Marie-Victorin (electoral district)
Marie-Victorin is a provincial electoral district in Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Montérégie region, on the south shore of Montreal.
History and Geography:
The district was created in 1972 from parts of the former electoral districts of Chambly and Verchères. It is named in honour of Brother Marie-Victorin, a renowned Quebec botanist and founder of the Montreal Botanical Garden. Marie-Victorin primarily comprises the city of Longueuil's LeMoyne borough, and a significant portion of its Saint-Hubert borough.
The riding is bounded to the west by the electoral district of Laporte, to the north by Marie-Victorin, to the east by Vachon, and to the south by Taillon. Its geographical boundaries have been modified several times since its creation to reflect population changes.
Political Significance:
Marie-Victorin has generally been a safe seat for the Parti Québécois (PQ) since its inception. However, in recent elections, other parties, notably Québec solidaire and the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), have gained ground, reflecting changing political dynamics in the region.
Demographics:
The riding includes a diverse population, with a significant percentage of francophone residents. Demographics have changed over time due to immigration and internal migration patterns within the Greater Montreal area.
Members of the National Assembly:
The following individuals have represented Marie-Victorin in the National Assembly of Quebec:
- 1973 – 1985: Jacques Roux (Parti Québécois)
- 1985 – 1994: Jean-Pierre Bélisle (Parti Québécois)
- 1994 – 2007: Rita Dionne-Marsolais (Parti Québécois)
- 2007 – 2016: Bernard Drainville (Parti Québécois)
- 2016 – 2022: Catherine Fournier (Parti Québécois, later Independent, then Coalition Avenir Québec)
- 2022 – Present: Shirley Dorismond (Coalition Avenir Québec)