According to the 2021 Canadian census[2] Languages: 55.1% English, 4.6% Mandarin, 4.3% Urdu, 2.8% Persian, 2.8% Cantonese, 1.9% Spanish, 1.7% Arabic, 1.7% Tagalog, 1.4% French, 1.2% Korean, 1.1% Russian, 1.1% Pashto, 1.1% Portuguese Religions: 41.3% Christian (17.5% Catholic, 4.5% Anglican, 4.5% Christian Orthodox, 3,7% United Church, 1.0% Presbyterian, 8.0% Other), 16.5% Muslim, 6.3% Jewish, 2.2% Hindu, 31.8% None Median income: $47,600 (2020) Average income: $113,600 (2020) The district includes the neighbourhoods of York Mills, Silver Hills, the western half of Don Mills, the eastern half of Lawrence Park, Leaside, and Thorncliffe Park in the City of Toronto–mostly in the former municipalities of North York and East York.

The federal electoral district was created in 1976 from Don Valley riding.

John Godfrey, who had represented the riding since 1993, announced in November 2007 that he would be resigning his seat on July 1, 2008 in order to accept a position as headmaster of Toronto French School and would leave earlier if an election were called before that date.

[6] On August 17, 2008, the Prime Minister's Office issued a press release on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper announcing a by-election for Don Valley West on September 22, 2008.

[7] The by-election was canceled with the announcement of the federal election to be held on October 14, 2008.