Briefing on Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame Federal Electoral District

Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame is a federal electoral district located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It covers a diverse geographic area that includes coastal communities along the southern edge of the island portion of the province, as well as inland communities that extend towards the central region.

Population Centres

Some of the significant population centres located within the boundaries of Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame include:

• Arnold's Cove
• Avondale
• Bay Roberts
• Bishop's Cove
• Carbonear
• Conception Bay South
• Heart's Content
• Placentia
• Whitbourne

These towns and cities are important hubs for the local economy and provide vital social services to the surrounding areas.

Issues and Events

Key news events and issues specific to the district between 2019 and 2022 included the historic COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on local businesses and public health. Other local issues include infrastructure maintenance and development, as well as labour shortages in certain industries that are critical to the district’s economy, such as fishing and mining.

Economy

The economy of Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame is driven by several industries, including:

• Fishing
• Aquaculture
• Mining
• Tourism
• Agriculture

The region is home to several significant employers, including Ocean Choice International, a major seafood processor, and Vale, a mining company that operates the Voisey's Bay nickel-copper-cobalt mine. The closure of the Come By Chance refinery in Vickers Harbour had a significant impact on the region’s economy in 2020, resulting in job losses and uncertainty for many local residents.

Important Landmarks

Some of the major attractions in the area include:

• Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, a bird sanctuary and popular tourist destination
• The Heart's Content Cable Station, a National Historic Site that played a critical role in international telecommunications history
• The Conception Bay Museum, which features exhibits on local history and culture
• Placentia Bay, a scenic area popular for boating and fishing
• The Dildo Brewery, a local microbrewery that produces craft beer and hosts live music events

Arts and Culture

Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several annual events and institutions that showcase local talent and creativity. Some of the major cultural events and institutions include:

• The East Coast Music Awards, an annual celebration of Atlantic Canadian music that took place in St. John's in 2021
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, a beloved summer tradition that showcases traditional and contemporary folk music
• The Arts and Culture Centre, a performance venue that hosts music, theatre, and dance events throughout the year

Electoral Issues

Economic and social issues were central to the 2021 federal election campaign in Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame. Candidates focused on issues such as infrastructure development, job creation, and support for local businesses. The district's diverse economy and unique challenges were critical factors in shaping the election narrative and influencing voter decisions.

Community Organizations

Several community organizations play a crucial role in supporting economic and social development in Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame. Some of the most important organizations include:

• The Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents local businesses and advocates for economic growth
• The Heart's Content Cable Station Foundation, which promotes the preservation and celebration of local history and culture
• The Placentia Bay Folk Arts Council, which provides programming and support for traditional arts and cultural activities
• The Whitbourne Lions Club, which organizes community events and supports local causes
• The Central Northeast Health Foundation, which raises funds to support healthcare initiatives and infrastructure in the region

Multicultural Groups

Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame has a predominantly English-speaking population, with a significant Indigenous population in some areas. The district is home to several multicultural organizations that support immigrant and refugee communities, including the Multicultural Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Association for New Canadians.

Overall, Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame is a diverse and vibrant electoral district that faces unique challenges and opportunities. Its mix of urban and rural communities, thriving industries, and cultural landmarks make it an important and fascinating region of Newfoundland and Labrador.