Among the fear-mongering claims of the No side in the upcoming referendum on proportional representation is that PR will result in unstable minority governments that can’t get anything done. It’s true proportional representation will almost always produce minority or coalition governments. What’s not true is that minority governments can’t get anything done for the well-being of people.
If my memory serves me correctly, in the mid 1960s, with two back to back federal minority governments, Canadians received Medicare, the Canada Pension Plan, bilingualism and a new Canadian flag. Quite an achievement for a minority government. That was accomplished through cooperation in our politics and that’s the kind of politics we need today on P.E.I.
So it’s nonsense for the No side to say minority or coalition governments can’t bring about bold new policies.
I also must say I am appalled by the No side slogan that says, “If you don’t know, vote no.” It’s simply insulting.
I am voting for a mixed member proportional electoral system on April 23. I am voting for change to ensure a more fair government for all Islanders.
Gerard Gallant,
Charlottetown