Green Party of Canada congratulates PEI voters on choosing voting reform

(OTTAWA) – The Green Party of Canada released the following statement in response to results from a non-binding plebiscite to change the provincial voting system in Prince Edward Island:

“Prince Edward Islanders have spoken strongly in favour of change. It’s exciting to witness majority support for electoral reform,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “Thanks to PEI Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker for his strong leadership on this issue.”

At 52%, PEI voters supported a switch to a form of proportional representation – mixed-member proportional.

“I urge PEI Premier Wade MacLauchlan to accept the results of this plebiscite and take steps towards introducing legislation for a mixed-member proportional voting system,” Ms. May said.

Bruce Hyer, GPC Deputy Leader and Democratic Reform Critic, said: “I’m pleased at the very strong support in PEI for a more democratic system. It is interesting that the Cradle of Confederation may now be the cradle of enhanced democracy in Canada by leading the way for other provinces, and by encouraging Prime Minister Trudeau to keep his pre-election promise that the 2015 federal election will be the last under the flawed and antiquated First-Past-the-Post voting system.”

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
m: (613) 614-4916