Louis-Hébert (Quebec) 168/338

 Louis-Hébert (Quebec)

Today we're in Quebec with Louis-Hébert!

Louis-Hébert has existed as a riding since 1968. The population of the riding was 111,322 in 2021. The riding is in Quebec City (549,459 in 2021, shared with six other ridings). The riding contains the former city of Sainte-Foy, which was amalgamated into Quebec City in 2002.

Politically, this seat doesn't like their incumbents. From 1993-2015, every MP only served one term, with the seat voting for the Bloc every other election. This seat went to the Liberals in 2000, the Conservatives in 2006, and the NDP in 2011. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP Joël Lightbound.

Sticking with the trend of Quebec provincial politics, the Quebec Liberals had held this seat since 1952, despite some VERY close calls in 1994 and 1998. The CAQ came within 1,400 votes of winning the seat in the 2018 general election. MNA Sébastien Proulx (originally ADQ MNA for Trois-Rivières from 2007-2008) resigned, sparking a by-election in which the CAQ won the seat, netting 244 more raw votes than the general election the year before. In 2019, this seat was 29/78 in Quebec and 117/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is not my favourite, it contains almost all of Sainte-Foy and I really don't like Quebec historical names. The shape is actually pretty good, again Sainte-Foy is a good boundary. As for individuality, I love how many times this riding has changed hands.

See you tomorrow in Louis-Saint-Laurent!

Longueuil—Saint-Hubert (Quebec) 167/338

 Longueuil—Saint-Hubert (Quebec)

Today we're in Longueuil—Saint-Hubert!

Longueuil—Saint-Hubert has existed as a riding since 1952, receiving its current name and shape in 2012. The population of the riding was 115,082 in 2021. The riding is in the city of Longueuil (254,483 in 2021) and contains part of the borough of Saint-Hubert as well as Old Longueuil (not defined, but it is within this riding).

Politically, this seat has, again, followed most of the Quebec historical trends. As such, despite the Liberals being within five points the past three elections (and less than 1,000 votes in 2015), they haven't won the seat since 1980. The seat is currently held by Bloc MP Denis Trudel.

Pierre Nantel. Where do we start? Pierre was swept up in the Orange Wave of 2011, beating incumbent Bloc MP Jean Dorion. He held on in 2015 by just 703 votes, beating out the Liberals and Bloc who were both within four points. He was dropped from NDP caucus following revelations that he had been in private talks to run for another political party in the 2019 federal election, which turned out to be the Green Party of Canada. He didn't win, but still performed better than Greens had typically done in the province. Nantel is running for the Parti Québécois in the upcoming Marie-Victorin by-election. In 2019, this seat was 14/78 in Quebec and 43/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, Saint-Hubert isn't entirely in this riding, but that's not the end of the world. The shape is also okay, the lines are clean and make sense. As for individuality, not super individual, but I'll throw it a bone for Pierre Nantel alone.

Tomorrow we'll be back in Quebec City with Louis-Hébert!

Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne (Quebec) 166/338

 Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne (Quebec)

Today we're in Quebec with Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne!

Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution, created from Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert and Saint-Lambert. The population of the riding was 112,257 in 2021. The riding is in the city of Longueuil (254,483 in 2021). The riding has a sizable Haitian population (3.4% vs. the 1.8% Quebec average).

Politically, this seat has been getting friendlier to the Liberals in recent years. It narrowly went to the Liberals in 1997 after it went for the Bloc in '93. It went back to the Bloc in 2004, staying there until the Orange Wave. It went back to the Liberals in 2015, where it has stayed since. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Sherry Romanado.

There is a by-election in this riding provincially (Marie-Victorin) after five-year incumbent Catherine Fournier was elected Mayor of Longueuil, becoming the third female mayor of the city. Marie-Victorin was a narrow Parti Quebecois victory in 2018, with the CAQ only 705 votes behind. Both the PQ and QS have notable names running here for the by-election: Pierre Nantel (former NDP MP) and Shophika Vaithyanathasarma (former Bloc candidate). In 2019, this seat was 10/78 in Quebec and 23/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is fine, Charles LeMoyne is a local historical name. The shape is okay, not really a fan of the cross-shape. As for individuality, the riding is Liberal federally and PQ provincially, doesn't happen too often around Montreal anymore.

See you tomorrow in Longueuil—Saint-Hubert!

Long Range Mountains (Newfoundland and Labrador) 165/338

 Long Range Mountains (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Today we're back in Newfoundland and Labrador with Long Range Mountains!

