B.C.’s Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform released its report that details engagement, voter participation and electoral reform, along with 36 recommendations.
Released Wednesday (Nov. 26), the report and its recommendations aim to “strengthen B.C.’s democracy by supporting participation and engagement, examining the efficacy of legislation and policy, and enhancing the responsibilities of and resources for Elections BC, political parties and MLAs.”
Chair Jennifer Blatherwick, an NDP MLA representing Coquitlam-Maillardville, said the committee considered opportunities to deepen public involvement in the democratic system, including supporting conversations about electoral reform.
“It’s also critical that our democratic institutions remain resilient, adaptive and responsive in an evolving world, particularly in the face of a challenging information environment,” she said.
The committee received a briefing from Elections BC and conducted public consultation.
During that consultation, the committee accepted written submissions and held public meetings virtually and in communities across the province. The committee heard from 987 participants.
Deputy chair Ward Stamer, a B.C. Conservative MLA representing Kamloops-North Thompson, said the committee heard from people across B.C. about their experiences with and perspectives on B.C.’s parliamentary democracy and how everyone can work together to improve it.
“Committee members also recognize democratic participation as a right and civic duty and support enhancing the information and education provided to British Columbians,” he said.
This report relates to the committee’s mandate on democratic engagement, voter participation and electoral reform.
The second part of the committee’s mandate, which calls on the committee to review the 2024 provincial general election and recommend improvements for future elections, is still coming. The committee is accepting written submissions until Dec. 18, which can be submitted at consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca.
Anton Boegman, the former chief electoral officer for Elections BC, released three reports following the 2024 provincial general election. The first was released in May, while the third was released in October. Boegman’s term ended Nov. 11.
His third and final report into the 2024 election included six priority recommendations, as well as several technical recommendations. One of the recommendations included extending the campaign for fixed date elections.
The committee also included: Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson, Burnaby East MLA Rohini Arora, Saanich North and the Islands MLA Rob Botterell, Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie, Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare, Surrey City Centre MLA Amna Shah and Cowichan Valley MLA Qwulti’stunaat/Debra Toporowski.