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TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's report on electoral reform calling for a referendum will only delay much-needed changes to our voting system that Canadians were promised and have been clear in wanting, Unifor says.
"This delay is an undemocratic betrayal of the trust Canadians placed in this government to bring about the reform they were promised. The government needs to show leadership on this issue, and stop delaying," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said. "Canadians have been clear that they want a voting system that makes every vote count."
The federal committee looking into electoral reform released its report this morning calling for a referendum to be held on a new proportional representation voting system, yet to be designed.
Unifor, which has called for proportional representation in which seats in Parliament allotted to parties on the basis of their popular vote, says a referendum is not needed. At consultations by the electoral reform committee this year, 88 per cent of witnesses across Canada called for proportional representation. Today's report acknowledges that the "overwhelming majority" of testimony favoured proportional representation.
"Canadians were promised a new system for elections before the next federal vote, and Unifor will continue to push the government to make sure that happens," Dias said. "We welcome the recognition of support for proportional representation, but I'm dismayed that the committee calls for a referendum – which is not needed and will only delay things."
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
SOURCE Unifor
