Briefing on Durham Federal Electoral District

Durham is a federal electoral district in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is located in the east-central region of the province, and is bordered by the Lake Ontario to the south, Simcoe County to the north, and the City of Toronto to the west.

Population centres

Significant cities/towns in Durham include:

• Oshawa: The largest city in Durham, with a population of approximately 170,000 people. It is home to many major employers, including General Motors Canada, Lakeridge Health, and Durham College.
• Whitby: The second-largest municipality in Durham, with a population of over 130,000 people. It is home to many of the region's key infrastructure, including the Durham Region headquarters, and the Whitby GO Station.
• Ajax: A suburban town with a population of approximately 120,000 people. It is home to key employers like Volkswagen Canada, and Durham Region Transit.

Issues and events

In recent years, the most issues and events have been related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, however, there were several notable events, including:

• In 2019, Durham College opened a brand new building focused on expanding the school's healthcare programs, reflecting growing demand for healthcare services in the area.
• Also in 2019, Durham's Region's long-awaited Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan was finally approved, outlining key priorities for addressing issues including crime and social inequality.
• In 2021, controversy erupted over a proposed development in North Oshawa, with opponents arguing that the new housing development would harm wildlife and reduce greenspace in the area.

Economy

Durham is home to a diverse economy, with major employers and key industries including:

• General Motors Canada: One of Durham's most significant employers, with over 3,000 employees in the region. The company operates an assembly plant in Oshawa that produces several GM-branded vehicles.
• Durham College: A major post-secondary institution in the area, employing over 1,100 people and serving over 7,500 students. It has a strong focus on healthcare education.
• Ontario Power Generation: Based in Pickering, Ontario Power Generation operates the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which provides electricity to Ontario's power grid.

One recent development that had a profound impact on the region's economy was the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck in early 2020. Many businesses in the region faced significant challenges as a result of public health restrictions on gatherings and other activities.

Important landmarks

Durham is home to several notable landmarks and attractions, including:

• Lake Ontario: The southern boundary of Durham is formed by Lake Ontario, one of the largest and most well-known lakes in North America. The lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
• Durham Region Headquarters: Located in Whitby, the Durham Region Headquarters is a significant infrastructure investment in the region. It houses several regional government offices, including the offices of the Regional Chair.
• Pickering Nuclear Generating Station: This massive nuclear power plant provides electricity to millions of people across Ontario, and is one of the largest of its kind in Canada.

Arts and culture

Durham has a strong arts and cultural scene, with several major institutions and events happening in the region each year. These include:

• The Durham Region International Film Festival: A three-day event featuring films from around the world, held each September in Oshawa.
• The Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra: Based in Oshawa, the OP has been performing classical music in the region since 1957.
• The Canadian Automotive Museum: Located in downtown Oshawa, this museum explores the history of Canada's automotive industry.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, the most significant economic and social issues facing Durham included:

• Healthcare: With an aging population and growing demand for healthcare services, many residents were concerned about how the major political parties planned to address healthcare in the region.
• Jobs and economic growth: Although Durham's economy is diverse, many residents were concerned about job security and economic growth in the area.
• Infrastructure: Residents were looking for commitments from the major political parties on infrastructure projects and investments that would benefit the region.

Community organizations

Durham is home to many community organizations that work to support the economic and social well-being of its residents. Some of the most notable include:

• United Way Durham Region: This organization works to improve social conditions in the region by funding programs that support health, education, and poverty reduction.
• Durham Workforce Authority: The DWA is a regional workforce planning and development organization, working with employers and community partners to help residents find and retain employment.
• The Durham Region Small Business Association: This association provides resources and support to small business owners in the region.

Multicultural groups

Durham is home to a diverse population, with significant cultural demographic segments including:

• South Asian Canadians: South Asian Canadians represent a significant portion of Durham's population, with many residents of Indian and Pakistani heritage.
• Black Canadians: Black Canadians are another important cultural demographic in Durham, with a history in the region dating back to the Underground Railroad.
• East Asian Canadians: East Asian Canadians, including those of Chinese and Korean heritage, represent a significant portion of Durham's population as well.