Newsletter issues

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Upcoming events: 

Connect! Tue March 4, 2014 6-8pm

What's new: 

Leadnow petition

Stop US-style voter suppression becoming Canadian law

Remove the parts of the new elections law that would suppress voting by young people, Aboriginal people and low-income people. Replace those parts by giving election fraud investigators the power they need to compel testimony from political operatives.

Why is this important?

The Harper Conservatives are trying to rush their 242-page election law through Parliament with minimal debate and no expert testimony, despite major flaws that would have lasting consequences for our democracy.

It boils down to this: instead of giving the people who investigate election fraud the power to compel testimony - the key power Elections Canada has needed to get to the bottom of the robocall scandal - this new election law would make it harder for young people, Aboriginal people and low-income people to vote.

Incredibly, the misleadingly named “Fair Election Law” would even make it illegal for Elections Canada to promote voting.

The law contains some good measures to curb fraudulent robocalls. However, it imposes unnecessary new voter ID laws that would make it illegal for people to vote by using a voter identification card or by having someone “vouch” for their identity with a legal statement.

Independent reports have confirmed that fraud by individual voters is so rare that it basically doesn’t happen. In turn, 120,000 Canadians voted by being vouched for in the last election, and this change would hurt young people, Aboriginal people and low-income people the most.

We’ve seen a similar strategy used by US Republicans to disenfranchise people who they know are less likely to vote for them. 37 state legislature have enacted voter ID laws that mostly hurt the poor, people of colour, and women.

Please sign this urgent petition to stop US-style voter suppression tactics from becoming the law of the land in Canada, and call for our elections watchdog to have the power it needs to compel political operatives to testify.

If 25,000 people sign this petition we will organize a major petition delivery at the committee meeting. Update: You did it! If 50,000 people sign we'll organize a creative petition delivery targeting Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Minister responsible for this act.

Sign their petition

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

We ask you to sign this letter

Upcoming events: 

NOW !!

Open Letter to Three Party Leaders

We ask you to sign this letter and send it to your own MP

We will send a copy to the leaders as well.  Support us by REPLYING TO THIS EMAIL with your First and Last Name, and your electoral riding. We will tell them the number of signatures we receive.  ACT NOW!!

Dear MP

We support our colleagues in Citizens Forum for Democracy (in Eastern Ontario) in calling you, the leaders of the three parties which constitute the “mainstream majority” in Canada, to address Canada’s great democratic deficit--no, it’s not the Senate!

Our concerns go back to 2008, when Prime Minister Harper got Parliament prorogued rather than face a likely vote of non-confidence, so preventing a coalition of parties representing a majority of voters to form a government. This can also be seen as the beginning of transformative changes to our country which contradict core values of the majority, and which have harmed our reputation abroad. 

Two egregious examples: (1) this government’s aggressive efforts to sabotage international agreements to combat climate change were a primary factor in Canada’s humiliating defeat in 2010 when we sought a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council; (2) after winning a majority of seats in the 2011 federal election, with the support of less than one quarter of eligible votes and under 40% of actual voters, this government used omnibus bills and limited debate to gut longstanding programs on fisheries and other environmental protection, science, statistics, libraries and culture.

That such departures from Canada’s mainstream culture could be imposed by a minority government shows the failure of our electoral system. We call for the introduction of a fair, proportional, electoral system--where every vote counts equally. It’s time for first-past-the-post to go!

The Law Commission of Canada, in its 2004 report Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada, recommended the “Mixed Member Proportional” system as the best adapted for our country. It is widely used by democratic countries like ours, such as Germany, Scotland and New Zealand.

We urge Opposition leader Thomas Mulcair, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May to put the interests of the country above (apparent) party advantage. We call on them to cooperate to the extent necessary in the next federal election to ensure the election of a government representing mainstream Canada, and a commitment to bring in proportional representation to avoid such abuses in the future.

