The Gaspé Spec

Niagara has imposed a tourist tax since 2019 to fund its infrastructure

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / nelson sergerie, Niagara Falls, perce, tourism, Tourist tax

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – A five-day stay for a family in Niagara Falls could cost around $200 in various tourist fees, which help fund the infrastructure and activities of Canada’s tourism capital.
Every year, approximately 14 million tourists visit the famous falls, but the Niagara Falls Tourism Office refuses to disclose its operating budget, instead referring inquiries to the City.

The Municipal Accommodations Tax (MAT) is a mandatory tax imposed by the city council on the purchase of short-term accommodations for a continuous period of 28 days or less in hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals in the city of Niagara Falls. It has been in effect since 2019.

The purpose of the MAT is to support and develop the tourism industry in Niagara Falls and improve the quality of life for city residents.

The objectives of the tax include, but are not limited to, increasing tourist visitation; increasing total tourist spending; increasing the development of tourism assets and tax assessment; and undertaking environmental sustainability initiatives to support the tourism industry and the broader community.
In 2017, Ontario passed a law allowing municipalities to impose a hotel tax.

Since June 1, the rate has been set at $4 per night for a two-star establishment and to $7 per night for a five-star establishment. Unrated properties are required to charge $5 per night. Initially, the tax was set at $2, regardless of category. Beginning in April 2026, the MAT will be converted to 4% of the accommodation bill.

The MAT must be clearly listed on the guest’s receipt or invoice.

In addition, the tourism office adds that, as in other tourist cities around the world, some hotels may charge additional hotel or resort fees to cover ancillary services. Some businesses may also charge additional service fees. Businesses are allowed to set their own prices and add discretionary service fees. The amount charged must be communicated to the potential customer in advance and not presented as a “tax.”

As prices and service charges are determined individually by each business, these charges may vary. Ontario businesses are required to comply with the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, which covers these requirements.

Niagara Falls Tourism specifies that it is not responsible for setting prices, processing, or collecting service charges.

In addition, parking is subject to a fee: the cheapest lots start at $10 and are located some distance from the main tourist attractions. The closer you get to the attractions, the higher the rate, up to $35 per day for covered parking.

In addition, there is an efficient public transportation system that allows visitors to visit all the sites between the large parking lot west of the city and Niagara-on-the-Lake, a historic resort area. Along the way, there are many vineyards and fruit growers, including Ontario peaches.

One thing is noticeable when tourists visit Niagara Falls. The restrooms are very clean and odor-free. No trash cans overflow at any time of day, despite a constant influx of tourists. The tourist infrastructure is in excellent condition, clean, and the staff—even the students—are courteous and smiling.

Several new activities are offered to tourists who visit the tourist destination fairly regularly.
The Niagara Falls Finance Department reports that it has collected $4,017,272.04 with the measure for the 2024 fiscal year. It is again specified that the money is used to promote tourist activities.

A contrast with Percé

However, the principle of the tourist tax sparked considerable debate in Percé.

It was introduced on May 1, 2022, but the court ruled it illegal in June 2023 on the grounds that it did not comply with the enabling powers prescribed by the Cities and Towns Act relating to municipal taxes.

The court concluded that the framework allowed a municipality to enter into an agreement to appoint a third party as tax collector, but that this role could not be imposed, which exceeded the powers granted.

Percé had initiated proceedings in the Court of Appeal, but the council withdrew in June 2024.
Following the July 1 council meeting, Mayor Daniel Leboeuf stated that he had not received any feedback from groups of merchants, hoteliers, or restaurateurs who wanted to propose alternatives to the tax as it was proposed.

He pointed out that Percé devotes a significant portion of its budget to hospitality and infrastructure, asserting that the industry must do its part.

Niagara has imposed a tourist tax since 2019 to fund its infrastructure Read More »

Chandler wants to continue its development

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / chandler, Gilles Daraîche, Han Logement, housing, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Town of Chandler wants to continue its economic development by analyzing the possibility of building businesses on Commercial Street, on land occupied by the former Gaspésia paper mill.

The municipality has commissioned an environmental study to determine whether structures can be built along this stretch, with the goal of establishing local businesses between the town hall parking lot and the golf course.

“We would have the possibility of having buildable land. We are having it checked to see if the contamination is significant enough to prevent that,” notes the Mayor of Chandler, Gilles Daraîche.
According to the mayor, there is interest from entrepreneurs who would like to set up shop there. If the study is conclusive, construction could begin in 2026 or 2027.

“That was the parking lot at that level. We believe the pollution is a little lower. That’s why we’re having it checked. If there is potential, we will try to make the most of it,” explains the elected official, thinking in particular of the additional revenue in the form of municipal taxes.

A permit for Han Logement

Han Logement has applied for a building permit for its project to build 32 affordable apartments for people with disabilities in Chandler.

The $10 million project will see four complexes of eight units each constructed on Micmacs Street.
“This is a crucial step. They have applied for their permits. We can assume that everything is going well. Construction should begin in late summer or early fall. There has been a slight delay. There was an easement issue with Hydro-Québec. We’ve sorted that out,” said the mayor.

According to the mayor, the organization’s crowdfunding campaign—aiming to raise $400,000—is progressing well. A second phase could add another 24 units to the project.

A three-dimensional dock

Chandler will soon present a three-dimensional model of its proposed redevelopment of the former commercial dock into a recreational and tourism facility.

The mayor hopes this visual tool will serve as a final pitch to convince Ottawa to invest in the project. “It’s a beautiful project, and making it visual shows what the final product will look like. These people came to the wharf and saw the potential. Having this tool can only help us in carrying out the project,” said Mr. Daraîche.

The mayor hopes to present the project to Transport Canada this fall.

Ottawa has expressed interest in transferring ownership of the infrastructure, which has been closed since 2016 due to its poor condition. A figure of $60 million has been mentioned to refurbish the facility before transferring it to the town.

Chandler wants to continue its development Read More »

Electoral map: process is still being challenged

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / Alexander Pless, Daniel Cote, electoral map, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A coalition of elected officials from the Laurentians, Centre-du-Québec, and Estrie regions is seeking permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal the trial Superior Court’s decision that rejected the motion to challenge the adoption of Bill 59, the legislation that ended the electoral map revision process.

This May 29 ruling allowed the two ridings of Bonaventure and Gaspé to be retained for the October 2026 election.

At that time, Judge Alexander Pless rejected the request by elected officials from the Laurentides, Centre-du-Québec, the Brome-Missisquoi MRC, and the City of Sherbrooke against the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec and the Attorney General of Quebec to revoke the Act to interrupt the electoral district delimitation process, which was adopted by the National Assembly of Quebec in a unanimous vote on May 2, 2024.

