Quebec Liberals speak out against proposed electoral maps changes

Some Quebec Liberal MNAs are voicing their opposition to proposed changes to the province's electoral map.

The proposed changes by theElectoral Representation Committeeinclude eliminating one riding in Montreal by mergingMontRoyal andOutremont,and expanding the boundaries in other ridings.

The amendmentswould also effectively scrap two ridings where the Liberalstraditionally find support.

The independent committee makes changes to the province's riding boundaries after every second election. It looks at increases and decreases in population and then makes changes in order thatvoters are fairly represented in the National Assembly.

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Changinganglophone and Jewishriding

For example, the boundary of Montreal-area ridingD'Arcy-McGeewould be expanded to include parts of Mont Royal and Outremont.

DavidBirnbaum, the riding's MNA, said the proposedchange would alter the historical anglophone and Jewish make-up of his riding.

"The changes being proposed would have a pronounced and negative impact on theriding of D'Arcy-McGee,"Birnbaum said in a statement.

The report also suggests scrapping one riding in Mauricie and adding two tothe Laurentides-Lanaudire region.

A final report is due next year.