Thank you for allowing me to speak this evening. I have two points.
First past the post has served us well for nearly 150 years. It is simple, and it is easy to understand. Please don't change it.
Using versions of proportional representation can generate unintended consequences where a single-issue party can receive enough votes to secure a few seats and find themselves in a position of extracting commitments from a coalition partner that may be good for that single-issue partner but not good for the country. A preferential ballot system would be a self-serving agenda cloaked in electoral reform.
If a changed electoral system is put forward, that proposal must be put to a referendum so all Canadians can have an opportunity to approve it or not. Anything less will truly disenfranchise large blocks of Canadians who will have no say in changes to the fundamental democratic process of electing their federal representatives. No electoral reform committee and no Parliament can make changes so basic to Canadian life without committing to a referendum.
Thank you.