Pictured: Rosie Awori, Montreal Community Contact & David Venn, Nunatsiaq News
QCNA is proud to honour our member newspapers once again this year through the Better Newspaper Competition, recognizing excellence in news coverage, including reporting on education, agriculture, environment, health, and civic affairs.
An in-person Awards Gala highlighting this years winners was held on June 28th at The Holiday Inn & Suites Centre-Ville Ouest in Montreal, Quebec by over 100 participants. The prestigious Awards Gala was succeeded by a two day strategic planning session, organized and developed through QCNA and facilitated by strategic consultant Frances Ravensbergen, inviting 28 delegates from official language member publications across Quebec to join us in shaping a new vision, mission and focus for the organization.
We were thrilled to see the number of entries into the contest rise this year to over 600 submissions, which evidenced a continued passion for journalism, reflected in the work of every participant organization and individual in this profession. Over 100 participants were in attendance at the awards gala.
Photo Credits: Andrae Lewis, The Link
QCNA Board Members (left to right): Cynthia Dow, Charles Dickson, Nikki Mantell, Brenda O’Farrell and Lily Ryan. Missing from photo: Michael Sochaczevski and Sharon McCully
Among 40 awards presented that evening, some highlights included:
The Low Down to Hull & Back News, who took home 11 awards (many 1st place!) and was named Best Overall Newspaper for 2023-2024.
The Eastern Door newspaper (located in Kahnawake) had 13 big wins, including young journalist Eve Cable, who was presented with the honorable Paul Dumont-Frenette Outstanding Journalism Award for reporter of the year.
Two new QCNA awards were given out that evening, inlcuding the Best Contributed Photo Award (won by Anthony Qrunnut, a Grade 9 student at Igloolik’s Sivuniit Middle School) and Best Nature/ Environment Photo (won by Sarah Rennie for The Gleaner).
The first Egbert Gaye Dare to Make a Difference Award in tribute of founding owner/editor of newspaper Montreal Community Contact, was presented by Rosie Awori on behalf of the publication.
A full list of this year’s winner is availablehere.
The QCNA would like to thank the following sponsors who helped ensure the success of this years event:
The Department of Canadian Heritage MP Anthony Housefather MP Anna Gainey MP Marc Miller MP Marie-Claude Bibeau The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P. Elizabeth Prass Deputy of the National Assembly of Quebec
And many thanks to businesses who provided services or donations:
The Holiday Inn & Suites Centre-Ville Montreal & Encore Sabrina’s Linen Rentals Michèle Desormeaux – the supplier of the trees The Royal Canadian Mint Via Rail Canada NAV Canada Moulin Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa Hebdo Litho
And lastly, to the volunteers:
AV Tech support provided by Tom Hansen and event volunteer extrodinaire Skye Metcalfe.
The QCNA is proud to recognize the journalistic excellence of our member newspapers.
This competition year our members showed up stronger than ever, with over 600 entries by 21 different member publications, setting a new QCNA record!
We were thrilled to see the level of commitment from our membership!
“I was blown away by the entries. There’s so much fantastic work happening in small communities in Quebec” – 2024 QCNA Panel Judge
Congratulations to all our finalists!
Finalists in each category are listed in no particular order. To view the list of finalists, scroll below or download and view. First, second and third place winners will be announced at our annual Awards Gala. The date and location will be announced soon!
Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It’s to be hoped you didn’t become overly alarmed if you happened to have heard one of several high-pitched emergency sirens that went off throughout the day last Wednesday in various parts of Laval.
It was part of an emergency preparedness exercise undertaken by the city in the eventuality of something more serious.
Sirens located at five Laval businesses and industries were being tested in accordance with the City of Laval’s By-law L-12933. The businesses in question all have some element of potentially hazardous activity in their operations and were taking part in the tests to be ready for the real thing.
“The introduction of emergency sirens is something new on Laval’s territory,” said city councillor and executive-committee member Sandra Desmeules, who is responsible for public safety issues.
She said the goal of the test, which was the first of its kind to be conducted in Laval, was to prepare residents for emergencies. Another of the objectives was to see that residents become familiar with the sound of the sirens so as to recognize them in the future if there is a real emergency.
The sirens, which were programmed to go off one at a time from 9 am to 3 pm, are located at MAPEI Canada chemicals (2900 Av Francis-Hughes), Dyne-A-Pak packaging (3375 Av Francis-Hughes), Supérieur Propane (111 Rue de la Station), Gaz Propane Monin (555 Montée Saint-François), and Produits alimentaires Viau (6625 Rue Ernest-Cormier).
Each siren produced a loud horn sound, rising and falling gradually, for exactly three minutes. They were designed to be heard within a geographic area surrounding the industrial locations.
Were the sirens going off for a real emergency involving the accidental release of toxic or hazardous gases, residents normally would seek shelter inside the nearest building. They would then close all doors and windows and shut down ventilation systems, seal windows and doors with adhesive tape, move away from windows, and follow the instructions of public safety officials.
On the day of the practice exercise, teams from Civil Security, the Laval Police and the Laval Fire Dept. were on hand near the businesses where the sirens are located to answer residents’ questions.
Laval to transform Saint-Martin Blvd. into a safer, greener urban axis
Officials with the City of Laval announced last week that they reached an agreement with the federal government for $10 million in federal funding to improve and transform a 13-kilometre stretch of Saint-Martin Blvd. into a safer route for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
The work, for which the City of Laval will be paying $29 million of the total $39 million cost, will include the planting of 525 trees and the installation of 15,000 square metres of plant and shrub embankments.
The vegetation is expected to help absorb up to 2,500 cubic metres of heavy rainfall, thus keeping it out of storm sewers during severe storms.
The work is also expected to include improved security on sidewalks and bicycle paths. Climate change is one of the factors being taken into consideration, as well as the overall improvement of the quality of life.
“In transforming this major axis, we are not only beautifying the area,” says Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “We are also creating a more secure living environment while faced with climate change.”
He said the extensive vegetation and the new trees will be able to contain the equivalent of an Olympic pool of rainwater during heavy rain storms, taking pressure off the sewer system.
“By encouraging active mobility, the safety of users and the greening of living spaces, we are building more inclusive, dynamic and resilient cities while facing today’s environmental and urban challenges,” said federal public services minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
Contracts for the work were awarded at the March 12 Laval city council meeting, and the work will begin in May, with completion scheduled for sometime in 2026.The city will be taking special traffic measures along Saint-Martin Blvd. while the work is underway to limit the impact on traffic.
Merchants and businesses located along the route will be informed by the city of special measures to minimize the impact the work has on them.
At the meeting of the Commission sur les transports, les déplacements durables et la sécuritéheld on February 27, three presentations were given to provide updates on proposals and various projects.
Presentation 1: Parking forPersons with Disabilities (PWD)
With an increasingly aging population in Gatineau, the number of parking permits distributed to PWDs has increased significantly in recent years. “In Quebec, by 2030, 25% of the population will be aged 65 and over,” said Chantal Lanoix, Team Leader at l’analyse et à la redaction réglementaire au Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable.
Consequently, the increase in the aging population creates other issues related to accessibility, safety, and maintenance. To address this issue, several suggestions have been proposed.
First of all, the proposal is to increase the number of parking spaces.
Second, it would be important to have a safe and barrier-free path between the parking spaces and the main building. “This would ensure visibility and limit the risk of collisions with motorists,” Lanoix emphasized.
In the new regulations, there is no provision ensuring that there would be at least one parking space for people with disabilities in indoor spaces.
“Furthermore, electric charging stations should be required in parking spaces for people with disabilities,” she said.
Presentation 2: The Implementation of the Tramway
The implementation of the Tramway will accomplish several things, but above all, it is an investment in the future of the city. It will meet a need in the western part of Gatineau. “We would have fewer buses in the downtown areas of Gatineau and Ottawa, and this would allow us to have a certain individual capacity for the future […],” emphasized Stephanie McNeely, surface infrastructure director at the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO).
The western part of Gatineau is an area that needs a structuring mode of transportation due to its high ridership and its numerous hubs of educational, commercial, cultural, and sports activities. It also has a growing population. “By 2051, there will be approximately 100,000 more residents in Gatineau,” said McNeely.
The Tramway can carry a greater number of passengers than buses can. “For a 45-meter-long tram, approximately 300 passengers can fit inside,” McNeely explained.
Furthermore, the introduction of this new mode of transportation will contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while changing transportation habits.
Presentation 3: Policy on the Improvement of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Crossings in Built Environments
This policy specifically addresses missing infrastructure on already constructed streets. “It will not address infrastructure repairs,” emphasizes Luc St-Arnaud, division head of the Asset Planning and Investment Department at the City of Gatineau.
This policy specifically addresses missing infrastructure on already constructed streets. “It won’t address infrastructure repairs,” emphasized Luc St-Arnaud, Division Chief of the Asset Planning and Investment Department at the City of Gatineau.
Gatineau has more than 730 pedestrian crossings, about 100 of which are not designed according to development standards that allow for safe travel and proper maintenance. “Pedestrian crossings are alleys, footbridges, or corridors,” explained St-Arnaud.
On the other hand, the extension and addition of sidewalks are desired in certain locations across the territory. “These may be safety corridors, along school routes, or where there is public transit,” he explained. “Population density also justifies the addition of a sidewalk,” he added. In total, more than 35 kms of sidewalks will need to be added in Gatineau.
“The priority of our policy is to reduce travel distances for pedestrians,” Luc says. “All our crosswalks should reduce the travel distance to get to school, to the next bus stop, or simply to get around the neighborhood,” St-Arnaud added.
The second priority would be for crosswalks to provide access to parks and, finally, to provide access to green spaces.
“We hope the commission will recommend that our policy be adopted by City Council this spring,” St-Arnaud said.
Photo: Gatineau Park Trail (October 9, 2024) (MG) Photo: Gatineau Park Facebook Page
More than eight branches of the Société d’alcool du Québec (SAQ) will close their doors across Quebec. By the end of 2025, the SAQ located in downtown Hull on Promenade du Portage will also be closed.
As a government corporation, the SAQ plays a role in the vitality of several sectors that contribute to quality of life and attractiveness. “We hope this decision will be reversed,” said Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau.
A few years ago, the ARIANE alliance adopted a national planning and architecture policy to make it a priority in Quebec. “However, with recent SAQ closures like the one in downtown Hull, this is not translating into action,” emphasized Marquis-Bissonnette. “It’s not consistent.”
According to the mayor, the financial injection has a positive effect on downtown revitalization, but the government corporation must collaborate and work with Gatineau to achieve the desired objectives. “We have taken steps at the local and national levels to ensure our voice is heard,” she said.
“The SAQs in the area are profitable, but not as much as in other parts of the city where there are larger branches,” explains the mayor.
Indeed, the lack of traffic is one of the issues. According to Philippe Deschamps, communications strategist at Vision Centre-Ville, it would be faster for Hull Island residents to take their bikes to Ottawa’s Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) than to the SAQ near the Casino Lac-Lemay.
“To have a complete downtown, we need a diverse range of services,” emphasized Philippe Deschamps. “However, it’s not up to the government corporation to meet all residents’ needs or to revitalize the downtown area alone.” From another perspective, it seems that the return of public servants to the office full-time is having an impact on the decline in the number of customers.
Scheduling is also a problem. “I often hear people say they prefer to go across the river to the LCBO because it closes at 9 pm, unlike the SAQ, which closes at 6 pm,” said Danny Plante, owner of the Saveurs Épicerie Urbaine grocery store.
For Danny Plante, the SAQ in downtown Hull is his ally. “For me, the announcement of its closure hit like a hammer blow,” he said. One proposed solution would be for the branch to become a service point within his grocery store. For now, several requests have been made to government authorities.
Photo: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, answers media questions about the SAQ closure during the press scrum (March 12, 2025). (MG) Photo: Screenshot
Since the pandemic, more and more people have experienced difficulties with their mental health. Today, although the pandemic is over, Canada-US economic tensions are now one of the factors most affecting the psychological well-being of Quebecers.
Indeed, phone calls continue to increase to the group AUPRÈS, a non-profit organization located in Aylmer that supports people with mental health difficulties. “People are currently very worried about the Canada-US economic conflict,” said Marjolaine Chrétien, Executive Director of AUPRÈS. “They wonder if they will have enough money to put food on the table and pay their rent. Some have even developed a fear of television or fear that President Donald Trump could destroy the planet.”
All things considered, rising tariffs, inflation, and rising rents are causing a lot of anxiety for many. According to information gathered, the people seeking help from the organization range in age from 30 to 80. “Our clientele is very diverse,” Marjolaine emphasized.
The organization’s goal is to reassure people and support them on their journey to recovery. “There will always be someone to listen and meet with them,” Marjolaine commented. Outings and meetings are also offered to help break their isolation. “Circles of friends are formed, and this contributes to creating a healthy and enjoyable social life.”
Activities and training are also offered. “We invite them to join training sessions so they can learn how to take care of themselves, budget, shop wisely, and much more,” explained Marjolaine.
AUPRÈS has been in existence for 25 years and has more than 70 users. “Since the pandemic, we’ve been in high demand,” she said. “Today, we’re facing a new issue, and we’re here to maintain people’s mental health.”
For more information about the organization, visit the website: https://www.aupres.ca/
Photo: Marjolaine Chrétien, Executive Director at AUPRÈS (December 20, 2024) (MG) Photo: Courtesy of Marjolaine Chrétien
Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Although Mayor Stéphane Boyer was uncharacteristically brief in his opening remarks at the start of the March 11 city council meeting, he responded with the following statement during question period when grilled on the labour disputes involving Laval’s police and blue-collar work force.
Answering Fraternité des policiers de Laval union president Sylvain Tardif, Boyer said, “Naturally, we are respectful towards our police officers. And we are looking for an agreement. But we must also have an agreement that respects the capacity of citizens to pay.
Shaky public finances
“I think you know very well the current situation with public finances,” the mayor added, noting that mediation would be resuming the following day.
He said that since speaking previously with the union leader, city management had been working on various options, although they had not yet reached the negotiation table.
“And so my wish is that on your side, as well, you will arrive with a plan and some news so that we can make progress – because our hope is that we can resolve this hopefully as quickly as possible.”
In response to Tardif’s question as to whether the city really wants to negotiate with the police union, Boyer replied, “Yes, obviously.”
Responds to De Cotis
He took exception to remarks on the labour dispute made by Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis – telling De Cotis not to falsely attribute motives.
In some of those remarks, which were made in response to Tardif during public question period, De Cotis said the mayor decided to go on an economic mission to Washington D.C. recently at around the same time the union was announcing its strike intentions.
De Cotis suggested that it would have been more appropriate for the mayor to stay behind and take care of a local issue, while leaving the broader problem of international tariffs to federal and provincial officials.
Off to Washington, said De Cotis
“In Laval, there is only the mayor of Laval who can demonstrate his leadership in negotiations with our employees,” De Cotis continued. “He went to Washington, so we see where are his priorities. We see clearly it’s not the city’s employees, nor is it the services for our citizens.”
Boyer said, “It’s false to say there won’t be any agreement this year,” referring to a related claim De Cotis had made. “It’s false to say that we’re waiting for the 2026 budget. It’s false to say that we’re waiting to pile this onto the 2026 taxes. We have reserves which have been set aside, which is always the case for all collective agreements.”
According to the mayor, the city has a policy meant to take into account additional labour costs that may arise as collective agreements are expiring. He said reserves are set aside for that reason in view of eventually reaching an agreement and to be able to pay any retroactive wage increases.
Overdue wage increases
The mayor also accused Parti Laval councillor for Fabreville Claude Larochelle of “speaking through your hat, not knowing what you’re talking about or what you’re saying.”
Responding to Laval blue-collar workers’ union president Louis-Pierre Plourde’s questions on the city’s determination to end that labour dispute, Boyer said he was fully aware of the inflation issue the union leadership was raising and agreed that wage increases were overdue.
“I think it’s the reasonable, reasoned, realistic thing to do following cost of living increases in the last few years,” said the mayor.
Falling tax revenue
However, he maintained that the impact of the tariff measures taken by the U.S. are bound to be felt as repercussions on local businesses, as well as on the overall local economy and public finances. “If businesses close their doors, that means less revenue from taxation and social needs will be increasing,” Boyer said.
But while agreeing that salary increases were justified, the mayor didn’t rule out the possibility of other cost-saving measures, after noting that President Trump had been conducting a massive cull of the civil service in the U.S., while Canadian Consevative leader Pierre Poilièvre is threatening to do something similar here.
William Crooks Borough Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, Borough President Claude Charron, and Borough Councillor Jennifer Garfat at the Lennoxville Borough Council meeting on March 18, 2025
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Lennoxville Borough Council’s March 18 meeting was short but packed with updates on community events and upcoming projects. With only one resident in attendance, the meeting moved quickly through formalities before borough councillors took the opportunity to share news about local initiatives, including the firefighter memorial and the participatory budget process.
Borough Councillor Jennifer Garfat provided an update on the firefighter memorial project, responding to a question about its timeline. She confirmed that the borough is still waiting for a response from the firefighters’ association regarding a suitable date for the dedication ceremony. “We’re hoping to hear back soon so we can start planning,” she said, adding that the borough aims to hold the event within the next few months.
A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the participatory budget presentation, which will take place at the Centre Amédée-Beaudoin on March 31. Residents will have the chance to review and vote on four different projects vying for funding. “For the first time, we have more than two contestants,” a councillor remarked, noting the added element of competition this year. Council members encouraged the public to get involved, emphasizing that votes can be cast in person, online, or at the borough office for those unable to attend on the set date.
In their closing remarks, councillors highlighted several upcoming events in the community. The Lennoxville Library was praised for its recent Canada Reads event, and council members acknowledged the successful return of the Women’s Centre’s International Women’s Day dinner, which hadn’t been held since 2019 due to pandemic disruptions.
Other community activities include the Grace Village book sale running from March 20 to 22, a public consultation on the Nature Plan scheduled for April 16, and a lecture by the Eastern Townships Resource Centre on asbestos and its global impact. Additionally, the Bishop’s University Singers are set to perform multiple shows at the end of the month, and council members recommended purchasing tickets in advance due to high demand.
