Saanich—Gulf Islands

Saanich—Gulf Islands
British Columbia electoral district
Interactive map of riding boundaries from the 2025 federal election
Federal electoral district
LegislatureHouse of Commons
MP
 
 		 
Elizabeth May
Green
District created1987
First contested1988
Last contested2025
District webpageprofile, map
Demographics
Population (2011)[1]104,285
Electors (2021)93,538
Area (km²)[1]518
Pop. density (per km²)201.3
Census divisionCapital
Census subdivision(s)Saanich (part), Central Saanich, Sidney, North Saanich, East Saanich, South Saanich, Cole Bay, Union Bay, Galiano Island

Saanich—Gulf Islands is a federal electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons of Canada since 1988. It is named for its geographical location across the Gulf Islands and Saanich Peninsula in the Vancouver Island region.

Demographics

Panethnic groups in Saanich—Gulf Islands (2011−2021)
Panethnic
group		 2021[2] 2016[3] 2011[4]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[a] 88,690 79.64% 85,125 80.99% 85,695 83.94%
East Asian[b] 8,705 7.82% 8,175 7.78% 6,740 6.6%
Indigenous 4,825 4.33% 4,675 4.45% 3,885 3.81%
South Asian 3,820 3.43% 3,285 3.13% 2,350 2.3%
Southeast Asian[c] 2,345 2.11% 1,655 1.57% 1,330 1.3%
African 860 0.77% 705 0.67% 640 0.63%
Latin American 785 0.7% 530 0.5% 490 0.48%
Middle Eastern[d] 670 0.6% 440 0.42% 530 0.52%
Other[e] 660 0.59% 530 0.5% 440 0.43%
Total responses 111,360 98.08% 105,110 97.92% 102,085 97.89%
Total population 113,541 100% 107,339 100% 104,285 100%
Notes: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses.
Demographics based on 2012 Canadian federal electoral redistribution riding boundaries.

More than 21 percent of Saanich—Gulf Islands' residents are immigrants, and more than 31 percent are older than 65, making this the riding with the third largest senior population in Canada. The riding has a median age of 52.4, making it the riding with the highest median age in Canada.[5] The average family income is $119,500; unemployment is 6.4 percent.

According to the 2021 Canadian census; 2013 representation

Languages: 82.3% English, 2.6% Mandarin, 1.8% Yue, 1.2% French, 1.2% German, 1.2% Punjabi
Religions (2021): 35.6% Christian (10.3% Catholic, 6.6% Anglican, 4.6% United Church, 1.3% Baptist, 1.1% Lutheran, 1.0% Presbyterian), 1.7% Sikh, 1.0% Buddhist, 58.3% No religion[6]
Median income (2020): $44,400
Average income (2020): $59,550

Geography

The riding of Saanich—Gulf Islands consists of the north part of the Municipality of Saanich, as well as the municipalities of Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney on Vancouver Island. The district also includes a number of the southern Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring Island, the Pender Islands, Galiano Island, Mayne Island and Saturna Island. The district's southeastern border runs along the University of Victoria.

History

The electoral district was created in 1987 from Esquimalt—Saanich and Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands ridings.

The 2012 federal electoral boundaries redistribution concluded that the electoral boundaries of Saanich—Gulf Islands should be adjusted, and a modified electoral district of the same name will be contested in future elections.[7] The redefined Saanich—Gulf Islands loses a small portion of its current territory in the urbanized portion of Saanich to the new district of Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke. These new boundaries were legally defined in the 2013 representation order, which came into effect upon the call of the 42nd Canadian federal election, which was held October 19, 2015.[8]

