Select Committee to Hold Public Meetings

The province is seeking input from Nova Scotians on who should make up a commission to review its electoral boundaries and what that commission should consider.

"The suggestions and insights of Nova Scotians are an important part of this process," said Ross Landry, chair of the Select Committee on Establishing an Electoral Boundaries Commission. "We are encouraging Nova Scotians to attend a meeting and express their views on what the commission should focus on."

The all-party select committee of the legislature will hold public meetings from Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Thursday, Dec. 1. Meetings will be held from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are also evening sessions from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at each of the following locations:

• Tuesday, Nov. 22: Truro, Best Western Plus Glengarry, 150 Willow St.
• Wednesday, Nov. 23: Port Hawkesbury, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St.
• Thursday, Nov. 24: Sydney, Delta Sydney, 300 Esplanade
• Tuesday, Nov. 29: Yarmouth, Rodd Grand, 417 Main St.
• Thursday, Dec. 1: Halifax, Province House, 1726 Hollis St.

"The committee does not determine the redistribution of electoral boundaries," said Mr. Landry. "Our role is to ensure that Nova Scotians have a voice on what the commission will review."

Nova Scotians who wish to express their views to the committee are asked to register in advance by calling 1-888-388-6489 toll-free. Those attending the meetings with special needs should contact the committee in advance to discuss. French interpretation services will be provided.

Written submissions can be presented at the public meetings or by:

• e-mailing [email protected]
• faxing 1-902-424-0513
• mailing Select Committee on Establishing an Electoral Boundaries Commission, c/o Legislative Committees Office, 3rd Floor, Dennis Building, 1740 Granville Street, P.O. Box 2630, Station M, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3P7.

All submissions should be received by Friday, Dec. 2.

The Select Committee on Establishing an Electoral Boundaries Commission will report their findings to the House of Assembly by Dec. 31.

Committee members are Mr. Landry, Gary Ramey, Michele Raymond, Leonard Preyra, Jim Boudreau, Michel Samson, Andrew Younger, Chris d'Entremont and Keith Bain.

Electoral boundaries in the province are reviewed every 10 years. A select committee is established to develop the guidelines for the Provincial Electoral Boundaries Commission. The last review was done in 2002.

For more information visit http://nslegislature.ca/select_committee_ebc2011.