The Commission on P.E.I.’s Electoral Future will kick off its public meeting schedule Monday evening, September 12, at Bluefield High School from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Commission has been given the mandate to propose a Mixed Member Proportional System for consideration by Islanders. That proposal was released on May 27.
Government has also asked the Commission to conduct an education program designed to increase, among the general public, an awareness of the present First-Past-the-Post System and the proposed Mixed Member Proportional System. One of the key components of the education program is the series of public meetings to be held over the next four weeks across the province. At the meetings, the Commission will present information on both electoral systems. Following the presentation, the public will be invited to ask questions and provide comments.
The Commission is providing each Island household with an information brochure via Canada Post. The brochure is also available on the Commission’s website www.electoralfuture.pe.ca.
The website has further information on electoral reform. The public can also call the Commission’s toll-free number 1-866-380-9090. Radio and television will provide information which will provide insight into the two electoral systems as well. At the conclusion of the education program, Islanders will be asked to vote in a plebiscite, to be held on November 28 to determine which electoral system they prefer – the currently used First-Past-the-Post system or the proposed Mixed Member Proportional system.
On Tuesday, September 13, the Commission will conduct its second public meeting at Westisle Composite High School 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The meeting in the western end of the province will be followed by a public meeting at Souris Regional High School on Thursday, September 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For further information or comment, please contact
Leonard Russell, Chair of the Commission on P.E.I.’s Electoral Future, at (902) 886-2665.