Toronto city councillors slam plans to cut federal riding of Don Valley East

Nearly every member of Toronto city council is strongly opposing a proposed move to cut a federal riding in the city, expressing concern that the elimination of a representative will undoubtedly harm residents. 

If the current riding redistribution plan for Ontario is finalized by the federal government, Toronto will have its ridings reduced, from 25 to 24, meaning one less representative in Ottawa. Don Valley East would be eliminated and its population split up and absorbed by Don Valley North, Don Valley West (which will be renamed Don Valley South) and Scarborough Centre (which will be renamed Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East). 

Coun. Lily Cheng represents Ward 18 Willowdale and organized a letter signed by council members opposing the riding change.

"This flies in the face of our democratic values, our ideals of fairness, and our ability to make sure the residents of Toronto can reach their representative of choice in a time of need," Cheng said at a Monday news conference.

Citizens 'disenfranchised' by move: Coteau

The Don Valley East riding currently covers the northeast section of North York and is represented by Liberal MP Michael Coteau and Liberal MPP Adil Shamji, who also spoke at the news conference.

Coteau and Shamji said that communities weren't given a chance to provide their opinions about the potential restructure.

"Citizens were disenfranchised through the process," said Coteau. Those in Don Valley East or in the ridings that may absorb the riding had no chance to weigh in, he said.

They and multiple other politicians discussed the role the riding plays in supporting new immigrants and the need for strong representation for those constituents. 

In February, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario tabled planned changes to the province's federal ridings. The commission cited "disparities" in the sizes of Toronto's current 25 ridings, as the average population is around 111,000 per riding, which is below the target of around 116,000.

In its report, it said Toronto is over-represented, "due to uneven population growth between Toronto and surrounding areas."

The reduction in the number of ridings at the federal level could have implications for representation at the provincial level as well, the councillors said at the news conference. 

In an emailed statement to CBC Toronto, the Ontario Commission cited its public consultation initiatives in 2022, which included in-person and virtual meetings. It said that at this stage, it's up to MPs to make any recommended changes and referred to the timeline the public can access online. 

Elections Canada says it provides technical support to the commissions, but they are considered independent. After the commission's proposals are accepted by Parliament, Elections Canada then implements them, a spokesperson told CBC News in an email.

Coun. Jon Burnside, who represents Don Valley East at a municipal level, called the decision a "slap in the face," saying it will further marginalize his own constituents. 

"We talk about welcoming new Canadians and we're just changing boundaries, it would seem, without any thought to their input," said Burnside. 

Toronto needs more representation, not less: councillors 

In March, Coteau submitted a report to the Standing Committee on Procedural and House Affairs urging the federal government to not axe the riding. The report detailed how Toronto is the "economic powerhouse" of the country and one fifth of the nation's GDP. The issues faced by Muslim residents in the Don Valley East area, including Islamophobia, need to be addressed and having one less representative will affect that, he added.

All councillors, except for Coun. Stephen Holyday, signed a letter supporting Coteau's push against the riding cut. 

McKelvie said Toronto has "big issues in a big city" to resolve, including transit operating costs, the need for shelters and bringing in refugees.

"We need as many MPs on the Hill as possible advocating for that," she said.