Controversy Erupts Over Proposed Electoral Map Redistribution in Vaudreuil-Soulanges
A recent public hearing held at the MOCO Hotel in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield has sparked heated debates over the proposed electoral map redistribution in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. The Commission de la représentation électorale (CRE) presented a preliminary report last September, suggesting various solutions to address the imbalance in the number of electors per electoral division.
One of the proposed solutions involves including part of the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion and the municipalities of Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac and L’Île-Cadieux in the Soulanges riding. However, this suggestion has faced strong criticism from both municipal and provincial elected officials.
Marie-Claude Nichols, the independent MNA for Vaudreuil, expressed her concerns about splitting the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion, stating that it would be confusing for citizens and elected officials alike. She argued that Vaudreuil is a region where people have a sense of belonging to their community, and splitting the city would create unnecessary complications.
Marilyne Picard, the MNA for Soulanges, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed redistribution does not align with the citizens’ sense of belonging or the region’s geographical, tourist, and historical reality. She called on the commission to consider respecting natural boundaries and the historical connection between certain municipalities and their respective electoral divisions.
The CRE’s proposal also suggests transferring the municipalities of Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, and Coteau-du-Lac to the Beauharnois electoral division. This recommendation has raised concerns as it would remove three of the four municipalities crossed by the Soulanges Canal from the Soulanges County. Critics argue that this move would confuse citizens and complicate the work of MNAs and their staff in providing direct services to the population.
Given the rapid demographic growth in the Vaudreuil and Soulanges ridings, some stakeholders believe that the creation of a new electoral division may be necessary. The Vaudreuil-Soulanges RCM, for instance, proposed the establishment of an electoral division consisting of Île Perrot and the area around the former town of Dorion to address the imbalance between districts. However, the CRE’s current report does not support the immediate creation of a new electoral division.
Marilyne Picard suggests putting the proposed redistribution on hold, highlighting that all three ridings currently comply with the electoral law, despite the imbalance. She believes that respect for natural communities should be a priority, and that the preliminary proposal would have a more detrimental impact on Suroît communities than a minor mathematical imbalance that can be corrected in the future.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the CRE will address the concerns raised by elected officials and stakeholders. The discussions surrounding the proposed electoral map redistribution in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region reflect the complexities involved in achieving a fair and representative electoral system that respects natural boundaries and the sense of community among citizens.
