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National Board Elections

National Board Elections

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Voir ci-dessous pour la version française de ce message.

Would you consider taking your support for proportional representation to the next level? We need seven passionate and energetic individuals to join our national board of directors! As a voting member of Fair Vote Canada, you can stand.

Are you good at establishing relationships with allies and teamwork? Are you interested in strategic planning? Do you have time and energy to devote to the organization that has advocated for fair, proportional elections in Canada for more than 19 years? This is your chance to influence our direction—setting priorities and building the movement. It can be very rewarding!  

Fair Vote Canada is guided by a team of 15 directors, our Board of Directors. Seven directors are to be elected this year: the first five members elected will serve 3-year terms, the sixth will serve a two-year term, and the seventh will serve a one-year term. Board members meet monthly via Zoom, plus once a year at the Annual General Meeting. Working groups offer a chance to contribute further, depending on your own skills and interests. We especially encourage women, youth, Black, Indigenous, and racialized people, and others of disadvantaged socio-economic background who have been traditionally underrepresented or excluded in politics to consider participating in this election. Find out more about what’s expected of Board members at our online Information Session for Prospective Candidates.

The election will be conducted online using the Single Transferable Vote, a proportional voting system (of course!) All members are encouraged to participate, and to join us as well on June 11 for our AGM.

Those who are selected for the ballot will be notified on April 25th.

Thanks for supporting proportional representation in Canada, and thanks for considering this opportunity! Feel free to forward this email to others who might fit the bill.

Important Dates:

April 14: Online Information Session for Prospective Candidates to ask questions of current board members, at 8:00PM EasternSign up here.
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April 18: Deadline for nominations (candidates are self-nominated).  Self-nominate for Fair Vote Canada’s (FVC) National Board election by completing this application form

April 25: 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 $5 if you are a low income/youth/equity-seeking group) or donate at least $5 monthly .Donate here.
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April 25: All candidates who have submitted nominations are contacted individually by email.
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May 15: Online Q&A with Candidates. Members can sign up here to attend

May 25: Voting begins. New members who contribute by April 18 are eligible, as are all existing members in good standing as of Feb. 12. We use an easy online voting service at opavote.com.

June 4: Voting closes. Results announced. 

June 11: 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.

Michelle Clifford, Co-chair
on behalf of Fair Vote Canada National Board



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 sept 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–fixer les priorités et construire le mouvement, cela peut être très gratifiant!  

Représentation équitable au Canada est guidée par une équipe de 15 directeurs, notre Conseil national. Sept directeurs doivent être élus cette année: les cinq premiers élus auront un mandat de trois ans, le sixième un mandat de deux ans, et le septième un mandat d’un an.. Les membres du conseil d’administration se réunissent tous les mois via Zoom, et une fois par an 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 tout particulièrement les femmes, les jeunes, les Noirs, les autochtones, les personnes racialisées et les autres personnes défavorisées sur le plan socio-économique, qui ont été traditionnellement sous-représentées ou exclues de la politique, à envisager de participer à cette élection. 

Pour en savoir plus sur ce que l’on attend des membres du conseil d’administration participez à notre séance de questions-réponses en ligne pour les candidats potentiels.

.Proposez votre candidature à l’élection du Conseil national de Représentation équitable au Canada en remplissant ce formulaire. Les personnes sélectionnées pour le bulletin de vote seront informées le 25 avril.

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 11 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:

14 avril: Session d’information en ligne pour les candidates et candidats potentiels afin de poser des questions aux membres actuels du conseil d’administration, à 20h00 (heure de l’Est).  Inscrivez-vous ici.

25 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.

18 avril: Échéance pour les nominations et déclarations des candidates et des candidats (les candidat(e)s se désignant soi-mêmes), en complétant le formulaire.

25 avril : Tous les candidats qui ont soumis des candidatures sont contactés individuellement par e-mail.


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


25 mai:
Début du vote. Pour être éligible, on doit être membre en date du 12 février, qu’on ait déjà renouvelé depuis ou pas; les nouveaux membres ont jusqu’au 18 avril pour s’inscrire (conformément aux dons payés). Nous utilisons un service de vote en ligne facile à utiliser sur opavote.com.

4 juin: Fin du vote. Annonce des résultats.

