Decision BC: Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

In 2009: NDP incumbent Jenny Kwan easily defeated Liberal challenger Sherry Wiebe by over 7500 votes, 64-21%.

History & Geography: Created in 1991 from the old Vancouver Centre riding, Vancouver-Mount Pleasant contains the Downtown Eastside, Mt. Pleasant, and Strathcona neighbourhoods. The riding has only elected NDP candidates since 1972, including former premier Mike Harcourt. Kwan was just one of two NDP MLAs to hold onto their seats in 2001.

Basic Stats:

• Population: 54230 (44th)

• Size: 9.6 km (82nd)

• Density: 5649 people/km (5th)

Candidates

Liberals-Celyna Sia Sherst: A travel consultant, Sherst works for CETI Consultants. She has a business administration degree from Metro Manila in the Philippines.

NDP-Jenny Kwan: The critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Trade, Kwan was first elected in 1996, and is the NDP’s longest continually serving MLA. She was elected to Vancouver city council under the COPE banner in 1996, becoming the youngest councillor in Vancouver’s history at 26. She has a degree from SFU in criminology.

Greens-Barinder Hans: A small businessman, Hans works at Red Rhino Networks, providing technology assistance to local businesses. He graduated from UBC with a degree in Computer Science.

Independent-Jeremy Gustafson: A film industry worker, Gustafson is a contributor to Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7 FM. He has also worked as a croupier on cruise ships, and as a pit boss in casinos. He says he is running as an independent to combat voter apathy.

Communist Party-Peter Marcus: Marcus is one of four candidates running for the Communist Party this election

Marijuana Party-William Austin: Austin is one of three people running for the Marijuana Party this election.