Like many pundits, Tom Flanagan gets proportional representation backwards. It doesn't amplify the representation of smaller parties. Our current system amplifies the representation of larger parties. Moreover, our current system also encourages people to vote tactically instead of sincerely, making even the votes a party does get dubious.

Proportional representation on the other hand puts voters in control. Their votes always count. That's why the NDP, Greens and most other Canadians heard "proportional representation" when JT said he would make every vote count - because that is the only thing his "promise" could mean.

We've just seen in the U.S. what happens when the voting system doesn't respect people's votes. By rejecting proportional representation, JT has left the door open for a Canadian Trump in 2019.