Political geography

Despite the usually close vote between the various right-leaning parties, the Canadian Alliance, Reform and Conservative parties consistently won the district from 1993 to 2011. From 1953 to 2011, the riding and its predecessor, Esquimalt—Saanich, were only won by a non-conservative candidate two times: 1968 by Liberal David Anderson, and in 1988 by New Democrat Lynn Hunter. In each election from 2011 onwards, it has been won by Green party leader Elizabeth May, who in 2015 won every poll-district within the constituency. The 1988 Conservative loss is attributed to vote splitting between the Progressive Conservatives and the new Reform party. Despite a Conservative majority in 2011, the Greens won their very first elected seat here and it went on to become their only stronghold in the country. The peninsular portion of the riding is more competitive, with significant support for all parties except the Liberals. However, the Gulf Islands have probably the strongest Green support in the country, with many voters being environmentally conscious, moderate retirees, as well as a notable artist population. Even with the Green collapse nationally in 2021, May held on with 37%, although it was her lowest voteshare in the riding.

Riding associations

Riding associations are the local branches of political parties:

Party Association name President HQ city
Conservative Saanich—Gulf Islands Conservative Association Michael Dickerson Central Saanich
Green Saanich—Gulf Islands Green Party Association Thomas Niemann Saanich
Liberal Saanich—Gulf Islands Federal Liberal Association Sulochana Saravanabawan Saanich
New Democratic Saanich—Gulf Islands Federal NDP Riding Association Elroy Deimert Sidney

Members of Parliament

This riding has elected the following members of Parliament:

Parliament Years Member Party
Saanich—Gulf Islands
Riding created from Esquimalt—Saanich
and Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands
34th  1988–1993     Lynn Hunter New Democratic
35th  1993–1997     Jack Frazer Reform
36th  1997–2000 Gary Lunn
 2000–2000     Alliance
37th  2000–2003
 2003–2004     Conservative
38th  2004–2006
39th  2006–2008
40th  2008–2011
41st  2011–2015     Elizabeth May Green
42nd  2015–2019
43rd  2019–2021
44th  2021–2025
45th  2025–present

Current member of Parliament

As of 2024, the district's member of Parliament is Green Party leader Elizabeth May. She was first elected in 2011 and was the first Green MP to be elected to the House of Commons.[9] She defeated Conservative incumbent and cabinet minister Gary Lunn.[10][11][12]