What's new: 

Hold the Phone, Call for Democracy

Council of Canadians calling for action

Meet on Feb 10 at Ottawa, or call with your phone, STOP THE UNFAIR ELECTION ACT

https://www.facebook.com/events/211027342437563/

http://canadians.org/democracy

Leadnow calling for 50,000 signatures on petition

Stop US-style voter suppression becoming Canadian law

Sign their petition 

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Revised version - February 2014 Democracy Salon & lots of news

Upcoming events: 

Thur February 6 Democracy Salon

Thu, Feb 06, 6:00 to 8:00

The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St (just north of Wellesley) Toronto, Ontario

Actions / Agenda

  1. Review what happened at the January 23, 2014 Activist Workshop: How to Lobby Proportional Representaion. 
  2. Updates on lobbying MPs re PR
  3. Signed letter to Liberal MPs re PR
  4. Updates re connection with Leadnow
  5. Next town hall in April 2014 - possible speaker Joyce Murray (invited)
  6. Fundraising - crowdfunding by Christopher Charlesworth, Co-Founder HiveWire

Action - Bring some snack, bring some friends, bring your love of democracy

Activist Workshop: How to lobby Proportional Representation - NOTES & AUDIOS

Thank you for all that attended our workshop.  Thanks to Fair Vote Canada for co-hosting the event and make it a success.  Special thanks to Event Chair John Deverell, speaker for PR 101 Kelly Carmichael of Fair Vote Canada, speaker for Lobbying 101 Lynn McDonald former MP and Environmental Critic.  As well, many thanks to our volunteers David, Susan, John, Elizabeth and Frank.

Audio clip of the Activist Workshop - including great intro by Lynn McDonald and John Deverell - click below

  • PR 101
  • Lobbying 101

Notes and Summaries of PR101, Lobbying 101 & Lobbying tips for visiting MPs.

 

What's new: 

Electoral Alliance continues to build

Front page - The Bulletim, Downtown Toronto newspaper Feb 2014 issue
Hundreds of voters have shown their support for an electoral alliance at two recent Downtown events.
 
Over 230 people attended the It’s About Time! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform town hall on November 28, 2013 at the Ralph Thornton Centre.  
 
Moderated by Ward 24 Councillor Adam Vaughan, the audience heard from Elizabeth May, Green Party of Canada, Stephan Dion former leader of the Liberal Party and Craig Scott from the NDP.
 
Wing Wo helped organize the successful meeting and was very pleased with the large turnout. She sees the connection between action on climate change and fixing the electoral system to make it more democratic. 

 

"Climate change is an important issue that will increasingly affect the daily lives of all Canadians but not all have put a link to the problem with our electoral system.  40% of votes led to a ‘majority’ government that do not represent all Canadians and certainly not the ones that want action on climate change.” Read more

Proportional Representation--a Reform whose Time has come –

This letter is sent to all Liberal MPs. http://electoralalliance.ca/proportional-representation-reform-whose-time-has-come

Dear Liberal MP,

A Liberal Party Convention in Montreal in February will be considering a resolution on Proportional Representation, along with other measures for making Canada more democratic.

A strong contingent within the Liberal Party sees Proportional Representation as crucial for the country. Current Liberal policy, however, is for Alternative Voting, which was adopted with little discussion in 2012. A close cousin to First-Past-The-Post, it is NOT PROPORTIONAL. (Voters mark their ballots 1,2,3... if no one gets 50% plus 1, the person with the least votes drops off and his/her votes are re-distributed until someone does.)

Why PR? Our existing First-Past-the-Post system, also known as “Winner Take All,” allows for a Harper majority government with under 40% of the popular vote. Large numbers of voters effectively go unrepresented--e.g., Liberals in Alberta. Twice in provincial elections the second party won a majority government!

With MMP (and some other PR systems), the share of seats in the House closely matches the share the party won in the election. With Alternative Voting, this does not happen, and the gross disproportions continue. But, with MMP, every vote counts fairly.

Countries with Proportional Representation have greater citizen satisfaction, higher voter turn-out, elect more women and minority MPs, adopt better laws on environmental protection and use energy more effectively--for starters.

Pierre E. Trudeau as prime minister left the Charter of Rights as his great legacy. Justin, what is your legacy going to be? PR is the advance needed, and it does not need a Constitutional amendment to be enacted.

Proportional representation has the support of 70% of Canadians, according to a 2013 Environics poll. Liberal support was 77% (Conservatives were a lower 62%, also a majority).

Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) is the system we recommend. It was the unanimous recommendation of the Liberal-appointed Law Commission of Canada in its report, Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada, 2004, online at http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/J31-61-2004E.pdf

Unfortunately, the Liberal government did not act on it, and the commission itself was disbanded by a later Harper government. 

