The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia will be holding public hearings across the province so residents can share their views on the new federal electoral map recently proposed.
Concerned constituents in Nanaimo are invited to attend a scheduled public hearing on the matter on October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Coast Bastion Inn. Presenters must register by Aug. 30 by e-mail at bc-cb@rfed-rcf.ca, by visiting www.federal-redistribution.ca or by calling toll-free at 1-855-747-7263. The commission is also accepting written comments until Oct. 18.
Both the Nanaimo-Alberni and Nanaimo-Cowichan electoral districts are the subjects of proposed changes. Overall, six new electoral districts are proposed to be added in B.C. as the result of an increase in the province's population, including the electoral district of South Cowichan-Juan de Fuca near Victoria.
Every 10 years, commissions across the country readjust the boundaries of federal electoral districts while taking into consideration population numbers, communities of interest or identity, historical patterns and geography.