NDP to push through new electoral map

Premier Darrell Dexter says he's moving ahead with a bill that will enact contentious changes to the province's electoral map.

Bill 94 proposes new boundaries to the map and it has sparked fiery public meetings in various districts.

The Electoral Boundaries Commission recommended 51 ridings for Nova Scotia. That would mean dropping one seat in Cape Breton, and shifting the boundaries of several constituencies including Clare, Argyle, Queens and Shelburne. The Halifax area would gain two seats in Fairview Clayton Park and Sackville.

Liberal and Conservative MLAs in the house have said they will not support the changes. The Premier says NDP cabinet minister Sterling Belliveau — the MLA for Shelburne — can also vote against it.

"They [people in Shelburne] have made their displeasure with this perfectly clear," said Dexter. "I have told Sterling that I release him from his obligation to support the commission's report."

Sterling Belliveau was criticized after an earlier reading in the house because he voted to support the map despite having voiced his opposition to the changes.