Election results

Graph of election results in Saanich—Gulf Islands (1988-, minor parties that never got 2% of the vote or didn't run consistently are omitted)
2025 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
GreenElizabeth May31,19939.10+3.33$141,917.72
LiberalDavid Beckham25,40931.85+13.04$102,877.53
ConservativeCathie Ounsted20,01525.09+2.44$142,555.14
New DemocraticColin Plant3,1633.96–15.59$46,746.99
Total valid votes/expense limit 79,78699.58–$147,255.57
Total rejected ballots 3360.42–0.15
Turnout 80,12277.87+7.99
Eligible voters 102,890
Green notional hold Swing –4.86
Source: Elections Canada[13][14]
2021 federal election redistributed results[15]
Party Vote %
  Green25,13635.77
  Conservative15,91522.65
  New Democratic13,73819.55
  Liberal13,21618.81
  People's2,1153.01
  Others1560.22
2021 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
GreenElizabeth May24,64837.62–11.47$83,311.07
ConservativeDavid Busch14,77522.55+2.32$85,537.45
LiberalSherri Moore-Arbour12,05618.40+1.78$46,863.06
New DemocraticSabina Singh11,95918.25+5.55$44,510.15
People'sDavid Hilderman1,9432.97+1.60none listed
CommunistDock Currie1410.22–none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 65,52299.43–$121,248.58
Total rejected ballots 3740.57+0.10
Turnout 65,89669.88–4.74
Eligible voters 94,293
Green hold Swing –6.90
Source: Elections Canada[16][17]
2019 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
GreenElizabeth May33,45449.09–5.31$88,298.61
ConservativeDavid Busch13,78420.23+0.77$105,104.12
LiberalRyan Windsor11,32616.62–0.08$74,433.20
New DemocraticSabina Singh8,65712.70+3.63$22,817.36
People'sRon Broda9291.36–$4,319.38
Total valid votes/expense limit 68,15099.53–$115,731.00
Total rejected ballots 3230.47+0.18
Turnout 68,47374.63–4.05
Eligible voters 91,752
Green hold Swing –3.04
Source: Elections Canada[18][19]
2015 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
GreenElizabeth May37,07054.40+7.99$191,615.15
ConservativeRobert Boyd13,26019.46–17.02$148,289.09
LiberalTim Kane11,38016.70+10.64$51,446.10
New DemocraticAlicia Cormier6,1819.07–1.97$53,257.32
LibertarianMeghan Jess Porter2490.37–$231.52
Total valid votes/expense limit 68,14099.71–$223,670.30
Total rejected ballots 2010.29+0.06
Turnout 68,34178.68+4.80
Eligible voters 86,863
Green hold Swing +12.50
Source: Elections Canada[20][21]
2011 federal election redistributed results[22]
Party Vote %
  Green28,99346.42
  Conservative22,78536.48
  New Democratic6,89811.04
  Liberal3,7876.06
2011 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
GreenElizabeth May31,89046.33+35.87$87,583.86
ConservativeGary Lunn24,54435.66–7.76$88,362.18
New DemocraticEdith Loring-Kuhanga8,18511.89+6.20$66,065.05
LiberalRenée Hetherington4,2086.11–33.24$48,563.16
Total valid votes/expense limit 68,82799.77–$95,460.07
Total rejected ballots 1600.23–0.05
Turnout 68,98773.88+3.48
Eligible voters 93,380
Green gain from Conservative Swing +21.82
Source: Elections Canada[23][24]
2008 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeGary Lunn27,99143.42+6.27$87,160.56
LiberalBriony Penn25,36639.35+13.27$81,963.33
GreenAndrew Lewis6,74210.46+0.52$26,456.05
New DemocraticJulian West3,6675.69–20.86$16,230.70
LibertarianDale P. Leier2460.38–none listed
Western BlockPatricia O'Brien1950.30+0.02none listed
Canadian ActionJeremy Arney1390.22–$1,913.41
Christian HeritageDan Moreau1140.18–$18.94
Total valid votes/expense limit 64,46099.72–$91,825.23
Total rejected ballots 1790.28+0.07
Turnout 64,63970.40–2.84
Eligible voters 91,822
Conservative hold Swing –3.50
Julian West was selected as the New Democratic Party candidate for the 2008 election, but withdrew after the filing deadline following a scandal.[25] Due to the late withdrawal his name remained on the ballot.
