The Delta North electoral riding has stayed relatively stable in the last ten years — in its population and demographics, if not in its political leanings.
Delta North covers the north-eastern part of Delta, falling in between Highway 91 and Scott Road. It’s southernmost point is at Highway 99, and includes Annacis Island to the north.
The average household income in Delta North was $81,821 a year, according to the 2006 census. This is higher than the B.C. average of $67,675.
Delta North also has larger family sizes than other parts of British Columbia. Most people live in family homes, almost 40 per cent of household have four or more people in them. The next highest is two-person homes, with 27 per cent of households. Only 14 per cent of households in Delta North are single person households.
People in Delta North primarily live in detached homes.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Delta North homes; however, nearly 14 per cent of Delta North residents speak Punjabi at home, and two per cent speak Mandarin.
In the past, Delta North has oscillated between being a Liberal and an NDP stronghold, and has a strong history of re-election for its incumbent candidates.
NDP candidate Guy Gentner won the 2005 election with 47.46 per cent of the popular vote, and was re-elected in 2009 with 50.48 per cent of the vote. Liberal candidate Reni Masi won the two elections before that, with 45.5 per cent of the vote in 1996 and 60.54 per cent of the popular vote in 2001.
In the last provincial election, Liberal candidate Scott Hamilton won the popular vote over NDP candidate Sylvia Bishop by barely one percentage point — the closest margin in the last five elections.
This year, Delta North has three candidates: Liberal incumbent Scott Hamilton, former Olympian and NDP candidate Ravi Kahlon, and environmental advisor and Green candidate Jacquie Miller.
Click here to see the candidates speak at a recent all-candidates meeting.
GET TO KNOW YOUR DELTA NORTH CANDIDATES...
We asked all three Delta North candidates a few questions in effort to help our readers get to know them a bit better. Here’s what they had to say...
What is your name, age and neighbourhood of residence? Scott Hamilton, 59, Sunbury.
What are the three most significant issues facing B.C.? The NDP’s reckless plan, aging population, transportation infrastructure.
What are the three most significant issues facing your riding? Transportation, quality of life, housing affordability.
What have you done to make your riding a better place? We’ve invested more in transportation and infrastructure in North Delta than anywhere else in B.C. We have also dramatically increased in support for seniors, community, and sports organizations since 2013.
Why should people vote for you? This election is about continuing with our plan to improve the lives of British Columbians, and of North Deltans. We currently have the highest job growth, highest employment, and strongest economy in Canada, while delivering five consecutive balanced budgets. The NDP’s reckless, high-tax plan would cripple our growing economy, like they did in the 1990s.
What is your name, age and neighbourhood of residence? Ravi Kahlon, 37, Royal York.
What are the three most significant issues facing B.C.? Affordability, public services, good-paying jobs.
What are the three most significant issues facing your riding? Lack of services, tolls/congestion, cutting small business tax.
What have you done to make your riding a better place? Coached young people from the community in sports. Volunteer with the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Advocated with others for a transition house for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Why should people vote for you? I’m running to make life better for people in our community. I will fight for the people of Delta North every day as your MLA. Christy Clark works for people at the top. The NDP will work for people like you. Our plan for a better B.C. will lower costs to make life more affordable, improve public services, and create good-paying jobs and a strong economy that works for everyone.
What is your name, age and neighbourhood of residence? Jacquie Miller, 38, Vancouver.
What are the three most significant issues facing B.C.? Distrust of government, inequality, environmentally responsible and innovative economy.
What are the three most significant issues facing your riding? Public education, housing affordability, Burns Bog (highway and climate impacts).
What have you done to make your riding a better place? Coming from a mixed race family, I challenged racism from an early age. I helped a number of people who were badly bullied, including a boy with serious learning disabilities.
Why should people vote for you? The Liberals and NDP take massive donations from corporations and unions, which many feel have an undue influence on government decision-making. Only the B.C. Greens have prohibited these donations in advance of the election. You can trust me and the B.C. Greens to work hard in the public interest.
WONDERING WHERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE ON MAY 9? CHECK OUT THE MAP BELOW TO FIND THE VOTING PLACE NEAREST YOU.