5. Comments collected during public hearings

In accordance with the process specified in the Commission’s mandate, the notices announcing the proposed boundary as well as the dates, times and locations of public hearings were published in English and French in two wide-circulation newspapers in the province and two weekly publications in the cities of Miramichi and Bathurst. The public hearings were held on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, in Miramichi and on Thursday, November 18, 2004, in Bathurst to collect opinions and comments from interested parties.

There was no public input during the Miramichi public hearing held on November 17. However, 10 or so participants made comments or submitted presentations, personally or as spokespersons for organizations or other bodies, during the public hearing held in Bathurst on November 18. In summary, the participants unanimously supported the Commission’s proposal recommending that those parts of the parishes of Allardville and Bathurst presently in the electoral district of Miramichi be transferred to the electoral district of Acadie–Bathurst. The reasons or factors cited by the participants in support of their stands are examined in greater detail in the analysis of the reasons justifying the boundary recommended by the Commission.

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