LETTER

MP holds consultations after deadline

 

Electoral reform consultations are finally set to happen in Pontiac riding.  The local Liberal MP has scheduled consultations no less than ten days PAST the deadline set for MPs to report back to Parliament.  This means that every resident in the Pontiac is left without a voice in this matter. Thus, regardless of your thoughts on electoral reform, your position . . . will not be taken into account by the Liberal government.

Now, the candidate with the most votes in a federal riding is the one who wins an election. The governing Liberal Party has indicated a desire to change this system, potentially to a format that would be more advantageous to keeping themselves in power.

While I do not think our voting system should be changed, I believe that everybody should have the opportunity to vote on any changes.

In lieu of a vote, the Liberals have promised consultations on this issue, with MPs required to report back to the Parliamentary committee on electoral reform by October 14th.  The best our Pontiac MP could do was book consultation dates that occur after a deadline set by his own government. This confirms that these consultations are a sham process.

Benjamin Woodman
Gatineau