Members named to Electoral Boundaries Commission

Edmonton – The Electoral Boundaries Commission has been struck to review existing electoral boundaries.

Based on this review, the Commission will be making recommendations to divide the province into 87 electoral divisions, four more than at present. As required by the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act, the Commission will review existing electoral boundaries and make proposals to the Legislative Assembly as to the area, boundaries and names of electoral divisions.

 “This is an intensive process,” said Speaker Ken Kowalski. “It is a process that requires extensive consultation with the people of Alberta.”

“During its review the Commission will examine issues such as population density, existing community boundaries within metro areas and other existing municipal boundaries,” explained Speaker Ken Kowalski.  “The Commission will also consider geographical features such as existing road systems and other natural dividers.” 

The proposed electoral divisions must not be more than 25 per cent above or more than 25 per cent below the average population of all the proposed divisions. However, under the Act, in as many as four of the proposed divisions the difference may be as much as 50 per cent below the average if any three of the following criteria exist:

·         The area of the proposed electoral division exceeds 20,000 square kilometres or the total surveyed area of the proposed electoral division exceeds 15,000 square kilometres.

·         The distance from the Legislature to the nearest boundary by direct highway route is more than 150 kilometres.

·         There is no town in the proposed division with a population greater than 8,000.

·         The area contains an Indian reserve or Metis settlement.

·         The proposed electoral division shares a boundary with an existing provincial boundary.

The Commission will submit its first report within seven months of its appointment and its final report within five months of the date of its first report. The Commission will hold a series of public hearings prior to these reports being submitted to the Speaker.

Interim financing for the Commission will be provided by the Legislative Assembly until a final budget can be approved by means of a supplementary supply estimate when the House meets later this fall.

The Honourable Judge Ernest J. M. Walter was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to chair the Commission July 21, 2009. Working with Judge Walter are the following four individuals appointed by Speaker Kowalski.

Mr. Brian Evans, QC (Calgary)      Nominated by the President of Executive Council

Mr. Peter Dobbie, QC (Vegreville) Nominated by the President of Executive Council

Dr. Keith Archer (Banff)                  Nominated by the Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition*

Ms. Allyson Jeffs (Edmonton)       Nominated by the Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition*

* Nominations by Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition were done in consultation with the Leader of the third-party opposition.