Friends,

As you may know, British-Columbians will have a historic occasion to change their electoral system from the undemocratic first past the post to a more proportional one.  We have a good chance of winning: in the 2005 referendum, 58% approved of the new electoral system.  But a 60% approval was needed to make the change.  Now, we have another chance and a good one.

In the last federal election, 51% of votes across Canada did not elect anyone.  This is a referendum we cannot afford the loose.  If we do, it will be a huge setback for the electoral reform movement and the restoration of democracy in this country.

Despite being 3 timezones away, Ottawa progressives can help.  I am attempting to organize a phone canvassing effort for the next months until the May 12th referendum.  I am looking for:

• 30 volunteers to commit to one or two 1,5 every week from March (or April) until May 12th, between 6 pm to 9 pm;
• 10 drivers to commit to 4 shifts to bring volunteers to the call center and back home if necessary;
• One volunteer to take care of catering;
• A volunteer to assist in organizing one or two pub nights for fundraising;
• A volunteer to assist in organizing the call center.

Also, if you have access to any organizational contacts who may help us in finding an office as a call center from March or April until May 12th, please let us know.

If you are interested, please contact me at julien.lamarche@gmail.com or 613-237-0976.  E-mail is preferred.

Julien