Federal NDP leadership candidate Nathan Cullen says it's time to put the monarchy to a vote.
In a policy paper on voting reform issued this week, the MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley is proposing to hold a plebiscite on the future of the monarchy in conjunction with a referendum on voting reform.
"This would be the first time citizens have been asked about whether the monarchy plays a valuable role in 21st century Canada," Cullen said in the paper. "It's hoped the results would guide Parliament and legislatures on Constitutional changes, should Canadians indicate a desire for change."
Cullen characterized the idea as an "add-on" to his other ideas when reached Thursday.
"Let's put it this way, it's not the reason I'm running for leader, there are other, bigger issues we're facing as a country," he said.
"It's just while we're talking about our democracy, why is it that the Queen and the Queen's representative signs off on all of our legislative and decides when and if parliament should be closed?
"It's one of those things that's irked a number of people and here's a chance to open up the conversation."
Perhaps more significant is Cullen's proposal to hold a national referendum asking Canadians if they want to change the voting system and if so, which new model they prefer.
Cullen supports mixed-member proportional representation based on the German, Scottish and New Zealand models. The system would ensure "every riding has a local MP, elected as they currently are, while also ensuring the total composition of the House reflects each party's share of the national vote," he said in the paper, posted on his website, www.nathancullen.ca.
Instability and fragmentation would be avoided by "requiring parties receive broad support - five per cent - before being awarded proportional seats," Cullen continued.
Cullen also wants to abolish the Senate, "an outdated, expensive institution that enjoys little faith among citizens and serves no real purpose" and in the meantime work with provinces and territories to shrink the Senate's size and relevance.
Cullen said he would restore public financing of political parties, "which costs less than half as much as operating the Senate for a year."
"This would also help avoid undue corporate influence returning to politics," he added.
Cullen, who has been travelling extensively in his leadership bid, said it should be a campaign of ideas. He'll issue a policy paper on taxation next week, as the NDP candidates hold a debate on "building an inclusive economy" on Sunday.
