Just say NO

Nipissing No MMP
News Release

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This release announces the formation of a non-partisan group of Nipissing residents who are concerned about the negative impact of MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) form of voting. This option will be a choice during a referendum on the October 10, 2007 Provincial Election. Should this option be approved, in the next provincial election a voter will vote for their local candidate and their political party of choice.

MMP would see:
• Ridings in the province decrease to 90 seats from the current 107
• Increase the total number of MPPs to 129 from 107
• 90 MPPs will be elected by our current system (first past the post)
• 39 MPPs will be taken from lists submitted by political parties

The NO MMP for Nipissing Committee is concerned that:
• With a loss of 17 seats how many will Northern Ontario lose?
• How large will the surviving ridings be?
• To whom are the 39 list MPPs accountable? They do not have to seek reelection in a riding.
• Experience has shown that MMP leads to consistent minority governments.
• Do we really need more politicians at Queen’s Park?
• New Zealand is being used as an example for proponents of MMP where it has been in use since 1996. Ms. Helen Clark the Prime Minister states it is “almost impossible to make difficult decisions with MMP”. In an August poll, 68% of New Zealanders favoured a referendum to re-visit the process.


The NO MMP for Nipissing Committee is embarking upon a public awareness campaign that will alert Nipissing voters to the negative impacts of MMP. Our goal is to convince Nipissing voters to cast their ballots for our current “First Past the Post” voting method, which has contributed to our stable democratic system.

Financial donations and support are welcome and can be delivered to the office of Valin Partners LLP in care of Mr. William Brunton, 140 Main Street West, North Bay 474-1220.

For comment on the NO MMP for Nipissing Committee, contact Mr. Terance Cant 494-0800.

The organizers of the NO MMP for Nipissing Committee
George Berrigan, past Police Chief
Jack Burrows, past Mayor
William Brunton, lawyer
Terance Cant, retired educator
Holly Ann Garnett, student
Garth Goodhew, retired educator
Michael Lowe. Accountant

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