Federal Electoral Boundary Discussions Continue

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MP Jamie Schmale participated virtually in the September 6th Council meeting a discussion was held regarding the initial proposal for federal election boundary adjustments affecting the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes Brock (HKLB) riding which currently includes Cavan-Monaghan.  The new proposal divides the township among three federal ridings, which all participants viewed as inappropriate.   Boundary adjustments occur every ten years following each Census to redistribute and rebalance changes in populations.

MP Schmale indicated that this proposal was just a first draft and changes were likely.  The last time this was done, in 2015, the initial proposal divided the township among two ridings.  The redistribution this time around must create an additional riding in Ontario in order to balance populations more evenly across the country.  The current boundaries of HKLB include a population that is very close to the new riding population target, so Schmale was hoping to promote a status quo for our riding.  Other relevant factors in determining these boundaries are historical links, respecting communities of interest or identities and geographic size.

Council members were concerned that splitting the township would result in less effective representation at the federal level.  Deputy Mayor Graham wondered if the township might be better served if it was in a riding with other municipalities of Peterborough County, where there is a more common economic and social connection.  MP Schmale said he was prepared to advocate for whatever changes the township preferred.  Mayor McFadden and Chief Administrative Officer Yvette Hurley will make a presentation outlining the township’s position at a virtual public meeting beginning at noon on October 29th.  This meeting can be observed through a link on the website www.redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/on.  The deadline for written submissions is also October 29th. .  These can be emailed to ON@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca or mailed to PO Box 37018 Southdale, London, ON, N6E 3T3.

Confirmation of the revised electoral map is scheduled to occur in September 2023, and if all goes to plan, it will apply to general elections called after April 1st, 2024.  KG

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