Ottawa Centre (federal electoral district)

Federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ottawa Centre (French: Ottawa-Centre) is an urban federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons of Canada since 1968. While the riding's boundaries (mainly to the south and west as the north and east borders have remained the Ottawa River and Rideau River, respectively) have changed over the years to account for population changes, the riding has always comprised the central areas of Ottawa, the nation's capital.

LegislatureHouse of Commons
District created1966
First contested1968
Quick facts Ontario electoral district, Federal electoral district ...
Ottawa Centre
Ontario electoral district
Interactive map of riding boundaries from the 2025 federal election
Federal electoral district
LegislatureHouse of Commons
MP
 
 
 
Yasir Naqvi
Liberal
District created1966
First contested1968
Last contested2025
District webpageprofile, map
Demographics
Population (2011)[1]113,619
Electors (2015)89,360
Area (km²)[2]35
Pop. density (per km²)3,246.3
Census divisionOttawa
Census subdivisionOttawa (part)
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The House of Commons of Canada meets in the West Block of the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill, which is located within this district.

History

The riding was created in 1966 from Carleton, Ottawa West and Ottawa East ridings. It initially consisted of that part of Ottawa north of the Rideau River, west of a line following the Rideau Canal to the Canadian Pacific Railway line (currently about where Nicholas Street is), and generally east of Bayswater Road (now Ave.), and south of that the CPR line where the O-Train currently is.

1976 Federal Redistribution

The 1976 redistribution saw significant changes to the riding. It lost territory around Mechanicsville (north of Wellington Street West, west of the current O-Train) and Old Ottawa East (north of Clegg St), while gaining all of the Civic Hospital and Hintonburg neighbourhoods east of Holland Avenue and south of Wellington, Carleton Heights, Riverside Park and the Hunt Club area west of the current O-Train line.

1987 Federal Redistribution

The 1987 redistribution saw the riding expand westward to Island Park Drive, while losing all of its territory south of the Rideau River. Additionally, the riding gained back all of Old Ottawa East south of The Queensway.

1996 Federal Redistribution

The 1996 redistribution saw the riding expand further westward to Sherbourne Road / Maitland Avenue north of the Queensway, as well as gaining the eastern half of Carlington (east of Merivale Road). Also, the area of Old Ottawa East north of the Queensway was added back to the riding.

2003 Federal Redistribution

The riding did not change its boundaries in 2003.

2012 Federal Redistribution

Following the Canadian federal electoral redistribution, 2012, there was a minor change in the riding's southwestern boundary, which was moved from the former city limits to Baseline Road and Fisher Avenue.

2022 Federal Redistribution

The 2022 Canadian federal electoral redistribution has become law and came into effect for the for the 2025 Canadian federal election.

Several neighbourhoods in the west end of the riding were moved to Ottawa West—Nepean following the redistribution. North of the Queensway the western boundary was moved from Maitland Ave and Sherbourne Rd east to Golden Ave and then along Carling Avenue. As a result, the neighbourhoods of McKellar Park and McKellar Heights were shifted to Ottawa West—Nepean.

The south-west boundary along Merivale Rd was moved east to Fisher Ave, reallocating the entire Carlington neighbourhood to Ottawa West—Nepean (previously the eastern portion of Carlington was within Ottawa Centre).

This was somewhat compensated for by changes in the riding's southern boundary, which pushed south and east of the Rideau River for the first time following Bank Street and the railway line north of Heron Rd. This change affected the neighbourhoods of Riverside Park, Billings Bridge and Heron Park which were transferred from Ottawa South.

