Comment 13 – comments and feedback

Michelle Remillard

Respectfully I would request that in your review of the last assessment that you maintain the present number of elected officials in the North.

Looking at the proposed new boundaries in the most northern section , I would suggest that the indigenous population would be affronted to have their territory represented by only one official. Surely it is not in keeping with the Act based on Rules article 15(1)(b)(I)(II). It would not respect the interest of their community or identity. At this time , in the spirit of reconciliation would such a change be advised?

The population in the North is made up of many francophones. Our French ancestors helped developed the North. My ancestors benefited from government incentives to settle here. Northern living is not always easy. We do not have all the amenities found in the south. When we need specialized health care we have to go south, when we need higher education we have to go south, when we want to travel we have to go south. The proposed new boundaries would divide francophone communities who have the same interests , the same values, the same ancestry. Is there political interest in weakening their political vote?

Does the south not have enough representation that you must take another of our seats? Your Commission is represented by individuals born, raised and educated in the south. I would suggest that when you travel North for your meeting in Timmins that you drive , not fly. That would be just a little taste of the drive some of our northerners must travel to go south.

You are required to follow the laws in your decision making , however you do have some discretion to consider distance versus population. It is unfortunate that there is not a formula that you could use when considering the population of an area divided by the distance of the region . Perhaps a silly suggestion but it would be easier for you.

In summery I would urge you to review the proposed boundaries very carefully and maintain our present electoral districts.

Respectfully,

Michelle Remillard