Commentaire 122 – commentaires et rétroaction

Aneesh Kumar

Dear Commission, please see the attached letter opposing the plan to redistribute the boundaries of the Scarborough North riding.

With Regards,

Aneesh Kumar
Director, Jai Durga Hindu Society Scarborough

October 28, 2022

Jai Durga Hindu Society Scarborough (Sri Vrindavan Dhaam) is a Hindu temple in Scarborough North. Our address is 2701 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1X 1M4. Our temple is a registered charity since November 1, 1984.

Hinduism is the second largest religious group in Scarborough North after Christianity. Hindus make up 15% of the Scarborough North population and this is one of the highest percentages in Canada. Jai Durga is a place of worship for Hindus and much of our congregation lives in Scarborough North.

After learning about the Ontario Redistribution Commission's proposal to move the boundary of Scarborough North to McCowan Road and remove a riding from Scarborough, the Jai Durga temple wishes to express disappointment and disagreement.

To remove Scarborough North or a riding from Scarborough will negatively alter the diverse representation we have in an underrepresented community. In addition to having a significant Hindu population, Scarborough North has 91% visible minorities and 70% immigrants, and this is the highest level of diversity in Canada.

Jai Durga communicates on a regular basis with the local MP, MPP and City Councillor. The clear lines of communication that are in the Scarborough North community have allowed Jai Durga to grow and develop and support the Hindu population in a very effective way. Jai Durga respectfully asks the Ontario Redistribution Commission to protect the representation that we have for our Hindu community members. We respectfully request you to keep the Scarborough North boundaries as it is and to not remove a riding from Scarborough.

Aneesh Kumar
Director, Jai Durga Hindu Society