Summary: Conservative MP John Baird represented this riding since 2006, but his departure from politics leaves the seat up for grabs. The new Conservative candidate is Ottawa police officer, Abulkadir Abdi. Liberal Anita Vandenbeld is taking a second shot at this riding, after finishing second to Baird in 2011.
Boundaries: This riding on Ottawa’s west side includes Meadowlands, Copeland Park, Lincoln Heights, and Ridgeview among others, stretching all the way west past Shirleys Bay.
Last Election: Conservative Baird won with 44.7 per cent of the vote, followed by Liberal Anita Vandenbeld with 31.5 per cent.
History: This riding was won by Liberal Marlene Catterall when it was created in 1997. She kept it until she retired in 2006. John Baird won in the election that year.
Demographics: The average income of $43,677 (according to the 2011 National Household Survey) is the lowest of Ottawa’s six urban ridings.
Candidates
Conservative: Abulkadir Abdi, Ottawa police officer
NDP: Marlene Rivier, health care professional
Liberal: Anita Vandenbeld, international development consultant
Green: Mark Brooks
Christian Heritage Party: Rod Taylor
Marxist-Leninist: Sam Heaton