| October 27, 2011 DIX AND TOPP PUT B.C. SECOND CHILLIWACK – Adrian Dix’s hypocrisy regarding House of Commons seat distribution would be laughable were it not such a serious issue, says Chilliwack MLA John Les. "The person that Adrian Dix personally selected to run the BC NDP election campaign and act as a key advisor has clearly said British Columbia doesn't deserve its fair share of seats in the House of Commons," says Les. "Brian Topp and Adrian Dix want more seats for Quebec which would further dilute B.C.'s influence in Parliament.” The Vancouver Sun reported that Topp wanted to increase the number of seats in the House of Commons for Quebec - with commensurate increases in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia, meaning the ratio of seats won’t change - even though population growth doesn't warrant it. Legislation introduced in the House of Commons today would give B.C. six additional seats, which is based on population growth as determined by the census. “We are pleased that B.C. will be receiving an estimated 6 additional seats in the House of Commons", says Les. “This change is the single-largest increase of seats in B.C., ever. It improves B.C.’s representation to a level close to our share of the Canadian population.” Today, more BC NDP MLAs came out to vow support for Brian Topp, bringing to 12 the total number of NDP MLAs on ‘Team Topp’. “If Adrian Dix really wants to demonstrate leadership, he shouldn’t be showboating by writing to the Prime Minister, says Les. “He should be writing to the members of his own Caucus who are supporting a candidate who puts Quebec’s interests ahead of British Columbia.” -30- | |
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