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Commission Redraws the Federal Electoral Map of Ontario

TORONTO, Monday, August 27, 2012 — The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this fall. Ontario will gain 15 electoral districts as a result of the increase in its population from 11,410,046 in 2001 to 12,851,821, as captured in the 2011 Census.

The proposed new electoral districts are located in the following areas: Brampton (2), Cambridge, Durham (2), Hamilton, Markham (2), Mississauga, Oakville, Ottawa, Simcoe, Toronto (2) and York. As well, despite a slight population decline, the commission has maintained 10 electoral districts in Northern Ontario as a minimum for its effective representation.

"Population shifts and increases, efforts to honour existing municipal boundaries whenever possible, and the establishment of 15 new electoral districts have required substantial adjustment to Ontario's electoral map," said the Honourable Mr. Justice George Valin, chair of the three-member commission. Mr. Douglas Colbourne and Dr. Leslie Pal are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

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 Ontario are invited to share their views on the proposed federal electoral map at the following public hearings:

Kenora, Best Western Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre, Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Thunder Bay, Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre, Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Sudbury, City Hall, Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
New Liskeard, Riverside Place, Monday, October 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
North Bay, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Barrie, City Hall, Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Richmond Hill, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. and Friday, October 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Windsor, Holiday Inn Downtown Windsor, Monday, October 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
London, Four Points by Sheraton, Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Cambridge, City Hall, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Hamilton, Crowne Plaza Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Hamilton, Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton Hotel, Friday, October 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Niagara Falls, City Hall, Monday, October 29, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Oakville, Holiday Inn & Suites, Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Mississauga, Central Library, Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Brampton, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and Friday, November 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Ottawa, Hampton Inn & Conference Centre, Monday, November 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Kingston, Radisson Hotel Kingston Harbourfront, Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Belleville, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. and Friday, November 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Cobourg, Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre, Monday, November 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Oshawa, Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Toronto, North York Civic Centre, Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Toronto, Metro Hall, Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. For complete address information for public hearings, visit www.federal‑redistribution.ca under Ontario > Public Hearings. Those wishing to make a presentation at a hearing are requested to send the commission written 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 ontario@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 Ontario > Public Hearings.

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

Information:

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario
130 King Street West
36th Floor, Suite 3670
P.O. Box 368
Toronto, Ontario
M5X 2A2

Tel.: 1-855-747-7224 (toll-free)
Fax: 1-855-747-7225 (toll-free)
ontario@rfed-rcf.ca