CANADA ELECTION 2025: Election a chance to support smaller parties and push for electoral reform, York Region woman says

Originally appeared in Markham Economist & Sun, yorkregion.com

With a federal election being called, it’s time to look beyond the status quo and rethink how we approach voting. For years, many voters have stuck to familiar patterns, casting their ballots without considering how much the world — and our nation — has changed.
But this election presents an opportunity to break free from old habits and embrace a voting approach that truly reflects our values and aspirations.

The decisions we make now have the power to shape not just the government, but the future of our country.
Let us consider Let us consider
1. Strategic voting: 

In my opinion, this approach is fundamentally flawed. Strategic voting means casting your ballot against what you don’t want, rather than for what you truly believe in.
If we continue this pattern, how will the change we desire ever come to fruition? When people are dissatisfied with the Liberals, they vote for the Conservatives, and vice versa. This back-and-forth between the two major parties has done little to improve the country — it has only perpetuated the status quo. Expecting different results from the
same strategy is, as the saying goes, the definition of insanity.
2. Splitting votes:

Let’s dispel a common myth — splitting votes applies when two similar options divide support. However, voting for smaller parties with distinct platforms isn’t splitting votes; it’s sending a powerful message that change is necessary.
The more people support smaller parties, the greater the likelihood of introducing fresh perspectives and diverse voices into Parliament. This is how we pave the way for meaningful progress.
3. The party whip:

As we know, the big parties enforce a party whip, which means their MPs often prioritize the party’s stance over the voices of their constituents. If your MP isn’t listening to you, why are you voting for them? Smaller parties, on the
other hand, are more likely to listen to voters because they’re working hard to earn your trust and your vote.
Supporting these parties can lead to a more representative and responsive Parliament.

As a board member of Fair Vote Canada, I believe it’s crucial to have more people represented in the House of Commons. Many voters don’t fully understand how our current electoral system — and its first past the post, winner-takes-all approach —
limits diverse voices.
This system often silences smaller parties and discourages meaningful representation. By advocating for electoral reform and supporting smaller parties, we can push for a system that better reflects the will of the people and ensures every vote truly counts.

Mimi Lee is a board member of Fair Vote Canada and a Markham resident.