The Wildrose Party is taking the same stance as Bonnyville mayor Gene Sobolewski and calling for the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission to rethink its proposed map of districts MLAs will represent next election.
The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) recently released these concerns in their response to the Commission’s Interim Report.
The organization, whose members cover approximately 85 per cent of Alberta geographically, stated that the loss of legislative seats in rural Alberta and the proposed expansion of Alberta’s largest boundaries “will only exacerbate the existing challenges facing those constituents and their elected representatives.”
“We share the concerns of AAMDC and are disappointed to see the Commission make proposals that could significantly undermine democratic access for many Albertans,” says Wildrose House Leader Nathan Cooper. “All Albertans deserve an equal seat at the table and the proposed boundaries will leave rural folks at a serious disadvantage.”
The Lakeland’s boundaries would be radically different from the previous election’s under the current proposal. St. Paul would share an MLA with Fort Saskatchewan and Lac La Biche with the southern half of Fort McMurray.
The AEBC is accepting written submissions until July 16th and will be hosting a series of in-person consultations throughout the province this summer.