Briefing on Lac-Saint-Jean Federal Electoral District

Lac-Saint-Jean is a federal electoral district located in the province of Quebec, Canada. The district borders the Saguenay River, and has significant natural attractions such as Lake Saint-Jean, several provincial parks, and numerous beaches. The district is primarily rural, with a mix of small towns, villages, and larger cities. Lac-Saint-Jean is known for its strong sense of community and local culture. It is an important electoral district in Quebec, and its residents are highly engaged in social and economic issues.

Population centres

The major population centres in Lac-Saint-Jean include the cities of Alma and Dolbeau-Mistassini, as well as the towns of Roberval and Saint-Félicien. Alma is the largest city in the district, with a population of approximately 30,000. It is home to the University of Quebec in Alma, a major academic institution in the region. Dolbeau-Mistassini is known for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination, while Roberval is the commercial and administrative hub of the district. Saint-Félicien is home to the popular Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien, which draws visitors from across Quebec and beyond.

Issues and events

In recent years, Lac-Saint-Jean has faced a number of challenges related to economic development and job creation. The district has traditionally relied on resource industries such as forestry, mining, and agriculture, but is seeking to diversify its economy. The region has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has struggled to attract investment and create jobs. Additionally, the district has been impacted by broader economic trends, including declining birthrates and an aging population.

Economy

The economy of Lac-Saint-Jean is primarily based on resource industries such as forestry and mining, as well as agriculture. Major employers in the district include the Resolute Forest Products pulp mill, industrial equipment company EBI, and the aluminum producer Rio Tinto. The district is also home to numerous small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. A recent event that had a significant impact on the economy of Lac-Saint-Jean was the closure of the Cliffs Natural Resources iron ore mine in 2015, which led to significant job losses in the region.

Important landmarks

Lac-Saint-Jean is known for its natural attractions, including Lake Saint-Jean, which is the largest freshwater lake in Quebec. The district is also home to numerous provincial parks, including Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon and Parc national des Monts-Valin. The Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien is a popular tourist destination, featuring a variety of animals native to the region. Other important landmarks in the district include the Véloroute des Bleuets, a 256-kilometre cycling trail that circles Lake Saint-Jean.

Arts and culture

Lac-Saint-Jean has a rich cultural heritage, and is known for its strong sense of community and tradition. The region is home to a number of cultural institutions, including the Musée Louis-Hémon in Péribonka and the Centre d'histoire Sir-William-Price in Roberval. The district is also known for its local cuisine, which includes dishes such as tourtière (meat pie) and poutine (fries topped with cheese curds and gravy). Major cultural events in the district include the Festival de la Chanson de Saint-Ambroise, which showcases francophone music, and the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde in Saguenay, which features music and dance from around the world.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, the major issues in Lac-Saint-Jean included economic development, job creation, and healthcare. The district has historically faced challenges related to job creation, and residents are looking for solutions to ensure a strong and vibrant economy. Healthcare is also a major concern in the region, particularly access to specialized medical care and mental health services.

Community organizations

There are a number of important community organizations in Lac-Saint-Jean, including:

• La Corporation du Moulin des Pionniers, which operates a historic flour mill and cultural center in La Doré. (https://moulindespionniers.ca/)
• La Maison de la famille de Dolbeau-Mistassini, which provides support and resources for families in the region. (https://www.mf-dolbeau.org/)
• Le Conseil économique et touristique de Saint-Félicien, which promotes economic development and tourism in the town of Saint-Félicien. (http://www.cecsf.ca/)
• Les Amis du Jardin Scullion, which operates a botanical garden and cultural center in Saint-Félicien. (http://jardinscullion.com/)
• Le Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, which works to promote economic development and bilingualism in Lac-Saint-Jean and other bilingual regions of Canada. (https://cdem.com/)

Multicultural groups

Lac-Saint-Jean is primarily a francophone region, with a strong cultural identity rooted in Quebecois traditions and values. However, the district is also home to a growing number of newcomers from diverse backgrounds. In recent years, the region has welcomed refugees and other immigrants from countries such as Syria, Haiti, and Colombia. These newcomers have brought new energy and ideas to the region, and are contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Lac-Saint-Jean.