The riding extends along the Richelieu River southeast of Montreal, in the Quebec region of Montérégie.

It consists of the northern and western parts of the RCM of Le Haut-Richelieu.

Long a Bloc stronghold, the riding of Saint-Jean turned orange as the NDP swept the province of Quebec in 2011.

BQ support was generally spread evenly throughout the riding, like the victorious NDP.

The Liberals did slightly better in and around Lacolle than in other portions of the seat but had weak support in all parts of the riding.