Gaspé (Province of Canada electoral district)

Gaspé was a provincial electoral district in Quebec, Canada. It existed from 1867 to 1973.

Creation and Abolition:

The Gaspé electoral district was created in 1867 following the Confederation of Canada, coinciding with the initial provincial elections in Quebec. It encompassed the territory of the Gaspé region. The district was abolished in 1973, with its territory being redistributed into the new electoral districts of Gaspé, Bonaventure, and Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Geography and Demographics:

Gaspé covered a substantial portion of the Gaspé Peninsula, a region characterized by its rugged coastline, forests, and fishing communities. The district's economy was primarily based on fishing, forestry, and agriculture, with tourism becoming increasingly important in later years. The population was predominantly French-speaking.

Political Representation:

Throughout its existence, Gaspé elected Members to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec (until 1968) and subsequently to the National Assembly of Quebec (from 1968 onwards). The political landscape of the district shifted over time, with representation from various parties, including the Liberal Party of Quebec and the Union Nationale.

Notable Members:

Notable members who represented Gaspé in the Quebec legislature included figures who played significant roles in provincial politics and contributed to the development of the Gaspé region. (A more comprehensive list of specific representatives would require further research.)

Successor Districts:

Following its abolition in 1973, the territory formerly comprising the Gaspé electoral district was divided into the electoral districts of Gaspé, Bonaventure, and Îles-de-la-Madeleine. These successor districts continue to represent the Gaspé region in the National Assembly of Quebec.