Members of Parliament

The riding was won in the 1984 election by New Democrat Mike Cassidy. The riding was subsequently won by Liberal Mac Harb in the 1988 election who held it until 2003 when he was appointed to the Senate. The riding was left vacant by Prime Minister Paul Martin until the 2004 election when Ed Broadbent, a former leader of the NDP, defeated Liberal Richard Mahoney, a high-profile lawyer and Liberal strategist and long-time ally of former Prime Minister Paul Martin. The other candidates in 2004 were Mike Murphy of the Conservatives, David Chernushenko of the Greens, Louis Lang of the Marxist-Leninists, Michael Foster, Stuart Ryan of the Communists, Robert Gauthier, and Carla Marie Dancey. Paul Dewar, son of former Ottawa mayor, Marion Dewar, held the riding from 2006 until 2015. Notably, Dewar won the riding with 52 percent of ballots cast in the 2011 federal election.

Ottawa Centre is represented in the House of Commons of Canada by Yasir Naqvi from the Liberal Party of Canada.

More information Parliament, Years ...
Parliament Years Member Party
Ottawa Centre
Riding created from Carleton, Ottawa West and Ottawa East
28th  1968–1972     George McIlraith Liberal
29th  1972–1974 Hugh Poulin
30th  1974–1978
 1978–1979     Robert de Cotret Progressive Conservative
31st  1979–1980     John Leslie Evans Liberal
32nd  1980–1984
33rd  1984–1988     Michael Cassidy New Democratic
34th  1988–1993     Mac Harb Liberal
35th  1993–1997
36th  1997–2000
37th  2000–2003
38th  2004–2006     Ed Broadbent New Democratic
39th  2006–2008 Paul Dewar
40th  2008–2011
41st  2011–2015
42nd  2015–2019     Catherine McKenna Liberal
43rd  2019–2021
44th  2021–2025 Yasir Naqvi
45th  2025–present
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Geography

The riding covers most of downtown Ottawa, including the Parliament Buildings. From the Rideau River, the riding stretches west encompassing the neighbourhoods of Downtown, Centretown (Centretown West which includes Little Italy is usually considered a distinct neighbourhood), LeBreton Flats, Civic Hospital, Mechanicsville, Hintonburg, Wellington Village, Westboro, eastern part of Carlington, Highland Park, and McKellar Park. The riding encompasses additional neighbourhoods south of downtown, including The Glebe, Old Ottawa South, Lees Avenue, Old Ottawa East and others.

Many public sector workers live in the riding. The northern part of the riding contains many government office buildings, including Parliament Hill. The riding also includes Carleton University and Saint Paul University's (where many UOttawa students have residence) campuses and residences.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Canadian census[3]

Ethnic groups: 72.4% White, 5.5% Black, 4.5% Chinese, 4.1% South Asian, 3.8% Indigenous, 2.4% Arab, 1.7% Southeast Asian, 1.4% Latin American, 1.0% West Asian
Languages: 67.0% English, 9.1% French, 1.9% Arabic, 1.8% Mandarin, 1.5% Spanish, 1.1% Cantonese, 1.1% Italian
Religions: 42.2% Christian (22.9% Catholic, 4.4% Anglican, 3.4% United Church, 1.8% Christian Orthodox, 1.0% Presbyterian, 8.7% Other), 4.8% Muslim, 2.0% Jewish, 1.4% Hindu, 1.3% Buddhist, 46.9% None
Median income: $54,800 (2020)
Average income: $77,800 (2020)

The Ottawa Centre riding has the highest percentage of master's degree holders in all of Canada (12.7%)[4]

In the 2015 election, the riding had the highest turnout in the country with just over 82% of electors casting a ballot in the election.[5]

Election results

Vote shareYear00.10.20.30.40.50.619601970198019902000201020202030LiberalConservativeNDPGreenPCReform/AlliancePeople'sElection results in Ottawa Centre
Graph of election results in Ottawa Centre (parties that never got 2% of the vote are omitted) View source data.

