Liberals Call for a Commission to Review Voting System

16-Mar-2010

Whitehorse – Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell believes an independent commission should examine how
Yukoners elect their territorial government representatives.

“This is not a new issue,” Mitchell said. “Changing the way we elect our political representatives becomes a hot
topic from time to time and proponents of electoral reform suggest that voter apathy is increasing because our
electoral system is flawed. We believe we need to look at options for reforming our system.”

Apathy amongst young voters is cause for concern, but voter apathy is not exclusive to young people. In the
2008 federal election, less than 60% of eligible Canadian voters made the effort to cast their ballots. Voters
have many reasons for avoiding the polls on voting day.

“Some people don’t vote because they don’t believe it makes a difference. Others stay home because they are
fed up with the bickering that they see from their politicians,” Mitchell said. “We want to know if there is an
appetite for change and a representative citizens’ commission on electoral reform is the best vehicle to
accomplish that.”

Several jurisdictions in Canada and around the world have debated the merits of electoral reform, with varying
outcomes. British Columbia spent months on public consultations to find out whether changes to the provincial
voting system were needed or wanted. Ultimately, voters in British Columbia rejected the idea of electoral
reform. Similar exercises have been conducted in PEI, Ontario and New Brunswick in recent years with the
same results.

“I may not be happy about our current government, but that doesn’t mean the electoral system should be
changed,” Mitchell said. “We are prepared, however, to consult with Yukoners and get their views on this
issue.”

Mitchell added this commitment would be included in the Liberal election platform.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning – 667-8942