PRESS RELEASE

May 7^th 2001

AN UNDERSTANDING OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION

Proportional Representation has been mentioned in this election as a method of electing governments but no party is explaining what it means.

Proportional representation is not about the number of seats we have according to population. It is about how we elect people to represent these seats.

The current method we have now is flawed. The party that has the most votes currently forms our government. As a result, The NDP has governed the past 10 years with 38% of the vote, The Federal Liberals got re-elected by 40% of the vote.

The question is how can we elect a government based on a majority of votes? To provide a stable government, we need to allow for a single transferable vote. Where you preferentially select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice and so on until there is a clear majority.

Proportional representation could lead to a fractured government, as it would require appointing representatives by the party based on the percentage of total votes cast.

Two ways of electing a proportional government are:

1. The electorate would vote for the party of their choice, and based on a percentage of the votes, the party would then select from their list, who they want to sit in the legislature.

2. The electorate would elect a portion of the candidates. While the parties would appoint the other portion from their members depending on the percentage of the vote.

Neither of these methods provides accountability to the electorate.

We believe that the electorate wants all members they elect accountable to them. Not to the party who appoints them.

-30-

For More Information contact:
Barb Smith, Party office: 604-929-8434
Ron Gamble, Leader: 604-980-7779