The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, BC office in Vancouver, will be adding six new federal ridings in BC. There will have to be some adjustments made to BC ridings in order to accommodate six new federal seats or MPs.
The Trail Daily Times has carried messages from the current federal NDP MP Alex Atamenenko and his supporters. For the most part, they want the status quo or just keep the Kootenays together.
They have fear-mongered on a number of levels; one being that “we” would be better represented in Ottawa, as a West and East Kootenay community.
Really?
The West Kootenay has been so neglected, an alliance with Penticton offers a fresh perspective and opportunity.
Here’s my take on the proposed changes: Montrose and Fruitvale should stay with Castlegar, Trail, Slocan, Grand Forks, Midway, Osoyoos, Oliver and Penticton.
Nelson and Kaslo should be added to Revelstoke and Cranbrook.
Unlike the federal NDP MP and his supporters, I have no problem working with fellow citizens in Penticton.
If the main constituency office were located there, I would ask for a sub office in Trail or Castlegar.
There is no guarantee from where the next MP hails. He or she could be from any city, town or rural area within the new ridings.
So, if you want to send a letter to the Electoral Boundaries Commission, here’s the address:
Commission Secretary, Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for BC
1095 West Pender Street, Suite 301, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6
Also you may want to plan on attending meetings: Nelson, Tues Oct 2 at 7pm, Best Western Baker St Inn; Castlegar Fireside Inn, Wed Oct 3 at 7pm
Sometimes, new, is a good thing.
Rose Calderon
Trail