The Far North Electoral Boundaries Commission has released a preliminary report proposing two additional electoral districts within the geographic areas of Kenora-Rainy River and Timmins-James Bay, for a total of four electoral districts in the area.
The commission issued a release this week regarding the report.
On July 10, a second round of consultations hosted by the commission began to receive feedback on the preliminary recommendations. In Timmins, a consultation takes place July 12 at the Senator Hotel and Conference Centre.
Dates for the second round of consultations are available on the commission’s website. Written submissions can be sent to [email protected] until July 14.
The commission's final recommendations are to be handed over to the Attorney General by Aug. 1. The government must introduce legislation to implement the recommendations before Oct. 30.
In the way of background, in December 2016, the Representation Act, 2015, was amended to establish a five-member Far North Electoral Boundaries Commission, mandated to review the electoral boundaries of Kenora-Rainy River and Timmins-James Bay. The commission was also tasked with making recommendations about the creation of one or two more electoral districts in the area, and suggest names for the new electoral districts.
The four proposed electoral districts are:
- Kenora-Rainy River, which would include Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora and Rainy River;
- Kiiwetinong,which would include the northern portion of the current Kenora-Rainy River electoral district and Marten Falls;
- Mushkegowuk, which would include the northern portion of the current Timmins-James Bay electoral district and Weenusk (Peawanuck) First Nation;
- Timmins, which would be made up of the City of Timmins.
Public information meetings for the second round of consultations are being held in Timmins, Kenora, Grassy Narrows First Nation and Hearst.