Long Range Mountains has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution. The population of the riding was 81,716 in 2021. The riding contains the communities of Corner Brook (19,333 in 2021), Stephenville (6,540 in 2021), and Deer Lake (4,864 in 2021). Corner Brook is the second largest population centre in Newfoundland after St. John's.

Politically, this seat has been Liberal since 1980 (at least the portion formerly known as Humber—Port au Port—St. Barbe/Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Verte). There have been a few surges for other parties here and there. The PCs/Conservatives haven't been far behind in 1984, 1997, and 2021, while the NDP performed well in 1980, incumbent NDP MP Fonse Faour lost the seat after holding it for two years. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP and Minister of rural economic development Gudie Hutchings.

Provincially, Premier Andrew Furey holds his seat here in Humber-Gros Morne. Furey has been Premier since August 19th, 2020, winning his provincial seat on October 22, 2020 in the by-election triggered by Premier Dwight Ball's resignation. During the Omicron COVID outbreak, Furey, as a medical doctor, volunteered around the province and administered booster vaccine doses. In 2019, this seat was 6/7 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 175/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is great, I love geographic names, especially when there is no major urban centre. The shape is also great, I don't know why they didn't do something like this sooner, I really don't like the way the other representation orders split up the west coast as much as they did. As for individuality, it is the last non-St. John's seat for the NDP and the seat is definitely trending towards the Conservatives, along with much of rural Atlantic Canada.

See you soon in Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne!

London—Fanshawe (Ontario) 164/338

 London—Fanshawe (Ontario)

Today we're in London—Fanshawe!

London—Fanshawe has existed as a riding since 1993, created from London East and London—Middlesex. The population of the riding was 127,068 in 2021. The riding is in the city of London and contains the neighbourhoods of Argyle, Huron Heights, and Glen Cairn. This riding only grew 6.4%, compared to over 10% in the other two urban London ridings.

Politically, this seat has taken a turn to the left in recent years. In 1988, the seat was won by the PC's by a mere 8 votes, making it an easy pickup in 1993. The seat was Liberal until 2006, when the NDP picked it up, staying with Irene Mathyssen, former Rae cabinet minister, until she retired in 2019. This seat is currently held by NDP MP Lindsay Mathyssen. 

Similar to other Chrétien-era southern Ontario Liberal MP's, former MP Pat O'Brien is known for his socially conservative positions. Pat O'Brien was very critical of Prime Minister Paul Martin for not allowing a free vote on same-sex marriage. Eventually, he left the party in 2005 over the Sponsorship Scandal as well as his positions on same-sex marriage. In 2019, this seat was 52/121 in Ontario and 131/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, Fanshawe is in the north of the riding, and while not very populous, is historically important to the city. The shape is also nice, I like that it hugs London North Centre, creating a backwards "L". As for individuality, you don't see too many daughters succeeding mothers in the House of Commons.

Tomorrow we'll be back in Newfoundland and Labrador with Long Range Mountains!

London West (Ontario) 163/338

 London West (Ontario)

Today we're back in London with London West!

London West has existed as a riding since 1968. The population of the riding was 139,305 in 2021. The riding is in the city of London and contains the neighbourhoods of Hyde Park, Oakridge, and Byron. The Thames River runs through the riding, roughly splitting the riding in half.

Politically, this seat has been mostly Liberal. The first time it went non-Liberal was from 1984-1993, when it was held by Mulroney/Campbell minister Tom Hockin. Due to a split opposition, the riding was safe for Sue Barnes from 1993-2006. In 2008, future London Mayor Ed Holder won this seat, holding it until losing it in 2015. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP Arielle Kayagaba.

On June 6th, 2021, tragedy hit this riding when a man rammed a family of five with his pickup truck, killing all but one, who was severely injured. According to London Police, the attack was motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. The tragedy sparked a national conversation around modern Islamophobia in Canada, with all parties in the House of Commons calling for "an emergency national action summit to tackle Islamophobia." In 2019, this seat was 58/121 in Ontario and 140/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, there is some confusion as West London is more based in London North Centre. The shape is also good, I really like the way the London ridings are shaped. As for individuality, having the current mayor be here previously is pretty cool, as well as the current MP being a former city councillor.

See you soon in London—Fanshawe!

London North Centre (Ontario) 162/338

 London North Centre (Ontario)

Today we're in London North Centre!

