Richmond Hill

This new riding north of Toronto contains part of the town of Richmond Hill. It is bordered by Highway 7 in the south and Gamble Road, Yonge Street and Elgin Mills Road East in the north. It lies between Highway 404 in the east and Bathurst Street in the west.

Twenty-four per cent of the riding's population is ethnically Chinese, seven per cent Jewish and about 10 per cent Italian. Immigrants make up just over half the population.

The professional, scientific and technical service sector is the largest single source of employment, accounting for almost 13 per cent of jobs. Manufacturing is a major industry, most of which is in automotive and parts production. General Motors is a large employer. According to the 2006 census, the average family income is $104,915 and unemployment is 5.7 per cent.

The Richmond Hill riding was created in 2004 from 63 per cent of Oak Ridges riding. Oak Ridges was created in 1996 from portions of the York North and Markham-Whitchurch-Stouffville ridings.

Population: 122,614 (2006 census; an increase of 12.1% since 2001)

Political History

In 2006, Liberal Bryon Wilfert defeated Conservative Joe Di Paola to win his fourth term.

Liberal Maurizio Bevilacqua won in York North in 1988 and 1993.

William Lyon Mackenzie King was elected in York North in 1917 and also held the seat from 1921 to 1926. He became leader of the Liberal party in 1919 and prime minister in 1921, staying in that office with only two brief interruptions until 1948. He later ran in Prince Albert, Sask.

York North was held from 1968 to 1979 by Liberal Barney Danson, who was minister of state for urban affairs and minister of defence. PC John Gamble won in 1979 and 1980 and Independent Tony Roman took the seat in 1984.

Oak Ridges:
1997, 2000 - LIB

Richmond Hill:
2004, 2006 - LIB