HCGM OUTRAGED WITH ELECTORAL BOUNDARY CHANGE IN LAVAL
The HCGM is clearly outraged with the Quebec Electoral Commission’s (Commission) March 2nd 2017 decision to modify the electoral boundaries in the Laval-area ridings of Chomedey and Fabre respectively.
The HCGM fully supported the stance of the three local MNAs, Jean Habel, Guy Ouellette and Monique Sauvé, against the boundaries redistribution proposed by the Commission. The three MNAs were united in their presentations to the Commission, opposing the slicing of the Greek Community presently in the heart of the Chomedey riding, proposing alternate solutions – which took into account other natural divisions, instead of just splitting the Hellenic community. This especially in view of the fact that the Commission has an obligation, under the Quebec Elections Act (QEA), to take cultural communities into account when they consider redistributing electoral boundaries.
The HCGM is outraged with the Commission’s decision to disregard the presentations made to it by the three MNAs. As well, the HCGM believes this decision disrespects the Hellenic Community and is contrary to the Quebec Elections Act. It intends to make its position known to the Commission in writing.
The manner in which the map was redistributed contravenes the QEA in that it splits a “natural community”. Article 15 of the QEA defines a “natural community” as an electoral division which represents a natural community established on the basis of demographical, geographical and sociological considerations, such as the population density, the relative growth rate of the population, the accessibility, area and shape of the region, the natural local boundaries and the territories of local municipalities.
In conclusion, the Commission’s decision clearly contravenes the QEA and the HCGM will request that it either reverse its decision or look at alternate solutions. As well as, the HCGM will mobilise its members residing in the affected sections of the Chomedey and Fabre ridings to support its request.
Related articles and Interviews
Hellenic community “outraged” as decision dilutes Greek vote, The Suburban
GREATER MONTREAL’S GREEK COMMUNITY UPSET WITH ELECTORAL BOUNDARY CHANGE, CJAD 800AM
Chomedey’s Greek community upset over redrawn electoral map, Montreal CTV News
CBC Montreal News March 07, 2017
Refonte de la carte électorale : la liste des mécontents continue de s’allonger, Radio-Canada