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.
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 ?
Ban private contributions to political parties. Each party should be given an amount of money from the government to run their campaign. Everyone gets the same amount. Elections should be designed so that they cannot be bought. Also ditch first past the post.
So the Marxist Leninist party, which seldom breaks single digit voting numbers, should get the same as a party capturing ~40ish% of the vote? And the natural law party? And the rhino’s? And the Marijuana party? And the people’s party?
Sure why not? This is not hard math. Lets say you get x dollars per candidate. If you have candidates running in all ridings you get max cash. If you only have a candidate running in one riding you get much less cash.
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.
Have the same contribution rules like Quebec with a maximum of $100 and have the single transferable vote passed that was recommended by a citizens assembly in 2004.
