North Island—Powell River (British Columbia) 205/338

 North Island—Powell River (British Columbia)

Today we're starting a little trip through BC's three regions with North Island—Powell River!

North Island—Powell River has existed as a riding since the 2012 redistribution after existing from 1988-1997. The population of the riding was 111,825 in 2021. The riding contains the communities of Campbell River (35,519 in 2021), Comox (14,806 in 2021), and Powell River (13,943 in 2021).

Politically, this seat has typically been an NDP/Conservative marginal seat. The Conservatives have a solid base in Campbell River and in the north of the riding, while the NDP do well in the Comox Valley and in Powell River. In 2006 when the Conservatives formed government, the NDP defeated incumbent MP John Duncan by just 630 votes, but lost by 2,485 votes in 2008. This seat is currently held by NDP MP Rachel Blaney.

It's fitting that we're discussing Vancouver Island on the day that Premier John Horgan announces that he isn't seeking another term as Premier of British Columbia. While I could discuss leadership potential, I'll instead discuss one of the MLA's that make up most of the area. Ronna-Rae Leonard has represented Courtenay-Comox since 2017, winning a seat that hadn't been held by the party since 2001. She actually ran for the federal NDP in 2011 in Vancouver Island North, losing by just 1,827 votes. In 2019, this seat was 9/42 in BC and 51/338 in Canada by margin.

The name is great, quite descriptive of the region. The shape is good, I hope eventually the entire Comox Valley will be intact. As for individuality, this is definitely a test of the realignment, but it also has gone to the left to a certain extent.

Tomorrow we'll be in the Interior with North Okanagan–Shuswap!