A petition asking the member of Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka to support the creation of a citizens' assembly to investigate electoral reform had 137 signatures in about a week has been brushed aside by MP Scott Aitchison, saying his focus is on more immediate issues, such as the cost of living.
MPs are set to vote on the proposal next month.
Port Sydney resident Paul Kuebler and other volunteer canvassers began collecting signatures on Jan. 14 from around the riding for a petition asking Aitchison to support a motion for a citizens' assembly on electoral reform (Motion M-86).
“Many Canadians are concerned with the health of Canada's democracy, including voter distrust and disengagement, low voter turnout, and the polarization of politics … Citizens' assemblies have considerable legitimacy and public trust because they are independent, non-partisan, representative bodies of citizens,” reads motion M-86, put forward by NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron.
“In the opinion of the House, the government should create a Canadian citizens' assembly on electoral reform, which would: consist of citizens selected by sortition, an impartial selection process to ensure the assembly's independence and nonpartisanship: … determine if electoral reform is recommended for Canada, and, if so, recommend specific measures that would foster a healthier democracy.”
Aitchison received the petition from Kuebler and fellow supporter Hugh McPherson on Jan. 22 at the Huntsville constituency office.
“(Aitchison) was open-minded and listened. I hope he takes the time to deliberate about this concern in his own mind,” said Kuebler after an approximately 30-minute meeting with Aitchison. “We're talking about the first step to a better democracy. So I can't see them not taking it seriously.”
Although Aitchison acknowledged the importance of the motion after meeting with Kuebler and McPherson, he said there are other things to focus on.
“I'm glad they did (the petition). This is an issue that I'm interested in, but I'm not passionate about it. I've spoken about it before, and it's something that we should do,” he said. “But my focus is on the immediate issues of the cost of living in Parry Sound—Muskoka, where I know too many people struggling to both heat their home and put good healthy food on the table.”
When asked how he would vote, Aitchison said: “I don't know yet. I will chat with the sponsor or a seconder for the motion, and I'm sure, as a caucus, we will discuss it as well. I'm intrigued by it on a very personal level.”
According to the motion, a Leger poll conducted in September 2020 showed that 80% of Canadians support striking a non-partisan, independent citizens' assembly on electoral reform.
Fair Vote Canada commissioned EKOS Research to run another poll to assess Canadians' opinions on electoral reform in December 2022. The poll concluded that 76 per cent of Canadians back it.
To read the entire motion, visit the Parliament's website. For more information about the National Citizens' assembly on electoral reform, visit Fair Vote Canada's website.
Julian Orlando Chaves is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Huntsville Forester. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.
