Legault antsy over future loss of federal seat
Every few years, Elections Canada ordains the redistribution of seats in Parliament and redraws riding boundaries accordingly. It won’t happen right away, but Quebec is slated to lose one seat, while Alberta gains three and Ontario and B.C. gain one each. It’s not political, it’s based on population shifts and uneven growth across the country. But François Legault is steamed and so is the Bloc’s Yves-François Blanchet. They say Quebec must not lose that seat, even though in no sense is the change an attack on this province. Legault even says it’s a test for Justin Trudeau but it has nothing to do with him. It’s a formula that’s laid out in the Constitution.
The irony is that, had Legault accepted more immigrants in, he might have kept the population up and not be facing this change.
Update Sunday: Michel C. Auger basically agrees with me, and he gives some history about the representation of Quebec in Ottawa, which has apparently been a hot potato for a long time as populations of western provinces have grown relative to eastern ones.
GC 10:29 on 2021-10-23 Permalink
It’s ridiculous posturing, but I suppose they need to do it to pander to the part of their bases who consider it some evil plot by the ROC.
Meezly 11:16 on 2021-10-23 Permalink
The CAQ wants to pass yet another discriminatory and potentially unconstitutional bill that can impact the trans community.
Chris 11:57 on 2021-10-23 Permalink
How does this have anything to do with transgender issues?!?
Kate 12:09 on 2021-10-23 Permalink
Chris, you’ve had too much coffee this morning. Maybe go for a walk. It’s a nice day.
thomas 15:14 on 2021-10-23 Permalink
This gap between Quebec and ROC will only be exasperated over time. Canada took in 400,000 immigrants last year and Ontario is asking Ottawa to increase the numbers they can bring in under the provincial nominee program.