Sousfonds 1 - Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission sousfonds

The City of Vancouver established the Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission (VERC) in Sept 2003 to make recommendations regarding changes to the City's Electoral system, in particular, the potential to change from the present at-large system to a ward system. Thomas Berger, a former British Columbia Supreme Court judge and head of several Royal Commissions, was appointed as the chair. The first public debates were among academics about the merits and drawbacks of different electoral models. The second public forum involved three previous mayors to discuss which model they support and reasons for their conclusions. During the first six months of 2004, the commission held a total of 17 public forums in neighbourhoods all around Vancouver to hear from citizens about their views. The commission also provided a questionnaire asking for public opinion on the issue, which was available in print and online, and accepted many other written submissions. VERC's final report contained 23 recommendations based on the results of the public consultation, and was in favour of adopting a ward system. Most importantly, the report recommended that a referendum on adopting a ward system be held, the question being:

Are you in favour of abolishing the at-large system and electing members of City Council by a ward system, with boundaries as set out on the map on this ballot? [Yes or No]

The referendum question was defeated a vote held on October 16, 2004.