2025 federal election

More information Party, Candidate ...
2025 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalYasir Naqvi51,02662.73+17.50
New DemocraticJoel Harden15,93519.59–13.12
ConservativePaul D'Orsonnens12,69215.60–0.68
GreenAmanda Rosenstock9161.13–1.67
Canadian FutureAndrea Chabot2680.33N/A
Christian HeritageMarie-Chantal Leriche2340.29N/A
CommunistCashton Perry1540.19-0.09
IndependentMike Salmon660.08N/A
IndependentZed Chebib470.06N/A
Total valid votes 81,33899.26
Total rejected ballots 6040.74+0.05
Turnout 81,94277.43+2.99
Eligible voters 105,823
Liberal notional hold Swing +15.31
Source: Elections Canada[6][7]
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2021 federal election

More information 2021 federal election redistributed results, Party ...
2021 federal election redistributed results[8]
Party Vote %
  Liberal33,54945.24
  New Democratic24,25832.71
  Conservative12,07316.28
  Green2,0742.80
  People's1,6592.24
  Animal Protection2300.31
  Communist2060.28
  Independent1120.15
Total valid votes74,16199.32
Rejected ballots5110.68
Registered voters/ estimated turnout100,15774.55
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More information Party, Candidate ...
2021 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalYasir Naqvi33,82545.50–3.16$123,140.48
New DemocraticAngella MacEwen24,55233.03+3.99$119,016.95
ConservativeCarol Clemenhagen11,65015.67+3.10$87,213.88
GreenAngela Keller-Herzog2,1152.84–4.56$34,113.84
People'sRegina Watteel1,6052.16+1.25$8,682.43
Animal ProtectionShelby Bertrand2610.35+0.09$3,741.29
CommunistAlex McDonald2010.27+0.13$0.00
IndependentRich Joyal1320.18-none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 74,341$124,204.20
Total valid votes 74,341
Total rejected ballots 497
Turnout 74,83877.17
Eligible voters 96,979
Liberal hold Swing –3.58
Source: Elections Canada[9]
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2019 federal election

Still holding the Cabinet post of Environment Minister, Ms McKenna was challenged by a new NDP candidate, Emilie Taman, along with other challengers Carol Clemenhagen for the Conservative Party, Angela Keller-Herzog for the Green Party, and Merylee Sevilla for the People's Party. Ms McKenna gained over 4,000 votes from the previous election in 2015, beating her nearest rival by over 15,000 votes.

More information Party, Candidate ...
2019 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalCatherine McKenna38,39148.66+5.99$113,154.09
New DemocraticEmilie Taman22,91629.04-9.50$119,073.61
ConservativeCarol Clemenhagen9,92012.57-1.92$63,743.89
GreenAngela Keller-Herzog5,8377.40+4.42none listed
People'sMerylee Sevilla7200.91$2,536.21
LibertarianCoreen Corcoran3600.46-0.27$1,030.86
Animal ProtectionShelby Bertrand2070.26none listed
Christian HeritageMarie-Chantal Leriche1980.25none listed
IndependentChris G. Jones1770.22$3,526.62
CommunistStuart Ryan1110.14-0.02$496.90
IndependentGiang Ha Thu Vo650.08none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 78,90299.39
Total rejected ballots 4820.61+0.10
Turnout 79,38478.43-1.57
Eligible voters 101,219
Liberal hold Swing +7.74
Source: Elections Canada[10][11]
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2015 federal election

Ottawa Centre lost a sliver of territory to Ottawa West—Nepean, as its southwestern border moved from the former Ottawa City limits to Fisher Avenue and Baseline Road. The total population of this area lost (2011 Census) was 424.[12]

Ottawa Centre saw the highest turnout in the entire country in the 2015 election.

