Some facts about how Canada’s electoral map has been redrafted for 2015 campaign

OTTAWA – The federal election map has been significantly redrawn over the last two years, leaving some MPs looking at new ridings or modified ridings. Here’s a quick look at the process:

— The number of seats in the House of Commons is reviewed after each 10-year census. The number of seats can be changed in accord with the population growth.

— After the last census in 2011, 30 seats were added to the Commons, mainly to represent areas of high population growth.

— Ontario gained 15 seats, British Columbia and Alberta got six each and three went to Quebec.

— The boundaries of the new constituencies were drawn by 10 independent commissions, which also amended the maps of existing ridings.

— Only 44 of the 308 seats from the last election remain unchanged by the boundary commissions.

— As well as drawing electoral maps, the commissions also name the ridings. The names can be changed by a private member’s bill in the Commons.

— The House of Commons began in 1867 with 181 seats. By 1952, there were 265 seats. The total hit 301 in 1999 and 308 in 2006.