B.C. Moving Ahead With Electoral Boundary Changes

Vancouver Island will likely have one more seat to fill in the next provincial election.

The province has made amendments to the Electoral Districts Act which will see 93 electoral districts, up from the current 87.

One of the new ridings will be on the Island, while four will be in the Lower Mainland and another in Kelowna.

Representing Parksville-Qualicum for the NDP, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainable Economy Adam Walker, said the commission heard from a lot of people, adding it is important that Nanaimo receives representation from two MLAs.

“The boundary commission did the best they could to make it work,” he said.

Walker added that Qualicum Beach is not that far apart from Ladysmith, and, if elected, New Democrats would make sure that residents of Ladysmith would be served.

The independent Electoral Boundaries Commission made the recommendations to reflect rapid population growth, and make sure votes are weighted evenly across B.C.

The commission held 63 public meetings in 43 communities and received more than 1,800 submissions as part of the consultation process.

If passed, these amendments will take effect for the scheduled 2024 provincial general election.