Staff
The federal government is inviting the public to have their say about electoral reform.
All Canadians are being urged to visit www.MyDemocracy.ca or call 1-844-690-8363 before Dec. 30 and take part in the national conversation.
“A healthy democracy requires governments listen to citizens in order to make better decisions,” the federal government says on its website, which launched Monday.
“This initiative by the Government of Canada aims to hear from as many Canadians as possible in a national conversation on electoral reform,” it notes.
“This includes listening to Canadians’ views about the values that frame electoral systems—including how we vote, mandatory voting, and on-line voting.
“That’s what MyDemocracy.ca is all about,” it stresses.
You will be asked to complete a series of questions exploring the way you feel about your democracy.
The questionnaire includes statements such as—“A party that wins the most seats in an election should still have to compromise with other parties, even if it means reconsidering some of its policies”—and asks if you strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, feel neutral, somewhat agree, or strongly agree.
Some other sample statements include:
•“There should be greater diversity of views in Parliament”;
•“Online voting in federal elections would increase voter participation”;
•“The voting age for federal elections should be lowered”;
•“Eligible voters should not be forced to vote”; and
•“Members of Parliament should always act in the interests of their constituents, even if it means going against their own party.”
The website also asks for the public to select the priorities they think are important regarding electoral reform, whether that means:
•increasing voter turnout;
•allowing voters to express a wide range of preferences when voting;
•having strong representation from every region; or
•deciding where MPs should focus—on doing what’s best for their local community or doing what’s best for their country.
You also have the option to provide information about yourself, such as your age and postal code, that will help to personalize your experience.
If you do not have Internet, call 1-844-690-8363.
