Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of New Brunswick Southwest

The federal electoral district of New Brunswick Southwest is located in the southwestern part of New Brunswick, Canada. It is a rural constituency that covers a large area extending from Saint John to St. Stephen and includes parts of the Charlotte, York, and Sunbury counties.

Population Centres

The district has several significant population centres, including:

• St. Stephen: A town on the border with the United States and home to McCain Foods, one of the largest employers in the area
• St. George: A small town on the shore of the Bay of Fundy that is known for its scenic beauty and fishing industry
• Grand Bay-Westfield: A suburban community located just outside of Saint John that is home to several industrial parks and technology companies

Issues and Events

Between 2019 and 2022, the district faced several local issues and events, including:

• Flooding: In 2019, several communities in the district, including St. George and Grand Bay-Westfield, experienced significant flooding that caused damage to homes and infrastructure
• Wildfires: The summer of 2021 saw several wildfires in the district, including in the Grand Lake area and in the Charlotte County backcountry. As a result, residents were forced to evacuate their homes and some businesses were impacted
• COVID-19: The pandemic had a significant impact on the district's tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors from the United States. The international border closure and restrictions on travel led to a decrease in visitors to the area, impacting local businesses.

Economy

The district has a diverse economy, with major employers in a variety of industries, including:

• McCain Foods: A multinational frozen foods company with a plant in St. Stephen that employs over 600 people
• Cooke Aquaculture: A family-owned aquaculture company that is one of the largest seafood producers in North America. It has several operations located in the district and employs over 1,000 people in the province
• Port of Saint John: The only deep-water port in the region, which plays a critical role in supporting the local economy by facilitating trade and providing jobs in the maritime industry.

In 2019, the district was impacted by significant flooding, which damaged infrastructure and impacted businesses. However, in 2021, the region saw a boom in real estate sales as people from outside the province moved into the area, seeking more space and a slower pace of life.

Important Landmarks

New Brunswick Southwest is home to several natural and cultural landmarks, including:

• Fundy National Park: A national park on the Bay of Fundy that is known for its dramatic tides and scenic hiking trails
• Irving Nature Park: A nature reserve near Saint John that offers walking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programming
• Chocolate Museum: A museum in St. Stephen that showcases the history of chocolate and the role that the town has played in the industry.

Arts and Culture

The district has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with several major events and institutions, including:

• Atlanticade Motorcycle Festival: A popular motorcycle rally held annually in St. Andrews, which attracts riders and enthusiasts from across North America
• Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre: A non-profit organization that offers art classes, workshops, and artist residencies
• St. Croix Art Centre: A community arts centre in St. Stephen that offers art classes, workshops, and gallery space.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, the major economic and social issues in the district included:

• Economic recovery from the pandemic: Many businesses in the district were impacted by the pandemic and are struggling to recover, particularly in the tourism industry.
• Infrastructure: Several communities in the district are in need of significant infrastructure investments, particularly related to flooding and water infrastructure.
• Healthcare: Access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, continues to be a concern for many residents in the district.

Community Organizations

The district has several important economic and social community organizations, including:

• Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce: A non-profit organization that supports and advocates for local businesses in the Charlotte County area
• Grand Bay-Westfield Community Food Basket: A non-profit organization that provides food assistance to families in need in the community
• Sunbury Community Hospital Foundation: A non-profit organization that raises funds for healthcare services in the Sunbury area.

Multicultural Groups

The most significant cultural demographic segments in the district include Acadian and Indigenous populations. The district is home to several Indigenous communities, including the Pabineau First Nation, the St. Mary's First Nation, and the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation.

In conclusion, New Brunswick Southwest is a rural constituency with a diverse economy, natural beauty, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. However, the district faces challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare, and economic recovery from the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the district is home to several important community organizations and cultural landmarks that contribute to its unique identity.