A few lighter announcements rounded out the meeting, including a reminder that the Lennoxville Curling Club will be bustling this weekend with its annual pipers’ parade and social events at Hope Community Church. A councillor also mentioned the upcoming Roast Beef Supper at the ANAF Unit #318 “Hut” on April 12, inviting residents to reserve tickets early.
The meeting wrapped up in just 15 minutes, with council members encouraging residents to stay engaged with local projects and attend upcoming events. With key community initiatives on the horizon, Lennoxville residents have plenty of opportunities to get involved in shaping their borough’s future.
William Crooks Federal and local officials join Sherbrooke reservists to announce the next phase of the armoury restoration project. The event highlighted the commitment to preserving military heritage while modernizing infrastructure for future generations.
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The long-awaited restoration of Sherbrooke’s historic armouries is moving ahead, with government officials announcing the launch of the design phase. The project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, will see the Belvédère Street and William Street Armouries preserved and modernized, while plans for a third facility are also in the works.
The announcement was made by Élisabeth Brière, Minister of Veterans Affairs and MP for Sherbrooke, alongside Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, and Honorary Colonel Wilfrid Morin. The event, held in Sherbrooke on March. 19, confirmed that the federal government has signed an agreement to move the project forward.
“Today marks an important milestone in the preservation of our armouries in Sherbrooke,” said Brière. “After four years of hard work alongside reservists, veterans, the city and the Sherbrooke community, I am very proud to have obtained the signature of phase 2 of the project.”
The restoration efforts are part of Canada’s broader defence strategy, aiming to provide reservists with modern, well-equipped infrastructure while maintaining the historical significance of these buildings.
A decade-long battle
The fight to preserve the two historic armouries dates back to 2015, when the possibility of replacing them with a new facility was first discussed. At the time, there was opposition from certain branches of the Department of National Defence (DND), which had proposed a completely new building rather than investing in restoration.
“They would have preferred something new, something functional near the highway, like a Costco,” Bibeau said in an interview after the announcement. “But Sherbrooke has such a rich military history, and these two armouries are an important part of our heritage.”
Bibeau and Brière worked closely with Morin and the “Sauvons les manèges” group to push for the preservation of the existing buildings. The efforts were supported by strong recruitment numbers from Sherbrooke’s reserve units, which are among the most active in Canada.
“Sherbrooke is recognized for being one of the best in Canada in terms of recruitment and responding to calls for action,” Bibeau noted. “When National Defence calls Sherbrooke, we go.”
What comes next
With the agreement now signed, Pomerleau has been contracted to finalize designs and begin early construction work, which includes decontamination, demolition, and structural reinforcement. This phase is expected to take two years, with construction of the restored armouries slated to begin in 2027.
In addition to restoring the two existing sites, the project includes the design of a third facility to better meet the needs of Sherbrooke’s growing reserve forces. “We need a third one somewhere that is close enough to the first two, maybe within six or seven kilometres,” Bibeau explained. The location has not yet been determined, and a call for proposals will be issued.
A symbol for the community
The Belvédère Street Armoury, home to Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke and the 35e Régiment des transmissions, was built in 1909 and designated a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in 1991, according to a related press release. It also houses a regimental museum and cadet programs. The William Street Armoury, originally constructed in 1841 as a courthouse, is home to the Sherbrooke Hussars and the 52e Ambulance de campagne.
“These buildings are not just training facilities; they represent Sherbrooke’s deep-rooted military tradition,” said Brière. “They are a place where young people learn discipline and leadership. They are part of who we are.”
Morin, who has been involved in the preservation efforts for over a decade, acknowledged the resilience required to push the project forward. “It was a battle,” he said. “But in the end, it was the dedication of our reservists and the strong history of these units that made the difference.”
Brière, who has been involved in the file since 2019, promised to see the project through to completion. “It took too much time,” she admitted. “And it will still take a long time to see it finished, but I will be there. I want to be there when we cut the ribbon in 2031 or 2032.”
The restoration of the Sherbrooke armouries is part of a broader federal investment of $10.2 billion in military infrastructure over the next 20 years, ensuring that Canada’s armed forces have the facilities needed to train and serve effectively. For Sherbrooke, it means preserving a vital piece of history while ensuring a strong future for its reservists.
Claude Cousineau says he did nothing wrong when he purchased beer and wine from Marché Gravelle and sold it to customers at his Brennan’s Hill depanneur.
But when Sûreté du Québec (SQ) cops busted into his shop Feb. 25 and seized over 5,000 litres of beer and nearly 60 litres of wine – effectively clearing out the beer fridges at Epicerie Brennan’s Hill – he surmised that something was wrong.
“It was four cops who showed up here, armed to the teeth, and they threw everybody out of the store, and they turned off the cameras, which you’re not supposed to do. And they made me open the safe, which has nothing to do with anything,” said Cousineau, owner of the depanneur. “So then they blocked the driveways to make a big scene, took all the beer and all the wine – it took them all day.”
Store manager Jeri Guertin was working the front cash that day and said the scene was intense when police arrived.
“They kicked everyone out of the store, they kept telling Claude to keep his hands out of his pockets,” said Guertin.
Cousineau has not been charged or fined, was not detained, nor has he been told if he needs to hire a lawyer, fight the infractions in court or whether or not he will get his booze back. He said he isn’t counting on it.
“We have big plans, and now I’m stuck because now my money is fu**ed for sure, right?” Cousineau told the Low Down, standing next to two, large beer coolers that are empty. Not a single case of beer can be found among the refrigerators. “That’s 25 grand worth of beer. Maybe more,” added Cousineau. The dep wine racks are also vacant.
According to SQ spokesperson Sgt. Marc Tessier, the file is not criminal, and Cousineau can’t be criminally charged with a crime – he can only be fined. The province’s Act respecting the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) states that any person in Quebec wishing to sell beer and wine from their grocery stores or depanneurs must first have a permit to do so – and must purchase all of their alcohol – with the exception of light cider, beer bottled in Quebec or imported beer – through the SAQ.
“The person at the store bought some beer from another store without the proper authority or channel to buy his liquor,” said Tessier. “Police will conclude their investigation and will proceed to submit that to the Crown, and they will determine if there will be penal action or not.”
When asked how police knew that Cousineau was selling alcohol not purchased through the SAQ, Tessier confirmed that it was through information from the public as well as the SQ’s “investigative techniques.”
Cousineau told the Low Down that his troubles began the day he took over ownership of the store, back in July 2024, when he was having issues with some of the beer and wine reps who were “leaving beer all over the place,” crowding his aisles and packing his leaky fridges. He was in the middle of planning renovations to hold more stock but said the reps – both alcohol and soda representatives – just kept showing up with more beer and pop.
“It was beer galore,” added Cousineau. “There was beer all over the place. I had to take three shelves of food down just for all the beer.” He said some of the stock – mostly flavoured coolers – in his fridge were nearly two years old and close to expiration, and he didn’t want to waste prime real estate for unpopular products. So he began telling the reps what he wanted – and what he didn’t want – to sell in his store.
Cousineau said that he was told by one of the beer reps that if he wanted specific types of beer and a custom lineup of spirits, he would have to source all of his own alcohol, purchase it himself, pick it up, drive it back to the store, stock it and then sell it. He said the rep told him to buy from Marché Gravelle, a food and beverage distribution centre in Gatineau.
Trusting this advice, he said he did just that and began buying his beer and wine from Marché Gravelle and said he’s been doing so since last summer.
“I still feel like I did nothing wrong,” said Cousineau. “We checked, and we’re allowed to buy from a distributor as long as I am licenced, so what am I doing wrong? There’s so many people making money off your dollar, and we’re making quarters before the government comes in and takes more.”
Cousineau said that police were over-aggressive and treated him as a threat in his own store. He said it was “like watching an old cowboy movie.”
“I honestly thought they were here fundraising,” said Cousineau. “So I had my hands in my pockets and I said, ‘What’s up?’ and they started yelling to me to take my hands out of my pockets. I said, ‘I don’t know you. You come in here, you have armour, you have a billy bat, you have a gun, you have a taser and pepper spray, and you’re acting like I’m dangerous.’” Cousineau’s beer cooler and wine racks are still empty, and he said he’s been left in the dark on what will happen next. He’s still allowed to sell beer, but with all of his money tied up in the seized alcohol, he’s not sure how long it will take him to rebuild his stock.
Tessier said Cousineau could face a fine, but added that police are still investigating the file.
Kent Canavan’s mouth was filling with blood and he needed emergency help.
He had just had his wisdom teeth out and was bleeding profusely at his home in Low.
He rushed over to the CLSC to get some more bandages and have his wound looked at, but when he arrived, the doors were locked. It was lunchtime, and nobody came to help him, so he rushed back home to try to stop the bleeding.
“The door [to the CLSC] was locked, and I ended up going back to my apartment, and I ended up on the floor – I passed out,” said Canavan to the mayor, councillors and those gathered on March 14 during an emergency CLSC meeting in Low.
The meeting was called after residents were told that the town’s only medical clinic – the CLSC – would be reducing its hours to just one day a week, by appointment only. Close to a dozen seniors were present at the meeting, telling their personal stories and the fears they have about the potential cuts.
“The blood was coming out so bad at the time that, when I did come to, I grabbed a facecloth and rammed it into the crevices to slow down the bleeding,” added Canavan about his incident last year, before the impending reduction to one day a week. Now, he is worried that things will get even worse for patients in Low.
Fellow Low resident Debbie Cameron was in tears as she spoke about the constant support she needs from a home care nurse to look after her severely disabled son, who is a quadriplegic and suffers from dysphagia, spina bifida, diabetes and hydrocephalus. She said with the looming health cuts, in which $1.5 billion is being cut from healthcare in Quebec and $90 million in the Outaouais – home care services could be cut by 50 per cent, and she doesn’t know what she will do.
“He can’t even scratch his own nose, he can’t feed himself, he has difficulty speaking,” she said through sobs, as she described her son’s daily struggles. “I need support badly.”
Cameron said that her son’s home care nurse is “wonderful,” but she knows just how overworked she is. When Cameron’s 42-year-old son had an operation in Montreal last year, his home care nurse had to come every single day to drain the wound, and she said she worries how the cuts will affect her son’s quality of life. “They bend over backwards, but the time constraints – they are given too many people to look after, so they can’t do their jobs properly,” said Cameron.
Low Coun. Lee Angus was present at the meeting and said that councillors feel helpless in the fight for healthcare up the line, as residents have been faced with diminishing services for close to a decade. He said cutting services to just one day a week at the CLSC will have a detrimental effect on the region’s aging population.
“And you have to make an appointment when you want to go?” asked Angus. “So, you gotta plan when you’re going to be sick. It’s pretty pathetic to have a building there and nobody to man it and no services. I have been sick before and had to drive to Gracefield to get service, and that’s fine for me – I have a vehicle, I can do that – but there are lots of people who live around the village who don’t have vehicles and can’t get there.”
Low Mayor Carol Robert echoed some of Angus’ statements at the meeting, saying that her council feels a bit powerless in the fight for healthcare. She said that her council can put forth resolutions to try to pressure the province to make certain decisions, but ultimately Low doesn’t “have the power to change the health system.”
“The only thing we can do is put forth a really strong resolution, pinpointing all the points that were made here today and not only send it to all the other levels of the ministry but also the MRC, so that all the mayors support our resolution,” she said. “We’re not the only ones that are being hit – up north it’s the same thing, so they will support our resolution.”
Resident Colette Canavan, who has been an advocate for healthcare up the line, said at the meeting that the CLSC in Low will officially be reduced to one day a week, by appointment only, as of April 1. This has not been confirmed by CISSSO.
The cuts are part of the province’s austerity measures that will see $1.5 billion cut from the health sector by March 1.
Hills healthcare advocates say the provincial government has made the Outaouais health crisis worse by cutting a staggering 800 healthcare jobs from the region.
The cuts were announced March 14 as part of the province’s austerity measures, which will see $1.5 billion slashed from Quebec’s healthcare network – $90 million of that coming out of the CISSS de l’Outaouais’s (CISSSO) budget.
While a majority of the positions cut are currently vacant, SOS Outaouais president Jean Pigeon said the impact will be felt tenfold across the region.
“There’s basically no amelioration for the healthcare network,” Pigeon told the Low Down. “It’s basically longer waiting times, fewer access and limited access to the healthcare system, and if you look at just recent numbers, most of our emergency wards are at 250 per cent of their capacity,” he added, referring to emergency departments at the Gatineau and Hull hospitals.
Pigeon said his organization is concerned that two-thirds of the $90 million cut from the Outaouais will come in the form of job losses. While many of them were already vacant (about 100 actual jobs are being cut, according to CISSSO), he said he feels that not filling vacant positions in departments like medical scans and imagery, which are already operating at just 40 per cent capacity, will have a domino effect on healthcare in the Outaouais, where there are currently 78,000 residents in the Outaouais without a family doctor and nearly 7,500 in the des Collines region.
“We’re in the biggest crisis that we’ve ever had for healthcare, and nobody seems to care about our region. We’ve been abandoned,” said Pigeon. He added that the Observatoire de développement de l’Outaouais has estimated that the Outaouais region faces a funding shortfall of $180 million when compared to other regions in Quebec. “I just think it’s going to get worse and worse because we should be fully in the mode of recruiting and keeping our staff. Now we’re telling staff to move away.”
Patient waited 230 hours
Pigeon referred to a patient in the Gatineau Hospital, who, during the March 1 weekend, spent “more than 230 hours in the emergency room,” while being treated for a mental health episode, according to CISSSO. The patient spent nearly 10 days on a hospital stretcher before he got a bed.
“Before he actually got services and someone took him into care, he waited for 230 hours,” said Pigeon. “It’s unbelievable.”
Dr. Peter Bonneville, the president of the Conseil des médecins, dentistes et pharmaciens (CMDP) of the CISSSO and an ER doctor at the Gatineau Hospital told the Low Down he feels that CISSSO CEO Marc Bilodeau has done a “fantastic job,” given that his first mandate from Santé Québec was to slash $90 million from a health budget that has been bleeding for over a decade.
What he doesn’t agree with, however, is how CISSSO was forced to cut $90 million out of its budget but the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, which is comparable to the Outaouais, only had to cut close to $40 million.
“That’s a region that has just a bit less population than us, but has, right now, way better access to healthcare,” said Bonneville. “They have more active operating rooms right now, more specialists for the region.”
It’s important to note that while the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region is comparable in population to the Outaouais, it’s an isolated northern area where there are not many options for health care. While Outaouais patients can travel to Montreal or Ottawa for emergencies, patients in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region don’t have the same options.
“I will keep on hammering the fact that we are under budgeted by, apparently, about $180 million a year,” Bonneville continued, “So basically, Santé Québec is putting a gun to the head of CISSSO, and they’re saying, ‘You need to do it.’”
Working conditions not ideal, but necessary
Dr. Bonneville told the Low Down that although he is the most senior member of staff at the Gatineau Hospital, he doesn’t expect seniority perks like weekends off or preferred shifts. As a doctor who has taken the Hippocratic Oath, he said he’s aware of the region’s crisis and will do anything he needs to do to help.
“I still do weekends. I still do holidays. I worked all of New Year’s week, evening shifts,” Bonneville told the Low Down. He said that during the budgeting exercise, CISSSO realized that it was overstaffing day shifts and more staffers will now be moved out of their “cozy day shift” and into an evening or night shift. While it may not be ideal for some, he said it’s the reality of the current landscape.
“I mean, if I am still doing it, I think everybody needs to contribute,” he said. “And you know, it’s nice to have a cozy job where you’re working day shifts, but that’s not the reality of healthcare.”
CISSSO CEO Marc Bilodeau did not respond to the Low Down’s request for comment by press time nor did the region’s MNA, Robert Bussière.
The latest Deux-Montagnes municipal council meeting was a relatively uneventful session, marked by swift approvals of agenda items and an absence of formal citizen questions during the designated question period. However, the discussion briefly stalled due to concerns over tax increases related to the REM project and an unexpected modification to the agenda.
Tax Increases Due to REM Project
Mayor Denis Martin opened the meeting by addressing the financial burden imposed on Deux-Montagnes due to the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) project. He noted that the city has been hit particularly hard by tax increases stemming from the project, a point of ongoing frustration for residents and city officials alike.
The Mayor stated that the council is in intense discussions to find a way to appease these increases.
Following this, the council moved swiftly through the agenda, approving financial aid distributions to various organizations, renewing partnerships, and greenlighting several urban planning and public works projects.
Uninterrupted Approvals Raise Questions
By the time the meeting reached halfway through the order of the day, every item had been approved without much discussion. A newcomer to the meeting voiced his concerns, questioning why decisions were being made so quickly without debate. As he continued speaking over the proceedings, Mayor Martin reminded him that there was a designated question period at the end of the session.
Shortly after, an unusual moment occurred when the mayor and the city clerk briefly left the room. Upon their return, they explained that an agenda item had been mistakenly omitted. The necessary modification was made and swiftly approved.
A Silent Question Period
When the meeting reached the question period, not a single citizen formally addressed the council. The only disruption came from a man named Miguel, who made frustrated comments from his seat. His words were difficult to understand, prompting Mayor Martin to assure him that they could discuss his concerns privately after the meeting.
Conclusion
With all agenda items approved and no formal citizen participation in the question period, the meeting wrapped up in an efficient, uneventful, manner. While the tax increases related to the REM project remain a pressing issue, the lack of public engagement suggests either growing frustration or resignation among residents. The next council meeting may reveal whether this trend continues or if citizens begin voicing their concerns more actively.
The council looks on as a local resident voices their frustration with the municipality. Photo by Dylan Adams Lemaçon
By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter
The March 10, 2025, Rosemère council meeting began with a positive note from Mayor Eric Westram, who announced the creation of a civility committee aimed at improving relations between the municipality and its citizens. “To promote harmonious city relations,” he stated, explaining that the committee would consist of both municipal representatives and civilians.
The mayor then took a moment to acknowledge city workers for their efforts during the massive February snowstorm that left Rosemère buried under 75 cm of snow. “Thank you and bravo to the public works team,” he said.
First Question Period: Concerns Over Transparency and Infrastructure
The first citizen to speak, Madame Louise Allard, requested that the mayor slow down his speech and reread a specific item on the agenda regarding an extension of a municipal deadline, stating that he often goes too fast and seems unclear. The mayor glady, slowly, rereads the point at hand.
Next, Madame Bernadette Gorrayer inquired about ongoing construction at highway exit 24, near her neighborhood. The mayor explained that the project falls under Blainville’s jurisdiction but acknowledged the concerns of Rosemère residents. He emphasized the need for better communication between the two municipalities, stating, “We are very aware of the inconveniences it may cause you, but to a certain point, we can’t control it because it is not in our city.”
Council Divided on Library Renovations
As the council moved through the agenda, most items were approved with little debate. However, tensions surfaced when discussions turned to a contract for renovations to the Rosemère library.
Councillor Marie-Elaine Pitre expressed concerns that the materials specified for the renovation were not the same as those that citizens have been required to use for their own construction projects for years. She argued that it was unfair for the city to impose certain standards on residents while not adhering to them for municipal projects. Because of this, she could not support the contract. She added that they had attempted to find ways to modify the contract, but no changes could be made.
The mayor disagreed, arguing that rejecting the contract could ultimately increase the financial burden on taxpayers. This disagreement further highlighted the ongoing divisions within the council.
Second Question Period: Citizen Frustration Boils Over
Daniel Robinson, a familiar face at council meetings, took the floor to question the justification for spending over a million dollars on the library. “You just said the library is beautiful and has won awards, so why are you spending over a million on its renovations?” he asked.
The mayor responded that the renovations were necessary for both the exterior and interior, including work on the roof. Robinson, visibly frustrated, accused the council of being dysfunctional, stating that nothing ever gets accomplished because they are constantly at odds with one another. He isn’t the first local to say so.
At one point, Robinson demanded that each council member state their position on the controversial golf land lawsuit. Only the mayor answered, confirming his support for the project. Madame Louise Allard, who had earlier been limited to one question, expressed frustration that Robinson was being allowed to ask multiple questions without restriction.
The discussion escalated when Robinson brought up the idea of a referendum, arguing that the council’s inability to work together was affecting governance. The council responded that a referendum would be a complex process, especially with an election already approaching.
Councillor Villeneuve’s Comments Add to the Tension
Councillor René Villeneuve made remarks earlier in the meeting about psychological abuse among council members. He had also stated that some members were prioritizing personal agendas over serving the public and that there was ongoing mistreatment within the council.
In his closing remarks, the mayor criticized Villeneuve’s comments, stating that such accusations should not be made public unless a formal complaint is filed. He argued that these statements create a negative perception of the council.
Councillor Pitre, who seemed to mostly disagree with the mayor throughout the night, actually spoke up and supported the mayor’s stance, stating, “I find it very disrespectful to mention comments like these,” emphasizing that all council members work with the intention of serving the citizens.
Villeneuve defended his remarks, clarifying that he had not targeted anyone specifically. “It’s been four years that we are in a toxic environment, and I am sick and tired of it. I needed to express myself without targeting anyone. If you feel targeted, I can’t control that,” he said.
The mayor pushed back against the notion that the council was toxic, stating that disagreement does not necessarily equate to dysfunction.
Final Thoughts
The meeting ended with unresolved tensions, both among council members and between the council and citizens. With ongoing disputes over major projects and governance issues, it remains clear that frustrations in Rosemère are reaching a boiling point.
Councilor Mary Deros talks in excitement to the room as she points out that Greek Independence day is this month Photo By Dylan Adams Lemaçon, NEWSFIRST
The Parc-Extension borough council came together on the evening of March 11, 2025, at the Mairie d’arrondissement de Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension for its monthly meeting. Chaired by Borough Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde and attended by councilors Mary Deros, Josué Corvil, Martine Musau Muele, and Sylvain Ouellet, the session tackled critical issues ranging from post-storm recovery to accelerated real estate projects and vibrant community celebrations.
Reflecting on Winter Challenges and Infrastructure Upgrades
Mayor Lavigne Lalonde opened the meeting by recounting the recent 76-centimeter snowstorm that had significantly impacted the borough. “I want to thank the employees of our districts… incredible work,” she remarked, commending the tireless efforts of municipal staff under extreme conditions. The mayor then shifted focus to a pivotal agenda item: leveraging law 31 to accelerate real estate projects. She announced that the council would soon adopt a motion to create new social and affordable housing in Saint-Michel, complemented by adjacent commercial real estate. “I’m very proud to say that a project like this will be developed in our municipality,” she declared.
In addition, Mayor Lavigne Lalonde mentioned the upcoming reinstatement of parking regulations from last year’s spring period to improve street cleaning since the snow has started to melt. She also introduced a motion to explore innovative methods for building and reinforcing basements in response to increasing flooding from heavy rains in recent years.
Celebrating Diversity and Cultural Milestones
Councilor Mary Deros brought a festive spirit to the meeting by highlighting recent international celebrations. Reflecting on community involvement, she stated, “I took part in several community activities celebrating women,it was wonderful!” Deros expressed her satisfaction with the progress made in women’s rights, adding, “Women’s rights have come a long way, so I’m happy about that.”
Emphasizing the rich cultural fabric of Parc-Extension, she also noted,”It’s Greece’s Independence Day on March 25,” and encouraged residents to “Wear blue to participate in this celebration!” The counselor pointed out that the yearly Greek Independence day parade will take place later this month on Jean Talon street. This will be the borough’s first outdoor event of the year. It is clear that this is a event that Mrs. Deros holds dear to her heart, her too being of Greek descent like so many of her fellow Parc-Extension residents.
Deros also reminded everyone that March 29 would mark the last day of Ramadan, followed by the celebration of International Zero Waste Day on March 30, underscoring the community’s commitment to both cultural diversity and environmental sustainability.
Public Concerns: Traffic, Trash, and Snow Removal
During the public question period, residents raised several concerns. Longtime attendee Mr. Fitzsimmons wondered whether the stop sign on his street could be enhanced with lights—a suggestion the mayor confirmed was already under review for several streets. Madame France Archambault expressed frustration over delays in snow removal on Rue Boyer, noting that her street had been neglected for weeks; councilors explained that smaller streets are lower priority compared to main thoroughfares.
Another resident, Alexandre Matte-Deschênes, voiced his concern about worsening trash management in Parc-Extension. “Do you guys have any idea why this is worsening and what can be done at a municipal or citizen level?” he asked. The mayor reassured the public that significant efforts have been undertaken over the past years, including adjustments in garbage pickup schedules and enhancements in composting programs. Councilor Mary Deros agreed, stating, “It’s been problematic for a very long time,” and added that the neighborhood’s continuous transition, marked by an influx of new residents, requires renewed community commitment. “Citizens must be conscious of this. It’s the responsibility of us all, not only the city or the owners of a building,” she emphasized.
Additional Issues and Council Decisions
Additional questions focused on snow removal in narrow alleys. Madame Olivia Barois noted that her alleyway between St. Hubert street and St. Andre street had not been serviced for nearly three weeks following the storm, sparking concerns among local residents. The mayor clarified that municipal snow removal does not cover alleys unless special conditions are met.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting progressed, councilors reviewed and approved the remaining agenda items, including a proposal to prevent past issues with prolonged street cleaning disruptions caused by equipment failures. It was also announced that Councillor Sylvain Ouellet will serve as the replacement mayor from March 12 to July 8, 2025.
Concluding the session, Mayor Lavigne Lalonde and her colleagues reaffirmed their commitment to addressing both immediate challenges and long-term improvements. The council’s proactive measures—ranging from housing and infrastructure projects to celebrating cultural milestones—reflect a dedicated effort to enhance the quality of life in Parc-Extension while engaging residents in the process.
William Crooks U.S. Senator Peter Welch and MP Marie-Claude Bibeau addressed business leaders at a roundtable discussion in Newport on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian trade
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Business leaders, government officials, and economic experts gathered at the U.S.-Canada border in Newport on Mar. 18 for a roundtable discussion on the economic and social impact of President Trump’s trade war and the sweeping tariffs imposed on Canada. The event, hosted by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), saw participation from a wide range of businesses from Vermont and Quebec, including representatives from Sherbrooke, highlighting the deep economic ties between the two regions.
Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, opened the discussion with strong remarks against the tariffs, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Canada relations. “I am absolutely horrified at these tariffs,” Welch stated. “I am appalled at what our president is saying about Canada in referencing to a 51st state. There’s no place for that. We are neighbours, we’re allies, we’re friends, and I want to keep it that way.”
Joining him was Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, who echoed the sentiment that these tariffs pose a serious threat to economic stability and sovereignty. “This is not the right thing to do, not for your economy and not for ours either,” Bibeau said. She noted that Canada was prepared to retaliate with counter-tariffs while emphasizing the need for cooperation. “We are not going to let ourselves be bullied,” she said firmly.
Economic fallout: Business owners speak out
Representatives from both sides of the border expressed frustration over the uncertainty and financial strain caused by the tariffs. Dave Laforce, owner of Built By Newportwhose company has long-standing partnerships with Canadian suppliers, explained how the trade war was directly affecting operations. “We have a culture in our business to form long-lasting relationships with both our vendors and our customers,” he said. “The yo-yo of every hour, things changing, has been brutal.”
Denis Larue, president of J.A. Larue Inc, a snowblower manufacturer from Quebec, outlined the tangled supply chain that exists between Canada and the U.S. “We buy engines and components from the U.S., bring them to Canada to assemble into our machines, and then export them back to the U.S.,” he explained. “If we have to pay tariffs at every stage, prices will skyrocket, hurting American consumers just as much.”
Jody Spearing from UTV International, a Montreal-based manufacturer, highlighted concerns over how tariffs could disrupt production. “We have aggressive plans to launch new products in the U.S.,” he said. “If tariffs stay in place, we might have to reconsider those investments.”
Sherbrooke’s economic worries
Stephen Cabana, Deputy Director of Sherbrooke’s Economic Development Service, provided insight into the city’s broader concerns in a brief interview after the event. “In terms of manufacturing, regarding steel and aluminum, it is impacting approximately 75 to 80 different companies that are directly exporting those products to the United States,” he stated. “These companies employ about 3,800 people. If we expand the scope to all affected businesses in Sherbrooke, that number rises to 125 companies and 6,800 employees.”
Cabana pointed out that the long-term effects are difficult to predict, particularly for those businesses that supply materials to these exporters. “We don’t yet have data on the full ripple effect,” he said. “But we know it’s significant.”
William Crooks Participants from Vermont and Quebec gathered at the U.S.-Canada border in Newport to discuss economic concerns and trade relations amid ongoing tariff disputes
A growing divide
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the trade war beyond economics. Bibeau spoke candidly about how these tariffs were affecting Canadian sentiment toward the U.S. “We’ve never seen Canadians so united,” she said. “People are actively avoiding buying American-made products. It’s heartbreaking because we’ve always seen ourselves as close partners.”
Welch acknowledged the growing tensions and expressed concerns about long-term damage to U.S.-Canada relations. “We are making your hard job harder for no benefit,” he told the gathered business leaders. “The tariffs are causing nothing but disruption, and we need to push back.”
During a media scrum following the event, both Welch and Bibeau reiterated their commitment to fighting against the tariffs. “My goal is to get the word out about how extraordinarily challenging these tariffs are to our economic relationships and our cultural relationships,” Welch said. “This is getting worse, not better.”
Bibeau added that Canada was prepared to take firm action if necessary but remained hopeful that dialogue would prevail. “We will do what we have to do,” she said. “But we also know that it is the American people who can convince President Trump that this is a bad idea.”
Looking forward
As businesses on both sides of the border brace for continued economic instability, there was a clear call for unity and advocacy. Several Vermont business owners expressed frustration with the unpredictability of trade policy under the Trump administration. “You can’t run a business when the rules keep changing,” one participant said.
Cabana emphasized the importance of long-term strategies to mitigate the damage. “We’re working on mid- and long-term public policies to help affected businesses,” he said. “But the reality is, we need structural changes, and that won’t happen overnight.”
Despite the challenges, both Welch and Bibeau expressed optimism that economic cooperation would ultimately prevail. “We will be back,” Bibeau assured. “Our economies are too integrated for this to last forever. But in the meantime, we need to stand firm.”
The roundtable served as a stark reminder of the deeply intertwined nature of the U.S.-Canada relationship. While businesses struggle with the immediate fallout, leaders on both sides pledged to keep fighting against policies that threaten economic stability and cross-border unity. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether these voices can bring about change or if the trade war will continue to escalate.
William Crooks Ayer’s Cliff Library Director France Beaudin, Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, Director Marian Scott, and Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Simon Roy at the announcement of federal funding for accessibility upgrades at the library
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Ayer’s Cliff Library will soon be more accessible thanks to a federal investment of $115,514 announced on March 17 by Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau. The funding, provided through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, will go towards installing a lifting platform to improve access for people with reduced mobility, seniors, and parents with strollers.
Bibeau made the announcement during a small gathering at the library, highlighting the importance of accessible community spaces. “Libraries are a gateway to culture, and even more so in smaller towns,” she said. “It’s great to have an accessible library—it helps with access to information, literacy, and learning, and it serves as a community gathering place.”
Currently, accessing the library can be difficult for some visitors due to mobility barriers. The new platform will be installed outside the building, making entry easier and safer. “Building a more inclusive Canada requires a lot of work, but it’s important work that must be done,” Bibeau stated. “This addition, supported by the Accessibility Fund, will allow more people to take advantage of the library and its cultural activities.”
Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Simon Roy also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude for the federal support. “The town has always had a very good relationship with the federal government,” he said. “Whenever we’ve needed something, your team has been there.” Roy emphasized that the library is not just a building filled with books but a space sustained largely by volunteers. “For ten months of the year, it’s run entirely by volunteers,” he noted, highlighting their dedication to keeping the facility operational.
The library’s central location in the community makes accessibility improvements even more significant. “For small towns, it’s important to have a centre where multiple services are available,” Roy said. “People come here not just for books, but also as part of their daily routine—stopping by after visiting the post office or the grocery store.”
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal program that supports construction projects aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and inclusion for people with disabilities. It funds essential infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, automatic doors, and accessible washrooms, ensuring that public spaces are available to all.
Local officials and library representatives welcomed the funding, noting that the timing of the project is ideal. “This really comes at the right moment,” one library representative said. “It will make a big difference for many people in the community.”
Bibeau credited the town’s initiative in securing the funding. “I always say, I can run with the ball, but the local team has to make the pass,” she said. “Thank you for working hard to make this happen.”
With funding now secured, work on the lifting platform is expected to begin soon, ensuring that the Ayer’s Cliff Library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all residents.
Irish flag flies over City Hall for St. Patrick’s Day
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
The green, white and orange flag of Ireland was raised at City Hall on March 17, the feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. For the occasion, the mayor, city councillors, consuls of Ireland and Spain, members of the organizing committee of the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec (DSPQ) and two Irish wolfhounds were present.
“This flag on this mast is a decisive beacon so that people understand that we are wel- come here in Quebec City,” said the grand marshal of the 2025 DSPQ, Bruce Kirkwood. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”
“Heritage, history and the Irish community are very im- portant for Quebecers,” said Mayor Bruno Marchand. “It is important to renew and celebrate it annually and to repeat it again and again. We can talk about St. Patrick’s High School, Saint Brigid’s Home, the Celtic Cross, the Irish culture, Irish food, the pubs, the music, the festivities, et cetera. Quebec was and will continue to be influenced by the green, by what made us.”
The Irish community has been an integral part of Quebec City’s social fabric since the early 19th century. Countless St. Patrick’s High School alumni have left their mark on Quebec City, Quebec and Canada. Irish Quebecers celebrate their rich heritage and complex history loudly on the days leading to and following St. Patrick’s Day.
Among the numerous 2025 festivities in Quebec City, from March 15 to 22, is the DSPQ on March 22. The parade leaves St. Patrick’s High School at 2 p.m. Participants will march up Avenue Cartier and along Grande Allée and Rue Saint- Louis up to the Château Frontenac, where they will turn on Rue du Fort and Rue de Buade, ending at Place de l’Hôtel- de-Ville. Before and after the parade, families can search for the leprechauns who play tricks throughout the Old City.
Local historian Steven Cam- eron and his guests will give a talk at McMahon Hall on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. about Irish history in Quebec City. Celtic bands from near and far will perform throughout
the week, including Rosheen on March 20 at the Théâtre du Petit Champlain; the Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department at the Blaxton on Avenue Cartier on March 21; the Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums at Le Trèfle on 3e Avenue the same evening; and Irish Moutarde at Grizzly Fuzz on March 22.
Possible mayoral candidate Hamad slams cost of tramway
Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
peterblack@qctonline.com
He’s not yet officially in the race for mayor of Quebec City, but former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister Sam Hamad appears to be staking his campaign on killing the tramway project.
Hamad’s concerns about the cost and nature of the mega-project are well known. In August, as reports surfaced of his interest in a bid for mayor, Hamad told the QCT, “There is a lot of missing data, so I can’t judge it. How much is it going to cost citizens? Nobody knows that.”
Now, in a Radio-Canada report, Hamad has declared himself ready to fight for an alternative. He said, “We have completely lost control of this project. I will propose a vision of mobility that respects the ability of Quebec citizens to pay.”
As of last week, Hamad has yet to set a date for the anticipated launch of his campaign.
His stance against the tramway, however, may have cost him a potential candidate. Isabelle Roy, the councillor for Québec d’abord in the Robert-Giffard district, had been booted from the party caucus by leader Claude Villeneuve for having had discussions with Hamad about possibly running for a party he would form.
Roy, who now sits as an independent, had told the QCT she is keeping her options open regarding the next election, and not ruling out running on a Hamad ticket.
In the wake of Hamad taking a public stand against the tramway, though, Roy may avoid hopping on board his possible campaign. In a message to the QCT, Roy said, “Quebec [City] needs a structuring transport network. It needs to be done! For four years, we’ve been going around in circles, and the project isn’t moving forward. We need to get a project off the ground!”
A “structuring transport network” is assumed to mean a system of light rail cars running on tracks.