The commission responsible for redrawing the electoral map for the 2026 and 2030 elections had proposed removing one riding in Gaspésie to create Gaspé-Bonaventure and eliminating another on the island of Montreal to establish new ridings in the Laurentians and Centre-du-Québec.

During hearings held from May 8 to 14, the Gaspésie MRCs argued that the proposed electoral map would seriously undermine the principle of effective representation and significantly harm the region’s voice in Quebec’s democratic institutions.

In the notice of appeal filed on June 27, the appellant argued that the Superior Court recognized that Bill 59 infringed on the right to vote, as protected by section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but ruled that this infringement was justified under section 1 of the Charter.

In his decision, the judge noted that “in principle, everyone’s vote must carry equal weight. However, section 3 of the Charter guarantees the right to effective representation. This requires taking into account other factors that conflict with the strict arithmetic equivalence of votes.”

However, he also concluded that the Attorney General of Quebec had successfully demonstrated that the Act was justified under section 1 of the Charter.

The appellants also note that the trial judge dismissed the option of adding ridings on the grounds that it did not have strong majority support in the National Assembly and intend to demonstrate that the judge ignored the possibility of adding four ridings without imposing on the Electoral Representation Commission where to add them, an option that was nevertheless raised by two opposition parties and for which the Attorney General of Quebec never explained why it was rejected.

The group of elected officials also explains that the trial court failed to analyze the fact that, in order to protect a single riding in Gaspésie, the legislature significantly infringed on the right to effective representation of half a million voters in constituencies in a positive exception situation and committed a mixed error of law and fact in concluding that the measure is proportional despite the detrimental effects, which it describes as significant.

The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, who is a party to the litigation, said he had received the proceedings and that his lawyers are currently reviewing the case.

“We may contest the appeal. Our lawyers are looking into the merits of the case to help us decide how to proceed. I still believe that the trial court’s decision was very well-founded and essentially echoed the Supreme Court’s Carter decision,” said Mr. Côté.

The decision upheld Bonaventure and Gaspé for the 2026 election, but the judge warned that for the subsequent election, the National Assembly would have to review the electoral law to protect what little democratic weight remains in the regions.

“I continue to believe in the principle of effective representation, which goes far beyond the number of voters in a given territory,” the mayor continued.

If the Court of Appeal hears the case, it could go all the way to the Supreme Court, but Daniel Côté does not believe that the country’s highest court will revisit the case.

“It’s possible, but the Supreme Court has already ruled on similar appeals. Unless the basis of the Carter Decision [of 1991] is called into question, that society is so different today that the Supreme Court would revisit it. But we’re not there yet,” he says.

“But the ruling is solid and was not written on the back of a napkin. It is a ruling that reflects the essence of the Supreme Court and other case law. The ruling goes into great depth. Any ruling can be challenged before the Court of Appeals, but I find the trial court’s ruling to be solid,” said the mayor of Gaspé, who is waiting for the prosecutors to take a position before going any further.
It should be noted that the commission suggested merging the ridings of Gaspé and Bonaventure, bringing together the MRCs of Côte-de-Gaspé, Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure, and Avignon to create Gaspé-Bonaventure, while Haute-Gaspésie would be transferred to the riding of Matane-Matapédia, a riding in the Lower St. Lawrence region.

As of April 30, 2023, Bonaventure had 35,898 voters and Gaspé had 30,131, far below the minimum threshold. The gap was -29.2% and -40.6%, respectively.

Gaspé ranked third among the least populous ridings, behind the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, which has exceptional status, and Ungava.

According to vote projections based on data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the gap between Gaspé and the average is expected to soon exceed that of Ungava.

In 2017, the commission maintained Gaspé’s negative exception status and granted the same status to Bonaventure.

However, as the representation disparities have increased, the commission declined to renew this status.

Electoral map: process is still being challenged Read More »

Shigawake Celebrates 100 Years

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / 100th, Celebration, community, History, Shigawake

Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

SHIGAWAKE: The municipality of Shigawake proudly marked its 100th anniversary from July 11 to 13 with a weekend full of celebration, remembrance, and heartfelt community spirit. The centennial brought together residents, visitors, and families across generations to honour the rich history and enduring identity of this small but proud Gaspesian town.

With a weekend packed with events, from ATV rides and traditional games to historical displays, community meals, and heartfelt tributes, the celebration captured everything that makes Shigawake a true gem of the region.

Weekend Highlights: Food, fun, and local pride

Festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with a BBQ at the Log Cabin, where locals and visitors gathered to enjoy grilled favourites and reconnect under the summer sun. The event was family-friendly and full of laughter, a perfect start to a memorable weekend. Local Member of Parliament Alexis Deschênes was also present to speak with residents and take part in the celebrations.

On Saturday, July 12, over 140 people attended the brunch at the Fair Grounds. Tables were full of food and conversation as old friends and new neighbours came together to mark the milestone.
At 11 a.m., engines revved as more than 70 participants took part in the ATV rally, exploring scenic trails and countryside. Riders of all ages joined in the fun, adding adventure and energy to the day.
Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., traditional children’s games brought classic fun to the Fair Grounds, where you could hear echos of children laughing and playing, and parents cheering from the sidelines.

At 8 p.m. a lively barn dance featuring the Homegrown Country Band drew a crowd of enthusiastic residents, adding music and fun to the centennial celebrations.

Honouring the community: Youngest and oldest awards

As part of the centennial, the town honoured several individuals who represent both the newest generation and the most seasoned residents of Shigawake: Youngest female: Ellie Hottot; youngest male: Sawyer Almond; Second-oldest citizen: Joyce MacKenzie and oldest citizen: Sarah MacKenzie. (honoured posthumously)

The award for oldest citizen was accepted by Judy McCune the daughter of Sarah MacKenzie, who sadly passed away in early July. The moment was a moving tribute to Sarah’s legacy, and the applause was filled with both warmth and respect.

A walk through time with SPEC

Adding a historical touch to the weekend, The Gaspé Spec presented a slideshow of newspaper clippings spanning the past 50 years of life in Shigawake. Residents and municipal staff were delighted to see photos, headlines, and moments from the past, from community events and elections to fairs and festivals, all chronicled through decades of local coverage.

The display brought back memories and gave many a new appreciation for the town’s history and the role the community paper has played in preserving it.

Words from former mayor Garry Hayes

Former mayor Garry Hayes addressed attendees with a message focused on the strength and importance of Shigawake’s independence. He emphasized that remaining a separate municipality helps protect local services and avoid rising taxes that could come with amalgamation.

He also praised the town’s strong anglophone population and the welcoming, close-knit nature of its people, values that have helped sustain Shigawake for a century.

