Briefing on Thunder Bay—Rainy River Federal Electoral District

Thunder Bay—Rainy River is a federal electoral district in the Canadian province of Ontario. The district covers a vast region in the northwest corner of the province, stretching from the shores of Lake Superior in the east to the Manitoba border in the west. The area of the district encompasses 95,807 km².

Population centres The district includes several significant cities and towns. The largest city is Thunder Bay, which is the hub of the region with a population of over 107,000 people. Other major population centres in the district include Rainy River, Atikokan, Ignace, and Fort Frances.

Issues and events Between 2019 and 2022, the district faced several local issues and events. One of the significant events was the forest fire outbreak that occurred in 2020. Hundreds of firefighters and support staff were deployed to fight the blaze that burned through over 165 hectares of forest land, particularly around the city of Thunder Bay. In 2021, many residents of the district were hit hard by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, in 2021, the district struggled with a spike in opioid overdoses and related deaths.

Economy The economy of Thunder Bay—Rainy River is primarily focused on the forestry, mining, and tourism industries. The district is home to several major industrial employers, including Resolute Forest Products, Domtar, and the Atikokan Generating Station. The mining sector is also significant, with gold mining projects operating in several parts of the district such as New Gold's Rainy River mine. The district is also famous for tourism with the abundance of natural attractions: the Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan's White Otter Castle, Mount McKay and many more. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the local economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, leading to the closure of several small businesses.

Important landmarks Thunder Bay—Rainy River is known for its stunning natural beauty, including breathtaking landscapes and unique landmarks such as Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Lake of the Woods. The Kakabeka Falls is another popular tourist attraction in the area, as are the Sleeping Giant and Mount McKay.

Arts and culture The rich cultural heritage of Thunder Bay—Rainy River is celebrated through various institutions and cultural festivals, such as the Aboriginal Cultural Festival, Magnus Theatre, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The district is also home to the Atikokan Centennial Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the region.

Electoral issues During the 2021 federal election, the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic were key issues in the Thunder Bay—Rainy River electoral district. Voters in the district were concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the local economy and job market, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Community organizations Several community organizations play an active role in Thunder Bay—Rainy River, including the Thunder Bay Economic Development Corporation, the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation, and the Northwestern Health Unit.

Multicultural groups The district has a diverse population with significant cultural and ethnic communities. Some of the significant cultural demographic segments in the district include the Indigenous First Nations communities, Ukrainian Canadians, and Italian Canadians. The region has seven First Nation Communities: Big Grassy River First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, Naicatchewenin First Nation, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, Rainy River First Nation, Seine River First Nation and Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation.

Overall, Thunder Bay—Rainy River is a vast and diverse region in Ontario with thriving industries, unique landmarks and natural attractions, and a rich cultural heritage. Despite facing various environmental, economic, and societal challenges, the district is known for its strong community spirit and resilience.