London North Centre has existed as a riding since 1997, initially named London—Adelaide. The population of the riding was 138,255 in 2021. The riding is in the city of London and contains the neighbourhoods of Masonville, Carling, and Stoneybrook. The riding also contains the University of Western Ontario.

Politically, this seat has been Liberal for much of its existence, but not always reliably Liberal. It was won with over 50% in 1997 and 2000 with a pretty weak opposition. However, with the Conservative merger of 2003, the riding got much more competitive, especially with the rising NDP. This culminated in the Conservatives winning the seat in 2011 by over 1,650 votes. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos. 

From 1987-2006, this seat was represented by Joe Fontana. Fontana was minister of Labour in Paul Martin's government, even rumoured to run for the Liberal leadership, but ultimately deciding not to. In 2010, Fontana narrowly beat out incumbent mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, serving as mayor of London until June 19, 2014, when he stepped down due to criminal charges. In 2019, this seat was 71/121 in Ontario and 176/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is fine, I wish that it had a neighbourhood name, but cardinal directions are fine. The shape is also pretty good, it is almost surely getting smaller next time around with how much it's growing. As for individuality, the mayor of London serving here is pretty cool.

Tomorrow we're still in London with London—Fanshawe!

Lévis–Lotbinière (Quebec) 161/338

 Lévis–Lotbinière (Quebec)

Today we're in Lévis–Lotbinière!

Lévis–Lotbinière has existed as a riding since 2004. The population was 118,608 in 2021. The riding contains part of the city of Lévis (149,683 in 2021), as well as the communities of Saint-Apollinaire (7,968 in 2021) and Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon (6,817 in 2021). Saint-Apollinaire was the third fastest growing municipality in Canada and the first in Quebec between 2016 and 2021, growing by 30.4%.

Politically, this seat has been taken a turn to the right in the past sixteen years. It was a reliable Bloc seat with a surprise Liberal by-election in 2003, that went back to the Bloc in 2004. Come 2006, this seat, along with seven other local seats, flipped to the Conservatives, where about half have stayed since, the urban Quebec City seats do flip every few elections. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Jacques Gourde.

What made the Conservatives so strong here? Among other reasons, CHOI-FM. CHOI-FM is a local conservative radio program that is subject to controversial statements and positions. After a case ruled against the station at the Supreme Court of Canada, host André Arthur was elected as an independent, as well as eight Conservatives getting elected locally in 2006. In 2019, this seat was 42/78 and 185/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, it is named for two historical counties (which also happen to be names in the region still). As for the shape, it's interesting, good urban/rural split. As for individuality, it really goes to show how much local politics can play into a national race.

See you soon in London North Centre!

Lethbridge (Alberta) 160/338

 Lethbridge (Alberta)

Today we're in southern Alberta with Lethbridge!

Lethbridge has existed as a riding since 1917, created from Macleod. The population of the riding was 123,847 in 2021. The riding contains the city of Lethbridge (98,406 in 2021), as well as Coaldale (8,771 in 2021) and Coalhurst (2,869 in 2021). The riding was named Lethbridge—Foothills from 1979-1988.

This seat has been conservative since 1930. It was held by the Social Credit Party from 1935-1958 by leader John Horne Blackmore. In 1958, the PC's skyrocketed by 44 points to win the seat, where it stayed from 1958-1993. Since 1993, center-left parties have only received over 20% in 1993, 2004, 2011, and 2015. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Rachael Thomas. 

Provincially, this seat usually has some interesting breakthroughs. From 1993-2012,  Lethbridge-East was held by the Alberta Liberals, with the party falling by 30 points in 2012. In 2012, both urban seats were held by the PC's, with both seats flipping to the Alberta NDP in 2015. Now, Lethbridge-West is represented by the Alberta NDP while Lethbridge-East is represented by the UCP. In 2019, this seat was 14/34 in Alberta and 309/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is perfect. The shape is also very good, for the same reasons for the name. As for individuality, for a riding with a major urban center, it's interesting how it hasn't ever flipped to the left.

Tomorrow we'll be in Lévis–Lotbinière!

Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (Ontario) 159/338

 Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (Ontario)

Today we're in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes!

Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes has existed as a riding since 1976. The population of the riding was 104,070 in 2021. The riding contains the communities of Brockville (22,116 in 2021), Gananoque (5,383 in 2021) and Prescott (4,078 in 2021). Up until the 2012 redistribution, the riding was named Leeds-Grenville.

