Halifax MP Megan Leslie to lead talk & discussion on state of Canada’s democracy

HALIFAX – Fair Vote Nova Scotia (FVNS) is launching its campaign for electoral reform with an Annual General Meeting and public talk given by guest speaker Megan Leslie, MP (Halifax) on the current state of the nation’s democracy. The public event is one of many being held across the country as part of Canada’s Democracy Day, September 15.

“Canada’s first representative assembly was elected right here in Nova Scotia, a full 109 years before Confederation,” said FVNS spokesperson Andy Blair. “As the birthplace of representative democracy in what was to become Canada, we have much to celebrate. But today there is also a great deal to be concerned about. Canadian democracy is under threat like never before: fewer and fewer people are voting, few women or minorities are elected, power is being concentrated in the hands of an unaccountable few, and our “winner take all” voting system disenfranchises millions and distorts election results. We are launching Fair Vote Nova Scotia this coming Democracy Day to highlight how dysfunctional our democracy has become and what can be done to fix it.”

The meeting is open to the public. Fair Vote Canada members in good standing may vote in the FVNS election during the AGM portion of the meeting (new members can sign up at the meeting for a $10 annual fee). Members of the public are invited to bring their concerns, questions or ideas and take part in the public discussion after the talk. Light refreshments will be provided.

Fair Vote Nova Scotia AGM & Democracy Day Discussion
featuring guest speaker Megan Leslie, MP

Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012
Time: 2:00pm FVNS AGM
2:30pm Democracy Day Discussion
with Megan Leslie, MP
Place: KTS Lecture Hall (New Academic Building)
King’s College, 6350 Coburg Rd.,
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Fair Vote Nova Scotia is part of Fair Vote Canada, Canada’s national multi-partisan citizens’ movement promoting fair voting reform and proportional representation at all levels of government. September 15 every year is Canada’s Democracy Day: a day to celebrate Canada’s democratic past, reflect on Canada’s democracy today, and imagine Canada’s democracy of the future. Visit www.democracyday.ca

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For more information, please contact:

Andy Blair tel. 902-718-9656 andy.blair@fairvote.ca