Another former Québec d’abord councillor, now sit- ting as an independent, is taking more of a wait-and-see stance regarding Hamad and the tramway. Louis Martin, who represents the Cap-Rouge–Laurentien district, told the QCT in a message, “I haven’t seen any official statements from Mr. Hamad on the tramway, so I can’t comment on that.” Martin is a first-term councillor, having won the seat vacated by Marie-Josée Savard, former mayor Régis Labeaume’s hand- picked successor for mayor leading the party he created. Savard, who chose not to have a running mate in her district, lost the 2021 mayoral race by a slim margin to current mayor Bruno Marchand, head of Québec Forte et Fière.
Martin left Québec d’abord last week following what he told the media were “decisions and directions taken by Québec d’abord in recent months, with which I was less comfortable. Preparations for the election campaign are progressing. I found it more elegant to withdraw before all the decisions, platforms and directions were made.”
With the departure of Martin and Roy, Québec d’abord is left with five councillors, including leader and mayoral candidate Claude Villeneuve. In the 2021 election, Savard’s team won 10 of the 21 council seats. Since then, three councillors defected to the governing QFF caucus.
Hamad approached Roy and Martin directly about running for his party should he decide to run for mayor. In a telephone interview with the QCT, Roy said she met with Hamad for a cof- fee at his invitation. She said, although she does not know how, Hamad had heard she was having misgivings about Québec d’abord.
“I was drifting apart” from the party, she said. “I was considering many things. I love my colleagues and I respect them. It has nothing to do with them.”
Roy said, “I’m very, very comfortable being an independent right now.”
Of Québec d’abord’s four remaining councillors, only Alicia Despins (Vanier-Duberger) has officially declared she is run- ning again for the party. As of this writing, Anne Corriveau, Véronique Dallaire and Patricia Boudreault-Bruyère had not stated their intention to seek another term.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney and the 23 ministers of his Cabinet were sworn in at Rideau Hall on March 14, several faces and portfolios were noticeably absent. Former public services and procurement minister and MP for Québec Jean-Yves Duclos and former fisheries minister and Gaspésie–Îles- de-la-Madeleine MP Diane LeBouthiller, both of whom had served continuously in outgoing prime minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet since 2015, were not part of Carney’s cabinet; of the seven Quebecers in Carney’s cabinet, none was from a riding east of Montreal. The official languages; seniors; women, gender equality and youth; labour and regional economic development port- folios were among those that went unfilled or were consolidated into other ministries.
In a brief address to reporters, Carney said his slimmed- down cabinet would “focus on the essentials and focus on action to [address] challenges which we face … changing the way we work so we can deliver better results faster.” He said the “smaller but more experienced team” of ministers was “made to meet the moment we were in.”
Opposition leaders were quick to spotlight what they saw as omissions in Carney’s cabinet. Conservative Lead- er Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet criticized the lack of eastern Quebec representation, presenting it as an indication of lack of respect for francophones. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, for his part, said the lack of ministers for women and gender equality, youth and labour sent the message that issues important for women, minorities and workers “didn’t matter” to the Carney government. “His plan is to ignore the plight of working people … to cut services and cut workers, which is not the right plan for Canadians,” he said.
Louis-Hébert Liberal MP Joël Lightbound, who was named parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety and emergency preparedness before a public disagreement with Trudeau over COVID policy in 2022 cost him his Cabinet seat, said he understood Carney’s desire for a smaller Cabinet.
“I understand the desire for Mr. Carney to have a very lean cabinet focused on the challenges that we’re facing and have a clear and sharp focus on how we build resilience,” Lightbound told the QCT. “This a special circumstance given that we are heading into an election, probably in the next few days.
“I’m very honoured to have worked with Mr. [Jean-Yves] Duclos. I’m proud of the work he has done over the years and I’m not worried about the weight of Quebec City in the Carney government,” said Lightbound. “The two of us, the two Liberal MPs [in the region] for the last 10 years, we have done a lot more than Conservative ministers in the region have done in the previous decade, and certainly more than the Bloc have done.” Lightbound highlighted the federal government’s preservation of the Quebec Bridge and the inclusion of the Davie Shipyard in Lévis in the long-term naval strategy as achievements he was particularly proud of.
Both Duclos, who could not immediately be reached for comment, and Lightbound have announced their intention to run again in the upcoming election, widely expected to take place this spring.
“We want to make sure that the government is there to finance the TramCité project [and] to fund research at Université Laval in my riding,” Lightbound said. “Top of mind for me will be to make sure we are smart in the way we address tariffs, so Quebec entrepreneurs and jobs are protected.”
Lightbound said he was “really looking forward” to working with Carney and his appointees. “He is the right person at the right time for this extraordinary junction in our country’s history,” he concluded.
Few party candidates nominated in city as federal election looms
Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
peterblack@qctonline.com
With a federal election call expected sometime soon, only the Bloc Québécois has candidates nominated in all seven ridings in the Quebec City region.
The Bloc, with leader Yves- François Blanchet in attendance, introduced its slate at a news conference in the city on March 13.
In addition to its two incumbent MPs – Caroline Desbiens in Montmorency-Charlevoix and Julie Vignola in Beauport- Limoilou – the Bloc has nominated Simon Bérubé in the riding of Québec-Centre (formerly Québec), Christian Hébert in Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier, Valérie Savard in Louis-Hébert, Bladimir Labonite Infante in Charlesbourg–Haute-Sainte-Charles, and Martin Trudel in Louis-Saint-Laurent–Akiawenhrahk.
That latter riding is one of several in the country whose name has been changed to reflect Indigenous heritage.
Conservatives hold three seats in the region, and all three incumbent MPs are nominated to run again: Pierre Paul-Hus, the Quebec lieutenant of leader Pierre Poilievre, in Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint- Charles; Gérard Deltell in Louis-Saint-Laurent–Akiawenhrahk; and Joël Godin in Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier.
According to the party website, no other candidates have been nominated. Paul-Hus’s office had not returned a call by press time.
The Liberals are only slightly more advanced in finding and nominating candidates. The two incumbents are running again: Jean-Yves Duclos, recently excluded from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s slimmed-down cabinet, in Québec-Centre; and Joël Lightbound in Louis-Hébert.
The only other nominated candidate for the Liberals as of late last week was Denise Coulonval in Beauport-Limoilou. The seat has seen close three- way races between the Bloc, Conservatives and Liberals over the past three elections (2015, 2029, 2021).
A Liberal party official who asked to remain anonymous said there has been an increased interest in Quebec from potential candidates now that Mark Carney is leader and prime minister.
The New Democratic Party, which swept most ridings in the city in the “Orange Wave” of 2011, has nominated two candidates so far, both repeat candidates. Former Beauport- Limoilou MP Raymond Coté is making his second attempt since the 2015 election to recapture the riding. Tommy Bureau is running for a third time in Québec-Centre, after coming fourth in 2021 and 2019. The NDP won the seat in the 2011 election, ending the Bloc’s Christiane Gagnon’s 18-year hold on the downtown riding.
Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada has no seats in Parliament, but it has can- didates nominated in five of the seven ridings in the region. The Green Party, which has yet to elect a candidate in Quebec, has so far nominated candidates in three area ridings.
On the South Shore, Conservative incumbent Jacques Gourde and Liberal challenger Ghislain Daigle are nominated in Lévis-Lotbinière. In Bellechasse–Les-Etchemins–Lévis, Conservative MP Dominique Vien is nominated, as is Marie-Philippe Gagnon- Gauthier for the NDP.
Christmas Hamper Campaign in final push to meet 2024 goal
Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
editor@qctonline.com
More than two months after delivering its last hamper, the 2024 Quebec Community Christmas Hamper Campaign is still striving to reach its $50,000 fundraising goal. As of March 11, the campaign had raised $45,157.
“We are not too far off, but expenses are a bit more significant than in the past, so even with $50,000, we are a little bit in the hole,” campaign spokesperson Brigitte Wellens told the QCT. Wellens, who has been involved with the annual fundraiser for about a decade, said 2024 was “one of the first years” that the $50,000 goal hadn’t been reached by the end of the campaign, although organizers were still waiting for numbers from the last few fundraising events.
In previous years, she said, “We’ve always reached the goal with donations that have trickled in over the holidays.”
Wellens said the rising cost of living and the postal strike which kept people from mail- ing in donations through much of November and December might have had an impact on donors’ giving habits. Demand for food aid has also risen – more than 280 households received a Christmas hamper in 2024, a 12 per cent increase from the previous year.
What Wellens has witnessed echoes current trends – over the past decade, according to Canada Helps, the number of Canadians making charitable donations has gone down continually, while the number of people relying on the services of Canadian nonprofits has continued to rise. “With the current financial situation across the country, with everything costing more – food, rent, interest rates – it was kind of like a perfect storm,” Wellens said. “Things have not stabilized and people have been hurting financially a bit more than they have in the past. It’s a sad reality.”
She added that the number of people who donated to this past year’s campaign is about the same as in previous years. “Maybe potentially, some people had to give a little less because costs were rising. Those who were able to give more did give more, and others gave what they were able.” She said the difficulty the hamper campaign faced in meeting its goal was “maybe a wakeup call that our community isn’t doing so well” financially.
The CCHC is not the only lo- cal nonprofit which has struggled to raise funds amid the rising cost of living. “We had an objective to raise $100,000 with our [year-end] campaign, but we aren’t reaching it,” said Karina Painchaud of the SPA de Québec, which relies heavily on donations to care for more than 7,000 stray animals in the city every year. “It’s hard to say without a doubt why we didn’t reach our goal – the postal strike has hurt us, and the other thing is the amount of money in people’s pockets. The cost of living has gone up, the cost of food has gone up, and there’s a limit to what people can pay.”
Neither Painchaud nor Wellens intends to let fundraising struggles impact the support given to those who need it. “If the annual campaign doesn’t work, we’re going to have to think of something else,” Painchaud said.
“No one who has asked for a hamper has ever been told they couldn’t receive one, and that is going to remain our goal going forward,” Wellens said. “Things are not getting less expensive, but that doesn’t mean we’ll start turning people away. We’re going to have to strategize.”
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
As the English-speaking community anxiously awaits the opening of the new consolidated English high school resulting from the merger of Quebec High School (QHS) and St. Patrick’s High School, residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods are exploring plans for the future of these buildings. On March 12, the Montcalm Community Hub (MCH) held its first annual general meeting at QHS to inform the public about its mission and projects, as well as the current situation surrounding this specific property.
After seeing many culturally and historically significant buildings abandoned and demolished in favour of more modern urban projects, residents of Montcalm, Saint- Sacrement, Saint-Sauveur and Sillery who spoke at the event do not want this fate to befall the QHS building. With that in mind, in 2024, five people created the MCH. Their mission, according to their website, “is to protect and enhance an essential community space. It is committed to supporting the transition of the QHS building and its green space into a sustainable community-use area.”
The cofounders “are calling on the community and all three levels of government to preserve this unique space in the face of real estate development projects. This place is not just a plot of land; it represents a gathering space, a hub for recreation and valuable con- nection between generations.”
Before any plans can be discussed, there is much to consider. This plot and its building are currently zoned institutional, meaning that the QHS lot can only be used for schools, hospitals, fire stations, libraries or government buildings. The zoning will have to be modified for any other use.
The MCH is inspired by similar successful projects, like the city’s Plan particulier d’urbanisme (PPU) for the Pôle urbain Belvédère. According to the city website, this plan favours harmonious development, respects the local population and fulfills the city’s overall objectives.
Star lawyer Olga Farman is new Port of Quebec boss
Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
peterblack@qctonline.com
Once touted by former mayor Régis Labeaume as a worthy potential successor, lawyer Olga Farman now heads another major city institution, the Port of Quebec.
Farman, 46, replaced Mario Girard as CEO of the Port as of Feb. 1. Girard, who has held the position for the past 14 years, has accepted the post of Quebec delegate general in Tokyo.
The Port board announced Farman’s appointment on Jan. 22. Until last fall the managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright, one of Canada’s largest law firms, Farman is no stranger to Port operations. She has been a member of the Port board since 2020 and chaired the board since June. Farman, who was not yet giving interviews about her new role as of this writing, said in a news release, “My involvement with the Port of Québec’s board of directors has given me a closer look at the fascinating world of Québec as a local and international port city.
“It also allowed me to better understand the unique issues of vital cohabitation among the various stakeholders within the social, economic and community fabric of the greater Quebec City region. I am very grateful for the opportunity to devote myself to it full-time.”
Farman’s decision to accept an administrative position, although an important one, would seem like a detour to those who saw her destined for elected office. She has admitted to having been courted by various political organizations but has so far resisted.
In 2020, Labeaume, then pondering his exit as mayor, had named Farman as having “everything it takes to be mayor of Quebec.”
Her list of corporate and community involvements is staggering, especially for some- one who headed up a sprawling law firm with offices around the world. Beside sitting on the Port board, Farman is at the governance table of the Beneva insurance and finance giant, the Caisse de dépôt et place- ment du Québec, the Musée de la Civilisation, Festival d’été de Québec and Centraide, among many others.
She has received a heap of awards, according to her resumé. She was named Avocate émérite by the Quebec Bar in 2021 and one of Lexpert’s Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers in Canada in 2010. In 2011, she was named one of the 20 Young Women in Power by Canadian Business magazine, and one of the leading US/Canada cross-border corporate lawyers in Canada by Lexpert.
Farman is the daughter of immigrants from Iran who in the 1970s settled in Rivière-du- Loup, where her father taught literature at the local CEGEP. She obtained a law degree and masters of business administration from Université Laval.
In announcing her appointment, François Amyot, chair of the Port’s governance committee, said, “Olga has demonstrated beyond any doubt her ability to mobilize teams, develop talent, manage innovation and implement concrete solutions to ensure the sustainable growth of organizations.”
The Quebec Port Authority, one of seven port bodies in Quebec and 10 elsewhere in Canada, is a non-profit organization operated at arm’s length from the federal government.
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
Teenagers’ minds are full of wonder. Even though they might appear to be lazing around, their minds are active, creative and inventive, as demonstrated in the latest exhibit at the Musée de la Civilisation (MCQ), Teens: Creative Minds. Within the 170 square metres, 11 Canadian teens and their creations are showcased to educate and inspire future inventors.
The source of this exhibit sprouted from one of Quebec’s most innovative and renowned inventors, Joseph-Armand Bombardier, who, at the age of 15 in 1922, built the prototype of what would become the snowmobile. “We wondered how adolescence is creative. [Looking at Bombardier], we wondered why he is so creative and what drove him to be so,” said Antoine Laprade, manager of exhibits at the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier (MIJAB) in Valcourt.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this invention, the MIJAB created this exhibit in collaboration with the Université de Sherbrooke by researching other ingenious Canadian teens. Visitors will discover 11 young Canadian inventors and their inventions, from the airless baby bottles created by Jean Saint- Germain, then 16, in 1953, to the QualyL, the robotic heart adaptable to patients’ efforts devised by Jonathan Lévesque, then 17, in 2018, to other innovations such as self-heating ski poles. The MCQ even invites visitors to test some of these inventions. The exhibit also takes a closer look at how teenagers’ brains work. At the heart of Teens: Creative Minds stands a giant structure representing the shape of the brain. Stepping into it, visitors will discover the parts of this vital organ and learn how it keeps developing right through adolescence up to around age 25, despite reaching its full size by the time a child turns six.
“By presenting this exhibition, we wanted to reach and engage an audience that is dear to us: teenagers,” said MCQ general director Julie Lemieux. “We wanted to offer a space where their dynamism and ideas take on their full dimension. It also allows us to discover unsuspected inventions, purely from our region, to which we had not previously paid attention.”Until Sept. 1, the MCQ invites the public to discover and even test these inventions.
William Crooks Jonathan Tétreault, president of the Syndicat du personnel administratif du CIUSSS de l’Estrie — CHUS (SPACEC-CSN); Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE); Danny Roulx, national representative for the Estrie region of the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS); Christine Labrie, MNA for Sherbrooke; Philippe Lambert, healthcare worker and petition initiator; and Alexandre Dumont, president of SCFP Local 4475
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Health sector unions and Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie gathered on Mar. 17 to denounce the $1.5 billion in budget cuts imposed by Santé Québec, warning of their impact on public healthcare services in the region and across the province.
Speaking in front of the CSLC Belvédère, Labrie called the cuts “irresponsible” given current pressures on the healthcare system. “Many people already struggle to access a doctor or healthcare professional, and wait times are only increasing. It is unacceptable to force CISSS and CIUSSS facilities to make these kinds of reductions,” she said. She urged the provincial government to delay balancing the budget in order to protect both the public and healthcare workers.
Petition to be presented at National Assembly
A petition calling for a reversal of the cuts, spearheaded by healthcare worker Philippe Lambert, is set to be tabled at the National Assembly this week. “I launched this petition because patients should be the priority,” Lambert said. “These budget cuts make it harder for people to get care, and the strain on healthcare workers is unbearable.”
Unions representing nurses, administrative staff, and other health professionals voiced unanimous opposition to the cuts, arguing that they increase reliance on private healthcare providers while weakening the public system.
Criticism of privatization and staffing reductions
Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE), dismissed claims that privatization would help reduce costs and wait times. “That is a myth,” she said. “Instead of investing in the public system, the government is funnelling resources into the private sector. But private clinics pull healthcare workers away from hospitals, worsening staff shortages and increasing delays.”
The unions say the cuts have already led to hiring freezes, unfilled shifts, and the closure of some healthcare services. Jonathan Tétreault, president of the Syndicat du personnel administratif du CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS (SPACEC-CSN), said that administrative staff shortages are forcing nurses and doctors to take on extra paperwork. “Healthcare workers are already overstretched, and now they’re doing administrative tasks instead of patient care. The result? Even longer wait times and lower quality of care,” he said.
The staffing crunch extends beyond administrative roles. Alexandre Dumont, president of the SCFP 4475, pointed to widespread job cuts and hiring restrictions. “The network is fragile, and these reductions hurt everyone. When hospitals don’t have enough staff or equipment, patients suffer,” he said. “We are constantly forced to mobilize to get the government to listen. We need public support.”