Politically, this seat has been ahead of the Ontario trends. The seat was won by the Liberals over the PC's in 1988. The seat was lost to the Conservatives in 2004 when there were still a few Liberals holding on in rural ridings. Side note, PEI Green leader and leader of the official opposition Peter Bevan-Baker ran for the Greens here in 1993 and 1997. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Michael Barrett.

This seat has had a couple of MP's dying in office, at least more than the average riding. The seat was held by Tom Cossitt for almost ten years until he passed away in 1982, his wife Jennifer Cossitt winning the subsequent by-election. In 2018, five-term MP Gord Brown passed away at the age of 57 of a heart attack, Brown almost won the seat in 2000, finishing just 55 votes behind Joe Jordan. In 2019, this seat was 87/121 in Ontario and 212/338 in Canada by margin.

The name. I cannot stand the name. I get it. Geography makes sense. But I cannot in good conscience endorse this name. The shape, on the other hand, is simple and clean. As for individuality, there is an interesting succession between each MP.

We'll be in Lethbridge soon!

Laval–Les Îles (Quebec) 158/338

 Laval–Les Îles (Quebec)

Today we're in Laval with Laval–Les Îles!

Laval–Les Îles has existed as a riding since 2003, created from Laval West. The population of the riding was 111,784 in 2021. The riding contains the southwestern portion of Laval, including the neighbourhoods of Sainte-Dorothée, Laval-Ouest, as well as part of the Fabreville neighbourhood. The riding has the highest % of Christian Orthodox and Greek residents.

Politically, surprisingly this seat has never voted for the Bloc Quebecois. It has gone with every other Quebec trend (ie PC from 1984-1993, NDP in 2011, back to Liberal in 2015). It has been a Liberal/Bloc race in modern history, with the Bloc coming in second from 1993-2008. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury.

While much of Laval has been open to voting for Quebec sovereignty, this seat has not had much interest. In 1995, while every other Laval riding narrowly voted for separation, the riding of Chomedey voted overwhelmingly "non", which made Laval collectively vote "non" by about 13,000 votes. Provincially, a sovereigntist candidate hasn't been elected here since 1998. In 2019, this seat was 57/78 in Quebec and 245/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is fine, the islands seem important geographically. The shape is also pretty clean, maybe choose Chomedey or Fabreville, but that's not the end of the world. As for individuality, that 1995 sovereignty margin is insane, and the rejection of sovereigntist candidates is surprising too.

Tomorrow we're back in Ontario with Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes! (yeesh)

Laurier—Sainte-Marie (Quebec) 157/338

 Laurier—Sainte-Marie (Quebec)

Today we're in Montreal with Laurier—Sainte-Marie!

Laurier—Sainte-Marie has existed as a riding since 1988. The population of the riding was 116,932 in 2021. The riding is in the city of Montreal and contains parts of the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and Ville-Marie boroughs. The riding is the third smallest in the country by area, only larger than Toronto Centre and Papineau.

Politically, this seat has been much more turbulent in the past few years. It stayed with the Bloc from 1993 (1990 unofficially) until 2011, when the NDP won the seat. The NDP held it by 10 points in 2015, losing it to the Liberals in 2019. The NDP made some headway in 2021, closing the gap by 11 points. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

Back to the unofficial Bloc win, Gilles Duceppe won the seat in a by-election in 1990, beating future mayor of Quebec Denis Coderre. The Bloc was so new that it had not registered as a federal party yet, having Gilles Duceppe win as an independent. Gilles Duceppe served as an MP from 1990-2011 as well as the leader of the Bloc from 1997-2011 and a few months in 2015. After losing the seat in 2011, he tried one more time in 2015 to take the seat back, but he was unable to take it back. In 2019, this seat was 33/78 in Quebec and 156/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is fine, I know that Laurier is for Laurier avenue, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. The shape is honestly pretty good for an urban seat, very clean shape. As for individuality, party leader and wild swings? Sign me up.

Tomorrow we'll be north in Laval–Les Îles!

Laurentides—Labelle (Quebec) 156/338

 Laurentides—Labelle (Quebec)

Today we're in Quebec with Laurentides—Labelle!

Laurentides—Labelle has existed as a riding since 2004. The population was 123,796 in 2021. The riding contains the cities of Mont-Laurier (14,180 in 2021), Mont-Tremblant (10,992 in 2021), and Sainte-Adèle (14,010 in 2021). Despite the riding covering 19,694 kilometers squared, the majority of the riding lives on the 60 km stretch between Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur. 

