District Profiles

COLCHESTER - MUSQUODOBOIT VALLEY (12)

Candidates:

Current MLA: Brooke Taylor (PC)

Riding Profile: This is largely rural area dependent on farming, lumbering and light manufacturing. It includes the communities of Middle and Upper Musquodoboit, Stewiacke, Shubenacadie, Brookfield and Hilden. Mactara is a major forestry employer. There are also greenhouse operations. Many people drive to Truro or Halifax to work.

The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, Mastodon Ridge and the Musquodoboit Valley Forest Nursery are popular with locals and tourists. There are also a large number of golf courses, recreation centres and country music fans in this riding.

The population is 19,130 and the average income is $24,090. Thirty-eight per cent of citizens have some post-secondary training.

Issues: Issues include poor secondary roads and the high cost of car insurance.

Political History: This riding was formed in 1993 from all of Colchester South and part of Bedford-Musquodoboit Valley. Both ridings traditionally voted Progressive Conservative, and the Tories have won every race since the new riding was created.

Incumbent Brooke Taylor took 64 per cent of the popular vote last time.

Voter Turnout: 65 per cent in 2003.