Review Will Address Fair and Effective Representation

An eight-member independent commission said input from Nova Scotians will be critical to ensure fair and effective representation of voters in provincial general elections.

The commission charged with reviewing Nova Scotia's provincial electoral boundaries held its first meeting Jan. 31, within a month of receiving the terms of reference provided by the legislature's Select Committee on Establishing an Electoral Boundaries Commission.

Using the most up-to-date Canadian census information, the commission will examine and determine boundaries in order to have a House of Assembly of no more than 52 seats. The boundaries must be set by the end of 2012.

"Input from Nova Scotians will be extremely important during this process and will be a driving force for the work of the commission," said chair Teresa MacNeil. "We will work within the terms of reference provided to us by the select committee, but understand there are concerns from Nova Scotian communities. That's why it is so important that Nova Scotians share their views with us."

The commission will seek advice and support from Nova Scotians through written submissions and participation in a series of public hearings. It will also use a website and social media to promote the schedule of public meetings and other participation opportunities when determined.

Noting the importance to cultural and linguistic populations, and the findings of the 2002 electoral boundaries commission final report, Ms. MacNeil reiterated that provincial constituency boundaries determine where a person's vote will be counted as the means to protect the democratic rights of Nova Scotians for political equality.

The terms of reference state that constituencies, notwithstanding deviations of 25 per cent, may be justified to reflect linguistic and cultural diversity, in particular, the province's Acadian and African Nova Scotian populations. They further state that constituencies cannot deviate by greater or less than 25 per cent from the average number of electors per constituency.

The commission will present it's interim report by May 31. Following that, it will continue to hold public meetings as it prepares its final report, due Aug. 31.

Under the House of Assembly Act, an electoral boundary review is required after every 10-year census to reflect population shifts and to adjust electoral boundaries if necessary.