ONTARIO—A new law passed by the Ontario government last week is designed to strengthen the province’s election system and ensure that Northern Ontario continues to have a strong voice in the provincial legislature.
“The Electoral Boundaries Act means that the number of provincial ridings in southern Ontario has increased by 15 new ridings, and means we are matching the province to federal electoral boundaries,” said Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha. “The big thing for the North is that we were successful in maintaining 11 seat ridings in Northern Ontario.”
“However, there was also an opportunity to discuss population that didn’t bring anything for the north,” said Mr. Mantha. “If you look at the 15 added new ridings on a percentage basis, it lowers the voice of Northern ridings and its MPPs. This is quite concerning. When you look at this riding, Algoma-Manitoulin is made up of 86,000 square kilometers with 37 municipalities, 21 First Nations, 15 local services boards and I love the communities I serve. But all those communities are represented by one MPP. Then compare this to southern Ontario where some ridings are as small as 8-10 street blocks.”
“Yes, the population in southern Ontario is greater, but when it comes to Northern Ontario the distances are greater,” said Mr. Mantha. “Residents in Northern Ontario are entitled proper representation in terms of the number of MPPs.”
Mr. Mantha stated, “representation on the boundaries discussion was shut down by the Liberal government. Instead, this legislation was imposed by the government without discussion, with no opportunity to change and no amendments–case closed.”
“This government is shutting down debate on a lot of legislation where input and views can not be provided,” said Mr. Mantha. “Instead, they are ramming legislation down the throats of its constituents.”
“There is no question that economically and socially, the North is a unique and vital part of Ontario. This bill reaffirms our government’s commitment to protect representation for Northern Ontario and provides a strong voice for the North, now and in the future,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.
“Increasing the number of seats in Ontario’s legislature will help ensure there is representation that reflects our growing population. I am pleased to see the province continue to take steps to strengthen our democracy,” said Madeleine Meilleur, Attorney General.
In 2005, the province took legislative action to preserve Northern Ontario’s electoral boundaries instead of mirroring the federal redistribution, which reduced the number of federal seats in Northern Ontario from 11 to 10.
The chief electoral officer recommended that Ontario adjust its electoral boundaries. Ontario is also committed to addressing other recommendations made by the Chief Electoral Officer, including: engaging more young people in the voting process through pre-registration of 16 and 17-year-olds (the minimum voting age would remain 18); strengthening rules on election-related third-party advertising.
The new electoral map will be in place for the next general election scheduled for 2018.
