N.W.T. Commission Proposes Urgent Changes to Electoral Boundaries

UPDATE: The N.W.T. Electoral Boundaries Commission has just proposed crucial changes to the territory’s electoral boundaries, responding to a significant population increase. With the current population at approximately 46,000, up from 43,805 in 2013, these changes are aimed at improving representation in the Legislative Assembly.

Commission chair Robert Gorin emphasized the urgency of this review during an interview with CBC’s The Trailbreaker. He stated, “Because there’s been significant growth, and that growth has been concentrated in certain areas, it’s important that the number of electoral districts and the boundaries be reviewed.” The commission’s interim report offers four options for restructuring the electoral map, including maintaining the current number of 19 districts with modifications or increasing the number to between 20 and 22.

Key proposals include creating an additional district in Yellowknife and redesigning existing boundaries in Yellowknife North. Furthermore, the commission suggests splitting the Monfwi district, allowing Behchokò to stand alone, while combining the Mackenzie Delta with two Inuvik districts. These adjustments aim to ensure each district’s population remains within 25 percent of the territorial average of 2,354 residents.

The commission has acknowledged the challenges of balancing representation across diverse communities. Gorin stated, “It’s quite challenging in the Northwest Territories just because we have a large number of different communities of interest.” The commission plans to hold public hearings in December 2023, with a final report expected to be submitted to the Legislative Assembly by February 2024.

For Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, the need for more representation is long overdue. She remarked, “We’ve been talking about it since 2009,” advocating for an extra seat specifically for the Tłįchǫ region to enhance Indigenous representation. Armstrong highlighted that Behchokò’s growth necessitates its own district, stating, “We’ve been left out for so long. And we feel like we’ve been neglected overall.”

The urgency for change is echoed by Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan, who noted the district now serves over 4,000 residents. Morgan expressed a desire for more equitable influence in the democratic process, saying, “I do really enjoy representing such a large and diverse group of residents.” However, she also raised concerns about the financial implications of adding new MLA offices.

As the commission prepares for its public consultations, the community’s voice will play a crucial role in shaping the future of N.W.T.’s electoral landscape. With discussions around representation and equitable boundaries heating up, the outcome of these proposals could have lasting impacts on governance in the territory.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.