London North Centre

London North Centre is a federal electoral district in the city of London, Ontario. The by-election was called after Joe Fontana, who had represented the riding for the Liberals since 1997, resigned on September 20, 2006, in order to run for mayor in London's municipal election.

Candidates

Glen Pearson (Liberal) — Pearson was a captain in the London Fire Department, where he worked for 29 years. He was also co-executive director of the London Food Bank, a role he held for over 25 years. Since 1998, he and his wife Jane Roy had worked on humanitarian and development projects in Sudan, including building schools and community infrastructure.

Elizabeth May (Green Party) — May had been elected leader of the Green Party of Canada in August 2006, winning on the first ballot with approximately 65% of the vote. Before entering politics, she served as executive director of Sierra Club Canada from 1989 to 2006. She is a lawyer and environmental activist.

Dianne Haskett (Conservative) — Haskett is a lawyer who served two terms as mayor of London, Ontario, from 1994 to 2000. She earned her law degree from the University of Western Ontario and a master of laws from the London School of Economics. After leaving the mayoralty, she had been working in Washington, D.C., as a consultant and public relations advisor.

Megan Walker (NDP) — Walker was the executive director of the London Abused Women's Centre, a community organization providing counselling, support, and advocacy services to women experiencing abuse.

About the Riding

The riding encompasses the northern and central portions of the city of London, Ontario. It is bounded roughly by Wonderland Road and Wharncliffe Road to the west, Oxford Street and the Thames River to the south, Highbury Avenue to the east, and the city limits to the north. The riding includes the University of Western Ontario campus, University Hospital, and St. Joseph's Hospital.

The University of Western Ontario is a major institution within the riding, contributing significantly to the local economy through education, research, and health care. The riding includes a mix of established residential neighbourhoods, student housing areas near the university, and commercial districts. London itself is a significant regional centre in southwestern Ontario with a diversified economy including education, health care, manufacturing, and financial services.

The riding's demographics reflect its university presence, with a younger-than-average population and significant ethnic and religious diversity. At the time of the by-election, it was considered a competitive riding, having been held by Liberals since the riding was created prior to the 1997 election.