Citizens Assembly Blog

Newspaper editorial endorse citizens assembly for Prince Edward Island

Publication: The Guardian (Prince Edward Island)
Title: The next phase of the electoral reform debate; If a citizens assembly is able to garner a broader base of public support, it might have a better chance of success.
Date: May 6, 2006
By: Editorial Staff

For the article, click here.

Participants in an electoral reform meeting recently agreed on the notion of a citizens assembly to take the electoral reform debate to the next level. It’s a good idea.

If there was a flaw in last fall’s discussion of proportional representation, it was that the particular model on the table was perceived as being imposed on the electorate. A citizens assembly whose main objective would be to get a broader base of public support might have a better chance of succeeding if the matter is ever put to a vote again.

Last fall, Islanders were immersed in an often-emotional debate over how to reform the electoral system so that it would be more reflective of what Islanders want. At issue was the mixed member proportional representation system, a specific model drafted by an electoral reform commission struck by Premier Pat Binns. The system proposed offered voters two ballots — one for the MLA in their riding, and another for the party of their choice. Supporters of the system said it would reduce party imbalance in the legislature and allow for a stronger opposition. Detractors said it would reduce accountability of the legislature and give more power to the parties, not the voters.

A plebiscite last November settled the discussion surrounding that model. Voters soundly rejected it.

Was the exercise a waste of time? Not at all. At the end of the day, all voters benefited from hearing the pros and cons of the status quo and they became more aware of the alternatives. The mixed member proportional system, at least according to the vote recorded, wasn’t the preferred option.

Now we may be ready to move to the next stage. As a result of an electoral reform forum last weekend, participants agreed that a citizens assembly might be able to draft a new system and be better able to garner a broader base of public support. What’s encouraging is that the participants who attended last weekend’s forum included representatives from the camps who opposed each other so vigorously last fall. That suggests quite a spectrum of opinion, and it bodes well for the potential of a citizens assembly, if indeed it is created.

Democracy is not neat and tidy. It can be unruly, cumbersome and time-consuming. But it’s a noble pursuit. As society evolves, so must the institutions that serve it. Legislatures across the land have been criticized for being dominated by the executive branch of government. Any effort to improve representation and accountability ultimately benefits society. If Prince Edward Islanders, possibly through a citizens assembly, are able to produce a model that works for this province, that model could serve as an inspiration for electoral reform across the country.

A grassroots effort for a citizens assembly on Prince Edward Island

Publication: The Guardian (Prince Edward Island)
Title: Citizens assembly on Island is required to restart electoral reform, say advocates
Date: May 1, 2006
By: Caitlin McIntyre

For the article, click here.

If the electoral reform process is renewed on P.E.I. a citizens assembly should be developed, those at a public forum said Saturday.

This was the consensus reached by 30 people gathered at St. Peter’s Anglican Church hall in Charlottetown for a electoral reform forum.

They said a randomly selected citizens assembly based on models in British Columbia and Ontario would create a more democratic vote on electoral change if the issue is reintroduced on P.E.I.

In a citizens assembly, the randomly selected individuals would discuss electoral reform and propose a new electoral system that would be presented to the public for a vote.

“I think if you have a citizens assembly it’s going to be a lot harder for (Island politicians) to run the sort of campaign they did last time,” said Mark Greenan, a member of the yes coalition during last year’s electoral reform debate.

“It was an elitist process before, but hopefully a better designed process involving average citizens will get us a fair voting system on P.E.I.”

Gordon Cobb, a member of the No to MMP Coalition, said the goal of Saturday’s forum was to brainstorm ideas for kickstarting a new electoral reform process on the Island.

He said a citizens assembly, which would need the support of the legislative assembly to materialize, would likely get more Islanders interested in the debate.

“With a citizens assembly, it would be the first time we’d have a diverse, broad group looking at the problem,” Cobb said. “Then at least there’s a greater sense that the final product that comes out will be a bit more acceptable and possibly generate more excitement from the general public.”

Saturday’s forum included representatives from both sides of the issue.

Greenan and Justice Norman Carruthers, both supporters of electoral reform, were guest speakers along with former MLA Pat Mella, an opponent of reform.

Ed MacDonald, a history professor at UPEI, offered a historical perspective on the election issue.
But both sides agreed that a citizens assembly would be an ideal means of possibly settling the issue.
“It gives an opportunity for a lot more debate and public exposure,” Mella said.

However, she said those expecting these changes to occur sooner rather then later may be disappointed.
“There’s always people who think they want to change everything by tomorrow, and that’s not going to happen.”

Meanwhile, Greenan said he’s “cautiously optimistic” about the future of electoral reform on P.E.I. While he believes the debate will eventually be re-opened, he’s unsure how Islanders will react.

“It’s going to be difficult,” he said. “There’s some conservativism in Islanders and they’re not necessarily the people most likely to embrace change. You’re going to face a bigger resistance to change than you might in other jurisdictions.”

But MacDonald said any research into Island history proves Islanders actually tend to embrace change.