Politically, this seat is receptive to Quebec trends. Much like most of rural Quebec, this seat was held by the Bloc after they won it in 1993. It was held by large margins until the NDP won it in the Orange Wave of 2011. In 2015, it was a three way race, with the Liberals coming out on top. The seat is currently represented by Bloc MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau.

With the redistribution proposals this year, I thought I'd discuss where Quebec has grown and shrank between censuses. First, we have the Laurentides, which grew 8%, gaining just over 45k people. Next, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, which grew 9%. On the flip side, Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and Gaspésie--Îles-de-la-Madeleine each lost around 1,000 people. However, in the 2012 redistribution, special representation was given to the Gaspé Peninsula, so we'll have to see if anything changes here. In 2019, this seat was 30/78 in Quebec and 128/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is very good, RCM names are good for ridings that are large geographically. The shape is also pretty good, I'm sure the corridor between Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Tremblant is a good area to keep intact. As for individuality, it's another Montreal exurb that goes Bloc, not super individual.

See you soon in Laurier—Sainte-Marie!

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun (Quebec) 155/338

 LaSalle—Émard—Verdun (Quebec)

Today we're in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun!

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution. The population of the riding was 107,564 in 2021. The riding is in the city of Montreal, and has parts of the boroughs of Verdun, LaSalle, and Le Sud-Ouest. The riding was initially going to be named LaSalle—Verdun.

Politically, this seat is not as safe as it used to be. From 1988-2008, the seat was represented by prominent cabinet member and prime minister Paul Martin, who from 1993-2004 won with more than 55% of the vote. Recently, flipped the seat in 2011, losing the seat in 2015, but still kept 29% of the vote. The Liberals haven't had more than 44% of the vote since 2008. Still a relatively safe seat, but could be a concern with an NDP or Bloc rise. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP and Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti.

Provincially, these seats are under similar circumstances. Verdun was won with just 35.5% of the vote, with Quebec Solidaire receiving 23.9% of the vote and the CAQ not far behind them. Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne (Quebec Liberal leader Dominique Anglade holds this seat) was a little wider of a margin, but still saw a considerable QS rise. Verdun is likely a QS and CAQ target, with Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne being a little out of reach. In 2019, this seat was 41/78 in Quebec and 184/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, boroughs are the conventional wisdom in Montreal. The shape is okay, but I can't get over the top notch (I know it's part of Le Sud-Ouest, don't come for me). As for individuality, this seat has acted similar to the surrounding south shore ridings, but cabinet representation is cool.

Tomorrow we'll be north in Laurentides—Labelle!

Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston (Ontario) 153/338

 Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston (Ontario)

Today we're in Eastern Ontario with Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston!

Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution. The population of the riding was 111,424 in 2021. The riding contains the communities of Mississippi Mills (14,740 in 2021), Carleton Place (13,940 in 2021), and Smiths Falls (9,517 in 2021). The riding contains the part of Kingston north of Highway 401.

Politically, this seat has been Conservative for a lot of it's existence. It was, like almost all of Ontario, Liberal from 1993-2004. Oddly enough, the Liberals were less than 1,000 votes behind the PC's in 1988, Bill Vankoughnet became one of only two PC's elected in 1988 from Eastern Ontario. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Scott Reid.

I can't discuss this riding without discussing the MPP, Randy Hillier. Hillier was first elected to Queen's Park in 2007, beating Liberal Ian Wilson by just 820 votes. Hillier ran for the Ontario PC leadership in 2009, placing fourth behind Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, and Christine Elliot. In 2019, Hillier was ousted from caucus for "disrespectful comments to parents of children with autism". He has since become leader of the Ontario First Party, the provincial wing of the People's Party of Canada. In 2019, this seat was 92/121 in Ontario and 220/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is okay, a bit lengthy, but counties are tried and true. Not exactly a huge fan of the shape, Ontario likes to keep their counties together, so I can't fault them for that. As for individuality, not surprising for an eastern Ontario riding to be so Conservative. 

Tomorrow we'll be in Montreal with LaSalle—Émard—Verdun!

Langley—Aldergrove (British Columbia) 153/338

 Langley—Aldergrove (British Columbia)

Today we're in my home riding, Langley—Aldergrove!

Langley—Aldergrove has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution, created from Langley and Abbotsford. The population was 133,168 in 2021. The riding contains the Township of Langley (132,603 in 2021) as well as a small portion of Abbotsford. The riding is on the unceded territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo peoples.

