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VICTORIA – The Electoral Districts Act 2008, introduced today by Attorney General Wally Oppal, will preserve rural representation in the 2009 election, while increasing British Columbia’s electoral districts to 85, up from the current 79 seats.
The
bill sets out proposed boundaries for the next general election. It would adopt
most of the recommendations made in the Feb. 14 final report of the Electoral
Boundaries Commission, along with the alternate scenario for the North and
Cariboo-Thompson regions also contained in that report. These boundaries were
endorsed by the legislative assembly March 13.
The
report recommended 83 electoral districts, removing two from rural British
Columbia, while increasing the number of urban districts.
Under
the legislation introduced today, MLA representation in rural districts will be
maintained. Six urban seats will
be added to address population growth in those areas, for a total of 85 seats.
To
view the electoral districts proposed for 2009, visit the commission website
at: http://www.bc-ebc.ca/final_report/province_smp
The
Electoral Boundaries Commission Act requires that a new commission be appointed
after every second provincial election. The commission reviews electoral
boundaries, taking into account population, geography, history and community
interests, as well as to ensure each MLA represents approximately the same
number of people.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Attorney General 250 387-4962 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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