Democracy Week in Canada is September 15-22, 2012. The week was chosen to recognize the annual United Nations International Day of Democracy on September 15. The themes of Democracy Week are celebrating, understanding and improving democracy in Canada.

All events are open to everyone, and do not require registration unless specified.

PR 101: A Crash Course in Proportional Representation

Date: Saturday September 15
Time: 7 PM
Location: Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Ave

As part of Democracy Day, we invite you to attend PR101.

We'll explore the flaws of our current voting system, and introduce you to various forms of Proportional Representation. PR is the most common electoral system in the world, because it guarantees that all votes count, and that all voices are heard. We'll look at models including Regional List, Mixed Member Proportional, and the Single Transferable Vote. We'll also give you insight on how politicians adapt to a PR system.

If you want to become an advocate for democratic renewal, this is the place to start.

Special guests: Wayne Smith, Executive Director of FairVote Canada and Ellen Michelson, Green Party Toronto Centre.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/522074734473457/

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As one of our Democracy Week events, we invite you to attend:
Getting more women elected: How and Why?

Tuesday September 18, 2012
7:30pm -9:30pm
130 Carlton Street
(at Jarvis and Carlton)

The U.N. says we need at least 33% women in our elected bodies for our voices to be heard when making our laws. However, at less than 25% women in parliament we lag many countries. Why is that and does it matter? June Macdonald and Joyce Hall will answer why it matters and what we can do about it. We will be assisted by Canadian film Menocracy about how our governments are manhandled. (www.menocracy.ca)
To make sure we have goodies and room for everyone, could you indicate you are coming here---it is free!
http://womenforfairvoting.eventbrite.ca/

FIXING CANADA’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM: FOUR FALLACIES (TORONTO)
When: September 20, 2012 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Room 052 (east end of the building in the basement) at University College, 15 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON
Contact: Canadian Electoral Alliance contact@electoralalliance.ca

Description: Fixing Canada’s Electoral System: Four Fallacies

Speaker: Ellen Michelson (member of the Canadian Electoral Alliance).

http://www.scienceforpeace.ca/fixing-canada-s-electoral-system-four-fall...

7-9pm on September 20th, 2012 in

Co-Sponsored by University College Health Studies Programme, Canadian Pugwash Group, Science for Peace, and Voice of Women for Peace.