It is frustrating every single time that I see the popular votes versus seats won in Canadian elections.

Especially when you have a party like the Bloc Quebécois who run only in Québec, pull 1.2 million votes in that province, and receive 22 seats in the House, yet the NDP pulls 1.2 million across Canada and gets 7 seats.

All our system does is reward density, rather than delivering actual representation.

But someone please tell me how 'ranked ballots' will fix this*

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Canadian_federal_election

*don’t, please don't bother.

#ProportionalRepresentation #ElectoralReform #Canada #CanPoli #CdnPoli

How the New UK Bill Aims to Prevent Foreign Election Interference

New bill to tackle electoral reform

March 2026

A functioning democratic system is vital for human rights.  It is about power and how it is wielded.  Increasingly, we have witnessed powerful outside interests – whether they be states or wealthy individuals – influencing the political debate.  Electoral reform is carried out infrequently partly because political parties settle into a comfortable relationship with the status quo.  They can also be reluctant to go against the wishes of their influential patrons. 

The newly introduced Representation of the People Bill aims to keep hostile foreign states from interfering in British elections while significantly extending democratic rights to the population. As part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation it offers first the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17-year olds, which will give voice to millions of young people.

Second, the capping of donations from companies towards electoral expenses will be set at two years of revenue, ensuring that companies that have no genuine business activity or UK footprint will be prevented from making donations.  The Bill means companies will need to have shown sufficient revenue made over the previous 3 years (allowing in most cases two financial years of revenue) to justify their donation.  It means foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections,

MPs will not be allowed to accept gifts of money or in-kind donations over £2,230. Legitimate gifted hospitality valued below this thresh-hold will continue to be acceptable.

The many other proposals to ensure election fairness include automatic voter registration without voters needing to apply, extending legitimate Voter ID to include bank cards digital forms of ID, increasing the time available for postal voting, ensuring candidates offer documentary proof of their identity to avoid misleading voters, and addressing issues of harassment at polling stations

It marks the beginning of a process that may reshape the practical workings of the UK’s democracy. Few governments have attempted to reform our democratic system quite so comprehensively in a single legislative package.  For once, the over-used ‘once in a generation’ tag may actually be justified.

But it does little to protect democracy from misinformation and disinformation in elections, despite the government recognising the risks.  It is this ability to ‘control the narrative’ which is a big factor in our political process.

Image: Electoral Reform Society

• How the New UK Bill Aims to Prevent Foreign Election Interference
• Impact of Middle East Conflicts on Refugees in Turkey
• Death in Florida
• This month’s Death Penalty report
• Yet more violence in the Middle East

Very proud and excited to vote in the NDP leadership race today!!

This is not the first time I've voted in a Federal leadership race... more on that later but first, my choices! I considered only voting for two people, but I ended up filling in all 5 choices.

#1: Tanille Johnston @votetanille
#2: Avi Lewis @avilewis
#3: Heather McPherson
#4: Tony McQuail
#5: Rob Ashton

Why?
You might ask why I would publicize my choices. I don’t expect others to of course. It is a privilege and a right in Canada to exercise your democratic choice freely and privately, but I also think there is value in knowing how others voted.

#1 why Tanille? https://www.tanille.ca

Easy decision. She is First Nation. She is a woman. Two things that are long overdue not just as party leader in Canada, but as a potential Prime Minister.

She also ticks all the boxes for progressive, social(ist) policies that will actually make a difference. Tanille is a normal human being who works in normal small town Canada and has dedicated herself to public service. That's the kind of person I would love to see as Prime Minister.

There are forces that are trying to discourage women, First Nations, and minorities from being involved in politics.

Also, in terms of bringing the country together, I think Tanille is best positioned to speak and present well in both official languages in time, plus represent her own First Nation and speak for other Indigenous people in Canada with lived experience.

Tanille could be a person the entire country could truly see themselves in as a leader and rally around.

#2 why Avi? https://lewisforleader.ca

Were it not for Tanille, Avi would have been my first pick without question. He closely represents my political and social beliefs. He gets it. I believe we need to disabuse ourselves of the shackles of neo-liberal ”incrementalism” and do big things to make a real difference in all of the issues that face Canada.

Avi is walking in the footsteps of his grandfather and he's doing it truthfully, sincerely, and forcefully. He's not afraid to call out corporations and understands that we are in a class struggle above all else. Climate Change, Work, Social Well Being, there is a global movement that is picking up pace that is the polar opposite of the hate fueld far-right authoritarian insanity. Avi could be the leader of that movement in Canada.

Avi could very well be the spark in Canada that people can rally around and revitalize what is supposed to be this progressive and optimistic country. I believe Avi is going to win this leadership race because I believe he is the best chance the NDP has to differentiate itself from the Liberals and Conservatives.

Avi can bring hope and huge change for the better to the NDP and to all of Canada if the party gives him that chance.

#3 Why Heather?

I had honestly considered stopping my ranking at #2. I would have been happy with just Tanille and Avi on my ballot.

However, after some reflection, I thought that as an advocate for #electoralReform and proportional representation myself, I didn't just want to pick my top two. I wanted to make a statement on each of these candidates an influence each one.

To be blunt, Heather is #3 because she is the middle-of-the-road candidate. She is an excellent representative as MP and has gathered the support of other MPs including my own, but while I would be OK with her leadership, I would see her as a continuation of the status quo, and that is not what the NDP needs as a party, nor is it what Canada needs as a country.

We desperately need a vigorous and clear alternative to the Centre-but-mostly-Right Liberals, and the MAGA-wannabe Conservatives. The only way to do that is to catch the attention of Canadians and inspire them. I am not sure that Heather has the ability to do that, and if we continue with the same leadership crew in the NDP, I am not confident that the policy choices will be strong enough to inspire and attract Canadians.

That is why Tanille and Avi are far better options.

#4 Why Tony:

Tony is the real deal. Honestly, I would have loved to rank him higher. He represents the true life blood of rural, socially progressive, environmentally aware, Canadians. You should go check out his platform. I am so glad that he was able to participate fully in the race and we need his voice in the NDP.

#5 Why not Rob?

I have been an active member in my Union for more than 10 years. Unionism is The Way. Rob is representing a division within the union movement that claims that working people can't have jobs if the environment is put first. This is a lie.

We need union leaders that look to the future and speak honestly to people. We need union leaders who are genuinely progressive, not ready to do the bidding of corporate masters to the benefit of a few.

Working people need honesty, and when an industry is on decline, a clear path to new, excellent, union, jobs!

#CanPoli #CdnPoli #Liberal #CPC #Canada #Democracy #NDP

New video explaining #ProportionalRepresentation from Sightline Institute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PWeaE5dwl4

#ElectoralReform #RankedChoiceVoting #Politics