Looking ahead with pride

The Mayor of Shigawake, Rolande Beebe, told SPEC that the Centennial event was a great success and praised the citizens for their participation and everyone who contributed to making the event memorable. Reflecting on the weekend’s significance, she added, “It was a special time to share great memories. May we continue to be united and welcoming everyone in this beautiful town.”

Shigawake’s 100th anniversary was more than a celebration of years gone by, it was a reminder of what makes the town thrive: connection, tradition, and community pride. As residents looked back with gratitude, they also looked forward with optimism, knowing that the same spirit that built Shigawake will carry it into the next century.

Shigawake Celebrates 100 Years Read More »

Revival of Gaspé Mines in Murdochville: Osisko seeks a solution to dewater pit

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / copper, Environment, Gaspe Mines, mining, nelson sergerie, osisko

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MURDOCHVILLE – Some 70 people listened to a presentation by Osisko Metals on July 8, which focused on the environmental aspects of the possible revival of Gaspé Mines in Murdochville. These public presentations have become a tradition to provide updates on the company’s various progress.
For example, since the start of the 2025 drilling season last winter, no fewer than 43 wells have been drilled over a total distance of 31,509 metres, out of a planned total of 120 wells over 110,000 metres, primarily on Copper Mountain.

One of the main issues mentioned to attentive citizens during the approximately 40-minute presentation was the excessively high copper concentration in the pit’s artificial lake.
The company must find a way to reduce the copper concentration for salmon before dewatering the pit and releasing the water into the York River.

“When we dewater the pit, we want to make sure there’s no copper. We’re going to protect the salmon and we’re going to proceed slowly so that the river can receive this water,” explained Alexandria Marcotte, vice-president of operations at Osisko Metals. About a hundred tests have been conducted so far to find the ideal recipe.

Tests could be conducted in the river in September with the goal of launching the dewatering process in the summer of 2026. The process could take between two and four years.

Everything will depend primarily on the weather and the amount of precipitation that falls on Murdochville during this period.

The mining company promised during the evening that it would return to the public before launching the dewatering operation.

An experimental fishery will also be conducted to characterize the condition of the salmon in the river so that their health can be monitored during the operation and their habitat preserved.

“Osisko Metals wants to conduct research at the same time as the work is underway,” she said.
The wildlife inventory noted the presence of the Bicknell Thrush, a bird with special status. Protective measures will have to be considered. The flora’s characterization is also underway.

Resource estimate by early February

Meanwhile, the drilling will allow the company to submit a resource estimate by February 2026.
“We really want to define the resource because it will be important before conducting the economic study,” continues Ms. Marcotte.

The economic study will then begin, albeit slightly behind the initial schedule.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with environmental studies beginning around 2028.

If all goes well, the mine could be operational by the turn of 2030.

Osisko presented new drilling results in June that showed an average copper grade ranging from 0.25% to 1.92%, the latter value occurring over a short 30-metre segment south of Copper Mountain. This data will be included in a new resource estimate.

According to the company, the inferred mineral resource is 670 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.38%. The future looks interesting and profitable.

“We think so. We’ll keep drilling, and as long as we’re here, the answer is yes.” That’s what Osisko Metals believes,” says Ms. Marcotte.

The mayor remains optimistic

Also in attendance, Murdochville mayor Délisca Ritchie Roussy made no secret of her optimism about the revival of the mine that has marked her town’s history.

“It’s progressing very well. We’re really well informed from them. They’re not hiding anything. We have all the necessary information. I feel very good about that,” she says.

According to her, residents are generally in agreement with the revival project.

“For their children and grandchildren. There are grandparents whose grandchildren have gone out to work. If they can work here… because they’ll hire a lot of people,” believes the mayor.

Ritchie Roussy admitted she never imagined the copper mine could return to Murdochville.
“When it closed, we never thought to ask Noranda if there was any copper left. We thought there were none left at all,” she says.

The mayor plans to seek one final term in the upcoming November election to help shape the project’s future.

“Above all, negotiate the post-mining period. When they open, we’ll already negotiate the closure with well-established clauses with the mine,” she promises to avoid a repeat of history.

On August 25, 2002, citizens voted in a referendum to close the town after the mine closed in October 1999, and the smelter closed in April 2002.

Some 600 people lost their jobs during these two closures. However, Quebec rejected the referendum result and kept the town open.

To aid recovery, a call centre was launched in 2003, creating about 55 jobs. During the mine’s boom years from 1974 to 1982, Gaspé Mines employed around 2,000 people.

Revival of Gaspé Mines in Murdochville: Osisko seeks a solution to dewater pit Read More »

Gaspesian berries on grocery shelves

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Berries, foreign workers, gaspe, harvest, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINT-SIMÉON – Gaspé strawberries are now available on grocery store shelves in Bay of Chaleur and the Chandler area.

“The season has started. We’ve had strawberries in the store for a few days now, and it’s a start. The season has started. We still have flowers in the fields with the later strawberries. There’s an abundance right now,” says Pierre Bourdages, co-owner of Ferme Bourdages Tradition in Saint-Siméon.

And the beginning of the season promises a good harvest for 2025.

“It should be a good season despite the late start, with the excess water and cool weather. The heat is now here. The rain caused a bit of a delay,” notes the farmer.

“We’re supplying the markets. We’re starting on the south side: Chandler, Carleton. We’re moving forward gradually. We don’t have large volumes at the moment. You’ll see strawberries in your grocery stores in the next few days,” says Mr Bourdages.

Consumers in Gaspé will therefore have to wait a few more days before they can enjoy this purely Gaspé product.

The increase in the minimum wage and the rise in input costs such as transportation are affecting the cost of strawberries.

“The price is jumping because we have no choice,” says Mr. Bourdages.

However, it is still possible to find cheap strawberries in large chains, with consumers seeing prices as low as $2.50 for a one-litre basket.

“It’s a loss leader. Retailers will set aggressive prices to attract customers by selling at a loss,” he notes.

In Ontario, during the week of June 25, a basket sold for $6.

Strawberries from Île d’Orléans have been sweet and juicy so far this year.

Those from the Gaspé Peninsula should follow the same trend.

“They will be excellent. We mustn’t forget that we have different varieties, but the temperature, climate, heat, and sun make all the difference in the final taste. It helps a lot with the sugar in the strawberries,” he explains.

With the sun and heat of the last few days, the fruit should taste great.

Ferme Bourdages Tradition has about 120 workers in the fields picking. Of these, one-third are from Mexico.

“We have about ten who were expected on July 2, and about twenty the following week. We’re going with the arrival of the fruit in the field. As it ripens, we’ll need workers. In total, we’ll have 44 foreign workers,” says Mr. Bourdages.

