Summary:

Portage—Lisgar is a federal electoral district in Manitoba, Canada. Located in the southern part of the province, the area is known for its agricultural industry, with a wide range of crops grown throughout the district. The district is also home to several significant population centres, including Portage la Prairie, Morden, and Winkler. In recent years, the area has seen a number of important events and issues, including a devastating tornado in 2018 and ongoing debates around climate change and environmental policy. The local economy is driven primarily by the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, with major employers including McCain Foods, Simplot, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Despite its rural setting, the district is home to several important landmarks and attractions, including the Fort la Reine Museum, the Pembina Threshermen's Museum, and the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre.

Population centres:

Portage—Lisgar is home to several significant population centres, including:

• Portage la Prairie: a city of around 13,000 people, Portage la Prairie is the largest population centre in the district. The city is known for its agricultural industry and is home to several important landmarks and institutions, including the Portage Industrial Park and the Portage la Prairie Heritage Museum.
• Morden: a city of around 8,000 people, Morden is located in the southwestern part of the district. The city is home to several important cultural institutions, including the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and the Pembina Threshermen's Museum.
• Winkler: a city of around 12,000 people, Winkler is known for its strong Mennonite heritage and is home to several important community institutions, including the Winkler Heritage Society and the Winkler Arts & Culture Centre.

Issues and events:

Between 2019 and 2022, Portage—Lisgar experienced a number of significant events and issues. These included:

• The 2019 federal election: with several candidates from different parties running for election, the area saw a high level of political engagement and activity leading up to the vote.
• The 2018 tornado: in August 2018, a devastating tornado touched down in the region, causing significant damage to several communities in the area. The event led to widespread community support and rebuilding efforts over the following months.
• Climate change and environmental policy: like much of the country, Portage—Lisgar has seen ongoing debates and discussions around climate change and the development of sustainable energy sources.

Economy:

The local economy in Portage—Lisgar is driven primarily by the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Major employers in the area include:

• McCain Foods: one of the largest private employers in the region, McCain Foods operates a large frozen food processing plant in Portage la Prairie, employing hundreds of people.
• Simplot: another major employer in the area, Simplot operates a vegetable processing plant in Portage la Prairie that produces French fries, hash browns, and more.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police: with a regional headquarters located in Portage la Prairie, the RCMP employs a significant number of people in the area.

In recent years, the area has also seen a number of important economic events, including the construction of new manufacturing facilities and the development of renewable energy projects.

Important landmarks:

Despite its rural setting, Portage—Lisgar is home to several important landmarks and attractions. These include:

• Fort la Reine Museum: located just outside of Portage la Prairie, this museum features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the region.
• Pembina Threshermen's Museum: located in the town of Winkler, this museum offers a glimpse into the history of agriculture and farming in the area.
• Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre: located in the city of Morden, this museum is home to one of the largest collections of marine reptile fossils in the world.

The district is also home to several natural attractions, including the Pembina Valley Provincial Park and the Delta Marsh Wildlife Management Area.

Arts and culture:

Portage—Lisgar is home to several important cultural institutions and events. These include:

• Winkler Arts & Culture Centre: a community space that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and theatre productions.
• Portage la Prairie Heritage Museum: a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Portage la Prairie and the surrounding area.
• Morden Corn and Apple Festival: an annual festival held in the city of Morden that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region.

Electoral issues:

During the 2021 federal election in Portage—Lisgar, economic and social issues were top of mind for many voters. These included concerns around the impact of climate change on the agricultural industry, the need for increased investment in housing and infrastructure, and the role of the federal government in supporting small businesses.

Community organizations:

Portage—Lisgar is home to several important economic and social community organizations, including:

• Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce: a business advocacy organization that represents the interests of local businesses and promotes economic development in the area.
• Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre: a non-profit organization that provides support to people facing unplanned pregnancies and related challenges.
• Morden and District Chamber of Commerce: a business advocacy organization that represents the interests of local businesses and promotes economic development in the Morden area.

Multicultural groups:

Portage—Lisgar is a diverse district with a significant number of residents from diverse cultural backgrounds. The most significant cultural demographic segments in the district include Mennonite and Ukrainian Canadians. Community organizations such as the Winkler Heritage Society and the Ukrainian National Association provide support and resources to members of these communities.