Riding Profile:

An urban riding situated north of Toronto, Brampton Centre is sprawling taking in the heart of Brampton, the historical downtown and a variety of neighbourhoods including Heart Lake, Peel Village and the old town.

It's boundaries consist of Brampton west of Dixie Road and east of McLaughlin Road. Northern and southern boundaries are the Brampton city limits.

Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, including automotive and aviation technology and transportation, storage and business services.

Boasting a total immigrant population of more than 33%, Brampton Centre has large East Indian and Italian communities.

Prior to the last election, this new riding combined 60% of Brampton North with 20% of Brampton South.

Political History:

Former Ontario Premier Bill Davis was elected in Peel in 1959 and in Brampton in 1975. He served as Premier from 1971 to 1985. In Brampton North Liberal Carman McClelland won in 1987 and 1990 and was later defeated by PC incumbent Joe Spina in 1995.