MacLauchlan has promised a binding referendum in 2019 as a response to the province’s recent plebiscite on electoral reform.
He has said he cannot implement Mixed Member Proportional Representation, despite it being the majority winner in that vote, because he believes the voter turnout of 36.5 per cent did not offer an adequate mandate for change.
But Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker challenged MacLauchlan during question period this week, noting the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, which dictates that no legislature or parliament can pass laws that a future legislature cannot change.
RELATED: Plebiscite data shows most of P.E.I. chose Mixed Member Proportional
RELATED: Premier MacLauchlan says debatable plebiscite produced clear majority
MacLauchlan admitted Wednesday this principle does mean his so-called binding referendum would not, in legal terms, actually be binding.
MacLauchlan has promised a binding referendum in 2019 as a response to the province’s recent plebiscite on electoral reform.
He has said he cannot implement Mixed Member Proportional Representation, despite it being the majority winner in that vote, because he believes the voter turnout of 36.5 per cent did not offer an adequate mandate for change.
But Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker challenged MacLauchlan during question period this week, noting the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, which dictates that no legislature or parliament can pass laws that a future legislature cannot change.
RELATED: Plebiscite data shows most of P.E.I. chose Mixed Member Proportional
RELATED: Premier MacLauchlan says debatable plebiscite produced clear majority
MacLauchlan admitted Wednesday this principle does mean his so-called binding referendum would not, in legal terms, actually be binding.
What would bind it, mainly, would be political pressure.
“What that legislature would have to deal with is a clear question, an ‘A or B’ question with a clear vote and in the context of Prince Edward Islanders being very focused on this very important question,” he said.
“When you have all of that in one place, I think it’s considered binding.”
Bevan-Baker questions how Islanders can feel confident this second vote will be honoured with the recent plebiscite result on the same issue now being discounted.
In the meantime, it appears Islanders could have to wait a few years before they know what the second option will be on the referendum ballot.
The referendum will offer a clear question on the idea of changing the province’s electoral system and will include just two options, one of which will be Mixed Member Proportional Representation, the premier has said.
But the only hint he has given about the second option is that it would be determined by the legislature.
On Wednesday, MacLauchlan elaborated that it would be part of the creation of a new “referendum on democratic renewal act,” promised as part of his motion No. 80 on the plebiscite results.
“I’ll be very surprised if there wasn’t some widespread public interest in what the shape of the legislation will be, so we’re looking at a process that may be a couple of years down the road and I think that’s something that we can look forward to.”
MacLauchlan added he “would be very surprised if there aren’t” public consultations on the second referendum option.
“The public will be well aware of this issue and I’m sure the engagement level will be high, and that’s why it’s important to have the referendum.”
But Bevan-Baker says he feels the premier has done nothing but create confusion.
“I just think it’s a big mess.”
