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All parties except Liberals want to make at least some change in 'first past the post' elections.
Fredericton (31 Aug. 2010) - The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) is drawing the attention of its members to a Coalition of New Brunswickers: Public Power for Public Good report card on the performance of political parties going into the campaign for the Sept. 27 provincial election.
The report card shows "improvement by most parties in most areas," the union notes.
"One highlight is the movement by all parties except the Liberals towards Electoral Reform. While the Greens and the NDP have committed to the topic, and the Conservatives and Alliance show an interest in revisiting the concept of Electoral Reform with the intent of improving our current 'first past the post” system', the Liberal Party is alone in its stance there is no need for change."
The coalition, which includes NBUPPE among its members, was successful in rallying support earlier this year to stop a plan by the governing Liberals to sell NB Power (ENBP) to Hydro Quebec (HQ).
Political scientists say it is unclear what, if any, fallout the controversy will have on the outcome of the election. Initial polls show the opposition Conservatives running close in support to the Liberals.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• Coalition report: N.B. parties post better grades this month
• N.B. government cancels sale of NB Hydro to Hydro Quebec