Bill No. 187 - House of Assembly Act. - Third Reading

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise and say a few words to Bill No. 187. We also accept this report and the work of the independent Commission, but or and, depending on how you'd like to interpret my remarks which are forthcoming, we wanted to just say a word, which we've done throughout this debate, about the Keefe report. The Keefe report was commissioned in advance of the constitution of the Electoral Boundaries Commission to recommend changes that would help improve representation generally in Nova Scotia, both through electoral process, politics, and through other public processes as well.

 The amendment to this bill moved by our caucus in the Committee of the Whole House would have future commissions generally and earnestly investigate and consult Nova Scotians and experts, not just on where the boundaries lie specifically but on the matter of proportional representation, among other things. We believe this is an important step to realizing better and fairer representation for everyone. It would also go a long way in ensuring that historically marginalized voices in our province are heard and represented politically.

 We also submitted an amendment, Mr. Speaker, that would have the government report on its progress towards implementing the findings of the commission that resulted in the Keefe report. This would ensure that we are fully taking advantage of the opportunities presented by that commission and report to improve electoral representation, and that we don't have yet another good report that went out and did excellent consultation and sits on a shelf.

 The Keefe report recommended a number of ways, for example, that African Nova Scotian and Acadian communities could be supported to reach fuller levels of participation and representation in Nova Scotia. It is key that the government follow up on these recommendations. These include things like adequate funding and support for African Nova Scotian and Acadian bodies and enabling minority applicants to serve on agencies, board and commissions, among other recommendations.

 All these recommendations when taken together present an important opportunity not only to improve representation for marginalized communities in Nova Scotia but to enable fuller participation and more equitable access to society. This, in turn, presents an opportunity to make substantial progress towards justice in this province. If not in this bill, Mr. Speaker, I urge the government to implement them in a serious and fulsome manner. With those few comments I will take my seat.