I am appalled by the decision of the Federal Election Boundaries Commission to separate Nelson from Trail and Castlegar with whom we have community, geographical and economic links. Nelson has been moved into a riding called Kootenay Columbia which includes Cranbrook.
I attended the public meeting held by the Commission in Nelson along with approximately 20 others who had registered to speak to the proposed changes including our local area politicians. All of the presenters gave compelling reasons as to why the proposed new boundaries made no sense in terms of the communities affected.
However, one person who failed to register with the Commission got in the last word. This was Stephen Hill, who was the unsuccessful Conservative candidate in our riding in the last federal election. Mr. Hill was the only person to speak out in favour of the proposed changes which have undoubtedly placed Nelson in a Conservative riding. This appears to be more Conservative meddling with the electoral process.
Sandra Nelken, Nelson