Summary: Edmonton Centre could see an NDP breakthrough in 2015. Popular Conservative incumbent Laurie Hawn is not re-offering, and the NDP have recruited a high-profile candidate in Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour. But the Conservatives and Liberals have high-profile candidates of their own, making this a riding to watch.
Boundaries: This riding includes Edmonton’s downtown, but is smaller than it was in 2015. Some of the city’s west-side neighbourhoods have now moved into the recreated riding of Edmonton West.
Last Election: Conservative MP Laurie Hawn was re-elected with 48 per cent of the vote, beating the NDP candidate by 11,145 votes.
History: Anne McLellan represented this area for the Liberal party from 1993 to 2004. But her victory in 2004 was by just 721 votes over Conservative Laurie Hawn, and when the two faced off again in 2006, Hawn took the seat, winning re-election in 2008 and 2011.
Candidates
Conservative: James Cumming, former President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
NDP: Gil McGowan, president, Alberta Federation of Labour
Liberal: Randy Boissonnault, consultant, former journalist
Green: David Parker, retired professional engineer
Independent: Kat Yaki