 |
|
|
VICTORIA – The Citizens’ Assembly submitted its final report on electoral reform at an Open Cabinet meeting held today.
“British Columbians should be proud of the Citizens’ Assembly. It represents a high-water mark for electoral reform in Canada,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “On behalf of the Province, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Citizens’ Assembly and to Jack Blaney for their hard work in preparing this final report, and for pursuing up this unprecedented opportunity with such dedication and enthusiasm.”
The Citizens’ Assembly began work in January 2004. The purpose of the assembly has been to examine electoral systems in B.C. and make two recommendations: first, whether the electoral system should be changed; and second, if change is recommended, to propose an alternative system.
For more than a year the Citizens’ Assembly has studied electoral systems in use around the world, held 50 public hearings and have received 1,603 written submissions from British Columbians.
“We’re very pleased that this groundbreaking exercise in democracy has worked and was completed successfully,” said Attorney General Geoff Plant. “Now British Columbians will be able to study the recommendations and have their say in a referendum which will be held on May 17, 2005.”
The presentation of the final report concludes the assembly’s responsibilities and it will wrap up operations at the end of January 2005.
“The 160 members of the Assembly were absolutely extraordinary in their commitment to serving British Columbia. And a good deal of the credit for that commitment goes to the government for creating an assembly with real independence and power,” said Dr. Jack Blaney, chair, Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. “The assembly is an invention catching attention around the world, and it was made right here, in British Columbia. We all can be very proud of that. “At the assembly’s last meeting two weeks ago, assembly members gave Premier Gordon Campbell a standing ovation for his leadership in creating this historic innovation in democracy.” To pass, the assembly’s recommendation would have to be approved by 60 per cent of all voters and by a simple majority of voters in 60 per cent of the 79 electoral districts. If voters endorse a new system, it will be in place for the following provincial election, in 2009. In the New Year, government will set up a website and a toll-free line to provide British Columbians with information on both the current and proposed systems.
-30-
| ||||||||||||
