Commissioner adamant no possibility of changes to proposed Burnaby North–Seymour riding
BURNABY, BC – Local Members of Parliament Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby–Douglas), Peter Julian (Burnaby–New Westminster) and Fin Donnelly (New Westminster–Coquitlam) are expressing concern that recent comments by Stewart Ladyman, one of three commissioners comprising the Electoral Boundaries Commission of BC, are cutting residents out of the public consultation process.
“Before the consultation process even begins, Commissioner Ladyman has declared that he and the commission are not interested in the concerns of our communities,� said Stewart. “The Boundary Commission must clarify these comments immediately and restore faith in this process.�
In a Huffington Post article released on August 16th, Commissioner Ladyman adamantly stated that there will be no changes to the proposed riding of Burnaby North–Seymour, even before the public has had an opportunity to express their views.
“I think it would be appropriate for Ladyman to retract his comment and apologise,� said Julian. “Surely the other Commissioners understand how unacceptable these remarks are. Having seen the redistribution process up close before, I know that the value of community feedback is vitally important. The Boundary Commission’s recommendations must reflect the public interest.�
“Ladyman’s comments emphasize how important it is that concerned residents take part in the public hearings,� said Donnelly. “Rather than disregard the consultation process we must respect it, and ensure that legitimate concerns are listened to and taken into account in any further decisions.�
The Public Hearing in Burnaby takes places on October 18th at 7pm at the Holiday Inn Express Metrotown. Those looking to participate must inform the Boundary Commission by August 30th.
– 30 –
In June, the Electoral Boundary Commission of BC, charged with redrawing federal ridings, released a proposed map of new ridings, which included the new riding of Burnaby–North Seymour. This new riding would replace the existing riding of Burnaby–Douglas and combine North Burnaby with the District of North Vancouver. Part of the redrawing process includes a public consultation to listen to concerns from the community and make changes based on these concerns. Consultations are slated to begin in September.
For more information, please contact:
Robin Steudel, Press Secretary – 613.222.2863 or [email protected]
Electoral Boundary Commission BC Website:
<http://www.redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca/content.asp?section=bc&document=index&lang=e>
NDP Critic for Canadian Heritage Peter Julian issued the following statement:
"It has come to our attention that a consultant for a federally funded anti-racism project has a disturbing track record of spewing hate speech online against Jewish and francophone communities. This is completely unacceptable. We call on the Minister of Heritage to take drastic action and terminate his contract.
NDP Heritage Critic Peter Julian issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement by Hockey Canada is another attempt to delay the important and urgent work to deal with the toxic culture in this organization. While a former Supreme Court Justice is a credible appointment to conduct the review into Hockey Canada, this won’t be the first time the organization undergoes this process.
NDP critic for Canadian Heritage, Peter Julian, made the following statement:
“Canadians are horrified by the incidents of sexual assault and by what they’re hearing from Hockey Canada. They are left with many questions about how this toxic culture is allowed to persist in our sports organizations and what the government is actually doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again.