Over the years, Canadian churches, Christian organizations, and other social justice advocates have provided valuable analysis on a range of issues of concern to Canadians. Throughout this election campaign, CPJ has shared our perspectives on a number of key issues. Now, recognizing that there are issues of interest beyond the scope of our work, we’ve compiled a survey of some of the major themes worthy of consideration that are being highlighted by our colleague organizations. Read more »
When an election is called, church communities will encourage their faithful to undertake their civic duty to vote. All faith traditions will laud democratic participation – yet many Canadians are discouraged by politics and over 40% no longer vote. Beneficial reforms to the electoral system, allowing for more enhanced participation by Canadians, are very beneficial to the common good. Activities that limit, constrain and even exclude Canadians from participation in the political process are not helpful. Will the elimination of per-vote subsidy funding to political parties enhance civic participation and culture? Read more »
By Kathy Vandergrift and Citizens for Public Justice | Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
If you could set the agenda for 2010 during this pause, what would your list of the 20 most important policy concerns include?
CPJ has come up with a list of 20 key policy questions, one for each day. We believe these issues should be debated by MPs, the voice of the people, to set directions for Canada. Read more »
On May 12, BC voters have the option of choosing a new electoral system: Single Transferable Vote. STV is a more proportional system that respects voter preferences while also providing local representation. CPJ encourages our BC members and supporters to vote in favour of STV. CPJ’s interest in electoral reform grows out of our strong belief in justly accommodating diversity and respecting the reality of pluralism. Our legislatures should reflect the true diversity of opinion found in the country. Read more »
CPJ has long advocated for electoral reform, engaging with the electoral system and its implications for politics from the very beginning of its work. CPJ believes that introducing proportional representation to our electoral system would make it fairer for the representation of views, respecting the reality of pluralism. Read more »
While Canadians responded with fear and outrage to the possibility of a coalition government, many other countries are used to coalition governments. Experience from Germany and the Netherlands suggests that coalition governments can work well, offering stability and good governance. They represent accommodation of multiple viewpoints, and offer a positive platform for governance that does not restrict the role of other parties to opposing the government. Lessons from Europe could provide useful alternatives for the Canadian system, offering a more collaborative, transparent approach. Read more »
Recent events on Parliament Hill have revealed a deep problem: far too many Canadians are unfamiliar with our system of government. In our Westminster parliamentary tradition, no one is elected as the government. Unlike the Stanley Cup, government is not a trophy to be handed over at the end of a long contest. Any government must therefore have the confidence of the House of Commons and coalition governments are perfectly legal. The recent political events underline the unfairness of a party with a minority of votes having 100% of the power to set the parliamentary agenda and suggest the need for electoral reform. Read more »
In May of 2009, BC voters will get another chance to change their electoral system. Antony Hodgson advocates for the new system of Single Transferrable Vote, arguing that it will have several positive public justice implications. Read more »
In the October 10 provincial election, Ontarians have the chance to vote for a new electoral system. This system is similar to the current system but adds more proportionality – the idea that the legislature should reflect the percentages of votes that parties received in the election. You can read more about the benefits of the new system in our brochure. Read more »
When an election is called, church communities will encourage their faithful to undertake their civic duty to vote. All faith traditions will laud democratic participation – yet many Canadians are discouraged by politics and over 40% no longer vote. Beneficial reforms to the electoral system, allowing for more enhanced participation by Canadians, are very beneficial to the common good. Activities that limit, constrain and even exclude Canadians from participation in the political process are not helpful. Will the elimination of per-vote subsidy funding to political parties enhance civic participation and culture? 
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
On May 12, BC voters have the option of choosing a new electoral system: Single Transferable Vote. STV is a more proportional system that respects voter preferences while also providing local representation. CPJ encourages our BC members and supporters to vote in favour of STV. CPJ’s interest in electoral reform grows out of our strong belief in justly accommodating diversity and respecting the reality of pluralism. Our legislatures should reflect the true diversity of opinion found in the country. 
