Northwest Territories Federal Election Results
The electoral landscape of the Northwest Territories has undergone significant shifts over the decades, reflecting the changing political priorities of the region. From the early days of the Northwest Territories riding to the subsequent Western Arctic and the modern Northwest Territories districts, the competition between the Liberal, New Democratic (NDP), and Conservative parties has shaped the region's representation in the Canadian House of Commons.
Understanding these results requires looking at the swing—the percentage shift in support from one party to another between elections—and the turnout, which measures the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Dominant Parties: The Liberal and New Democratic parties have historically held the strongest influence in the region.
- Recent Trends: In the most recent data for the Northwest Territories (2014–present), the Liberal Party has maintained a strong hold, with Rebecca Alty securing 53.51% of the vote in the latest recorded contest.
- Historical Shifts: The Western Arctic riding saw a notable period of NDP strength, particularly under Dennis Bevington, who held the seat through multiple elections including 2006, 2008, and 2011.
- Voter Engagement: Turnout has fluctuated significantly, reaching as high as 72.10% in 1979 and dipping to 46.69% in one of the more recent Northwest Territories cycles.
Modern Era: Northwest Territories (2014–Present)
In recent years, the Liberal Party has seen a resurgence in the Northwest Territories. Rebecca Alty achieved a decisive victory with 8,855 votes, representing a 15.29% increase in support. The Conservative candidate, Kimberly Fairman, followed with 33.31% of the vote.
Prior to this, Michael McLeod served as a consistent Liberal presence, holding the seat across multiple elections. His support peaked at 48.34% in one cycle, where the Liberals gained the seat from the New Democratic Party with a significant swing of +22.63%.
The Western Arctic Period (1979–2014)
The Western Arctic riding was characterized by a fierce rivalry between the NDP and the Liberals. Dennis Bevington of the NDP was a prominent figure, winning the 2011 election with 45.84% of the vote and maintaining holds in 2008 and 2006.
Earlier in this period, the Liberal Party, led by Ethel Blondin-Andrew, dominated the 1990s. In 1993, Blondin-Andrew secured a massive 62.47% of the vote. However, the 1980s saw a stronger showing for the Progressive Conservatives, with Dave Nickerson winning the 1979, 1980, and 1984 elections.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Early Electoral History (1962–1974)
The early years of the Northwest Territories riding showed a transition from Liberal dominance to NDP gains. Bud Orange (Liberal) held the seat in the mid-1960s, but by the early 1970s, Wally Firth of the NDP emerged as a leading figure, securing the seat in 1972 and 1974.
| Era/Riding | Key Winning Party | Notable Candidate | Peak Turnout (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories (Modern) | Liberal | Rebecca Alty | 63.36% |
| Western Arctic | NDP / Liberal | Dennis Bevington / Ethel Blondin-Andrew | 68.62% |
| Northwest Territories (Early) | NDP / Liberal | Wally Firth / Bud Orange | 76.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most successful candidate in the Western Arctic riding?
Both Ethel Blondin-Andrew (Liberal) and Dennis Bevington (NDP) were highly successful, with Blondin-Andrew dominating the 1990s and Bevington winning multiple consecutive elections in the 2000s.
What is the 'swing' in election results?
The swing refers to the percentage change in the vote share for a party compared to the previous election, indicating whether a party is gaining or losing popularity.
Which party held the most power in the early 1980s?
The Progressive Conservatives held the seat during the early 1980s, with Dave Nickerson winning the 1979, 1980, and 1984 elections.
How has voter turnout changed over time?
Turnout has been volatile; it was quite high in the 1960s and 1980s (often exceeding 60-70%) but saw some declines in the 2000s, such as the 46.69% turnout recorded in one of the modern Northwest Territories cycles.
What was the result of the most recent recorded election for the Northwest Territories?
The Liberal candidate, Rebecca Alty, won with 8,855 votes (53.51%), resulting in a Liberal hold.