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Edmundston is a 606 km straight line from Parliament Hill. It would be a drive of about seven hours and 40 minutes, through Quebec via the Trans-Canada Highway.
Madawaska is in the northwest corner of the province, with Restigouche in the north. The riding borders Quebec and the state of Maine. The area is also known as the “New Brunswick Panhandle.”
The Restigouche River flows from the Appalachian Mountains to Chaleur Bay. The river is an important stopover for migrating sea ducks and has been designated an important bird area by the Canadian Wildlife Service. It’s also been classified as a Canadian Heritage River.
The riding is largely francophone.
Only about 3% of the riding’s population are immigrants, with about 1% identifying as a visible minority.
Approximately 5% of the riding’s population identify as Aboriginal.
Average individual income is $35,334.
A popular activity is fly fishing for salmon. Fishing here is very exclusive as the government of New Brunswick auctions fishing leases. This has led to the establishment of fishing lodges and hotels along the river.
Located in the riding is the ski hill Mont Farlagne, which has over 20 trails. Many other activities are available such as snowshoeing, ice climbing, and après-ski.
The legend of “The Phantom Ship of Chaleur Bay” is told across the province. Some have claimed to see a ghost ship from the famous naval Battle of the Restigouche. Others believe it is the ship of Portuguese brothers, murdered for kidnapping and selling the Indigenous population as slaves.
The Restigouche River is known as one of the top 10 fishing destinations for Atlantic salmon in the world. Visitors have included the Duke of Windsor, George H.W. Bush, and Bing Crosby.
Forestry and associated industries are important sectors in Madawaska—Restigouche. There are several major pulp mills and sawmills in the area.
Tourism is another important industry as many tourists come to visit the Restigouche Valley and fish on its major river.
The Port of Dalhousie is an international port open year-round. It’s used for cargo transportation, as well as being a popular stop for cruise ships.
The Restigouche Rivers Watershed Management Council aims to ensure the conservation of the river and protect the Atlantic salmon and other wildlife that live there.
Pulp and paper mills in the region threaten to contaminate the environment around them. One mill in Edmundston has implemented a system of environmental sustainability to reduce the impact.
Before the arrival of the first European settlers, indigenous people called this area “Madoueskak”, a Maliseet word meaning “land of the porcupines”. The word “Madawaska” took on a general meaning for the territory where modern-day New Brunswick, Quebec, and the state of Maine meet. Two porcupines can still be found on the City of Edmundston’s coat of arms.
Indigenous communities in this riding include:
North Shore Micmac District Council Eel River Bar First Nation
St. John River Valley Tribal Council Madawaska Maliseet First Nation
