Briefing on Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia Federal Electoral District

Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia is a federal electoral district in eastern Quebec, Canada. This district is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and stretches from the lower north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, to the south of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Population centres

The population centres of Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia include Matane, Amqui, Mont-Joli, Matapédia, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, and Port-Cartier. Matane is the largest and the most populous city in the district. It is a hub for tourism activities, cultural events, and festivals, including Les Grandes Fêtes TELUS, a popular summer festival that celebrates Francophone culture. Mont-Joli is the second-largest city in the district, known for its amenities and growing economy. Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is a town located on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as whale watching and kayaking.

Issues and events

The district has faced several significant issues and events between 2019 and 2022, specifically local to the area. For example, flooding has been a significant concern for residents of the district, with high water levels damaging homes and businesses in several communities along the Saint Lawrence River. Another key issue has been healthcare access, with many residents finding it challenging to access timely medical care due to the rural nature of the district.

Economy

The main employers in Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia include the forestry, agriculture, and fishing industries. Matane is home to a large fishing port, which is the second-largest in Quebec and is actively used by many fishing companies. Forestry is also a significant industry, with companies like Resolute Forest Products and Forges du Saint-Maurice providing employment opportunities for residents. However, the district experienced significant economic losses in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many small businesses to close.

Important landmarks

Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia has several important landmarks and natural attractions, including Gaspésie National Park, which boasts over 25 peaks exceeding 1,000 metres in elevation, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Other notable landmarks include the Lighthouse Trail, a scenic drive along the Gaspé Peninsula; the Reford Gardens, a popular botanical garden in Grand-Métis; and the Réserve faunique de la Matapédia, a wildlife reserve known for its opportunities to spot moose and other native Canadian animals.

Arts and culture

There are several key cultural events and institutions in Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia. The Matane Wildlife Festival is an annual event that celebrates the region's natural beauty and wildlife. The Musée régional de la Côte-du-Sud showcases the region's history and culture, with exhibits on topics such as the fur trade and the region's indigenous peoples. The L'Amphithéâtre de Matane is a cultural centre that hosts numerous performing arts events throughout the year.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, the main economic and social issues that impacted Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia were healthcare access, employment opportunities, and access to affordable housing. The district also faced significant challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing economic and social inequalities.

Community organizations

Several community organizations are actively working to support the economic and social needs of residents in Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia. These include the Corporation de développement économique de Matane, which provides business support and assistance to entrepreneurs; the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Matane, which offers healthcare services to residents; the Fondation Hébergement et soins de longue durée de la Mitis, a foundation that supports long-term care facilities in the area; the Comité régional d'éducation pour le développement de l'Est du Québec, a non-profit that promotes adult education and career development in the region; and the Corporation de développement économique Matanie, a non-profit that promotes economic development in the district.

Multicultural groups

The most significant cultural demographic segments in Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia are the Francophone population and the Indigenous communities. The district has a significant percentage of Francophone speakers, making up approximately 85% of the population. Additionally, the district is home to several Indigenous communities, including the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.

In summary, Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia is a rural and diverse district in eastern Quebec that is home to several natural attractions and historic landmarks. Despite the region's significant agricultural and forestry industries, the district has also experienced economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing issues of healthcare access and affordable housing. However, several community organizations are working to support the needs of residents, and cultural events and institutions continue to celebrate the rich history and diversity of the area.