5846 replies to this topic

[AndrewReeve]

 Compared to a lot of ridings in BC outside of the Lower Mainland, it is not very big

 

Us Island-folk aren't used to that Bernard

[tedward]

Calling a spring election is not that easy, there are only two paths to do it.

 

1) Change the law - sort of a giveaway as to the PMs intentions

2) Get the House of Commons to vote non-confidence in the PM - politically stupid when you have a majority and need your own party to vote against you

 

3) Just do what he did the last time he wanted an early election and ignore Parliament.

[VicHockeyFan]

Federal Tories lead the Liberals across Canada, including in Ontario

 

If the federal election were held today, 35% of voters would vote Tory, according to the latest Ipsos Reid poll. With new boundaries coming in 70 ridings, the Conservatives are closer to a majority government with that 35% than ever before, said Ipsos Reid’s John Wright.

 

http://news.national...ing-in-ontario/

[VicHockeyFan]

Let's face it, the disastrous provincial Liberal government in Ontario is not helping the federal Liberals there.

[Nparker]

...the Conservatives are closer to a majority government with that 35% than ever before, said Ipsos Reid’s John Wright....

What a terrible commentary on our electoral system when 35% constitutes a majority. Regardlesss of what party one favours, electing a government that barely represents the wishes of 1/3 of the population should alarm us all.

[VicHockeyFan]

What a terrible commentary on our electoral system when 35% constitutes a majority. Regardlesss of what party one favours, electing a government that barely represents the wishes of 1/3 of the population should alarm us all.

 

So what's your preference?  A two-party election, like the US, elect X or Y?  Or proportional representation, where 35% would look like a landslide?

[lanforod]

Proportional representation by % of votes would mean majority governments become extremely rare. This could make it very difficult for any government to get things done.

[jonny]

Proportional representation by % of votes would mean majority governments become extremely rare. This could make it very difficult for any government to get things done.

 

That's the big issue.

 

It would be worse than the US Federal Government.

[lanforod]

It would also be very costly in that we'd be having elections a lot more often due to non-confidence.

[jonny]

It would also be very costly in that we'd be having elections a lot more often due to non-confidence.

 

It would not work in the current parliamentary system, I don't think. Might even require a new constitution.

[Nparker]

....Or proportional representation, where 35% would look like a landslide?

Some form of proportional representation yes. And I'd prefer minority and/or coalition governments to the current system that does not represent the majority of the electorate.

[VicHockeyFan]

Some form of proportional representation yes. And I'd prefer minority and/or coalition governments to the current system that does not represent the majority of the electorate.

 

But you understand that prop rep will also not represent the majority, right?

 

Here is Isreal in 2103.  Better?  The biggest party, the one that got the most votes, holds 1/4 of the house (or whatever it's called).

 

[Greg]

Proportional representation by % of votes would mean majority governments become extremely rare. This could make it very difficult for any government to get things done.

 

 

That's the big issue..

 

Some would argue that is the big benefit.

[lanforod]

Some would argue that is the big benefit.

Only if the system were perfect now. Far from it!

[johnk]

Proportional representation by % of votes would mean majority governments become extremely rare. This could make it very difficult for any government to get things done.

Lester Pearson got a lot done without a majority. But the NDP were not much of a player back then. Now we have a real three-party system so power is yours if you can get 37% and the the other two split 63%. Harper is in decent shape as long as Mulcair and Justin remain unmarried. They aren't sleeping together so any nuptials are a long way off.

Edited by johnk, 16 January 2015 - 02:44 PM.

[G-Man]

I would say that the polling is likely a little high for the NDP they will collapse in the next election.

[jonny]

Lester Pearson got a lot done without a majority. But the NDP were not much of a player back then. Now we have a real three-party system so power is yours if you can get 37% and the the other two split 63%. Harper is in decent shape as long as Mulcair and Justin remain unmarried. They aren't sleeping together so any nuptials are a long way off.

 

We also have the BQ and Greens who take a big chunk of the votes in certain areas of the country, and even hold seats in parliament. Combined they got 10% of the vote last time around (6% for the BQ and 4% for the Greens). 

 

Results of the last election:

Cons 39.62%

NDP 30.63%

Libs 18.91% 

BQ 6.04%

Greens 3.91

[G-Man]

Yup bloc will be back and hopefully the greens can steal from the NDP in quite a few places.

[VicHockeyFan]

I think most of us know NDP will be down, green up slightly, Libs back up considerably.  We just don't know where they will all sit.

[VicHockeyFan]

Ex-CBC host Roberts seeks Green nomination in Victoria

 

 

 

http://www.timescolo...toria-1.1741515