Here's what people are saying about the Broadbent Institute's landmark study on electoral reform

OTTAWA, Dec. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - The Broadbent Institute today released a landmark study on electoral reform, available online at http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/canadian_electoral_reform. Authored by Abacus Data, here is what stakeholders from across the country are saying about the report:

"Having elected a government that promised change, Canadians can expect to be part of a broad, cross-partisan dialogue on electoral reform. We need to be clear about the problems we seek to fix, identify solutions, and do this in a way that generates an outcome that enjoys democratic legitimacy. The Broadbent Institute's impressive large-scale survey is a great place to begin that dialogue. It tells us where there is a desire for change, and identifies the segments of the electorate who are as yet undecided. This provides an invaluable baseline for observing and shaping perceptions as our collective deliberations unfold." Max Cameron, Director at the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, University of British Columbia

"Citizens across the country are calling for equal and effective votes to bring a diversity of voices to the table. This landmark study reinforces what many experts have been saying for some time: the preferential ballot or ranked ballot in single-member districts is another winner-take-all, majoritarian system that will favour certain parties over others and will add more distortion to an already broken system. When we add a ranking mechanism to first-past-the-post, we get first-past-the-post on steroids. Proportional Representation is a principle that respects the true intention of voters with a goal to provide representation for all citizens." Kelly Carmichael, Executive Director, Fair Vote Canada

"After the 2015 federal election unfortunately only 26 per cent of our Parliament is female – an increase of only one point over 2011! We must do better. An electoral system based on proportionality would be the best way to achieve this. Canadians clearly want an electoral system that is fair and transparent." Donna Dasko, Co-founder and Past National Chair, Equal Voice

"Since the election we have heard from thousands of people from across the political spectrum who support a change to a proportional voting system. They want a better system to ensure election results closely reflect voter intentions, and promote cooperation between parties. The Broadbent Institute study is a very useful starting point for this important public policy discussion." Kelly Dowdell, electoral reform campaign manager, Leadnow

"Electoral reform is a priority for CARP. Two-thirds of CARP members, among the country's most politically engaged and avid voters, strongly support replacing our first-past-the-post system with a proportional system that better reflects the priorities of all voters. The Broadbent Institute study helps to build the evidence base for the meaningful change our members will be looking for." Susan Eng, Executive Vice-President, Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)

"Samara Canada welcomes a national conversation about possible changes to the way Canada's democracy functions, including electoral reform. When it comes to changing the way we elect MPs, the Broadbent Institute report serves as an important baseline for the conversation. The report highlights Canadians' desire for change, but also reveals the challenge in balancing Canadians' priorities for an electoral system. To Samara Canada, it suggests that public engagement and education around the merits and limits of different electoral systems will be critical."  Jane Hilderman, Executive Director, Samara Canada

"The Broadbent Institute's evidence-based report is an important step in understanding Canadians opinions on potential democratic reforms. This is especially relevant for young Canadians who typically lack political literacy. Apathy is Boring believes that it is essential to educate young Canadians and incorporate their opinions in the discussion of democratic reform, particularly those who have not been engaging with our current electoral system." Caro Loutfi, Executive Director, Apathy is Boring

"Though I believe that ranked ballots are a great improvement for mayoral elections and non-partisan councillor elections, when we're electing an entire Parliament, the most important goal should be proportionality. This Abacus research is a reminder that Canadians expect their elections to be fair and responsive to their desires. Most Western democracies use some form of proportional representation, and Canadian voters deserve nothing less." Dave Meslin, Co-Founder, Unlock Democracy, and Founder, Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto

"This ground-breaking survey shows that people want real change in how we vote. Proportional representation will ensure the results reflect rather than distort voters' intentions, putting an end to false majorities in Parliament and making our elections more fair. Most people clearly recognize that preferential ballots would extend an unfair federal voting system, while proportional representation would end it. We're hopeful the Canadian government will recognize this too." Dylan Penner, Democracy campaigner, The Council of Canadians

"Groupe Femmes, Politique et Démocratie joins our voice to those citizens who are calling for a change in the electoral system in order to ensure that the Canadian Parliament better reflects their political choices. This is also an occasion to encourage more participation by women in the places of power, and a clear route to improve representative democracy and the diversity of opinions." Micheline Paradis, President, Groupe Femmes, Politique et Démocratie

"The more someone is informed about politics the more they get interested in it and the more likely they are to vote. However, for this to happen, they must also feel that their vote counts, even if they choose a third party." Michel Venne, Executive Director, Institut du Nouveau Monde

SOURCE Broadbent Institute

please contact Sarah Schmidt, Director of Communications, Broadbent Institute, [email protected] or 613-857-2814.