After the October 2024 election, the BC Green party and the BC NDP signed a cooperation agreement. As part of the cooperation agreement, they will introduce a law to improve democracy :

https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Agreement in Principle.pdf

The last major democratic change happened in 2017 when the Government of John Hogan changed the campaign finance system. He banned Unions and corporate donations to political parties. He also put in place a $1,200 cap on individual donations.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-government-to-ban-union-and-corporate-political-donations-1.4295482

So far, 3 referendums to adopt proportional representation as a voting system failed.
Therefore, it’s not exactly clear what this new law will be about.

Recently, a special committee was created in the Legislature:

The Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform is now accepting written submissions on democratic engagement, voter participation, and models for electing Members of the Legislative Assembly

“The Committee has a broad mandate to examine opportunities for strengthening our democracy,” said Committee Chair Jessie Sunner. “We are looking forward to hearing directly from British Columbians on their views and ideas"

https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/17089/MR_Consultation-Open-Part-1_DEM.pdf

You can participate here:

https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations/43

I have a lot of free time so I intend to write to the committee. I urge you to do the same.

How would you improve democracy in British Columbia ?

  • dermanus
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    2 days ago

    BRB, I’m gonna start the “funnel money to my printing business” party.

    Ontario used to have a per vote subsidy that I think makes more sense.