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National Board Elections

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Fair Vote Canada (FVC) is looking for outstanding leaders in the proportional representation movement to stand for its Board of Directors (was National Council). Six members of the 15-member board are to be elected this year. The first five members elected will serve 3-year terms, and the sixth will serve a one-year term.

Please use this form to self-nominate for election to Fair Vote Canada (FVC) National Board by April 12

Directors of FVC help set our strategic direction and spend whatever time desired advancing the work of the organization. We encourage women, youth, equity-seeking groups, and others who have traditionally been underrepresented in politics to consider participating in this election. We need candidates from all walks of life, all provinces and regions, and all points on the political spectrum!

Only those who are FVC members by April 12, 2021, are eligible to stand and to vote in this election. For those who are not already a member, membership is obtained by making a one-time donation of $25, or $5 for those who are 26 or under, unemployed or under-employed, or members of equity seeking groups. Since the election is by STV, candidates may want to sign up some friends as members by April 12, to be sure to receive enough first preference votes to survive the first counts.  

Directors are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting on June 5, the Annual Board Meeting on June 6, and subsequent monthly Board meetings, held on Zoom. Directors are encouraged to join at least one committee, but can decide for themselves what more to do; such as serving on the executive, other committees, and working groups as required. More information about Directors’ duties can be found in our Board Manual.

Important Dates:

April 8: Online meeting for prospective candidates to ask questions of current board members, at 8:00PM EasternSign up here.

April 12: Last date for new members to join in order to be eligible to run or to vote. To be a member, you must have donated $25 to Fair Vote Canada over the year or donate $5 monthly. Donate here.

April 12: Deadline for nominations (candidates are self-nominated). Candidates stand for election by completing this form in English, French or both.

May 8: Online meeting for members to ask declared candidates questions. Sign up here to attend as a member.

May 12: Voting begins. New members who contribute by April 12 are eligible, as are all existing members in good standing as of Feb. 12.

May 22: Voting closes. Results announced.

We use an easy online voting service at opavote.com. If, for some reason, you are unable to vote online and prefer to vote by mail, you can request a mail-in ballot. Please contact [email protected].

June 5: Election results are ratified by members at our Annual General Meeting (by Zoom). Details of the speakers and discussion will be posted on our website.

Thank you,

FVC’s Recruitment Committee: Wilf Day, Chardaye Bueckert, Michelle Clifford, Dolly Cepeda, and Jonathan Cassels



Élections au Conseil national

Représentation équitable au Canada est à la recherche de cinq bonnes personnes! Serez-vous l’une d’entre elles?

Cherchez-vous à faire passer votre soutien à notre cause au prochain niveau? Nous avons besoin de six personnes passionnées et énergiques pour rejoindre notre équipe au Conseil d’administration national. En tant que membre votant de Représentation équitable au Canada, vous pouvez vous présenter.

Avez-vous un talent pour le réseautage et le travail d’équipe? Vous êtes intéressé par la planification stratégique? Aimeriez-vous consacrer du temps et de l’énergie à une organisation qui prône des élections proportionnelles équitables au Canada depuis plus de 18 ans? C’est votre chance d’influencer notre orientation pour les trois prochaines années. Construire le mouvement, fixer les priorités et planifier les campagnes, cela peut être très gratifiant!  

Représentation équitable au Canada est guidé par une équipe de 15 directeurs, notre Conseil national. Chaque année, nos membres élisent cinq directeurs pour un mandat de trois ans. Les membres du conseil se réunissent chaque mois par conférence téléphonique et une fois par an en personne lors de l’assemblée générale annuelle. Les groupes de travail offrent la possibilité de contribuer davantage en fonction de vos propres compétences et intérêts.

Nous encourageons les femmes, les jeunes, les personnes racialisées et les autres personnes qui ont traditionnellement été sous-représentées en politique à envisager de participer à cette élection.

Pour en savoir plus sur ce que l’on attend des membres du Conseil, consultez notre Manuel du Conseil, et joignez-vous à nos questions-réponses en ligne pour les candidats potentiels.

L’élection se fera en ligne en utilisant le vote unique transférable, un système de vote proportionnel (cela va de soi!) Nous encourageons tous les membres à participer, et vous invitons également à notre AGA le 5 juin.

