Nick Kuhl
Lethbridge Herald
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Jim Hillyer is the latest MP from southern Alberta to file an objection to the Federal Boundaries Commission.
Lethbridge's representative in Ottawa said Monday one of the main reasons he submitted the challenge is because he wants to be a part of the final decision on the forthcoming changes to the region's federal ridings.
The government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth last month following a series of public hearings in the fall.
A new Lethbridge riding would cover the city and county of Lethbridge, including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Nobleford, while Cardston would join an expanded Foothills constituency.
Raymond, Magrath and Stirling, as well as Milk River, would join Medicine Hat.
Hillyer said, given that a change will happen regardless, he would prefer for the towns and counties south of Lethbridge to move into the new Bow River riding, which would create a north-south horseshoe east of the city.
He said it may be the best alternative, as the communities would at least have a rural-type connection economically rather than to Medicine Hat where there are no traditional ties.
"When I talk about that idea with people they like it and that makes sense," Hillyer said from Ottawa.
"I wanted to make sure that those people affected get the best representation that they can. I want to be there to ensure that the boundary commission hears that no matter what changes are proposed, we don't want to split up these communities."
Although he has filed an objection, Hillyer said he's been content with the commission, and the process, and also wants to defend the new Lethbridge riding.
"Everyone in Lethbridge is happy with the idea that Lethbridge is staying as single riding, not being split like Red Deer," he said.
Medicine Hat MP Lavar Payne had previously filed a protest to the changes, citing a concern about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which would also include Taber and Vauxhall.
The Blood Reserve would also move to the Medicine Hat constituency, while the Piikani Nation would be part of the redefined Foothills riding along with communities north along Highway 2.
The exact process for objections and changes has yet to be announced, but a final decision on the new boundaries will be made in September and become effective for the next federal election, likely in 2015.