Group invites concerned Canadians to “Cooperate for Canada” conference
News release from Cooperate for Canada March 22 2013
Canadians committed to political co-operation as a means of electing a new federal government are invited to a national conference to be held in Orillia, Ontario in September.
Prominent members of the Liberal, NDP and Green riding associations in the riding of Simcoe North will host the conference, in order to determine whether co-operation in anticipation of the next federal election is a feasible idea and if so, how it might work in key ridings across Canada.
Over the past year, conference organizers have been meeting to pursue ways the three parties might cooperate in a united effort to defeat the Harper government in the next federal election. The group believes that many Canadians want a more progressive government – one that will change our electoral system to a proportional representation system, be more respectful of differences and truly represent the majority of the Canadian electorate.
“Our first-past-the-post electoral system has become irrelevant,” said Steve Clarke, a member of the group and Simcoe North Liberal candidate in the last two federal elections. “The wishes of the majority of Canadians are just not being reflected in our present voting system. If some of the ridings where this is most evident could change hands in the next election through cooperation, there could be a change in government and electoral reform could be addressed.”
“We are inviting progressives from Simcoe North and key ridings across the country to attend the Cooperate for Canada conference in September”, said Howard Raper, a member of the Simcoe North federal NDP executive.
Valerie Powell, former Green Party candidate in Simcoe North, noted that a growing number of individuals, organizations and coalitions are supporting electoral cooperation to defeat the Harper government. “With only 39% of the popular vote in the last federal election, the current government does not represent the majority of Canadians. Members of all parties, and of no party, who want a government committed to electoral reform while seriously addressing issues of climate change and income disparity should register now for this important conference. We expect it to be a popular event.”
Cooperate for Canada participants should register by April 15 to ensure a place at this significant event. Details
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