Budget reductions delay essential equipment
Danny Roulx, the regional representative for the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), criticized the delays in acquiring essential medical and ergonomic equipment. “Santé Québec is saving money in ways that endanger workers and patients,” he said. “Delaying the purchase of necessary equipment only increases the risk of workplace injuries and worsens conditions for patients.”
Roulx called for a “budget shield” to prevent further cuts and ensure sustainable investment in public healthcare. “Quebec has long prided itself on strong public services, but that system is eroding,” he said. “We need to stop the cycle of cuts before the damage is irreversible.”
A call for government action
The unions and Labrie called on the provincial government to reverse course and reinvest in the public system. Their demands include ensuring adequate staffing across all job categories, prioritizing frontline healthcare workers, and securing necessary equipment and resources.
Labrie reiterated her plea for the government to reconsider its budgetary approach. “Healthcare cannot be an accounting exercise,” she said. “Real people are affected when services are cut. The government must listen to the workers who keep the system running and the patients who depend on it.”
With the provincial budget set to be tabled this week, healthcare workers and unions are bracing for further funding decisions that could shape the future of Quebec’s healthcare system.
The six funeral homes in the Salons Funéraires Desourdy network, in Cowansville, Farnham, Henryville, Knowlton, Mansonville and Sutton, have been sold to the Coopérative funéraire de Saint-Hyacinthe, a representative for the co-op confirmed last week.
Gilles Cardinal, president of the Coopérative funéraire de Saint-Hyacinthe (CFSH), said discussions had been ongoing for nearly two years between the Fédération des coopératives funéraires du Québec (FCFQ), of which the CFSH is a member, and the private funeral home chain, which has been established in the area for nearly a century. He did not disclose the amount the chain was sold for.
The previous owner, Jean-Pierre Desourdy, was unavailable to comment before press time. Cardinal said Desourdy was “a great worker, who didn’t have any [potential successors] in his immediate family. He had not put [the company] on the market, but through contacts, we learned that he wanted to slow down, and we said if there is interest, maybe we can start talking. The first documents were signed between the FCFQ and Desourdy; after that commitment, the FCFQ asked around to see which of its members might be interested [in taking over the company], and we showed our interest.”
Before the sale, the co-op ran a single funeral home in Saint-Hyacinthe. “The company [Salons Funéraires Desourdy] was very well maintained, had a very good reputation, and had all kinds of equipment that we haven’t got in Saint-Hyacinthe – the embalming service, the crematorium, the fleet of vehicles for funeral processions – as well as a team of quality people,” said Cardinal. “We subcontracted [embalming and crematory] services before, and now we’ll be able to offer them in-house. [Desourdy] has some very dedicated employees, and we have some things we can learn from them.” Cardinal said the co-op planned to keep existing staff at the six funeral homes – including Jean-Pierre Desourdy – on staff.
He emphasized that the co-op was “the property of Quebecers that will stay in Quebec,” adding that “we made this acquisition with a lot of pride.”
Cardinal said the sale would not change much for families making funeral arrangements via one of the six Desourdy homes. The homes will be incorporated into the co-op, which functions a bit like a credit union, with members able to join the board and vote on some governance decisions, and a small slice of the profits returned to the membership. “They will be able to become members of the co-op if they choose, which comes with some economic advantages. They will continue to have the same services they had at Desourdy, [such as] advance funeral arrangements … in Saint-Hyacinthe, it will allow us to add a lot of services.” Services in English will still be available where there is demand. “In places like Knowlton, Sutton and Cowansville, where there are a lot of anglophones, we will make sure there are people who can serve those families.”
Twenty hectares of mostly forested land in Brome Lake and Sutton will be preserved in perpetuity thanks to donations by two local landowners to the Mont Echo Conservation Association (MECA), a member of Appalachian Corridor.
The generosity of the two anonymous donors “ensures the perpetual protection of nearly 20 hectares of additional natural environments of high ecological value in the sector,” Appalachian Corridor communications co-ordinator Frédérique Vuillermoz said in a statement last week.
The larger of the two donations is an 11.4-hectare swath of land in Sutton, southeast of Chemin Parmenter, close to Mount Echo, adjacent to an existing protected area. It “makes a remarkable contribution to expanding the ecological corridor of the Réserve naturelle des Montagnes Vertes,” the statement said. The smaller of the two is an 8.5-hectare forested property close to the centre of the town of Brome Lake; during a ceremony held last August, it received the name Kpiwi Pmossa, which means “wood walkers” in Abenaki, in honour of the Indigenous people who once hunted and fished there. Both properties “have some [plant and animal] habitats we want to protect,” Caroline Bisson, co-director general for community relations at Appalachian Corridor, told the BCN.
“These two donations were given to a local organization, MECA, and they were interesting because they were very diverse habitats with a lot of ecological value,” Bisson said. “The Sutton one is a [key] habitat in our conservation strategy, and the one in Brome Lake has a stream and some bird habitats we want to expect.”
Bisson said she wasn’t familiar with the details of the discussions that had been ongoing with the two property owners, but that generally, discussions with donors can go on for months or years. “The particularities [of donations] are always discussed with the owner. We meet the owner, we do evaluations and the owner has to consider their options.”
Christian Godin is the treasurer of MECA, a volunteer-run conservation organization based in Brome which is a member of Appalachian Corridor. He said the donation of the Brome Lake property in particular has been “long in the making.”
“The owners keep on adding access to the property and they are sort of the guardians, but MECA will become the long term fiduciary for monitoring that the land remains a forest and keeps its integrity,” he said.
Donors who make a gift of land to Appalachian Corridor or a similar organization benefit from certain tax advantages. Although land donations do come with transaction and evaluation fees, Appalachian Corridor covers those fees through donations.
Appalachian Corridor intends to leave nature to its own devices on the two properties. “We do develop hiking trails on some of our larger properties, but…these are relatively small. They will be registered as protected areas and evaluated each year. Our goal is to let nature do what nature does,” said Bisson.
“We want to emphasize the contribution of these two ladies, who have so much heart, and who gave their land. Natural heritage is very important to them, and they want this land to remain a forest,” Bisson said.
She added that land donations are not the only way to support local conservation initiatives. “There are a lot of opportunities to contribute as a volunteer as a donor to help us maximize our efforts,” she said.
The town of Bromont has set aside $60,000 to fund projects proposed by residents as part of its first-ever participatory budget initiative.
Residents have until April 30 to submit proposals on the city website, via email or in person at the town hall. Proposals will be accepted in three categories: youth (projects submitted by Bromont residents under age 25 focused on improving youth quality of life), collective (submissions by residents or groups of residents 18 and older), and seniors (submitted by people of any age, aimed at boosting quality of life, mobility and access to services for local seniors). Proposals will be analyzed by a city-appointed committee between May 1 and 23; the winning projects will be announced in June, and realized over the course of 2025.
An eligible project “needs to meet the [submission] deadline, needs to be doable over the course of 2025 and within the budget,” Mayor Louis Villeneuve explained. Projects that involve building “fixed infrastructures” must be on public land. “We will also look at the number of citizens who might benefit, the project’s alignment [with] municipal policy and strategy, the capacity of the city to realize it, the impact of any recurrent expenses, and geographical equity within the city. The committee will review all of the projects with a point system, and the projects with the most points will win.”
Similar initiatives, where cities earmark a specific amount of money for citizen-driven projects, have been established in Montreal, Longueuil, Laval, Granby and several smaller towns over the past few years. The town of Sutton launched its first participatory budget in 2023 and funded a turtle crossing and a new dog park; last year, Cowansville got on the bandwagon and funded an outdoor education space in the Parc des Colibris, to be completed by the end of 2025.
According to a participation document provided by the city, the participatory budget initiative “A “is a unique opportunity for citizens to get involved in community life; develop community-led projects and contribute to [community] development; understand the challenges of city management; create spaces for interaction and strengthening of the social fabric; contribute to the creation of a fairer, more equitable and more responsive city [and] make democracy more vibrant and closer to citizens.”
“I’m very curious and impatient to see what kinds of projects people are going to come up with,” Villeneuve told the BCN. “It’s a democratic process, and the goal is to involve people in town life.” He said he hoped the initiative would allow residents, including children and young adults, to better understand municipal governance.
He added that amid difficult and uncertain economic times, “little things can do us good,” and the participatory budget and the projects that come out of it are one way to integrate “little things” that might ordinarily go under the radar.
“We’re hoping to get the most [submissions] possible, for people to look at this project and think, ‘It’s possible for me to submit something,’” said the mayor. “Our ambition is for Bromont residents to come and sit down with us at the drawing board [and] add a touch of ‘proudly made by and for Bromont residents.’”
Residents can submit projects via the online form at bromont.net/administration-municipale/budget-participatif; download the form on the city website and scan and email the completed form to imagine@bromont.com; or pick up a paper form at City Hall, the Lucien-Parent Community Centre or the Pauline-Quinlan Library. Paper forms must be returned to the City Hall reception desk by the April 30 deadline.
A local environmental group has good news about Cowansville’s drinking water. Last year, the Comité de sauvegarde du bassin versant du lac Davignon (CSBVLD; Lake Davignon watershed safeguarding committee) completed a two-year water quality sampling campaign covering multiple areas of the lake. The resulting report, which will be presented to the public at the CSBVLD annual general meeting on April 2, shows broadly encouraging results for the lake, which has provided drinking water and much-appreciated swimming and boating and outdoor recreation opportunities for Cowansville residents since soon after it was dug in 1965.
Sampling was carried out in 2022 and 2023 at 20 locations in and around the lake and along its tributary streams. The samples were collected by CSBVLD volunteers and analyzed by biologists and field technicians from the Organisme du bassin versant de la Yamaska (OBV-Yamaska; Yamaska watershed organization).
The 2022-2023 campaign is a follow-up to an initial sampling campaign conducted from 2010 to 2012. “Analyses of data collected in 2022 and 2023 show that the good overall water quality in the Lake Davignon watershed observed between 2010 and 2012 continued through 2023 and even improved for fecal coliforms. All stations demonstrated good water quality for phosphorus, fecal coliforms, ammonia nitrogen, pH and dissolved oxygen,” OBV-Yamaska analysts wrote in a summary of the report. The majority of the samples received an “A” (good quality for most uses, including swimming) rating for most contaminants, although there were a few isolated “B” (generally satisfying quality for most uses) ratings for nitrates and nitrites and suspended particles, and two “C” (suspect, may compromise some uses) ratings for chlorophyll.
The authors cautioned that continued surveillance was needed to monitor levels of chlorophyll, nitrates and nitrites, and suspended particles (sediment) in the water.
They also noted that three specific sites, at the Cowansville beach and the Ruisseau marsh, and in the stream between Brome and Cowansville, had lower overall water quality and had been singled out for further analysis. “Water quality improvement efforts should prioritize” these areas, according to the report’s authors. They also note that the water quality at sampling stations on the beach is “generally good,” even if it is lower than that observed at other stations.
The authors recommended that the town of Cowansville prioritize runoff reduction and “renaturalization” efforts in the targeted areas; continue to monitor targeted pollutants and continue to monitor fecal coliform and acidity (pH) levels at the beach specifically; start to plan a long-term response to the gradual filling in of the lake with sediment; and plan a similar sampling campaign in ten years.
“We are pleased to see that the majority of the analysis results show good water quality. This indicates that the improvement work carried out in the watershed (e.g., sediment traps that filter runoff and capture sediment) in recent years by the Brome-Missisquoi MRC and the municipalities concerned has borne fruit,” said Gérard Houle, vice-president of the CSBVLD and volunteer responsible for the sampling campaign.
“These results are good, and they show that what has been done over the past ten years [to control runoff] is working, but with climate change and extreme weather, there are a lot more downpours, and we need to think about what’s going down our gutters and into our streams to end up in our drinking water,” Jonathan B-Mailhot, president of the CSBVLD, told the BCN in an interview. “Having the data helps us go to officials and say, ‘This is what you need to do to protect our drinking water.’”
The City of Cowansville had not responded to a request for comment by press time.
Mailhot noted that the water sampling results aren’t the only encouraging trend in lake conservation. “Every year around Earth Day [mid-April], we go and clean the banks of the lake, and every time we go, there is less and less rubbish down there.” He asked residents and people who spend a lot of time around the lake to inform the CSBVLD if they notice anything unusual in or around the water.
Anyone who wants to attend the presentation of the water quality report on April 2 at the Salle Arthur-Fauteux of the MRC Brome-Missisquoi office is advised to reserve their seat in advance at lacdavignon.org/echantillonnage.
Canadians deserve to age with dignity. To support seniors in the Outaouais region, Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced, on behalf of Minister of Seniors Joanne Thompson, that the federal government has approved funding for 42 projects, totaling $6.5 million, under the community and pan-Canadian components of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and the Aging Well at Home initiative.
Minister MacKinnon was joined by Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, Pierre Guénard, Mayor of Chelsea, several MPs and city councillors, and representatives of organizations at this important announcement, which took place on Thursday, March 13, at the Buckingham Curling Club. “I am extremely proud to announce this government investment, right here in Gatineau, to support our seniors,” said Steven MacKinnon. “The investment announced today is concrete proof of what we can accomplish when we join forces to support our communities,” he added.
This investment will also strengthen our commitment to the most vulnerable seniors. “Today, we are taking a strong step toward their inclusion and well-being,” emphasized the Mayor of Gatineau.
Regarding the distribution of this investment, $5 million over five years will go to the City of Gatineau’s Collective Impact Initiative, selected as part of the 2023-2024 call for project proposals for the pan-Canadian component of the NHSP. “Thanks to this federal investment, we will be able to support 15 initiatives from east to west that will directly reach more than 7,000 beneficiaries,” explained Marquis-Bissonnette.
$800,000 will be used to fund 39 projects in the Outaouais region as part of the NHSP’s community component. “This component will fund a wide range of projects, such as online computer courses, financial education and fraud prevention awareness activities, meal delivery, and the purchase of equipment to help seniors stay informed, connected, and engaged in the community,” said Stéphane Lauzon, MNA for Argenteuil-La Petite Nation.
In addition, $700,000 has been allocated to fund two projects in Gatineau as part of the Home Support Pilot Project component of the Aging Well at Home initiative, to enable seniors to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. The Mayor of Gatineau highlighted the exemplary work of her colleague Jean Lessard, Chair of the Seniors Commission and City Councillor for the Rivière-Blanche district, as well as all the members. “Thanks to your commitment and determination, we are building a more inclusive team where our seniors find support, a listening ear, and opportunities to fully thrive,” she said.
From left to right: Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac; Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau; Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour; Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil-La Petite Nation, during the announcement of funding for seniors in Gatineau and the Outaouais region at the Buckingham Curling Club (March 13, 2025). MG Photo: Mélissa Gélinas
It took just over two hours for 25 firefighters from the Gatineau Fire Department to bring the flames under control on March 8 at a residence located at 1011 Klock Road in the Aylmer sector.
According to information gathered, a neighbour alerted authorities around 7:30 pm. Officers of the Gatineau Police Department (SPVG) responded immediately to the scene. According to Patrick Kenney, public relations officer for the SPVG, two people were evacuated and no one was injured.
“Since this is not a criminal incident, we will not be conducting any investigation,” said Kenney.
The damages totalled more than $265,740. However, thanks to the fire department’s rapid response, the garage and the parents’ apartment were spared significant damage.
Photo: Firefighters extinguishing a fire (October 6, 2024) (MG) Photo: City of Gatineau Facebook Page
When the 2025 budget was adopted on December 10, 2024, it was decided to extend the taxation of non-residential parking spaces to the entire territory of the city of Gatineau. However, approval of this new tax is far from unanimous among merchants.
More specifically, this measure targets large commercial parking areas, including registered vehicles, whether customers or employees. Small businesses, private and public transit companies, car dealerships, taxi companies and spaces related to the day-to-day activities of businesses (such as delivery and logistics) benefit from an exemption.
The objectives are to diversify revenues, reduce dependence on property taxes and reduce environmental impacts and mobility. The measure is expected to generate revenues of $27 million for the city. “What we want to tax are large parking spaces, because we know that by doing this, we will be able to redevelop the city within the city; be able to limit these large parking spaces in order to transform them, for example, into underground parking lots, or into housing that will help address the housing crisis,” emphasized Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
Given inflation, high interest rates and a lack of manpower, many businesses have seen their costs explode, and even more so since receiving their municipal tax bill. “We’re talking about a tax increase of up to 30%,” said Etienne Fredette, Executive Director of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce. “This new tax represents additional pressure for already weakened sectors. We’re talking about more than $27 million that is being absorbed by 40% of businesses.” He emphasized that it is essential to remember that businesses have been hit hard economically since the pandemic. “As for timing, it couldn’t have been worse!” he exclaimed. Furthermore, these businesses are mainly made up of grocery stores and pharmacies, which represent essential services. “Most grocery stores in our region are paying about $300,000 in additional taxes,” said Fredette. “The costs will therefore have to be passed on to customers. As a result, your bag of carrots could cost you more.”
In addition to raising prices for consumers, this new tax is likely to weaken businesses and reduce jobs. “This tax is definitely not going to solve the challenges of sustainable mobility,” he said. “We are therefore asking the city to review the way it applies it, if not abolish it.”
The CCG is currently collecting testimonies from merchants to learn about the tax increase they are facing and the impact it could have on their businesses. The information collected will allow the CCG to determine the real impact of this measure and better defend the interests of its members. In addition, the CCG invites merchants to come out in large numbers to the next municipal council meeting, scheduled for March 18, to question elected officials on this subject.
Photo: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, answers journalists’ questions during a press scrum regarding the adoption of the 2025 budget (December 10, 2024). (MG) Photo: Screenshot
Gatineau Police are getting a financial boost for their services to people in crisis. Hull MNA Suzanne Tremblay announced funding $732,700 to the Gatineau Police (SPVG) to consolidate its mixed practice projects aimed at meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues. The announcement was made on February 17 on behalf of the Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel.
“I am thrilled by this grant, which will allow the SPVG to create a police officer position and a civilian project coordinator position dedicated to homelessness and mental health issues,” said Simon Fournier, SPVG Police Chief.