Les membres ont également le droit d’assister à notre assemblée générale annuelle le 11 juin sur Zoom. Les détails concernant les orateurs et la discussion seront affichés sur notre site web.

Q+A Session with Board Candidates – May 15, 2022

Watch a recording of the Q+A Session with Board Candidates here.

Candidate Statements

Valerie Brooks

Valerie Brooks

Twitter: @vjbTRaccomplice
Facebook: @valerie.n.brooks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brooksv
Email: valerie.brooks at gmail dot com

Municipality and province of residence
Saltcoats, Saskatchewan

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
None

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
As a professional educator and administrator for the past 20 years I have learned and honed many skills such as communication, collaboration, creative problem solving, critical thinking and persistence. As a Green Party of Canada candidate I would work with others locally to build understanding and awareness of these values and core ideas such as electoral reform.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
Working with EDA’s of Political Parties that support electoral reform to empower them on a local level to spread the word and gather supporters. Education is key, and unfortunately many people do not understand how PR can work in Canada and specifically in their own riding.

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?
Women

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
PR is one aspect of electoral reform that will help rid our system of corruption and power politicking. It will provide the framework for collaborative governing, where all voices have space to be heard and creative problem solving can occur. Until we embrace diversity of ideas, we limit ourselves in finding the best possible solutions to issues Canadians face. I would be honoured to sit at the table with others to move forward this crucial reform in Canadian governing systems.

Brad Chambers

Brad Chambers

Email: qilalugaq at gmail dot com

Municipality and province of residence
Iqaluit, Nunavut

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 on the FVC National Board for the last year. During this year I have been learning the details of FVC’s functioning, but have still been an active board member, contributing actively to policy work in particular but also advocating for a strong and principled foundation for our work and creating avenues for openness and inclusion to ensure FVC is an adaptive driver of change.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
As a former Director of Policy and Planning I am happy to continue to contribute in those areas. I also bring a Masters in Leadership and from that a belief in teamwork. In particular I favour solid knowledge foundations, balanced synthesis of multiple points of view (with logic and empathy), and open and inclusive decision-making. As a creative problem solver, I am interested in exploring new pathways to successful electoral reform.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I would continue the advocacy for a Citizen’s Assembly and multi-party approaches to reform. That pathway, while logical, lacks emotional appeal and I believe there is room to advocate for other pathways as well. In particular, I support exploring semi-proportional pathways to change that appeal to a broader segment of the population. As an advocate for good democracy, I also believe FVC needs to model good democracy, including exploring ways to engage our membership. I have specific ideas to offer, as well as time to contribute to research, development, and engagement.

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I believe in good democracy and consider electoral reform as a cornerstone of democratic renewal. A good electoral system is the foundation of our governance and so its importance can hardly be overstated: increasing the proportionality enhances legitimacy of the results and ensures Canadians see themselves represented in their legislatures. Trust and legitimacy are trending in the wrong direction, so we need to take action to modernize our electoral system (with better proportionality). Having been on the Board of FVC for one year, I see many things that are done well, but I also see ideas and opportunities that need to be explored and feel I am just getting started contributing to positive change in FVC. I hope to be given the opportunity to continue being a voice for strong democratic foundations to our work and being an advocate for new – but carefully considered – approaches to strengthening our electoral system and our democracy.

Wilf Day

Wilf Day

Twitter: @WilfDay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilf.day/
Email: dayphope at on.aibn dot com
http://wilfday.blogspot.com

Municipality and province of residence
Port Hope, Ontario

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
A member of Fair Vote Canada’s Board since 2004, the longest-serving, which is sometimes useful for institutional memory. I’m currently one of the executive as National Secretary. Since I was an elected school trustee in 1982-94, all local parties know I’m in multipartisan mode as President of FVC’s Northumberland—Peterborough South Chapter. It has had executive members from all four parties.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I was a delegate at Ontario’s 2002 NDP convention that voted to support MMP after a dazzling presentation by a brilliant young doctoral student, Dennis Pilon. (He’s still at it! So is the NDP, mostly.) An Ontario lawyer since 1971, now retired. Bilingual enough to manage written French and some oral French. My riding is 50% in nine small urban centres, 49% rural, and 1% in two First Nations, more residents than the Ontario average.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
We must remain agile enough to seize opportunities. Here is an example:
http://wilfday.blogspot.com/2022/03/can-anything-be-done-before-next.html
We must expand our outreach in Quebec. We must work with many strategic partners, as well as social media. (I have over 4,200 Facebook friends). Residents of rural and small urban communities must speak up. I helped put together the Statement by FVC’s Rural and Small-Urban Caucus to the ERRE.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19CRR5jp76J2isjS7_K0aPA8RkSSmElD5zLkTKXwhgU0/edit#

