Electoral boundary commission appointed to consider representation for Chéticamp
The commission tasked with creating dedicated representation in the Nova Scotia Legislature for Chéticamp has officially announced its nine members. Led by Kenneth Deveau of Comeauville, the commission includes individuals from various regions across the province. The commission’s focus will be on addressing the lack of protected representation for Chéticamp following a Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling that deemed it a breach of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The commission’s terms of reference limit their work to the traditional Acadian region, which already has protected seats for districts like Argyle, Clare, and Richmond. The commission will explore different ways to include Chéticamp in this list of protected areas, possibly through the use of non-contiguous districts.
The group has a deadline to present an interim report by August 29, with a final report due by January 20, 2026. The government must introduce a bill in the legislature to implement the commission’s recommendations before July 15, 2026. Public hearings and written submissions will be part of the process for gathering input and feedback.
While there have been discussions about broader changes to district boundaries and the number of seats in the legislature to accommodate the growing population in Halifax Regional Municipality, this commission’s scope is limited to the traditional Acadian region. The final term of reference specifies that the commission cannot recommend changes to any electoral district outside of Cape Breton Island unless it is necessary to maintain effective representation.
Overall, the commission’s goal is to ensure fair and equal representation for Chéticamp within the Nova Scotia Legislature. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and recommendations as they work towards their deadline in 2026.
