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No Changes to the Federal Electoral Map of Prince Edward Island

CHARLOTTETOWN, Thursday, August 9, 2012 – The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Prince Edward Island has proposed that no changes be made to the province's current federal electoral districts. Public hearings will take place this fall and comments from residents are welcome.

"Given the insignificant variances between electoral districts in terms of population numbers, we see no reason to adjust the current boundaries," stated the Honourable Gordon L. Campbell, chair of the three-member commission. "There have been no observable shifts in communities of interest or identity, nor has there been any recent change in the historical pattern of the electoral districts. The current system is working effectively."

The Honourable Armand DesRoches and Mr. Eugene Murphy are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

The proposal takes into account Prince Edward Island's increase in population from 135,294 in 2001 to 140,204, as captured in the 2011 Census.

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.

The commission makes final decisions about where the electoral boundaries will be located after consultation, giving the public and members of Parliament an opportunity to express their views and participate in the process.

To consult the proposal online, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca; to obtain a copy, contact the commission (see contact information below).

Public hearings

Residents of Prince Edward Island are invited to share their views on the proposed federal electoral map at the following public hearings:

ELMSDALE, Westisle Composite High School, Tuesday, October 9, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
SUMMERSIDE, Parkside Elementary School, Wednesday, October 10, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
CHARLOTTETOWN, Charlottetown Rural High School, Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
MORELL, Morell Regional High School, Tuesday, October 16, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
HUNTER RIVER, Central Queens Elementary School, Wednesday, October 17, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. For complete address information for public hearings, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca under Prince Edward Island > Public Hearings. Those wishing to make a presentation at a hearing are requested to send the commission notice no later than October 1.

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
any accommodation needs the person may have

Written notice can be sent by e-mail to pei-ipe@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 Prince Edward Island > Public Hearings.

Learn more about the redistribution of federal electoral districts, at www.federal-redistribution.ca.

Information:

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Prince Edward Island
70 Kent Street, Suite 100
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 1M9

Tel.: 1-855-726-4105 (toll-free)
Fax: 1-855-726-4106 (toll-free)
pei-ipe@rfed-rcf.ca