Gaspesian berries on grocery shelves Read More »

Surpluses in Gaspé, Chandler, and Bonaventure

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / budget, Financial situation, gaspe, nelson sergerie, Surplus

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé has a $3.1 million surplus for the 2024 fiscal year on a $40 million budget. However, the town did draw $1.3 million from the surplus to balance the 2025 budget.
Additional revenues of approximately $2 million were added: $900,000 came from the strong real estate market, including property taxes and renovations carried out on buildings last year, and a retroactive payment of $500,000 in lieu of taxes since 2022 for the construction of the new Ministry of Transportation service centre, making up the bulk of the additional revenue.

In addition, the milder winter and unfilled positions within the municipal administration generated savings. The debt increased from $45 million to $51.6 million.

“I asked our auditors if there are any red flags we should be seeing. Are we investing too much? Is the debt too high? Is the surplus too high? No. All the signs are green, according to our auditors. I’m reassured,” says Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté.

For its part, Chandler recorded a surplus of $681,000 on a budget of $13.5 million.
With that amount the town’s accumulated surplus will almost reach $1 million, something not seen in Chandler for a very long time.

“This hasn’t been seen in a long time. We’re proud of our work. We made big decisions. We turned services that weren’t profitable into profitable,” says the Mayor of Chandler Gilles Daraîche. The elected official points out that in 2022, there was only $130,000 in the accumulated surplus.

“We also have a working capital of $600,000. There are certain projects that we don’t need to borrow for. The winters are less harsh, so we’re saving on equipment. Building permits brought in an additional $78,000,” explains Mr. Daraîche.

A turnaround in Bonaventure, brings about a surplus of $136,000 on a budget of $7 million for the 2024 fiscal year. In 2023, the town recorded a loss of $119,000. The unallocated surplus now stands at $222,504.

The town’s total debt stands at $24 million. However, the portion attributable to citizens, the net debt, is $14.2 million, an increase of $913,000 compared to 2023.

The Mayor of Bonaventure, Pierre Gagnon believes the town’s financial situation has greatly improved over the past year, thanks to tighter spending controls, reduced investments, and a diligent search for government assistance.

Surpluses in Gaspé, Chandler, and Bonaventure Read More »

Moose declining in Forillon National Park

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / forillon, gaspe, moose, nelson sergerie, Wildlife

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The number of moose in Forillon National Park has decreased by half since 2017, according to the latest aerial survey conducted by park managers in February 2025.

In 2017, the moose population had reached a peak of 34 moose per 10 square kilometres, equivalent to 800 moose, prompting discussions on how to curb the population, which was putting its habitat at risk due to overpopulation.

The 2020 and 2024 inventories concluded that there were 22 moose per 10 square kilometres. The latest inventory showed a rate of 17 moose per 10 square kilometres, representing approximately 400 moose.

“The target for an ecosystem like ours is between 10 and 20 (moose per square kilometre). We are within the target range for a healthy ecosystem. The closer we are to 10, the better. But we are in a situation that is less problematic than we were at the end of the 2010s,” says Mathieu Côté, manager of Parks Canada’s Gaspé management unit.

“It’s difficult to explain this fluctuation. We are seeing a significant decline, but it is not cause for concern. Our long-term concern was that if we had remained at 35 per 10 square kilometres, there would have been significant impacts on the forest ecosystem. At 17, we are continuing to monitor the situation, but we are less concerned,” notes Mr. Côté.

The park has been tracking the moose population since 1970. The population continued to grow until it peaked in 2017, and since then, the situation has been stabilizing. “Over the past six years, we have been monitoring the situation more closely. We are continuing to do so, and we are pretty much back to where we were in 2009,” notes the manager.

It is difficult to explain what might have happened. “It is possibly multifactorial. There are natural variations. When it reaches a peak and becomes very dense, it often declines,” says the manager, who remains cautious.

Given this situation, conservation hunting to control the population is ruled out in the short term. “We don’t need to intervene. We’re going to let nature take its course. We’re going to monitor the situation closely,” he says.

Additional aerial surveys are not planned in the short term. Monitoring will be done using cameras deployed throughout the park.

Moose declining in Forillon National Park Read More »

A $30 Million Puzzle at the CISSS de la Gaspésie

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / budget, cisss, cuts, gaspe, health care, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The CISSS de la Gaspésie has proposed a $566 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which began on April 1. It’s a balanced budget, but it faces a major challenge to achieve it because cuts will be required to do so.

President and CEO Martin Pelletier indicates that it’s a closed budget.

“In the measures we’ve tabled, there’s a budget restriction target of $30 million, but there’s a $20 million measure regarding the liberation of independent workers, which will be difficult to achieve,” emphasizes Mr. Pelletier. There remains $10 million to be found: $1 million will come from the closure of various collection centres located in leased spaces, such as the one at Place Jacques-Cartier in Gaspé, which had drawn criticism.

However, the three collection centres in Baie-des-Chaleurs will remain open, as the CISSS has no availability in its own premises.

Among other cost-saving measures, tightening working hours is expected to contribute to the savings goal.

“There are measures to review work teams at the clinical and administrative levels, even though our supervision rate is very low. There are measures that provide for non-replacements. Posted positions will not be (filled). Ultimately, there will be fewer hours worked in the coming year to raise this $10 million outside of independent labour,” explains Mr. Pelletier.

There is no question of reducing services at the 24/7 emergency departments of CLSCs in communities like Grande-Vallée, Murdochville, and Paspébiac.

Even though the CEO has been firm on this point since last fall, elected officials, particularly in the Estran sector, remain concerned, especially since there are strong protests for similar emergency rooms in Trois-Pistoles and Pohénégamook, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

“We’re not touching these emergency rooms. There’s no provincial signal to close smaller emergency rooms. We have specific characteristics that make us more isolated than elsewhere. It’s harder to say we could close these emergency rooms. And when we consider a nighttime closure, a doctor often comes in for 24 hours as a backup. The staff we would save at night and who would be redeployed means we’re not really saving money. It would take a total closure to save money, and that’s out of the question. It’s a question of access to care across our vast territory, something we’re trying to explain to head office,” Mr. Pelletier reaffirms.

The debate over recognizing the specificities of the Gaspé remains an ongoing battle.
“The idea is to have basic services throughout the territory for 80,000 people with four local networks. To make this efficient, it would require one hospital for 80,000 people. There are places where we can do better and with new clinical practices. We must adapt to this, but the fact remains that there are basic services that require a cost to maintain,” Mr. Pelletier explains.

