British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission has submitted its final report to the provincial government, indicating no changes to the Powell River-Sunshine Coast constituency.
However, it has been recommended that six new electoral districts be created in the province.
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said he was not surprised with the jump in new electoral districts, considering BC’s rapidly growing population.
“The process is nonpartisan and based on population – extensive consultation with experts and the public informed the commission’s findings,” said Simons.
In order to accommodate the new members, there will have to be some design changes in the legislature’s chamber, as it is getting crowded, said Simons.
“Some have suggested going to benches as they have in Westminster [British Parliament],” added Simons.
He said that his party, the New Democratic Party, does not have a position on the new electoral boundaries, but MLAs from all parties look at their new boundaries to see if they can determine if the changes will be favourable or challenging to them.
The next provincial election should be contested with the new electoral boundaries, according to Simons.
“The legislation is required to be passed in the session during which the report is issued,” said Simons. “The legislature can amend the commission’s findings, but there have been no indications at this point whether or not any amendments will be proposed.”
When asked about a possible name change for the riding, given Tla’amin Nation’s sensitivities for the word Powell, Simons said many ridings have had their names changed to reflect changes to their boundaries.
“Where boundaries were not changed, no name changes were proposed. Our constituency encompasses over 2,100 square kilometres, and includes the territories of many Indigenous nations,” said Simons.
When asked if he plans on contesting the next provincial election, Simons said that is currently his plan.
The electoral commission’s recommendations include a proposal to create six additional electoral districts in areas of rapid population growth, bringing the total number of provincial ridings to 93 from the current 87.
“Our proposal to increase the number of electoral districts reflects our growing province,” stated justice Nitya Iyer, chair of the commission, in a media release. “We do not recommend reducing the number of ridings in more sparsely populated areas of the province because doing so would undermine effective representation.”
The release stated that the commission recommends adjustments to the boundaries of 72 electoral districts and changes to 41 electoral district names based on the geographic, demographic, and communication and transportation considerations set out in the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act.
“We learned a great deal from our initial and final public consultations,” stated Iyer. “In total, we held 63 public meetings in 44 communities and received more than 2,000 submissions. We wish to thank wholeheartedly the many British Columbians who took the time to share their views with us. Your input was invaluable in shaping our understanding of our complex and diverse province.”
The publication of the final report marks the end of the commission’s process. It is now the responsibility of the Legislative Assembly to decide whether to accept all, some or none of the commission’s recommendations.
To view the commission’s final report and proposed boundaries, go to bcebc.ca.