Merci de soutenir la représentation proportionnelle au Canada, et merci de considérer cette opportunité! N’hésitez pas à transmettre ce courriel à d’autres personnes ayant le bon profil.

Dates importantes:

8 avril: Réunion en ligne pour les candidats potentiels. Posez vos questions aux membres actuels du conseil d’administration! Cliquez ici pour en savoir davantage.

12 avril: Le dernier jour pour devenir membre et avoir le droit de se présenter aux élections ou de voter. Pour être membre, vous devez avoir fait un don de 25$ (ou 5$ pour membres des groupes vises par l’équité) à Représentation équitable au Canada au cours de la dernière année. Vous pouvez faire un don ici: www.fairvote.ca/donate.

12 avril: Échéance pour les nominations et déclarations des candidates et des candidats (les candidat(e)s se désignant soi-mêmes), en complétant le formulaire à votre choix en anglais, en français, ou les deux.

8 mai: Réunion en ligne pour les membres afin de poser vos questions aux candidats déclarés. Inscrivez-vous ici pour y assister en tant que membre.

12 mai: Début du vote. Pour être éligible, on doit être membre en date du 29 janvier, qu’on ait déjà renouvelé depuis ou pas; les nouveaux membres ont jusqu’au 28 février pour s’inscrire (conformément aux dons payés).

22 mai: Fin du vote. Annonce des résultats.

Nous utilisons un service de vote en ligne très simple nommé opavote.com. Si, pour une raison quelconque, vous ne pouvez pas voter en ligne et préférez voter par la poste, vous pouvez demander un bulletin de vote postal en contactant [email protected].

Q+A Session with Board Candidates – May 8, 2021

Candidate Statements

Ryan Campbell

Municipality and province of residence

 

Vancouver, BC.

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 
I have volunteered with Fair Vote Canada in various capacities for a decade. From 2012-2015 and 2020-2021 I have been on National Council and I am currently also member of Fair Vote Vancouver’s board, where we are focusing on municipal electoral reform for BC. Past activities have included meeting MPs, fundraising, volunteering on social media, canvassing, produced advertising, coordinating volunteers, and organizing town halls for PR.
 
What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *
 
I’m a long time member of the Liberal Party of Canada who, along with other PR supporters, worked to get the resolution passed the formed the basis of their 2015 election platform, and I remain active lobbying for PR within the party.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

 

Yes.

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

 

FVC should focus on building up its capacity whenever possible, and taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves. That includes engaging with provincial and federal opposition parties, as I feel they are the most sympathetic to our cause – incumbent governments rarely want to change a system that benefits them. It includes working for municipal reform and other lower hanging fruit, and it must include supporting MDN’s efforts for reform provincially in Quebec. I feel the important thing is to adopt a multipronged and nimble approach, adapting to circumstances.

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

 

No.

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

 

My name is Ryan Campbell and I’ve been working with Fair Vote Canada in various capacities for a decade. From 2012-2015 and 2020-2021 I have served on our National Council and I am also currently a member of Fair Vote Vancouver’s board. I’m a long time member of the Liberal Party of Canada who, along with other PR supporters, worked to get the resolution passed the formed the basis of their ill-fated 2015 election platform. I feel it is important that there are Liberals working within the party while hold the party accountable for its broken promises to our movement. I firmly believe in adopting a multipronged and multipartisan approach to PR, meaning we should attack this issue on as many fronts as possible to maximizing our chances of success in at least one arena. I am an experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer for the movement and organization and I would greatly appreciate your support in this election.
Brad Chambers

Municipality and province of residence *

 

 

Iqaluit, NU

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

A former government Director of Policy and Planning, I bring an ability to analyze, synthesize, and bring together different points of view in a balanced and fair manner to maximize consensus. My division included communications, and I bring a belief in simple, clear and targeted communications. My Master’s degree in Leadership taught me a great deal about change management, and successful electoral reform is all about change management!
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.


What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 
I have two goals. To broaden the tent, I suggest simplifying and softening some communications to appeal to those that are uncertain about change. I also suggest repurposing the electoralreform.ca domain to be an impartial ‘trusted source’ for information on electoral systems, specific to the Canadian context. We believe in good democracy, so believe in others when they have the facts. I also want to lower the ‘energy’ to change to PR. Change is hard. Making it safer and easier is key to successful change. I have ideas to explore, including a semi-PR pathway.
 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

No.


Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

I have worked for PR for many years, submitting a proposal in 2016 to the federal electoral reform process and appearing at a hearing. I have communicated with a former Chief Electoral Officer, several sitting MPs, a party policy person, a professor and an advocate and author on ER. Throughout this time, I haven’t felt at home with FVC. I believe now that my moderate, outsider voice is a useful one among 15 board members. I bring an ability to see the perspective of the many, many disengaged, busy, and uncommitted Canadians, and can help find ways to reach them. As a northerner, I bring a slightly different perspective as well, coming from Canada’s largest riding. Lastly, as a policy person who has studied and experienced change management, I combine new ideas regarding communications and change strategies with an ability to see all sides, and a belief in teamwork. I believe I add a both a useful skill set and a unique perspective that can be of service to the Board of FVC.


Français


Municipalité et province de résidence

 

Iqaluit, Nunavut


Veuillez énumérer vos contributions passées à RéC, y compris toute activité liées aux sections, aux groupes de travail ou au Conseil national (max 540 caractères)

 


Quelles compétences, relations, ressources et expertise êtes-vous prêt(e) à utiliser pour appuyer RéC? (540 caractères maximum)

Un ancien Directeur des politiques et de la planification, j’amène une capacité d’analyser, de synthétiser et à rassembler points de vue divergents en une façon égale et equilibrée à maximiser consensus. Ma division a compris aussi communications, et j’amène une croyance en communications simple, clair, et bien visé. Ma maîtrise en leadership m’apprennais beaucoup du gestion du changement, et la réforme électorale réussie sera tout à fait un résultat du gestion du changement!


Pouvez-vous vous engager à participer activement aux réunions et à vous engager dans le travail de comité au service de la mission de RéC? Cela prend généralement un minimum de 6 à 10 heures par mois.

 

Yes.


Quelles sont vos priorités pour RéC pour les trois prochaines années? Comment pensez-vous contribuer à faire avancer ces priorités ? Soyez aussi précis(e) que possible. (max 720 caractères)

 

J’ai deux buts. Afin d’élargir la partie de la publique engager avec RéC, je suggère à rendre plus simple et plus douce quelques des communications à faire appel à ceux qui sentent incertains des changements. Je suggère à refaire electoralreform.ca (le site en anglais amènent les visiteurs au site actuel de RéC) d’être un domaine impartial pour l’information des systèmes électorale, spécifique pour le contexte Canadien. On croit en démocratie, alors croit en les citoyens informés! Je veux baisser ‘l’énergie’ à changer le système électorale. Changement est difficile. Le rendant plus prudent et plus facile est le clé de changement reussie. J’ai les idées d’explorer, un quasi-‘PR’ chemin inclus.


RéC cherche à garantir la représentation de la diversité canadienne au sein de notre Conseil. Nous demandons donc aux membres des groupes en quête d’équité s’ils souhaitent s’identifier. Souhaitez-vous vous identifier comme membre d’un groupe en quête d’équité ? Si oui, quel groupe ?

 


Veuillez fournir une déclaration de candidature qui résume les raisons pour lesquelles vous souhaitez être élu(e) au Conseil national du RéC (max. 1 200 caractères)


Je travaillais à réaliser ‘PR’ depuis beaucoup d’années, envoyant une soumission en 2016 au processus féderale de réforme électorale. J’ai communiqué avec un ancien chef des élections, quelques MPs, une conseillère politique d’un parti fédéral, un prof d’université, et un militant/écrivain au sujet de RE. Pendant cette époque, je ne sentais pas à l’aise avec RéC. Je pense maintenant que ma voix modéré, peut-être avec une perspective extérieur sera très utile parmi 15 voix au Conseil national. J’amène une capacité à apercevoir les perspectives des plusieurs Canadiens désengagé, occupé, et non engagé, et je pourrais trouver les moyens de les atteindre.
Un nordiste, j’amène une perspective un peu different, et aussi j’habite dans le plus grand circonscription du Canada. En dernier, étant un ancien responsable des politiques et ayant étudier et vivre le gestion du changement, je rassemble les nouveaux idées concernant communications et stratégies de changement avec une faculté de voir tout les facettes et une croyance au travail d’équipe. Je pense que j’ajoute les compétence utile et une perspective unique qui pourraient être utile au Conseil national du RéC.
Theodore Cooke