More information 2015 Canadian federal election, Party ...
2015 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalCatherine McKenna32,11142.66+22.54$192,865.14
New DemocraticPaul Dewar29,09838.54-13.62$196,692.80
ConservativeDamian Konstantinakos10,94314.49-7.14$74,191.60
GreenTom Milroy2,2462.97-2.06$5,564.56
LibertarianDean T. Harris5510.73
RhinocerosConrad Lukawski1670.22$2.96
MarijuanaJohn Andrew Omowole Akpata1600.21
CommunistStuart Ryan1240.16-0.01
Total valid votes/Expense limit 75,50099.49 $233,540.54
Total rejected ballots 3860.51
Turnout 75,88680.00
Eligible voters 94,858
Liberal gain from New Democratic Swing +18.08
Source: Elections Canada[13][14][15]
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More information 2011 federal election redistributed results, Party ...
2011 federal election redistributed results[16]
Party Vote %
  New Democratic33,73752.16
  Conservative13,99221.63
  Liberal13,01420.12
  Green3,2565.03
  Others6851.06
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2011 federal election

More information 2011 Canadian federal election, Party ...
2011 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticPaul Dewar33,80552.11+12.38
ConservativeDamian Konstantinakos14,06321.68-1.89
LiberalScott Bradley13,04920.12-5.91
GreenJen Hunter3,2625.03-4.90
MarijuanaJohn Andrew Akpata3260.50-0.09
IndependentRomeo Bellai2100.32
CommunistStuart Ryan1090.17
Marxist–LeninistPierre Soublière440.07-0.08
Total valid votes/Expense limit 64,86899.59
Total rejected ballots 2670.41-0.00
Turnout 65,13572.37+3.26
Eligible voters 90,008
New Democratic hold Swing +7.13
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2008 federal election

More information Party, Candidate ...
2008 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticPaul Dewar25,39939.74+2.81$74,532
LiberalPenny Collenette16,63326.02−3.18$85,082
ConservativeBrian McGarry15,06523.57+0.87$85,487
GreenJen Hunter6,3489.93−0.22$41,577
MarijuanaJohn Akpata3780.59+0.01none listed
Marxist–LeninistPierre Soublière950.15+0.05none listed
Total valid votes/expenditure limit 63,918100.00$91,849
Total rejected ballots 2660.41
Turnout 64,18469.11
Electors on the lists 92,877
New Democratic hold Swing +3.0
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2006 federal election

Broadbent announced in 2005 that he would not run for re-election so he could devote more time to care for his ailing wife, Lucille. Richard Mahoney was again the Liberal candidate, hoping that, without an opposing star candidate, such as Broadbent, he would be elected this time. The NDP nominated Paul Dewar, a teacher and son of former mayor Marion Dewar. As the Liberal national numbers declined over the course of the campaign, it seemed more likely that the NDP could retain the seat. Mahoney went on the offensive late in the campaign, claiming a vote for Paul Dewar would help the Conservatives. Dewar retained most of Broadbent's voters and won by over 5000 votes. The riding also gave the Green Party of Canada one of its best performances nationwide with over 6,500 votes, over 10%.

More information Party, Candidate ...
2006 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticPaul Dewar24,61136.93-4.12
LiberalRichard Mahoney19,45829.20-1.87
ConservativeKeith Fountain15,12622.70+3.67
GreenDavid Chernushenko6,76610.15+2.61
MarijuanaJohn Akpata3860.58-0.14
IndependentAnwar Syed1210.18
CommunistStuart Ryan1020.15+0.01
Marxist–LeninistChristian Legeais680.10-0.02
Total valid votes 66,638100.00
  New Democratic Party hold Swing -1.1
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2006 nomination contests

More information Candidate, Residence ...
New Democratic Party
Candidate Residence June 22, 2005
Tiffani MurrayOttawa
Jamey HeathOttawa
Paul DewarOttawaX
Shannon Lee MannionOttawa
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More information Candidate, Residence ...
Liberal Party of Canada
Candidate Residence May 17, 2005
Richard MahoneyOttawaX
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More information Candidate, Residence ...
Conservative Party of Canada
Candidate Residence May 15, 2005
Keith A. FountainOttawaX
Guy DufortOttawa
Idris Ben-TahirOttawa
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2004 federal election

A map showing the distribution of the NDP vote in the 2004 election. Ed Broadbent did best in Old Ottawa South and the western part of Centretown

The 2004 election was an unusual campaign in Ottawa Centre. The seat was vacated in September 2003 when Liberal incumbent Mac Harb received his patronage appointment to the Senate of Canada from outgoing Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.[17] Paul Martin loyalist Richard Mahoney won the Liberal nomination and expected to win the riding.

