Pictou West

Candidates

Current MLA: Charlie Parker (NDP)

District profile: Pictou West includes the western part of Pictou County to River John. Its northern boundary is the Northumberland Strait. The largest community is Pictou.

The communities of Scotsburn and Saltsprings lie to the south of the town of Pictou. Residents of the rural part of the riding generally rely on agriculture, forestry and tourism along the Sunrise Trail.

Manufacturing and pulp-and-paper operations are major employers.

District map: Pictou West (PDF)

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2006 results

Voter turnout: 68.79 per cent in 2006

Political history

This riding has traditionally leaned towards the Tories. Since 1956, the Liberals have won the seat just once, in 1974.

But the NDP has become the party to beat here in recent years. Charlie Parker has won the seat in three of the past four elections, taking 55 per cent of the vote last time around.