People in Edmonton area weigh in on proposed plan to redraw Alberta’s electoral boundaries
CBC
A commission reviewing Alberta’s electoral boundaries suggests Edmonton should have 21 ridings — up from its current 20 — but some Edmontonians say the city should have more than that, based on the growing population.
The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission heard from the public in Edmonton on Monday — and will again on Tuesday — after releasing its interim report in the fall showing a proposed reconfiguration of provincial electoral ridings.
The commission is tasked with redrawing provincial boundaries ahead of the next election, to better reflect the increase in population provincewide.
Irene McDermott, who lives in the Edmonton-Strathcona riding, gave input at the hearing Monday, arguing that revamped boundaries should reflect not only the higher population in Edmonton neighbourhoods, but also what’s projected to come.
“Every riding in Edmonton is expected to grow,” she told CBC News. “I think when they're expected to grow, they should be closer to the average.”
McDermott said she believes the drawing of electoral boundaries is about fairness and democracy.
"I worry about our representation in Edmonton. We're a growing city," she said.
The ideal population for each riding is just under 55,000 people, according to the commission's report.
The target range of population for effective representation is between 41,198 — 25 per cent below the average, and 68,662 — 25 per cent above, the report says.
The commission's interim report shows three proposed Edmonton constituencies — Edmonton-Glenora-Riverview, Edmonton-West Henday and Edmonton-McClung — would have more than 12 per cent more people than the provincial average.
The commission’s interim proposal adds two net ridings to Calgary. None of the proposed Calgary ridings would have more than 12 per cent above the average, the report shows.
Susan Samson, one of the five commission members, said the committee has also heard feedback that the variances could be used further.
“Because they give us plus-minus 25 per cent off the target,” Samson said in response to McDermott’s argument. “And we haven't gone to the max.
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