Summary: This is a new riding. Northern Alberta, formerly served by just two ridings, has now been split into three. Conservative David Yurdiga, who was elected in a by-election in this area in 2014, will try to win again here, facing a rematch against the same Liberal candidate.
Boundaries: This riding covers the province’s northeast. It closely resembles the former riding of Fort McMurray-Athabasca, but Athabasca has now moved out of this riding, and Cold Lake has moved in.
Last Election: If this riding had existed in 2011, the Conservatives would have earned 72 per cent of the vote, followed by the NDP with 13 per cent. As Fort McMurray-Athabasca, this riding saw a by-election in 2014, to replace Conservative MP Brian Jean, who resigned to run for the leadership of the provincial Wildrose party. Conservative David Yurdiga won by 1,462 votes over Liberal Kyle Harrietha. Just 12,860 people voted, a turnout of 15.37 per cent.
History: This area has voted to the right of the political spectrum since at least 1968.
Demographics: While declining oil prices are having an impact on wages, in 2011 the average income was $75,038, highest in the country. The median age was 31.9, youngest in Alberta, and 17.7 per cent of residents were aboriginal, second highest in the province.
Candidates
Conservative: David Yurdiga, MP since 2014
NDP: Melody Lepine, Director of Government and Industry Relations, Mikisew Cree First Nation
Liberal: Kyle Harrietha, General Manager, McMurray Métis
Green: Brian Deheer, musician
Christian Heritage: Roelof Janssen
Libertarian: Scott Berry
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