It's difficult?
Evidence of meeting #28 for Electoral Reform in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was elected.
Evidence of meeting #28 for Electoral Reform in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was elected.
7:45 p.m.
Executive Director, Research Chair on Democracy and Parliamentary Institutions, Department of political science, Université Laval, As an Individual
Yes. Its significance is difficult to measure precisely. That said, strategic voting actually exists, and any change in electoral system that helps represent voter preferences will limit strategic voting. That's clear to me.
I can give you a document, a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the electoral systems I present in class. One of the greatest weaknesses of the current electoral system is that it leads to strategic voting.
7:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I understand, but I want to know whether in a proportional system there will never be a desire to throw a party out. In other words, the desire for change will be reduced.
7:45 p.m.
Executive Director, Research Chair on Democracy and Parliamentary Institutions, Department of political science, Université Laval, As an Individual
In the case of mixed member proportional representation, specifically based on the level of proportional representation included, there is a coalition, negotiation and discussion dynamic. In this context, we can vote for a smaller party that will be part of the government. In exchange, some parts of the party's platform will need to be applied. The political dynamic will change completely.
7:50 p.m.
Executive Director, Research Chair on Democracy and Parliamentary Institutions, Department of political science, Université Laval, As an Individual
Exactly.
7:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Perfect.
Thank you.
We'll now take a one-minute break before moving on to the open microphone stage.
7:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
We'll continue the meeting.
Thank you again to the witnesses. Thank you Mr. Colas. Thank you Mr. Montigny. It's really very interesting.
Mr. Serge Marcotte would like to speak.
Would anyone else like to speak into the microphone?
Go ahead Mr. Marcotte. We're listening.
7:50 p.m.
Serge Marcotte As an Individual
Hello everyone.
Thank you for giving me the chance to speak.
If your committee is travelling, it's because you think the electoral system is an important matter. I heard all sorts of comments earlier. It's been said that citizens want this and that, and references were made to major university studies. It's wonderful.
However, if it was said in the last election that there was a desire or no desire to change the electoral system, maybe citizens would have voted differently.
We know the Bloc Québécois and Conservative Party want the government to hold a referendum before changing the electoral system. I am speaking to the MPs on this committee who are members of other parties. We heard comments earlier on a referendum. It was said that a referendum would depend on what is done, and that it could lead to all sorts of results.
However, the same is true for elections. Some advertise and others don't. MPs from the other parties, why would you refuse to consult the public on an issue as important as reforming the electoral system through which, democratically, we elect our MPs? Is it because you don't trust the voters? That's my question.
7:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I'll try to answer.
It's a government decision and we'll make recommendations to the government. The decision is not ours. However, we must make recommendations and we have not reached the stage of writing the report. That's the best answer I can give you, Mr. Marcotte.
Does anyone else wish to speak?
Yes, sir. Can you identify yourself?
7:55 p.m.
As an Individual
I want to make a clarification for Mr. Deltell.
New Zealand held its referendum after the implementation of the electoral system. The New Zealanders decided not to move backward and to keep the current electoral system. In fact, I don't know of any government that returned to the electoral system currently in place in Canada.
It's something to think about.
7:55 p.m.
Liberal
7:55 p.m.
Conservative
Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
I want to make a clarification concerning history.
The issue went on for 11 years in New Zealand. Three general elections concerned the topic, among other things. Two referenda were held, one indicative and one binding. Once the new electoral system was applied, as Mr. Berthelot said, the decision was ratified by referendum. However, remember that two referenda were held before a change could be made.
7:55 p.m.
NDP
Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
I would like to say a few quick words.
Mr. Marcotte, to clarify the situation, the NDP is not asking for or demanding a referendum, but is not ruling one out either.
7:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
The brief of Mr. Côté, who appeared this afternoon, has just been published on the committee's website and on the SharePoint application. Professor Derriennic's brief is being translated.
Thank you for your cooperation and for a good discussion.
We'll see each other tomorrow in Joliette.
The meeting is adjourned.