In a barn on a dairy farm near Trois-Rivières, a group of cows named Betty Boop, Bavarde, and Blues are at the heart of the operation. These cows, identified by names beginning with the letter B, are among the top milk producers on the farm owned by Chantal Leclerc, part of a family-run business spanning three generations. As election time approaches, Leclerc has traditionally supported the Bloc Québécois, a party that has secured victories in eight out of ten elections in the city since its inception in 1993. This political lean is rooted in the city’s strong traditionalist and nationalist tendencies, exemplified by its historical association with Maurice Duplessis, a staunch defender of traditional Quebec values.
However, recent economic pressures have prompted Leclerc to reconsider her political choices. The trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his focus on opening Canada’s protected dairy market, has heightened her concerns. This shift in perspective has led Leclerc, despite her Quebecois roots, to support Mark Carney, an Alberta-raised financier, for his economic acumen and composure. Leclerc, who is also related to the noted sovereigntist and chansonnier Félix Leclerc, believes that Canada’s current climate necessitates unity.
The city of Trois-Rivières, known for its blend of tradition and modernity, finds itself at the crossroads of global trade issues. Significant exposure to tariffs, particularly in the aluminum and forestry sectors, has positioned the city among the most vulnerable to Trump’s trade policies. Mayor Jean Lamarche has identified international relations as a critical factor in the upcoming federal campaign, pointing to the city’s ambivalent relationship with external influences.
Trois-Rivières, a city steeped in history and paradoxes, stands halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. It is a city where Catholic landmarks coexist with a history of Jewish influence, as exemplified by Ezekiel Hart, one of the first Jews elected to public office in the British Empire. The city, once transformed by rapid industrialization, served as a global hub for the pulp-and-paper industry and continues to navigate the balance between its historical identity and modern challenges.
Local political dynamics have traditionally been characterized by proximity and familiarity, a legacy from leaders like Premier Duplessis. In the current political landscape, the introduction of Caroline Desrochers, a career diplomat, to the electoral race reflects a strategic move by the Liberal Party. Her candidacy, despite her outsider status, is gaining traction in a competitive field.
Trois-Rivières faces ongoing economic challenges, particularly in housing development, as it seeks to accommodate an influx of young families and retirees. The city, once burdened by postindustrial decline, is now working to rejuvenate areas like the site of a former aluminum factory. However, the community remains vigilant, aware of the potential impact of external economic forces, as demonstrated by recent labor disputes in the aluminum sector.
The Evolving Landscape
The current political and economic climate in Trois-Rivières highlights the broader uncertainties faced by communities across Canada. For residents, the trade tensions sparked by international relations bring both immediate concerns and long-term implications. The city’s dependence on industries vulnerable to tariffs underscores the interconnectedness of local and global economies.
As Trois-Rivières navigates these challenges, the debate over political representation and economic resilience takes center stage. The push for infrastructure developments, like a high-speed rail, reflects a desire to maintain momentum and secure future prosperity. Residents are compelled to weigh the benefits of traditional political allegiances against the need for adaptive strategies in an evolving global landscape.
Overall, the narrative unfolding in Trois-Rivières serves as a microcosm of the broader national discourse. It illustrates the complexities of balancing heritage with progress, local interests with global realities, and the enduring quest for a cohesive national identity in times of change.
