It's worth revisiting your October 1 editorial [“How about some positivity in negative times?”] now that the election is over. It invites us to hope for positivity, inspiring platforms and even to adopt the seemingly radical idea of stopping the use of wasteful electoral signs.
I remember learning that when the NDP was first elected in BC, with Dave Barrett as leader, he asked his new caucus: Do we want to govern so we stand the best chance of being re-elected, or do we want to bring in much needed changes, even if the resistance to those changes may mean we won't be re-elected next time?
They chose the first option and brought in things like protecting agricultural land, publicly-owned vehicle insurance and democracy reforms. It also banned corporal punishment in schools, introduced PharmaCare and established the BC Ambulance Service.
BC is destined for a minority government. The last time we had that, BC freed itself of medical insurance premiums and unlimited funding in politics.
What might we work toward this time?
Back in 2004, premier Gordon Campbell set up the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. It recommended BC adopt a single transferable voting system (BC-STV) similar to what Ireland has. Seventy-seven of BC's 79 electoral districts voted in favour of the proposed change, and the overall level of support was just shy of the 60 per cent that had been stipulated as a requirement for the change to be adopted.
People often resist change, including fairer voting systems. But the STV has many advantages. For example, it discourages negative politicking; it encourages voter participation because votes aren't "wasted". Because it fosters cross-party cooperation, we get wiser decisions reflecting diverse perspectives.
BC deserves to at least try out a proportional system and now, when it's clear that increasing polarization threatens good governance, is the time to make it happen.
Jan Slakov,
Texada Island/sah yeh yeen
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