Shannon Stubbs says it will be political business as usual — representing and advocating for her federal Lakeland riding — even if the riding changes a little.
Stubbs says nation-wide adjustments to federal ridings, including several proposed amendments to her own, will first have to be discussed by constituents. She'll take her lead from there.
"I look forward to hearing from constituents in the existing Lakeland and in the new areas about their thoughts on the proposed boundaries over the next couple of months," the Conservative MP told Lakeland This Week.
The proposed changes in the province were announced last month by the three-member Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Alberta.
The proposed new Lakeland riding sees the city of Lloydminster leaving, replaced with Fort Saskatchewan, Redwater and Gibbons.
The commission based the new jurisdictions on population growth, population shifts, existing trade routes and the geographic size of the ridings. The commission used an average population benchmark of about 115,000 people for each riding, and allowed a small over and underage. Riding boundaries are examined across the county at least once every 10 years. The proposed changes for Lakeland would continue to see a general population base of about 115,800 across the newly mapped-out riding.
Public input
A series of public consultations will be held across the province in the coming months leading to the expected adoption of the new boundaries before the end of the year. Between September 6 and September 26, the Commission will be holding 24 in-person meetings, including one in St. Paul on Sept. 8. The Commission will be hosting a virtual hearing — and more if deemed necessary — on Oct. 14.
"I encourage constituents and municipal representatives to review the recommended changes, to contact my office and neighbouring MPs with their feedback, and to participate in the public hearings in September," Stubbs said.
When asked if changes to population bases would have an effect on her role, or on the region's representation at the federal level, Stubbs said many issues in the Lakeland are shared regionally, provincially and nationally.
"Fortunately, many of the issues I have prioritized as an MP, and as an Opposition Shadow Minister — for Natural Resources and then Public Safety— are shared in common across the region and communities both within and outside of the existing boundaries of Lakeland," she said, listing issues like resource development, oil and gas promotion, advocacy for farmers, rural infrastructure, crime prevention... and axing the carbon tax, as continuing focus points.
The changes to the Lakeland riding are the most noticeable amendments to any riding across the northeastern part of the province. There were no significant changes to the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake riding that is currently represented by newly appointed MP Laila Goodridge. She did not respond to requests for comment on the boundary commission's proposed changes.
Stubbs said that despite the plan to roll along with whatever the boundaries become, residents of the region may be required to make some slight changes to their usual contact with federal sources.
"There will be some practical adjustments for people who have worked with the MPs’ offices for assistance with federal government programs and services," she said, adding that municipal officials and organizations may also need to adjust their contact lists. "Some new relationships for work with municipal representatives, MLAs, and representatives of Chambers of Commerce or other business and community groups," will take place.
She encourages residents to contact their MP's office locally or in Ottawa to clarify any service point changes.
The proposed changes in the Lakeland riding are due in part to a 600,000-person increase in the province's population over the last 10 years. The provincial population now sits at 4.26 million. The population increase will result in three new federal ridings in Alberta if the new amendments are approved by federal lawmakers. The three new ridings will include one in the Calgary, taking the southern city to 11 electoral districts, one in the Airdrie-Chestermere area surrounding Calgary and the other in the Spruce Grove - Leduc area near Edmonton.The new ridings will bring the province's federal representation to 37 Members of Parliament.
The changes — and the debates leading up to those changes — are all part of the job, says Lakeland's MP.
"I will always do my best to advocate for the priorities of the people and communities I represent for as long as I am elected, even if there are changes, and of course I will also miss being directly connected with any areas that ultimately end up outside of the boundaries," she said.
Laughing at Liberals
When asked jokingly if the new boundaries would reduce the price of fuel at the pumps for local residents, the three-term MP who was first elected in 2015 — and has always been in the Opposition — laughed .... and didn't miss a beat to make the current Liberal government the joke's punchline
"Ha! I wish the boundaries were the solution to soaring gas prices! Governments must cut the carbon taxes, other taxes, pursue Canadian energy security of supply and self sufficiency, and cut wasteful spending to bring down inflation – that is only possible with a full change in government,"she said.
For more details on the proposed changes, including links to the boundaries commission, go to www.lakelandtoday.ca and search 'new Lakeland boundaries.'
