An Increase in Western Political Clout?
First off, just like to apologize for the lack of posts during the last week. Seems that every once in a while, life comes and gets in the way of blogging. But without further ado, here we go.
Saw this article on the CBC website a couple days ago. A recently released StatsCan report shows that for the first time ever, B.C.'s and Alberta's combined population have surpassed that of Quebec. The article then continues on to wonder if this will result in more political power for the West. It certain could, in one respect. And that is through increased representation in both Houses of Parliament that may occur. Currently, B.C. and Alberta currently have 64 seats in the lower House (as opposed to Quebec's 75), while the more glaring discrepancy is in the Senate where B.C. and Alberta have 12 and Quebec has 24 seats. Now the House discrepancy I believe will take of itself the redistribution and allocating of new seats over time. However the Senate may take a little longer, then again maybe not. One proposal out there to correct this is the Murray-Austin amendment.
However, this may not really increase the West's political clout. And the reason for that is due to who else, Ontario. Ontario, with its 106 seats, is still the main objective for any party trying to come to power under our "first past the post" system. And many in Ontario are much more concerned with (and closer to) those in Quebec and issues affecting Quebec. So sure, we might get a few more seats out here, but will anyone be listening?
And a few little tidbits I've found in my wanderings on the net:
I encourage you to check out the Praire Wrangler's "interesting" daily news round-ups. Just remember to take everything he says with a grain of salt (heck you'll need more than a grain, try a whole handful).
Looks like the Liberal Party has fined Joe Volpe $20,000 for signing up dead people. Werner Patels and Steve over at Far and Wide have some great commentary on the issue.
Finally DazzlinDino over at the Blogging Party of Canada has this hilarious clip of a little Irish girl's solution for her teachers giving her too much homework.
Technorati Tags: B.C., Alberta, Quebec
Saw this article on the CBC website a couple days ago. A recently released StatsCan report shows that for the first time ever, B.C.'s and Alberta's combined population have surpassed that of Quebec. The article then continues on to wonder if this will result in more political power for the West. It certain could, in one respect. And that is through increased representation in both Houses of Parliament that may occur. Currently, B.C. and Alberta currently have 64 seats in the lower House (as opposed to Quebec's 75), while the more glaring discrepancy is in the Senate where B.C. and Alberta have 12 and Quebec has 24 seats. Now the House discrepancy I believe will take of itself the redistribution and allocating of new seats over time. However the Senate may take a little longer, then again maybe not. One proposal out there to correct this is the Murray-Austin amendment.
However, this may not really increase the West's political clout. And the reason for that is due to who else, Ontario. Ontario, with its 106 seats, is still the main objective for any party trying to come to power under our "first past the post" system. And many in Ontario are much more concerned with (and closer to) those in Quebec and issues affecting Quebec. So sure, we might get a few more seats out here, but will anyone be listening?
And a few little tidbits I've found in my wanderings on the net:
I encourage you to check out the Praire Wrangler's "interesting" daily news round-ups. Just remember to take everything he says with a grain of salt (heck you'll need more than a grain, try a whole handful).
Looks like the Liberal Party has fined Joe Volpe $20,000 for signing up dead people. Werner Patels and Steve over at Far and Wide have some great commentary on the issue.
Finally DazzlinDino over at the Blogging Party of Canada has this hilarious clip of a little Irish girl's solution for her teachers giving her too much homework.
Technorati Tags: B.C., Alberta, Quebec
posted by Daz at 12:17 p.m.
1 Comments:
Haha,
Thanks for the shoutout, Daz. Handful of salt indeed.
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