The district was first used in the 2006 provincial general election and featured a battle of incumbents.

Premier of New Brunswick Shawn Graham called the by-election on February 6, 2009, and the vote was held March 9, 2009.

[3] One local campaign issue concerned whether and how much government should support the forestry company J. D. Irving.

Former PC leader and nearby MLA Jeannot Volpé criticized the Liberal government for being too supportive of the company, which is a major employer in the riding of Restigouche-La Vallée.

Conservative candidate Jean-Paul Soucy indicated that he disagreed with Volpé's position, while Liberal candidate Burt Paulin said he was surprised that Volpé would criticize one of the largest employers in the region.