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
The 22-member Big City Mayors’ Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is vocal, 41% of Canada’s population. But residents of rural and small urban communities (under 30,000) should not be afraid to speak up too. By the 2021 census, we are 30.2% of the population of Canada. Adding the 8.6% of Canadians in medium population centres (30,000 to 100,000) totals 38.8% who share common concerns in many respects, compared to the 61.2% who live in urban centres over 100,000. We understand how our communities value having local representation to champion our area. But of course we also want MPs whose views reflect our values, including someone we helped elect.

I want every vote to count. I’ve watched electoral reform efforts across Canada closely. Prof. Henry Milner calls me an electoral mechanic. Some call me an MMP expert. Check my blog on MMP:
https://wilfday.blogspot.com/2016/03/mmp-for-canada.html

Adam Goodwin

Adam Goodwin

Municipality and province of residence
Red Deer, AB

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
None as of yet.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I am a logical and thought out leader who tries to find a good balance of two way communication to bring a positive win-win for parties. Building strategies and procedures to best map a pathway to success takes practice and I am well versed in both.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
Education of the goals and positive consequences of a proportional representation election would be first priority. Helping people understand that the use of pro rep brings balance and forces the winning party to work with the opposition parties. This forces them to collaboratively govern without being able to ram legislation through, helping with the “pendulum swing” of policy that is characteristic of a FPP system. Another key information point is that it doesn’t represent a massive change in how our system runs once the election is decided. Change is hard…help them understand

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 minority.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
This is a fundamental improvement in how our system in Canada needs to run. I have a history of supporting policy boards and bring a logical approach to helping people assess, evaluate and deal with change. My business, operations and project leadership can add value along with my MBA, and PgDip in Mental Health/Neuroscience have given me great tools to help present and help people overcome an aversion to change.

Steve Hindle

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)
I have been a member of the FVC Board since June, 2021, and a Co-Chair since December 2021. I am a member of the Roles & Responsibilities Committee and the Ad Hoc Policy Committee.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I have more than twenty years experience in the labour movement and that has allowed me to gain experience in building consensus around challenging issues and to develop above average skills in managing meetings of up to 250 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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
FVC should concentrate on achieving a first victory on electoral reform. Part of making this happen will be the establishment of an effective Citizens’ Assembly in a Canadian jurisdiction. This continues to be a step-by-step process and we should be persistent and persuasive.

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I firmly believe that proportional representation will provide all Canadians with better governance. More Canadians will see and hear their views reflected by their elected representatives. Political parties will come to see collaboration across the political spectrum as a key ingredient in providing effective and broadly accepted policies which will allow us to make progress on the biggest challenges of our times.

Michele Kading

Michele Kading

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-kading-a188a141/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/213583047419526
Email: michele dot kading at gmail dot com

Municipality and province of residence
MB

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I joined the Proportional Representation movement in 2015. I have participated in a few local meetings and events organized by the Manitoba Chapter (presentation by Nathan Cullen, day of action in 2017, etc.). I have supported Fair Vote Canada campaigns and made donations. I was briefly a member of the Writers for Proportional Representation Working Group when it first started but have not participated recently.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I have expertise in:
• board governance versus operations (from the perspective of a member of non-profit boards and as a former Executive Director)
• strategic planning and evaluation
• policy (writing and implementing)
• human resources and volunteer management (recruitment, training, supervising)
• public and media relations.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I would:
• Support the strategy to strengthen the movement by expanding the supporter base.
• I will contribute to this strategy by reviewing the actions identified in the plan (how), proposing new ideas (including mainstream media as a target group), and exploring ways to assist as a service volunteer.
• Identify more ways to directly engage service volunteers across Canada where there are no local chapters.
• Propose steps to turn members and donors into service volunteers.
• Facilitate communication between volunteers.
• Offer my experience in board governance to make FVC a stronger organization.