A $30 Million Puzzle at the CISSS de la Gaspésie Read More »

Demeure Toi: The CISSS has the required funds

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / cisss, Demeure Toi, funding, mna, stephane st croix

Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Jounalist

GASPÉ – Following Demeure Toi’s public announcement regarding the annual funding of its activities, the CISSS de la Gaspésie still intends to reach an agreement.

“The CISSS de la Gaspésie has the necessary funds earmarked for this type of accommodation project,” Cassandra Lévesque, Assistant to the president and acting communications manager, immediately stated in an email exchange.

She also emphasized that no specific amount has been proposed to the organization so far. Demeure Toi mentions a proposal for an annual amount of $50,000. Their expectations were more in the order of $318,000.

Cassandra Lévesque notes that financial assistance was granted in 2024 to hire a project manager.
“Our institution has collaborated transparently for many years with the Demeure Toi organization, notably through regular meetings, coaching, and support in their efforts […] Since the beginning of our approach with Demeure Toi, it has been planned that the funds granted to the CISSS de la Gaspésie should help improve and diversify the residential offerings for people living with autism spectrum disorder in the Côte-de-Gaspé region.”

The agreement yet to be concluded should thus make it possible to provide residential services, explains the CISSS de la Gaspésie. This “is consistent with the clinical profile of the clientele and the funding required to provide them with residential services.”

The amount remains to be determined. Cassandra Lévesque emphasizes that the goal is to enable people living with autism spectrum disorder to integrate into a living environment that meets their needs, in a supervised setting that offers them personal assistance services, the necessary help with domestic life, civic support, and presence and supervision.

The CISSS de la Gaspésie already offers various services to these people, such as support and guidance in achieving lifestyle habits, developing and resuming lifestyle habits, as well as support for partners.

MNA more than speechless

The Gaspé riding Member of the National Assembly was left more than speechless by Demeure Toi’s statement regarding the lack of funding requested by the organization.

Stéphane Sainte-Croix immediately clarified that no promise of recurring funding of $318,000 was made during a meeting in August 2024 with the organization, minister Lionel Carmant, and himself.

“Contrary to what was reported, there was no promise of an agreement. There was a recognition of the needs, and we responded. We listened, we clarified the needs, we identified the measures, we capitalized on the budget, and we disbursed it to the CISSS.”

The money is there, based on the needs identified through the project,” assures Mr. Sainte-Croix.

What calculation?

It’s hard to explain why Demeure Toi projected such a sum of $318,000 when the funding criteria have been known for a long time and are standardized by the Ministry of Health, especially since the potential beneficiaries have also been known from the start, he adds.

“Here, it says that the CISSS’s offer doesn’t match the assessment of their request, but these are the same criteria that have been in place since the first day of the project’s development. How do we arrive at $318,000?”

“In other words, they estimate the needs at approximately $25,000 per person, but where does that come from and based on what? Is it projected, real, desired? We’d also like to have honest answers to that. If they’ve been targeting $25,000 per person since day one, but the client profile assessment brings us to $5,000, they should have known this earlier than June 23. I’m a bit stunned,” specifies Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Criteria

Demeure Toi explained in its open letter that the service agreement proposed by the CISSS de la Gaspésie offered $50,000 per year through the Iso-SMAF assessment. The Iso-SMAF profiles represent a management system focused on classifying (from 1 to 14) users’ needs based on their autonomy. This tool produces results that underestimate the specificities of autism, Demeure Toi argues.

“If it’s a fight to change the criteria, that’s a different ball game,” says the MNA. “The ministry will not disregard its own rules to meet a need deemed unrecognized. The Demeure Toi project is anticipated and legitimate. We’ve worked hard on it along the way. But if the rules of the game aren’t working along the way, we should have said so beforehand. We could have worked on those rules, that’s for sure; that’s our job. But that was never part of the discussions”.

Subtitle: Deadline

Stéphane Sainte-Croix wants to be clear and reiterates that the money has been allocated; that the total budget for the needs estimated for Demeure Toi by the ministry is allocated to the CISSS de la Gaspésie. However, the precise amount of this budget was not known at SPEC’s deadline.

“The perception is that the money isn’t there. It’s there, the check is there. I’m sure of that,” Mr. Sainte-Croix adds.

“I agree with this fight, but it shouldn’t be waged in the negotiation of an agreement at one to midnight. These discussions haven’t taken place in five years. Why wasn’t this raised sooner? Now we’re being told we’re not doing our job, but are we just hoping for it or are we complying with the applicable standards?” “I have a bit of a problem with that,” concludes Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

Demeure Toi: The CISSS has the required funds Read More »

Delayed Opening at Demeure Toi

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Autistic Adults, Demeure Toi, gaspe, housing, project

Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Jounalist

GASPÉ – Autistic adults in Gaspé who were scheduled to move into their brand-new living space with Demeure Toi in mid-July will have to wait at least until the fall due to lack of funding.

“Yesterday (June 23), we informed our candidates, who have been in preparatory activities since March, that their entry will be delayed. We’ve just caused them stress and anxiety,” deplores Claudine Dupuis, president of Demeure Toi, a play-on-words name that means house, you and roof, in French.

The non-profit organization is behind the vast project for an adapted and inclusive living environment for 11 autistic adults in downtown Gaspé. The former Colombian Centre—which for many years housed the Ardoise bar, near the Cathedral—was demolished in 2023, and construction began last year. The project is estimated to cost nearly $9 million.

Lack of Funding

Except the funds needed for its operations have not been forthcoming. In a June 23 public statement that caused quite a stir, Demeure Toi explained that it received a promise in August 2024 from Minister Lionel Carmant, responsible for Social Services, for a recurring budget of $318,242 per year to support the residents’ needs. This was reportedly confirmed by Gaspé Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

The money is used, in particular, to hire service coordinators and clinical staff, as well as for continuing education. “It’s not an apartment building. Autistic adults can’t get home alone with their luggage. They need to be prepared with an intervention plan,” explains Claudine Dupuis, who has been actively involved in this project as a volunteer since 2015.

The service agreement proposed by the CISSS de la Gaspésie, however, would only be for $50,000 per year, which is considered largely insufficient and, more importantly, does not fulfill the promise, the non-profit organization laments.

In 2022, a grant of up to $3.65 million was awarded to Demeure Toi to enable the housing project to be carried out. This was part of a Canada-Quebec agreement concerning the Rapid Housing Initiative concluded between the Société d’habitation du Québec and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

A year later, an additional $5.3 million was added, since the building was beyond repair and would have to be demolished and rebuilt rather than renovated. “It’s paradoxical to have a grant of nearly $9 million, but on the other hand, we’re not able to raise the money to offer the services,” notes president Dupuis.

Miscalculation?

According to Demeure Toi, the low amount received compared to the expected amount is explained by the tenant service needs assessment tool, which is actually a tool for people with reduced autonomy that produces results that underestimate the specificities of autism.

