The original riding of Brandon East existed from 1886 to 1888, when the City of Brandon was divided into two electoral districts for the first time. The city was re-established as a single riding in 1888.
The modern riding of Brandon East was created in 1968, when the City of Brandon was again divided into two separate ridings. It has formally existed since the provincial election of 1969.
The riding borders on Brandon West to the west, and by Minnedosa in all other directions. Brandon itself is the second-largest city in Manitoba (after Winnipeg), and is located in the southwestern region of the province.
Brandon East's population in 1996 was 19,850. As of 1999, the average family income was $40,233, and the unemployment rate was 8.60%. The service sector accounts for 19% of the riding's industry, followed by retail trade at 15% and health and social services at 14%. Eleven per cent of the riding's residents are aboriginal.
Brandon East has been held by the New Democratic Party since its creation, and is considered safe for the party.
