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Electoral system reform could bring voters back to the pollsriding with only 40 per cent of the votes, Smithin Quc with a third of the vote and they hold thetional way of voting.said.balance of power in our Parliament, he added.SPECIAL TO THE BEAVERUnder a proportional system, the seats each The other 60 per cent are represented inSmith said that proportional voting is not a vot-party wins would be in proportion to the number DParliament by somebody they voted against. Iting system, but a principle that you should get whatoes your vote count? Canadians may soonof votes they have received. Canadas current elec-doesnt seem like representative democracy, saidyou vote for.need an answer to that question as the possibilitytoral system is first-past-the-post, or as Smith calls Smith. Across the whole country, we find out thatIf a political party gets 40 per cent of the votes,of a spring election looms on the horizon. it, winner-take-all and is out of date and turns O the votes andthey should get 40 per cent of the seats and not 60,n Wednesday night, Wayne Smith, executivetypically one party gets 40 per cent ofpeople off politics.that gives them 60 per cent of the seats, whichsaid Smith. The party that gets 10 per cent of thedirector for Fair Vote Canada took a crack at givingThe reason youre unhappy with politicians is means they get 100 per cent of the power.votes should get 10 per cent of the seats, instead of them one at the Democracy Cafecause these are not the people you voted for. The He used former Premier Bob Rae and formersquat, which is what we get under current system.This was the second event organized by thecore problem is the voting system and it doesnt OaPrime Minister Jean Chren as examples of leadersSmith said since 1920, there have been only akville chapter of Canadians Advocating Politicalhave to be this way, but it wont change until we elected with a disproportional representation of few elections where a party has received 50 per centParticipation (CAPP). The latest public foruminsist that it changes, said Smith.votes.of the votes.examined Canadas current electoral system withCanada is divided into 308 electoral districts or (Former Premier) Bob Rae formed a majorityIts much better when no party has a majorityarguments supporting the adoption of a propor-ridings. The problem is a candidate can win their government in Ontario with 38 per cent of the votes.and thats normal when you have a proportionalIn 1997, former Prime Minister Jean Chrensystem, said Smith. No party has a majority of theformed a majority government with 38 per cent of seats because no party gets a majority of the votes.the votes, said Smith. The one political party hasThe last federal election yielded a low voter turn-BridalShowalmost unlimited power even though most peopleout and Smith said he doesnt expect it to get bettervoted against them.with the next election. Only 54 per cent of eligibleWEDDING SHOWGlen Abbey Golf Clubs 1333 Dorval Drive s Oakville ONIts not much of a surprise that most of us arevoters had participated in the 2008 federal election,not happy with politics, politicians or governmentaccording to Elections Canada. Fashion Showpolicy, he added.Forty per cent of us dont even bother (voting).Contests and PrizesAnother example Smith used as a problem withThe largest group of voters is the group that doesntWin a Golf Foursome Contestthe current system was the last provincial electionvote at all and its going down (turnout), saidThousands in Prizes to be Wonand the results for the NDP party.Smith. Friday, April 8 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.The NDP increased their votes share, (but) lostHe said by changing the electoral system, voterSaturday, April 9 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.seats and lost their provincial party status. Even if turnout will be higher.First 30 Brides on the 8th receive you hated the NDP, people were scratching their The next Democracy Cafs in May, but no datea complimentary Glen Abbey www.clublink.caSunday Brunch certificate.heads, said Smith. or guest speakers have been announced. For moreHe also doesnt agree with the balance of powerinformation on CAPP, visit their website at www.For further show information call 905.399.0245 or visit us onlinethe Bloc Quebecois have in Parliament.quipdujour.com/capp/. 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