Comment 73 – comments and feedback

Michèle Mann

I am writing to provide my comments on the proposed changes for my electoral district outlined above. I would first like to comment on the timeliness of the notice I received soliciting my comments. The notice was received at my home, from Arif Virani's (our MP) office on September 27, two days after your deadline for written submissions. This is unacceptable. There was no other notice sent to us. My comments are as follows;

1. I have no objection to expanding the electoral district, notwithstanding the fact it seems to me this will increase the workload of the MP and could compromise his or her ability to respond in a timely manner to the constituents. Only time will tell on this front.
2. I do object to the name change of our riding from Parkdale-High Park to Taiaiako'n-High Park for the following reasons;

At a time of when the economy is in such a perilous position, imposing increased costs for residents of this riding to make name changes is a waste of taxpayers money. Why are we spending what I imagine to be a significant amount of money to change stationary, signage etc for no apparent reason other than to appease some of the aboriginal members of our community. Has their input even been canvassed to determine what their wishes may be. Is there not some other way a recognizing their history in our community other than changing the name of our riding? One wonders.

Next, if you wish to change the name of the riding, why is there no context provided regarding this name. I have lived in this riding for over twenty six years and have never heard this name ever. Who is this aboriginal group, the Taiaiako'n and what significance do they have in this riding? This information ought to have been provided to the constituents. It leads one to wonder if in fact your committee is simply window dressing by asking for feedback from the constituents, when in fact your decision has already been made. It certainly does not instill confidence that your committee is acting in good faith and calls into question for your methodologies. Do you plan to correct this and provide the information I am suggesting to our constituents?

These are my comments. Please provide confirmation of the receipt of these comments. Thank you.

Michèle Mann