The Cariboo Regional District plans to write a letter to the Federal Electoral Boundary Commission to voice its opposition to the proposed realignment of the electoral boundaries.
The CRD says the realignment would affect communities in the region.
Under the proposed realignment, the District of 100 Mile House and portions of the south Cariboo would become part of the Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon riding with the closest constituency office based in Chilliwack, BC.
“The proposed changes to include portions of the south Cariboo including 108 Mile Ranch, and Lac La Hache and the District of 100 Mile House as part of the Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, shows a lack of foresight and appreciation of the different issues faced by urban and rural residents,” says CRD chair Al Richmond. “Residents need to voice their opinions on this matter and help ensure appropriate representation for the Cariboo Chilcotin and to make sure common sense is being incorporated into the equation of regional representation.”
According to the commission, the main goal in reconfiguring the boundaries is to divide the province equally into electoral districts based on population, the CRD says.
The CRD is urging all residents to voice their opinion regarding the proposed redistribution during one of the upcoming hearings closest to the Cariboo Chilcotin. Meetings are scheduled for the following dates. A full listing of the public hearing dates and locations is available online at federal-redistribution.ca.
Monday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.: Prince George — Coast Inn of the North, 770 Brunswick St.
Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.: Kamloops — Kamloops Convention Centre, 1250 Rogers Way.
Residents who wish to speak at a hearing are requested to notify the Electoral Boundary Commission, in writing, before Aug. 30. Applications can be e-mailed to bc-cb@rfed-rcf.ca, faxed to 1-855-747-7237, or completed online at federal-redistribution.ca under British Columbia, Public Hearings.
For further information, contact the Federal Electoral Boundary Commission at 1-855-747-7236.