Comment 128 – comments and feedback

John Frostiak

I am writing this note to state my opposition to the proposed redistribution and re-allocation seats for Northwestern Ontario. While not densely populated this region is largely under represented because of the large geographical area the MP must cover. There is limited access to the many communities and frequent weather disruptions. Does the commission realise what the distance is between the Manitoba border and the Quebec border? We in the north have seen the issues that the creation of the provincial constituency Kiiwetinoong has caused. We had the lowest voter turnout in the province at 28% and try as he might the MPP cannot freely travel across his riding which is half the size of the proposed federal riding. I believe that the northern and rural communities are already being underserved by the federal government because the MP or for that matter the MPP must see the communities through visits to understand issues and concerns. This was difficult before and will now be virtually impossible with the revised boundaries. Also bear in mind that it takes a day just to get to the region from Ottawa. It is very easy for MP's in urban areas to reach out to their constituents and vice versa usually a short train or taxi ride.

I believe that an exception to the guidelines must be made to leave the number of seats and the electoral boundaries as they currently stand in the rural areas. An exception was made for the province of Quebec to allow them to go from 77 to 78 seats. If a redistribution goes ahead it should be based on north south alignments i.e. from Hudson Bay to the USA border.

In summary, I am opposed to the proposed changes to the boundaries of Kenora Rainy River and the creation of Kiiwetinoong-Mushkegowak.

Yours truly

John Frostiak