Implement proportional representation
Petitioners ask the House of Commons to acknowledge consultations and implement proportional representation before the next election, via an independent commission to choose and oversee the model and a confirmatory referendum after two elections.
Why we would sign this petition
- Would make seat allocations more proportional, addressing petitioners' claim that FPTP misrepresents voters and reducing wasted votes.
- An independent, non‑partisan commission could provide a neutral, expert process to select the model and manage the complex transition.
- A confirmatory referendum after two elections would allow voters to assess the new system’s effects and confer democratic legitimacy if approved.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Rushing implementation before the next election may create logistical, legal and administrative risks and leave insufficient time for public education.
- Proportional systems can change local MP–constituent links; some voters may prefer stronger geographic representation and accountability.
- Deferring a confirmatory referendum until after two elections risks cementing change before broad public experience or could prolong uncertainty and costs.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled Canada’s First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system produces election results that do not reflect the will of voters; This has contributed to increasing polarization, voter cynicism, and declining faith in government; In 2016, Parliament established the Special Committee on Electoral Reform (ERRE), which held extensive public consultations and recommended that Canada adopt a proportional representation voting system; The recommendations of the Committee were not implemented, despite an election commitment to reform, which has further eroded public trust; The structural flaws of Canada’s voting system are a critical vulnerability in an era of rising authoritarianism, creating conditions that can be exploited to destabilize democratic institutions and undermine national security; and Implementing proportional representation is the most effective step the government can take to safeguard Canada’s democracy now, and for future generations. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1) Acknowledge that Canada has already completed the consultation phase on electoral reform through the work of the Special Committee on Electoral Reform; 2) Commit to implementing a proportional-representation voting system before the next federal election; 3) Establish an independent, non-partisan commission to determine the best proportional model for Canada and oversee its implementation; and 4) Provide for a confirmatory referendum after two general elections under the new system.
Government response
No government response is available yet.