Media

Commission Redraws the Federal Electoral Map
of Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, Tuesday, August 7, 2012 — The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Saskatchewan has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this fall.

The commission is proposing to establish two exclusively urban electoral districts in Regina and three in Saskatoon. As well, there would be two districts that are a mixture of rural-urban, and the remaining seven would be primarily rural. The creation of strictly urban districts is a significant change to the current configuration of electoral districts around Regina and Saskatoon

"In the past, both Regina and Saskatoon were designed as single electoral districts within their city boundaries. The major difference now is that with a much greater share of the province's population in those cities, the number of entirely urban districts has reached an historic high," said the Honourable Ronald C. Mills, chair of the three-member commission. Dr. John Courtney and Mr. David Marit are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

The proposal takes into account Saskatchewan's increase in population from 978,933 in 2001 to 1,033,381, as captured in the 2011 census, as well as movement within the province.

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's role is to readjust the boundaries of federal electoral districts. It makes final decisions about where the new 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 Saskatchewan are invited to share their views on the proposed federal electoral map at public hearings:

• Regina, Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre, Monday, September 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Swift Current, Credit Union iPlex, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Weyburn, Royal Canadian Legion, Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Fort Qu'Appelle, Treaty Four Governance Centre, 740 Sioux Avenue South, Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• North Battleford, Don Ross Centre, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Prince Albert, Carlton Comprehensive High School, Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Tisdale RECplex, Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
• Saskatoon, Radisson Hotel, Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. For complete address information for public hearings, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca under Saskatchewan > Public Hearings. Those wishing to make a presentation at a hearing are requested to send the commission notice no later than September 3.

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 saskatchewan@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 Saskatchewan > Public Hearings.

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

Information:

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Saskatchewan
440 2nd Avenue North, Suite 203
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 2C3

Tel.: 1-306-241-1984 or 1-855-747-7230
(Toll-free number will be available mid-April.)
saskatchewan@rfed-rcf.ca