In John Courtney's audit of Canadian elections there is much praise for the status quo and only caution about embracing any reforms. Aside from some criticisms of the new voter registration system, Courtney--rightly--draws attention to the many strength of the Canadian electoral system, particularly our system of independent boundary commissions and non-partisan democratic administration. Indeed, he even declares near the end of the book that "unlike countless millions around the world, Canadians today can take pride in their electoral regime." For those unhappy with the workings of some of our electoral machinery, especially our traditional voting system, Courtney argues that while some problems may exist, they can not be helped--the greater good is served by the existing arrangements and their tendency to encourage 'centrist, big tent' parties and majority governments. But Courtney's arguments are based on some contentious interpretations of the Canadian party system and the nature of democracy. Depending on how one understands these debates, Courtney's conclusions will appear either more or less compelling.

John Courtney is a professor of political science at the University of Saskatchewan.