Comment 370 – comments and feedback

Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO, Centennial College

Attached is a written submission from Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College for the consideration of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario regarding the proposed realignment of boundaries in Scarborough, Toronto.

Attachment:

Centennial College Submission to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario

To: The Honourable Justice Lynne C. Leitch and Commission Members

On behalf of Centennial College, I would like to express concerns regarding the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario's report on the realignment of the electoral boundaries. Specifically, the proposal to reduce the number of ridings in the Scarborough region of Toronto from six to five - resulting in the elimination of Scarborough – Agincourt. Given the region's history, demographic profile, and socio-economic challenges, such a decision could have major repercussions on a community that needs - indeed, deserves and warrants - strong, vocal, and accessible representation at every level of government.

Established in 1966, Centennial is not only Scarborough's only public college, but Ontario's first community college and primarily serves the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Three of our five main campuses are located in Scarborough. Centennial enrols 25,000 full-time students and 18,000 part-time learners annually and is recognized as one of Canada's most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions. 66% of our students were born outside of Canada, and over 128 countries and 80 languages are represented on our campuses – truly reflective of the diversity and cultural vibrancy that flourishes in Scarborough. Centennial is also one of the largest employers in the region, and a significant number of our employees reside in the eastern portion of the GTA.

With such a considerable footprint in Scarborough, Centennial is deeply rooted within the community and devoted to supporting and advocating for the needs of our students, employees, and the communities we serve. Consequently, we urge the Commission to consider the unique needs of Scarborough's demographic in the federal electoral redistribution plan.

Scarborough has one of the highest diversity rates in Canada, with 74% visible minorities, many of whom are new Canadians with settlement and other complex and interrelated needs. Robust and comprehensive representation is paramount for this population to thrive and to continue contributing to the region's social and cultural fabric and economic success. A reduction in the level of representation in Scarborough would subsequently be a devastating outcome for the many equity-seeking groups in the region who deserve fair and equal representation, support, and advocacy.

Please don't treat this simply as a quantitative exercise, where the numbers dictate, but rather see it through a qualitative lens, through the eyes of community members, whose needs, aspirations, and potential should be considered as valid in the decision-making process, as changing demographic patterns and population aggregates.

Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to address your Commission and the opportunity to be heard.

Respectfully,

Dr. Craig Stephenson
President & CEO, Centennial College