Data and Mapping Notes

The following are notes to assist the user in understanding how the Atlas of Canada mapped the Elections module. The notes have been organized into the following topics:

• Creating Electoral Districts
• Understanding the Election Results Maps

Creating Electoral Districts

Because of shifts in Canada's population over time, it is necessary to change the boundaries of electoral districts from time to time. The sequence to change the districts begins following the holding of the decennial census (a census held in a year ending in "1" such as 2001). The end result of the changes is a new Representation Order (RO).

Once the Census results are known, the Chief Electoral Officer for Canada determines the number of seats for each province and territory for the new RO. The numbers by province or territory is based not only on population but also on legislation that ensures provinces retain a certain number of seats. The total number of seats has gradually grown from one RO to the next: there were 301 seats in the 1996 RO, and 308 for the 2003 RO.

The procedure for finalizing a new RO is a lengthy one as independent commissions for each province must be created to determine the new riding boundaries. These commissions consult with the public and also with a parliamentary committee before they submit final reports. (As there is only one seat in each of the three territories, no commissions are needed for any of the territories). Once a new RO comes into place, several months of preparation time is needed by Elections Canada before the new RO can be used in an election. Thus, the 2003 RO was proclaimed on August 28, 2003, but only came into force for the dissolution of Parliament after April 1, 2004.

Understanding the Election Results Maps

Maps showing election results for Canada must be interpreted with care because a small number of districts occupy most of the area of Canada. Most districts are found in cities, (and, therefore, have small areas) with the result that they can only be seen when one zooms in on the map.

Consequently, users should rely on the "Zoom to Region" tool for reading this map. Note that even when a city (such as Calgary) is selected, it is possible to zoom in at least one more time.