Commentaire 137 – commentaires et rétroaction

Robert Leyland

I write to you with concern over the proposed redrawing of the riding boundaries in Ontario, specifically, the riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. As someone who grew up in rural Ontario and has deep roots in rural Ontario to this day, I am deeply concerned about the proposal. Rural needs often are neglected as it is this will further alienate the rural communities of this province. Presently I live in London while I work as an Interim Pastor in Forest. I am reminded daily of the contrasting needs and very different lifestyles of the two settings. I am also impressed by the peaceful good working relationship with the Kettle Point community. In the little over a year working in Forest, the relationships between the communities in the riding appear to be very cohesive. I also was amazed at the east-west flow within the riding as I listened to both business people and farmers alike talk about their daily activities.

The proposed creation of the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-Thames neglects 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 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 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.

Robert Leyland AFC Canada, B.R.E., M.B.S.