Summary: This is a riding to watch, as Conservative MP Joan Crockatt, elected in a 2012 by-election, works to keep her seat. She’ll be facing Liberal Kent Hehr, a lawyer who easily won the provincial riding of Calgary-Buffalo in 2008 and 2012, despite the fading fortunes of the Liberal party provincially. Add in to the equation the NDP victory in this area in the 2015 provincial election, and this could be a very tight race.
Boundaries: While this riding maintains its name from 2011, its geography has shifted to the east. With the Bow River as its northern boundary, the riding now begins at 37 Street SW and goes east to the river. The southern boundary runs along Glenmore Trail.
Last Election: The last election here was a by-election in 2012, to replace Conservative MP Lee Richardson, who resigned to work for then-Premier Alison Redford. Conservative Crockatt won that race with 36.87 per cent of the vote, but the Liberal candidate, Harvey Locke, was a close second, with 32.68 per cent.
History: Conservative Lee Richardson won this riding in four straight elections from 2004 through 2011, taking more than 50 per cent of the vote each time. This was also former Prime Minister and PC leader Joe Clark’s seat from 2000-2004, in his final foray into politics.
Demographics: Rich and childless—the average income is $70,702, highest in Alberta outside Fort McMurray, but there are just 0.7 children per household, lowest in the province.
Candidates
Conservative: Joan Crockatt, MP since 2012
NDP: Jillian Ratti, doctor
Liberal: Kent Hehr, lawyer, former Alberta MLA
Green: Thana Boonlert, environmental compliance specialist
Independent: Yogi Henderson
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