UPDATE:
Myprincegeorgenow.com spoke with Prince George – Peace River MP Bob Zimmer on Tuesday, September 7th. He says he, Cariboo – Prince George MP Todd Doherty, and the Conservative Party believe the electoral reform answer lies in a country-wide referendum instead of holding individual open houses. He says he and Doherty haven’t ruled out holding a public discussion in Prince George but will discuss the idea more before making a final decision.
Skeena – Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen and a committee are soon heading across the country to hear what Canadians want in a new electoral system. His tour could stop here in Prince George.
Cullen says he knows of just a few Conservative MPs (“only 2 Conservatives of about 100”) that are planning to hold any public discussion on reform. Cullen wants to hear as many voices as possible on the topic.
“This is happening. This conversation is going ahead in Canada. There is a mandate to change the way we vote and I don’t think it’s fair to deprive people living in Conservative ridings from being a part of that conversation.”
Noting that about 9 million votes that were cast in the last election are not reflected in Parliament, Cullen feels reform should be everybody’s priority.
“Regardless of what issue is important to people – the economy, environment, what not – a lot of it all falls back to the foundation of our democracy and how we elect governments, how we throw governments out, and how we can make sure every vote in the country counts equally.”
Cullen says he’s heard interest from people in Prince George about being involved in the discussion. Cullen says he’s reached out to both MP Bob Zimmer and MP Todd Doherty, asking if either is planning to hold a public discussion. He’s been “trying to find some dates for Prince George,” in the event that neither MP has plans to host an event.
Myprincegeorgenow.com sent emails to both MPs earlier this week. As of 2 PM Sunday, we haven’t heard back from either.
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