Riding redistribution proposal would break up Scarborough-Agincourt, disregarding history, cultural identity
Riding redistribution proposal would break up Scarborough-Agincourt, disregarding history, cultural identity - Scarborough would also lose a whole riding, says MP Jean Yip
To the editor:
Scarborough residents should be aware and concerned with the proposed redistribution of federal electoral districts that would affect their representation at the community level and in the House of Commons.
With this proposed change, Scarborough-Agincourt is being broken up, redistributing a good part of our community into North York and deleting any reference to historical Agincourt in the process. Scarborough is losing an entire riding.
This proposal takes out a good chunk of Scarborough North, and a sizable portion of Scarborough-Agincourt, and collapses our community into a new riding called Scarborough Northwest.
The proposal divides communities with similar interests and deep, long-standing community ties, and takes away a member of Parliament in the House of Commons. Scarborough residents are losing the representation they need and deserve.
The redistribution disregards the cultural identity and historical significance of Scarborough, especially Agincourt. The entire North Scarborough community grew out of Agincourt Village, which was established 164 years ago.
Scarborough has an interconnected local network of health care services, police services, social service organizations, and businesses, and to simply move parts of Scarborough-Agincourt into North York without taking into account the area’s social and economic background would be a mistake.
The proposal also fails to take into account the fact that our population is still growing. Not just in the long term, but right now.
In Scarborough-Agincourt, we have more than nine apartment, condo, and townhome developments happening right now, with at least seven additional developments in the works. Scarborough-Agincourt continues to attract many newcomers because of the diverse and welcoming nature of our community.
I continue to receive calls from numerous community organizations and residents who are disappointed and troubled about the proposed boundaries. Redrawing the boundaries should strengthen representation — not weaken it — particularly for historically vulnerable populations.
I am working hard with my Scarborough and Toronto caucuses to ensure that Scarborough-Agincourt residents are fully represented.
Jean Yip,
MP, Scarborough-Agincourt
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
Thursday, September 22 – Redistribution of Electoral Districts Town Hall
CICS, 2330 Midland Ave, Scarborough
Registration: 6:50pm, Start: 7:00pm
Sunday, September 25 – Electoral Districts Redistribution Deadline
Last day to:
• Register to attend or speak at a Public Hearing
• File written submissions by email or regular mail
• Submit petitions (must include printed name, signature, and date)
Thursday, September 29 – City of Toronto Virtual Public Hearing
Virtual, link to be provided
Starts at 6:30pm
Tuesday, October 18 – Scarborough Public Hearing
Scarborough Civic Centre, Rooms 1 and 2, 150 Borough Drive
Starts at 6:30pm