This fall, we’ve got an opportunity to change the way our values are reflected in government – and make a difference for the environment.

I’m talking about the upcoming referendum on proportional representation.

You and I are concerned about intact forests, vibrant rivers, lakes and oceans, and a safe climate. It’s why we write and call our representatives to protect them. And I believe the majority of British Columbians care about our environment too.

Unfortunately, these concerns aren’t given the same attention by many of our elected leaders. Under our current “first past the post” system, 100 per cent of the power can go to a party that did not even get a majority of support. 

Decades of work to protect the environment can be undone in just a few years. Just look at the Trump administration and Doug Ford’s feverish work dismantling climate action.

I believe this referendum is a chance to make our political system more collaborative and work better for the environment.

Under a proportional representation system, our government will actually reflect what the majority of people stand for. It will be more diverse as all of the power doesn’t go automatically to one or two parties. Our leaders will be required to dialogue, consult and negotiate with others to get legislation passed. A proportional representation system makes decision-makers more accountable for the policies they support. 

Systems of proportional representation are in place around the world from New Zealand to Costa Rica to Sweden. These places have a lot in common, including better protection on the environment and stronger commitments on climate change. 

Because that is what the majority of people want.

Places with proportional representation act faster – countries with this system adopted the Kyoto Protocol earlier and have since seen a greater reduction in carbon emissions.

We encourage you to seize this chance to participate in BC’s upcoming referendum on proportional representation. 

How it works

Registered voters will get a voting package in the mail from Elections BC between October 22 and Nov. 2. You will have until Nov. 30 at 4:30 pm to return it by mail or in person. 

This referendum features a 2-question ballot. First, it asks if you would like BC to shift to a system of proportional representation. If so, you can pick which of three systems you would prefer: dual member proportional, mixed member proportional or rural-urban proportional.

These three systems vary slightly, but all three achieve proportionality: the percentage of seats a party has in the legislature roughly matches the percentage of votes it gets in an election. For a full breakdown of each, visit the non-partisan Elections BC website, which describes and compares all three systems. 

Too often in our current system, the environment is on the chopping block. This is our chance to change that.

Please consider a shift to a system that will better reflect the importance we place on the ecosystems we depend on. Please vote in this fall’s proportional representation referendum.