This financial assistance was allocated to the SPVG through the new Program to Support Concerted Police Practices in Homelessness and Mental Health (PSPPC). In total, 22 police services in Quebec will share a sum of $9 million, including $5.5 million for municipal and Indigenous police services.
Since 2017, the Crisis Intervention Unit (UNIC) team has been working closely with the SPVG team. “So, we already have officers who work in partnership with social workers from the Outaouais Health and Social Services Centre (CISSSO),” said Fournier.
In this sense, the PSPPC will allow the UNIC team to maximize collaboration with its various partners who work in homelessness and mental health in the Gatineau territory, for a period of three years. “The goal is to support, accompany and develop intervention tools with local organizations, in order to improve service to citizens,” stated the police chief.
Lionel Carmant, Minister responsible for Social Services, added, “By supporting this program, we are making a concrete investment to improve care and social services trajectories, to reduce the judicialization of these people as well as the use of emergency services for psychosocial issues or mental health disorders.”
“Faced with increasingly pressing mental health and homelessness issues, this investment of $732,700 is a strong message from our government that confirms its commitment to supporting all members of our community and working toward better crisis management by guaranteeing the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens in Chapleau, Gatineau and Outaouais,” said Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau.
Photo: Left to right: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, Simon Fournier, Chief of the SPVG, Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull, and Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau, during the announcement of $732,700 in financial assistance to the Gatineau Police Department as part of the Support Program for Concerted Police Practices in Homelessness and Mental Health (February 17, 2025). (MG) Photo: Facebook page Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull
Students at Wakefield Elementary are on a mission to save the planet, and recently, they’ve scored a major win for the environment.
On Jan. 27, school principal Julie Greig shared some exciting news with members of The Green Project, a group of students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 who meet weekly to discuss ways to help the environment: The Green Project’s efforts to get one of the school’s outdoor lights turned off at night had been successful. The Low Down was on hand during the announcement and heard the loud roar of the students’ cheers as they heard the news.
The group’s campaign to get an outdoor light turned off at the school started last year after students were studying the growth of the micro-forest of young, indigenous treesthey had planted next to the building in 2019. Rosemary Millar-Bunch was a Grade 1 student at the time and took part in planting some of the trees with the rest of her class. A few years later, Rosie, as she’s known to her friends, became worried about those trees after she realized that a bright flood light was always shining directly on them at night, meaning that the trees never got to experience darkness. She had learned from her grandmother, Noelle Walsh, that trees need darkness at night the same way humans do: it helps regulate their growth cycles by allowing them to regenerate a key compound known as phytochrome. According to the Astronomical Society of Canada, without darkness, a tree can fail to thrive.
Rosie decided to do something about it. Last year, when she was in Grade 4, she wrote to her principal explaining her concern and requesting that the light be turned off at night. She was initially told that, for security reasons, it wouldn’t be possible. But Rosie remained determined. This fall, Rosie approached the other members of The Green Project about her concerns and showed them another letter she had drafted, this time citing research she had done online. The rest of the group helped her refine the letter, and everyone signed it. The letter was delivered to principal Greig, adorned with a total of 13 student signatures.
Principal Greig took the letter to the Western Quebec School Board, which agreed that the light could either be redirected away from the trees or turned off entirely.
In a unanimous vote, the students decided the light should be turned off entirely at night to protect the trees.
“I am so very proud of the initiative of this group of students,” Greig told the Low Down. “They saw a problem with constant light over the micro-forest, did their research, [and] wrote a professional letter…They have learned how to be advocates for the environment.”
“This is a sign that we can act and do something,” Rosie told the Low Down. “It’s possible that we, young people, can make a real change.”
The Green Project members now have their sights set on more advocacy work. They want to educate other students about caring for trees on the school property and they also want to put out a wider call to the community to “step up,” as one student put it.
“Wakefield is a small community, and we are all good friends,” Grade 6 student Alyssa Carle told the Low Down.
“We have all got to figure out how to work together to make it a better place. The Green Project gives me hope.” The students are also working with Wakefield artist cj fleury to decorate a chair that will be installed in the La Pêche municipal chambers to represent the youth voice on issues relating to the environment.
La Pêche mayor Guillaume Lamoureux, who visited The Green Project during their weekly meeting on Feb. 3, proposed the idea of the chair based on a similar installation known as the “Chair of the Generations” inside Gatineau City Hall.
The Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ) has launched a new set of educational tools aimed at preventing the sexual exploitation of minors. Developed in collaboration with White Ribbon and other partners, these ready-to-use learning scenarios provide Quebec teachers with concrete resources to address the issue in classrooms.
Isabelle Tremblay-Chevalier, professional and pedagogical advisor at FSE-CSQ and responsible for the Ruban Blanc initiative, explained March 14 that the project emerged from White Ribbon’s broader campaign to combat violence against women and marginalized groups. The campaign received funding from a Canadian organization, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, which did not have Quebec-based representatives, reached out to the CSQ to ensure Quebec-specific tools were developed.
“We worked for two years with a local teacher to adapt content to the Quebec context,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “At the end of the project, we had eight learning and evaluation scenarios that secondary school teachers can use in class.”
These scenarios align with Quebec’s Culture and Citizenship in Quebec (CCQ) program, which is now implemented in all schools across the province. According to Tremblay-Chevalier, teachers often lack sufficient resources for CCQ, especially at the secondary level. The newly developed tools help fill that gap, particularly in areas related to sexual education.
Addressing a growing issue
The push to create these resources comes as awareness of sexual exploitation continues to grow. Several national and provincial commissions have examined the issue, particularly in relation to Indigenous women and minors. Tremblay-Chevalier noted that while the problem itself may not necessarily be increasing, the willingness to acknowledge and document it has.
One of the learning scenarios focuses on online safety, including human trafficking for sexual purposes and how students can protect themselves in digital spaces. “This scenario takes about three class periods and helps students understand the risks they face online,” she said. Other topics include developing healthy relationships, understanding consent, and intervening as a witness to violence.
“There is a strong preventive aspect,” Tremblay-Chevalier added. “We’re not just reacting—we’re educating young people, including boys, about what constitutes sexual violence and how to recognize it.”
The initiative also touches on the role of technology in exploitation. The recent debate over smartphone use in schools has highlighted concerns about students using devices to share explicit content. Tremblay-Chevalier referenced a recent survey in which 76 per cent of teachers supported banning cellphones from schools. “We don’t have direct evidence linking the ban to sexual exploitation, but we do know that mobile devices can be used to take and share inappropriate images,” she said.
A recent FSE-CSQ consultation reinforced this concern. More than 76 per cent of the 7,000 teachers surveyed supported a full cellphone ban in schools, rather than just in classrooms. Additionally, 93 per cent favoured implementing a “digital majority” age in Quebec, setting a minimum age for accessing social media. Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) suggested 16 as the appropriate age, while 31 per cent preferred 15.
FSE-CSQ President Richard Bergevin emphasized in a related release that while digital tools offer undeniable educational benefits, their misuse presents serious risks. “Teachers are clear that banning cellphones in schools would help keep students more engaged in school life and reduce distractions,” Bergevin said. He added that these findings will be submitted to the Special Commission on the Impact of Screens and Social Media on Youth Health and Development, which is expected to make recommendations this spring.
A broader educational effort
The educational tools are part of a larger effort to address gender-based violence across Canada. The PRÉVENIR campaign, under which these resources were developed, promotes gender equity and supports vulnerable groups, including Indigenous and racialized communities, as well as LGBTQ+ youth.
Bergevin emphasized the importance of changing harmful gender norms and attitudes. “This campaign is the result of collaboration across various sectors to learn and exchange best practices. It aims to shift attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, whether through unhealthy media representations or issues surrounding consent,” he said in a statement.
The resources are available on the FSE-CSQ website and are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing curriculum frameworks. They provide structured learning scenarios that educators can implement without requiring extensive preparation.
Calls for digital responsibility
Another key issue raised in discussions around sexual exploitation is the role of social media and digital literacy. The push for a digital majority age aligns with growing concerns about how young people engage with online platforms and the risks they face.
“Right now, the legal age is 13, but 80 per cent of teachers believe it should be raised to 15 or 16,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “There’s growing concern about the impact of social media on young people’s understanding of consent and appropriate boundaries.”
While the new educational tools are primarily aimed at students, some components include guidance for involving parents. Teachers are encouraged to inform parents when discussing topics related to sexual exploitation, ensuring families are part of the conversation.
The initiative aligns with ongoing legislative discussions in Quebec. A parliamentary commission is currently reviewing the impact of screen use on children, with recommendations expected in the spring. The FSE-CSQ has submitted its findings to the commission, reinforcing the importance of digital safety measures in combating exploitation.
A step forward in prevention
With these new resources, teachers now have structured, research-backed tools to tackle a sensitive yet critical issue. By integrating lessons on consent, healthy relationships, and online risks into the curriculum, educators can play a crucial role in preventing sexual exploitation before it happens.
“The goal is not just to react to cases of exploitation but to create a culture where young people understand their rights and responsibilities,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “Education is the most powerful tool we have to make lasting change.”
William Crooks CBSA officers on duty – From left to right, CBSA officers Samuel St-Pierre (dog handler), Mario Roy (border services officer), Miguel Bégin (director), and Michel Dubois (superintendent) stand together at the Autoroute 55 border crossing in Stanstead.
A closer look at CBSA operations in Stanstead
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided an in-depth look at its operations at the Highway 55 border crossing in Stanstead on March 13, 2025. Led by CBSA Director Miguel Bégin, the media tour showcased the agency’s efforts in monitoring and securing one of Quebec’s key border crossings.
Bégin, responsible for a district covering 500 kilometres from Sutton to New Brunswick with 16 points of entry, welcomed the media and outlined the day’s agenda. The tour featured stops at the traveller processing area, the secondary inspection garage, the commercial inspection zone, and a demonstration by a detection dog, before concluding with a media scrum.
Traveller processing and secondary inspections
The tour began at the primary inspection booths, where Bégin explained the process travellers undergo when entering Canada. Officers verify identity documents, assess admissibility, and determine whether a secondary inspection is necessary. “Most decisions are made right at primary inspection,” Bégin stated. “However, some travellers are referred for additional checks, whether for their status, duty and tax evaluations, or contraband searches.”
At the secondary inspection garage, officers conduct detailed searches when required. Bégin noted that while random inspections are conducted for compliance, officers primarily rely on experience and training to flag individuals for additional scrutiny. “Instinct, knowledge, and specific indicators guide our agents,” he said. The facility allows for thorough examinations, including dismantling vehicle panels when necessary.
One example he provided involved a past seizure where officers discovered illicit substances hidden inside a spare tire, an area often overlooked by smugglers. “We don’t just look at obvious places. We check inside tires, under seats, within dashboards—anywhere that might conceal contraband.”
Commercial processing and detection tools
At the commercial inspection area, Superintendent Michel Dubois provided an overview of truck processing procedures. Commercial drivers undergo primary screening, with some being referred for further scrutiny. “We handle between 90,000 and 100,000 commercial vehicles per year at this location,” Bégin explained.
Additionally, officers demonstrated X-ray imaging technology used to conduct non-intrusive inspections. “This tool allows us to scan vehicles and cargo without dismantling them, making it an invaluable resource,” Bégin said. The scanner can detect irregularities in density, helping officers pinpoint hidden compartments.
William Crooks Jackson in action – CBSA dog handler Samuel St-Pierre guides Jackson, a detection dog, as he inspects a vehicle for hidden contraband during a demonstration at the Stanstead port of entry.
Detection dog demonstration
A highlight of the tour was the demonstration of CBSA’s detection dog capabilities. Handler Samuel St-Pierre introduced Jackson, a newly certified detection dog, explaining that the dogs are trained to detect a variety of substances, including drugs and firearm components. “For the dog, it’s a game,” St-Pierre said. “When they find something, they get their reward, which reinforces their training.”
Jackson, a high-energy English Springer Spaniel, was brought out for a live demonstration. As soon as he was released, he darted around the vehicle, sniffing intensely. Within seconds, he stopped and sat beside a car door—a signal that he had detected something. St-Pierre rewarded him with his favourite toy, a ball, and praised him enthusiastically. “These dogs work hard, but they love what they do,” he said. “For them, finding contraband is like playing hide-and-seek.”
St-Pierre explained that training a detection dog is a continuous process. “They start their training young, and even after certification, we are always reinforcing their skills with new scents and challenges,” he said. The dogs are trained on multiple odours, including explosives, narcotics, and firearms residue. “A well-trained dog can detect even the faintest trace of a substance, even if someone tries to mask it with strong odours like coffee or perfume.”
He recounted a particularly impressive case where a detection dog helped uncover cocaine hidden inside a truck’s exhaust system. “It was nearly undetectable using conventional methods, but the dog alerted us right away,” St-Pierre said. “We then used an X-ray scanner to confirm the presence of the drugs before dismantling the vehicle.”
Key questions and answers
The tour concluded with a media scrum, where questions centred on border security, cooperation with U.S. authorities, and operational challenges. Bégin confirmed that the agency works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We collaborate daily,” he said. “Despite political shifts, our working relationship remains strong.”
Asked about claims that 10,000 personnel had been deployed to the border, Bégin clarified that CBSA employs around that number nationwide but that they are not all stationed at the border. “Our staff operate at airports, land crossings, and in enforcement capacities across the country.”
Bégin also addressed concerns regarding firearms smuggling. “Each year, we seize a significant number of firearms entering Canada,” he said. However, he was unable to provide exact figures and directed reporters to CBSA’s communications department for specific statistics.
Regarding the role of CBSA in intercepting illicit goods outside official border crossings, Bégin emphasized that their mandate is limited to port-of-entry operations. “Once beyond the border, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the RCMP,” he stated.
Finally, when questioned about the recent introduction of tariffs on certain goods, Bégin explained that CBSA officers are responsible for enforcing these measures. “Adapting to new policies is part of our job, and we continue to ensure compliance as regulations evolve.”
William Crooks Thorough inspections – A CBSA officer removes a grate from the vehicle inspection pit, allowing for a closer examination of a vehicle’s undercarriage at the secondary inspection garage.
A comprehensive look at border operations
The tour provided a rare glimpse into the intricate procedures involved in border security. From traveller and cargo inspections to advanced detection methods, CBSA officers demonstrated the various tools and techniques used to safeguard Canada’s borders. With millions of travellers and hundreds of thousands of commercial shipments passing through each year, the Stanstead port of entry remains a critical checkpoint in the country’s border management framework.
Bégin noted that while technology and expertise play vital roles in border enforcement, human intuition remains essential. “Our officers are trained to notice small details—a nervous twitch, inconsistent answers, even the way someone loads their luggage. These little things can make a big difference in deciding whether to refer someone for further inspection.”
St-Pierre echoed this sentiment, saying that while technology aids their work, detection dogs remain irreplaceable. “No machine can replicate what a well-trained detection dog can do. Their noses are far more sensitive than any electronic device we have.”
As border security continues to evolve, CBSA officers remain committed to ensuring safety while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. With dedicated personnel, advanced technology, and highly trained detection dogs, the agency continues to stand as Canada’s first line of defence against illicit activity at the border.
The municipality of La Pêche is responding to the threat of tariffs from the U.S.
During its latest council meeting on March 3, councillors made a commitment as a municipality to “strengthen the autonomy” of La Pêche by choosing to purchase goods and services from local, regional and Quebec-based businesses.
When asked if the motion was a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on Canada, La Pêche Mayor Guillaume Lamoureux said, “Yes.”
“This is a reminder that La Pêche has such a policy, to reiterate our desire to promote local business and regional businesses, and to focus on favouring our purchases from Quebec businesses,” Lamoureux told the Low Down.
Trump has dangled the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods since he took office on Jan. 20, but has since clawed back twice. According to the Trump administration, the tariffs on Canadian goods are paused until April 2.
But the pause hasn’t eased Canadians’ level of fear and concern, as provinces and municipalities are gearing up for an intense trade war that has already begun. Ontario has slapped 25 per cent tariffs on electricity that is being supplied to northern border states, including New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
The La Pêche motion details how the municipality will avoid purchasing from big box stores.
“The municipality will ensure that its operational needs are met by local markets and will strive to favour the purchase of Quebec goods and services, as well as suppliers, insurers and contractors established in Quebec,” the motion reads. “The municipality is committed to avoiding, as much as possible, purchases through online commerce giants such as Amazon, and will favor purchases from local and regional businesses.”
La Pêche has also built an online business directory where residents can search categories like grocers, auto repair services, artist directories, self-care businesses, construction and renovation companies, and youth programs. Consult the business directory online at: https://surl.li/fiefpj.
In other business, council:
approved Phase 1 of the Esplanade Wakefield development, which will see the creation of 13 new homes in a neighbourhood north of the Wakefield village off Chemin Maclaren;
revoked the existing lease between Wakefield-La Pêche Community Centre Cooperative and the municipality. This important step paves the way for the municipality to take over ownership of the community centre building, while giving the cooperative management powers at the centre. The official takeover will happen sometime this spring or summer;
granted Maison de l’Étincelle $20,000 to support the launch of its first-ever summer camp. The support is especially important this year, as Maison des jeunes Mashado, a youth organization, has confirmed it will not run a summer camp this year.
SOS Outaouais’ Queen of Hearts lottery, which launched just two months ago, has already raised an impressive $588,090 for healthcare in the region.
SOS Outaouais president Jean Pigeon told the Low Down that he was blown away with the campaign’s early success in the past two months.
“It’s quite amazing what we have going,” said Pigeon, explaining that the draw is similar to the Chase the Ace contest that went viral across the Hills last summer and allowed several organizations to benefit greatly. This included the Low arena, which got $500,000 in cash from the fundraiser. “So, hopefully we can maintain that momentum,” he added.
The contest works by residents buying raffle tickets. If their name is called, they have a chance to win the full pot if they draw the Queen of Hearts. If not, they win the smaller weekly prize and the pot continues to grow until someone draws the Queen. The progressive pot now exceeds $190,000 as of publication date.
Pigeon said that, after dispersing the winnings, his organization will take home over $300,000 to use on multiple projects over the year.
“We have close to 200 projects in our nine different sectors,” said Pigeon. “We have a sector of cancer treatment, overall hospital network, youth services, mental health, readaptation, elderly homes, research and supporting the recruitment of human resources for CISSSO.”
