Dear Editor:

We are told daily we are a democracy, but, we do not have democratic governments. We still have colonial rule.

A proportional ballot separating the candidate vote from the party vote will destroy that power, by awarding each party the number of seats they should have, according to the popular vote. 

A federal all-party Special Committee for Electoral Reform conducted by former federal NDP MP Nathan Cullen some time ago established about 75% of the Canadian people would like to use a Proportional ballot.

That same survey also established about 75% of our federal MPs would like to use a Proportional ballot.

BC has had three referendums on electoral reform, but only the third and final referendum included proportional ballots.

During the last federal election an incredible 49% of Canadians voted AGAINST a party or candidate they did not like, rather than vote FOR a party or candidate they wanted to elect.

During elections in Denmark, where they have used multi-member proportional ballots for decades voter turn-out is usually about 80% and about 90% of the ballots cast in an election usually helped elect a candidate and a party voters wanted.

A proportional ballot will consistently produce truly democratic governments where the people make all the decisions that are implemented by our politicians who now will be performing like Trustees.

Those decisions will all reflect the consensus of the majority of the people who participate in that truly democratic process.

A Proportional ballot will put an end to our current dysfunctional and autocratic colonial political system, that consistently has been producing fake majority governments, supported by about 40% of the popular vote.

 — Andy Thomsen
Kelowna

Dear Editor:

I am appalled at the self-serving nature of some individuals. This past weekend, at the North Thompson Fall Fair grounds in Barriere, River Watch (of the Amtgard group) hosted the Omens 2025 Renaissance Faire. On Sunday morning, the head organizer of the event awoke to find that Saturday’s gate receipts and her car (blue Honda, license GD0 13L) had been stolen.

The Renaissance Faire is not only a fundraiser for the group, but a way to allow others of Barriere and surrounding communities to participate in a unique experience.

To this individual I would like to say that you are a person with no moral values, and you should be ashamed. The money you stole from this non-profit group was needed to cover expenses such as renting the fair grounds and insurance, among other things. The car you stole was the head organizer’s only means of transportation for her job and her daily activities.

Despite the devastation you caused this woman, the Faire was still open on Sunday so that others might enjoy the experience.

This was the first time that this event has been open to the public. There is a lot we could improve on for any future Renaissance Faires, and we would work hard on doing so. However, a theft of this nature makes me wonder if it is worth all the time, effort, and money that goes into the planning, promotion, and implementation of such an event.

— Jean Wood
Kamloops

Dear Editor:

In the issue of July 2025 two articles are worth agreeing with.

1. Frustrated with city council by Bruce Bunko. Why are children running our city?

2. Can you trust what you read on social media? By Steven Rice. Why are people so gullible and believe what they read on all social media?

— W. R. Travis
Kamloops