Mushkegowuk—James Bay is a provincial electoral district in Ontario that has been represented in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 2018. It was created in 2017 by the Far North Electoral Boundaries Commission, carved from the northern portion of the former Timmins—James Bay riding. The Legislative Assembly of Ontario officially approved the new riding on October 24, 2017.

Unlike most Ontario ridings, Mushkegowuk—James Bay does not share boundaries with a federal district, making it unique in its representation. With a population of around 30,000 residents, it is much smaller than the provincial average of 110,000, as well as the Northern Ontario average of 76,000. This difference has sparked debate about representation by population, particularly in comparison to southern Ontario ridings.

The riding is notable for its diverse cultural makeup: approximately 27% Indigenous and 60% Francophone. It includes several First Nations communities and northern municipalities, making it one of Ontario’s most culturally distinct districts.

Originally proposed to be named simply Mushkegowuk, the Legislature changed the name to Mushkegowuk—James Bay to reflect both its Indigenous heritage and geographic identity. While Indigenous leaders have welcomed the recognition of the Mushkegowuk people, some have criticized the boundaries for not including a larger proportion of Indigenous residents.

Today, the riding plays a critical role in representing Northern Ontario’s remote and Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard in discussions around healthcare access, infrastructure, resource development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.