Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of Laurentides—Labelle

Located in the province of Quebec, Canada, the federal electoral district of Laurentides—Labelle is a geographically diverse riding that stretches from the town of Mont-Laurier in the north to Saint-Jérôme in the south. The district is characterized by its rugged terrain, including the rolling hills of the Laurentian Mountains and the vast forests surrounding the Ottawa River.

Population centres

The district is home to several significant population centres, including:

• Mont-Tremblant: an internationally renowned tourist destination known for its ski resorts, golf courses, and natural beauty.
• Saint-Sauveur: a historic town featuring charming boutiques, restaurants, and cultural events.
• Mont-Laurier: the second-largest city in the riding, known for its logging and mining industries.

Issues and events

Between 2019 and 2022, several key news events and issues specifically local to the district:

• The construction of a new hospital in Saint-Jérôme
• The ongoing debate over the expansion of a natural gas pipeline running through the district, with concerns raised over environmental impacts.
• Fears over the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy, given the district's reliance on tourism and hospitality.

Economy

The district's economy is diverse, with major employers in industries such as forestry, mining, and tourism. Some of the largest employers in the area include:

• Resolute Forest Products: a global leader in the forest products industry, with a major pulp and paper mill in Mont-Laurier.
• Intrawest Resorts: the company behind the popular Mont-Tremblant ski resort.
• Agnico Eagle Mines: a major producer of gold, with several active mining operations in the district.

In recent years, the district has seen some significant economic events, including the closure of several major paper mills and a decline in the demand for lumber. However, the tourism industry has remained strong, with the district's natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world.

Important landmarks

The district is home to several significant cultural and natural attractions, including:

• Mont-Tremblant National Park: a vast wilderness area offering hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
• The Jackrabbit Trail: a network of cross-country skiing trails named after Olympic athlete Jackrabbit Johannsen, who lived in the district.
• The Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault: a performing arts centre named after the renowned Quebecois singer and songwriter.

Arts and culture

The district has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several major institutions and community events:

• The Festival du Blues de Tremblant: an annual event that attracts blues music fans from around the world.
• The Musée d'Art Contemporain des Laurentides: a museum showcasing contemporary Québécois art.
• The Théâtre du Marais: a community theatre that hosts plays, concerts, and other performances throughout the year.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, some of the key issues in the district included affordable housing, healthcare, and the environment. Candidates from across the political spectrum highlighted the need for increased funding for social programs and services, while also discussing the importance of preserving the district's natural beauty and resources.

Community organizations

Several important economic and social community organizations in the district include:

• Tourisme Laurentides
• La Chambre de commerce de la Haute-Gatineau
• Le Centre de Femmes du Nord
• Fondation de la Santé du Nord de Lanaudière
• Technopole Vallée du Saint-Maurice

Multicultural groups

While the district is predominantly francophone, there are several significant cultural groups, including:

• The First Nations communities of Lac-Simon and Kitcisakik
• The English-speaking community of Morin-Heights
• The Mexican community of Mont-Laurier, which has grown significantly in recent years.

Overall, Laurentides—Labelle is a diverse and picturesque region that is home to a rich cultural heritage and a strong economy. Despite the challenges posed by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental concerns, residents of the district remain committed to building a prosperous and sustainable future for themselves and their communities.