Vancouver Quadra

This westernmost Vancouver riding is bounded on the east by Arbutus Street, 16th Avenue West, Oak Street, 41st Avenue West and Granville Street and then moves west between Burrard Inlet in the north and North Arm and Georgia Strait in the south. The west boundary is formed by the University Endowment Lands to Point Grey.

The 2006 census found that 37 per cent of the people in this riding are immigrants, with Chinese-Canadians forming the largest community.

This is predominantly a residential riding, though the University of British Columbia is located here. Fifty-seven per cent of residents over age 25 have a university certificate or degree. The professional, scientific and technical service sector is the single biggest employer. This is Canada's sixth-wealthiest riding, with an average family income of $145,241. The unemployment rate is 5.2 per cent.

Vancouver Quadra was established in 1947. In the 1996 redistribution, it lost about half its population and saw significant additions from Vancouver South and Vancouver Centre. In 2004, 28 per cent of the riding went to neighbouring ridings, while 24 per cent of Vancouver Centre was added.

Population: 119,627 (2006 census; an increase of 5.9% since 2001)

Political History

Liberals have held this seat for the past seven elections. Stephen Owen won a third term in 2006, beating Conservative Stephen Rogers for the second time. Owen also triumphed over Rogers in 2004, winning by 14,539 votes. Owen is the minister of western economic diversification.

Vancouver Quadra was held by Tories from 1949 to 1963, by Liberals from 1963 to 1972 and by Tory Bill Clarke from 1972 to 1984. John Turner, then leader of the Liberal Party, was elected here in 1984 and 1988. Liberal Ted McWhinney was elected in 1993 and 1997.

• 1949-1962 inclusive - PC
• 1963, 1965, 1968 - LIB
• 1972-1980 inclusive - PC
• Since 1984 - LIB