Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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!


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