Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame (Newfoundland and Labrador) 71/338

 Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Today we're in Newfoundland and Labrador with Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame!

Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution. The population of the riding was 77,680 in 2016. The population centers are Grand Falls-Windsor (14,171 in 2016), Gander (11,688 in 2016), and Lewisporte (3,409 in 2016). As a theatre major, I am legally obligated to mention that the Broadway musical Come From Away is set in Gander.

Politically, this seat has been pretty safe Liberal with some Conservative surprise breakthroughs in the 21st century. In 2002, after George Baker was appointed to the Senate, Progressive Conservative Rex Barnes won the following by-election. In 2021, 17-year incumbent Liberal Scott Simms was defeated by Conservative Clifford Smalls. As such, the riding will be represented by Conservative Clifford Smalls.

Just a quick explanation of Gander's significance, on September 11th, 2001, after the attacks, international planes were forced to land in Gander, a town that had a population of 9,651 at the time. The town suddenly had 6,600 new visitors, equivalent to 66% of the local population. Gander Airport used to be a refueling stop for Trans-Atlantic flights. In 2019, the riding was 3/7 in Newfoundland and 121/338 in Canada by margin.

Rating:

Name: 5.2/10 - I like regional names, but with a name so long I'm not really a fan.

Shape: 7.8/10 - I really don't mind it, the borders are a little suspicious, but I'm fine with it.

Individuality: 8.6/10 - I have to put it this high, almost solely because of Come From Away, but the Conservatives have won it a couple times, so that's important too!

Total: 21.6/30 (72%)

Tomorrow we're back in Quebec with Compton—Stanstead!