A Coquitlam resident association hopes to help local voters make a decision on the upcoming proportional representation referendum with a public discussion and debate on the possible merits and downsides of choosing a new voting system.
“It’s for the people who are asking questions and want to know more, that’s who we’re aiming this for,” said Graham Hill, who is with the Burquitlam Community Association (BCA).
Both the Yes and No sides of the debate will be sharing their views, with the speakers still being confirmed for the Sept.12 discussion, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the gymnasium at Banting middle school, 820 Banting St. in Coquitlam.
The BCA is hosting this event, Hill said, to educate the public and help them make a decision when voting packets start arriving in their mail box.
“There are a lot of people who are unsure about the referendum," Hill said. "This discussion should help."
David Driscoll, a former Port Moody mayor, will be moderating the event and a professional video of the proceedings will be made and posted to YouTube and the BCA's website (burquitlam.org) for those who can’t attend.
This isn’t the first time the BCA has held an event to provide information for area residents. The organization, which got its start during planning for SkyTrain more than 20 years ago, has held all-candidates meetings during local elections.
Hill said it’s part of the organization’s role to educate citizens, and everyone with an interest in the upcoming referendum is invited.
Voters will receive their voting packages from Elections BC starting Oct. 22, and will have until Nov. 30 to vote in the referendum via a mail-in ballot.
Voters will be asked whether they want to continue with the current first-past-the-post system or switch to proportional representation.
The second question asks voters to rank three proportional systems: dual member proportional, mixed member proportional and rural-urban proportional.
• For more information on the BCA meeting, call 604-937-7458 or visit burquitlam.org. Those who plan to attend should be aware there is construction underway as Banting middle is being replaced and those who are driving should use the parking lot at Miller Park elementary school next door, which is a two-minute walk from the Banting gym.
• Elections BC has information about the referendum at elections.bc.ca/referendum/what-are-we-voting-on.
