Commentaire 318 – commentaires et rétroaction

Denise Gracias

It has recently been made known to me that Scarborough may lose a seat and be broken up along the western border. I am writing to you today to advise that I am very much opposed to this. Scarborough needs to retain all 6 ridings and the western border should remain along Victorial Park from the lake to Steeles.

Why?

1. The Commission's recommendations will reduce Scarborough's representation at all three levels of government.
2. Scarborough is a community of interest with integrated public services and distinctive neighbourhoods, which shouldn't be broken up.
3. Scarborough's population is consistently undercounted due to residents who are less likely to complete a census form, especially during a pandemic: newcomers with English language limitations, those living in precarious housing, refugee claimants, international students, and temporary foreign workers. Researchers estimate this undercounting to be in the order of 50,000 residents.
4. Equity for our diverse communities.
5. More housing in the development pipeline, which will increase Scarborough's population even more.
6. Local business have historical connections to our community.
7. Fairness. Scarborough's (and Toronto's) population grows, but we lose a seat to areas that are growing even faster, while other parts of Ontario and Canada that aren't growing have their representation protected. Why?

Please consider my points and do not make this change.I look forward to hearing that this change proposal will be dropped.

Thank you in advance.

Denise Gracias