PR voting system might’ve spared West the NEP, Broadbent suggests
OTTAWA — A proportional voting system may have spared western Canada the imposition of the national energy program, Ed Broadbent suggested Monday.
The former NDP leader said the infamous program, which devastated the oil industry, is an example of the kinds of mistakes a government can make when its share of seats in the House of Commons does not reflect its share of the popular vote.
Testifying before the all-party committee that is studying electoral reform options, Broadbent noted that the Liberal government of Pierre Trudeau won only two western seats — both in Manitoba — in the 1980 election, despite winning around 25 per cent of the vote in the four western provinces.
Trudeau, the late father of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, went on to impose the national energy program, which alienated westerners — particularly in Alberta — for decades.