Strategic Plan 2018-2023

The Lower North Shore of Québec stretches from Blanc Sablon (at the Labrador border) to Kegaska (opposite the eastern tip of Anticosti Island). Sixteen (16) communities, including the two (2) native communities of Pakua Shipi and Uanamen Shipu, are spread along 400 kilometres of rugged coastline, and in most cases are accessible only by boat, plane or snowmobile (in winter). Due to the vastness and isolation of the region, transportation costs are extremely high and often unreliable due to extreme weather conditions. This remote region, which is majority English-speaking, has witnessed a significant decline in population over the last few decades due to the collapse of the region’s main economic activity (the cod & salmon fishery), and the decline in the snow crab fishery. It is estimated that approximately half of the region’s adult population leaves the Coast at some time during the year to secure employment elsewhere. Many leave the territory for several months at a time while their family remains on the Lower North Shore which results in social dislocation as, in some cases, both parents leave for work and their children are housed with grandparents or other family members. Many social challenges have emerged from the changing circumstances, such as caring for the elderly, and many youth leave and do not return due to the lack of job opportunities.