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Commission Redraws the Federal Electoral Map of New Brunswick

Fredericton, Friday, June 22, 2012 – The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for New Brunswick has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings in September.

The commission has taken account of population shifts to urban areas such as Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John by adjusting the province's traditional mixed urban/rural electoral districts. It has also aimed to maintain or strengthen communities of interest and identity elsewhere in the province.

"The primary goal we've pursued is effective representation. The equal value of each citizen's vote is of great importance, but it must not overshadow other key factors that have an impact on an MP's ability to represent the residents of his or her electoral district," said the Honourable Alexandre Deschênes, chair of the three-member commission. Dr. Patrick N. Malcolmson and the Honourable Thomas Riordon are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

The proposal reflects New Brunswick's increase in population from 729,498 in 2001 to 751,171, as captured in the 2011 census, as well as movement within the province. The proposal can be consulted at www.federal-redistribution.ca. Its publication in the Canada Gazette is scheduled for July 21.

Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the commission's main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible. The population of a district should remain within 25% of the average once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity, and historical and geographic factors. A commission can depart from the 25% guideline to deal with extraordinary circumstances.

Public hearings

Residents of New Brunswick are invited to share their views on the proposed federal electoral map at public hearings:

Saint-Quentin, Auberge Évasion de Rêves, Monday, September 10, 2012, from 2:00–7:00 p.m.
Caraquet, Cultural Centre, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, from 2:00–7:00 p.m.
Newcastle, Kinsmen Centre, Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 2:30–7:00 p.m.
Fredericton, Saint Thomas University (Oak Maple Room), Thursday, September 13, 2012, from 2:00–7:00 p.m.
Woodstock, Best Western, Friday, September 14, 2012, from 2:30–7:00 p.m.
St. Andrews, W. C. O'Neill Arena Complex, Monday, September 17, 2012, from 2:30–7:00 p.m.
Saint John, Delta Brunswick, Tuesday, September 18, 2012, from 2:30–6:00 p.m. and 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Sussex, All Seasons Inn, Wednesday, September 19, 2012, from 2:30–6:00 p.m. and 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Moncton, Delta Beauséjour, Thursday, September 20, 2012, from 2:30–5:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Shediac, Multipurpose Centre, Monday, September 24, 2012, from 2:30–6:00 p.m. and 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. Those wishing to make a presentation at a hearing are requested to send the commission notice no later than August 29.

Notices of presentation should include:

the person's name, address and contact information
the organization he/she represents (if any)
the date of the public hearing he/she wishes to attend
a short overview of the issue(s) he/she intends to address
the official language of preference, and
any accommodation needs the person may have

Written notice can be sent by e-mail to nb@rfed-rcf.ca or by mail to the address below. Alternatively, the Public Hearings Notice Form can be filled out online at www.federal-redistribution.ca under New Brunswick > Public Hearings.

To obtain a copy of the commission's proposal or to learn more about the redistribution of federal electoral districts, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca.

Information:

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for New Brunswick
Frederick Square
77 Westmorland Street, Suite 350
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 6Z3

Tel: 1-855-726-4109 (toll-free)
Fax: 1-855-726-4110 (toll-free)
nb@rfed-rcf.ca