Debate on Electoral Reform a Sucess!

As was previously noted, Kwantlen Polytechnic University hosted a debate regarding the upcoming referendum question in the May 12th Provincial Election. This debate showcased the arguments presented by both sides with regards to the benefits and pitfalls to our current system as well as the ramifications of changing the system.

Nevertheless, the outcome of the debate showed that this election year will be one that has the potential to change history.

The KPSS and the Political Science Faculty at Kwantlen Polytechnic University issued the following statement with regards to the debate on Electoral Reform:


DEBATE ON ELECTORAL REFORM A SUCCESS!
PLUS: the results of our INFORMAL REFERENDUM on BC-STV!

Written by: Professor Greg Millard

The Kwantlen Debate on Electoral Reform, hosted by the KPSS and the
Department of Political Science, was a rousing success. Before an audience
of over 50 people, Edith Davidson and David Schreck shared their arguments
for and against changing our electoral system from First-Past-the-Post to
the 'BC-STV' system. Plenty of sparks flew, both between the debaters, and
in their engagement with the audience (with KPSS members leading the charge,
of course!). I circulated mock referendum ballots and invited the audience
to vote on their preference. Of the 41 ballots returned, a whopping 80.5%
came down in favour of the existing system, and 19.5% for BC-STV. The
results of the 2005 provincial referendum, though - in which BC-STV was
supported by almost 58% of voters - suggest that the actual results on May 12 will be quite different...

The Department and KPSS would like, once again, to thank Dr. Schreck and Ms.
Davidson for favouring us with such dynamic presentations!

Sincerely,

Prof.Greg Millard & The Kwantlen Political Science Society

First Ever KPSS Journal

The Kwantlen Political Science Society in conjunction with the Political Science Faculty at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be publishing a academic journal featuring papers from Professors and top quality student papers.

This will be the first time in the history of Kwantlen that a society will undertake such a task.

We are hoping to have the journal published and distributed within the coming months.
Nevertheless, we are counting on the support of the administration and students alike

If you would like more information regarding the upcoming journal please contact:

kpoliticalsciencesociety@gmail.com

Bachelors of Arts Major in Political Science?

Well, not at the moment, but we have started a petition to get a Bachelors of Arts Degree with a Major at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The KPSS believes that Kwantlen would benefit greatly if there were a Bachelors program that majored in political science. If Kwantlen had it, the institution would be able to persuade top quality high school grads who have a potential in politics, but don’t want to go to Kwantlen because there is no program. As well, kwantlen is losing many fine students who only stay around for an Associates Degree in Political Science.

I am circulating the petition sheet, so if you see me on campus and you haven’t signed it yet then come on over and sign it! We know that this is a long shot, but if the student body mobilizes we should be able to push it through.

Until later my fiends,

Patrick Brouwer

Interim President

STV Debate @ Surrey Kwantlen Campus March 25 2009

A debate put on by the Kwantlen Political Science Departement will be put on at the Kwantlen Campus regarding Single Transferable Vote which is a controversial and interesting topic that has direct implications for the upcoming provinical election.

There will be a representative from the NO STV side as well as a proponent of the STV system of voting with the esteemed Professor Greg Millard acting as Moderator.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25
KWANTLEN POLYTECYHNIC UNIVERSITY
SURREY CAMPUS
12666 72nd Ave. Surrey
ROOM D-128 (in 'D' Building)
10:00 - 12:00

We hope to see you all out there asking questions because this directly affects your future!

Elected Officials of KPSS

The interim elected officials of KPSS are as follows:

Patrick Brouwer (President)
Bhupinder Mandair (Secretary)
Derek Robertson (Vice-President)
Thomas Falcone (Treasurer)
Kassandra Linklater (Social Coordinator)

These positions are interim positions and pending the expansion and wider involvement of students we hope to have further positions filled in the coming future.

Elections will be held in September 2009 in order to maximize new student involvement and solidify the standing of the Kwantlen Political Science Society.

In Solidarity,
Bhupinder Mandair

Kwantlen Political Science Society

Welcome to the Kwantlen Political Science Society Blogspot!

Here we will be posting updates, information, meeting times, and events as well as opinions on topics related to Political Science. The KPSS is also aiming to have a journal up and running soon which will have the opinions, debates, Q&A, and pertinent information relating to Political Science not only at Kwantlen but on an international scope. This journal will be published and handed out to students to increase awareness.

We are hoping for increased student involvement and mobilization and if you would like to be a part of the KPSS or have a submission in the upcoming Journal then feel free to contact the representatives of KPSS at the following email

kpoliticalsciencesociety@gmail.com