B.C. parties leave door open to electoral reform without a referendum
VANCOUVER — Neither of British Columbia’s two main political parties are ruling out changing the province’s electoral system without holding a referendum.
The New Democrats’ campaign platform included putting the question of electoral reform to voters, but party leader John Horgan said Thursday he’s open to compromising with the Greens, who want the change introduced without a vote.
“Quite honestly I believe that this singular moment in history is an opportunity to demonstrate to British Columbians the benefits of a proportional system where two parties can come together and provide good government for B.C.,” Horgan said after his first caucus meeting since the May 9 election.
“We campaigned on a referendum to affirm proportional representation, but I’m open to discussions with the Green party about their approach to this question and we’ll take it from there.”