FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – MLA Dan Davies has sent a letter to the Electoral Boundaries Commission about his concerns regarding the commission’s scheduled hearings in Northern B.C.
In the letter, he states that he was shocked to learn that the commission is not scheduled to host a live meeting in Fort St. John, “a city of over 20,000 people.”
He continues by explaining that not all residents in his riding have stable internet connections, so they may not be able to participate in a virtual meeting.
“Skipping out on meeting with residents of the largest municipality north of Prince George does a disservice to my constituents and throws into doubt the ability of the commission to accurately record the views of northern residents on the issue of electoral boundaries.”
He requests that the commission urgently consider holding a meeting in Fort St. John.
“Please do not disenfranchise thousands of my constituents, who currently do not have the opportunity to be heard and express their thoughts on electoral boundaries and the importance of rural representation.”
He says that residents of the Peace River region are still worried about the possibility of losing representation and access to their MLAs.
He reiterates that access to local representation is critical in keeping communications open between remote communities and the government in Victoria.
Lastly, he adds that hosting the meeting in Dawson Creek at 8:30 a.m. raises issues for the younger people in the region, especially those in the resource sector because they would be required to take a day off work to attend and have their voices heard.
The full letter can be read below: