Battle River (electoral district)
Battle River is a federal electoral district in Alberta, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons since 1904.
History:
The riding has undergone numerous boundary changes throughout its history. It was originally created in 1903 from parts of Alberta (Provisional District) and Assiniboia East ridings. Significant boundary adjustments occurred in 1914, 1924, 1933, 1947, 1952, 1966, 1976, 1987, 1996, 2003, 2012, and 2022 redistribution processes. These adjustments reflected population shifts and aimed to maintain relative voter parity across electoral districts.
Geography:
The current boundaries of Battle River consist of a large portion of east-central Alberta. It generally includes the County of Paintearth No. 39, Flagstaff County, Beaver County, the western part of the County of Vermilion River, and the eastern parts of Camrose County and Wetaskiwin County. Numerous small towns and villages are located within the district, with no single dominant urban center. The Battle River flows through a significant portion of the riding.
Demographics:
The riding is predominantly rural and agricultural. The population is largely of European descent, with smaller Indigenous communities present within the district. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, oil and gas extraction, and related industries.
Political Representation:
Battle River has historically been a conservative-leaning riding. It has been represented by Members of Parliament from various conservative parties, including the Conservative Party of Canada, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, the Reform Party of Canada, and earlier, more moderate conservative formations. On occasion, other parties, such as the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party, have held the seat for brief periods. The sitting MP's party affiliation and name are typically available from Elections Canada.
Electoral Results:
Detailed electoral results for each federal election held in the Battle River riding are available on the Elections Canada website. These results provide a comprehensive overview of voter turnout and party support throughout the riding's history.