B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver says he is disappointed with the electoral reform referendum results, but will respect outcome.
“We campaigned on proportional representation because representative democracy is one of the six core principles of the B.C. Green Party,” he said in a statement issued to his website. “While we are disappointed with this result, we respect British Columbians’ decision to retain the current first-past-the-post system.”
British Columbians have voted 61.3 per cent in favour of keeping the first-past-the-post electoral system.
“I thank Elections BC for their work administering this referendum,” said Green. “They provided British Columbians with clear, impartial information and accessible opportunities to vote. Over the course of the referendum, I had the opportunity to speak with countless British Columbians about their democracy. I was inspired to meet so many citizens who care deeply about modernizing our system of governance so it better reflects the will of the people. I thank everyone who volunteered, voted and worked on the campaign.
“The B.C. Greens remain committed to the principle of representative democracy. As part of this file we have already banned big money and reformed the lobbying industry. We will continue to champion policies that will strengthen B.C’s democracy and make it more responsive to and representative of the people of B.C.”
