Residents will get to voice their opinions on changes to New Brunswick’s 49 electoral districts through public hearings held by the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission.
The independent group, tasked with redrawing the boundaries, will visit 12 communities in late August in preparation for its preliminary report, to be released in mid-December.
“We invite citizens, stakeholder groups and others interested in the democratic process to take advantage of options available to communicate with us,” said Camille Thériault, one of the commission’s co-chairs.
The provincial government said the commission’s mandate is to redraw the boundaries of electoral ridings, which will be used in the next general election.
Commissioners will report their findings before the legislative.
“Our goal is to offer an open and transparent process that allows all New Brunswickers the opportunity to share with us their ideas on ways to enhance the electoral landscape of our province,” said Roger Clinch, one of the commission’s co-chairs.
The Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission will hold public meetings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the following locations:
- Inkerman: Aug. 23 – Centre Communautaire d’Inkerman
- Campbellton: Aug. 24 – Quality Hotel and Conference Centre
- Bathurst: Aug. 25 – K.C. Irving Regional Centre
- Miramichi: Aug. 30 – Travelodge Miramichi
- Bouctouche: Aug. 31 – J.K. Irving Centre
- Moncton: Sept. 1 – Delta Beauséjour
- Edmundston: Sept. 6 – Edmundston Hotel and Conference Centre
- Grand Falls: Sept. 7 – Rodeway Inn
- Woodstock: Sept. 8 – To be confirmed.
- Saint Andrews: Sept. 13 – NBCC Saint Andrews
- Saint John: Sept. 14 – Delta Saint John
- Fredericton: Sept. 15 – Delta Fredericton
The Government of New Brunswick says there will also be two virtual meetings, allowing individuals and organizations to make presentations online.
These will be held on Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sept. 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those wishing to make presentations must book an appointment by contacting the commission.
Residents can also make submissions or provide feedback through the commission’s website.