The Tri-Cities' growing population may mean a third MP could represent the region in three years.
New Westminster-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly said the federal electoral boundaries for Vancouver, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities will likely be rejigged before the next general election, fixed for Oct. 19, 2015.
"It's hard to say what's going to happen but it's looking like we will be affected, for sure," the NDP MP said Monday.
Donnelly pointed to his riding, which, according to the 2011 Census, had a 10% population increase in five years, from 111,231 to 122,899 people; with the riding spread over 52 sq. km, that translates to 2,353 people per square kilometre.
By comparison, Conservative MP James Moore's constituency of Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam saw an 11.3% population surge in five years, with 129,706 people calling the riding home last year versus 116,553 in 2006; the riding takes up 647 sq. km, translating to 199.7 constituents per square kilometre.
Moore, Canada's heritage and official languages minister, did not return a request for comment.
As part of the federal electoral district re-distribution, B.C. and Alberta are each poised to get six more seats while Ontario is slated for 15 additional seats and Quebec three, bringing the total number of House of Commons chairs up from 308 to 338 (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador will not receive more seats).
A commission has been formed for each of the 10 provinces to redraw the electoral maps and reflect the population shifts. B.C.'s commission is made up of John Hall, Stewart Ladyman and Peter Meekison, who will hold public hearings around the province later this year before their report is finalized.
Currently, they are accepting submissions on proposed boundary changes. Comments can be sent by April 20 to bc-cb@rfed-rcf.ca.
To learn more about the redistribution of British Columbia's federal electoral districts, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
