Regarding the Electoral Boundaries Commissions proposed changes for Abbotsford:
I submitted my response on May 25 to the Electoral Boundaries Commission, requesting that they not split Abbotsford up into five ridings, four of which are proposed to be shared with other municipalities.
While on the site, I had a look at every one of the 29 submissions from others concerned about Abbotsford’s fate. And what an eye-opener it was. Not because everyone was opposed to the changes (they were), but because in actual fact, there are 70 submissions regarding the changing of Hope from a Chilliwack riding to an Interior riding.
Hard to fathom, but I guess just not enough in Abbotsford care about this issue to spend three minutes to send in even a cursory objection.
Yet, I see people every day parked on the side of the road, texting something to someone.
A bit sad, really.
I did get a laugh though, when reading a submission from Abbotsford which said, “May I suggest that B.C. revert to the Ontario practice of same riding boundaries as federal electoral districts. This would reduce our allotment to 42, (and) lead to many efficiencies…”
Apart from having an MLA for Abbotsford to Ashcroft and Alaska, I am sure the writer would also like to see federal Conservatives reduce from the bloated 39 ministers they have.
It would be a great savings if they would follow the lead of the NDP in Alberta and have just 12. Good enough for Jesus and the NDP, should be good enough for the Harper government.
Keith Hebert, Abbotsford
