Delta or Richmond?
Delta Richmond-East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay has not made a decision which one shed like to serve if plans go ahead to redraw federal electoral boundaries between the two communities.
I havent yet because Ive been building relationships on both sides of the river and met many wonderful people, she said from Ottawa last week. So, its going to be tough for me to make that choice. But Ill have to do it over the course of the coming year.
In February, the House of Commons tabled a report for the Federal Election Boundaries Commission for B.C., which redrew the provinces federal electoral map.
Under the proposal, B.C. is gaining six electoral districts, bringing the total to 42, as well as seeing constituency boundaries shifted.
Part of the proposed shift would be the creation of two Richmond-only ridings Richmond West and Steveston-Richmond East. Delta would then have a single MP as the federal riding of North Delta would be absorbed.
Canadas electoral districts are reviewed every 10 years by independent commissions in each province and changes are made based on population numbers, as captured by the federal census, as well as other factors, such as communities of interest or identity.
According to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, the new boundaries are likely to be in effect for the next fixed federal election date of Oct. 19, 2015.
Findlay, who divides her time between constituents in South Delta and east Richmond, said she liked the idea because it would allow the MP to focus on a single community.
I think its good because in Richmond we have two MPs now, but we will have two electoral districts within Richmond, Findlay said.
Findlay, who was elected in May 2011, still lives in Vancouver and has yet to secure a home in the riding, but has her home up for sale.
As soon as it sells, I will make my declaration (on which riding), and thats where Ill be going, she said.
