Elgin—Middlesex—London (Ontario) 100/338

 Elgin—Middlesex—London (Ontario)

Today we're in our 100th riding with Elgin—Middlesex—London!

Elgin—Middlesex—London has existed as a riding since 1997. The population of the riding was 115,052 in 2016. The population centers are St. Thomas (38,909 in 2016), Aylmer (7,492 in 2016), as well as a small portion of London (383,822 in 2016, shared with three other ridings). The riding is named for Elgin and Middlesex counties, as well as the city of London.

Politically, this is one of the most Conservative ridings in Ontario, being the most Conservative in Southwestern Ontario in 2019. This riding was where Chelsea Hillier, daughter of MPP Randy Hillier, ran a PPC candidate, netting almost 7500 votes. So, despite the Conservatives falling below 50% of the vote this election, there was still over 60% of the vote going to a right of center candidate. The riding is currently represented by Karen Vecchio. 

Karen Vecchio worked as an aide to former MP Joe Preston, who was elected mayor of St. Thomas in 2018. After elected, she was appointed official opposition critic for families, children, and social development. In the newly published shadow cabinet, she is in the women and gender equality and youth critic portfolio, her previous role is now covered by new MP Laila Goodridge. In 2019, this seat was 99/121 in Ontario and 240/338 in Canada by margin.

Rating:

Name: 6.5/10 - Generally a good name, I don't think London is necessary, I'd be okay with just Elgin—Middlesex.

Shape: 4.2/10 - I really don't like the shape, I understand that it has to do with municipal boundaries, but it still isn't that good.

Individuality: 4.8/10 - Karen Vecchio has an interesting story and Joe Preston is also pretty cool, but a pretty typical southwestern Ontario riding.

Total: 15.5/30 (51.7%)

Tomorrow we're in Winnipeg with Elmwood—Transcona!