Briefing on Saint-Maurice—Champlain Federal Electoral District

Location Saint-Maurice—Champlain is a federal electoral district in Quebec, Canada. It is situated in the north-central part of the province and covers a diverse area that features small towns, agricultural areas, and natural attractions.

Population centres

The district is home to several significant population centres, including Shawinigan, Trois-Rivières, and La Tuque. Shawinigan is the biggest city in the district and boasts a thriving industrial economy, while Trois-Rivières is an important cultural and economic centre in the region. La Tuque, on the other hand, is a small town that serves as a gateway to the beautiful wilderness areas in the district.

Issues and events

Several events have dominated the news cycle in Saint-Maurice—Champlain between 2019 and 2022. Notably, forestry and mining have been important economic drivers in Shawinigan and Trois-Rivières, and there has been much debate and discussion around maintaining responsible development in the district. Additionally, there have been several natural disasters in the region, including floods and forest fires, that have caused significant damage and disruption to local communities.

Economy

The district's economy is diverse, with major employers coming from several industries. In Shawinigan, where the paper and pulp industry has long been a significant employer, Boralex, a renewable energy company, has launched a major wind-power project. Trois-Rivières is an important port city, with significant shipping activity that connects the region to the wider world. The district also boasts a thriving agrifood sector, supported by an abundance of agricultural land.

Important landmarks

Several natural attractions draw visitors to the region, including La Mauricie National Park, which features stunning lakes, rivers, hills, and forests. Le Parc de la Riviere Batiscan is another natural area, which offers excellent water-based activities. Manoir Boucher de Niverville is a historical site in Trois-Rivières that dates to the 18th century and is a popular tourist attraction. Finally, Le Trou du Diable is a well-known brewery in Shawinigan that produces excellent beer.

Arts and culture

The district boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. Several festivals and events take place throughout the year, including Trois-Rivières en Blues, a music festival, and the Festival de la Pépie, which showcases local products and culture. Musée des Ursulines in Trois-Rivières is also a major cultural attraction, featuring exhibits that showcase local history and art.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, economic and social issues were front and centre in the district. One of the most significant issues was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and individuals, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Mistrust of government, particularly around issues related to climate change and environmental protection, has also been a key theme of the election.

Community organizations

Several community organizations play a vital role in Saint-Maurice—Champlain. The Shawinigan Women's Centre provides essential support services and guidance to women in the region. Réseau Environnement is a non-profit organization that helps to promote environmental sustainability in the region. The Association forestière de la Vallée du Saint-Maurice supports forestry practices and promotes sustainable development in the district. La Famille Debout, a local organization, assists families in crisis and promotes healthy child development. Lastly, the Manoir Boucher de Niverville Foundation works to preserve and maintain the Manoir de Boucher for future generations.

Multicultural groups

While the district is predominantly francophone, there is a growing number of new Canadians and First Nations peoples who call Saint-Maurice—Champlain home. These communities bring their unique cultural practices, and add to the diversity and vibrancy of the district.

Overall, Saint-Maurice—Champlain is a diverse and dynamic district that offers much to visitors and residents alike. Its economy is well- diversified, its cultural scene is thriving, and its natural attractions are second-to-none.