KENORA – Kenora MP Eric Melillo has expressed his concern over the redistribution of the Federal electoral riding map.
“I am concerned with the commission’s proposal to remove a seat from northern Ontario,” wrote Melillo in a statement. “Our region has many unique and diverse needs that deserve proper representation in Parliament. Though these are simply proposed changes and haven’t been finalized, it is important that our region is properly represented, and that those who want to contribute to the conversation use the avenues provided by the electoral commission to ensure their voice is heard.”
Melillo’s statement reflects Thunder Bay- Rainy River MP Marcus Pawlowski’s comments on the proposed riding changes. Both the Liberal and Conservative MP’s feel that Federal representation in Northwestern Ontario is unique and to lose a seat at Parliament Hill will leave the voice of the North unheard.
Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, electoral riding is calculated by Population divided by the number of federal ridings in Ontario. Ontario has 122 electoral districts which serve a population of 12,223,942 each riding must be split into a population of 116,590.
Considering the vast geography of Northwest Ontario, merging Kenora’s riding with Thunder Bay - Rainy River's riding those living in between the two cities might not be underrepresented.
That isn’t to say that the proposed Kiiwetinoong-Mushkegowuk riding shouldn’t get its own Federal representative. The people living in the far northern regions of Ontario are also underrepresented. Most of the First Nations have gone without clean drinking water for decades. For the current MPs of Northwestern Ontario, taking away seats wouldn’t allow for more representation, but a heightened workload.
However, the proposed changes still need to go through public inquiry before they can be finalized. After which, the riding changes won’t come into effect until April of 2024.
For those who wish to participate in these hearings, you must complete the Public Hearing Participation Form and submit it by September 25.
