Upcoming Electoral Boundaries Commission Consultations

We need to talk about the upcoming Electoral Boundaries Commission consultation.

OK, I get that it’s not the most exciting topic, but bear with me. 

Every 10 years, a commission is set up to review and redraw the boundaries of electoral ridings and it happens to be this year. At the end of August, the Commission will begin a series of public meetings in 12 communities across NB, as well as 2 virtual meetings. 

This process has a direct impact on the integrity and quality of our democracy in New Brunswick. 

The Commission is led by Conservative and Liberal co-chairs, but there is no Green voice at the table. Kevin Arseneau raised concerns earlier this year about the optics of excluding a party from the process.

This consultation is our chance to have our voice heard on important electoral issues in NB.

Earlier this year, David, Kevin and Megan proposed having this commission recommend a proportional representation system for NB. Every single Liberal and Conservative MLA voted against the motion.

This is your chance to speak up and let them know that a strong democracy is important to you, fair electoral boundaries are crucial, and that proportional representation is worth a try in New Brunswick.

Here is the list of upcoming public meetings: 

  • Inkerman: Tuesday, Aug. 23 – Centre Communautaire d'Inkerman
  • Campbellton: Wednesday, Aug. 24 – Quality Hotel and Conference Centre
  • Bathurst: Thursday, Aug. 25 – K.C. Irving Regional Centre
  • Miramichi: Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Travelodge Miramichi
  • Bouctouche: Wednesday, Aug. 31 – J.K. Irving Centre
  • Moncton: Thursday, Sept. 1 – Delta Beauséjour
  • Edmundston: Tuesday, Sept. 6 – Edmundston Hotel and Conference Centre
  • Grand Falls: Wednesday, Sept. 7 – Rodeway Inn
  • Woodstock: Thursday, Sept. 8 – NBCC Woodstock
  • Saint Andrews: Tuesday, Sept. 13 – NBCC Saint Andrews
  • Saint John: Wednesday, Sept. 14 – Delta Saint John
  • Fredericton: Thursday, Sept. 15 – Delta Fredericton

As well as 2 virtual meetings:

  • Thursday September 1, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
  • Monday September 12, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

For more information, check out the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission website.

If you plan on attending and would like some guidance on the issues, you can email me at [email protected]

 

Nicolas Jelic

President, Green Party of New Brunswick