Huron—Bruce (Ontario) 131/338

 Huron—Bruce (Ontario)

Today we're in Huron—Bruce!

Huron—Bruce has existed as a riding since 1953, created from Huron North and Huron—Perth. The population of the riding was 106,570 in 2016. The population centers are Saugeen Shores (13,715 in 2016), Kincardine (11,389 in 2016), and Goderich (7,628 in 2016). The world's largest underground salt mine is in Goderich, and Bruce Power is the world's largest nuclear power plant by output.

Politically, this seat has been mostly Conservative, the only exception being the Liberals holding the seat from 1993-2008. In 2006, when the Liberals lost most of their rural Southern Ontario seats, this was the only one to stay Liberal, mostly due to the communities in Bruce County. The seat was an easy Conservative pickup in 2008, possibly helped along by Liberal MP Paul Steckle retiring. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Ben Lobb.

Another reason the seat stayed Liberal for so long is because of Paul Steckle. He was a city councillor and reeve in Stanley Township (now Bluewater) from 1970-1980 and 1980-1985 respectively. He was first elected to Parliament in 1993. While a Liberal, he was vocal in opposition to certain votes, specifically same-sex marriage, abortion, and gun ownership. In 2019, this seat was 59/121 in Ontario and 143/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, county names are pretty typical in Ontario, and the population centers aren't large enough to be solely named after one. The shape is pretty good, same as above, the shape serves the name pretty well. As for individuality, it is interesting how Liberal some of the population centers still are, even post-Harper. 

Tomorrow we're back in Quebec with Joliette!