Nova Scotia’s Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission will hold their sixth of nine public hearings tonight in Bridgewater.
The commission was appointed to review the boundaries based on an increase in urban population versus a decrease in rural areas.
Justice Cindy Bourgeois is the commission chair and says they’re receiving lots of feedback.
“There are aspects of the proposal that people like, and there are aspects that we have heard very loudly, that do not make sense for the communities involved,” says Bourgeois.
She says it’s just a proposal so far, and will take everything into consideration.
“When people come forward and say ‘I really hate this and it won’t work,’ that’s important. But what’s really helpful is for them to say, ‘but here’s something that you might want to consider.’”
Citizens have a chance to submit feedback until June 28th, and the commission hopes to have final recommendations in place by the fall.
A small group gathered in Yarmouth last night to talk about proposed changes to their federal riding.
The three-member commission listened to presentations and answered questions on the potential amendments, which would see West Nova increase in size to include Shelburne, and become ‘Acadian Shore-Shelburne.’
Former MP for Southwest Nova and Senator Gerald Comeau presented in French, and was concerned about Acadians getting lost in the shuffle.
“Majority rules is important, but minorities have to be valued as well. One of the ways to protect minorities is to give them a voice in the House of Commons. It’s extremely important that Francophone and Acadian voices are represented,” says Comeau.
He says the addition of Shelburne would make a small minority even smaller.
Graham Dalton came from Clementsvale in Annapolis County to share his concerns about the new name.
“West Nova as its named now is multicultural. The new name being suggested only identifies one of the cultures, and one of the counties, and there are five in this riding,” says Dalton.
He says the name would give preferential treatment to some, and not others.
A handful of people presented and made comments at the 45 minute long session.