“The CISSS assesses our future residents for functional autonomy needs. We feel that it doesn’t measure the autistic dimension; the challenges they face, such as disorganization and anxiety. It’s the financial vehicle that’s not good. They take it in an envelope based on certain criteria, and we don’t fit into that,” explains Claudine Dupuis.

The news broke out four weeks before the official opening, expected on July 20.

Unique project

The Demeure Toi project is tailor-made to meet the specific needs of autism, promoting autonomy and socio-professional inclusion. The concept is unique in Eastern Quebec. “They don’t arrive here with their suitcase playing video games. They engage in a process to create a life project and develop their autonomy. For that, we need preparatory activities; getting them moving before entering, then we update these activities and support them in their process,” explains Claude Dupuis.
The nearly completed building includes 12 supervised housing units, a unit for a resource tenant, a studio for an educator present on weekends, as well as community spaces: a communal kitchen, lounge, sensory stimulation room, multipurpose room, calming room, satellite office, and administrative office.

The facilities will be open in 2026 to non-residents with autism and their families, to strengthen community inclusion. “We want to demonstrate that with rigorous and consistent support, we can bring them elsewhere. Some already work part-time. It’s a forgotten clientele. We wanted to make a difference and show that we were going to succeed…” concludes Claudine Dupuis.

She doesn’t rule out the possibility that the building may never open if funding isn’t forthcoming, and that the announced reduction in funding is a direct consequence of healthcare budget cuts.
Demeure Toi also points out that the promised funding was supposed to be allocated three months before the opening, but that nothing has been forthcoming yet.

Delayed Opening at Demeure Toi Read More »

Fewer reports to DPJ in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Children, dpj, Fewer reports, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The number of reports received and those retained by the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ) in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine declined in 2024-2025 according to a document presented on June 19.

The number of reports retained fell from 678 in 2023-2024 to 519 in 2024-2025. The theme of the latest annual report is “Protecting children collectively.”

“It’s really about how, beyond a report, we can protect children. Every action is an important action for children, and as a DPJ, we really wanted to mention that DPJs alone can’t protect Quebec’s children,” explains Michelle Frenette, Director of Youth Protection and Provincial Director for Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Without denying that in recent years, the DPJ has experienced some bad press, Ms. Frenette maintains that every day, every member of her department offers the best.

“We must always strive for improvement, and that’s what we wanted to demonstrate in this strong message of wanting to succeed in order to do better for Quebec’s children,” continues the director.
Although the number of reports is down 11% this year, the long-term trend over the past decade remains upward.

“What’s interesting for us is the decrease in the number of assessments and retentions,” says the director. The decline rate is 24%.

A number of measures may have helped reduce the number of cases.

“For the past two years, we’ve been implementing a field verification program. These are interveners who can make a few small interventions as soon as a case is reported. Sometimes, we can deploy an intervener who will do one or two small meetings with families and link up with other services, which can make a difference in the region,” explains Ms. Frenette.

A great deal of awareness-raising is done on the front line, notably involving schools and a community committed to its children.

By MRC territory, the number of reports accepted dropped significantly in the Côte-de-Gaspé (from 146 to 78), Avignon (from 110 to 56) and Gesgapegiag (from 33 to 14).

In the other MRCs and Listuguj, the data remain stable.

“It’s hard to explain year-on-year decreases or increases. Sometimes, it’s due to more team awareness, or events in the MRCs. Sometimes, it’s more complete teams on the front line or at school level, where there are more interventions,” says the director.

Urgent and semi-urgent cases are responded to immediately. For less urgent cases, response times have been reduced from 20 days to 14 days.

“We’re mostly within our response times. We have less than 20 children on our waiting list, and they’re on schedule. This is excellent news for our region. We’re trying to keep the number of children on the waiting list to a minimum, with a firm enough rhythm to provide services on time,” says Ms. Frenette.

Neglect remains the leading reason for referrals at 33%, followed by psychological abuse at 26%. These proportions have remained fairly stable year over year.

Under the Young Offenders Act, a decrease of six interventions was noted, from 121 to 115 cases. Of those involved, 98% of young people followed their sanctions.

“The three main offences are assault, breach of probation and theft. Sometimes mischief. We want to work with teenagers as teenagers. We want to work on accountability, rehabilitation and reintegration. Recidivism rates are very low,” explains the director.

In recent years, a number of vacancies have arisen, putting pressure on the staff who remain in the field.

“When it comes to reporting, assessment and orientation, our team is almost complete. We still have some good news on that front. We still face challenges in applying measures, particularly in the Bay of Chaleurs and Haute-Gaspésie, where we have a little more difficulty following up on families,” she explains.

Finding bilingual workers to serve English-speaking families in the Bay of Chaleurs remains a challenge.

While other parts of the healthcare system have faced budget cuts, the DPJ has so far been spared.
“Everyone will have to look at efficiency. We’re managing public funds and we have to be constantly improving. Now, we have to make sure we sit down together, and that’s where the decisions will have an impact, and as DPJ, it’s clear that the interests of the children will be the first thing we bring to the table, to avoid having a direct impact on their safety, their development and the services offered,” calculates Ms. Frenette.

Fewer reports to DPJ in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Read More »

The Charles-Robin heritage barn could be restored

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Art Centre, heritage, infrastructure, nelson sergerie, perce, project

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Jounalist

PERCÉ – The Festival Les Percéides de Percé is considering a project to restore the historic Charles-Robin heritage barn, better known as the Percé Art Centre. Built in 1780, the structure could be brought back to life at an estimated cost of $5 million.

The federal government has taken the first step by granting $2 million to the festival.
This grant, from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, will enable the organization to restore the building to its full cultural purpose and help strengthen the resilience of the local community through a major infrastructure project, once other funding sources have been found.

“It’s ambitious, but it’s a great big project. In the evolution of our organization after 17 years of activity and eight years at the art centre, we have reached a point where we need to renovate the premises again,” says board chair Benoit Pilon.

Three years ago, a strategic development plan was drawn up, which included the desire to establish a permanent home.

“But there are challenges. It’s an old building. It’s not insulated, and so we started looking for programs,” says Mr. Pilon.

The first thing to do is to stabilize the building, which has virtually no foundation. “We’ll have to take a look before putting millions of dollars into a building. The architects will determine whether the foundation is sound and adequate. Then we can have fun inside, which will become a game room. The entire interior space will become a complete reflection area,” Mr. Pilon continues.
Les Percéides currently leases the site, but the lease is about to expire. Two options are being considered: purchasing the building or securing a long-term lease.

This investment would be a consolidation of the building.

