A proposal that would see Queensborough becoming part of a federal electoral riding with Richmond will likely take centre stage at a meeting tonight.
The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia has proposed new electoral maps for Canadians' consideration at public hearings that are taking place in the fall. Under the proposed boundaries, Queensborough or "that part of the City of New Westminster on Lulu Island" would become part of the Richmond East riding.
Instead of splitting the city into the existing Burnaby-New Westminster and the New Westminster-Coquitlam ridings, the city (with the exception of Queensborough) would be represented in the proposed New Westminster-Burnaby East riding.
The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission will be holding a public hearing in New Westminster on Wednesday, Sept. 26 (tonight) at 7 p.m. at the Inn at the Quay.
People wishing to make presentations had to notify the com-mission by Aug. 30.
New Westminster city council recently voted in favour of opposing the proposed federal boundary changes and applying to make a presentation at the public hearing. Coun. Bill Harper will make a presentation on the city's behalf and Coun. Chuck Puchmayr has registered to speak as well.
According to Elections
Canada, the Constitution of Canada requires that federal electoral districts be reviewed after each 10-year census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population. Launched in February, the federal redistribution process is proposing changes to many federal ridings in Canada so the changes and movement to Canada's population is reflected in House of Commons representation.
Both of New Westminster's current MPs - Burnaby-New Westminster MP Peter Julian and New Westminster-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly - have voiced concerns about the proposed changes.
Julian recently told The Record that the first drafts of boundaries presented back in 2002 recommended that a federal riding join parts of New Westminster and Surrey.
He credited the boundaries commission for considering the "substantial" public feedback to the proposal and coming back with the boundaries that exist today.
The new electoral boundaries are expected to be in effect for the next federal election, which is slated for Oct. 19, 2015.
For more information about hearings in B.C. and maps of proposed boundaries visit www. federal-redistribution.ca.
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