Saskatoon - Wanuskewin

This riding is composed of the northwest part of Saskatoon, plus rural areas north and west of the city. The South Saskatchewan River forms part of the east boundary and the North Saskatchewan River forms part of the southern boundary. Outlying communities include Martensville, Rosthern and Duck Lake. There are several small First Nations reserves.

The manufacturing and service sectors dominate in Saskatoon, while agriculture is the main occupation in the rural areas. The 2006 census shows an average family income of $75,173 and an unemployment rate of five per cent.

More than 18 per cent of residents over age 25 have a university certificate or degree. Immigrants make up 5.5 per cent of the population, and 9.6 are aboriginal.

Wanuskewin riding was formed in 1996 by combining two-thirds of Saskatoon-Clark's Crossing with smaller parts of four other ridings. The name was changed to Saskatoon-Wanuskewin in 2000. In the 2004 redistribution, about five per cent of the riding was carved away.

Population: 72,867 (2006 census; an increase of 0.6% since 2001)

Political History

The current incumbent, Maurice Vellacott, first won this seat in 1997 with the Reform party. He won again in 2004 and 2006 as a Conservative, beating Liberal Chris Axworthy both times.

New Democrats held Saskatoon-Biggar from 1968 to 1974. From 1974 through 1988, this was Progressive Conservative Ray Hnatyshyn's riding. He held a number of cabinet posts under Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney, and later was appointed Canada's governor general.

Axworthy won Saskatoon-Clark's Crossing in 1988 and 1993, when he was with the NDP.

Saskatoon-Biggar:

• 1968, 1972 - NDP
• 1974 - PC

Saskatoon West:

• 1979, 1980, 1984 - PC

Saskatoon-Clark's Crossing:

• 1988, 1993 - NDP

Wanuskewin:

• 1997 - REF

Saskatoon-Wanuskewin:

• 2000 - CA
• 2004, 2006 - CON