The Cons Threaten to Block Electoral Reform
Yesterday I told you how Rona Ambrose, her shellshocked Harper party, and their friends in the Con media, were in a disturbing state of zombie agitation.After it finally dawned on…
Electoral Reform
The Con Clowns and the Invasion of the Referendum Zombies
Uh oh. Yesterday I told you how Rona Ambrose, in the shadowy and shrunken Con War Room now known as The Crypt, had sent out a desperate message to her…
Why a referendum on electoral reform would be a very bad idea
The need for electoral reform in Canada has never been more stark. We have just endured nine years of government by a political party that over sixty per cent of…
Why We Don’t Need A Referendum on Electoral Reform
There's nothing that scares the Cons as much as electoral reform, and Justin Trudeau's plan to scrap the so called first past the post system.They know that it would cripple…
On failed diversions
Not surprisingly given my previous comments on the Libs' electoral reform promise, it's a plus that they're sticking with it rather than giving in to any demand for a referendum.…
Thursday Morning Links
This and that for your Thursday reading.- Desmond Cole rightly slams the stinginess of Ontario's government in taking support away from parents based on child support which isn't actually received.…
Tuesday Morning Links
This and that for your Tuesday reading.- Patrick Flavin studies (PDF) the direct benefits that flow from giving people secure access to health care. And Daphne Bramham writes that the…
On voting from experience
If I have any concern with Nathan Cullen's suggestion that Canada hold a referendum on electoral reform only after seeing a different system in action, it's that it may concede…
New column day
Here, expanding on these posts as to what might come next as Canada's political parties map out their strategies on electoral reform.For further reading...- Chantal Hebert wonders whether Justin Trudeau…
On blockages
Yes, Bill Tieleman, you've left no doubt that people who are opposed to electoral reform generally are also in favour of a needless and convoluted referendum process to try to…
On managing the system
Following up on this post, there doesn't seem to be much prospect of the Cons making any effort to pursue proportional representation as an alternative to a ranked ballot if…
The Day Rona Ambrose Stared Into The Abyss
It was only Rona Ambrose's third Question Period as Leader of the Opposition. And there she was yesterday, trying to look like she's really in control of her shattered party,…
Wednesday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading.- Robert Reich suggests that government should respond to corporations who engage in anti-social activity such as moving their earnings offshore by making sure they…
Canadians Prefer Proportional Representation Voting System: Study
A new landmark new study - the left-leaning Broadbent Institute - Canadians want the new Liberal government to fulfill its 2015 election promise to reform Canada's anti-democratic voting system. The…
Referendum not needed to validate Electoral Reform -election did that.
I’ve heard and see a few mutterings of concern from folks that the Liberals are actually going to follow through on their campaign promise (re-affirmed in the Throne Speech) that…
Promises- Electoral Reform, spending & advertising.
Electoral Reform is probably the most called for item on the democratic reform agenda, and I suspect will be the most difficult to keep from being a very divisive promise…
Promises- Electoral Reform, spending & advertising.
Electoral Reform is probably the most called for item on the democratic reform agenda, and I suspect will be the most difficult to keep from being a very divisive promise…
On consensus-building
John Ivison is a bit melodramatic on behalf of the Cons in assessing the impact of possible electoral reform. But to the extent the Cons actually accept his argument, it…
Justin Trudeau and the Death of the Harper Cons
It was the most magical throne speech I've ever seen. The new leader stepping forward. the old one rotting in the shadows.The promise to take our Canada back.Justin Trudeau is…
Thursday Morning Links
This and that for your Thursday reading.- Paul Edwards discusses the availability of a gradual transition to clean energy while avoiding more than 2 degrees of climate change - but…