Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every second term this Legislative Assembly reviews its electoral boundaries to see whether the distribution of seats is fair and appropriate. The interim report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission has been released, and the opportunity for all citizens to have their voice is here.
This Assembly set the rules for the review, and will ultimately decide whether to adopt or reject and replace final recommendations. MLAs will have their final say, but for now I am keen for citizens to have theirs, and I would like to stress today the vital importance of citizen participation in these consultations for the health of our democracy and truly representative government.
The principle is as old as the Magna Carta: if you’re going to govern me, you must consult me. In our democracy, we fulfill that obligation by electing representatives to speak on behalf of citizens living in a specific area. Therefore, it’s important that the distribution of seats be equitable and balanced.
The Electoral Boundaries Commission has been given direction on factors to take into account in suggesting the population and location of ridings, including the Canadian guideline to strive to maintain populations within 25 percent above or below the average population of all ridings.
For the first time, the direction of the commission has included consideration of at least three alternatives, including featuring 18, 19 and 21 ridings. This should assist citizens to provide more focused input in response to concrete proposals.
Public consultation began in Fort Providence on Wednesday, and opens in Yellowknife this February 11th at Northern United Place and February 12th at Range Lake North School from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will be further meetings in Yellowknife and Detah in mid-March.
Personal political freedom is one of the greatest gifts of our society. Just look around the world to see how precious it really is. Our right to vote is the basis of our democratic election process. The commission needs your input to produce wise recommendations on how those votes are accumulated to elect Members to the seats of this Assembly.
As citizens we have a right and a duty to make sure our democracy works in our best individual and common interests. That opportunity is here now and I urge all citizens to claim that right, exercise the privilege of self-government and free expression, and contribute to maintaining a strong democracy. Be involved.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
