The two MPs for Newfoundland and Labrador's capital oppose a proposed boundary change that would move the Signal Hill and Battery areas from St. John's South-Mount Pearl to St. John's East.
New Democrat MPs Ryan Cleary and Jack Harris appealed to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, who support their request to keep the areas in Cleary's riding (St. John's South-Mount Pearl).
The boundary commission's initial proposal contained no such change, but was in their final report tabled in the House of Commons in November. Submissions at public hearings and "further reflection" led the commission to move downtown areas east of McBride's Hill, according to the report.
Signal Hill and the Battery were in St. John's East until the ridings were redrawn in 2003. Cleary and Harris argued that a community of interest now exists for residents and businesses on both sides of St. John's Harbour and the Narrows that lead to the Atlantic Ocean.
And the Commons committee agrees:
"...the changes proposed are modest; they would affect only two electoral districts whose current Members, Mr. Harris and Mr. Cleary, not only agree with the changes but eveen suggested them."
The committee's report was tabled in Parliament yesterday. The boundary commission can consider the MPs' recommendation but holds the final say in providing an updated map based on the 2011 census.
READ MORE: Shifting Boundaries - Newfoundland and Labrador (Nov. 28, 2012)
If the proposed ridings remain, St. John's East and St. John's South-Mount Pearl would have populations of 82,223 and 81,657, respectively.
Once a provincial commission tables their report, MPs have 30 sitting days to register objections with the procedure committee -- which has another 30 days to study the issue and hold hearings.
The committee also agreed with Liberal MP Scott Simms, who called for the proposed riding of Bay d'Espoir-Central-Notre Dame to be renamed Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame.
-Andrew Thomson
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