It was created by redistribution in 1968 from parts of Churchill and Rupertsland (now Keewatinook), and has formally existed since the provincial election of 1969.

The city of Thompson, which was incorporated shortly before the riding's creation, is its only major urban centre.

The riding's economic character is primarily working-class, with 17% of its economy coming from the mining sector.

Thompson is usually considered safe for the New Democratic Party, which represented the riding almost continually since its creation.

The current MLA is New Democrat Eric Redhead, who was elected in the provincial by-election on June 7, 2022.