Federal electoral districts redistribution 2022

Appendix I – Rules

The Commission is guided by the following rules in the hearing of public representations.

Hearing of Representations

Under and by virtue of the powers conferred by the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-3, and of all other powers enabling it in this behalf, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Prince Edward Island makes the following rules:

  1. These rules may be cited as the "Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Prince Edward Island (Hearing of Representations) Rules 2022".
  2. In these rules:
    • (a) "Act" means the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-3;
    • (b) "advertisement" means the advertisement published in accordance with subsection 19(2) of the Act giving notice of the times and places of sittings to be held for the hearing of representations;
    • (c) "Commission" means the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Prince Edward Island;
    • (d) "map" means the map published with the advertisement showing the proposed division of the province into electoral districts;
    • (e) "representation" means a representation made in accordance with section 19 of the Act by an interested person as to the division of the province into electoral districts and the name proposed to be given to each electoral district;
    • (f) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Commission; and
    • (g) "sitting" means a sitting held for the hearing of representations in accordance with section 19 of the Act.
  3. Sittings shall be held and representations shall be made in a manner established by the Commission from time to time.
    • (1) All persons wishing to make a representation to the Commission at any sitting should notify the Secretary in writing within 23 days from the date of the publication of the last advertisement, giving:
      • (a) the name and address of the person who seeks to make the representation; and
      • (b) a concise statement of the nature of the representation and of the interest of such person.
    • (2) The person signing the notice shall also state in which one of the places named in the advertisement they wish their representation to be heard.
  5. If, when the notice in writing of a representation is received by the Secretary, the person signing the notice has not settled the place at which they wish their representation to be heard, the Secretary shall, in writing, ask that person at which one of the places set out in the advertisement they wish to be heard.
    • (1) Two members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the holding of a sitting.
    • (2) If it appears to the Chair of the Commission that a quorum cannot be present at a sitting at any place named in the advertisement, or for any other valid reason, the Chair may postpone that sitting to a later date and the Secretary shall advise any person who has given notice of their intention to make a representation to the Commission that the Commission will hear their representation at the later date named.
  7. If the hearing of a representation cannot be completed within the time allowed, the Chair may adjourn the sitting to a later date.
  8. The Commission shall have the power to waive any requirement that it deems necessary in the public interest.
  9. The same principles will apply for the virtual public hearings, as well as the following:
    • The link to the virtual public hearings is not public as it will be shared with participants and observers who register with the Commission and to members of the media.
    • The Commission will manage the agenda as well as speaking time and microphones of the participants.
    • Participants will have the option to share their screen.
    • Use of a headset by presenters is recommended.
    • Video feed from presenters is optional and they may participate by telephone.
    • Simultaneous translation will be available if a person wishes to make a representation in French and so advises the Secretary.
  10. Any interested person requiring further particulars concerning the function of the Commission or any public hearing including the coordinates to the virtual public meeting may contact:

    Electoral Boundaries Commission for PEI
    Attention: Tracey Olson, Commission Secretary
    PO Box 458
    Cornwall, PEI
    C0A 1H0

    Phone: 1-855-726-4105
    Phone (TTY): 1-800-361-8935
    Email: Tracey.Olson@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca