Comment 267 – comments and feedback
Back to all comments and feedback from the public
Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson
The Ontario Federal Redistribution Commission
By e-mail
ON@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca
Commission Members:
It only came to my attention yesterday that October 29 was the last opportunity to make comment on a proposal put forward by the Commission that the entire geographic area of Kingston East, in which we live, be incorporated into a federal riding that includes Gananoque, Prescott, and Brockville. I knew nothing of this proposal until this late date and strongly disagree with it for the following reasons:
- My area, Pittsbugh Township, was amalgamated with the City of Kingston in 1997. Prior to that, the area and its residents were always, by location, naturally, socially, and historically very closely associated with Kingston. Since amalgamation we are now completely integrated as a community;
- We have nothing in common with Gananoque, Prescott and Brockville. We wouldn't even know or have contact with any person from that area who would presume to represent us;
- Next month, the long awaited Third Crossing bridge will link the east side of the Cataraqui River directly with midtown Kingston, and we will be closer and more integrated than ever... how is it possible that anyone could conceivably think that we are not part of Kingston?
- We pay taxes to the City of Kingston, reside within its boundaries, participate in its civic activities, and vote (as we did last Monday) on its municipal officials... how then could we be represented within an electoral district that includes Gananoque, Brockville and Prescott? It is ludicrous.
- I feel that this proposal has not been before us in a timely manner to allow people to become acquainted with what has been proposed and to express their feelings;
- Why has the Commission not budgeted sufficiently to contact the community involved to canvass their opinion?
- Looking on your website this morning, there was no public meeting scheduled for this area considering the affect this could have on residents and the community; this does not fit well with democratic process.
Again, I strongly disagree with this proposal and I consent to having my full name and comments posted on the Electoral Boundary commission's website.
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson