LUNENBURG (38)

Candidates:

Liberal: Jim Davis NDP: Chris Heide PC: Michael Baker

Current MLA: Michael Baker (PC), Minister of Transportation

Riding Profile: Lunenburg, home of the Bluenose and Fisheries Museum, is the largest town in the riding. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourism draw. Other picturesque communities include Mahone Bay, New Germany, Riverport and Blockhouse.

Many residents trace their families back to European settlers of 250 years ago. Both Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are also gaining population from people who are choosing to retire in these communities.

Besides tourism and a vibrant crafts sector, Clearwater and the High Liner fish plant still employ many people. The riding is home to a large Christmas tree industry and a couple of important plastics manufacturers. It has many lakes and rivers, which serve as important recreation areas.

The population is 17,930 and the average income is $24,750. Unemployment is in the 11-per-cent range, and 44 per cent of residents didn't complete high school. Thirty-six per cent have some form of post-secondary training.

Both the provincial and federal governments have provided money to rebuild a historic church razed by fire. Other concerns including the recent sale and downsizing of the scallop fleet, and rising insurance premiums, which threaten the viability of local community events such as the Wooden Boat Festival. The location of a promised courthouse for Lunenburg County is another local concern.

Political History: The riding was carved out from most of Lunenburg Centre in 1993. Conservatives have held the area for the last 30 years, with the exception of Liberal Lila O'Connor's 1993 win when her party swept to power.

1999: PC Michael Baker received 51 per cent and 4,590 votes to defeat LIB Lila O'Connor, who received 26 per cent and 2,344 votes. NDP Marilyn Keddy had 1,982 and 22 per cent. 1998: PC Michael Baker defeated LIB Lila O'Connor by only 132 votes. NDP Marilyn Crook was a close third. 1993: LIB Lila O'Connor defeated PC Al Mosher by 260 votes. 1988: PC Al Mosher defeated LIB Don Zwicker by 1,047 votes.

Voter Turnout: 69 per cent in 1999.