Source: Elections Canada[26][27]
2006 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeGary Lunn24,41637.15+2.57$74,048.33
New DemocraticJennifer Burgis17,44526.54+4.96$50,078.83
LiberalSheila Orr17,14426.09–0.70$78,869.50
GreenAndrew Lewis6,5339.94–6.78$19,040.57
Western BlockPatricia O'Brien1830.28–none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 65,72199.80–$85,502.38
Total rejected ballots 1340.20–0.05
Turnout 65,85573.24–0.73
Eligible voters 89,920
Conservative hold Swing –1.19
Source: Elections Canada[28][29]
2004 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeGary Lunn22,05034.58–18.86$79,458.94
LiberalDavid Mulroney17,08226.79–5.51$61,819.18
New DemocraticJennifer Burgis13,76321.58+13.56$37,795.68
GreenAndrew Lewis10,66216.72+11.21$80,673.29
IndependentMary Moreau2140.34–$12.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 63,77199.75–$81,843.72
Total rejected ballots 1590.25–0.03
Turnout 63,93073.97+3.37
Eligible voters 86,429
Conservative hold Swing −6.68
Conservative change is from a combination of Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative votes.
Source: Elections Canada[30][31][32]
2000 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
AllianceGary Lunn25,39243.16+0.09$61,497
LiberalKaren Knott19,00232.30+0.82$63,669
Progressive ConservativeDon Page6,04910.28+2.75$10,385
New DemocraticPat O'Neill4,7218.02–6.31$9,666
GreenWally Du Temple3,2435.51+2.77$7,217
Natural LawKathleen Lapeyrouse2170.37–0.07$100
IndependentDan Moreau1230.21–none listed
CommunistCharley Stimac880.15–$189
Total valid votes 58,83599.72
Total rejected ballots 1650.28–0.04
Turnout 59,00070.60–3.66
Eligible voters 83,574
Alliance hold Swing −0.36
Canadian Alliance change is based on the Reform Party.
Source: Elections Canada[33][34]
1997 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ReformGary Lunn24,27543.07+5.86$61,075
LiberalClark Roberts17,74231.48+5.56$59,743
New DemocraticChuck Beyer8,08014.33–4.51$29,672
Progressive ConservativeMarilyn Loveless4,2437.53–4.03$23,349
GreenJulia Lerner1,5462.74–$745
Natural LawAndy Guest2480.44–0.30$321
Canadian ActionValerie Rampone2340.42–$4,335
Total valid votes 56,36899.68
Total rejected ballots 1810.32–0.03
Turnout 56,54974.26+1.35
Eligible voters 76,153
Reform hold Swing +0.23
Source: Elections Canada[35][36]
1993 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
ReformJack Frazer26,48037.21+24.73
LiberalAlex Phillips18,44225.91+8.29
New DemocraticLynn Hunter13,41418.85–16.55
Progressive ConservativeMarilyn Loveless8,22211.55–21.91
NationalJudith Rayburn3,8175.36–
Natural LawAndy Guest5240.74–
IndependentC.R. Bob Ward2170.30–
Canada PartyArleigh Rolind530.07–
Total valid votes 71,16999.65
Total rejected ballots 2470.35+0.07
Turnout 71,41672.91–11.76
Eligible voters 97,952
Reform gain from New Democratic Swing +20.64
Source: Elections Canada[37][38][39]
1988 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticLynn Hunter23,16835.40–
Progressive ConservativePatrick Crofton21,90033.46–
LiberalKathryn Clout11,53417.62–
ReformBob Slavick8,16512.48–
IndependentPatrick Kelly2160.33–
LibertarianWilliam St. John Buckler2140.33–
IndependentDoug Christie1720.26–
CommunistErnest Leon Knott780.12–
Total valid votes 65,44799.73
Total rejected ballots 1800.27–
Turnout 65,62784.67–
Eligible voters 77,506
This riding was created from Esquimalt—Saanich and Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands, which elected a Progressive Conservative and a New Democrat, respectively, in the previous election. Patrick Crofton was the incumbent from Esquimalt—Saanich.
Source: Elections Canada[40][41][42]

