Selkirk (provincial electoral district)

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Selkirk is a provincial electoral division in the Canadian province of Manitoba. It was created by redistribution in 1957, and has formally existed since the provincial election of 1958. It is named after Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, who set up the Red River Colony colonization project in 1811.

Selkirk is bordered to the east by Lac Du Bonnet, to the south by Springfield, to the west by Gimli, and to the north by Lake Winnipeg.

Most of the riding's population is located in the town of Selkirk.Other communities in the riding include Belair and Grand Marais, and there is a significant amount of agricultural land in the riding as well.

The riding's population in 1996 was 19,409. As of 1999, the average family income was $51,605, and the unemployment rate was 8.30%. Health and social services account for 16% of all industry in the riding.

Thirteen per cent of Selkirk's residents are aboriginal, while 8% are Ukrainian and 6% German.

The riding has generally been safe for the New Democratic Party since 1969, although the Liberal Party held the seat from 1988 to 1990. Former Premier Howard Pawley represented Selkirk from 1969 to 1988.

The current MLA is Gregory Dewar, who was re-elected in 2003 with over 60% of the vote.

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