The basic idea behind the Single Transferable Voting (STV) proposal from the Citizens' Assembly is simplicity itself: you join with a group of other voters who share your political priorities and together choose an MLA to represent you. Surprisingly, our current voting system doesn't do this - instead, it forces half the voters to accept an MLA they don't support.

The term "transfer" is one of those fantastic words in the English language that can take on so many useful meanings. As a noun, for example, transfer can be used to describe a ticket or pass that enables a person to change direction or reach a new destination. As a verb, transfer can be used to describe the act of passing something from one person to another.

Wise Democracy Victoria is seeking ways for “we the people” to lead the leaders. Come and learn about the possibilities for real change that will emerge when we unleash the power of genuine democracy. Like a match in a haystack, the ‘latent energy of democracy’ is there, ready to be tapped. It only takes a few people at the right time and the right place. You can help provide the spark!

We are going to start again: 1900 hours at the Vienna Cafe in Nelson

The participants at the Philo may either suggest one or more of the topics from that list, or they may propose a topic of their own. The facilitator will make the decision from the topics proposed.

Tariq Ali has always been, and will certainly remain, a dissenter. "The way capitalist politics is functioning," he says today, "is increasingly authoritarian, designed not to wipe out, perhaps, but completely to marginalise dissenting voices."

In his 60s, the firebrand may not be shining as brightly as before but it is, without doubt, still aflame.

The Canadian Voices Project aims to increase discussion on issues and ideas that are frequently ignored or distorted in other media. Most speakers are chosen based on their tacit commitment to community radio’s goals to serve the needs of socially, culturally, politically and economically disadvantaged groups in society. Others bring commitment to a range of topics, from the preservation of our environment to the development of human spirituality.

1992: Dufferin Mall's proposed expansion meets with hostility from the neighbourhood. Dufferin Mall offers $20,000 to the city for new playground equipment for Dufferin Grove Park, no strings attached. Parks Department calls a community consultation meeting but nobody comes. Mall manager David Hall calls Jutta Mason and asks her to consult neighbours. She calls around the neighbourhood for two days and asks people what they want for the park. Telephone consultation results: people ask for basketball court, adventure playground suitable for older kids, native species gardens, food in the park, more places to sit. Parks department calls community meeting at library. Well-attended meeting confirms this to-do list.

Weekdays at 9:05 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Radio One
Ideas is a program about contemporary thought. It explores social issues, culture and the arts, geopolitics, history, biography, science and technology, and the humanities.

Weekdays at 9:05 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Radio One
Ideas is a program about contemporary thought. It explores social issues, culture and the arts, geopolitics, history, biography, science and technology, and the humanities.

By the People's next show will be Friday morning between 7am and 9am at 93.5FM in Nelson and on-line. Some of the more recent By the People shows are archived here in mp3 format.