See also

References

  • "Saanich—Gulf Islands (Code 59024) Census Profile". 2011 census. Government of Canada - Statistics Canada. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  • Expenditures – 2000
  • Expenditures – 1997

Notes

  1. ↑ Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.
  2. ↑ Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.
  3. ↑ Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.
  4. ↑ Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.
  5. ↑ Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, n.i.e." and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.
  1. 1 2 Statistics Canada: 2011
  2. ↑ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (October 26, 2022). "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  3. ↑ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (October 27, 2021). "Census Profile, 2016 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  4. ↑ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (November 27, 2015). "NHS Profile". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Census « Pundits' Guide to Canadian Federal Elections". Punditsguide.ca. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  6. ↑ "2011 National Household Survey Profile - Federal electoral district (2013 Representation Order)". May 8, 2013.
  7. ↑ Final Report – British Columbia
  8. ↑ Timeline for the Redistribution of Federal Electoral Districts, archived from the original on April 18, 2017, retrieved September 2, 2013
  9. ↑ Hunter, Justine (May 3, 2011). "Elizabeth May wins first seat for Greens". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  10. ↑ Harnett, Cindy E.; Lavoie, Judith; Wilson, Carla; Chamberlain, Adrian. "Elizabeth May makes political history as first Green MP; unseats cabinet minister". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  11. ↑ Wintonyk, Darcy (May 2, 2011). "Green Party makes history: Elizabeth May wins seat". British Columbia CTV News. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  12. ↑ Geyer, Felix von (May 3, 2011). "Canada's Green party looks to bright future following Elizabeth May victory | Felix von Geyer". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Forty-Fifth General Election 2025 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2025.
  14. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2025). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2025 General Election: Part 3C – Summary of Electoral Campaign Expenses and Other Outflows – Election expenses subject to the limit – Total". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  15. ↑ "Transposition of Votes from the 44th General Election to the 2023 Representation Orders". Elections Canada. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  16. ↑ "Forty-Fourth General Election 2021 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2021.
  17. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2021). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2021 General Election: Part 3C – Summary of Electoral Campaign Expenses and Other Outflows – Election expenses subject to the limit – Total". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  18. ↑ "Forty-Third General Election 2019 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2019.
  19. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2019). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2019 General Election: Part 3C – Summary of Electoral Campaign Expenses and Other Outflows – Election expenses subject to the limit – Total". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  20. ↑ "Forty-Second General Election 2015 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2015.
  21. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2015). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2015 General Election: Part 4 – Campaign Financial Summary – Total election expenses subject to the limit". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  22. ↑ Pundits' Guide to Canadian Elections
  23. ↑ "Forty-First General Election 2011 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2011.
  24. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2011). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2011 General Election: Part 4 – Campaign Financial Summary – Total election expenses subject to the limit". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  25. ↑ McCulloch, Sandra (September 24, 2008). "NDP candidate who quit over nudity will not be replaced". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Fortieth General Election 2008 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2008.
  27. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2008). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2008 General Election: Part 4 – Campaign Financial Summary – Total election expenses subject to the limit". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  28. ↑ "Thirty-Ninth General Election 2006 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2006.
  29. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2006). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2006 General Election: Part 4 – Campaign Financial Summary – Total election expenses subject to the limit". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  30. ↑ Canada, Library of Parliament (2026). "Elections and Ridings: Saanich--Gulf Islands, British Columbia (2004)". lop.parl.ca.
  31. ↑ "Thirty-Eighth General Election 2004 — Poll-by-poll Results: Saanich—Gulf Islands". elections.ca. Elections Canada. 2004.
  32. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2004). "Candidate Campaign Returns, 2004 General Election: Part 4 – Campaign Financial Summary – Total election expenses subject to the limit". elections.ca. Elections Canada. Expenses are reported "as amended" where amendments have been filed; otherwise, they are reported "as submitted".
  33. ↑ Canada, Library of Parliament (2026). "Elections and Ridings: Saanich--Gulf Islands, British Columbia (2000)". lop.parl.ca.
  34. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (2000). Thirty-Seventh General Election, 2000: Official Voting Results (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada. ISBN 0-662-65518-4.
  35. ↑ Canada, Library of Parliament (2026). "Elections and Ridings: Saanich--Gulf Islands, British Columbia (1997)". lop.parl.ca.
  36. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (1997). Thirty-Sixth General Election, 1997: Official Voting Results (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada.
  37. ↑ Canada, Library of Parliament (2026). "Elections and Ridings: Saanich--Gulf Islands, British Columbia (1993)". lop.parl.ca.
  38. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (1993). Thirty-Fifth General Election, 1993: Official Voting Results (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada. ISBN 0-662-60097-5.
  39. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (1993). Thirty-Fifth General Election, 1993: Contributions and Expenses of Registered Political Parties and Candidates (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada. ISBN 0-662-61265-5.
  40. ↑ Canada, Library of Parliament (2026). "Elections and Ridings: Saanich--Gulf Islands, British Columbia (1988)". lop.parl.ca.
  41. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (1988). Thirty-Fourth General Election, 1988: Report of the Chief Electoral Officer (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada. ISBN 0-662-56648-3.
  42. ↑ Canada, Chief Electoral Officer (1988). Thirty-Fourth General Election, 1988: Report of the Chief Electoral Officer - Respecting Election Expenses (Report). Ottawa: Elections Canada. ISBN 0-662-56925-3.

48°41′42″N 123°24′11″W / 48.695°N 123.403°W / 48.695; -123.403

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