Newsletter issues

April 22 Democracy Salon

Upcoming events: 

Some of the Subscribers did not receive our last newletter.  Here is a copy. 

 

Democracy Salon

Mon, April 22, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30pm

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

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

Agenda

Learn about what was discussed at the April 4 town hall meeting - Take back Parliament 

Next step -
Contacting the MP
Connection with co-sponsors and other groups 

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share


 

  

 

What's new: 

Thank you for coming to the April 4, 2013 town hall - Take Back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

We had a great turn out and had a great discussion with the three speakers - Peggy Nash (NDP), Hon. Carolyn Bennett (Liberal Party), Jim Harris (Green Party) about proportional representation and their party stand. 

Thank you for John Deverell being our moderator. 

Thank you for all the CO-SPONSORS:
Toronto Chapter, Fair Vote Canada; Council of Canadians, Toronto Chapter; Leadnow; JustEarth: A Coalition for Environmental Justice; Canadians for Justice; Catch 22 Campaign; Cooperation for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Greenspiration; RaBIT; Reclaim Our Democratic Canada; Project Democracy
 
Thank you for all the volunteers that come and help!
 
Canadians support electoral reform, would vote for cooperation
A recent national poll indicated
45% of Canadians support electoral reform
70%  of Canadians support move to proportional representation 
As well, Canadians would vote for cooperation
 
http://cooperate4.ca/national-poll
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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

April 2 Democracy Salon and April 4 Town Hall

Upcoming events: 

Democracy Salon

Tue, April 2, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30pm

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

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

Agenda

1. Finalize April 4, 2013 town hall - Take Back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

2. Flyers distribution

3. Media Release

4. Volunteering at the town hall

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

 

Take back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

Town Hall Meeting

Thu, Apr 04, 7:00 to 9:00pm

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

link to map http://goo.gl/maps/ryxrx

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/500515769995416/?ref=22

 

Learn about the parties’ stand on proportional representation: what it is, and what the party is doing to promote it.

SPEAKERS:


Peggy Nash (NDP)

M.P. Parkdale-High Park, Opposition Finance Critic; she is a founding member of Equal Voice, an advocacy organization for the election of more women in Canada.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (Liberal Party)

M.P. St Paul's, Critic for Aboriginal affairs & Northern Development, and chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus. She is a former critic for Democratic Reform.

Jim Harris (Green Party)

Jim was the leader of the Green Party of Canada 2003 to 2006; he is a management consultant on change and leadership.

Moderator: John Deverell

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

DISCUSSION

• Discuss the implications of proportional representation

• Discuss how we can make electoral reform happen

• Tell the parties we are concerned about the fate of Canadian Democracy

CO-SPONSORS

Toronto Chapter, Fair Vote Canada; Council of Canadians, Toronto Chapter; Leadnow; JustEarth: A Coalition for Environmental Justice; Canadians for Justice; Catch 22 Campaign; Cooperation for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Greenspiration; RaBIT; Reclaim Our Democratic Canada; Project Democracy

What's new: 

Proportional Representation and the Democratic Deficit in Canada

by Lynn McDonald - March 21, 2013

OUR QUAINT FIRST-PAST-THE-POST SYSTEM is the major cause of Canada’s democratic deficit, and fixing it will help address other gaps and distortions--on social justice, climate change and the environment.

The problem is obvious: a majority Conservative government elected with less than 40% of the popular vote, which governs as if it had 90% of the vote. With proportional representation each party’s share of MPs in the House of Commons would reflect its share of votes in the election. Countries with proportional representation enjoy greater citizen confidence in their democratic institutions, higher voter turn-out and better representation of women and minorities; they also adopt better environmental protection laws and use energy more efficiently. We could achieve all this and, as well, adapt  the system to ensure better First Nations representation.

The Conservatives don’t want proportional representation for obvious reasons; nor do the Liberals, who hope to go back to winning majority governments. Oddly, former leader Stéphane Dion is now promoting proportional representation, but a cumbersome kind  requiring five member ridings. The NDP has proportional representation as official policy, but which kind it has not said, nor has it actively promoted the reform.

Read more...http://electoralalliance.ca/articles

 

Community Resolution

Whereas countries with proportional representation enjoy not only fairer representation than with first-past-the post voting, they have higher rates of voting and greater citizen satisfaction with their system, elect more women and minority members, use energy more efficiently and have stronger environment protection laws,

and whereas the Law Commission of Canada has published a comprehensive study of this issue (Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada, 2004), recommending a Mixed Member Proportional system (2/3 regular MPs, 1/3 by list),

Be it resolved that this House urge the Parliament of Canada to enact legislation to bring in proportional representation, pursuant to the recommendations of the Law Commission of Canada.