Sincerely,

Canadian Electoral Alliance

Green jobs news  

“We deserve an energy plan, a climate plan, and the new industrial revolution of clean-tech and renewables. The first step is for Harper to get out of the way.” Elizabeth May. Read More

Hundreds of voters have shown their support for an electoral alliance at two recent Downtown events.
Over 230 people attended the It’s About Time! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform town hall on November 28, 2013 at the Ralph Thornton Centre.  
Moderated by Ward 24 Councillor Adam Vaughan, the audience heard from Elizabeth May, Green Party of Canada, Stephan Dion former leader of the Liberal Party and Craig Scott from the NDP.
 
Wing Wo helped organize the successful meeting and was very pleased with the large turnout. She sees the connection between action on climate change and fixing the electoral system to make it more democratic. 

"Climate change is an important issue that will increasingly affect the daily lives of all Canadians but not all have put a link to the problem with our electoral system.  40% of votes led to a ‘majority’ government that do not represent all Canadians and certainly not the ones that want action on climate change.”Solar Jobs Increase 20%, Rise to 143,000 In US - The Solar Foundation just released its latest US solar jobs census, National Solar Jobs Census 2013. The key finding is that US solar jobs were up to at least 142,698 as of November 2013. That’s about 20% growth since the last solar jobs census, which had data up through September 2012. Overall US employment grew 1.9% in this period, so US solar jobs grew about 10 times faster! Read more 

Climate Change and related

Nathan Cullen stands with British Columbians against Northern Gateway!! How can only one voice be heard and ignored the majority?! Watch what he said.

Canada’s carbon emissions projected to soar by 2030 - Tar sands expected to help drive 38% increase in emissions, Harper government admits in submission to the UN. Read More

Oil sands Pollution: Government Study Provides Conclusive Proof Development Damaging Alberta Lakes.  Read more

Global Average Temperatures Set to Rise by 4 Degrees Celsius by 2100 - Global average temperatures are on track to rise at least 4 degrees Celsius by 2100, and twice that by 2200 if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced, according to a new study suggesting the global climate is more sensitive than previously believed.  Read more

The Silence of the labs. Scientists across the country are expressing growing alarm that federal cutbacks to research programs monitoring areas that range from climate change and ocean habitats to public health will deprive Canadians of crucial information. Read more & Watch the video

MORE NEWS

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says the next federal election has to be fought on the issue of democracy in Canada — or the lack of it — before it’s too late.

“We are on a slippery slope to the los...s of our democracy,” says May, mincing no words as she looks back on how 2013 unfolded in Parliament and what’s ahead for the new year.

Power is now so concentrated in the Prime Minister’s Office and its unelected staff members, says May, that Canadian democracy already resembles “a dictatorship punctuated by elections.”  Read more

Income Splitting - The Conservative government's plan to extend income splitting to families is skewed heavily in favour of the wealthiest, with the vast majority of families receiving no benefit at all, a new study has found

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

February 2014 Democracy Salon & lots of news

Upcoming events: 

Thur February 6 Democracy Salon

Thu, Feb 06, 6:00 to 8:00

The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St (just north of Wellesley) Toronto, Ontario

Actions / Agenda

  1. Review what happened at the January 23, 2014 Activist Workshop: How to Lobby Proportional Representaion. 
  2. Updates on lobbying MPs re PR
  3. Signed letter to Liberal MPs re PR
  4. Updates re connection with Leadnow
  5. Next town hall in April 2014 - possible speaker Joyce Murray (invited)
  6. Fundraising - crowdfunding by Christopher Charlesworth, Co-Founder HiveWire

Action - Bring some snack, bring some friends, bring your love of democracy

Activist Workshop: How to lobby Proportional Representation - NOTES & AUDIOS

Thank you for all that attended our workshop.  Thanks to Fair Vote Canada for co-hosting the event and make it a success.  Special thanks to Event Chair John Deverell, speaker for PR 101 Kelly Carmichael of Fair Vote Canada, speaker for Lobbying 101 Lynn McDonald former MP and Environmental Critic.  As well, many thanks to our volunteers David, Susan, John, Elizabeth and Frank.

Audio clip of the Activist Workshop - including great intro by Lynn McDonald and John Deverell - click below

  • PR 101
  • Lobbying 101

Notes and Summaries of PR101, Lobbying 101 & Lobbying tips for visiting MPs.

