Riding Profile: Thornhill
The Riding
Thornhill is a provincial riding that coversthe town its named after, which is spread across both Vaughan and Markham. The riding is notable for being the only riding in Ontario with a Jewish plurality. According to the 2011 census, 36.6 per cent of residents in Thornhill identify themselves as Jewish.
A relatively new riding, (established in 1999) the Progressive Conservative Party has seen much success in the riding in the last few elections. Early polls indicate the Tories will face a stronger challenge from theLiberals this time around. The Liberals previously held the seat from 2003-2007.
A byelection was called for Feb. 13 after former PC MPP Peter Shurman resigned from his seat in December. Shurman was chastised by Tory leader Tim Hudak for refusing to pay back government money to pay for his Thornhill apartment while living in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
