Island Studies Presents Lecture on Electoral Boundaries Process on Bermuda featuring PEI’s Chief Justice David Jenkins
In keeping with one of the Institute of Island Studies’ goals to see Prince Edward Island through the lens of other islands, PEI’s Chief Justice, David Jenkins, will share with Islanders what he’s learned as a member of Bermuda’s Constituency Boundaries Commission. He will deliver a lecture Monday, April 10, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building. All are welcome.
While Prince Edward Island goes through the process of updating its electoral boundaries, over the past several months, Chief Justice Jenkins has been on hand as Bermuda underwent a similar process. Bermuda has jurisdictional similarities with PEI, being an overseas territory of the UK comprised of 36 electoral districts and a population of approximately 65,000. This is why Justice Jenkins was first invited to be a member of the commission in 2009. He is also a former chair of the federal boundaries commission.
A statement released by Secretary Tenia Woolridge, on behalf of Bermuda's Commission, described the need for the review: “The Constitution requires that, from time to time, the Commission review the constituency boundaries and report thereon to the House. In deciding whether or not to recommend any changes in the boundaries, the Commission has to ensure that the constituencies contain, as far as reasonably practicable, equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors. This is to achieve equality of votes. The Commission has to consider the constitutionally prescribed factors; as geographical features, natural boundaries and contiguity of constituencies.”
The Honourable Gerard Mitchell, who is chairing Prince Edward Island’s Electoral Boundaries Commission, will be on hand to provide the PEI context of reviewing the Island’s 27 electoral districts, including boundaries and names.
The Honourable David H. Jenkins is the Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island. After attending Charlottetown schools and Prince of Wales College, he graduated from Dalhousie University with his BComm in 1970 and LLB in 1973. He practiced law in Charlottetown with Scales, Jenkins & McQuaid, which became Stewart McKelvey, in a general practice focused on business, administrative law, labour, and employment and related litigation. He was appointed as Queens Counsel in 1986, has been president of the Law Society, and has served on national legal organizations including Federation of Law Societies of Canada President (1986), and as Secretary of the Canadian Bar Insurance Association, until his appointment as a judge.
He sat as a trial judge in the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island from 1993 to 2008, when he was appointed as Chief Justice of the province and of the Court of Appeal. He has served nationally as president of the Judges' Counselling Program, the Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association, and is currently a member of the Canadian Judicial Council.
Chief Justice Jenkins has always been involved in the Island and Charlottetown community. He is a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Hillsborough and a Governor of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
