The Commission on Prince Edward Island's Electoral Future

Mandate of the Commission

The mandate of the Commission is outlined in the following motion, put forth on December 14, 2004. You can also download a PDF of the motion. Please note that the motion was amended during debate. For further information regarding the amendment, contact 902-368-5970.

Motion No. 32

Prince Edward Island's Electoral Future

Honourable Pat Binns gives notice that tomorrow he will move, seconded by Honourable Mildred Dover, the following motion:

WHEREAS in January 2003, the Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform Commission was established to undertake the following:

• a review of all the statutes and associated regulations respecting the manner in which the Members of the Legislative Assembly are elected in the province;
• to consider the impact which district boundary changes, based on population shifts, may have for rural communities; and
• determine the relevance of an alternative electoral system, such as proportional representation, for Prince Edward Island;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Prince Edward Island has received the report of the 2003 Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform Commission and all members of this Assembly have had the opportunity to review it;

AND WHEREAS the findings of the Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform Commission has identified alternatives to the existing "First Past the Post" system of electing Members of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform Commission concluded that the Mixed Member Proportional System is the most relevant for further consideration by the Prince Edward Island electorate;

AND WHEREAS this Assembly concurs that the Island electorate needs direct input into any change in how honourable members are elected to this Assembly and that a plebiscite conducted by Elections PEI should be held to receive that direct input;

AND WHEREAS the Commission concluded that further public education was required to prepare the electorate for any eventual decision by the Prince Edward Island electorate;

AND WHEREAS all members of this Assembly agree that an independent commission should be established to oversee the education program as well as establish a clear and concise question for the plebiscite;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Assembly direct the Standing Committee on Legislative Management to appoint an eight person commission, known as the Commission on Prince Edward Island's Electoral Future, comprised of:

• a chair, as selected by the Standing Committee on Legislative Management;
• one person from each of the four federal ridings, as selected by the Standing Committee on Legislative Management; and
• one nominated by each of the political parties registered with Elections PEI for the 2003 Provincial General Election.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Standing Committee on Legislative Management direct the Commission to further the work of the Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform Commission by mandating the Commission to:

• develop and conduct a public education program, designed to increase among the general public of Prince Edward Island awareness of the present First Past the Post Electoral System and a Mixed Member Proportional System; and
• develop a clear and concise plebiscite question.

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission make a recommendation on when a plebiscite should be held.

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial government direct the Commission to ensure that the definition of a "majority" response to a plebiscite fully reflects the diversity of Prince Edward Island, with consideration given to the approach taken in British Columbia.