – A ranked-ballot system would put Conservative voters at a disadvantage. Studies have shown NDP supporters would tend to pick Liberal candidates as their second pick while Liberal supporters would choose NDP reps for their second-string choice. Conservative voters frequently indicate they don’t wish to have a second choice of another candidate at all.
7 – Liberal Minister of Democratic Institutions Maryam Monsef has actually claimed in the House of Commons that consultation on reform using Twitter and townhalls is more valid than holding a national referendum.
8 – Much has been made of the fact Liberals recently changed the makeup of a parliamentary committee tasked with coming up with a new voting system. Now opposition members from the Green Party, the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP will get a vote. But the truth is, the committee is little more than a paper tiger. The ruling Grits can still ignore its finding and choose any new voting system it desires. Such are the perks of winning a majority government.
9 – There are precedents for holding voting referendums in Canada. Through referenda, in British Columbia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island voters rejected changes to their systems.
10 – Recent opinion polls show that nearly three quarters of Canadians believe a national referendum should be held if there is to be a change in our way of voting.
If you believe there’s no reason to change our voting system or you think we must hold a national referendum before doing so, take action. Write to the Prime Minister at House of Commons, Ottawa, ON. K1A 0A6. There is no postage required to send that letter.
I was happy to lend a hand today in Ottawa for the BBQ & Bake Sale organized by Lord Elgin, Hotel Indigo and Residence Inn Marriott.
I was joined by my Edmonton MP colleagues Matt Jeneroux, Kelly McCauley and Ziad Aboultaif,
It was a great turnout with lineups around the block. All the proceeds are going to those in the service industry who have lost their jobs and homes in the Fort McMurray forest fires.
We served hamburgers, veggie burgers, sausages and pad Thai non-stop.
Thanks Ottawa for your generous support for Albertans in our time of need. Your generousity is much appreciated by all those who’ve been impacted by the wildfires in and around Fort McMurray.
Today, I was honoured to participate in the carnation pinning event on Parliament Hill and give my statement in the House of Commons to recognize the start of multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness month in Canada.
MS is an unpredictable and often disabling disease that impacts many Canadians. Please join #TeamFight to help #endMS in our lifetime.
Dear Grade 6 students:
With a rich history, diverse natural and culture heritage, strong values and sense of purpose, we Canadians are proud to proclaim Canada is the best country in the world.
I am launching an art contest to find out what Canada means to you.
The winning artwork pieces will be displayed in my Edmonton and Ottawa offices.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Participants must be a current grade 6 student.
- Submissions will be received no later than May 30, 2016.
- Artwork should be in a format no larger than 11”x 14”.
- Paintings, drawings and photographs are eligible submissions.
- Entries must include your name, school and teacher’s name.
Drop-off your artwork in person at:
Kerry Diotte, MP
102-10212 127 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5E 0B8
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 A.M. – 4 P.M.
780-495-3261
[email protected]
Be creative and have fun! And remember, I want to know what Canada means to you!
Sincerely,
Kerry Diotte, MP
*Please note: winners will be notified by phone. All entries become the property of the Member of Parliament’s office and will not be returned to entrants. The MP retains the right to use winning contest entries for publicity purposes and display within either the Edmonton or Ottawa office.
Today in the House of Commons, I remembered and paid tribute to my friend Ted Marianix.
May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. I invite everyone to join #TeamFight to #endMS.
The Liberal government’s budget is a real disappointment for Canadians who were looking for real action to create jobs and long-term economic prosperity.
The Liberal budget has no plan for jobs, borrows $29.4 billion and raises taxes on hard-working Canadians.
April 9th commemorates the immense sacrifices made by Canadians during WWI at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The victory at Vimy Ridge marked the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Armed Forces fought together as a unit.
From their sacrifice a new and enduring Canadian identity was born.
While it was a remarkable victory, it came at the expense of thousands of lives.
Lest we forget.
