Langley-Aldergrove Conservative MP Mark Warawa plans to poll his constituents about the Liberal government’s proposal to change the way people vote in federal elections.
Wawara will use his “householder,” the newsletter that members of parliament send to constituents, to accomplish the task.
He said it will be a 16-page “non-partisan” brochure that will outline the various alternatives and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.
The mail-out is planned for September, and the results will be forwarded to the Special House of Commons committee that is reviewing Canada’s electoral system.
Warawa previously used his householder to poll residents about physician-assisted dying legislation.
Warawa told the Times a survey of all households is preferable to a town hall-style meeting where the turn out “may not be representative of the community on that issue.”
Warawa said the Liberal government’s push to change the system of voting was a “decision to change our democracy,” that he doesn’t think is necessary.
“I like first-past-the-post,” Warawa said.
“It’s served the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Canada well.”
If the system is to be changed, Warawa said it should be put to a vote of all Canadians first.
Polls show the “vast majority” of Canadians want a referendum, he added.
“It has to be decided by the people, not the politicians,” Warawa said.
“They want Canadians to have a final say.”
The current system of voting, where winners are based on which party has the most votes in individual ridings, has been criticized for allowing parties to form governments without winning a majority of the overall popular vote.
Cloverdale-Langley City Liberal MP John Aldag was appointed in June to the Commons committee that is reviewing electoral system.
Following an Aug. 2 town hall meeting to discuss electoral reform with riding residents that drew about 120 people, Aldag said more meetings were likely.