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?
Women and senior citizen.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I joined the movement to push for proportional representation in 2015. I have been directly affected by Canada’s winner-take-all electoral system. I am one of the millions of voiceless Canadians who votes on Election Day but then has no political representation. Canada’s undemocratic way of counting votes affects every aspect of life in Canada, leaves our country susceptible to extremism, and contributes to voter apathy and growing unrest across Canada. I am seeking election to the FVC National Board because I believe that every person’s vote must count equally in a true democracy – no matter how that person votes. I want to use my knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve proportional representation in every future election in Canada. There would be no greater legacy to leave my country.

Mimi Lee

Mimi Lee
Twitter: @mimilee_CA
Instagram: @mimi.ck.lee

Municipality and province of residence
Markham, ON

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I haven’t worked with FVC but I have been forwarding and sharing your newsletters and ideas on proportional representation to my contacts and proportional representation was also part of my platform when I ran for the federal election last year.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I have solid experience in both print and online media which anchors my ability to communicate with diverse audiences and stakeholders in various projects. I am part of a network of Canadian-wide global activist communities that work together on social media content and campaigns from time to time. I have personally initiated a key global campaign solely through social media and resulted in global media coverage.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I would try to shorten your already well drafted messages and start a national IG handle (I can only find one handle on FVC Victoria BC chapter) to push it further with more infographics etc. I am not too sure what other social media you also are on, so I cannot be more specific.

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?
Visible minority – I am a Canadian Hongkonger

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I’ve worked with nonprofit organizations for over 15 years in different areas, including social justice issues. I’ve organized a fundraising campaign that raised >$34,000 in 60 hours, and mobilized 100 volunteers for public awareness. I build teams and collaborate with an open mind to achieve robust results with tight budgets and deadlines. I am a strong believer in proportional representation and electoral reform for Canada for the greater good. I will work hard to connect the Chinese community to FVC. We need to educate more people to see why it is important to push for electoral reform. Although I am fairly green to the Green Party, I volunteered in the federal by-election campaign in 2019 and helped draft a policy proposal that was submitted to the party in 2020. That demonstrated how dedicated I can be and will be when I truly believe and am willing to work on an initiative.

Wolfgang Linden

Wolfgang Linden

Municipality and province of residence
Vancouver

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I receive regular e-mail updates, have attended virtual presentations and have – unsuccessfully – tried to meet with my local MP to speak about Fair Vote.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I am fluent in three languages and can analyze materials published or converse in all three . I served on three boards of NGOs, being President in two of these. Having worked as a volunteer for 4 decades advocating for better mental health care, I am skilled in building alliances, and get consensus. While I do not represent a minority, I am an ESL immigrant who grew up with proportional representation .

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I became active with Fair Vote Canada because I strongly believe in its mission and applaud its diverse approaches to making a difference. These represent strengths that need to be respected and maintained; they do, however, require steady and new energies . I would be keen to find more information about which types of individuals or groups are less likely to support proportional representation and what their (counter-) arguments are. There is no need to preach to the converted. And, as a Psychologist I know that you cannot ram through new convictions; you need to chip away at beliefs.

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 see above.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I began being politically interested as a teenager and have never stopped. Given that I grew up with proportional representation in a hybrid approach (Germany) I learned to appreciate that I could separately vote for a party and for a specific local candidate (even if the candidate was aligned with another party). In my forty years of living in Canada, however, I voted overwhelmingly with a strategic style, namely to help avoid that a certain bad party or candidate would win, rather than make a positive choice. I rarely had the luxury of voting for a local candidate I liked and who also represented the party I wanted to see win. I was able to compare these approaches across 2 countries and was more engaged and excited about voting when I could take a positive approach. I am convinced that percent voter participation will rise when they feel better representation, perceive that their voice counts.