“For now, we are only open in the summer. In fact, in our strategic development (plan), we had planned to create a community art centre for and by the community. Our wish is for it to be open year-round,” he says.

The future plans include a café, a kitchen, a community bar, and a movie theater.
Ultimately, the architectural project will reveal the splendor of this barn, whose nave “recalls the structure of an overturned sailboat,” as Gaspé artist and visionary Suzanne Guité, founder of the Percé Art Centre, wrote in the 1960s.

The Charles-Robin heritage barn could be restored Read More »

New wave of vandalism in Chandler

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / chandler, Investigation, nelson sergerie, Police, vandalism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – There have been about 10 vandalism incidents since late spring in Chandler, a situation once again denounced by Mayor Gilles Daraîche.

In recent years, similar incidents occurred, but this year, some of the incidents are especially troubling. “We can’t accept racist messages. We’re for culture, we’re for a growing population. We’re happy to welcome people from all over the world. We won’t come and spread racist messages in Chandler. That’s not true,” the mayor states bluntly.

Surveillance cameras had been installed to monitor public places. “We’re going to add some at the Town Hall. We’re also going to add some in strategic locations. We’re targeting those (locations). They will be installed soon,” notes the mayor.

The town will meet with the Sûreté du Québec to determine the best course of action to resolve the situation.

The police have launched an investigation, but so far, no arrests have been made. The mayor says he has forwarded surveillance camera footage to the Sûreté du Québec in an effort to advance the investigation.

New wave of vandalism in Chandler Read More »

Two Super C employees in Chandler prevent fraud against a customer

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / chandler, fraud, Grandparent Scam, nelson sergerie, Police, Super C

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Jounalist

CHANDLER—The vigilance of two employees at the Super C supermarket in Chandler prevented a woman from losing $5,000 when she was targeted by a Grandparent Scam.

The attempted fraud occurred in recent weeks, when there was a wave of similar scams and fake representatives in the Chandler and Gaspé area.

“The woman wanted to send money to another country for her granddaughter. She wasn’t 100% sure why she was sending the funds. All she knew was that it was for legal fees,” says Léa Roy, an administrative assistant who was working at the cash register when the woman made her request.
The woman wanted to send a total of $5,000 to five different people outside the country.

“It didn’t make any sense. I asked her if she had spoken to her granddaughter. We spoke to her and managed to convince her that it was a fraudulent transfer. After that, we directed her to the police station, as we always do when this happens,” adds store manager Simon Roy-Grenier.
The victim was not easily persuaded.

“At first, she didn’t agree. She really wanted to send the funds. She couldn’t believe it and didn’t understand how it could be so realistic. We never know if they’re going to go somewhere else or to the police station. Obviously, she didn’t make the transfer, and that’s a good thing,” adds the manager.

The Sûreté du Québec praised the actions of the two employees who prevented the customer from losing a large sum of money.

“This is becoming more and more common in our area. It’s a collective responsibility. We are stepping up our prevention efforts. The Super C employees were on the front line,” explains Sergeant Isabelle Cyr, local community police coordinator at the Sûreté du Québec station in the Rocher-Percé MRC.

“This is to highlight their kindness and dedication,” she stresses, explaining the reason for awarding the employees with certificates.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Two Super C employees in Chandler prevent fraud against a customer Read More »

No financial strategy for Percé tourism sector

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Court, nelson sergerie, perce, tourism, Tourist tax

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – Discussions between the Town of Percé and business owners who wanted to meet with the town council last winter to find a solution for financing tourism infrastructure have still not begun.
A tourist tax was introduced on May 1, 2022, and the court ruled it illegal in June 2023 because it did not comply with the enabling powers prescribed by the Cities and Towns Act relating to municipal taxes.

The court concluded that the framework allowed a municipality to enter into an agreement to make a third party the collector of the tax, but that this role of collector could not be imposed, which exceeded the powers granted.

The Town of Percé had initiated proceedings in the Court of Appeals, but the council backed down in June 2024.

“We did not receive any feedback from groups of merchants, hoteliers, and restaurateurs who wanted to propose alternatives to the fee as it was proposed,” says Mayor Daniel Leboeuf.
“It’s unfortunate because we could have made progress before the tourist season. We’ll wait for them. It’s their industry, so they need to find a way to promote it and come up with the means to do so,” adds the mayor.

Mr. Leboeuf believes that this issue could become part of the public debate during the upcoming municipal election campaign this fall.

“It’s not in my program. I’d rather wait for their suggestions,” says the mayor, who will be seeking re-election in November.

“Percé devotes a significant portion of its budget to hospitality and infrastructure that must be maintained by a small population. It’s considerable. The industry has to do its part,” the mayor continues.
The tourist tax originally proposed by former mayor Cathy Poirier added $1 to purchases of goods and services over $20, with some exceptions, and $1 per night to help maintain tourist infrastructure. The town estimates that infrastructure costs $800,000 per year to maintain.

In 2022, $155,000 was collected during the tax’s only year of application.

Financial statements presented in August.

On June 30, the town filed its 2024 financial statements, meeting the legal deadline, during a special council session.

The accounting firm’s documents were submitted to the town over the last week of June.
“We received them at the last minute. That didn’t give us time to review the results. A surplus has been identified, and we want to understand where it came from before presenting it to the citizens,” explains Mr. Leboeuf.

When asked to comment on the size of the surplus, the mayor remained vague.

“It is higher than last year’s. It’s not necessarily because we charged too much in taxes. There are many factors involved. We will demonstrate this on August 5,” is all the mayor would say.
The town of Percé recorded a surplus of $551,669 for the 2023 fiscal year, out of a total budget of $8,042,843

No financial strategy for Percé tourism sector Read More »

16 oil wells targeted for permanent closure in the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Closure, gaspe, Ministry of Energy, nelson sergerie, Oil

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Sixteen “active” oil wells in the Gaspé Peninsula are targeted for permanent closure according to Quebec’s Ministry of Energy.

In the wake of the Court of Appeal’s decision forcing companies to close their wells pending a substantive decision on the constitutionality of the law that ended hydrocarbon exploitation and exploration in 2022. The Ministry clarified that none of the 16 wells are currently in production.

According to the map provided by the ministry in response to a request from SPEC, the majority of these wells are located in the immediate vicinity of Gaspé, namely the former Galt site on the western edge of the town, with a total of seven.

Three are located in Haldimand, one in Anse-à-Brillant, four in the Colline-des-Basques sector in the unorganized territory of Côte-de-Gaspé, and one near Saint-Elzéar.

All 16 wells fall under the Act to end hydrocarbon or underground reservoir exploration, hydrocarbon production, and brine exploration, and are slated for permanent closure.

