Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Mark Strahl says his constituents are concerned about proposed changes to the boundaries of his riding.

 “I’ve heard from constituents all over the riding concerned with the changes being proposed, from those who don’t want to see Chilliwack divided, to Pemberton residents wishing to join their neighbours in Whistler,” said Strahl. “I’ve also heard concerns about the addition to the riding of the community of 100 Mile House, some 350 kilometers north of Chilliwack. I share many of their concerns and I hope the commission will give them all careful consideration.”

At 10-year intervals, based on the latest census population, federal electoral districts are redrawn to ensure that each riding has approximately the same population.

As well as looking at population numbers, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission should focus on grouping communities of interest or identity to achieve the goal of effective representation in Parliament, something Strahl says the commission seems to have forgotten in Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon.

Strahl is encouraging anyone concerned with the proposed boundaries to inform the

commission of their concerns by mail or email. 

The email address is BC-CB@rfed-rcf.ca and written comments will be received until Oct. 18.

Individuals can also make a presentation at a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Abbotsford at the Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre at 36035 North Parallel Road, but they must inform the Commission by Aug. 30 of their intentions to appear.

The commission’s mail address is:

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia

1095 West Pender Street, Suite 301

Vancouver BC V6E 2M6