Municipality and province of residence *

 

 

Peterborough, Ontario

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

I have been following the organisation since the 2011 election, and have been an active member of the Facebook group for just as long. I began formally volunteering in December for an ad-hoc group to address the lack of members that are on the right side of the political spectrum. It is an uphill battle, but by the election, I am expecting to have a small band of like-minded conservatives working alongside me.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *
 
As a PR supporter, I have transitioned from left-leaning liberal, to libertarian, then finally to conservative. This experience has given me the necessary perspective to understand the pro-PR arguments from all sides of the political spectrum. I am also on the board of my conservative EDA, giving me valuable connections into our weakest support base. Finally, I have technical and lived expertise in designing websites for disabled people.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes. 


What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 
My priorities are to assist FVC to appeal to conservatives while using my platform as a member of the board to augment my efforts within the party. I will continue my efforts networking with establishment conservatives to better understand their perspective on PR, then bring my articulate voice to the FVC discussion when planning our objectives and designing our campaign material. In conjunction with my networking, I will use my platform as a board member to develop relationships with conservatives who are sympathetic to our cause in an attempt to bring as many of them on board as possible.
 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I am blind and have both a circadian and connective tissue disorder


Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

With the current system, Canada is a great country. With a better system, it could be a better country. PR would no doubt be a better system. Despite FVC’s non-partisan stance, our support is uneven across the political spectrum. If such a fundamental change happens without pan-partisan support, we will alienate a significant portion of our population. These people would understandably lose confidence in our democratic integrity: a result contrary to our aims. On the other hand, if we do not gain pan-partison support, then these parts of the political spectrum will be our largest obstacle. If they prevent our movement from succeeding, then many of us will lose faith in our democratic integrity. It’s a lose-lose without pan-partisan support. I am running as a voice from the right, working with the board to insure all views are integrated into our own, and all major grievances are accounted for in our plan to reform our democracy. We are #StrongerTogether. Let’s #MakeCanadaGreaterAlways
Kaisha Cunningham

Municipality and province of residence *

 

 

ON
 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

 

I am new to the organization, and I hope to bring fresh, new perspectives to the FVC. While my experience thus far has been limited to sharing social media posts, I am very interested in the mission and goals of FVC, and am committed to doing what I can to further them. I would love the opportunity to use my unique experience, connections, and skill set to influence the direction, strategic planning, and recruitment initiatives of FVC.
 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

 

I am a new teacher with many connections in the education sector, such as: unions, school boards, school faculty, and direct access to members of the education cohort at York University. As a teacher, I have my finger on the pulse of future generations, including which social media platforms youth spend their time on, youth priorities, and youth values. In addition to this, I have connections with the Black environmental nonprofit: BE Initiative.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

 

Yes.


What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 
My priorities for FVC over the next 3 years include a focus on reaching marginalized and underrepresented groups including BIPOC and youth. I plan to advance these priorities by using my experience and connections working with this sector to introduce education and recruitment campaigns that invite people from these backgrounds to join our mission. While I understand that specific operations are delegated to the Executive Director, I hope to be able to contribute to the strategic direction of the board through my liaisons with these important and valuable groups.


Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I occupy several groups as a Black, neurodiverse woman (ADHD)


Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

The main reason that I want to join FVC’s Board is because I am tired of seeing people become disengaged with politics because they feel like their vote doesn’t count, or that they do not have the power to effect change. I want to use my experience to help empower the next generation to make the sweeping changes that are so direly needed in Canada. This pandemic has exposed many of the social ills that we’ve collectively been ignoring for so long, and people are finally starting to pay attention. I want to help harness this energy by connecting young voters and other marginalized groups with the means to get involved in the democratic process. I believe that FPTP does not give us representatives that accurately reflect the needs and values of the people that put them in power. In my capacity as a FVC board member, I want to give people a reason to believe in democracy again — a reason to dream bigger and better, and demand a bigger say in how our society is run.
Steve Hindle

Municipality and province of residence *

 

Russell, Ontario
 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

Participation in an Annual General Meeting and encouraged members of the Professional Institute of Canada to participate in a Fair Vote Canada rally on Parliament Hill.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

As a semi-retired employee I have an abundance of time to contribute. I will also bring more than thirty (30) years of experience working for a federal public service union while also working within the federal government. This led to gaining much experience dealing with local and national media as well as politicians at many levels.

