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!