Now that the election results are final, several pundits and advocates are discussing what the next steps should be for Prime Minister Mark Carney. From dealing with fallout from the US tariff war and sovereignty threats, to housing and the economy, to tackling climate change, there are multiple crises that will challenge our new government.

With the NDP, the Bloc and the Greens suffering major losses, the results demonstrate that the electorate had a difficult choice. Many apparently voted "strategically" to keep the Conservatives out of power or “loaned” their votes to Liberals in recognition of Mark Carny’s suitability in this unique moment. As asserted in a new National Observer article, "Political polarization is a growing threat to our independence and sovereignty. Mark Carney should meet and mitigate it by making good on his party's promise to deliver electoral reform."

Indeed, for voters to feel that their vote counts, we need proportional representation. As Gisela Ruckert, a Kamloops-based board member of Fair Vote Canada, stated in her recent op-ed, "Multi-party cooperation, the most common route to proportional representation around the world would pave the way for critical long-term progress on energy and climate policy. Housing, healthcare, education, reconciliation, senior care: all would benefit from a more collaborative approach that incorporates the best ideas from each party."

Let's encourage the current government to follow through on their party's previous commitment to undertake electoral reform!