The District of 100 Mile House will make a presentation on the proposed federal riding changes to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia.
Councillor Ralph Fossum will appear before the commission at its upcoming public hearing to present the district's position on these changes.
"We'll speak to the commission and see where that takes us.
"We're seeking support from community-minded folks, too, to go on Oct. 11 and ... have a representation there. Sometimes numbers and letters do make a difference, that's for sure."
The commission will make the final decision on where the electoral boundaries will lie, but is giving the public and MPs opportunities to participate and express their views.
In addition to showing support by attending the hearing, Fossum says the district encourages community members to send letters expressing their views.
"If anyone takes a look at our proposed new boundaries, they'll see it creates a very awkward electoral district for us.
The proposed changes will see 100 Mile House, 108 Mile Ranch and Lac la Hache join the Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon riding at the north end, as well as attaching the Village of Pemberton in the west.
"Does anyone in 100 Mile House orient to Chilliwack?"
The communities are currently represented by Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod based out of Kamloops, he notes.
"You can go there, meet and come back on the same day. But once you start talking Chilliwack ... the distance alone is prohibitive to gaining access."
Fossum explains that while an MP can come from anywhere in the riding, it is a "fairly reasonable assumption" he or she will remain Chilliwack-based due to its voting population.
"Will the person really know any of the issues? They come from a different regional district, a different hospital district, a different economy ... they're not in the north as we are; and we'll be cut off from the Cariboo."
He adds this also splits the local community to some degree.
South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce president Tom Bachynski will also present comments at the hearing.
Bachynski plans to point out that whatever "small voice" the South Cariboo might have now with representation from an MP two hours away would be "dramatically diminished" by an MP five hours away who has a completely different set of constituent needs and requirements.
The commission is accepting written comments until Oct. 18.
Anyone may attend the public hearing, although the deadline is past for those wishing to verbally address the commission.
The hearing will be held at the Kamloops Convention Centre, 1250 Rogers Way, on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Send written submissions by e-mail to bc-cb@rfed-rcf.ca or post them to Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia, 1095 West Pender St., Suite 301, Vancouver, B.C., V6E 2M6.