Good afternoon, everyone. I'm here today as a replacement member.
What I am hearing here today is very interesting to me. I have to honestly say that this is one of the rare times that I agree with a Bloc Québécois member. I completely agree on the referendum issue. I also fully agree that this potential change in the way we vote is a very important issue and that we must take the time needed to study it and determine how to proceed.
As legislators, we often have to act hastily, but this issue should not be rushed. I think we need a comprehensive vision.
I would like to ask Mr. Seidle a question.
Considering that this a very important subject for all of us, I would like you to tell us more about the need to hold a referendum on changing our electoral system.
In January, you wrote an article in Policy Options. I would like to quote two excerpts. I'm quoting loosely—I'm not necessarily very skilled at this—but you wrote that such a fundamental change to how we elect the country’s most important legislative institution should require majority support through a national vote. In addition, you wrote that the desirability, or not, of holding a referendum on a proposed new electoral system should be assessed on the basis of the principle of democratic consent, not on attempts to guess the eventual result based on a partial number of cases.
Could you elaborate on these two statements? I would like to share your perspective on this issue.