Brent Marykuca

Brent Marykuca

Twitter: @brent_marykuca
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brent-marykuca
Email: brent.marykuca at gmail dot com

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)
During the 2021 Federal Election, I served as a door-hanger organizer in Vancouver. I distributed door-hangers to volunteers and delivered a couple of hundred in my own neighbourhood. I also attended an annual meeting of a local chapter of Fair Vote Vancouver in early 2020.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
My training is as a software developer, so I have some organizational skills and an ability to think logically and move problems toward solutions.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
Our main strategy should primarily be to find ways to educate the general population about PR and greatly grow our supporter base. We ought to do this after FPTP elections, particularly in areas where the winner wins with less than 50% of the vote. With a million or more supporters, politicians and candidates at all levels will pay more attention to our message. I will use my understanding of social media and other web-based tools to advance this part of our plan.

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I want to serve on FVC’s board in order to become more involved in the issue which has come to symbolize for me one of the key problems in our society: fundamentally, our democracy is broken if smaller groups get no representation in government. Shutting some people’s ideas and opinions out of our process subverts the basic feature of democracy, that all voices should be heard. The primary problem this can lead to is when a government makes a decision that goes against the beliefs or desires of a majority of the populace. This demonstrates the broken nature of our system and makes it harder for the general population to think that the system is truly working for them. I think that with a move to Proportional Representation there will be a shift in how political parties will need to operate to be effective, and that shift will encourage cooperation and discourage conflict between government members.

James Mitchell

james mitchell

Email: scottjamesmitchell at gmail dot com

Municipality and province of residence
Bas-St-Laurent, Québec

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I have no previous experience with FVC directly, but I am a former member of the Ontario and Federal NDP, where I helped run two campaigns in Kitchener-Centre. The resources and training I got from being involved with FVC before the election campaign were very useful in our campaigns.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I am a doctoral candidate looking at the use of narrative in representations of politics and the economy. I am a professor at Conestoga College and at a cégep where I am actively involved in teaching civics

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
Ideally, FVC should be seeking commitments from candidates and parties to establish an independent body to investigate electoral reform. Following the next general election, several parallel panels of experts and citizens should be tasked with developing tactics and strategy. Experts should be included as a resource to help ensure that suggested modifications would be politically viable and otherwise sensible.

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?
Yes, I am queer.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I am passionate about our democracy and want to do whatever possible to strengthen it. FPTP not only has the potential to wildly distort results, it has a track record of doing so in some extreme ways. It’s clear that leaving reform to partisan interests is not going to gain much traction, and even if it is successful, it must be done in consultation with experts and with the public. Ultimately, while I share a great deal of dissatisfaction with our current system, I want to express a desire to be flexible in finding solutions, remaining keyed into what Canadians want from their democratic institutions.

Lynn W. Oliphant

Lynn Oliphant

Municipality and province of residence
RM of Aberdeen, Saskatchewan

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I have helped organize meetings to discuss and promote PR, manned booths to distribute literature, sent letters to papers and other NGOs for over three decades.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I am prepared to spend considerable TIME on promoting PR as I am a retired University prof. I have CONNECTIONS with several environmental organizations. I have also run both provincially and federally as a candidate for the GPC.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I believe we still need more education regarding electoral reform in forms ranging from cartoons to public forums. We also need to put more pressure on elected officials and candidates especially during elections, and also directly on all parties.

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?
ELDERLY ECOCENTRISTS

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I am concerned about the present direction human society is headed. I believe that our chances of achieving a sustainable world are slim and that electoral reform at several levels is essential if we are to improve our chances. As an individual I am currently wrestling with the best way to spend my remaining years to ensure a planet I want my children and grandchildren to inhabit. I cannot think of a better way than to work for electoral reform- not just PR (although it is a necessary first step), but also changing the way we elect our “Prime Minister” (by the sitting MPs, not by simply making him/her the leader of the party with the most seats), and making every elected MP a “Member of Government” in contrast to the adversarial system of a “Government and an Opposition”. The current government of Nunavut may offer a model.

Kevin Reynolds

Kevin Reynolds

Twitter: @_kevinreynolds
Instagram: @kevin.reynolds
Email: kevinreynolds at duck dot com

Municipality and province of residence
Vancouver, B.C.

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
Engagement through social media amplification of FVC’s information and events

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
Olympian; knowledge of international relations, local governance and public administration; social media following; experience in local politics as a former Director at Large within a municipal political 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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
Information sharing. All forms of media need to be considered and employed to spread FVC’s message as effectively and broadly as possible. Grassroots. Local, door-to-door campaigns about proportional representation during key election campaign periods will help leverage FVC’s resources. Simplicity. The options for proportional representation put forth need to first be simplified in order to gain wider public trust and acceptance.

