Maryam Monsef showed no desire to hold a referendum, blaming the committee for not achieving consensus on the issue. She is moving ahead with the next phase of her outreach, she said, announcing the launch of a new consultation process -- in the middle of the holiday season.

And a majority still want a referendum.

Canadians have a rare and precious opportunity to influence the future functioning of our democracy, both in terms of citizen representation and the balance of power that underpins day-to-day decision-making by our national government. This is a window of opportunity that, if squandered, may not present itself again for years to come.

A special committee on electoral reform is getting to work.