September 30, 2013 – Maps of Saskatchewan’s 61 new constituencies are now available online from Elections Saskatchewan, the province’s nonpartisan, independent election management body.
The work of the Saskatchewan Provincial Constituencies Boundaries Commission was completed with the tabling of its Final Report in October 2012. The Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly passed Bill 79 (The Representation Act, 2012) into law on May 15, 2013.
The new constituencies come into effect at the time of the next provincial election, scheduled for November 2, 2015. Until then, the current constituency and polling division boundaries remain in effect for any by-elections that may occur.
The new constituency boundaries can now be reviewed on a single province-wide map, or in detail on 61 individual constituency maps. The digital boundaries are available in “shapefile” format for those who make use of geographic information systems. The new maps feature boundaries legally identified through digital coordinates, rather than written “metes and bounds”.
This is a step forward for Elections Saskatchewan on its path for renewal and professionalized electoral event preparations. It also brings Saskatchewan in line with other jurisdictions and international electoral best practices.
“There are some new constituencies, changed names, and the boundaries of all but two of the current constituencies have been modified,” says Michael Boda, Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer.
“With the new maps complete, our next priority is hiring Returning Officers and Election Clerks for all 61 constituencies. These leaders serve as field managers for Elections Saskatchewan and manage their specific constituency for the next provincial election.”
“Elections operate on a four-year cycle and there are many projects to complete during that cycle to prepare for election day. A good candidate to assist us is someone who knows their community well, is organized, nonpartisan, good with computers and manages their time well. It’s a leadership opportunity and a challenging and rewarding experience.”
Elections Saskatchewan is the province’s nonpartisan, independent election management body. Given a mandate from the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, it organizes, manages and oversees provincial electoral events.
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For more information contact:
Tim Kydd
Senior Director, Outreach & Policy
Elections Saskatchewan
(306) 787-7355