To the Editor:
Since it seems British Columbians are once again going to debate which electoral system to use, perhaps we should refer to our present system by its proper name. First past the post is a derogatory term for the British Parliamentary System or BPS. The BPS has been developed over centuries of trial and error in Britain. The U.N. cites the no.1 requirement for a successful state is good governance. The BPS has given Canada just that.
Canada is a stable, functional society where extremism has no place. We need to understand that our electoral system has a profound effect over this stability. Proportional representation is a risky venture. Remember, the electoral system applies to everybody, including extremist groups who quite capable of organizing themselves into a political party and gaining influence proportionately. Under BPS a Donald Trump could never be elected to anything.
One question people should ask themselves is what do you need in an electoral system and why should we go through the laborious and expensive process of changing something that has worked so well for so long
Billy Potash
Cawston