Louis-Saint-Laurent (Quebec) 169/338

 Louis-Saint-Laurent (Quebec)

Today we're in Louis-Saint-Laurent!

Louis-Saint-Laurent has existed as a riding since 2003, created from Portneuf and Quebec East. The population of the riding was 123,123 in 2021. The riding contains the northwest part of Quebec City as well as the Wendake Indian Reserve (2,200 in 2021) and the city of L'Ancienne-Lorette (16,970 in 2021). 

Politically, this seat is a bright spot for Conservatives in Quebec. While the NDP did win every seat in the city in 2011, the Conservatives were just 1,295 votes away from holding this seat, making it an easy 2015 pick-up. As with the provincial CAQ, the seat is so safe because of the split opposition, both the Bloc and Liberals have residual support from nearby ridings, making this seat an easy hold. This seat is currently held by Conservative MP Gérard Deltell.

Gérard Deltell is surely another reason the seat is as safe as it is. Deltell was the final leader of the Action démocratique du Québec before the party merged with the CAQ in 2012. He lead the party after they had their worst popular vote performance since 1998. This lead to the 2012 merger, after polls showed the CAQ was rising in popularity and the ADQ suffering after experiencing a rise in support. Deltell would serve until 2015 as a CAQ MNA. In 2019, this seat was 47/78 in Quebec and 210/338 in Canada by margin.

I don't like the name. I understand that the 12th Prime Minister represented this area, but I still despise Quebec's non-regional names. The shape is fine, it follows municipal boundaries, but still is a little gross. As for individuality, I appreciate how swingy it was until Deltell came along.

See you soon in Madawaska—Restigouche!