VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC Greens welcome the tabling of the first report from the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform in the B.C. Legislature. The report reflects the collective efforts of all parties in the House, representing a wide range of perspectives from across the province.
“I am incredibly proud of the committee and staff who dedicated so much time and effort to this work,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and member of the Special Committee. “Close to 1,000 people and organizations took the time to participate in this process. The all-party committee was fortunate to hear from experts and community members who shared their knowledge, ideas, experiences, and perspectives on strengthening our democracy.”
The BC Greens look forward the timely implementation of all the report’s recommendations, including, for example:
- A People’s Assembly to make recommendations on how British Columbians elect their MLAs, such as proportional representation
- A public report from Elections BC on extending voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds
- The creation of a Centre of Excellence for Democratic Engagement
- Ensuring Elections BC addresses and identifies concerns about foreign interference in all its forms
- A review current legislative and regulatory measures to counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech during elections
“There was strong alignment that democracy needs to be strengthened. In these times, democratic and electoral reform is one of the most pressing issues of our time,” added Botterell. “It impacts how our society functions, how all perspectives and interests of British Columbians are represented in this chamber, and what we teach our children about civic responsibility.”
“We all envision a brighter future for British Columbia,” he said. “Protecting and strengthening our democratic and electoral systems is one of the most powerful tools we have to build that future.”
To see the final report, “Toward a Stronger Democracy in BC” visit https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19976/Report_DEM_43-1_1.pdf
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Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca