BC, Ontario, Alberta Largely Underrepresented in National Politics, Study Finds
Establishing a 350-seat Parliament would address longstanding imbalances in the House of Commons that have historically left Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. with less representation than other provinces, a new report suggests. The three provinces are underrepresented not only in the House of Commons, but in the Senate as well, while all other provinces are comparatively overrepresented, according to a study by the Calgary-based Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. Three provinces have increased their share of Canada’s population since 1949, the study said. Ontario’s population share has risen from 32.6 percent in 1949 to 39 percent in 2025; British Columbia has grown from 8.3 percent to 13.8 percent; and Alberta is up from 6.6 percent to 11.9 percent. Yet that change has never been reflected in either federal chamber.
BC, Ontario, Alberta Largely Underrepresented in National Politics, Study Finds A new report by the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy indicates that establishing a 350-seat Parliament could rectify longstanding underrepresentation of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia in the House of Commons and Senate. These three provinces have seen significant population growth since 1949, with their share of Canada’s population increasing substantially. However, this demographic shift has not been reflected in their representation in either federal chamber, leading to a comparative overrepresentation of other provinces.
- A new report suggests a 350-seat Parliament could address underrepresentation in the House of Commons.
- Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. are historically underrepresented compared to other provinces.
- These provinces are also underrepresented in the Senate.
- Ontario’s population share grew from 32.6% in 1949 to 39% in 2025.
- B.C.’s population share grew from 8.3% in 1949 to 13.8% in 2025.
- Alberta’s population share grew from 6.6% in 1949 to 11.9% in 2025.
- Population changes have not been reflected in federal chamber representation.
Write a comment