2003 Election Results:

Riding Profile:

This riding has existed since the 1958 election. The Roblin-Russell riding became Russell in 1999. It has been PC since 1981. This is a rural riding in southwest Manitoba. The western boundary is the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. Riding Mountain National Park forms most of the northern and part of the eastern boundaries. Russell is the main community in this riding. Other communities include: Birtle, Inglis, Angusville, Rossburn, Erickson, Oakburn, Shoal Lake and Hamiota. Asessippi Provincial Park, in the northwest corner of the riding, has many tourist attractions.

The population in 1996 was 18,647. The Ukrainian population in 1999 was significant (13%). There was a 14 per cent Aboriginal population as well. This riding also had the second highest population over 65 years of age (21%) in Manitoba.

The average family income in 1999 was $39,999 with an unemployment rate of 6.10 per cent.

Agriculture (32%), was major industry in 1999, followed by other services (13%).

Political History:

Roblin: PC Wally McKenzie won in 1966, 1969, 1973, 1977.

Roblin-Russell:

• 1981: PC Wally McKenzie, incumbent from Roblin, defeated ND Zane Wonitoway by 835 votes.
  
• 1986: 1988: PC Len Derkach won in 1986 and 1988.
  
• 1990: PC Derkach defeated ND William Nicholson by 2,144 votes.
  
• 1995: PC Derkach defeated ND Fred Embryk by 1,984 votes.
  
• 1999: PC Derkach defeated ND Vince Lelond by 595 votes.

  1999 Turnout: 65.25%

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