ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the gaps between the ideal elements and actually existing democracy in Canada. Foremost among these gaps is the large proportion of the electorate who do not vote and whose interests would be better served by more progressive taxation and higher corporate income tax rates than prevail presently. Federal and provincial electoral systems need to be reformed to reflect the principle of proportional representation (PR). The chapter presents proposals for eliminating the gaps that comprise the democratic deficit. Democracy represents an implied social contract between citizens whereby citizens give up some of their individual liberty in exchange for collective benefits. The chapter talks about the reductions in tax rates over the past 45 years that have lowered government revenues and led to increasing government deficits and rising government sector debts. The economic growth will enable the achievement of environmental health and sustainability and the maintenance of ecological integrity.