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

 

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

I see Fair Vote Canada being instrumental to facilitating an open conversation with Canadians concerning how Canadians have their views represented and considered within the legislative assemblies of the provinces as well as within the Parliament of Canada.

 

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I am not a member of an equity-seeking group.

 

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

Our current electoral system is biased in favour of the status quo with two federal parties taking turns in crafting a majority of the legislation and policy without receiving a majority of the support from voters. That is fundamentally wrong and a majority of Canadians believe that. The challenge is engaging in a conversation which leads Canadians to understand that proportional representation will still provide them with an opportunity to decide on their representatives. Our current system neither rewards not encourages cooperation amongst politicians. This leads them to give little, if any, consideration for the perspectives represented by the members of other political parties. They don’t seek to find a consensus because they so often do not one to enact their vision.
 
Emerson Howitt

Municipality and province of residence *

Toronto, Ontario

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

– Member of the Fair Vote Toronto action team
– Member of the Fair Vote Toronto Newsletter committee and regular contributor to the bi-monthly newsletter
– Volunteer coordinator for FVT

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

Background in Journalism and communications with particularly good writing and public speaking skills. Would be willing to front for Fair Vote at any event where a speaker is required -Extensive knowledge of how Proportional Representation systems work due to growing up in New Zealand

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

 

Yes.

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 

My main goal over the next 3 years would be to improve FVC’s diversity, right now we’re missing out on a whole group of people who could be promoting our message. The main way is to not silence ourselves from commenting on popular issues because we’re worried about appearing partisan. If people are talking about it then we should be injecting electoral reform into the conversation, whether the issue is being brought up by conservatives or progressives. What we need to do is explain why these issues are linked to our electoral system and why reform is the number one priority for the country.

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 


Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

 

Ending First Past the Post is Canada’s number one issue. Living in Toronto I can see first-hand the effects of this system with endless transit plans being ripped up and a false majority government bungling its handling of a once-in-a-century pandemic. There is literally no issue I see today that I can’t put through a PR Lense and if we can get more Canadians to do the same then we may finally have a chance at getting PR over the line. Once we change the system then the foundation will finally be in place to focus on other issues that plague’s this country. Pharmacare, Climate Change, Equality, it’s all connected to how we vote and the sooner we can get some victories than the sooner we can get Canada on the path to actually being the country it wants to be. I believe my background and enthusiasm for reform will make me a great asset to the board and inject some extra representation from the growing number of young people who believe First Past the Post isn’t working for them.
Aamir Hussain

Municipality and province of residence *

cof

Mississauga, Ontario.

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

FVC Toronto chapter, Toronto Action Team, FVC National Board member


What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

I have a lot of experience with campaigning with FVC and hope to bring that experience to bear in guiding how FVC moves into the future.

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 

I see the priority as building awareness of the importance of PR at every level of Canadian society.

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

Person of colour, Muslim.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

I have been involved with FVC for many years and while I stepped back from active involvement for the last few I am hopeful that I can use my voice and experience to help set good priorities for FVC into the future.
 
William Molls

Municipality and province of residence *

 

 

Toronto, Ontario

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

 

I am a monthly contributor to Fair Vote Canada, have signed petitions, written letters to my MP and shared Fair Vote Canada posts on social media.

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

I am a former candidate and campaign manager for the NDP at the federal and provincial level, respectively. I’ve served on several community and activist boards, including time as the Chair of the Harbour Channel Housing Co-operative and the Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association. I was the co-founder of VoteTO16, a campaign active from 2010 to 2012 to lower the voting age in Toronto to 16. Professionally I am a magazine publisher and designer.

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

 

Yes.

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *
 

My top priority as a member of Fair Vote Canada’s board would be achieving a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. With a federal election imminent, we have an opportunity to make this an election issue. I know the importance of canvassing (when it is safe to do so) and community action. As a board member, I would contribute to a working group on volunteer recruitment and co-ordination, letter writing campaigns and petitions to local candidates for the election. After the election, we will need to use the same tools to keep up the pressure and attention on this issue.

