The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to the release of the final report of the province’s Electoral Boundary Commission, applauding them for eliminating special seats designed for Acadian and African Nova Scotian populations, but disappointed that there weren’t greater cuts in the overall number of MLAs.
“This report goes a long way to ensure that all Nova Scotians are treated equally inside the legislature,” said Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Director with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Eliminating special representation for some minorities is long overdue.”
However, the CTF had hoped that there would be a further reduction in the total number of MLAs.
“Cutting one seat is a step in the right direction, but we believe the committee could have done more,” added Lacey.
The CTF praised the NDP government for setting terms of reference that would make all ridings equal and allow for a debate over the number of provincial politicians.
“The NDP had the courage to stand up and defend the principle that all Nova Scotians should be represented equally, and say no to some very organized special interest groups,” said Lacey.
Lacey added: “If opposition parties are sincerely concerned about minority representation, they can fix that by nominating more Acadian and African Nova Scotians in winnable seats.”
CTF Involvement in Boundary Issue
In August 2011, the CTF wrote to the Speaker of the Assembly urging him to review the special ridings designated for minority populations, and reduce the number of MLAs. The letter can be found HERE
Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey testified before the Nova Scotia Legislature’s Select Committee on Establishing Electoral Boundaries in Truro in November 2011. A summary of the CTF’s presentation can be found HERE
The CTF reacted to the release of the committee’s report with a release titled “CTF back NDP on Eliminating Minority Seats.” A copy of that release can be found HERE
The CTF participated in the public consultations held by the Electoral Boundaries Commission in March 2012 and the consultations on the interim report in August. A copy of the August presentation can be found HERE
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