Sign it at http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/community-resolution

 

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

POSTPONED Mar 28 Democracy Salon is postponed to April 2 & news

Upcoming events: 

 March Democracy Salon **** NEW DATE***

**March 28 Democracy Salon is postponed to April 2, 2013**

Tue, April 2, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30pm

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

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

Agenda

1. Finalize April 4, 2013 town hall - Take Back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

2. Flyers distribution

3. Media Release

4. Volunteering at the town hall

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

 

 

Does our voting system have anything to do with Canada's growing inequality gap?

Mar 28, 2013 7pm Ryerson’s Eric Palin Hall, Room 201, 99 Gerrard Street East

Income inequality and lack of representation are issues for women, immigrants, and racialized communities.

Featured speaker, David Hulchanski from U of T's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Workand widely known for his ground-breaking work, The Three Cities within Toronto….will link pressing urban issues to the problem of "not enough voices at the table": a lack of representative democracy.

http://www.fairvotetoronto.ca/events.html

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/229201133891074/

 

 

Take back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

Town Hall Meeting

Thu, Apr 04, 7:00 to 9:00pm

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

link to map http://goo.gl/maps/ryxrx

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/500515769995416/?ref=22

 

Learn about the parties’ stand on proportional representation: what it is, and what the party is doing to promote it.

SPEAKERS:


Peggy Nash (NDP)

M.P. Parkdale-High Park, Opposition Finance Critic; she is a founding member of Equal Voice, an advocacy organization for the election of more women in Canada.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (Liberal Party)

M.P. St Paul's, Critic for Aboriginal affairs & Northern Development, and chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus. She is a former critic for Democratic Reform.

Jim Harris (Green Party)

Jim was the leader of the Green Party of Canada 2003 to 2006; he is a management consultant on change and leadership.

Moderator: John Deverell

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

DISCUSSION

• Discuss the implications of proportional representation

• Discuss how we can make electoral reform happen

• Tell the parties we are concerned about the fate of Canadian Democracy

CO-SPONSORS

Toronto Chapter, Fair Vote Canada; Council of Canadians, Toronto Chapter; Leadnow; JustEarth: A Coalition for Environmental Justice; Canadians for Justice; Catch 22 Campaign; Cooperation for Canada - Kitchener - Waterloo; Greenspiration; RaBIT; Reclaim Our Democratic Canada

What's new: 

Checkout the NEWS section on our website http://electoralalliance.ca/news

 

Why Liberals and New Democrats should share a bed

Compared with the right’s tortoise crawl to uniting, progressives are showing a hare-like hop. Leadership races in both major parties have seen robust candidacies supporting co-operation, not two years after Stephen Harper won a majority.

.......

But just six months into Mr. Harper’s majority, Nathan Cullen ran for NDP leader and surprised many by making the third ballot and receiving 24 per cent. He was soon followed by Joyce Murray in the current Liberal race, who shows signs of some spunk of her own.

read more http://electoralalliance.ca/why-liberals-and-new-democrats-should-share-bed

 

Replace electoral system, then scrap Senate

It is great to see support increasing for abolishing the Senate. However, even with its scandals and foibles, the Senate is not the worst affront to democracy in Canada. That, in my view, is the failure to represent voters fairly in the House of Commons.

read more http://electoralalliance.ca/replace-electoral-system-then-scrap-senate

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

April town hall -Take Back Parliament & March Democracy Salon

Upcoming events: 

Take back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

Town Hall Meeting

Thu, Apr 04, 7:00 to 9:00pm

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

link to map http://goo.gl/maps/ryxrx

 

Learn about the parties’ stand on proportional representation: what it is, and what the party is doing to promote it.

 

SPEAKERS:


Peggy Nash (NDP)

M.P. Parkdale-High Park, Opposition Finance Critic; she is a founding member of Equal Voice, an advocacy organization for the election of more women in Canada.

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (Liberal Party)

M.P. St Paul's, Critic for Aboriginal affairs & Northern Development, and chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus. She is a former critic for Democratic Reform.

Jim Harris (Green Party)

Jim was the leader of the Green Party of Canada 2003 to 2006; he is a management consultant on change and leadership.

