Aspin happy to see northern riding boundries remain the same

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin
News Release

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Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, commented today on the new proposed changes to the federal electoral boundary of Nipissing-Timiskaming. The proposed changes were submitted by the Ontario Commission for the Redistribution of Federal Electoral Districts.



Every 10 years an electoral boundary review is conducted based on census data. Federal electoral boundaries are then readjusted based on the representation-by-population model set out in Canada’s constitution. Every province has a commission appointed by the province’s Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House of Commons. Commissions are independent and non-partisan, no sitting member of the Senate or House of Commons can be appointed.



“Canada is growing, especially Ontario, it becomes necessary to conduct these reviews to make sure everyone is fairly represented in Ottawa,” said MP Aspin. “Now that we have seen the initial proposed changes from the Commission it is time for public input.” Canada’s population has grown significantly since the last electoral redistribution. The House of Commons will be expanded from 308 seats to 338. Half of these new seats will go to Ontario who has seen the largest population increase in the country between 2001 and 2011.



“While Northern Ontario’s population has declined slightly the Commission is recommending it retain its current retain 10 seat representation in parliament and I am very pleased with that, said MP Aspin.



It is proposed that the existing riding of Nipissing-Timiskaming be redistributed. It is proposed that Timiskaming region be part of the new riding Nickel Belt-Timiskaming. It is proposed that Nipissing region be increased slightly to form the revised riding.



“This is the time for our constituents to get informed and involved in the process,” said MP Aspin. “I urge anyone who sees any potential issues or would like to offer their comments to do so with the Commission. Information on how to do so is available on the website “http://www.redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca.”



MP Aspin declined to give his views of the proposal. He indicated that he wished to respect the wishes and recommendation of his constituents first commenting that MP’s will have an opportunity to offer their comments after public input. Public hearings will occur in October and November with hearings commencing on October 11th.

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