Commentaire 363 – commentaires et rétroaction

Judy Thomas / Judy San

I strongly object to the proposal from the Ontario Commission for the Federal Electoral Districts Redistribution which puts the ridings of Scarborough-Agincourt and Scarborough North in jeopardy for the following reasons:

1. For over 30 years, I volunteered and was a trustee of Hong Fook Metal Health Foundation with its head office in Scarborough. It is the leading ethno-cultural community mental health agency covering the spectrum from "promoting wellness" to "managing illness" in Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities.
2. In 1987, I was one of the founders of the Yee Hong Wellness Foundation. I was the vice chair and led several capital campaigns to build the geriatric centers. The first site was in Scarborough with a high demand for a cultural and linguistic facility for senior care.
3. I was a Board member of the Scarborough Hospital Foundation. Their recent "Love Scarborough" Campaign will directly benefit the people of Scarborough ensuring accessible and equitable access to health care.

As a longtime resident of Scarborough Agincourt since 1974, and through my community work as described above, I am fully aware of the demographic of Scarborough and that it is one of the most important communities for new immigrants to settle in Canada. The population in Scarborough is still growing with all the new development underway along Sheppard Ave East and we need to maintain a stable platform through the current MPs to properly serve our needs.

I believe your change will not just stop at the federal level and it will eventually shift to provincial and municipal levels. It will have a major impact on health care services, police services, social services and business on the whole Scarborough neighborhoods. It will further harm an area which is already underfunded and neglected by the Government. Has the total implications been studied through the various levels of Government?

For 48 years I belong to the Agincourt community/village which has its cultural identity and historical significance of Scarborough. Many newcomers are attracted to the welcoming nature of our community. Recently I was profiled in the Block by Block Museum representing Agincourt. Agincourt is like branding in business. It connects with me emotionally and provides values to me. .

I urge you to carry out a deeper understanding of our community and carefully review your recommendation. Please withdraw the proposal to reduce representation for one of Canada's most diverse places. We are the people who most need more representation and not less.

Sincerely yours,

Judy Thomas /Judy San