Lifers

Derek Butler is a sessional lecturer in political science at Memorial University and was a director of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Yemen and Morocco. He currently works for the Association of Seafood Producers.

So says his byline in today's Telegram, in which he writes:

There are several other anachronisms in our modern democracy. We have appointed senators, for life. We have indirect election of the prime minister, who appoints a head of state. We have a first-past-the-post electoral system that generally affords parties more seats than their percentage of the vote might otherwise dictate, arguably to give us more accountability, while compromising the concept of representation.

Speaking of anachronistic, that is a term that also describes Mr. Butler's knowledge of the Canadian political system. Senators haven't been appointed for life since the constitutional amendment of 1965.

And the Prime Minister doesn't appoint the head of state, who is the Queen, not the Governor-General.

And wow; that first-past-the-post electoral system must be a remarkable mathematical creature; able to afford parties a larger share of seats than their percentage of the vote. All parties? (Think about this one; it's kinda subtle.)

Memo to self: do not get Poli Sci degree from MUN.