FREDERICTON, NB, March 13, 2023 – Following the tabling of the final report of the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission, the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce is disappointed by the decision to maintain the status quo regarding the boundaries of the provincial electoral district of Shediac-Cap-Acadie.
Released this morning in Fredericton, the Commissioners’ report did not go in favour of the business community, the citizens of Cap-Acadie and the multitude of stakeholders from various backgrounds who have been calling for weeks for Shemogue, Petit-Cap, Portage and a portion of Trois-Ruisseaux not to be annexed to the Tantramar riding.
This proposal of the Commission dated December 12 has created a grassroots movement among the voters of the current riding. Since the Chamber’s letter was sent to the Commission, a committee of concerned citizens have come together and circulated a petition signed by over 1,000 people.
“We greatly respect the work of the Commissioners who have done everything in their power to try to resolve the situation. Unfortunately, the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Act limits the powers of the Commission and the Commission did not have the authority to act below the 25% electoral quotient threshold for the Tantramar riding,” said Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executvie Officer, Anthony Azard.
The Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge the exemplary work of the citizens who formed a committee to ensure that as many people in the region as possible were aware of the proposed changes.
“These volunteers were motivated, they went out into the community, they talked to people in the area. It took a citizen’s initiative to build a grassroots movement. We will be entirely grateful for their exemplary work,” says the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.
According to the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission process, the population now has 14 days to circulate a petition that can be tabled in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly by two (2) MLA.
“The work is not finished, but the work done by the citizens’ group will have been useful. Most of the work has already been done. Now, let’s follow the process proposed by the Commission to make our final arguments,” confirms Mr. Azard.
The Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce will continue to support this issue of vital importance to the people of Cap-Acadie.
