Comment 124 – comments and feedback

Annie Vimalanathan

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide you with our thoughts and concerns regarding the redistribution of the federal electoral ridings.

Today, I am writing to you about the proposal to change Scarborough's borders and eliminate the Scarborough-Agincourt riding. As a life-long Scarborough resident I am deeply concerned by this proposal.

Scarborough is my home and it is an area filled with community and a deep, rich history. It is a large area, filled with a large population. Scarborough is a mosaic of cultures and people that deserve to be represented and heard at every level of government.

Despite being a part of Toronto, the community here always identifies as being from Scarborough. It is what makes us who we are. Throughout the ages, community has always been important. Where you live becomes a part of your identity. It shapes your experiences, your thoughts and ideas, the people you surround yourself with and how you walk through life. In that respect, all of Scarborough and the people here have shaped who I am as a person.

I frequent many shops in the areas that are being proposed to join another riding, and have many friends and family who live here too. To lose places that were and continue to be parts of my personal story and identity leaves me with a bitter sensation. Furthermore, to lose valuable members of our community to North York is just as much of a blow. I know many other youths, adults and seniors who feel the same.

Oftentimes, despite our large population and size, Scarborough is always given the short end of the stick. It is usual for us to receive a lack of funding and resources. It is also normal for us to be mocked or perceived differently from the other parts of Toronto.

Now, to be singled out to lose one of our ridings feels like another hit to our community. It fosters resentment and bitterness towards those in power, as it seems like we are constantly being treated unfairly.

Please reconsider changing the Scarborough borders. It would mean so much to everyone in our vibrant community.

Thank you,

Annie V.