Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, Canada

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is a federal electoral district in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is located in the southwestern part of the province, situated between Lake Huron to the north and Lake Erie to the south. The district is home to a diverse population that includes both rural and urban communities.

Population Centres

The federal electoral district of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex encompasses several significant population centres, including:

• Chatham-Kent: The largest municipality in the district, Chatham-Kent has a population of approximately 102,000 people. The city is home to several major employers in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
• Strathroy-Caradoc: Located in the eastern part of the district, Strathroy-Caradoc is a growing community with a population of approximately 21,000 people. The town is home to several major employers, including 3M Canada and Great Lakes Grain.
• Lambton Shores: Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Lambton Shores is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from across the province. The town is home to several natural attractions, including Pinery Provincial Park and Grand Bend Beach.

Issues and Events

Between 2019 and 2022, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex has experienced several significant local issues and events, including:

• Flooding: In the spring of 2019, several communities in the district experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. The flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses and prompted the provincial government to declare a state of emergency.
• COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the district, with several communities experiencing outbreaks and significant economic disruption. The district has also been a focus of vaccination efforts since the rollout began in December 2020.
• Agricultural Disputes: In 2021, the district was the site of several incidents of agricultural-related disputes. These included farmers protesting against new regulations around manure application and a conflict between a local resident and a dairy farmer over odour complaints.

Economy

The economy of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is diverse, with several major employers and industries represented in the district. Some of the largest employers in the district include:

• Western University: One of the largest employers in the district, Western University employs over 3,000 people across several campuses in the area.
• Enbridge Gas: An important employer in the energy sector, Enbridge Gas operates several facilities in the district.
• Manufacturing: The district is home to several major manufacturing employers, including TS Tech Canada and Vuteq Canada.

In recent years, the district has also experienced several significant economic events, including:

• Closure of the Dresden Generating Station: In 2020, the Dresden Generating Station, a nuclear power plant and major employer in the area, was permanently shut down by its owner, Ontario Power Generation. The closure resulted in the loss of approximately 200 jobs in the region.
• Growth in the Aviation Industry: In recent years, several aviation-related businesses have opened or expanded in the district, including an aircraft maintenance facility in Chatham-Kent and a new airline hub at London International Airport.

Important Landmarks

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is home to several significant landmarks and attractions, including:

• Pinery Provincial Park: One of the largest parks in the district, Pinery Provincial Park offers visitors access to beaches, trails, and campsites along the shores of Lake Huron.
• Grand Bend Beach: A popular destination for both locals and tourists, Grand Bend Beach is known for its picturesque sunsets and lively atmosphere. The beach offers visitors access to several shops, restaurants, and water activities.
• Buxton National Historic Site and Museum: Located in Chatham-Kent, the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum tells the story of the Elgin Settlement, a community of Black refugees who escaped slavery in the United States and settled in the area in the mid-19th century.

Arts and Culture

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is home to several major cultural events and institutions, including:

• The Stratford Festival: One of the largest theatre festivals in North America, the Stratford Festival attracts visitors from across the region to see world-class productions of Shakespearean plays and other classic works.
• The Chatham-Kent Film Festival: An annual event that showcases independent films from around the world, the Chatham-Kent Film Festival celebrates the creativity and diversity of the film industry.
• The Lambton Heritage Museum: Located in Grand Bend, the Lambton Heritage Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the region through exhibits, collections, and educational programs.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, the economic and social issues that were of particular concern to the residents of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex included:

• Healthcare: Many residents of the district are concerned about the availability and quality of healthcare services in their communities, particularly in rural areas.
• Infrastructure: Several communities in the district are experiencing a need for infrastructure improvements, including road repairs and upgrades to community facilities.
• Agriculture and Rural Development: Rural communities and the agricultural sector are an integral part of the district's economy, and many residents would like to see more support and investment in these areas.

Community Organizations

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is home to several important economic and social community organizations, including:

• The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce: A member-driven organization that advocates for business interests in the community.
• Lambton Federation of Agriculture: A non-profit organization that represents the interests of farmers in the district.
• The London Economic Development Corporation: A public-private partnership that works to promote and support economic growth in London and the surrounding region.

Multicultural Groups

Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is a diverse region that includes several significant cultural demographic segments. Some of the largest multicultural groups in the district include:

• Black Canadians: The district has a rich history of Black settlement and activism, and the community continues to be an important part of the region's cultural fabric.
• Indigenous Peoples: The district is home to several First Nations communities, including the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown.
• Newcomers and Immigrants: As with many communities across Canada, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is home to a growing population of newcomers and immigrants from around the world. These communities contribute to the region's cultural diversity and economic vitality.

Overall, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is a diverse and vibrant region that is home to several significant communities and economic drivers. Despite the challenges posed by recent events and local issues, the district remains a strong and resilient part of Ontario's social and economic fabric.