Helen Clark was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999-2008, during which time proportional representation was the electoral system used for the vote. (It still is.)
She’ll share her experiences in Vancouver on June 25, with Globe and Mail columnist Gary Mason.
WHEN: June 25, 2018 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm
WHERE: SFU Segal Building, 500 Granville St, Vancouver
More information about MMP, including a handy video, follows.
New Zealand changed to mixed member proportional (MMP) in 1993, with the first vote under this system held in 1996.
Similar electoral reform efforts will go to a referendum in BC in the fall; Ms. Clark’s talk is a welcome opportunity to hear first-hand about the New Zealand experience.
Ms. Clark was Prime Minister of New Zealand and not the head of state. New Zealand is still a constitutional monarchy and HM The Queen is head of state, represented by her vice regal, the Governor General of New Zealand.
Author
Thanks, Bob. Much appreciated.
Ms. Clark talked with the Early Edition, CBC this morning. Very clear on how New Zealand implemented P.R. She was reassuring that she doesn’t see BC having the problems and instability that Italy has over coalitions/multiple parties. Would love to be at her talk tonight – but Chor Leoni tix already bought. Hope Bill Tielman is there tonight; look forward to his comments.
Author
Hi Cynthia: thanks. I’ve posted a link to CBC’s podcast of the Helen Clark interview. It should be up some time later this afternoon.