Federal electoral districts

Federal electoral districts are readjusted after each 10-year census to reflect changes and movements in Canada's population, in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. The next redistribution process is expected to begin this month, following release of the new population figures from the 2011 Census.

Some politicians are worried the recent census results could weaken the voice of northern Ontario in the House of Commons.

The census triggers a review of riding boundaries across the country.

The population of all of northern Ontario has dropped — and in previous redistributions the region has lost seats.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer said the government may take the opportunity to reduce seats in an area that has a lot of NDP members.

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce HyerThunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer

“Northern Ontario is very different from the rest of Ontario and it's very important that northern Ontario has fair and adequate representation in the House of Commons,” Hyer said.

The federal Liberals also said they are concerned the Conservative party will exert pressure on what is supposed to be a non-partisan review of riding boundaries. Ontario is slated to get 15 new seats under a plan announced by the government late last year.