Representation by population should be a guiding principle in any democracy, but there needs to be room for common sense to ensure people’s voices are heard.
Rural Alberta could lose seats in the provincial legislature if the recommendations of Alberta’s Electoral Boundary Commission is approved, while ridings are added in Calgary and Edmonton.
In the Foothills, it means Turner Valley and Black Diamond are joining the Highwood, High River and Blackie are joining Livingstone-Macleod and Heritage Pointe and the Davisburg area are joining Chestermere. The Little Bow riding will be no more.
Seeing High River split from the Highwood, is disappointing. It shares close ties with Okotoks and both communities are better served by having the same MLA in Edmonton. Adding the northeastern corner of the MD of Foothills, including Heritage Pointe and the Dunbow and Davisburg areas, in the Chestermere riding doesn’t make sense considering the commission’s reasons for the move.
According to Justice Myra Bielby, chair of the commission, told the Western Wheel people in the Chestermere riding don’t like having to drive through Calgary. This is precisely what MD residents will have to do.
Livingstone-Macleod, which already covers a large area and it will get bigger. MLA Pat Stier correctly points out the challenge anyone in his shoes faces having to represent 22 communities and 14 municipal council. All, while having to drive hours to get from one to another. It’s a legitimate concern for anyone who cares about fair representation for rural Alberta.
True, there should be a relatively standard number between ridings and that it shouldn’t fluctuate widely from one end of the province to another. Yet, geography, municipal boundaries, as well as community and economic connections, as well as ensuring a voice for rural regions should be factored into a common sense decision on new boundaries.
