[jan-itor]

[font=Arial] [/font] [color=#] [/color] Canada should be devided up into three major electoral districts so that power is distributed evenly and that areas with the most population don't get the all the electoral power. A part of Ontario should become part of the western electoral district, then you have the central electoral district, and then a part Quebec should become part of the eastern electoral district. Devide the population up as evenly as possible.

[BartSimpson]

jan-itor jan-itor:

[font=Arial] [/font] [color=#] [/color] Canada should be devided up into three major electoral districts so that power is distributed evenly and that areas with the most population don't get the all the electoral power. A part of Ontario should become part of the western electoral district, then you have the central electoral district, and then a part Quebec should become part of the eastern electoral district. Devide the population up as evenly as possible.

You mean like the Electoral College in the USA that prevents all fifty states being ruled by the votes of just California, New York, and Texas?

[Hardy]

BartSimpson BartSimpson:

jan-itor jan-itor:

[font=Arial] [/font] [color=#] [/color] Canada should be devided up into three major electoral districts so that power is distributed evenly and that areas with the most population don't get the all the electoral power. A part of Ontario should become part of the western electoral district, then you have the central electoral district, and then a part Quebec should become part of the eastern electoral district. Devide the population up as evenly as possible.

You mean like the Electoral College in the USA that prevents all fifty states being ruled by the votes of just California, New York, and Texas?

The one based on the method used for choosing the German emperor, the same sort of setup which makes 1 resident of Wyoming have as much clout in the Senate as 69 residents of California? The main incentive for that in the first place was to ensure the continuation of slavery, was that the best way to resolve things?

What's so horrid about being directly democratic? Do we have to let our NIMBYism overcome our common concerns as Canadians? We already have a horribly screwed up Senate system, based on old standards which became totally obsolete over time. Do we need more of those?

[mspurrell]

We could always reform our senate based on the Australian model. They have an equal senate for their states which is something we could use for this country. Maybe every province could elect 10 senators and the territories 2 each for maybe 10 years terms. Then you wouldn't have provinces dominating the senate and everyone's voice could be heard.

[Wullu]

mspurrell mspurrell:

We could always reform our senate based on the Australian model. They have an equal senate for their states which is something we could use for this country. Maybe every province could elect 10 senators and the territories 2 each for maybe 10 years terms. Then you wouldn't have provinces dominating the senate and everyone's voice could be heard.

Bingo!

Now all we have to do is convince Ontario and Quebec that having the same representation as PEI is a good idea.

10 year terms might a bit on the high side though. Unless of course the senators would not be allowed to run again. Hmmm I like that.

[mspurrell]

$1:

Now all we have to do is convince Ontario and Quebec that having the same representation as PEI is a good idea.

Yes that would be one of the problems not to mention what to do with those currently sitting in the Senate. Possibly could have them run for election. A 10 year term is reasonable maybe 8 at the lowest. The reason being is that it would still function as what it was designed for a sober second thought from the constant changing of parliament. I'm not sure if there should be term limits what if you really like the senator representing your riding? Well to convince Ontario and Quebec first thing is that they get to elect them which they can not right now. Also it would help keep the country together especially it would solve many people's problems in Western Canada. Proportional representation could be used to elect senators to make sure all of the people support him in their riding ensuring that there will be little opposition. The senate won't have any veto power it can maybe send back bills a couple times then both houses can have a vote if both agree then it off to the Governor General. The people will get to decide what is best for them instead of a grit or tory PM telling them who is.

[bootlegga]

This was tried already, remember the Charlottetown Accords? The majority of Canadians rejected it, including Quebeckers...

As much as I'd like to see RP and a Triple E senate, it probably won't come unless the West (at the very least BC AND Alberta) threaten to separate and form their own nation. And even then, it'd come very grudingly...and I for one would NOT be willing to play a game of brinkmanship like that just to get them.

The Atlantic provinces don't want to be marginalized, even though in terms of economy and population they already are, and I can't imagine ON and QC being willing to give up power and accept equal representation to PEI.

[mspurrell]

The Charlottetown Accord failed because it was seen as the government trying to control the culture of Canada. Also because people in the west thought the senate was not reformed enough and the people of Quebec did not gain enough power. Not to mention the unpopular mulroney government putting it forward. I think if the reform is going to be made just present it as the senate not anything else attached to it. I don't think we should have special seats for francophones or aboriginal either. It is a pickle though that no one wants to give up their power but instead rather drive a wedge between the country. By the time there is a referendum for western separation it will probably pass and be too late. I don't think we should wait until then in order to change things. I also don't think it should be abolished the senate could and can be a very useful part of parliament.