Former NDP leader and widely respected statesman Ed Broadbent came out of political retirement to win the NDP nomination in January. As the seat was vacant, a by-election was expected to fill the seat and campaigning began in early 2004. However, Prime Minister Paul Martin delayed calling the by-election, in the expectation that a general election would soon be called.

In May 2004, a federal election was called, pre-empting the by-election. Broadbent was increasingly favoured to win, a mid-campaign poll showed him ahead. In addition to Broadbent's personal popularity, the NDP under new leader Jack Layton had greatly increased its popularity, especially in urban Ontario. The campaign was still hard-fought. In the end, Broadbent won a strong victory, and subsequently announced his retirement the following year, in April 2005.

More information Party, Candidate ...
2004 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%Expenditures
New DemocraticEd Broadbent25,73441.05$75,600.35
LiberalRichard Mahoney19,47831.07$77,325.72
ConservativeMike Murphy11,93319.03$37,895.42
GreenDavid Chernushenko4,7307.54$24,313.40
MarijuanaMichael Foster4550.72
IndependentRobert Gauthier1210.19
CommunistStuart Ryan900.14$379.63
Canadian ActionCarla Marie Dancey760.12
Marxist–LeninistLouis Lang670.10
Total valid votes 62,684100.00
Total rejected ballots 270
Turnout 62,95470.35
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2004 nomination contests

More information Candidate, Residence ...
New Democratic Party
Candidate Residence January 20, 2004
Ed BroadbentOttawaX
Paul DewarOttawa
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More information Candidate, Residence ...
Conservative Party of Canada
Candidate Residence March 29, 2004
Mark P. DonnellyOttawa
Michael J. MurphyOttawaX
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Previous elections

More information 2000 Canadian federal election, Party ...
2000 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalMac Harb22,71040.00-5.19
New DemocraticHeather-Jane Robertson13,51623.81+0.08
AllianceDavid Brown10,16717.91+6.34
Progressive ConservativeBeverly Mitchell7,50513.22-3.11
GreenChris Bradshaw1,5312.70+1.21
MarijuanaBrad Powers8131.43
Canadian ActionCarla Marie Dancey2100.37-0.04
CommunistMarvin Glass1390.24
Natural LawNeil Paterson1110.20
Marxist–LeninistMistahi Corkill660.12-0.14
Total valid votes 56,768100.00
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Note: Canadian Alliance vote is compared to the Reform vote in 1997 election.

