There has been much discussion about the referendum on proportional representation over the last few months, but we’ve not heard anything through the lens of those that work in the forestry, mining and energy sectors. How would a change in voting system impact those that work on the land base? This should be an important element of how we all vote.
Proportional Representation is, by nature, intended to provide more diversity in our political representation. The system proposed by the current government would provide for room in our legislature for any party which receives at least 5% of the province wide vote. There are over 30 registered political parties in our province and in 1996 there were 17 parties with candidates and 4 parties that received over 5% of the popular vote.
Diversity is important in any elected government but I would argue that we already have that. In my 12 years in government the BC Liberal Party had individuals with a broad set of interests. We had individuals with strong leanings to the environmental, labour and human rights agendas along with those who felt strongly about education, health care and economic development. Whether it was in the Cabinet room or the Caucus room everyone’s views would be heard and our team would make reasoned decisions. I believe this led to balanced and stable government. I’m sure this diversity applies to any major political party including the NDP.
In the resource sector we rely on a stable decision making environment. Regardless of the size of your investment you need to know that land use decisions will be fact based and consistent with government policy. You might be considering the addition of a dozer or truck or you may be thinking of spending $100 million on an upgrade to a sawmill (or $40 billion on an LNG plant). Likely your biggest concern is getting a return on your investment and the last thing you want is a government that makes inconsistent, emotional decisions.
The problem with having very small interest groups in government is that these groups will hold the balance of power in a minority government and minority governments will occur much more frequently in a Proportional system of voting. This balance then gives these small interest group an inordinate amount of power over government decisions. A few individuals have the power to bring down government and create undo pressure on important decisions.
If you want certainty in your business or employment Proportional Representation is not your friend. If you are an employee and owner or an investor in the natural resource sector there is a lot at stake in this referendum. Consider your options and choose wisely, our future depends on it.