Trudeau says abandoning electoral reform is his biggest regret. Here’s how it happened

Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, and during a press conference, he was asked to reflect on his time in office and share any regrets he may have. Trudeau admitted that he had “many regrets,” but highlighted one in particular – not moving forward on electoral reform.

Trudeau expressed his disappointment in not being able to implement a ranked ballot electoral system, which he believed would have encouraged parties to focus on being people’s second or third choices rather than polarizing and dividing Canadians. He acknowledged that he had promised to make 2015 the last election under the first-past-the-post system, but ultimately backtracked on his commitment.

During the 2015 federal election campaign, Trudeau had pledged to establish an all-party parliamentary committee to review various electoral systems, including ranked ballots and proportional representation. However, after winning a majority in the House of Commons, he faced challenges in gaining consensus on the proposed changes.

The committee released its report in December 2016, recommending a referendum on switching to a proportional representation system. While representatives of the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois supported this recommendation, the Liberals disagreed and argued against rushing into such a significant change without full engagement from Canadians.

Trudeau’s stance on electoral reform has evolved over the years, with him initially preferring ranked ballots over proportional representation. However, as discussions progressed, he faced criticism for wavering on his commitment to electoral reform and eventually abandoned the idea altogether.

Despite his regrets about not being able to implement electoral reform, Trudeau emphasized the importance of consensus and collaboration across party lines. He acknowledged that making unilateral changes to the electoral system without the support of other parties would not have been responsible.

Trudeau’s reflections on electoral reform highlight the complexities of implementing significant changes in government and the challenges of navigating differing opinions and priorities. As he prepares to step down as prime minister, his regrets serve as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of governance in a diverse and democratic society.