Politically, this seat has been Conservative since 1974. That isn't to say that it hasn't had its close calls. In the past 14 elections, the seat has been within 10 points in 1974 and 2015. That being said, the seat is solidly Conservative. Provincially, 2 of the 3 seats flipped from the BC Liberals to the BC NDP. Granted, one of those could've been attributed to vote-splitting with the BC Conservatives, but the MLA still swung the seat 14 points. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Tako Van Popta. 

As this is my home riding, I wanted to do something special, so I settled on interviews. So, I reached out to six local political figures and thankfully three (from all three levels of government) got back to me. I gave them six questions and spoke with two of them. 

Here is a quick overview of our three interviewees:

Tako van Popta has been MP for Langley—Aldergrove since the 2019 election, winning a hotly contested nomination, including local Conservative activist Steve Schafer, who was endorsed by MP's Kerry-Lynne Findlay and Bob Zimmer.

Megan Dykeman has been MLA for Langley East since the 2020 election, winning a seat held by BC Liberal Cabinet Minister and Deputy Premier Rich Coleman. She previously served as a Langley School District Trustee.

Kim Richter has served on Langley Township Council since 1999, elected seven times. She has taught at Kwantlen Polytechnic University since 1993 as a full-time business management instructor. Richter has also run provincially for the BC NDP and federally for the Liberal Party of Canada.

Q: How long have you lived in Langley?

van Popta: Since I was 12 years old. (1965 if wikipedia is correct).

Dykeman: Since 2005.

Richter: I have lived in Langley Township for 35 years now. We moved here in 1986 from Calgary.

Q: What made you want to run for office in Langley? 

van Popta: In Grade 12, Mark Rose spoke about being a member of parliament, which inspired Tako to get involved in politics. Father spoke about politics often. Worked in municipal politics, helped get friends elected provincially (BC Liberals), worked with previous MP Mark Warawa, was on the Langley—Aldergrove EDA, fundraised, ran for the nomination in 2019 after Warawa announced he was retiring.

Dykeman: I adore my community, I was drawn into politics due to a significant deficit in our school district in 2010. They were looking at closing my child’s school. When discussing it with my father one night he said to me “You have not earned your right to complain, are you willing to be part of the solution?” so I put my name forward for the municipal election and ran.

Richter: In terms of municipal government office, my well kept running dry every summer and I had to pay to truck water in. I wanted to find out why the wells in my neighbourhood were doing this. I did find out the answer (long story short) and now the problem has been fixed. Provincially, I ran for the BC NDP in the 90's because of the health boards. They were all run by pro-life groups at the time and I wanted that to change. Federally, I was tired of Langley always electing Conservatives because these Conservative MP’s never bring any federal money back to Langley.

Q: How have you seen Langley grow since you’ve lived there?

van Popta: Langley used to be a farming community, auctions on Wednesday. There has been a population explosion, with Brookswood, Walnut Grove, Aldergrove, and now Willoughby.

Dykeman: Langley has a fast growing urban core, as well as a strong established rural community. We are one of the fastest growing communities in BC with growth of nearly 14% since 2016.

Richter: When I moved to Langley Township, the population was approximately 40,000. It is now over 130,000. The Township is one of the fastest growing municipalities in BC and has been for several years now.

Q: Favourite local business in Langley?

van Popta: Lots of great farms, Veronica’s Perogies, growing district on Willoughby Drive.

Dykeman: There are too many to list, I love to shop local!

Richter: I have many favourite businesses in Langley that I visit frequently. These include restaurants, clothing stores, salons, opticians, grocery stores, etc. I try to buy local as much as possible.

Q: Contribution to Langley that you’re proud of?

van Popta: Pressured the government on the Skytrain to Langley, made it all one big project rather than two smaller projects. Received the funding. Happy with across the aisle support for transit promises during the election.

Dykeman: This is a tie. I have been a 4H poultry leader in Langley for nearly 15 years. I also believe that education is one of the most important thing we can invest in, I offer through the Langley School District Foundation two scholarships for students who are thinking of entering into political or related studies.

Richter: Over 22 years of consecutive service as a Langley Township Councillor (local government), I have made many contributions to my community that I am proud of. My top 3 are: a 20-year Water Resources Management Strategy, a Tree-Protection Bylaw, and Full-Time Fire Service. 

Q: Where would you like to see Langley go in the next five years?

van Popta: Langley needs a sensible urban plan, we’re growing and be prepared. Would like to see skytrain built, as well as bus connections across the township, as well as expanding Highway 1 into Abbotsford.

