On July 25, the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) filed a submission to the provincial government’s Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform, making recommendations to improve democratic engagement, voter participation, and models for electing Members of the Legislative Assembly.
HEU’s strength as a union comes from its commitment to democratic principles. HEU members drive the union’s work and advance workers’ rights through healthy democratic debate and decision-making.
HEU also promotes and upholds democratic principles and practice beyond its union structures. Members are encouraged to participate in elections and democratic processes because decisions that are made in all levels of government impact workers and their working conditions.
“Our union believes that member participation in political action and government helps ensure workers’ voices are reflected in policy-making,” says Barb Nedepel, HEU president.
The health care union’s president spoke to the committee on July 15 to advocate for electoral reform that would strengthen voter participation and democracy in B.C.
“At a time when public trust in democratic processes and institutions is under strain, it is more important than ever to look at ways to enhance voter engagement,” says Nederpel.
HEU’s first recommendation to the committee is to lower the voting age to 16. Evidence and experience in other jurisdictions point to the benefits of this in fostering “life-long voters” and having the “trickle-up” effect of encouraging adults to vote.
HEU’s second recommendation is focused on moving away from the “first-past-the-post” system of electing the province’s Members of the Legislative Assembly. It recommends a two-step referendum to determine voters’ interest in changing the electoral process and to solicit feedback on an improved electoral system.
“The first-past-the-post system often leads to an over-representation of government MLAs when compared to the percentage of popular vote their party receives,” says Nederpel. “As a result, this can cause extreme policy swings – like we saw in health care during 16 years of successive BC Liberal governments – that can setback public services for a generation.”
“A more representative electoral system will better reflect the will of voters and re-establish trust in our elections,” says Nederpel.