Bourassa Federal Electoral District

Bourassa is a federal electoral district located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The district is named after former Quebec politician and federal MP of Haitian descent, Vincent Arthur Bourassa. Bourassa is a diverse riding, with a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial areas.

Population centres

Bourassa is made up of several neighbourhoods including Ahunstic-Cartierville, Saint-Michel, and Montreal-Nord. The district is home to several significant cities and towns such as Cartierville, Saint-Michel, and Montreal-Nord. Ahuntsic is known for its parks and bike paths, while Saint-Michel is famous for its mouth-watering food scene that reflects the neighbourhood's diversity. Montreal-Nord has a vibrant community centre, its soccer field and its annual Cartier-Nord Cultural Festival.

Issues and events

In recent years, the district has faced several issues, including gun violence in Montreal-Nord and Saint-Michel, as well as a lack of affordable housing. Gun violence in the district has been a growing concern, with several incidents occurring in recent years, including the 2019 murder of a young man in Montreal-Nord. The lack of affordable housing has also been a significant issue in the district, particularly for lower-income families. The issue was raised during the 2019 federal election, with several parties pledging to address affordable housing concerns.

Economy

The district is home to several major employers, including Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and CAE. Manufacturing and aerospace are also significant industries in the district, with many companies having their headquarters in the area. However, the Montreal aerospace industry experienced a significant setback in early 2021 with the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max plane, which impacted several companies in the district, resulting in job losses.

Important landmarks

The district is home to several significant landmarks, including the Saint-Benoit Abbey, the historic Ahuntsic reservoir, and the Sacre-Coeur Hospital. The Mille-Îles River is also a natural attraction that attracts visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.

Arts and culture

Bourassa is a culturally diverse riding, home to several events and institutions, including the Festival Kompa Zouk, a popular music festival that showcases the sounds of the Caribbean, and the Saint-Laurent Street Fair, an annual event that features local vendors, music, and food. The district also hosts a variety of community centres, libraries, and museums.

Electoral issues

The economic and social issues of Bourassa were significant during the 2021 federal election. Affordable housing and income inequality were major issues that were discussed by several candidates, with varying proposals for solutions. The district was also impacted by the closure of small businesses and job losses in the aerospace industry due to the pandemic.

Community organizations

Bourassa is home to many community organizations, including the Montreal North Community Development Network, which works to promote community development in the Montreal-Nord neighbourhood. The Montreal-Nord Repairs program is a community-based platform that aims to reduce poverty by providing low-cost repairs for appliances and electronics. The NPO Maison de Quartier Villeray offers community programming, including food and clothing banks and after-school programs for children.

Multicultural groups

The district is a culturally diverse area, with a significant Haitian population. In addition to Haitians, the district is also home to several other multicultural groups, including the African, South Asian, and Caribbean communities. The Association Haïtienne de Montréal-Nord is an organization that focuses on supporting the Haitian community in the district.

In conclusion, Bourassa is a diverse riding with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. While the district has faced several issues in recent years, it remains a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and many community organizations that work to support the diverse population.