Federal electoral districts redistribution 2022

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Peter Lenders

Dear honourable members of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario,

I write to you with concern over the proposed redrawing of the riding boundaries in Ontario, and specifically, our riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. As someone who cares deeply about our community, I'm disappointed the Commission has failed to deliver a satisfying proposal for constituents, businesses, and First Nations.

The proposed creation of the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-Thames neglects the importance of keeping our communities together. 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 the 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 its proposals. By mixing urban and rural areas, the residents of our rural communities will often be forgotten and treated as a second priority. 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,

Peter Lenders

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