The Prince George Chamber of Commerce feels the British Columbia government has not done enough to let the publi make an informed decision when it comes to proportional representation.
This was highlighted at the 2018 BC Chamber Annual General Meeting where the PG Chamber supported a resolution about titled Engaging Business and Community on Electoral Reform.
It carries the following recommendations:
- Appoint a non-partisan panel on the likely outcomes of an alternative system prior to issuing a referendum, comparable to the previous Citizens’ Assembly, examining the implications of the proportional representation being considered, particularly, its implications on rural/urban divide, measure to avoid corruption and promote greater loyalty to parties rather than the region the MLA represents;
- Clearly define the system of proportional representation that is being considered, well in advance of any referendum;
- Confirm that no changes will be implemented unless there is a clear majority overall and the referendum is supported in each riding; and
- That the referendum on proportional representation be delayed until such time as a substantial educational campaign has been enacted and all constituents in the Province of BC are adequately knowledgeable as to the impacts of proportional representation system.
“We have seen and heard clearly through the BC Chamber network that the approach taken by the Government of BC through this process has limited the information available to constituents, making an informed decision challenging,” said Todd Corrigall, CEO, Prince George Chamber of Commerce in a statement.
“[Wednesday’s] announcement by the Attorney General further reinforces the need for greater engagement and education with respect to proportional representation as the proposed questions lack clarity. Further, the Government has not provided any indication on how ballots will be counted.”
One specific group Corrigall notes has been left in the dark is the business community. He says they are an integral part of the process and must be given more information on the issue.
“As a community, businesses are quite a strong representative for elections, politicians need to be strongly engaged in the business community to understand what impacts are coming because that’s directly tied to economic impact as well as job creation.”
The PG Chamber is calling on the Province to slow the process down and implement the suggestion from the resolution.
The Proportional Representation referendum is scheduled to take place by mail-in ballot October 22nd, 2018 to November 30th, 2018.