Letter from Randall Garrison, MP re: Federal Riding Boundaries

July 17, 2012

Mayor Graham Hill View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue View Royal BC V9B 1A6

Dear Mayor Hill,

As you may know the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission has recently released proposed new Federal riding boundaries for British Columbia. The Commission’s webpage is here: http://www.redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca/content.asp?section=bc&document=index&lang=e. At this site you can access maps of the proposed new boundaries for reference. While the redistribution will provide an additional seat on Vancouver Island, the proposed changes would significantly alter federal representation in our area.

The boundaries of the current Esquimalt Juan de Fuca Riding are proposed to change dramatically with a large portion of the existing riding being moved into a new riding. Port Renfrew, Sooke, Metchosin and significant portions of Langford and Colwood are all proposed to be placed in a new riding called South Cowichan-Juan de Fuca. This proposed new riding will jump over the Malahat and stretch all the way to Duncan and Ladysmith.

The Commission is accepting comments on these proposed changes. Any comments or suggestions will be taken and considered by the Commission before new Boundaries are finalized. If you, your Council or citizens wish to make a verbal or written submission on the advisability of these changes or make alternative proposals you will have a chance to do so either in writing or at a hearing regarding the proposed changes. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday October 17, 2012 at the Victoria Conference Centre. However, to be able to make a written or spoken submission YOU MUST PREREGISTER YOUR INTENTION TO MAKE A SUBMISSION BEFORE AUGUST 30, 2012. Details of how to register to make a verbal or written submission are available using the above link – just look to the right on the webpage and click on “Public Hearings” – then scroll down the page to find instructions.

I personally believe that the proposed boundaries will make it much more difficult for Westshore residents to have their voices heard in Ottawa. The proposal not only divides the Westshore, the proposed new riding of South Cowichan- Juan de Fuca will be made up of two very different communities on different sides of the Malahat with potentially very different interests. Even worse, the current proposal will split up the municipalities of Langford and Colwood so that residents across the street from each other in the same municipality would have different MPs.

As I am sure you may share my concerns about these proposed boundaries, I wanted to be sure that you and Council are aware of the proposed changes and of the requirement to register by August 30 for the opportunity to comment before Boundaries are adopted.

Thank you for taking an interest in this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Randall Garrison, MP Esquimalt Juan de Fuca 250-405-6550 randall.garrison@parl.gc.ca

cc: Riding Mayors