SOS Outaouais has a goal of raising $50,000 with the fundraiser in an attempt to address the $200 million shortfall that the region sees in healthcare funding.
There could be a move afoot to disband the Centre Wakefield-La Pêche (CWLP) cooperative and merge it into a not-for-profit organization.
But before that happens, the centre needs to finalize its agreement with the municipality to take over ownership of the building. That agreement should be finalized by the summer.
But in the meantime, Wakefielders Bob Gibson and Karen Bays of the Membership Involvement Group (MING) at the CWLP have been tasked with studying the cooperative model and have recommended to the Wakefield community centre board that it moves forward with disbanding the current model.
Their argument is that the Wakefield community centre should not be managed under a cooperative model, as it doesn’t properly serve the community in which it operates.
“It may be the only [community centre] in Canada, if not North America, that uses a coop model,” Bays recently told the Low Down, referring to the Wakefield community centre. Bays has since stepped away from MING and the centre to allow them to focus on the building transfer, but she still believes that once the transfer is complete, the board should consider moving away from the cooperative model.
“You have to be a member to participate,” said Bays. “Basically, you’re supposed to give as much as you get in a coop. But we have a centre where people want to come to events, but they don’t want to run the centre.”
Bays and Gibson presented their findings during the Wakefield Recreation Association last November, however they aren’t sure where things are at because of the building transfer.
“We’re not here to promote anything or to argue about co-ops at all at this point,” said Gibson during the November meeting. “Based on research reported, we recommend that the centre’s board begin the process of moving out of the co-op model and into one of a non-profit or not-for-profit organization.”
A non-profit’s purpose is to serve the public good, while a not-for-profit’s purpose is to serve its members and their interests. The two models also have differences related to tax and profits.
Gibson’s comments fueled immediate tension in the meeting, which is unsurprising given that members have been at odds over how the CWLP has been run and managed since the end of the pandemic. The centre has been embroiled in controversy ever since, with public firings, unstable governance and infighting between past and current board members.
This tension has also centred around the CWLP membership’s vote this year to begin negotiating a building transfer to the municipality of La Pêche after it became clear that maintaining the physical building was too much for the cooperative to manage. That deal, which is currently being negotiated, will see the municipality own the building, with the CWLP using the centre rent-free to manage programs, staffing, and other internal matters. The municipality will essentially be the landlord of the building and will take care of repairs, snow removal and maintenance, while the board will continue to run the centre and its programming.
It’s unclear how things would change under a non-profit or not-for-profit model, but former CWLP board member Carly Woods was adamant at the November meeting that the idea is only that – an idea.
“I think around the table, we can all agree, probably – that the co-op model doesn’t necessarily work for the centre,” said Woods. “The seed has only been planted, and it’s not going anywhere yet, and we’re not watering it the slightest.”
Former CWLP president Irene Richardson told the crowd there’s no reason to disband the co-op because the centre already operates under a not-for-profit model. The CWLP partnered with Outaouais Philanthropy to provide tax receipts to donors. However, the CWLP isn’t its own registered charity.
“We are not-for-profit. That means we get all the tax breaks that are out there,” said Richardson. “I think it’s a great model; we report to our members. Does it work? Well, we have to make it work, and it wouldn’t matter what we called it; it’s the people that have to make it work,” said Richardson.
She said another changeup at the centre would be costly and time-consuming and wouldn’t change anything operationally.
Wakefield is set to lose its fourth doctor in the last two years when Dr. Jacques Ménard takes his well-deserved retirement this summer.
And with no replacements found yet for Dr. Satenstein, Dr. Amani Ben Moussa, Dr. Folkerson and now Ménard, Hills medical advocacy groups are concerned that the region’s doctor shortage is about to get even worse.
“It’s very concerning, and there’s a lot of doctors and specialists that have left the region, and we have to look at why they’re leaving,” said SOS Outaouais executive-director Jean Pigeon. “And, unfortunately, it’s due to exactly what we’ve been addressing: the fact that there’s a lack of funding, and there’s a lack of human resources that is putting tremendous pressure on a very difficult workplace.”
Regional healthcare advocacy group SOS Outaouais has been banging the same drum for over a year now – that the Outaouais region is grossly underfunded when compared to other regions in Quebec. According to the Observatoire de développement de l’Outaouais, the region is underfunded by an estimated $200 million per year.
Pigeon admitted that doctor salaries in Quebec are on par with those of Ontario, and added that the region isn’t losing doctors because of low salaries but more because of working environments: long overtime shifts, a lack of medical technicians and a lack of medical technology that help doctors properly diagnose patients.
“It comes down to: Do they have the right environment to work in?” said Pigeon. “Do they have enough staff to support them? Because doctors don’t work alone. They work in teams, so they need those teams to be available. If you just look at the region’s hospitals, there are so many positions that are still not filled, and doctors can’t diagnose blindly – they need to have medical imagery.”
Pigeon said his organization is also concerned about how the new Santé Québec health department has rolled out, as 31 per cent of Quebecers said they feel their health services have diminished under the new department, according to a recent public opinion poll.
Santé Québec CEO Genevieve Biron also just fired her Number Two, Frédéric Abergel, after he reportedly advocated for giving local establishments more autonomy. Pigeon said his organization has been trying to meet with Biron for over a month but have yet to hear a response.
“Ms. Biron wants to ‘measure public perception’? We offer her a clear statement: the Outaouais population has no confidence in Santé Québec,” wrote Pigeon in a news release last week.
Biron declined an interview with the Low Down, as did CISSS de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) CEO Marc Bilodeau. Bilodeau is currently trying to cut $90 million from the region’s health budget, as Biron is slashing $150 billion from the province’s health ministry.
CISSSO told the Low Down that those cuts would be made public in a couple of weeks.
Lack of technology hampering recruitment
If you ask local health watchdog group Vigi Santé why it’s so difficult to recruit doctors to Wakefield, he won’t bring up salary or vacation time or bonuses, but he will talk about a lack of technology at both Wakefield medical clinics and the village hospital that he feels is swaying young doctors from setting up their practices here.
“The hospital is not favourable to a young doctor wanting to practise there because we have no technology,” said Vigi Sante spokesperson Marcel Chartrand. “And young doctors coming out of school, they get trained with new technology, and then they’re going to come here, and they’ll do maybe a week at the Wakefield Hospital and then say, ‘What is happening here? There’s nothing. There’s no diagnostic equipment that I could call innovative that I could use to properly assess my patients other than radiology.’ So they’re saying, ‘Well, not very interesting.’ So they look elsewhere.”
Chartrand said it “happens every day” when a doctor at the Wakefield Hospital has to send a patient to Hull or Gatineau to get a specialized diagnostic scan to properly assess them.
There are currently 78,000 residents in the Outaouais without a family doctor and nearly 7,500 in the des Collines region.
The Chateauguay Valley 4-H club is now up and running and looking for new members from across the region who are interested in learning about 4-H and all it has to offer.
Organizers with the club include Vicky Tremblay, Mackenzie Peddie, Suzelle Barrington, and Billie Nussey-Rufh. They decided to launch a club that would be open to English- and French-speaking young people between the ages of 6 and 25 from across the Valley. The goal is to break down some of the perceived barriers to joining a 4-H club, especially the belief that members must come from a farming background.
“You don’t need to own a calf to be a 4-Her,” says Peddie, while highlighting the many other activities at the heart of the club, including social opportunities, gardening, outdoor activities, creative crafts, and much more. She notes there will be some focus on traditional 4-H activities, but an emphasis will also be placed on bringing in new ideas.
Tremblay says another important aspect of the new Chateauguay Valley Club will be a focus on giving back to the community.
Quebec 4-H provincial coordinator Gillian MacDougall says they are very excited about the new club. “One of our current goals for Quebec 4-H is growth, which includes increasing membership and the number of clubs,” she explains.
MacDougall says she is not concerned that there are already three active clubs in the area, including Howick, Huntingdon, and Ormstown. “One of the most wonderful things about multiple clubs in one area is the community. Just because a member belongs to one club does not stop them from connecting and bonding with other members in 4-H,” she says.
MacDougall points out that the Chateauguay Valley is the only area in Quebec with clubs so close together, with members going to the same schools. “I am excited to support the members taking on the venture of starting a new club and look forward to seeing what they accomplish over the next year.”
Monthly meetings of the Chateauguay Valley 4-H club will take place at the Georgetown Church in Très-Saint-Sacrément. They will run for about an hour and will be followed by a fun activity and snack.
More information on the new 4-H club and how to join is available on Facebook or by emailing chateauguayvalley4h@gmail.com.
The first Chateauguay Valley Dairy Day conference will take place at the Agri-Culture Centre at the fairgrounds in Ormstown on March 18.
The idea of holding a public day event for producers was brought forward by members of the Livestock Breeders Association’s (LBA) cattle and forage committee, who were looking for ways to help area farmers.
The event will be the first bilingual conference of its kind available to all producers. “It is in our best interest to educate everybody to be the most profitable and to do the best job on their farm,” says veterinarian and dairy producer Jodi Wallace, who is organizing the activity with Simon-Pierre Loiselle of the Uniag Cooperative.
“The theme for all of the conferences this year is profitability and trying to help farmers stay in business for years to come,” Wallace explains, noting all of the expert speakers are focused on ensuring producers remain on the farm despite challenging times.
The speakers include Nicholas Marquis of Sollio Agriculture, who will discuss breeding rates and the profitability of cow purchases. Loiselle says Marquis is a numbers specialist. “His presentation will help a lot of farmers to make choices on their farms,” says Loiselle.
Heather Dann of the Miner Institute will focus on management outlooks for 2025, while Chris Gwyn of JEFO Nutrition will share ten common practices for farm profitability. Alex Venne-Balchem will also talk about reducing heat stress in dairy cows.
“Everything is linked to cow health and cow welfare,” says Wallace. “Even if producers just pick one thing from each of the four speakers, they’ll go home and they’ll make improvements on their farms,” she adds.
Loiselle says the speakers will also focus on economics, as today’s farms are under extreme pressure to keep going. “We have to keep the farms here,” he says, noting the area is losing hundreds of kilograms of dairy quota per year as farms are sold or closed. “It is an underlying economic issue,” he explains, noting the quota being sold from local farms is leaving the area.
“We are really focusing on bringing positive news and to give little tricks that can help farmers to be more profitable,” says Loiselle.
This is the first time the LBA will host this type of event. “The LBA’s goal is to expand on conferences such as this one,” says LBA manager Sue Morison, while explaining that part of the role of the Agri-Culture Centre is to ensure local farmers can access informative conferences locally. The event is also being sponsored in part by the Réseau Agriconseils Montérégie network.
A silent auction will take place that day to raise funds for the LBA’s scholarship fund, which awards a $500 scholarship to a CVR graduate pursuing studies in agriculture.
Producers are asked to register for the event by March 14. More information is available on the LBA’s Facebook page.
The Centre de Services Scolaire de la Vallée-des-Tisserands (CSSVT) has opened a new adult general education service point in Huntingdon.
The Centre de Formation Générale des Adultes des Tisserands (CFGAT) added the new service point to offer educational services and programs to residents of the Haut-Saint-Laurent and surrounding areas who are over 16 years old. The new location responds to an objective set out by the CSSVT’s Commitment to Success Plan, which aimed to open a vocational training program in each of the sectors served by the service centre.
“As Beauharnois and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield already have their service points, it became a priority for the CFGAT to take steps to offer its services to the population of the Haut-Saint-Laurent,” said Stéphanie Leduc Joseph, a communications councillor with the CSSVT’s Services du Secretariat General et des Communications.
The expansion was made possible through a collaboration with the local Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi (CJE)/PS Jeunesse, which offered a learning space for students at their Huntingdon location.
“Several sites were considered in recent years, but none met the needs of our organization. Our existing partnership with the Beauharnois-Salaberry CJE led us to consider the CJE in Huntingdon, which had available premises that met our criteria,” Leduc Joseph explained.
For the CJE/PS Jeunesse, the partnership made sense. “Our mission is to offer support and employability prospects to young adults,” said Gilles Tardif, who chairs the CJE/PS Jeunesse board of directors. The partnership opens new education opportunities in the region, he said, stating, “There is nothing more constructive for our community than to unite our efforts and our expertise to help young people move closer to their future.”
There are currently seven students registered at the Huntingdon service point. The CSSVT is expecting this to increase to around 50 registrations per year. The programs available in Huntingdon include French, mathematics, and English classes, as well as prior learning assessment and recognition testing.
“Our priority is to provide access to services for adults in the Haut-Saint-Laurent, making it easier for them to resume their studies without the challenge of travelling to our Beauharnois or Valleyfield service points,” said Leduc Joseph.
The CFGAT helps adults who wish to improve their career prospects, perfect their knowledge, or complete their high school diploma. For CSSVT director general Suzie Vranderick, the new service point represents “a significant step towards bringing education closer to the Haut-Saint-Laurent community.”
Along with the new service point, the CFGAT has also recently launched an improved website. The modernized information platform allows users to find more information about the CFGAT’s services and programs.
“This new tool was created with the needs of future students in mind, and to facilitate contact with the organization. Users are now able to apply online and access pertinent information for their individual journeys,” said CFGAT director Dominic Tremblay.
More information about the CFGAT’s new service point in Huntingdon is available online at cfgatisserands.ca.
The Quebec government is working to address the problem of bullying in schools. Education Minister Bernard Drainville has announced the first week of a plan to prevent violence and intimidation in schools will take place from March 17 to 21, in schools throughout the province.
As part of the Plan de Prévention de la Violence et de l’Intimidation à l’École (Plan to Prevent Violence and Intimidation in Schools), the week will include a series of activities aimed at students, staff, and parents. The theme for the week will focus on “Strengthening Respect and Good Citizenship in our Schools.”
“In all classes in Quebec, pupils will simultaneously put down their pencils and start a discussion with their teachers on how to prevent episodes of violence and intimidation that they have experienced (or are still experiencing) and to reinforce good citizenship and respect at school,” said Drainville, in a statement issued by the Ministère de l’Education.
The week will start with a province-wide moment of reflection and guided discussion following the broadcast of a video featuring Drainville, who will address students and staff in elementary cycle two and three classrooms as well as all secondary classes. Preschoolers and elementary cycle one students will also be expected to take part in the discussion, using a simplified activity adapted to their level.
Adult general education centres, vocational centres, and private educational institutions are also invited to participate in the initiative.
The government is providing a variety of activities for the remainder of the week as well, including classroom workshops, educational podcasts, and information sessions tailored to students in all grade levels, as well as parents and school staff.
“We have been assured that as many materials as possible will be available in English,” confirms the New Frontiers School Board’s assistant director general, Joyce Donohue. She says the NFSB reminded the education ministry that pedagogical materials needed to be provided in English for students and for parents as well.
Donohue says the board is expecting to receive the necessary information for the various activities at some point this week.
The Quebec government has also introduced a model plan for combatting violence and intimidation in schools. Use of the plan is expected to be mandatory in all schools for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
“School is there for our children,” says Drainville, who notes that as a father and as minister of education, he is deeply concerned about the violence and intimidation suffered by Quebec students.
“Respect and good citizenship should not only be taught; they should also be experienced on a daily basis. This responsibility begins at home with the parents and continues at school,” he says, noting all those in the school community are invited to participate in this national week to root out bullying.
Sherbrooke has taken a major step toward preserving its last large urban woodland with the purchase of a critical 34.44-hectare lot in the Ascot-Lennox area. The $1.25-million acquisition, finalized on March 11, is being hailed as a strategic move to safeguard biodiversity while also ensuring future public access to green space.
Mayor Évelyne Beaudin emphasized the significance of the purchase in a recent interview, calling it “a huge progress in our goal of protecting the woodland.” She noted that while the city had been considering acquisitions in the area, this specific lot was not originally planned for purchase. “It all happened quickly because the land suddenly went up for sale,” she said. The city acted fast, making an independent evaluation and negotiating a price before finalizing the deal behind closed doors to prevent speculation. The transaction was only made public after council approval.
The newly acquired land, the largest single lot in the woodland, accounts for roughly 12.5 per cent of the total 275-hectare area. Beaudin explained that this purchase brings municipal ownership of the woodland close to 30 per cent, a crucial step in the city’s broader conservation strategy. “If we don’t own the land, we can’t make it publicly accessible,” she said. “Even if it remains privately owned and protected from development, we wouldn’t be able to open trails or make it available for activities like hiking or birdwatching.”
The purchase aligns with Sherbrooke’s broader environmental objectives under its Plan Nature, a long-term strategy to protect ecologically significant areas across the city. The Ascot-Lennox woodland, in particular, has been identified as a key environmental asset due to its biodiversity and role in connecting natural corridors between the St. Francis River and Mont Bellevue. According to Beaudin, “This is the last big woodland in Sherbrooke’s urban area. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting species that rely on large, uninterrupted green spaces.”
The city has been working closely with local conservation groups, including Nature Cantons-de-l’Est and the Association pour le Boisé Ascot-Lennox (ABAL), to develop a long-term approach to land protection. While purchasing key lots is a major part of the strategy, the focus remains on collaboration with private landowners.
Stéphane Tanguay, director of Nature Cantons-de-l’Est, explained March 12 that outright land purchases are just one tool in their conservation efforts. “Some lots, like this one, we will buy because they are strategically important,” he said. “But we’re also working to encourage landowners to voluntarily protect their property. We want to secure at least 200 hectares to maintain biodiversity, and that means finding different solutions based on each owner’s situation.”
Tanguay emphasized that conservation extends beyond land ownership. “We’re actively removing garbage, dismantling illegal structures, and tackling invasive species,” he said. “Last year, we started these efforts late in the season. This year, we’re beginning much earlier and will continue throughout the summer. There are many ways to protect a woodland.”
As for the future of the Ascot-Lennox area, Beaudin acknowledged that the city is exploring different legal protections, including the possibility of designating parts of the land as a nature reserve, similar to what was done with Mont Bellevue. However, she noted that such a designation comes with bureaucratic delays. “It takes seven years just for the government to process the application,” she said. “Right now, there are faster ways to ensure protection. We may use different tools for different sections of the woodland. Some areas could be a nature reserve, while others could be managed as a park with public access.”
