Gordon Campbell’s legislation to add eight new MLAs will dilute rural representation, New Democrats said today.

“Nobody called for eight new MLAs during the commission’s public hearings last fall,” said Surrey Whaley MLA Bruce Ralston after debate began on the government’s controversial Bill 39.

“This effect of this legislation will be to dilute rural representation and at the same time force taxpayers to pay at least $4 million per year for eight new MLAs,” said Ralston. “It is unprecedented political interference into the process of drawing electoral boundaries.”

NDP rural critic Robin Austin said the last thing rural B.C. needs is a weaker voice in the legislature.
“It’s simple arithmetic. If rural British Columbians feel left out now wait till urban areas get another eight MLAs under Gordon Campbell’s plan,” said Austin.

“From the outset, New Democrats spoke out loudly and clearly for protecting rural voices in the legislature,” said Austin. “The Liberals, on the other hand, were absolutely silent during the public hearings last fall.”

He pointed out that Gordon Campbell first tried to reduce rural representation in 1996 with his plan to cut rural seats.

“That failed. Now he’s promoting a new scheme to dilute rural representation by increasing the number of urban seats,” said Austin. “If his scheme passes rural B.C. will be even less relevant to the B.C. Liberals.”

“New Democrats will continue to speak out for protecting rural representation – and a solution that doesn’t require eight new MLAs.”