The R word is front and center in the news again this week with much speculation on the progress being made by the Special Committee on Electoral Reform to achieve consensus. It seems the intractable stance by the conservatives on a referendum is still dominating the discussion. One can only hope that the committee can stay focused on the selection and design of a made in Canada Voting System and leave the referendum question to be decided after the report has been presented to Cabinet. In the meantime building popular support for an informed referendum that allows us to "try before we buy" can still be our priority. It seems grossly unfair to ask Canadians to decide on such a complex issue without the benefit of experiencing it. And having seen how extremely polarizing the results can be as we  look south for inspiration, the timing to test drive a proportional system is perfect.

The media seems to have swung into action, giving more and more air time to the inevitability of a referendum.  "At this point, even Canadians who don’t care how we elect politicians should pay attention. Consensus from the committee on electoral reform would be hard to ignore. That could force the issue of a referendum onto the calendar.  You could be voting, about voting, much sooner than you think." proclaims the Ottawa citizen in this editorial.

Elizabeth is still hopeful that the all party committee can come to consensus but it seems that consensus continues to be misinterpreted as unanimity. Unanimity is not consensus as it allows a single voice to prevent a decision. Unanimity provides a veto that can stifle any process of collaboration or democratic engagement. But consensus is also not just compromise. I often use the illustration that if half the room believes 2x2=6 and the other half believes 2x2=8 then compromise comes up with an answer somewhere around 7. Consensus makes sure that everyone is heard before a decision is made. It makes sure that the opportunity is there for that lone voice, belonging to someone who may have expertise in mathematics and can point out why 2x2=4, to be heard.

The #ERRE committee has done a stellar job at allowing all the voices to be heard and and ensuring that a broad spectrum of opinions are considered.  A recommendation on the best system for Canada should be forthcoming even if consensus does not include a unanimous outcome. The liberals have said that to move forward a solution needs to have multi party support but they have never asked for unanimity from the committee. In fact it is striking to me how far they have gone out of their way to leave their options open by refusing to lock themselves in to the outcome (read success) of the Electoral Reform Committee.

In the end the Liberal majority in the House can make the decision. And in the end the voting public will hold them accountable. We have changed our voting system countless times throughout our history without referendum and we can do it again this time. Surely a false majority government, elected under a system that has given them the control and power to implement change, has the moral prerogative to implement a voting system that could jeopardize their ability to form another false majority in a second term. The question seems to be whether we believe that this government is serious about electoral reform or not. And if they are not, it begs the question as to why they have gone out of their way to engage us in this unprecedented process. The most recent announcement about the post cards and on line survey could be an attempt to weasel out of their commitment to electoral reform or it could also be a bulwark against the criticism that the people were not adequately consulted if they decide to impose a proportional system without a referendum.

Either way, what Maryam Monsef seems to be telling us yet again, is that we need to make our voices heard. I still believe that helping to raise public expectations that Justin Trudeau will make Electoral Reform his personal legacy is still the best strategy. Yes let's all show up and register our interest but let's also continue to give credit to a remarkable process. And let's publicly look forward to an amazing birthday present for our 150th birthday next year.