Many Canadians have been frustrated recently (and perhaps always) by MPs crossing the floor in the House of Commons. However, this is merely a symptom of a larger, more systemic issue. The real problem lies in our electoral infrastructure.

I believed in the power and promise of democracy. But the more I participate in elections, the more I feel disillusionment with the way my vote and the votes of most other voters seem to vanish into the void under Canada's First Past The Post (FPTP) system. This sense of disenfranchisement isn't unique to me; it's felt by many who understand that being able to vote is almost meaningless if the system isn’t designed to reflect their values and the true will of the people.

In our current First Past The Post (FPTP) system, a political party can form a majority government with less than 40% of voters supporting them. Further, in minority governments situations in the FPTP system, there is often jockeying to trigger elections to try to win a majority government, or even simply a larger minority government, often at huge unnecessary costs to taxpayers to run those elections.  

That a party can form government with a minor fraction of the popular vote and wield 100% of the governing power means that a significant portion of voters, sometimes even the majority, find themselves with no representation reflecting their views. The massive power disparity and skewed results are unfair, outdated, and undemocratic.  It doesn't just fail us; it betrays the ideals of democratic representation.

In a PR system there would be less incentive for Floor crossings and efforts to topple minority governments to try to win a majority, or to win more seats in a larger minority government.

To fix this, we must shift towards a Proportional Representation (PR) system. PR ensures that political power is more evenly distributed and that public policy reflects the broad spectrum of voters' views

Countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Sweden have successfully implemented PR systems and enjoy fairer, more balanced representation. By adopting this model into Canadian legislation, we can restore faith in our democratic process and ensure that every vote is represented in Parliament.

This petition is to call upon all federal parties to establish a Citizens' Assembly to explore and develop options for electoral reform. This assembly would investigate the most suitable PR model for Canada by drawing on domestic insights and international best practices.  Then we ask that all parties and the House of Commons commit to implementing, and legislating a new electoral system based on Proportional Representation.

We need a system where every vote counts and where government policies truly represent the will of Canadians.

By signing this petition, you are showing your support for a fairer, more democratic electoral system in Canada. Demand true representation and participate in reshaping our nation's democratic foundations. Please sign and share this petition today.