HALIFAX CLAYTON PARK (28)

Candidates:

Current MLA: Mary Ann McGrath (PC)

Riding Profile: Created in 2003, Halifax Clayton Park was formed from about 75 per cent of the former Halifax-Bedford Basin riding. It's home to Mount St. Vincent University and big-box stores such as Home Depot and Future Shop.

New subdivisions, a library and an indoor soccer facility have been built here since the last provincial election.
The riding is primarily residential, containing new single-family homes and high-density apartment complexes favoured by people moving into the city for the first time.

Clayton Park is one of the fastest growing and ethnically diverse ridings in the province. More than two dozen cultures are represented at the new Halifax West high school.

The population is 22,230 and the average income is $31,730. Education levels are substantially higher than the provincial average; 28 per cent hold university degrees.

Political History: This is the only riding in the 2003 race with three female candidates. Joel Matheson, a former PC cabinet minister, held the riding through the 1980s. The Liberals took it in the 1990s. On election night, it's been a three-way struggle among the parties for the past 10 years.

1999: PC Mary Ann McGrath defeats NDP Errol Gaum by 1,543 votes and LIB Jack Hardiman by 1,554 votes. 1998: LIB Gerry Fogarty defeats ND Errol Gaum by 433 votes. 1993: LIB Gerry Fogarty defeats PC Joel Matheson by 406 votes.

Voter Turnout: 61 per cent in 1999.