Some facts and figures about the federal riding of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie

This swing riding has been held by the NDP, Conservatives and Liberals each over the past fifteen years. Liberal MP Terry Sheehan, who held the seat at dissolution, has criticized Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives for not working with the federal Liberals on infrastructure spending agreements between the two governments and slowing down much needed work.

Population – 80,371 (Statistics Canada 2016)

Major communities: The riding includes the city of Sault Ste. Marie and a number of First Nations including Rankin Location, Garden River, Prince, Goulais Bay and Obadjiwan.

Incumbent: Terry Sheehan (Liberal)

Main challengers: Local police officer Sonny Spina is running for the Conservative party, while Sara McCleary, an activist and journalist, will run for the NDP. Geo McLean, a housing support worker for the Canadian Mental Health Association, is the Green party candidate, and Amy Zuccato is running for the People’s party.

Election history: Since its creation in 1963, Sault Ste. Marie has been held by all three main parties.

Fun fact: The Ontario and Michigan cities of Sault Ste. Marie were once a single city before a treaty signed after the War of 1812 divided them along the St. Mary’s River.

The Canadian Press