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| IN THE NEWS Response to "McGuinty's pledged democratic reforms for Ontario" From Dear Ms. Speirs and colleagues: Thank you for your letter regarding Equal Voice, electoral reform and women in government. As you know, my colleagues and I are working hard to ensure a stronger, more democratic Ontario. That Ontario must include greater representation for women in the Legislative Assembly. Our government has created the new Cabinet position of Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal. In this capacity, the Honourable Michael Bryant will lead our government’s efforts to strengthen the province’s democratic processes, enhance citizen participation and engage citizens fully in the renewal process. In keeping with our platform commitment to democratic reform, our government will be engaging citizens in an open and honest debate on our voting system. Citizens’ juries will be reviewing alternatives to our voting system, considering different models of representation in other jurisdictions, and recommending an electoral system that best represents our democratic values and diverse society in Ontario. I have every confidence that the democratic renewal effort led by Minister Bryant will consider the issues you have raised, including your examples of the Welsh Assembly elections and Belgian and Scandinavian affirmative action programs. I note that you have copied Minister Bryant in your correspondence. As this matter will interest him, as well as the Honoruable Sandra Pupatello, Minister Responsible for women’s Issues, I have sent copies of your correspondence and my reply to them for their information. Ms. Speirs, thank you again for raising a pertinent and important issue for our current discussions on democratic renewal. I appreciate hearing from you, and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with your organization on this matter. Please accept my best wishes. Yours truly, C: The Honourable Michael Bryant The Honourable Sandra |
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