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

 

No

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

As a candidate in the 2011 federal election, I heard first-hand, in many conversations with voters door-to-door, that they felt they had to compromise or vote “strategically” to prevent an outcome they didn’t want, rather than vote for the candidates or parties they agreed with most. Fair Vote Canada is the strongest voice for electoral reform and proportional representation in Canada. By implementing a proportional electoral system, we can put an end to deepening polarization and the false dichotomy of being limited to only two choices at the ballot box – a natural product of first-past-the-post. I believe electoral reform is the solution to the existential threat these problems pose to our democracy. Fair Vote Canada is how and where we organize to achieve that goal, and its work is vital and necessary. I look forward to bringing my experience as a federal candidate, activist and organizer to FVC’s board to continue that important work.
Jeffrey Nieuwenburg

Municipality and province of residence *

 

 

Vancouver, BC

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) 

 

 

I have served on Fair Vote Canada’s national board since 2020. I am also the treasurer of Fair Vote Vancouver, my local chapter. During the 2018 referendum campaign in BC, I served on our provincial board. I have also been involved our efforts during the most recent provincial and federal election campaigns.

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

 

I have been quite involved in Fair Vote Canada (FVC) campaigns in the past. My background is in political science and law. I have used those skills, and my commitment to proportional representation (PR) in my work on boards and when organizing events, volunteers, canvasses, and other activities in the past. I look forward to tabling at farmers markets, Car-Free-Days and similar events again soon, once Dr. Bonnie Henry has given us the all-clear.

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

In the next three years, I hope PR will be adopted in a jurisdiction whether federal, provincial, or municipal. I believe if PR is used in other levels of government it will make Canadians more comfortable with it and convince them it is ready for prime-time. I am encouraged by our efforts towards “local choice” in BC and Ontario. While PR must remain our primary focus. I would also like to see FVC engaged in other pro-democracy causes where doing so will be largely uncontroversial and allow us to grow, including Vote 16, strengthening the Reform Act legislation and “truth in advertising”.

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

No. I am under 35.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

I was first introduced to proportional representation when members of the BC Citizens’ Assembly attended my high school circa 2003. In University, I was lucky enough to study electoral systems under Dennis Pilon. I volunteered on the 2009 BC-STV referendum. Subsequently, I attended law school in Australia where I observed a form of proportional representation in action. For the last seven years, I have worked as a lawyer in Vancouver. I joined the board of Fair Vote Vancouver several years ago. In that time, I served on the board of Fair Vote Canada-BC during the provincial referendum and later on Fair Vote Canada’s 2019 federal election committee. I want to continue to serve on the national board to be a voice for outreach to other groups including conservatives, and for FVC to champion other uncontroversial democratic issues which might bring other allies into our tent. It is vital that we make FVC a more inclusive and diverse organization. I look forward to being part of that.
 
Kate O'Connor

Municipality and province of residence *

 

Victoria-Beacon Hill, British Columbia
 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

While I have not worked specifically with FVC, I have campaigned and advocated for PR. I first learned about PR in my high school politics class and later that year volunteered with the BC Greens as a caller during the 2018 PR referendum. I have also volunteered for 3 Green Party candidates who support PR and advocated for PR in media interviews and policy debates during my campaign as a Green Party candidate in the 2020 BC provincial election.

 

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

Through organizing GOTV efforts and running my own campaign, I learned how to use systems to effectively mobilize people. I have experience using social media and experience with radio and tv media. I sit on the BC Green Youth Council and work for MLA Olsen as a constituent advocate. I was named a top 25 under 25 environmentalist in Canada by The Starfish and regularly collaborate with other youth and climate activists on shared projects.

 

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

 

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

I’d like to see FVC reach out to and educate a more diverse and younger audience. Young people are leading activist movements across the world, yet, I often find that my peers are relatively unaware of PR and its role in creating a more equitable governance system. I believe young people will be excited about PR when they understand how interconnected our voting systems are with achieving social and climate justice. Given my experience advocating for youth participation in politics, I have learned how to connect with young people and will use this experience to help FVC.

 

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I am a young person as I am 18 years old.

