General Politics Discussion

[jgsz]

I agree. I would like a (more?) proportional electoral system but this is what we have today, and we need to accept that this is how things work.

But the notwithstanding clause was certainly not intended or settling personal grudges with a lower level of government.

But we don't have to accept that this is how things work.  We can change how things work.  Pointing out that things like this would be prevented with a more proportional system shows exactly why we *should* change how things work.

One thing to note however, ignoring the problems of intentional bad timing and political motivations, the support for the idea of decreasing council size, and making these changes without the usual process of public consultation, does show why some people strongly support FPTP--they prefer a dictator, even if it's only one they get to elect ever 4 years.  This "process" by where we get "everyones" input (as flawed as it may be) slows things down and makes us make more reasonable central decisions, is just not something some people like the idea of.  Proportional representation is just a more effective, stronger version of this.

Further to your point.  

An example:

There are 124 seats in the Ontario Legislature.

The Conservatives win 123 seats by just one vote.

The Liberals win one seat by 125 votes.

The Liberals win the popular vote and get one seat.

I know this is an extreme example but variations on this theme happens all the time.  I would like to see those who say this is the system we have defend this or less extreme examples.  I can’t.