 

What's new: 

 

Proportional Representation--a Reform whose Time has come –

This letter is sent to all Liberal MPs. http://electoralalliance.ca/proportional-representation-reform-whose-time-has-come

Dear Liberal MP,

A Liberal Party Convention in Montreal in February will be considering a resolution on Proportional Representation, along with other measures for making Canada more democratic.

A strong contingent within the Liberal Party sees Proportional Representation as crucial for the country. Current Liberal policy, however, is for Alternative Voting, which was adopted with little discussion in 2012. A close cousin to First-Past-The-Post, it is NOT PROPORTIONAL. (Voters mark their ballots 1,2,3... if no one gets 50% plus 1, the person with the least votes drops off and his/her votes are re-distributed until someone does.)

Why PR? Our existing First-Past-the-Post system, also known as “Winner Take All,” allows for a Harper majority government with under 40% of the popular vote. Large numbers of voters effectively go unrepresented--e.g., Liberals in Alberta. Twice in provincial elections the second party won a majority government!

With MMP (and some other PR systems), the share of seats in the House closely matches the share the party won in the election. With Alternative Voting, this does not happen, and the gross disproportions continue. But, with MMP, every vote counts fairly.

Countries with Proportional Representation have greater citizen satisfaction, higher voter turn-out, elect more women and minority MPs, adopt better laws on environmental protection and use energy more effectively--for starters.

Pierre E. Trudeau as prime minister left the Charter of Rights as his great legacy. Justin, what is your legacy going to be? PR is the advance needed, and it does not need a Constitutional amendment to be enacted.

Proportional representation has the support of 70% of Canadians, according to a 2013 Environics poll. Liberal support was 77% (Conservatives were a lower 62%, also a majority).

Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) is the system we recommend. It was the unanimous recommendation of the Liberal-appointed Law Commission of Canada in its report, Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada, 2004, online at http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/J31-61-2004E.pdf

Unfortunately, the Liberal government did not act on it, and the commission itself was disbanded by a later Harper government. 

Sincerely,

Canadian Electoral Alliance

Green jobs news  

“We deserve an energy plan, a climate plan, and the new industrial revolution of clean-tech and renewables. The first step is for Harper to get out of the way.” Elizabeth May. Read More

Solar Jobs Increase 20%, Rise to 143,000 In US - The Solar Foundation just released its latest US solar jobs census, National Solar Jobs Census 2013. The key finding is that US solar jobs were up to at least 142,698 as of November 2013. That’s about 20% growth since the last solar jobs census, which had data up through September 2012. Overall US employment grew 1.9% in this period, so US solar jobs grew about 10 times faster! Read more 

Climate Change and related

Nathan Cullen stands with British Columbians against Northern Gateway!! How can only one voice be heard and ignored the majority?! Watch what he said.

Canada’s carbon emissions projected to soar by 2030 - Tar sands expected to help drive 38% increase in emissions, Harper government admits in submission to the UN. Read More

Oil sands Pollution: Government Study Provides Conclusive Proof Development Damaging Alberta Lakes.  Read more

Global Average Temperatures Set to Rise by 4 Degrees Celsius by 2100 - Global average temperatures are on track to rise at least 4 degrees Celsius by 2100, and twice that by 2200 if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced, according to a new study suggesting the global climate is more sensitive than previously believed.  Read more

The Silence of the labs. Scientists across the country are expressing growing alarm that federal cutbacks to research programs monitoring areas that range from climate change and ocean habitats to public health will deprive Canadians of crucial information. Read more & Watch the video

MORE NEWS

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says the next federal election has to be fought on the issue of democracy in Canada — or the lack of it — before it’s too late.

“We are on a slippery slope to the los...s of our democracy,” says May, mincing no words as she looks back on how 2013 unfolded in Parliament and what’s ahead for the new year.

Power is now so concentrated in the Prime Minister’s Office and its unelected staff members, says May, that Canadian democracy already resembles “a dictatorship punctuated by elections.”  Read more

Income Splitting - The Conservative government's plan to extend income splitting to families is skewed heavily in favour of the wealthiest, with the vast majority of families receiving no benefit at all, a new study has found

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

Thur Jan 23 WORKSHOP:How to lobby Proportional Representation

Upcoming events: 

Activist Workshop: How to lobby on Proportional Representation

Thursday, Jan 23, 2014 7:00 to 9:00pm

Co-host  Fair Vote Canada

Location: Metro Hall (Room 308/309), 55 John St, at Wellington St, Toronto

FREE ADMISSION

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Two more days to get more people ENGAGED!! Invite your friends to the workshop!!
 

