The public is weighing in on the proposed changes to Saskatchewan's federal electoral boundaries.

If the changes go ahead, Regina will have two purely urban ridings and Saskatoon will have three.

Kevin Seesequasis , vice-president of the Aboriginal Peoples' Commission, supported the proposed boundaries at a public hearing on Monday in Saskatoon.

“I think in terms of aboriginal people, they would be very beneficial,” said Seesequasis.

He says on-reserve First Nations have much different needs than those living in urban centres. For example, on-reserve students receive less funding than provincial counterparts, says Seesequasis.

“You’ll have members of parliament that are able to focus specifically on urban issues and specifically on rural issues,” he said.
Saskatchewan is the only province without urban-only ridings.

After public consultations this week, any changes will be sent to Parliament for approval.

For a schedule of public hearings, click HERE.

kyeske@rawlco.com

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