KAMLOOPS, B.C. – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, recently released the findings of her riding-wide survey on electoral reform.
“Our survey found that 76.8 per cent of residents want a referendum on changing Canada’s voting system,” MP McLeod stated.
An Ipsos-Reid poll in May 2016 had a similar result: they found that 73 per cent of Canadians “agree” that “Liberals should not make changes to Canada’s election system without holding a national referendum to get the public’s approval for the changes.”
“Throughout the national conversation on electoral reform, the Prime Minister has favoured a preferential ballot system,” MP McLeod said. “He has tasked former Liberal candidates to engage in what they are declaring a ‘non-partisan process’. Locally this is being led by a former Liberal Party candidate in our riding, who is also the former president of the Liberal riding association.”
“I’m glad to see residents in our riding are discussing this issue,” McLeod said. “However, I’m concerned Liberals are trying to rig the process. All voters in Canada must have the opportunity to provide input, and the only way for every Canadian to be heard is through a referendum.”
“Near the end of August, I will be speaking directly with residents in forums, roundtables and community events – such as Overlander Days – throughout the riding,” said McLeod. “We’ll talk about electoral reform, but also Canada’s economy and other federal issues.”
“The Prime Minister and his Liberal government are trying to change what a vote means – without giving all Canadians a say. Politicians and party insiders should not have this power. Only the Canadian people should determine how Canadians elect their governments,” McLeod concluded.