Comment 8 (4 April 2022) – comments and feedback

Leah Gazan

Dear Commission Members

Thank you to the Commission for inviting Members of Parliament to participate in the development of the Initial Proposal and for your very important work.

I am honoured to live in Winnipeg Centre and represent our wonderful riding in Parliament.

Winnipeg Centre has a long history; the riding was first established in 1914, with the current riding boundaries settled in 1997.

Winnipeg Centre is a vibrant, diverse, and exciting part of the city. Maintaining continuity of the riding's boundaries should be a priority as it is uniquely situated in the center of the city, has historical significance, is comprised of many communities with similar strengths and needs and has several physical divisions that are reflected in the current riding map.

The riding is physically bordered by the Assiniboine River to the South, the Red River to the East, the Canadian Pacific Railway main line to the North and the airport to the West. Within the riding there are many distinct neighbourhoods with shared interests and needs.

As per the guiding principles set out by the Commission on geography, community history, community interests and minority interests, I would encourage the Commission to maintain the current riding boundaries.

If the Commission feels a change to the boundaries in Winnipeg Centre is necessary, the Commission should consider including the neighbourhood of North Point Douglas, which mirrors the make-up of Winnipeg Centre in its history, demographics and interests.

Thank you for taking this initial step in the redistribution process. I look forward to your preliminary report and working with you on the next steps in the process.