Dykeman: Langley has a fast growing urban core, as well as a strong established rural community, we are the Horse Capital! As one of the fastest growing communities in BC with growth of nearly 14% since 2016, I would like to see our community balance the opportunity that growth brings, with the tradition and agricultural roots that make the TOL such a desirable place to live.

Richter: I’d like to see Langley become more focused on Climate Mitigation and Climate Resiliency. I want development to stop clear-cutting mature trees,  and tree canopy protection increased rather than lost. We need to take Climate Change more seriously. It needs to be considered in every action we take going forward.

Thank you for indulging in these interviews! In 2019, this seat was 33/42 in BC and 205/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is very good, I like that it acknowledges Aldergrove, as it straddles the border between Langley and Abbotsford. The shape is also very good, again, I like that they keep Aldergrove (and the surrounding area) intact. As for individuality, politically, not super, but as a hometown, it's one of a kind.

See everyone tomorrow in Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston!

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex (Ontario) 152/338

 Lambton—Kent—Middlesex (Ontario)

Today we're in Southwestern Ontario with Lambton—Kent—Middlesex!

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex has existed as a riding since 1997, created from Kent and Lambton—Middlesex. The population was 111,242 in 2021. The population centers are Strathroy (16,056 in 2021), Wallaceburg (10,323 in 2021), and Grand Bend (3,031 in 2021). There are also several sizeable indigenous nations in the riding: Walpole Island 46 (1,589 in 2016), Kettle Point 44 (1,233 in 2021), and Oneida 41 (1,282 in 2011).

Politically, this seat has taken a turn to the right on the ballot. It flipped each election from 1979-1988, until settling with the Liberals from 1993-2006. In 2006, the incumbent Liberal who barely held on the previous election retired, allowing for an easy Conservative pick up. The seat has gotten less Conservative recently, but that is with a split opposition. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Lianne Rood. 

While the Liberals did hold the seat from 1993-2006, the seat was held by the mostly extinct (at least electorally) "Socially Conservative Liberal". Rose-Marie Ur was one of 32 Liberals to vote against the Civil Marriage Act, including Liberal neighbours Roger Gallaway and Paul Steckle. Her positions, along with the split on the right, helped her stay in office for thirteen years. In 2019, this seat was 93/121 in Ontario and 223/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is fine, Ontario loves their county names and I guess I can't fault them. The shape is meh, I'm not a huge fan of wrap-around ridings, but I guess there's no other way to fix it. As for individuality, it did stay Liberal longer than about half of southern Ontario.

Tomorrow we're in Eastern Ontario in Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston!

Lakeland (Alberta) 151/338

 Lakeland (Alberta)

Today we're in rural Alberta with Lakeland!

Lakeland has existed as a riding from 1997-2004 and from 2015-present. The population of the riding was 105,993 in 2021 (happy Census day everyone). The population centers are Lloydminster (19,739 in 2021), Bonnyville (6,404 in 2021), and St. Paul (5,863 in 2021). The riding is named for the former county.

Politically, very strong Conservative/Reform/PC riding. One notable thing about this riding is that in 1993, this seat was the best performance for the PC's in rural Alberta, second best across the prairies, second only to Lisgar—Marquette. The reason for this? Unclear, but the PC's did well in Vegreville and Vermillion the year after, but that might be due to the local name recognition of Les Parsons (more on him later). This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs.

Les Parsons has never been elected to office before, but in my research for this riding, I found that he has quite a story. He first ran for office in Vegreville—Lloydminster in 1997 under Joe Clark's PC's. Post-CPC merger, he went to the Green Party of Canada, getting involved in the Quebec Green Party and being their Fitness and Sport critic. He ran in Wetaskiwin in 2008 as a Green, receiving 8.05% of the vote, performing quite well in Lacombe, where he resided. Granted, "well" is ~15%, but that's about the best you can ask for in rural Alberta. In 2019, this seat was 32/34 in Alberta and 336/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is good, in both a historical context and the fact that the land is covered in lakes. The shape is a little awkward, but props to them for keeping the counties intact. As for individuality, not super, but at least northeast Alberta has two women representing them, vs no other women in rural Alberta.

See you later today in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex!

Lac-Saint-Louis (Quebec) 150/338

Lac-Saint-Louis (Quebec)

Today we're in Lac-Saint-Louis!

Lac-Saint-Louis has existed as a riding since 1997, created from Vaudreuil and Lachine—Lac-Saint-Louis. The population of the riding was 108,579 in 2016. The population centers are Pointe-Claire (31,380 in 2016), Kirkland (20,151 in 2016), and Beaconsfield (19,324 in 2016), it also contains part of Montreal.

