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Research Paper

Political Representation in Canada: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations

Manon Tremblay, PhD
University of Ottawa

July 2003

The report is available in the language of the author. To obtain a copy of the report, please call (613) 946-8980 or send a fax to (613) 946-8988.

This paper was prepared for the Law Commission of Canada under the title “Political Representation in Canada: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations.” The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission. The accuracy of the information contained in the paper is the sole responsibility of the author.

Executive Summary

Introduction. Democracy, Representation and Governance: Terms of Reflection

Part I: Political Representation: Ideas and Standards

Chapter 1: Political Representation in Terms of Ideas

1.1 Democracy According to Thinkers of Ancient Times:
From One to One

1.2 Representative Democracy According to Modern Thought:
From Many to One

1.3 Democracy of Inclusion According to Contemporary Thought:
From Many to Many

Chapter 2: Political Representation as a Normative Judgement

2.1 Land as Basis of Representation

2.2 Representation in Terms of Presence and Finality

2.3 Representation of Causes (or identities)

2.4 Representation of Political Parties

2.5 Representation in Terms of Relationships

Part II: Representation in Practice in Canada, Today and Tomorrow

Chapter 3: Political Representation and Law

3.1 The Canadian Constitution and Charter

3.2 Ordinary Parliamentary Law

3.3 Case law

Chapter 4: Voices in the Seats: Voting Methods

4.1 Some Definitions: Electoral Systems and Voting Methods

4.2 Types of Electoral Systems: Majority, Proportional and Mixed

4.3 The Voting Method in Canada: Its Scope and Limitations

Chapter 5: Alternative Electoral Models for Canada

5.1 Choosing a Voting Method: Competing Values

5.2 Brief History of Electoral Alternatives in Canada

5.3 Some Alternatives to Majority Single Constituency Voting

5.4 Drawing on Foreign Experiences

Conclusion: Toward Reform of Representative Democracy in Canada?

Bibliography

Appendix

The report is available in the language of the author. To obtain a copy of the report, please call (613) 946-8980 or send a fax to (613) 946-8988.