The Corporation of Delta F.01 COUNCIL REPORT Regular Meeting

To: Mayor and Council

From: Human Resources and Corporate Planning Department Date: July 5, 2012

Proposed Changes to Federal Electoral Boundaries

The following report has been reviewed and endorsed by the Chief Administrative Officer.

• RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for be advised that the Corporation of Delta: i. supports the proposed consolidation of Delta into a single federal riding; and ii. requests that Annacis Island be included in Delta's single riding.

• PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to discuss proposed changes to the federal electoral boundaries and make recommendations in this regard.

• BACKGROUND:

Every ten years, after the census is··conducted, the number of electoral districts and their boundaries are reviewed in terms of population shifts and growth. In March 2012, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia (the Commission) was established as. one of ten independent commissions created by law to review and redraw the electoral boundaries.

• DISCUSSION:

Delta is currently served by two federal representatives in the ridings of Delta-Richmond East and Newton-North Delta. These electoral boundaries were established during the 2002 review process, contrary to the wishes of Delta Council which supported retaining a single riding for Delta.

As part of the 2012 review process, the Commission is now proposing to return Delta to a single riding with the exception of Annacis Island (see map Attachment 'A'). Under the new proposal, Annacis Island would become part of the Richmond East riding - no reason or justification is given for this. Page 2 of 2 Electoral Boundary Review July 5, 2012

With a population base of more than 100,000, Delta meets the criteria for a single riding. It also makes sense geographically, rather than having south Delta attached to Richmond and North Delta included with Surrey. Certainly, a single riding would fcrster a municipal identity and promote a consistent and focused federal representation on the wide variety of issues that affect the municipality. For consistency, it is important to ensure that Annacis Island is included in the Delta riding - it forms a significant part of the municipality, particularly in terms of the industrial tax base.

It is, therefore, recommended that Delta Council supports the consolidation of Delta into one federal riding, and that Delta requests the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission to include Annacis Island in the Delta riding.

The Commission is holding a series of public hearings at locations across the province throughout September and October to gain public input to the proposed boundary changes. Delta will have an opportunity at that time to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Implications: Financial Implications - there are no financial implications.

• CONCLUSION:

The proposed new federal electoral boundaries will consolidate Delta into a single federal riding, with the exception of Annacis Island. It is recommended that Council support the single riding and also request that Annacis Island be included within its boundaries. /- Sean McGill Director ofHuman Resources & Corporate Planning

Department submission prepared by: Bernita Iversen, Senior Policy Analyst F:\Bernita\Electoral Boundaries\Regular Report.dotx

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Proposed Federal Electoral Boundaries - Metro ATIACHMENT 'A' Page 1 of 1

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http://www.redecoupage-federal-redistribution.calbc/now/proposals/images/vancouverjpg 04/07/2012