Change our electoral system to represent ALL Canadians - With proportional representation:

  • Voter turn-out is higher (fewer people feel that their vote is wasted),
  • More women and minority members are elected,
  • People are more satisfied with democratic institutions,
  • Environmental protection laws are stronger and energy use more efficient.

PDF of event flyer CLICK HERE

Proportional Representation 101-  by Kelly Carmichael, a 20 year Communications professional and the Executive Director of Fair Vote Canada, former Chair of the East Toronto Community Coalition, Kelly spearheaded the successful NoBigBox campaign in Toronto.

Lobby 101 - by Lynn McDonald, former MP & environment critic, university professor emerita at the University of Guelph and director of the Collected Works of Florence Nightingale, Co-founder of JustEarth: A Coalition for Environmental Justice and is a member of the Board of Directors of Climate Action Network Canada. 

Chair: John Deverell, founding treasurer of Fair Vote Canada.  John Deverell was a journalist for 25 years with the Toronto Star, author of 3 books, one of which is Democracy, Eh? A Guide to Voter Action.

Followed by groups discussions on both subjects

What's new: 

A very powerful video on tar sands

Be warned- it makes you sad. Many believe the beautiful scenery shown on tar sands commercial. Canadians!! We need to stand up and stop this nonsense. Countries with Proportional Representation, Environmental protection laws are stronger and energy use more efficient!
https://www.facebook.com/greenpeace.canada/posts/10100359775419870
http://vimeo.com/m/84170239
 

Neve Campbell, Gord Downie, Margi Gillis Sign Open Letter In Support Of Neil Young

January 20, 2014 Huffington Post

The list of celebrities who officially back Neil Young's fight against the oilsands just got much longer.

"The Federal Government's continued approval of new tar sands mines such as Shell's Jackpine mine despite the devastating environmental impacts and inadequate consultation with First Nations is insulting and unlawful," said Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam regarding the new support.

 

"We are encouraged and grateful for all the support we are receiving from across Canada. This is just the beginning."

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

Democracy Salon December2013 & news

Upcoming events: 

Democracy Salon December 2013

Thursday Dcember 5, 2013, 6:00 to 8:00pm

The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St., Toronto, Ontario

link to map http://goo.gl/maps/ryxrx

Agenda
1. Review what happened at the Nov 28 It's About Time!! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform town hall.
2. Signed letter to MPs
3. Next town halls in 2014
4. New members and recruits
5. Attending other events of common cause
6. Holiday party for social
 

 

What's new: 

News on the Parliament

Who is Michael Chong? And what does he want to do with our Parliament?

Read the whole article

http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/12/02/who-is-michael-chong-and-what-does-he-want-to-do-with-our-parliament/

 

What is he proposing now?

As reported on Friday, Mr. Chong is set to table a private member’s bill that would make several reforms to the way political parties and parliamentary caucuses function. First, his bill would amend the Elections Act to remove the provision that gives the party leader ultimate authority over who runs under the party’s banner. Second, it would specify that House of Commons caucus chairs must be elected, provide for how they can be reviewed and replaced, and set out rules for how MPs can be expelled from and re-admitted to caucus. Third, it will require that, for a party to be registered as a political party, party by-laws must allow for a caucus review of the party leader. The bill would come into force after the next election.

What’s the big deal about all that?

Well, if you believe that the House of Commons is a sad, empty shell of what it could or should be, Mr. Chong’s proposals could go some way to fixing that. Each of the changes he will be proposing follow the same basic idea of shifting power from the party leader to the individual MP. And it is the current imbalance of power—in which the party leaders and their offices seems to be able to control much of what occurs in the legislature—that is arguably at the root of our current malaise.

Mr. Chong raised the possibility of amending the Elections Act in an interview with this magazine three years ago. He explained the significance as follows. “The current situation is at the root of the imbalance between not just the executive branch and the legislature, but also the root of the imbalance between party leaders and their caucuses. If you know that the leader may not sign your papers in the next election or may in fact kick you out of caucus, that’s going to colour your judgment about whether or not you’re going to support the party line on a particular vote.”

As I suggested at the time, “The theory follows that moving the power to authorize candidates from the party leader to the constituency or a regional authority would leave the MP less beholden to the leader and more likely to speak freely. If MPs were more likely to speak freely, more free votes would have to result. And if fewer votes were preordained by party lines, debate would become more meaningful, both as an expression of individual views and as a means of influencing others. At once, the individual MP and the House as an institution would become more relevant.” .........

