Provincial Electoral Boundaries Report Implemented

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY--Provincial Electoral Boundaries Report Implemented

Nova Scotia's electoral map will change. Amendments to the House of Assembly Act, introduced today, Nov. 1, by Justice Minister Michael Baker, implement the recommendations of the Provincial Electoral Boundaries Commission.

The commission presented its report to the House of Assembly in September after extensive public consultation. It recommended changes to 27 of the province's 52 electoral districts. The legislation being brought forward describes each of the revised boundaries as recommended by the commission.

In order to ensure effective representation, the commission had several factors to consider including: relative parity of voting power, to be achieved through constituencies of equal electoral population to the extent possible; geography; community history; community interests; and minority representation, particularly for Black and Acadian peoples.

Along with the boundary changes, the commission recommended the chief electoral officer be allowed to initiate minor changes in boundaries between elections. When no more than 300 voters are affected, this bill enables the chief electoral officer to recommend changes in boundary lines to the House of Assembly.

There are also some proposed changes to the Elections Act. The changes allow the chief electoral officer to establish satellite returning offices in very large districts. This means that electors won't have to travel great distances to access the services of a returning officer.

Electoral boundaries must be examined again no later than December 2012.