A proposed redrawing of federal electoral districts is facing pushback from Northern MPs.
The proposed redistribution - put forward by an independent commission - would see Ontario gain a seat, for a total of 122, but would see substantial changes to many current boundaries - the most significant being the reduction of Northern Ontario's ridings from the current ten to only nine.
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP Carol Hughes says she - and all Northern MPs - are "surprised and very disappointed", warning this would be harmful to the region.
Though Hughes agrees some changes to riding borders may be reasonable, she says this goes farther than expected, drawing comparisons with the areas that are gaining ridings under this proposal, like Brampton and London.
Aside from lamenting the disappearance of the "Algoma" name from any ridings, Hughes also highlights potential economic problems - noting the North will lose over $1-million from the Canada Summer Jobs program, given how it works - but says Northern MPs will be pushing back and ensuring their voices are heard, making submissions to hearings on the proposed changes - though she has issues with those hearings, too.
The local MP also flags the timing of the hearings, as they're taking place amid Ontario's municipal election period, which means mayors or councils who might want to take part may not be able to do so.
Details of the proposal can be found at redistribution2022.ca