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
Climate change and ecological breakdown are the existential threats of our time. In Canada, progress will not match the urgency needed and demanded by the public until a more democratic electoral system is in place. With this fundamental goal in mind, I am stepping forward to run for a National Board position to help contribute to discussions on how to accelerate public awareness and knowledge of the benefits of proportional representation.

Sheila Richardson

Sheila Richardson

Municipality and province of residence
Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I have lobbied Kody Blois, asking him to set up a Citizen’s Assembly on Election Refirm. I am with the Green Party of Canada and speak out about Proportional Representation. I have run 4 times federally, for Jings Hants and Cumberland -Colchester. I have run 4 times, provincially, and gave spoken out about Election Reform. We use Proportional vote when we vote in the Green Party of Canada and Nova Scotia.

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
My skills: media, networking, organizing. Convenor for Fundy Shore, Green Party of Nova Scotia. Chief Executive Officer, Kings Hants federal riding of Green Party Nova Scotia

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
I would like to see Proportional Representation used as our voting system. I would like to see a Citizen’s Assembly. We need to educate people as to what systems are available.

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 caucasian woman. I have been a single parent.

Please provide a candidate statement that summarizes your reason(s) for supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I believe that we need to use Proportional Representation to enable a fairer system so that we represent all people, such as: women, black, First Nations, disabled, French, immigrant, Asian, lesbian, gay, transgendered, queen, two spirit. We need to end the First Past the Post system, which works when there are only two political parties. Now that there are six or more parties, we need to have a way to represent all opinions. What happens, at the moment, people vote for who they want. They vote for the party that they think will be able to beat the Conservstives. Sometimes they spoil their ballot or do not vote because they feel that no one represents them.

Gisela Ruckert

Gisela Ruckert

Twitter: @RuckertGisela
Facebook: @gisela.ruckert
Email: gruckert at telus dot net

Municipality and province of residence
Kamloops, BC

Please list past contributions to FVC, including any activities with FVC chapters, FVC working groups, and FVC National Board (max 450 characters)
I’ve been an on-the-ground FVC volunteer (including as a chapter leader) for a decade. I was the President of FVC-BC during the 2018 referendum and recovered from that loss even more determined to win PR. Since being elected to the national board 3 years ago, I’ve contributed a huge amount of time & energy to implementing important changes which have made our organization run much more smoothly. I’ve been a competent & reliable worker bee!

What skills, connections, resources and expertise are you willing to use on behalf of FVC for proportional representation? (150 – 450 characters)
I’m an organizer & a hard worker with years of experience on various boards. I bring clarity on roles, good strategic thinking skills, & a commitment to inclusive, consultative, & collaborative decision-making. I have years of experience organizing trainings, giving presentations, running meetings, and writing policy. I enjoy working as part of a team, and I truly believe that the best decisions are made when multiple perspectives are considered.

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 strategies would you prioritize for FVC’s 3 year strategic plan? How do you see yourself contributing to those strategies? Be as specific as possible. (300 to 600 characters)
New ideas are always worth exploring. However, I’ve been at this long enough to know that there’s no catchy new slogan or messaging trick that will suddenly cause PR to be adopted across the country. Change is not linear, & we can’t predict when the “next big chance” will arise. Our job as board members is to keep a close eye on the big picture & ensure that FVC is big enough, strong enough, & flexible enough to be able to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Keep on the politicians, engage the public by linking PR to issues that folks care about, and focus on values, not systems.

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 supporting proportional representation and seeking election to FVC National Board (400 to 1,000 characters)
I came to electoral reform from the environmental movement, when I realized that hard-won gains can (and do) evaporate with a change in government. Now more than ever, we don’t just need a government that produces good legislation—we need a system that ensures that those laws last beyond a single term of government. Policy lurch under FPTP is holding back progress on the most critical issues of our time. Proportional representation provides a structure to transform diverse views into broadly-supported legislation—rather than toxic polarization. Cooperation and compromise are strengths, not weaknesses. PR is not a silver bullet, but it’s a necessary step on the path to a more effective democracy. I remain as committed as ever to advocating for and working toward a system where every vote actually matters.

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