For immediate release
Winnipeg Green Party promises slate of 31 candidates in 2010
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The very first item on the Winnipeg Green Party platform reads:
- The Greens will harmonize the city ward boundaries with the provincial constituencies, thereby increasing the number of wards and council seats to 31.
This has been posted at www.winnipeggreenparty.ca since August 6th 2006, and printed in all 6 candidates' brochures.
"It is flattering that a policy we adopted months ago has been copied by a mayoralty candidate," says co-founder of the Winnipeg Green Party Dave Danyluk, referring to Marianne Cerelli's announcement that she supports increasing the number of city wards. "It is surprising that the media didn't think the Winnipeg Green Party position was newsworthy until it was 'announced' by a candidate for mayor."
Danyluk adds, "The change to increase the number of wards doesn't have to go through the Province. It can be done by City Council as it is spelled out in the Winnipeg Charter."
Changing number of wards
17(1) Council may by by-law increase the number of wards specified in section 10 to an odd number greater than 15.
By-law applying to next general election
17(2) If the by-law is passed 18 months or more before the next general election, it takes effect at the election.
The Winnipeg Green Party supports increasing council seats for the following reasons:
- Harmonized boundaries and representation would be clearer for the electorate.
- Better representation and democracy. Citizens complain about not getting their calls returned and councillors complain their wards are too big.
- The number of citizens each councillor will represent will decrease from 43,000 to 22,000 citizens, similar to provincial MLAs. (In 1977 when Winnipeg had 29 councillors and 562,000 citizens representation was 19,400)
- Since it is municipal services that most affect the day to day quality of life of Winnipeggers, it makes sense to increase municipal representation for that responsibility.
- Wards would become physically distinct. For instance, North St. Vital and South St.Vital are significantly different and therefore have different issues form each other.
- Councillors who also serve on committees can avoid neglecting their competing responsibility to serve their ward.
- The powerful Executive Policy Committee will need to get 16 votes on council and will need to convince more representatives of their policy's merits.
- An end to incumbent dynasties. Election campaigns will require fewer resources permitting more citizens to run and in a more balanced playing field.
- The cost for additional salaries is minimal compared to the benefits and only a tine part of the city budget.
- The civic boundary review commission can be relieved of its duty and the provincial boundary commission will cover both roles.
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Contact: David J. Danyluk at 470-9247 or Markus Buchart at 772-9869
