Rainbow coalition calls for Ontarians to Vote for MMP

Outside Queen's Park this morning, a "rainbow coalition" of prominent Ontarians, from all political parties, came together to call on Ontario voters to vote for MMP in the October 10 referendum (press release here). Noting that most Ontarians do not feel informed about the question, they also called on the media to step up to plate in the last week of the campaign and let voters know why the Citizens' Assembly recommended MMP - by reprinting the Assembly excellent brochure "One Ballot, Two Votes".

First, Catherine Baquero and Patrick Heenan from the Citizens' Assembly spoke about their work and why they recommended MMP. They scolded the media and Elections Ontario for failing to let Ontario voters know WHY the Assembly recommended MMP and implored the media (which were actually present!) to get their message out in the coming week.

After the Assembly members were done, then the great lineup of speakers went to the mic:
Rick Anderson, Campaign Chair, Vote for MMP
Judy Rebick, CAW-Sam Gindin Chair for Social Justice and Democracy, Ryerson
Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario
Kate Holloway, Liberal candidate, Trinity-Spadina
Rosemary Speirs, Co-founder, Equal Voice
Jim Harris, former leader, Green Party of Canada
Ed Broadbent, former NDP leader
Senator Hugh Segal

I won't go into detail about their remarks, but they were all passionate advocates for MMP. They agreed that despite many disagreements on public policy issues, Ontario democracy would be significantly improved if voters choose MMP. No matter what your political views, you will be well served by voting for MMP.

It was an inspiring start to the campaign day and hopefully the eloquent words of these respected Ontarians were broadcast throughout the media over the course of the day.

UPDATE: Just saw a great CP story about the press conference. Here's a great quote from Catherine Baquero, a young and articulate member of the Assembly:

"I'm very disappointed there's been a lack of meaningful debate," said Catherine Baquero, a member of the citizens assembly that recommended changing the system.

"I'm disappointed that Elections Ontario's education campaign has been so toothless. What I expected was a more detailed discussion of the pros and cons of each system."