Durham (Ontario) 89/338

 Durham (Ontario)

Today, we're in the Greater Toronto Area with Durham!

Durham has existed as a riding since 1904, barring 20 years between 1968 and 1988. The population of the riding was 130,872 in 2016. The population centers are Oshawa (159,458 in 2016, shared with Oshawa), Bowmanville (39,371 in 2016), and Port Perry (9,453 in 2016). This riding has grown 13.4% between censuses, going from 115,000 to 130,000 residents.

Politically, this seat is similar to a lot Greater Vancouver seats in the sense that it has been Conservative for the past 17 years, largely because of the lack of consolidation around one left-of-center party. In 2021, this seat had the second best performance for the NDP in the non-Toronto GTA, only second to neighbouring Oshawa. This seat is currently represented by Conservative Leader and MP Erin O'Toole.

Recognize that name? I thought you would. Erin O'Toole has been in Parliament since 2012, serving as Minister of Veterans Affairs from January to November 2015. In opposition, he was on the front bench, serving in several Shadow Cabinet portfolios. In 2017, he finished third in the Conservative Leadership race. In 2020, he won the leadership, leading the party into their second post-Harper election. In 2019, this seat was 33/121 in Ontario and 93/338 in Canada by margin.

Rating:

Name: 8.8/10 - Again, a good name, pretty simple, but maybe a little too simple? I'd be happy with Scugog—Clarington.

Shape: 7.3/10 - It's a good shape, the lake is a little wonky, so it's knocked down a tad.

Individuality: 7.5/10 - It is interesting seeing this sort of lack of consolidation in Ontario, this is typically a western issue, and Erin O'Toole being from here is cool too.

Total: 23.6/30 (78.7%)

Tomorrow we're starting our Edmonton adventure with Edmonton Centre!