Advancing Proportional Representation in Canada with Réal Lavergne

Rules of the Game – discussing democratic institutions

The story of proportional representation in Canada is one of great hopes, changes in reform strategies, but also – unfortunately – many broken promises. So the country is still stuck with the outdated first-past-the-post electoral system at all levels of government.

With Réal Lavergne I discuss the efforts of Fair Vote Canada to push for electoral reform. He shares the frustrations and problems that come with the first-past-the-post electoral system and how Fair Vote Canada tries to bring change to the balance of power. While most people seem to be aware of the defects of elections in Canada, to introduce proportional representation through electoral reform is extremely difficult.

Réal Lavergne was President of Fair Vote Canada from 2016 to 2021 and is well versed with the experiences of advocating for proportional representation in Canada. Réal is an economist by training and got his PhD in Political Economy from the University of Toronto. Before starting to work as a volunteer for Fair Vote Canada, he spent many years in International Development.

Find a full transcript and links to all material discussed in the show notes.

Schedule: 00:00 Introduction / 03:20 Personal questions / 07:40 Main discussion / 35:20 Recommendations by Réal Lavergne.

Find out more about Réal Lavergne at Fair Vote Canada.

Find out more Fair Vote Canada.

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Please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Réal Lavergne.

Music credits: To Be A Ball Of Light by Late Night Feeler and Fantasy Classical Themes by TheoTe.