Comment 120 – comments and feedback

Marjorie Leyland

I write to you with concern over the proposed redrawing of the riding boundaries in Ontario, and specifically, the riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. As someone who grew up on a family farm and has formed a number of friendships with farmers in Lambton Shores, I am deeply concerned about the proposal for constituent, businesses and First Nations.

The proposed creation of the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-Thames neglect the importance of keeping our communities together with distinct voices. The Commission's proposal divides counties and municipalities, which could cause the distribution of services and historically established travel networks to be disrupted. For example, the riding has always represented the interests of Kettle Point indigenous community, which has expressed their desire to continue living and working alongside service providers within Lambton-Shores.

Moreover, we need boundaries that preserve our unique rural heritage and I believe the Commission has not taken a rural lens into account when developing the proposals. By mixing urban and rural areas, the residents of our rural communities will often be forgotten and treated as a second priority. Since farmers feed cities, they need their own unique voice. I ask and encourage you to consider the proposal put forward by Member of Parliament Lianne Rood. I believe her submission to the Commission correctly outlines the importance of keeping our communities together.

I appreciate the work done by the Commission and the considerations they have made to balance population growth with community interests. However, despite its best intentions, the proposal fails to consider the collective needs of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. By changing the Commission's proposal to reflect the suggestions made by MP Lianne Rood, you will make sure all of us - especially our rural voices - are heard and fairly represented

Sincerely

Marjorie Leyland