Norfolk (federal electoral district)

Norfolk was a federal electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that existed at various times between 1867 and 2004. The riding's boundaries changed considerably throughout its history, generally encompassing areas within Norfolk County in Southwestern Ontario.

Initially, Norfolk was divided into two separate ridings: Norfolk North and Norfolk South. These ridings were created as part of the initial allocation of seats for the first Canadian federal election in 1867.

Over time, as populations shifted and electoral boundaries were redrawn, these original ridings were sometimes merged, reconfigured, or renamed. There were periods when a single Norfolk riding existed, and others when it was subdivided. The various iterations of the riding frequently included towns such as Simcoe, Waterford, and Port Rowan.

The electoral district was known for its agricultural base and its ties to industries such as tobacco farming, fruit growing, and market gardening. Accordingly, political discourse within the riding often focused on issues relevant to farmers and rural communities.

Notable Members of Parliament who represented Norfolk included individuals from various political parties, including the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, and their predecessor parties.

The final iteration of Norfolk as a federal electoral district existed until the 2003 redistribution, when it was largely replaced by the riding of Haldimand—Norfolk, reflecting the evolving demographic and geographic landscape of the region.