Ethno-Racial Labour groups endorse MMP

Electoral Reform is Integral to Address Needs of
Racialized Communities

WHO: Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
WHAT: Press conference endorsing Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP)
WHERE: 215 Spadina Avenue
WHEN: Thursday September 27, 2007 @ 10:00 a.m

(Toronto) The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario’s two largest ethno-racial labour organizations, are announcing their support for Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP). Joining them are the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Office and Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Electoral Reform is seen as a necessary step to increase representation from racialized communities in the provincial legislature.

“We need to ensure that voices from our communities are heard, too many decisions are being undertaken with little consultation or input from the communities most impacted” says Ajamu Nangwaya from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).

“Its time that all four political parties in Ontario to take the issue of representation of racial minorities seriously” adds Jenny Ahn from the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA), “for too long they have ignored our voices; MMP will provide us with the opportunity to hold politicians accountable both through direct democracy as well as challenging who political parties choose as candidates on their ‘party slates’” continues Jenny Ahn from ACLA.

The press conference is being held to announce their rationale for supporting MMP and what steps the organizations will be undertaking to raise awareness of MMP.

Speakers include:
Jenny Ahn, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
Ajamu Nangwaya, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Amy Casipullai, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Karen Sun, Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto Office

For more information:
Chris Ramsaroop (647.834.4932),
Amy Casipullai (416.322.4950 x 239)
Ajamu Nangwaya anangwaya@hotmail.com
http://asiancanadianlabouralliance.blogspot.com; and the CBTU’s website http://www.cbtu.ca/

MMP Debate - Friday September 28, 7pm

Major Pundits and Politicos to Debate Electoral Referendum in Toronto*

The Queen's University Centre for the Study of Democracy is staging a major referendum debate on Friday September 28th at 7pm at the MaRS Complex in Toronto.

The National Post's political affairs columnist Andrew Coyne and former Ontario minister Marilyn Churley will make the case for adopting the new Mixed Member Proportional electoral system proposed by Ontario's Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.

They will square off against Toronto Sun Queen's Park columnist Christina Blizzard and former Ontario minister Charles Harnick who will defend Ontario's existing First-Past-The-Post electoral system.

The debate will be hosted by the Centre's director Thomas Axworthy and will include introductory remarks by George Thomson, Chair of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.

Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.

*Media inquiries:*

Peter MacLeod
Research director, Democratic futures
Centre for the Study of Democracy
School of Policy Studies
Queen's University
416.833.3194
macleod@theplanningdesk.com

ACLA endorses MMP

Joint Discussion on the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system

The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA) and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Joint Discussion on the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system

The Ontario Provincial Election is fast approaching on October 10, this coming election will also mark a historical day for all Ontario voters. Please come out and join us for an afternoon of discussion around this fall’s referendum on Ontario ’s provincial voting system.

· What does the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system mean for racialized workers and our communities?

· Will Mixed Member Proportional Representation translate into better representation and economic betterment for our communities?

· What are the drawbacks and opportunities for implementing a new voting system?

· How do we tie this referendum vote to our strategy for the Provincial election?

· What significance will this referendum bring to future elections?


Sunday, September 9, 2007

CAW Local 40
720 Spadina Ave. (1 block south of Bloor St .)

2:00pm – 5:00pm

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Wall at 416-537-6532 ext.2215 or Anna Liu at (416) 839-5763.