Opposition Opposes Giving BC Fair Representation in Parliament

November 23, 2007

Ottawa, Ontario - The Conservative Government has introduced a bill in the House of Commons that will see fast growing provinces like British Columbia receive more seats in the House of Commons. British Columbia is currently the most under-represented province in the country in the Parliament of Canada and will receive seven more seats in the House of Commons under the proposed legislation.

“This is good news for the people of BC,” said local MP Randy Kamp. “For years, BC has been short-changed on the number of seats in the House of Commons, and our government is seeking to fix that.”

“Unfortunately, the bill is running into stiff opposition from the other parties, especially Stéphane Dion and the Liberals.”

In contrast to the federal Liberals, Premier Gordon Campbell has welcomed the legislation, noting: “British Columbians have been clear with both provincial and federal governments that fair and balanced representation is a priority as our population continues to grow. The federal legislation is important to the country’s future.

People must be fairly represented in the House of Commons. This legislation recognizes British Columbia’s growing population, the contributions British Columbians have made to strengthen Canada in the past and the increasingly important role of the west in the federation’s future.” Premier Campbell added: “This is a non-partisan measure that strengthens our democracy, and I hope all parties will support it.”

The Conservative Party of Canada has been pushing for more seats for BC for a number of years, and this legislation delivers on a promise BC Conservative candidates made in the last federal election.

“British Columbia, and the communities in my riding in particular, are growing at an astonishing rate, and I am proud that our Conservative Government recognizes this fact, and is taking action to give BC our fair share of seats in Parliament,” said Kamp.

“This is just another example of Conservative MPs standing up for British Columbia,” concluded Kamp. “It’s too bad the opposition won’t do the same.”