News Release
November 22.2007

Liberals Oppose Giving B.C. Fair Representation in Parliament

OTTAWA – British Columbia, the most under-represented province in the country in the Parliament of Canada, will receive 7 more seats in the House of Commons under legislation proposed by the Conservative Government of Stephen Harper.  Unfortunately, the Liberals and Stephane Dion are OPPOSING giving B.C. more seats in Parliament.

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell 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 has long advocated giving B.C. more seats in Parliament and promised this legislation in the last election campaign.  “British Columbia, and the Tri-Cities 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 B.C. our fair share of seats in Parliament,” says Moore.

Concluded Moore: “It is outrageous that Liberal MPs from B.C. are going to turn their backs on our province and oppose giving British Columbia our fair share of seats in Parliament.  Every Liberal MP who votes against this Bill is betraying British Columbia’s interests and our fair voice in Canada’s future.”

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For more information, email moorej0@parl.gc.ca or call 613.992.9650