Thoughts on BC Politics and More

  In a few short months, MPs will be voting on Motion M-86 for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. The overwhelming majority of Canadians want to ditch first-past-the-post. We need MPs to step up, show courage and kickstart the change. To win this groundbreaking vote, we need to reach as many MPs as possible—from ALL parties!—about what a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform is, and why they should vote for it! There is an amazing opportunity coming up: MPs from three different parties (so far) are co-hosting a reception on November 1 near Parliament Hill, for MPs and staff only, to learn about Motion M-86 for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. Can you encourage your MP to attend this important event ?  ...

  A couple of weeks ago, I got an email that I want to share with you: “Dear Anita,  Currently I am vacationing in the Netherlands. While watching the daily Dutch news presentation on television my jaw dropped. Party members walked across the aisles to other parties in an effort to make agreements on strategies for combating high prices that affect the cost of living…” The result of these conversations? The Dutch MPs passed motions to raise the minimum wage and social benefits, increase childcare support and delay raising gas taxes. MPs of different partisan stripes working together to solve problems happens every day in many countries with proportional representation. What is a jaw-dropping and disorienting experience for a Canadian observer wouldn’t even raise an eyebrow in many countries. Denmark is another example of how working across party lines can get things done. Denmark already has a broad coalition government . It consists of parties spanning the political...