Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen recently issued a newsletter asking constituents to let her know if they feel changes in government should involve a referendum for the public. Bergen says it's due to recent plans made by the Liberal government.

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen"The Liberal government has decided that they are going to change the way Canadians elect members of Parliament, and really make a huge, fundamental change to our electoral system; one that, when other provinces or other jurisdictions thought of doing this, was always done with a referendum. So, there's a real precedent for having a referendum when such a major change is being proposed."

She explains the Liberals' plans.

"The Liberals have said they're not going to have a referendum. They formed a committee of a handful of members of Parliament. I think there needs to be a referendum. I think Canadians need to be able to discuss the options. They need to hear what the Liberals are proposing, and then actually vote on whether or not they want their electoral system changed; because, after all, the electoral system belongs to the people. It doesn't belong to a handful of politicians."

Bergen explains she sent out a response form for you to fill out about this issue because she thinks people aren't aware of what's going on, seeing as it's a self-interest point where the Liberals would do well if they changed this system. She says this shouldn't be their decision to change the system. Bergen says she includes herself when she says each of us are only one voice among all Canadians.

She notes other countries changed their electoral system and took ten years and two referendums to do so. Bergen amidst there are  pros and cons to the process. She says Belgium's governed by proportional representation which is one option we can consider. Bergen explains Belgium has constant elections because there are 20 to 30 parties trying to get in power.

While Bergen insists she's not advocating for or against any system in particular, she says Canadians need to talk about it and have their say in a referendum. From past experience with other topics and feedback from the constituency, she has a good response than even when she holds town halls. She says she expects a good response.

Bergen adds those in Portage-Lisgar are an engaging constituency and always speak up. Over the last nine months, since she's moved into the opposition side of the parliament, she says she finds people are responding even more. They want to have their voice heard in Ottawa.