Kingston and the Islands (Ontario) 141/338

 Kingston and the Islands (Ontario)

Today we're in Kingston and the Islands!

Kingston and the Islands has existed as a riding since 1968. The population was 117,543 in 2016. The riding contains most of the city of Kingston (123,798 in 2016, shared with Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston), as well as the Frontenac Islands (1,760 in 2016). Kingston is the home of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. MacDonald.

Politically, this seat has typically been a Liberal/Conservative race, but has recently been taking a progressive turn. The seat was held by the Progressive Conservatives from 1972-1988 until future speaker of the house Peter Milliken won the seat. Milliken stayed in the seat from 1988 until 2011, when the seat was narrowly held by rookie Liberal MP Ted Hsu. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen.

The PC that held the seat from 1972-1988 was Flora MacDonald. MacDonald was one of the first women to run for party leadership in Canada, placing fifth in the 1976 PC leadership race. When the PC's formed government in 1979, she became the Secretary of State for external affairs, holding the portfolio after the PC's returned to opposition in 1980. She was vocal in her opposition to the PC/Canadian Alliance, reportedly voting for the NDP in 2004. In 2019, this seat was 88/121 in Ontario and 214/338 in Canada by margin.

I don't like the name, a little clunky, but I guess the only alternative is Kingston—Frontenac. The shape is also a little iffy for me, Highway 401 is a nice border, but I do wish Frontenac County were whole. As for individuality, this riding sure has gone through some shifts, eastern Ontario has gotten increasingly friendly to the NDP and it will probably materialize in this seat in 5-10 years.

See you tomorrow in Kitchener Centre!