To register online, but pay by cheque or pay at the door, press Order Now, and on the next screen - in the lower left corner - you will see the other payment options.

To register by phone call 647-519-7585. To register by mail, send cheque payable to "Fair Vote Canada" to: Fair Vote Canada, 26 Maryland Blvd., Toronto, ON M4C 5C9.

Note: for lunch services, participants will be provided with a list of nearby restaurants.

Fair Vote Canada conference:

Future Directions for the

Canadian Electoral Reform Movement

Saturday, June 13, 2009, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Ontario Room, Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON

Join us for this timely and important discussion on the future direction of Canada’s electoral reform movement. The October 2007 federal election and subsequent national debate on Canada’s parliamentary democracy created a significant surge of interest in electoral reform. Since that time, a new wave of concerned citizens have joined the growing ranks of the electoral reform movement.

At the Future Directions conference, electoral reform newcomers and veterans alike will take stock of lessons learned from referendum experiences in three provinces, the use of federal and provincial electoral reform commissions, and past and current Charter challenges. Participants will engage in lively discussions on strategic direction and movement-building.

More speakers to be added. Detailed agenda subject to change.

9:00 am        Welcome & Conference Objectives

                   - Barbara Odenwald, President, FVC

9:10 am        How Did We Get Here?

Brief history of electoral reform efforts from 2001-2009

- Andy Blair, Vice President, FVC

9: 30 am       Lessons We Have Learned

Panel discussion with veteran electoral reform activists on lessons learned from past federal and provincial reform campaigns and initiatives.

- Mark Greenan, former Campaign Chair, PEI MMP Campaign

- June Macdonald, former President, Fair Vote Ontario

- Wendy Bergerud, Treasurer, Fair Voting BC

- Mercédez Roberge, Mouvement pour une démocratie nouvelle

10:30 am      Quebec Charter Challenge Update

- Brian Gibb, Association pour la Revendication des Droits Democratique

10:45 am      Refreshment Break

11:00  am     Questions and Discussion on Lessons Learned

12:00            Lunch Break

1:15 pm        Strategic Direction: On Track or Time to Adjust? 

Panel discussion with veteran electoral reformers with differing perspectives on strategic direction.

- Barbara Odenwald, President, FVC

- Larry Gordon, Executive Director, FVC

- Sean Geobey, National Council, FVC

- Dave Meslin, FVC Toronto Chapter executive committee

Since 2001, Fair Vote Canada has focused on promoting a citizen-driven reform process and fair voting principles, without promoting any specific type of proportional representation. FVC has also worked exclusively on reforming the voting system (translating votes into seats) and avoided involvement in any related electoral or democratic reform initiatives. Is this still the right strategic direction or is it time for change?

2:15pm         Online Survey Report

                   - Bronwen Bruch, National Council, FVC

Report summarizing the online survey responses from those not able to attend the conference.

2:30pm         Participant Breakout Groups:

Electoral Reform 2009 and Beyond - Where to Focus Our Efforts?

Given the result of the BC referendum and the current federal political environment, where are the opportunities for electoral reform advancement? Where should we focus our attention? Federal, provincial, municipal, organizational and/or student union election reform? Expand our mandate to other areas of democratic reform?

3:15pm         Reports from Breakout Groups

3:30pm         Refreshment Break

3:45pm         Participant Breakout Groups:

How To Build a More Effective Fair Vote Canada

Fair Vote Canada has built a foundation for a citizens’ movement, but remains much less effective than it could be. How do we build a bigger, more far-reaching, better financed operation with grassroots support in all parts of the country? In addition to political action, should we position ourselves similar to the Electoral Reform Society (UK), also providing election management and consulting services for other organizations?

4:30pm         Reports from Breakout Groups

4:50pm         Closing Statement

                      - Barbara Odenwald, President, FVC

5:00pm         Adjourn