Leadnow campaign

Leadnow suggests sending email to MPs and all the party leaders right now to show support for what Michael Chong MP’s bill is setting out to achieve.

http://www.leadnow.ca/reform-act
Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

It's About Time!! One More Reason Why

Upcoming events: 

It's About Time!! town hall this Thur Nov 28

It's About Time!!

Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2013 7PM, Doors open 6:45pm

Canadian Electoral Alliance and JustEarth

2nd floor auditorium of The Ralph Thornton Community Centre,     765 Queen St E., Toronto http://goo.gl/maps/XKQhc

Join the event https://www.facebook.com/events/596893257035886/

See our FLYER

 

Speakers Stéphane Dion, Elizabeth May, Craig Scott will talk about how electoral reform can help get action on climate change.

Moderator: Adam Vaughan

 

 

The co-sponsors of the event are: Fair Vote Toronto; Cooperate for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Catch 22 Campaign; The Older Women's Network; Unlock Democracy; Why Should I Care; Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change; Leadnow; Toronto Chapter, Council of Canadians; Toronto Climate Action Network; Reclaim Our Democratic Canada; Greenspiration

 

 

 

 

What's new: 

Again, Canada is doing nothing about climate change

 

Warsaw climate talks signal missed opportunity amid some small signs for hope

Media Release from Climate Action Network Canada

[Warsaw, Poland. November 23, 2013]: Warsaw, Poland. November 23, 2013]:  The UN climate negotiations wrapped up in Warsaw today with mixed results, even after over 24 hours overtime. Countries have been exposed at the climate negotiations in Warsaw as beholden to vested interests, such as the dirty fossil fuel lobby, after they once again missed an opportunity to put the world on a certain pathway to securing a comprehensive climate action plan in 2015, according to Climate Action Network Canada.

 

Warsaw has seen Japan reduce its carbon pollution reduction target and diverse countries, including the USA, Singapore and India, block efforts to explore ways to fairly divide climate action between countries. Many more countries are hiding behind the blockers, happy to exploit the lack of progress. For example, Canada has been quieter than usual in the open talks, hiding behind bullish ally Australia but word in corridors was that behind closed doors the Canadian delegation continued to take an obstructive stance.

 

“We have seen Canada and other developed countries blocking important parts of the negotiations in Warsaw. We should instead focus on the urgency. The climate crisis requires urgent action, tough compromise and enhanced cooperation,” said Marc Lebel, Coordonnateur Climat-Énergie, AQLPA

 

read more... http://climateactionnetwork.ca/2013/11/23/warsaw-climate-talks-signal-missed-opportunity-amid-some-small-signs-for-hope/?rel=669

 

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

Two great events in November

Upcoming events: 

 

Thursday NOVEMBER 28, 2013 at 7-9 pm

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2013 7PM, Doors open 6:45pm

Canadian Electoral Alliance and JustEarth

will be co-hosting a Town Hall Meeting,

at the 2nd floor auditorium of The Ralph Thornton Community Centre,     765 Queen St E., Toronto http://goo.gl/maps/XKQhc

Free admission - All are welcomed to attend. The town hall will focus on how electoral reform can help get action on climate change. Each of the three speakers has 15 minutes to present.  Discussion from the floor will follow. Join the event https://www.facebook.com/events/596893257035886/

 

Speakers are:

Stéphane Dion, Liberal MP for St Laurent-Cartierville and Critic for Intergovernmental Affairs. He was formerly Leader of the Official Opposition, Liberal Leader, and Minister of the Environment. As Minister of the Environment he chaired the UN Conference on Climate Change in Montreal in 2005, where he contributed to the rescue of the Kyoto Protocol.

 

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands.  She is a former director of the Sierra Club of Canada, was senior policy advisor to the federal Minister of the Environment and Vice-Chair of the National Round Table on Environment and Economy.

 

Craig Scott, NDP MP for Toronto-Danforth. As Democratic and Parliamentary Reform Critic for the Official Opposition he has launched a national tour to promote proportional representation. He is a former professor of law and an expert on technology transfer to combat climate change.

 

Moderator: Adam Vaughan is Toronto City Councillor of Ward 20 Trintiy-Spadina; he serves as a member of the Toronto East York Community Council, Planning and Growth Management Committee and as a board member for the Preservation Board, the AGO, Harbourfront Centre.

