Kenora (Ontario) 137/338

 Kenora (Ontario)

Today we're in Northern Ontario with Kenora!

Kenora has existed as a riding since 2003, created from Kenora—Rainy River. The population was 62,556 in 2016. The riding contains the communities of Kenora (15,096 in 2016), Dryden (7,749 in 2016), and Sioux Lookout (5,272 in 2016). The riding has one of the highest proportions of indigenous residents, with 46.8% of the residents having some aboriginal identity.

Politically, the riding had typically been held by the Liberals until the 21st century. Liberal MP Bob Nault held the seat from 1988-2004, the seat stayed with the Liberals the next two elections but lost it to the Conservatives in 2008. The Bob Nault took it back in 2015, but lost it in 2019 to Eric Melillo. The seat is currently held by Conservative MP Eric Melillo.

In 2015, all three competitive parties had senior members of their respective parties. The Conservatives had Harper cabinet minister (and future Ford cabinet minister) Greg Rickford. The NDP had Howard Hampton, former Attorney general and former leader of the Ontario NDP. The Liberals had former Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Bob Nault. Ultimately, Nault won with Hampton in second and Rickford in third. In 2019, this seat was 13/121 in Ontario and 41/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is basically perfect, it doesn't contain the entire Kenora district, but that's only if you're being very nitpicky. The shape is basically the same reasoning as above, not a huge concern, especially for an underpopulated riding. As for individuality, we love a competitive riding and that 2015 roster is unreal on second glance.

Tomorrow we're in Winnipeg with Kildonan—St. Paul!