RIDING GUIDE: What you need to know about Essex

Essex has a population of 125,442 and is home to 102,153 registered voters.

The riding consists of the towns of Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, LaSalle and most of Lakeshore. While the amount of suburban-style development is on the rise, the riding is still largely agricultural, and includes the vast majority of the region's wineries.

Essex is considered one of 60 swing ridings to watch by CBC polls analyst Éric Grenier.

• CBC election debates: Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton

Windsor Morning host Tony Doucette moderated an Essex candidate's debate on Sept. 18. Tap the player to watch.

Age, Income and Diversity

According to Statistics Canada's 2016 census, the population of Essex is slightly older (41.3) than the Canadian average (41), and household income ($109,551) is higher than the Canadian average ($92,764), Windsor West ($70,377) and Windsor—Tecumseh ($80,569).

2.6 per cent of the population identifies as Indigenous, compared to 4.9 per cent nationally.

6 per cent of the riding's population identifies as a visible minority, compared to 22 per cent of the Canadian population as a whole, 34 per cent in Windsor West and 16 per cent in Windsor—Tecumseh. The four largest visible minority groups in Essex are Black, South Asian, Arab and Chinese.

2019 Candidates

There are currently five candidates running in Essex. The deadline for candidates to submit their nomination papers to Elections Canada is September 30.

Here they are, in alphabetical order by last name:

ALDERSON, Jennifer
Green Party of Canada

Occupation: Human Resources Professional, Astrex Inc.

What is the most important local issue in Essex the federal government should solve?
Sustainable jobs: Protection for current industries and growth of new industries. Offering careers in skilled trades, professional fields and the service sector. Diversifying our labour market, so that tradespeople and professionals are not forced to move elsewhere for work.

CAPES, Bill
People's Party of Canada

Occupation: Precision Machinist/Leader

What is the most important local issue in Essex the federal government should solve?
We will attract investment with lower tax rates, elimination of capital gains, improved tax benefits for capital expenses, eliminate any carbon costing. Our policies allow a clear projection for current and future expectations for business investment and our working families.

FESTERYGA, Audrey
Liberal Party of Canada

Occupation: Lawyer

What is the most important local issue in Essex the federal government should solve?
Ensuring that the government continues to invest in diversifying our economy, innovation, and bringing jobs to our region. We must support businesses and workers to make sure they have the training they need to be able to participate in the jobs of the future.

LEWIS, Chris
Conservative Party of Canada

Occupation: Small Business Owner and Farmer

What is the most important local issue in Essex the federal government should solve?
Team Lewis has already knocked on over 20,000 doors & the message is clear. Families, seniors and small businesses are struggling. The cost of groceries, fuel & home heating are up. The Conservatives will make life affordable so you can get ahead and not just get by.

RAMSEY, Tracey
New Democratic Party of Canada

Occupation: Incumbent MP, Essex

What is the most important local issue in Essex the federal government should solve?
Everyday, I hear from people who are struggling to make ends meet. They are working harder than ever but can't afford even the basics like medication or housing. A strong economy with good jobs and services for our future will be an NDP priority if I am re-elected as your MP.

Voting History

The riding of Essex dates back to Confederation, but has undergone a series of name and boundary changes over the years. The current riding was created in 1997, with adjustments in 2003 and 2013.

Here are the results of every election in Essex since 2000. Only the top five candidates are displayed, ordered by percentage of votes received.

2015 General Election

1. NDP — Tracey Ramsay — 41.4%
2. Conservative — Jeff Watson — 35.7
3. Liberal — Audrey Festeryga — 20.9
4. Green — Jennifer Alderson — 1.9
5. Marxist-Leninist — Enver Villamizar — 0.1

2011 General Election

1. Conservative — Jeff Watson — 48.1%
2. NDP — Taras Natyshak — 35.2
3. Liberal — Nelson Santos — 14.2
4. Green — Cora Carriveau — 2.4
5. Marxist-Leninist — Enver Villamizar — 0.1

2008 General Election

1. Conservative — Jeff Watson — 40%
2. Liberal — Susan Whelan — 29.1
3. NDP  — Taras Natyshak — 26.6
4. Green — Richard Bachynsky — 4.3

2006 General Election

1. Conservative — Jeff Watson — 40.4%
2. Liberal — Susan Whelan — 34.1
3. NDP — Taras Natyshak — 22.7
4. Green — James McVeity — 2.6
5. Marxist-Leninist — Bob Cruise — 0.2

2004 General Election

1. Conservative — Jeff Watson — 36.6%
2. Liberal — Susan Whelan — 35
3. NDP — David Tremblay — 24.4
4. Green — Paul Forman — 3.9
5. Marxist-Leninist — Robert Cruise — 0.2

2000 General Election

1. Liberal — Susan Whelan — 44.3%
2. Canadian Alliance — Scott Cowan — 34.6
3. NDP — Marion Overholt — 13.9
4. Progressive Conservative — Merrill Baker — 6.9
5. Marxist-Leninist — Robert Cruise — 0.3

Riding Boundaries

Essex is comprised of the towns of Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville and LaSalle, as well as the Town of Lakeshore west of Rochester Townline Road.

Click here for the legal description and full map from Elections Canada.

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