We’ve had a lovely run these past 150-odd years, but our luck may not hold much longer

The 2025 federal election demonstrates the failings our electoral institutions from a democratic perspective. But here it is important to remember they were never created or kept in place with democratic objectives in mind. Canada’s voting system is a pre-democratic hold-over and it remains in use because it serves those that benefit from it.

For decades, Liberals have successfully told a lie that strategic voting in Canada is simply voting Liberal. That “Anything But Conservative” pitch actually means “Always Vote Liberal.” But this is a false premise. You can defeat Poilievre and weaken Carney all while building a more progressive Canada with a left-minded strategic voting plan.

Proportional representation (PR) is widely used in countries throughout the world, including most of the OECD. Look at the research on outcomes with PR.

We the undersigned Canadian citizens demand the following basic democratic rights: to cast an equal and effective vote and to be represented fairly in our federal and provincial legislatures, regardless of one’s political beliefs or place of residence; to be governed by fairly elected legislatures in which the share of seats held by each political party closely reflects the popular vote; to be subject to laws legitimately approved by a majority of elected legislators representing a majority of voters.

In a democracy – and especially in a crisis – citizens need to feel represented. With our election delivering a deeply divided result, let’s ask: should we elect for proportional representation?

Fair Vote Canada is a national citizens' campaign for proportional representation. 30% of the vote should equal 30% of the seats. Make Every Vote Count!