Glinas proposes amendment to include Wahnapitae First Nation in Nickel Belt

Nickel Belt MPP France Glinashopes her proposedamendment to Bill 45, the Election Statute Law Amendment Act,finally changes the riding boundaries of Nickel Beltto include Wahnapitae First Nation.

Wahnapitae First Nation is currently in the provincial riding of Timiskaming-Cochrane. Federally, it sits in the Nickel Belt riding.

• Wahnapitae First Nation wants to change its provincial riding

"Wahnapitae First Nation's links are to Nickel Belt. This is where people go for their health and educational services and to conduct their business," Glinas said, "geographically, it makes very good sense for Wahnapitae First Nation to be included within the riding of Nickel Belt.

Members of the communityoften go to her officewhenever they need help, Glinas said, since her office is only about half an hour away.

Chief Ted Roque said Wahnapitae had previously made request for the shift to little avail.

"For over a decade, we have made requests to the provincial government to correct its mistake and put the community back into the provincial riding of Nickel Belt," Roque said, "as our community continues to grow, and the links to Nickel Belt become even stronger, it is imperative that the riding boundaries change to reflect these links.''

Glinas said Bill 45 is currently at second reading.