Summary

The federal electoral district of Saint-Jean is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is a largely rural area that includes a number of small towns and cities. The district is known for its strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage. In recent years, the area has faced a number of economic challenges, but it has also experienced significant growth and development in certain industries.

Population centres

The population of Saint-Jean is concentrated in a number of small towns and cities. The largest of these is Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, which has a population of approximately 100,000 people. This city is a regional hub for commerce, industry, and education, and it is home to a number of important institutions, including the Cégep de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the Canadian Forces Base Saint-Jean.

Other significant population centres in the area include the towns of Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu, Saint-Alexandre, and Mont-Saint-Grégoire. These towns are known for their picturesque settings and their historic buildings, which date back to the colonial period.

Issues and events

In recent years, Saint-Jean has faced a number of economic challenges related to the decline of traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. However, the area has also seen growth in sectors such as technology and services.

One significant issue that has dominated local news in Saint-Jean since 2019 is the flooding that has affected several communities in the area. The floods have caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and have raised concerns about the preparedness of local authorities to deal with future events of this kind.

Another issue that has received attention in the district is the growing problem of opioid addiction. Several local advocacy groups and healthcare providers have called for increased funding and support for addiction treatment programs, and for greater public education around the risks of opioid use.

Economy

The economy of Saint-Jean is diverse, with a mix of traditional industries and new growth sectors. The dominant industries in the area include agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Some of the largest employers in the district include the Canadian Forces Base Saint-Jean, which employs over 4,000 people, and the Agropur cooperative, a major player in the dairy industry. Other significant employers include several technology firms, such as Omron Automation and DRB Control Systems, which have established a presence in the region in recent years.

One recent event that had a significant impact on the local economy was the closure of the Kraft Heinz plant in Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu in 2021. The closure resulted in the loss of over 400 jobs and had a ripple effect on the local economy, particularly for the farmers who supplied the plant with raw materials.

Important landmarks

Saint-Jean is home to a number of important cultural and natural landmarks. One of the most notable of these is the Fort Saint-Jean National Historic Site, a former military fort that dates back to the colonial period. The site now serves as a museum and event venue, and is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs.

Other notable attractions in the area include the Chambly Canal National Historic Site, a restored 19th-century canal system that runs through several towns in the district; and the Richelieu River, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.

Arts and culture

Saint-Jean has a rich cultural heritage, and is home to a number of important community events and institutions. One of the most popular of these is the Festival des Montgolfières, an annual hot air balloon festival that takes place in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu each August. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and features live music, food vendors, and of course, balloon rides.

Other important cultural institutions in the area include the Centre des arts Juliette-Lassonde, a performance and exhibition space in Saint-Hyacinthe; and the Théâtre des Deux Rives, a professional theatre company based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, one of the key issues in Saint-Jean was economic development. Candidates from all parties emphasized the need to create new jobs and invest in infrastructure in order to support the growth of local businesses.

Another important issue in the election was healthcare, particularly access to services for seniors and people with disabilities. Candidates discussed the need to increase funding for healthcare providers and to improve coordination between different levels of government.

Community organizations

Saint-Jean is home to a number of important community organizations that provide support and services to local residents. Five of the most significant of these include:

• La Maison de la famille du Haut-Richelieu, a family resource center that provides parenting classes, counseling, and other services to families in the area.
• La Voix des consommateurs, an advocacy group that promotes consumer rights and provides information and support to individuals dealing with debt and financial issues.
• Le Centre d'action bénévole du Haut-Richelieu, a volunteer center that connects individuals with opportunities to give back to their community.
• L'Accueil des Réfugiés Région Saint-Jean, a group that provides support and assistance to refugees settling in the area.
• La Maison Stéphane-Lebeau, a shelter for homeless men in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu that provides emergency housing, meals, and other support services.

Multicultural groups

Saint-Jean is a culturally diverse district, with significant populations of Indigenous people, Francophones, and immigrants from a range of backgrounds. Among the most significant cultural demographic segments in the area are the Haitian, Vietnamese, and Arabic-speaking communities, each of which has established its own community organizations and events.