Moderator: John Deverell

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

 

DISCUSSION

• Discuss the implications of proportional representation

• Discuss how we can make electoral reform happen

• Tell the parties we are concerned about the fate of Canadian Democracy

 

CO-SPONSORS

Canadians for Justice, Cooperation for Canada (Kitchener -Waterloo), Council of Canadians (Toronto), Fair Vote Toronto, Greenspiration, JustEarth, Leadnow, RaBIT

 

 

March Democracy Salon

Thu, March 28, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30pm

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

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

Agenda

1. Finalize April 4, 2013 town hall - Take Back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

2. Flyers distribution

3. Media Release

4. Volunteering at the town hall

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

 

What's new: 

Flyer for the April 4, 2013 town hall is available for distribution.

visit electoralalliance.ca

Facebook event has been created. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/500515769995416/?ref=22

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Newsletter and February Democracy Salon

Upcoming events: 

February Democracy Salon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: As many subscribers did not receive the previous newsletter mailing, we are re-sending it. Apologies for any duplication.

Upcoming events

Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30

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

Agenda

1. Setting date and details of next town hall re Proportional Representation
2. Responses from party leaders re sending representatives for the town hall
3. Possible endorsement of Joyce Murray, the Liberal leadership candidate
4. Canadian Electoral Alliance's precense in both Liberal and NDP convention- promoting electoral alliance

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

What's new: 

2013: THE YEAR OF THE DEMOCRACY COALITION
When historians write the chapter on the current period of social democracy in Canada they might well conclude that the worst thing that happened to it was the 2011 election when the NDP got 103 seats it hadn’t really earned. It was such an unexpected event that the NDP could not cope with it. You could see it in the euphoria of election night – the same night that the dismantling of the country (whose best government features the party could take much credit for) would begin in earnest with a Harper majority.
Read more....
http://electoralalliance.ca/2013-year-democracy-coalition

FAIR VOTE CANADA VIDEO CONTEST about the “BIG IDEA” of PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
Fair Vote Canada is looking for that video that will go viral, something that will educate Canadians about the “big idea” of proportional representation, and rally them to make 2015 the last unfair election
http://www.fairvotetakeaction.org/fair-vote-canada-video-contest/

ATTENTION: LIBERALS! For Your information, JOYCE MURRAY is coming to Toronto February 14, February 15
http://electoralalliance.ca/attention-liberals-fyi-joyce-murray-comi...

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

February Democracy Salon and newsletter

Upcoming events: 

February Democracy Salon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upcoming events

Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6:00 to 7:30

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

Agenda

1. Setting date and details of next town hall re Proportional Representation
2. Responses from party leaders re sending representatives for the town hall
3. Possible endorsement of Joyce Murray, the Liberal leadership candidate
4. Canadian Electoral Alliance's precense in both Liberal and NDP convention- promoting electoral alliance

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

What's new: 

2013: THE YEAR OF THE DEMOCRACY COALITION
When historians write the chapter on the current period of social democracy in Canada they might well conclude that the worst thing that happened to it was the 2011 election when the NDP got 103 seats it hadn’t really earned. It was such an unexpected event that the NDP could not cope with it. You could see it in the euphoria of election night – the same night that the dismantling of the country (whose best government features the party could take much credit for) would begin in earnest with a Harper majority.
Read more....
http://electoralalliance.ca/2013-year-democracy-coalition

FAIR VOTE CANADA VIDEO CONTEST about the “BIG IDEA” of PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
Fair Vote Canada is looking for that video that will go viral, something that will educate Canadians about the “big idea” of proportional representation, and rally them to make 2015 the last unfair election
http://www.fairvotetakeaction.org/fair-vote-canada-video-contest/

ATTENTION: LIBERALS! For Your information, JOYCE MURRAY is coming to Toronto February 14, February 15
http://electoralalliance.ca/attention-liberals-fyi-joyce-murray-comi...

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

February Democracy Salon

Upcoming events: 
???

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

Agenda

  • Overall strategy for success in next federal election

Admission: Bring a snack to share

What's new: 

The Canadian Electoral Alliance website has a new look. We've added a search feature to make it easier to find articles. Take a peek at electoralalliance.ca

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

You can contact the Canadian Electoral Alliance by sending an email to us at

January Democracy Salon

Upcoming events: 
Thursday, Jan 17, 6:00 to 7:30

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

Agenda

  • Overall strategy for success in next federal election
  • Setting goals for 2013
  • Discussion of lobbying MPs on Proportional Representation PR  mixed member proportional system (MMP) especially Liberal
  • Outreach group - details of material and groups to reach out to
  • Fundraising - setting up Fundraising committee

Invite a friend to come with you!

Admission: Bring a snack to share

What's new: 

The Canadian Electoral Alliance website has a new look. We've added a search feature to make it easier to find articles. Take a peek at electoralalliance.ca

Footer: 

Have a Happy 2013

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.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

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