A senior Ontario cabinet minister has come out against a proposed proportional representation system for the province — the first member of cabinet to do so.

Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said he's going to vote no in the referendum on the issue to be held this fall.

Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan, seen presenting the 2006 budget during his brief tenure as finance minister, says he will vote against proportional representation in this fall's referendum.
(Derek Oliver/Canadian Press)

Duncan said it will result in more minority governments and policy being decided after the election as parties horse-trade for seats and support.

And he doesn't like that 39 of the MPPs under the proposed system would be selected from a list and wouldn't have to run in a constituency, which he said could mean an unelected premier or members of cabinet.

"Coming home every weekend and doing riding events and listening to people and taking their calls in my office keeps me kind of grounded," Duncan told CBC news. 

"If there are members of the legislature, particularly members of the cabinet, who aren't directly accountable to anyone, I think that's a recipe for danger."

Under the proposed system, Ontario would be divided into only 90 electoral districts instead of 107. Another 39 MPPs would be elected at large, based on parties' shares of the popular vote and lists submitted by each party.

Proponents argue it will improve the government by encouraging parties to create majorities through coalitions and giving fringe parties more chances to gain seats.

Opponents argue that the proposed system would result in a weaker, indecisive provincial government — and would also be less democratic.

However, Duncan appears to be outnumbered by other cabinet ministers who support proportional representation. Those in favour include Attorney General Michael Bryant, Municipal Affairs Minister John Gerretsen and Health Minister George Smitherman.