With the discovery of the human genome, science has shown that all humans share similar genetic codes. It is only about 1% of the genetic code that differentiates us by determining visible traits such as skin, eye and hair colour. Therefore, it is baffling that Elections Canada is recommending treating Canadians differently based on race.

Every ten years, after census data has been finalized, Elections Canada establishes an Electoral Boundary Commission for each province and territory. Their task is to analyze the existing electoral boundaries and recommend changes based on new population figures.

The Electoral Boundary Commission (EBC) of New Brunswick has recommended combining all 28 native reserves, spread throughout the province, into a single riding called Miramichi. Should this race-based recommendation pass public debate and Parliament, it would take effect after July 21, 2004.

The chair of the EBC says low voter turnout on reserves may be because native voters do not have the numbers to influence results in New Brunswick's ten federal ridings. The chair also hopes that the recommendations will encourage natives to get more involved in politics by giving them more political clout.
This opinion implies that natives are not adequately represented in the House of Commons. Albeit, in a perfect world - based on population statistics - the 301 seats of the House would be filled by Canadians who represent the rich social, cultural, and ethnic diversity of our society. Furthermore, these hard working MPs would serve to achieve the best possible solutions for all Canadians not just special interest groups.

But alas, this is not a perfect world. Women make up approximately 50% of Canadian society but only represent 21% of parliamentarians. Whereas, self-identifying aboriginal people (Indian, Inuit and Métis), comprise approximately 3% of the Canadian population, but represent less than 2% of the House of Commons.

Voting reform is desperately needed in Canada. However, Elections Canada's proposal is only a partial solution at best, for one segment of our society.

Moreover, if Canada opens the door to race-based ridings for natives, what would stop the door from being flung wide-open to include other ethnic groups For example, there could be a Chinese riding in Vancouver or a Ukrainian riding in Winnipeg. This would not serve to unite Canadians but only separate Canadians by racial lines.

One of the problems with our current system that needs to be addressed lies in first-past-the-post elections. This system gives parliamentary seats to the party that wins the most votes in an election and ignores the rest.

In the 2000 federal election, the Liberals received 41% of the national votes yet received 57% of the commons seats and therefore received a "majority" government. An electoral system based on race would not serve to change this discrepancy.

To avoid the pitfalls of our current system, perhaps a system of proportional representation should be considered. This system would distribute the seats in relation to the popular vote cast for respective candidates and/or parties. A system such as this would benefit all Canadians.

Since, science has shown us that humans are equal, electoral reform and boundaries should be based on population, fairness and equality - not race. As former Prime Minister Trudeau once stated, "The time is now to decide whether the Indians will be a race apart in Canada or whether [they] will be Canadians of full status." In other words, the time for equality is now.