For now, the city and its partners are focused on securing additional funding and working with more landowners. Beaudin hinted at future acquisitions if the opportunity arises. “Sometimes it’s better to wait, and sometimes we have to move quickly,” she said. “It depends on the willingness of the sellers, available subsidies, and our long-term vision for the site.”
With this latest acquisition, Sherbrooke is making good on its campaign promise to protect Ascot-Lennox. “We can check this off as a major achievement,” Beaudin said. “This is a big step forward, and we’re not done yet.”
An investigation by RCMP Federal Policing in Quebec has led to charges against two U.S. residents accused of organizing the illegal entry of over 50 migrants into Canada. The accused, William Lamadine, 36, of Niskayuna, New York, and Yaya Hassan Yaya Abderaman, 35, of Jersey City, New Jersey, were arrested at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing in September 2023. Authorities allege they used a bus service to transport the migrants over three months.
The pair face charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including organizing illegal entry, conspiracy to organize entry, and conspiracy to bribe a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employee. A request for their extradition to Canada is being considered.
“This is not a typical case that we see,” said RCMP Communications Officer Cpl. Martina Pillarova. She noted that cases involving over 50 people are unusual, adding, “We do not have, we are not accusing people from Canada. Those are people that are U.S. residents.”
According to the RCMP, human smuggling is a global criminal enterprise where individuals are charged significant sums to be transported across borders illegally. While cross-border migration patterns fluctuate, Pillarova emphasized that the overall situation remains stable. “We see illegal entries both ways, northbound and southbound, but there’s been no major shift in the last year,” she said.
RCMP detachments across Quebec are actively investigating human smuggling operations, including cases beyond this one. Investigators pursue not only those who cross illegally but also those orchestrating the operations behind the scenes. “If an investigation shows that someone was organizing the entry, there are additional charges like conspiracy,” Pillarova explained.
While public attention to border security has increased in recent years, the RCMP insists its mandate has remained unchanged. “The job that we are doing right now is not something new,” Pillarova said, noting that efforts to curb human smuggling have been ongoing for years, including before and after the closure of Roxham Road.
The RCMP urges anyone with information on illegal border activity to contact them at 514-939-8300 or their local police department.
PERCÉ – The Town of Percé is demonstrating a clear commitment to improving its governance. This is the key take away from the report published on February 20 by Minister of Municipal Affairs Andrée Laforest. The report was prepared by observer Mélanie Robert, who was appointed following last July’s damning finding by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ).
Mélanie Robert’s mandate was to verify whether the measures put in place by the town, in response to the CMQ’s recommendations were effectively addressing the identified issues.
The final report was presented to council members and the general management team on February 19.
Throughout her mandate, Ms. Robert noted a clear desire to rectify the situation, both on the part of the town’s employees and the members of the council.
She notes that the town has already taken serious and significant steps to remedy certain problems, including the active participation of its staff and council members in information sessions, and the invitation extended by senior management to various bidders to carry out an organizational diagnosis.
The council ensures that it has all the information necessary for decision-making, in particular by introducing decision summaries for more complex or extensive files.
Ms. Robert also notes that the town is in good financial health and the main internal control and monitoring mechanisms are in place.
However, she recommends that the Regulation decreeing the rules for budgetary control and monitoring be updated, in particular to specify the areas of jurisdiction for which each delegation applies and to update the amounts thus authorized. The undersigned also recommends that these mechanisms be accompanied by work tools that promote a better understanding of the budget management process among teams while ensuring sustainability in the transmission of best practices in this area.
It should be noted that this recommendation could also be enhanced by those, where applicable, of the human resources representative who will issue an organizational diagnosis.
The observer reiterates the importance for the town to ensure complete management and appropriate monitoring of sensitive or difficult labour relations files. She points out that specific training in conflict management exists and that specialized support resources are available.
She suggests that the town update its Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Incivility and Violence in the Workplace.
The administration must continue its efforts to ensure sound management of the town.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs is confident that other actions will be deployed to this end, in the interest of the entire community.
The ministry is also closely monitoring the situation and remains available, particularly through the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regional Directorate, to help and support the town in carrying out its duties.
“The seven recommendations of the Commission’s investigation department have almost been completed. We still have a few small tasks to complete before the rest of the year,” says Mayor Daniel Leboeuf.
One of these is the organizational diagnosis ordered in February and which will be completed in the spring.
In July 2024, the CMQ report concluded that wrongdoing had been committed in the Town of Percé.
The Commission’s president, Jean-Philippe Marois, noted a worrying culture regarding compliance with applicable rules within the town.
This culture is reflected in a flagrant lack of internal control measures and monitoring mechanisms. This is the main problem identified by the investigation.
Thus, the situation in which the town is currently immersed is caused by numerous dysfunctions, which are only the symptoms of this serious case of mismanagement and for which the responsibility cannot be attributed solely to the general management. The commission noted that significant disagreements persist within the administration and have led to the resignation of several employees. As for the town council, it does not seem to realize the extent of the situation or show any desire to rectify it.
William Crooks Stanstead town council members discuss infrastructure projects and community initiatives during their March 10 meeting at town hall
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Stanstead town council met on March 10 at the town hall, with Mayor Jody Stone presiding over the session attended by approximately six residents. The meeting covered a range of municipal matters, including infrastructure projects, hiring needs, and environmental concerns, with a particularly engaged discussion during the question period.
Infrastructure and budget updates
The council reviewed ongoing municipal projects, particularly focusing on roadwork, fire station development, and drainage improvements. One of the key financial discussions involved an upcoming $1.75 million expense for the reconstruction of Passenger Street. The provincial government is covering most of the cost, leaving the town responsible for approximately $102,000. Mayor Stone noted, “That’s the amount we will repay over 20 years.”
A second major infrastructure project concerns the construction of a new fire station on Notre-Dame-Ouest Street, estimated at $3.47 million. The provincial government will subsidize 70 per cent of the cost, with the remaining amount shared among the 10 municipalities that form the regional fire service.
The meeting also included a discussion on drainage issues along Lajeunesse Street in the Beebe sector. The town had commissioned a study on possible solutions, revealing that the two viable options would cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million. The council will further analyze the best course of action. “It’s a difficult problem to solve because there is no slope,” one council member noted.
Personnel and environmental matters
The town is preparing to hire additional employees for public works and a seasonal horticulture specialist as part of a long-term beautification effort for Stanstead’s three villages.
Additionally, the council discussed the sale of a town-owned lot in Derby, Vermont, to the Memphremagog Watershed Association. The property, which previously housed a well that is no longer in use, will be transferred to the organization to protect the watershed. Mayor Stone emphasized that the sale is beneficial for both parties, as the association will cover all transaction costs and ongoing maintenance.
Emergency preparedness
A report on emergency preparedness highlighted the town’s progress in updating its disaster response plan. A key issue remains the lack of local accommodations for residents in the event of an emergency, as Stanstead has no hotels. The town is working on formalizing agreements with the college and a local seniors’ residence to address this shortfall.
Community initiatives and recreational projects
The council approved a financing agreement with the Stanstead Recreational Association, which will now receive an annual lump sum instead of submitting individual invoices for each event. This change is expected to simplify operations for both the town and the association. The town also committed to the Circonflex program, which will provide shared recreational equipment to municipalities within the MRC. Equipment will be housed at three locations, including the Stanstead municipal garage, and made available for community events.
Meanwhile, a temporary installation at the Stone Circle Park will feature 18 bilingual story panels for children and parents, promoting literacy through outdoor activity.
Public questions highlight historic buildings and Hydro-Québec work
During the question period, a resident inquired about the status of several historic buildings, including a gray stone building near the border and a red brick house believed to be one of Stanstead’s oldest structures. The council clarified that the gray building is mostly in the U.S. and beyond municipal control, while the red brick house is the subject of legal proceedings. “Unfortunately, the owner never completed the renovations,” the mayor said, adding that the building has deteriorated significantly and may not be salvageable.
Another resident expressed frustration over tree-cutting by Hydro-Québec, arguing that the work was excessive and done without sufficient warning. The council acknowledged the concerns and stated that it had expected the work to be completed last summer rather than suddenly this year.
Mayor addresses media attention on Stanstead
Towards the end of the meeting, Mayor Stone addressed the recent media attention Stanstead has received following January remarks by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which straddles the Canada-U.S. border. Noem called Canada the “51st state”. Stone noted that the situation had propelled Stanstead into international headlines, including requests for interviews from major outlets such as CNN, Swiss, and Belgian media. “We’ve made the news around the world,” Stone said. “It’s unfortunate that it had to be under these circumstances, but at least it highlights our unique community.”
Stone emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations with Derby Line, Vermont, despite political tensions. “Our relationship with our neighbours across the border is vital,” he said. “This is a small town, and we all know each other. We have to be careful not to let this divide us.”
The meeting adjourned at roughly 8:15 p.m., with the next one planned for the second Monday in April.
In an era of constant connectivity and high-performance expectations, taking time to slow down is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But according to Mouvement Santé mentale Québec, it is a vital act of self-care that can help manage the rising tide of collective anxiety. As spokesperson Joséphine Tschirhart explained in a recent interview, the organization is launching a campaign to encourage people to recognize the importance of recharging their mental batteries.
“We work in mental health prevention and promotion,” said Tschirhart. “Every year, we launch a campaign focused on how to protect, develop, and reinforce our mental health. This year, we’re talking about how to take a step back, take breaks, and manage the challenges of living in a fast-paced, high-performance society.”
The campaign, titled “Reenergize: Discover What Recharges Your Battery,” will officially launch on March 13, the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health. It aims to provide tools and strategies to help individuals build moments of rest into their daily routines. The initiative is based on research indicating that prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety-inducing news, coupled with the demands of multitasking, can deplete mental energy reserves and lead to burnout.
A growing concern – The human energy crisis
According to a Léger survey commissioned by the Association pour la santé publique du Québec, 38 per cent of workers and students believe they are at risk of burnout if they continue at their current pace. The study also found that over half of Quebecers wish to slow down their lifestyle, a figure that rises to 76 per cent among students and 68 per cent among parents.
Tschirhart highlighted that society is facing what mental health experts call a “human energy crisis.” The constant interruptions of modern life, from work demands to social media notifications, weaken attention spans and increase stress levels. Research from Laval University found that the average workweek has increased by 3.3 hours in recent years, exacerbating stress and limiting people’s ability to recharge. This relentless pace, experts say, is taking a toll on relationships, social lives, and overall well-being.
Professor Jean-Pierre Després of Laval University’s Department of Kinesiology and Scientific Director of the VITAM – Centre de recherche en santé durable, warns that “we have built a society that is incompatible with human health. We overuse our mental energy just as we overuse the planet’s resources.”
When to take a step back
One of the key messages of the campaign is that self-care should not be viewed as an emergency measure but rather as a routine practice. “People tend to step back only when it’s already a little too late,” said Tschirhart. “What we’re trying to convey is that you don’t need to wait until you’re overwhelmed to take care of yourself. It’s about incorporating small, intentional breaks into daily life.”
To help individuals recognize when they need to slow down, the campaign encourages mindfulness and self-reflection. “We often don’t notice when our energy is depleting,” Tschirhart explained. “Sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running on empty until we hit a wall.”
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec suggests integrating short but meaningful breaks throughout the day. “It could be something as simple as listening to music while cooking, really taking time to enjoy that morning coffee, stepping outside for a short walk, or even just pausing to breathe between tasks,” she said. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is finding what works for you.”
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec also encourages people to rethink societal attitudes toward rest. “We are so often caught in a culture of performance that even when we talk about self-care, we frame it as something that has to be optimized,” said Tschirhart. “But taking a break isn’t about being your ‘best self.’ It’s about making space for yourself in a way that feels natural.”
This shift in perspective is crucial, as many feel pressure to be productive even in their downtime. The campaign emphasizes that rest does not have to be structured or goal-oriented—it simply needs to be a moment of genuine pause.
To support this message, the campaign will provide resources tailored to different groups, including students, parents, and workplaces. These materials will include facilitation guides, videos, and interactive activities designed to help individuals assess their relationship with performance culture and develop sustainable habits for mental well-being.
A call to action
The official launch event will take place on March 13 at La Maison du développement durable in Montreal, with an option to attend online. The event will include workshops and discussions on how societal expectations contribute to mental overload and how individuals can reclaim their time.
Tschirhart emphasized that there are many ways to recharge, and people should explore what works best for them. “For some, it might be spending time in nature. For others, it could be cooking, journaling, or simply sitting in silence,” she said. Some doctors even prescribe time in nature as a treatment for stress and anxiety due to its well-documented benefits on mental and physical health.
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec is making a wide range of tools available to help people incorporate these ideas into their daily lives. Resources such as a workplace guide, a booklet for families, and even a tabletop sign reading “Recharge in progress, do not disturb” are accessible through their website.
Beyond the campaign launch, Mouvement Santé mentale Québec continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote mental well-being across communities. “Everything you need to know is on our website,” said Tschirhart, directing those interested to Mouvement SMQ’s online platform for further details.
The SAQ location in Stanstead is set to close when its lease expires, leaving residents without a local option for purchasing alcohol. Mayor Jody Stone was informed of the decision via a call from a senior SAQ official, who cited low customer numbers and suggested that Stanstead residents were already shopping at SAQ outlets in nearby Ayer’s Cliff, Magog, and Coaticook.
Stone expressed skepticism over the justification, questioning why residents would travel to Ayer’s Cliff when Stanstead has a comparable grocery store with an SAQ outlet offering a larger selection. “The logic for me doesn’t work,” he said, adding that Magog’s wider selection might be a draw, but Ayer’s Cliff’s smaller offering seemed an unlikely alternative for many local customers. He has requested more detailed data from SAQ to verify the claims.
The mayor also highlighted the broader economic impact of the closure, explaining that when people travel outside Stanstead to buy alcohol, they are likely to do other shopping in those communities, potentially harming local businesses. “What upsets me is that they’re taking away a service that we offer in Stanstead,” Stone said. “That hurts other businesses that we have.”
Stone has already contacted the office of the local MNA to voice his dissatisfaction and plans to continue pressing for a solution that would keep SAQ products available in town. He noted that no alternative options, such as a smaller SAQ outlet with delivery options, had been proposed by the corporation. “I would hope that they would give me a solution to the problem,” he said. “They didn’t say they weren’t making money. They’re just saying they’re not making enough.”
The issue has sparked a strong reaction online, with local lawyer and activist Colin Standish criticizing the government-run liquor monopoly for closing a location so close to the U.S.-Canada border, particularly in the context of a trade dispute. “It’s so nice when the government, already controlling a state-administered and owned monopoly, closes down local services literally several hundred metres from the US-Canada border on the literal frontlines of a trade war,” Standish wrote on Facebook, also drawing attention to the price disparity between Canadian and American alcohol due to different taxation and business models.
While Stone continues to advocate for a reversal of the decision, he acknowledges that the town has limited influence over the SAQ, which operates independently of direct provincial government control. “I’m doing what I think I can do,” he said, encouraging residents to make their voices heard. “Just put pressure,” he urged, noting that community feedback could play a role in influencing the decision.
Bruce Kirkwood is the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
Green season is in full swing in Quebec City and around the region. Green, white and orange flags are being raised everywhere. Irish jigs and reels are heard loud and clear. Traditional emblems decorate Quebec City in preparation for the 2025 Défilé de la Saint- Patrick de Québec (DPSQ).
The organizers of the annual parade traditionally choose a grand marshal who has been deeply involved in the local Irish community. This year, the selection committee chose Bruce Kirkwood, a career volunteer.
“[When I was told that I was this year’s Grand Marshal], I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke or that someone was pulling my leg,” said Kirkwood. “But when I saw the seriousness in the president of the committee, Félix-Antoine Paradis’s face, I realized that the time was now. It is big. When you are named grand marshal, you are walking in some big shoes, following Dennis Dawson, Pauline Bigaouette McCarthy and the original [grand marshal], Marianna O’Gallagher, to name a few.
“Having been on the committee for a number of years, I have the list, but I did not consult it to see how I’d fit in,” said Kirkwood. “It is interesting to know that being a professional volunteer gets recognized. That is what is appreciated.”
Kirkwood is everywhere and involved in almost everything in the Irish community. He is a handyman, musician, photographer, sound engineer, driver, genealogist and more, known for his intelligence, quick wit and diplomacy. He has lent a hand at Shannon Irish Shows, Irish dancing shows and com- petitions, parades and a multitude of other events over the years. He was on the board of the DSPQ until 2023, when he stepped down as vice-president of operations.
“It is a wonderful recognition of all I have done for the Irish community and the DSPQ,” said Kirkwood. “I re- tired because I felt that I had done my part, and my role had run its course after 10 years. I had been part of the committee during the pandemic, which was a little rough, to say the least. Should I mention that [Terry Kerwin’s] passing cut my legs out from under me?”
Kerwin*, as president of the DSPQ, and Kirkwood, as vice-president of operations, complemented each other. Kirkwood said they had hit their stride to bring the DSPQ to its full potential when Kerwin died in January 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic hit a few weeks later, and the parade didn’t return until 2023.
Kirkwood and Kerwin were behind one of the parade’s most cherished traditions – the visit of five police pipe- and-drum bands from Chicago, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto, as well as the civilian Montreal Pipes and Drums, to Quebec City. The Quebec City parade is always held a week after St. Patrick’s Day, to allow all bands to march in their respective hometown parades.
Kirkwood was born and raised in Quebec City and baptized at St. Patrick’s Church. He has been volunteering since the age of 12, starting as an “in-house” DJ at the original Shannon Hall for weekend dances and events. In 1974, his family settled in Shannon, “a move that helped forge a sense of community spirit and belonging,” he wrote. “It takes a village – in this case, two: Shannon and Valcartier – to raise a passionate volunteer.” Having felt at home in Shannon, he built a home in neighbouring Saint-Gabriel- de-Valcartier, where he resides with his family and continues to volunteer.
*Disclosure: The late Terry Kerwin, former president of the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec committee, is the author’s father.