 

 

The co-sponsors of the event are: Fair Vote Toronto; Cooperate for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Catch 22 Campaign; The Older Women's Network; Unlock Democracy; Why Should I Care; Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change; Leadnow; Toronto Chapter, Council of Canadians; Toronto Climate Action Network; Reclaim Our Democratic Canada; Greenspiration

 

 

 

Saturaday November 16th 2013

Defend Our Climate Defend Our Communities 

EVENTS IN 9 BIG CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

FROM NORTHERN BC TO THE MARITIMES

On November 16th, help build a united wall of opposition to pipelines, reckless tar sands expansion and runaway climate change at local events across the country.

Find the event in your area www.defendourclimate.ca/

 

What's new: 

Call for Donation!

We are a local group that is entirely run by volunteers for a good cause to move our country to a much needed direction of proportional representation and action on climate change. 
 
We depend on your support to keep the website, printing and town halls going.  Please consider a donation - by sending us a cheque payable to
 
Electoral Alliance 
 
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 82811
467 Parliament St
Toronto, ON M5A 3Y2
 
 
Thank you and much appreciated for your continued support!
 
 
Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

Join us at It's About Time!! town hall on November 28

Upcoming events: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance and JustEarth

electoralalliance.ca www.justearth.net

co-hosts

It's About Time!!

Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform

with

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Craig Scott, Democratic Reform Critic for the Official Opposition

Stéphane Dion, Liberal Critic for Intergovernmental Affairs

November 28, 2013 7pm

Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 2nd Floor, 765 Queen St. E.

https://www.facebook.com/events/596893257035886/

http://electoralalliance.ca/its-about-time-action-climate-change-through-electoral-reform

 

 

 

 

Democracy Salon - November 7, 2013 6pm

A free admission event held each month
at The 519 Community Centre (519 Church St., Toronto, north of Wellesley).
Join us on this Thursday November 7, 2013 6pm
on the detail planning for the November 28 town hall
"It's About Time!! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform"
 
Calling all volunteers for the November 28 evening and behind the scene work!
Bring your friends with you!
 
 
What's new: 

Call for Donation!

We are a local group that is entirely run by volunteers for a good cause to move our country to a much needed direction of proportional representation and action on climate change. 
 
We depend on your support to keep the website, printing and town halls going.  Please consider a donation - by sending us a cheque payable to
 
Electoral Alliance 
 
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 82811
467 Parliament St
Toronto, ON M5A 3Y2
 
 
Thank you and much appreciated for your continued support!
 
 
Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

It's About Time!! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform

Upcoming events: 

It's About Time!!

Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform

 
 
Join and Invite your friends to the town hall
www.facebook.com/events/596893257035886/
 
Free admission
 
Canadian Electoral Alliance and JustEarth www.justearth.net are Co-hosting this town hall on how electoral reform help stop climate change. 
 
Speakers:
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Craig Scott, democratic critic of the Official Opposition party NDP
(Invited) John McKay, enviroment critic of the Liberal party
 
Co-sponsors:
Toronto Chapter, Fair Vote Canada; Cooperate for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Catch 22 Campaign; The Older Women's Network; Unlock Democracy; Why Should I Care; Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change; Leadnow
 
 

Democracy Salon 

A free admission event held each month at The 519 Community Centre (519 Church St., Toronto, north of Wellesley).
The next salon is on November 7, 2013 6pm.  
Focus for this evening will be on the detail planning for the November 28 town hall "It's About Time!! Action on Climate Change through Electoral Reform". 
Bring your ideas and friends with you!
Help move our country towards the right direction!  
 
 
What's new: 

Call for Donation!

We are a local group that is entirely run by volunteers for a good cause to move our country to a much needed direction of proportional representation and fighting climate change. 
However we do need to pay for our website, printing and venue/equipment rentals for our town halls.  
We depend on your support to keep us going.  Please consider a donation by sending us a cheque payable to Electoral Alliance 
 
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 82811
467 Parliament St
Toronto, ON M5A 3Y2
 
 
Thank you and much appreciated for your continued support!
 
 

Make Every Vote Count Conference

that was held at YMCA Geneva Park in September 2013 was a great success!
The summary report is now on the website at www.makeeveryvotecount2015.org
Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Subscribe to our newsletter electoralalliance.ca

Sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Sign the Community Resolution http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

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