 

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

I believe that we need an electoral system that represents voters fairly if we are to achieve climate and social justice. I ran as a Green Party candidate in the 2020 provincial election, and became the youngest candidate in BC history. During the campaign, I advocated for urgent climate action, intergenerational leadership and youth participation in politics. I also supported PR and continue to work with the BC Green Youth Council to educate people on the benefits of PR. As a constituent advocate, I’m learning about the everyday effect legislation has and how legislation would be better under a PR system where a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives are represented. I’ve spoken in schools and forums with the goal of engaging young people in politics. I believe that young people would more actively engage in politics under a equal electoral system where they could see their vote count. If elected to the FVC board, I plan to work to show young people the importance of PR.

Helen Riordon

Municipality and province of residence *

Ontario

 

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

I have been working with Rick Odegaard in London, ON. for Fair Vote Canada. We went together to talk to Lindsay Mathyssen, London Fanshawe , during the last Federal Election campaign, to make sure that she was on board with PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. I also went to Teresa Armstrong’s Office, Provincial MPP to discuss Proportional Representation and her comittment to it. I also was representing us at the Gathering of the Green in London West.

 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

I am the Coordinator of the International Women’s Day Coalition in London, ON., and I would work with other women to promote Fair Vote Canada. I am also a member of the London Regional Social Forum and we could include this issue in a workshop. I have agreed to help get this information into the Secondary Schools. I am a retired Social Worker, so I have the required communication and presentation skills.

 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

 

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

My priorities are to get Fair Vote Information into the Secondary Schools. I would also like the London Regional Social Forum to include Fair Vote Canada information in a future workshop. I would also like to work with candidates from all parties to have them include election reform in their platforms. In the next Federal election, I would like to see the next government promote election reform in a real way. I would also like to see the Provincial Government commit to electoral reform.

 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I am a woman. I am 71 years old. Therefore, I represent women and seniors.

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

Having been involved with Fair Vote Canada over the past 5-6 years, I feel I have gained the experience and the expertise to make a difference in this organization. Now that I am a retired Social Worker, I have more time to devote to becoming a Board Member on the national stage. I have worked locally in London North Centre, London Fanshawe and London West to bring electoral reform to the politicians and to the general public from the NDP, Liberals and the Greens. ( I have not had much success with the Conservatives on this issue, but I continue to work on them). In my past employment as a Community Mental Health Worker, I can see that we also need to work to encourage people to vote. We need to approach people who are more marginalized in society, and the youth who have never voted before. I have been an activist in the London International Women’s Day Coalition and with the London Regional Social Forum. I have worked with others on Housing Issues , Child Care, and other issues.
 
Tim Rourke

Municipality and province of residence *

 

Toronto, Ontario

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

I have been interested in the idea of reforms to Canada’s political systems my entire adult life. I have been involved off and on with FVC about since it was founded. At times I have done some volunteer work with FVC, most notably in the referendum of 2007. I was on the board of Fair Vote Toronto one year, I think 2010. I ran for the national board in 2014. I last tried to do some volunteer work with FVT in 2019.
 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

I do not think I have any particular skills or expertise at voting reform. I have a very good analytical mind. I offer my input to various organizations when they are willing to listen. I know a great deal about voting systems but I am more interested in democratic systems; participatory and deliberative systems.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

I do not have any priorities for FVC over three years. I do not know much about the ideas and workings of the present council. It would take me some time to come up to speed on this. But my focus would be on getting the organization to rethink its basic ideas. That would be difficult, but there is a need for a relaunch of democratic reform movement with a deeper understanding of what is needed.
 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

Regarding ‘diversity’, see below.
 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

First, regarding diversity; Part of FVCs problem is that it has always been mostly one type of people. To get more diversity it must be able to respect someone of a different background, thus different perspective. I have been around long enough to be a ‘senior citizen’ but I have suffered from life long ‘hidden disabilities’. I have lived in relative poverty most of my life. My reason for running as a candidate for the board of FVC is that it is usually a good way of letting some fresh air into a group that has become stagnant, even if I don’t win. FVC painfully needs to step out of itself and take a good look. It has been going around in circles now for twenty years and it is frankly no closer to its goal than it ever was. It would be wonderful if FVC reinvented itself in a more useful way; much better that having to built a completely new organization.
Tara Shushtarian

Municipality and province of residence *

 

Burnaby North Seymour British Columbia.


Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

 

Over the past several years have been attending meetings with The Burnaby chapter to meet with our local MP Terry Beech and make the case for proportional representation and a Citizen’s Assembly. During the BC referendum in 2018 was very involved campaigning , tabling, doing outreach work , phone banking not only with Fairvote but other orgs to educate amplify and spread the message on PR. Again for federal elections and Green New Deal talks.
 

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

Human resource. I have fairly good analytical and writing skills. I am involved with a wide spectrum of organizations and am a core volunteer team member with Dogwood, Force of Nature , BC poverty Reduction Coalition, BC Climate Emergency Network South Asian Advance Care and am on the Environment Commitee with Burnaby Council. I am a team player fostering relationships through an alliance with racial , environmental and social justice.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.

What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

 

Firstly to make PR an important theme in the upcoming election. Lobbying candidates and parties and asking them to take an unequivocal stance on PR and make it a part of their platform . Educating and having conversations about PR amongst marginalised groups and youth. Making the case we will have far greater outcomes for Climate and social justice with a PR system. Proactively work towards creating the Citizen’s assembly so that we have an unbiased result of a PR system to be adopted. The election after next, make PR a reality.
 

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

I am woman of South Asian descent.
 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

With the fairvote meetings i have attended over the past several months, it never fails to amaze me at the talent pool , expertise and thoughtfulness there is in the organization. I would like to bring that voice of diversity and inclusivity to the table, not as a token but a contributing member. With my involvement and deep understanding of so many myriad organizations and my interpersonal skills, i am able to bridge differences and bring harmonious consensus . At the same time i tactfully speak truth to power. The social, environmental policies that i long to see come to fruition can only happen if people have the power to influence their leaders. Stringent environmental laws, , pension plan, great governance ,vibrant democracy can be within our reach. I have great political and societal ambition for Canada. I too want our Barrack Obama moment but with real teeth. An electoral transformation which would eventually elect our first Indigenous Prime Minister.
Dean Whalen

Municipality and province of residence *

 

Ontario


Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters) /

We organized a group called Fair Vote Huron-Perth following the 2015 Federal Election. This group assisted in the spread of information and educational materials to our community. We held one public event calling on the Federal government to honour their commitment to eliminate First Past the Post elections. We participated in the Federal sponsored committee on Electoral Reform in Huron County.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC? (max 450 characters) *

 

I am a retired Financial Advisor and have served on several Volunteer Boards in the past including The AMGH Foundation (local hospital), Perth-Huron Children’s Aid Society, Independent Financial Brokers of Canada. I am able to work with others to develop a coherent and unified strategy to accomplish the organization’s goals. I have basic literacy in French.
 

Can you commit to participating actively in meetings and engaging in committee work serving the mission of FVC? This typically takes a minimum of 6-10 hours per month. *

 

Yes.


What are your priorities for FVC over the next 3 years? How do you do you see yourself contributing to advancing those priorities? Be as specific as possible. (max 600 characters) *

1) Create a better awareness among Canadians of the benefits of Proportional Representation.
2) Encourage political parties to work together to put political pressure in parliament to change our Electoral system. Possibly some form of alliance to help get PR supporting members elected.
3) Work with the organization to promote activities that will accomplish the above priorities.
4) Assist in other work as identified by the Board to accomplish FVC’s goal to improve our Electoral System.

Fair Vote Canada seeks to ensure the diversity of Canada is represented on our Board, so we are asking members of equity seeking groups if they wish to self identify. Do you wish to identify as a member of an equity-seeking group? If so, what group?

 

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for seeking election to FVC National Board (max 1,000 characters)

 

PR electoral systems allow for a greater diversity of members and have statistically more favourable policies toward the environment. FVC can educate and lobby for Proportional Representation showing how it can improve our environment and democracy. Countries with proportional systems tend to act more quickly and do more to protect the environment. With made-for-Canada proportional representation: • Almost every vote will count to define the makeup of the legislature. • Almost every voter will help elect a representative who shares their values. • All regions will have representation in both government and as part of the opposition. • A single party will no longer be able to attain a majority government with just 40% of the vote. • Cooperation and compromise will become the norm.
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