It is a largely rural constituency in the province's southeast corner.

Its largest community is the city of Steinbach, which makes up 15% of the riding's total population.

Languages: 67.7% English, 17.3% German, 10.5% French, 1.2% Russian, 1.1% Ukrainian Religions: 79.6% Christian (35.8% "Other Christian", 23.6% Catholic, 6.3% United Church, 4.8% Lutheran, 2.5% Anglican, 2.2% Baptist), 19.5% None.

It is notable for being the riding that elected Louis Riel to the House of Commons as an independent.

Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews resigned from cabinet and as an MP, effective 9 July 2013, to spend more time with his family and join the private sector.