Proposed Federal Constituency Boundary Changes: Are They Fair? (Part 1)

SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 at NOON at Country Kitchen Catering A government-appointed commission's latest ideas were put forth recently 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 Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne has filed a protest to the changes, citing concerns about potentially losing Brooks from his riding to become part of Bow River, which also would include Taber and Vauxhall. As well, the Blood Reserve would 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. Speaker: LaVar Payne, MP for Medicine Hat Since first being elected to the House of Commons in 2008, LaVar Payne has had the privilege to sit on the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and also on National Defence. LaVar currently sits on the Standing Committees on Agriculture and Agri-Food and also on Public Safety and National Security. LaVar graduated from the University of Calgary Human Resource Management program, and has a background in business and accounting. Prior to entering political life, LaVar enjoyed a satisfying career in Human Resources as Human Resources Manager for Alberta Gas Chemicals, Novacor and Methanex. He also managed his own consulting company, Solution Source, Before his election as Member of Parliament in 2008, LaVar was Special Assistant to former Med Hat MP Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. LaVar worked with various organizations in Medicine Hat and served as President of the Medicine Hat Conservative Riding Association for the eight years prior to being elected.