Politically, this seat has been Liberal since 1993. Previous to this seat going to the Liberals, it was held by PC Minister Bob Layton (father of Jack Layton and grandfather of Mike Layton). He narrowly won the seat by just over 700 votes in 1988. The seat has been safe for the Liberals in all one election; the 2011 election was a three way race with just over 3,000 votes separating first from third. This seat is currently held by Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia.

The MP before Scarpaleggia was Clifford Lincoln. Lincoln was first elected to the Quebec National Assembly in 1981, holding the seat until 1989. He resigned in 1990 and ran in the Chambly by-election, which gave the NDP their first seat in Quebec. After losing, he suspended his campaign for the Liberal Party Leadership, which Jean Chretien went on to win. All told, he served federally from 1993-2000. In 2019, this seat was 77/78 in Quebec and 301/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is pretty good, there's no population center big enough so why not name it after the lake? The shape is also pretty good, I like that it is all one contiguous riding and doesn't cross Canal Sainte-Anne. As for individuality, not super individual, this part of Montreal is super Liberal and this doesn't buck that trend.

Tomorrow we're back in Alberta with Lakeland!

Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec) 149/338

 Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec)

Today we're in Lac-Saint-Jean! 

Lac-Saint-Jean has existed as a riding since 1925 to present, getting drawn out from 2004-2015. The population of the riding was 104,911 in 2016. The population centers are Alma (30,776 in 2016), Dolbeau-Mistassini (14,250 in 2016), and Saint-Félicien (10,238 in 2016). Previous to 1949, the riding was named Lake St. John/Lake St-John—Roberval.

Politically, this seat has gone through some wild swings, even for Quebec standards. First of all, the seat was a PC-Bloc Quebecois seat in 1993, which warranted a 60% Bloc swing. In 2007, the seat was taken back by the Conservatives with a 23% swing. In a 2017 by-election, the seat swung 20% to the Liberals, swinging 20% to the Bloc in the next general election. The seat is currently held by Bloc MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe.

One of the two MP's to represent this area in from 1988-1996 was Lucien Bouchard. Bouchard was a Mulroney cabinet minister, who either resigned or was fired by Mulroney (depends who you ask) after declaring himself a Quebec Sovereigntist. Bouchard formed the Bloc Québécois with seven other MP's at the time (five PC, two Liberal). In the subsequent federal election, the Bloc won 54 seats out of the 75 Quebec seats, forming the official opposition due to the Reform Party falling short by two seats. It should also be noted that Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe is the son of the first elected Bloc MP Gilles Duceppe. In 2019, this seat was 38/78 in Quebec and 173/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is really good, Lac Saint Jean is a name used for the region, the lake, and the historical counties. The shape is also pretty good, I like that they kept all the lakeshore communities together this time. As for individuality, it is interesting how often this seat has changed in unconventional ways.

Tomorrow we're in Montreal with Lac-Saint-Louis!

Labrador (Newfoundland and Labrador) 148/338

Labrador (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Today we're in Labrador!

Labrador has existed as a riding since 1949, the first election after Newfoundland joined Canada on March 31st of that year. The population of the riding was 27,197 in 2016. The riding contains the communities of Happy Valley-Goose Bay (8,109 in 2016), Labrador City (7,220 in 2016), and Nain (1,125 in 2016). The riding is the smallest in Canada by population.

Politically, this seat has been Liberal for almost the entire history of the riding. It has only gone non-Liberal twice. The first time was in 1968 when Robert Stanfield's PC's won all but one seat in Newfoundland. The next was a narrow victory for Peter Penashue in 2011, however he resigned and lost in the subsequent by-election after it was found that he spent more than allowed in the general election. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Yvonne Jones.

Yvonne Jones won the seat in the 2013 by-election, defeating Penashue by over 1,800 votes. Jones had served in the Newfoundland House of Assembly from 1996 until her 2013 resignation, serving in Roger Grimes' cabinet. She became the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party in 2007, one of only three Liberal MHA's at the time. She resigned due to her breast cancer recovery, but won her seat in the 2011 election. In 2019, this seat was 2/7 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 110/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is perfect, the seat has been purely Labrador since 1988. The shape is also perfect, I think it's good that remote northern communities get special interest/representation in the House of Commons. As for individuality, the fact that it has been Liberal for all but six years since 1949 is wild to me.

Tomorrow we're back in Quebec with Lac-Saint-Jean!