Are you familiar with the movie Groundhog Day? Phil Connors, the main character, realizes that he is trapped in a time loop. It feels like Canadians are stuck in a political version of Groundhog Day with our first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system.
FPTP’s permanent
campaign loop has become our political alarm clock, waking us up each day to
the same hollow promises and slogans. This endless cycle interferes with
effective governance. Our leaders are so busy perfecting their campaign smiles
that they forget about the real issues – it's like they're stuck in a time
loop, determined to look good to maintain or gain power.
How does permanent
campaigning disrupt effective governance? It diverts those in power from
long-term comprehensive inclusive policy planning to short-term narrow selfish electoral
gains. It encourages politicians to prioritize image over substance, neglect
complex issues, and fosters a polarized environment. Politicians direct
resources towards winning elections rather than securing social justice and environmental
stewardship.
The
solution? Let's break free from this political Groundhog Day with electoral
reform, specifically through proportional representation (PR). It would inject vital
variety into our political landscape, ensure that diverse voices are heard, and
prevent the same old script from playing on repeat. It's time to ditch the permanent
campaign loop of FPTP. Let’s embrace the collaboration of PR that numerous democracies
use to produce effective and visionary governance.
Support FairVote.ca, NationalCitizensAssembly.ca, and CharterChallenge.ca and ask your MP to vote for M-86 Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.
By Nancy Carswell
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