More information 1997 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1997 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalMac Harb25,98745.19-6.71
New DemocraticJamey Heath13,64623.73+1.07
Progressive ConservativePeter Annis9,39116.33+4.45
ReformJohn Perocchio6,65111.57+2.03
GreenFrank de Jong8551.49+0.30
Canadian ActionHoward Bertram2360.41
Natural LawNeil Paterson2110.37-0.34
IndependentSusan Cumby1900.33
Marxist–LeninistHardial Bains1500.26+0.07
IndependentMalek Khouri920.16
IndependentRay Joseph Cormier910.16
Total valid votes 57,500100.00
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More information 1993 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1993 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalMac Harb25,96251.91+15.46
New DemocraticMarion Dewar11,23822.47-12.45
Progressive ConservativeIan R. Lee6,12612.25-14.23
ReformLen Tucker4,7009.40
NationalJohn Foster7961.59
GreenFrank Thompson5951.19+0.59
Natural LawNeil Paterson3520.70
Marxist–LeninistHardial Bains910.18+0.05
IndependentClayoquot Keith Ashdown750.15
AbolitionistPauline G. Morrissette370.07
Commonwealth of CanadaMarie-Thérèse Costisella370.07+0.01
Total valid votes 50,009100.00
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More information Party, Candidate ...
1988 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalMac Harb18,09636.46+6.84
New DemocraticMike Cassidy17,33434.92+0.55
Progressive ConservativeBob Plamondon13,14226.48−7.78
GreenJohn W. Dodson3000.60+0.05
RhinocerosLeapin Liz Johnson2920.59−0.15
IndependentJohn Turmel1520.31 
IndependentMichael K.B. Hahn1150.23 
LibertarianRudolph Shally1110.22 
IndependentHardial Bains660.13 
Commonwealth of CanadaIstvan Kovach300.06 
Total valid votes 49,638100.00
Source(s)
"History of Federal Ridings — General Elections — OTTAWA CENTRE, Ontario (1966- )". Parliament of Canada. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
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More information Party, Candidate ...
1984 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticMike Cassidy17,84434.37+18.41
Progressive ConservativeDan Chilcott17,79034.26−2.15
LiberalJohn Evans15,38029.62−16.28
RhinocerosBarry J. Heidt3820.74−0.02
GreenGordon Scott McLeod2850.55 
CommunistMarvin Glass930.18−0.07
IndependentRay Joseph Cormier710.14 
IndependentRodger L. James450.09 
IndependentMarc Gauvin290.06 
Total valid votes 51,919100.00  
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More information Party, Candidate ...
1980 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJohn Evans21,65945.90+5.87
Progressive ConservativeJean Pigott17,18136.41-1.53
New DemocraticJohn Smart7,52915.96-4.73
RhinocerosDavid Langille3580.76
NationalRobin Mathews1700.36-0.25
CommunistMarvin Glass1160.25-0.09
IndependentJohn Turmel620.13
Marxist–LeninistRobin Collins440.09
IndependentIqbal Ben-Tahir360.08
IndependentErnest Bouchard320.07
Total valid votes 47,187100.00
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More information 1979 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1979 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJohn Evans19,75840.03+12.53
Progressive ConservativeRobert de Cotret18,72837.94-6.52
New DemocraticJohn Smart10,21320.69-6.81
IndependentRobin Mathews3020.61
IndependentMichael John Charette1910.39
CommunistMarvin Glass1660.34
Total valid votes 27,163100.00
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More information By-election on October 16, 1978, Party ...
By-election on October 16, 1978
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Progressive ConservativeRobert de Cotret12,07844.46+10.10
New DemocraticSteven W. Langdon7,47027.50+8.42
LiberalBryce Mackasey7,36127.10-16.23
IndependentMichael John Houlton2540.94
Total valid votes 27,163100.00
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More information 1974 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1974 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalHugh Poulin15,30843.33+4.81
Progressive ConservativeHugh Segal12,13834.36-0.87
New DemocraticIrving Greenberg6,73919.08-6.04
IndependentBela Egyed8772.48
Social CreditJohn Graham1390.39-0.26
IndependentRay Quann630.18
Marxist–LeninistPhil Sarazen620.18
Total valid votes 35,326100.00
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More information 1972 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1972 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalHugh Poulin14,10138.52-19.22
Progressive ConservativeHugh Segal12,89935.23+1.01
New DemocraticIrving Greenberg9,19525.12+17.07
Social CreditRocco Zavarella2370.65
IndependentPaul Herman1770.48
Total valid votes 36,609100.00
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More information 1968 Canadian federal election, Party ...
1968 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%
LiberalGeorge McIlraith19,57857.74
Progressive ConservativeMurray A. Heit11,60234.22
New DemocraticJune B. Ralph2,7298.05
Total valid votes 33,909100.00
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See also

References

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