Grande Prairie–Mackenzie (Alberta) 116/338

 Grande Prairie–Mackenzie (Alberta) 

Today we're in northern Alberta with Grande Prairie–Mackenzie!

Grande Prairie–Mackenzie has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution, created from Peace River. The population of the riding was 117,327 in 2016. The population centers are Grande Prairie (63,166 in 2016), High Level (3,159 in 2016), and Sexsmith (2,620 in 2016). Driving through the entire riding north to south is impossible, there is no way to pass over the portion of Peace River in this riding.

Politically, this seat has been solidly Conservative since 1958, being held by the also conservative Social Credit Party before that. Being rural Alberta, this seat has had two things happen (almost) consistently in the 21st century: Conservatives above 55% support and no other candidate above 20%. An independent candidate by the name of Bill Given received 20% in 2006. That candidate was city councilor and future mayor of Grand Prairie Bill Given. The seat is currently held by Conservative MP Chris Warkentin.

I believe I've discussed the Socreds before, but that was in a Quebec context. The Socreds contested their first federal election in 1935, winning all but two seats in Alberta at the time. This election happened the same year the Alberta Socreds won their first of nine elections, winning all but seven seats in the Alberta legislature. In 2019, this seat was 31/34 in Alberta and 335/338 in Canada by margin.

Rating:

Name: 9.2/10 - I like they acknowledge the urban center as well as the remote stretches of the riding. Some acknowledgement of the Peace Region would be nice.

Shape: 6.8/10 - I understand the purpose of Mackenzie County being included, it just makes for an awkward shape.

Individuality: 2.8/10 - Bill Given getting local notoriety is cool, but it is very rural Alberta.

Total: 18.8/30 (62.7%)

See you soon in Guelph!