Following the Court of Appeal’s May 22 decision, the ministry has stated that it will resume its monitoring and require those responsible for the wells to proceed with their permanent closure.
According to the ministry, these 16 wells do not pose a risk.

However, contaminants have been detected at three well sites based on the results of hydrogeological studies commissioned by the department.

Since the companies have not yet been notified, the ministry has not specified their exact geographical position.

However, according to the ministry, no surface waterways are connected to the water table and no drinking water extraction sites for human consumption or food processing are located within a radius of at least one kilometre.

The 16 wells have been subject to a closure plan, and those with detected contaminants will have to take these results into account and revise their closure plans, if necessary, to ensure long-term environmental protection and well integrity.

The law that ended hydrocarbon operations provides for a compensation program for revoked license holders, under which the government can reimburse up to 75% of the costs associated with approved closure work.

To date, no compensation claims have been filed by those responsible for these wells.
After the wells are permanently closed, the sites will be monitored by the Department.

16 oil wells targeted for permanent closure in the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / chandler, Dominique Giroux, election, Mayor, Municipal Affairs, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – Dominique Giroux launched her pre-election campaign on June 11 for the upcoming November 2 election for mayor of Chandler.

In front of about 25 people who attended her first official public appearance, the candidate, who had made her intentions known last winter, placed recruitment as a priority.

“Attracting our professionals: we’ll soon be short of teachers and dentists. We’re already short of veterinarians. We have 1,000 people who don’t have family doctors. We have to attract these people. We’ll have to invest and develop a strategic plan to attract them,” explained Ms. Giroux, who intends to listen to her citizens.

“The railway is strategic. With my team, I’ll do my best to ensure it reaches at least Chandler. We’ll see later about the distance rules required for building buildings. The main goal of the campaign will be on focusing on the population and the town,” she said, promising a clean campaign against her announced opponent, Gilles Daraîche.

The town is also working to revitalize the wharf that Transport Canada wants to sell. “It’s super important. Now, there are a lot of costs involved. When I’m elected, I’m going to work on that,” the candidate said.

Former mayor Louisette Langlois attended the pre-campaign launch. She indicated that her presence was not an endorsement, but rather an opportunity to hear democracy in action. She declined to comment further.

“I didn’t invite anyone. Ms. Langlois is here.” I can’t tell you if she’ll vote for me, but I feel a great deal of solidarity with me. But between what people feel and how they vote, that can change,” comments Ms. Giroux.

In the ongoing dispute between Langlois and the town, where the town is claiming more than $300,000 related to the former mayor’s 180-day suspension in 2021, with legal costs exceeding $400,000, Ms. Giroux prefers not to comment.

“We have to sit back and watch. I am new to this. Ms. Langlois’s case is very hot. We’ll see where it gets to and we’ll see, within reason, what we can do. But at this point, I can’t answer you because I’m not in office,” says the candidate cautiously.

However, the saga surrounding Sauvetage adrénaline, which led to her dismissal, could resurface during the campaign.

Ms. Giroux once again assures that she has turned the page. “I have a 50-page judgment that has been issued. If people want it, I can forward it. They will read it and make their own analysis. No one said I stole. I don’t think it can harm me,” believes the woman, who is currently the operations coordinator at Camp Bellefeuille.

As soon as she announced her intentions on social media that she was launching her campaign on June 11, Dominique Giroux said she was the victim of intimidation by elected officials who sit on the council table.

“I won’t name them out of respect because I have strong values. I find it sad because municipal employees receive letters asking them not to take sides during the campaign. That councillors can say things… It didn’t affect me. I just find it boring,” the candidate says.

The mayor, Gilles Daraîche, believes that his opponent is casting aspersions. “I spoke with the five elected representatives present and no one intimidated Ms. Giroux. It would be important to name names when making such denunciations, so that we can check. Moreover, the five elected representatives are not talking to Ms. Giroux. It’s all made up in a spirit of revenge. I hope the public will disregard these falsehoods,” says the mayor.

The tone of the campaign appears to be set. “It’s a campaign that will be long and has already begun. It will be a campaign filled with falsehoods right to the end,” believes the outgoing mayor.

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor Read More »

Another position in Ottawa for MP Alexis Deschênes

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Alex Deschênes, Bloc Québécois, Fisheries and Oceans, mp, nelson sergerie, Parliament

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

OTTAWA – Alexis Deschênes, Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie-Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj, has been appointed vice-chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

The committee members elected him to this position on June 17 at the Parliament in Ottawa.
This is another role added to his existing duties as deputy leader of the Bloc Québécois and spokesperson for fisheries, oceans, the coast guard, and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

“I am very pleased to have this title, which will allow me to chair meetings at certain times. The Bloc Québécois’ position is interesting because we are a recognized party. In addition to the Conservatives and the Liberal Party, this gives us a certain role. If I ally myself with the Conservatives, I can block the Liberals. If I ally myself with the Liberals, I can block the Conservatives. We have a form of balance of power,” says the MP.

He succeeded in getting the committee to accept a review of the process for allocating fishing rights.
“(That’s) what happened with redfish, but also with exploratory lobster permits in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands in 2024 and 2025. The idea is not to take away permits from those who have them. There are many people who are unhappy with the way they were allocated,” explains the Bloc Québécois member.

“Ultimately, the idea is to see if we can better guide the political authorities when they grant fishing licenses so that the process is more transparent and generates more support,” said the elected official.

This was part of the Bloc Québécois’ election platform.

“An investigation was conducted to fully understand how fishing rights are allocated. The goal was to identify irregularities and establish an independent agency to grant them. That was part of our platform. At the end of the study, I think it will become quite clear what improvements could be made. Another topic for study is the revision of the Fisheries Act. In this context, the study will allow me to make proposals to amend the Act. If we play our cards right, we could improve the Act,” he says.
The committee’s work will officially begin in the fall.

The elected official spoke with the new Minister of Fisheries about diversifying export markets.
“We agree on that,” adds the MP.

This responsibility could take him to coastal regions across Canada.

“I am first and foremost the MP for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj and then the spokesperson for Fisheries and Oceans for the Bloc Québécois. This summer, I want to visit the fishermen on the North Shore, because there is fishing there too. As for going abroad, I don’t have any plans at this time,” he says.

Another position in Ottawa for MP Alexis Deschênes Read More »

Liberals in the Gaspé Peninsula believe in Pablo Rodriguez

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / CAQ, election, Liberals, nelson sergerie, Pablo Rodriguez

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

NEW RICHMOND – Christian Cyr, president of the Quebec Liberal Association of the Gaspé Peninsula-Magdalen Islands and Bonaventure believes that Pablo Rodriguez’s election will enable the provincial Liberals to regain power in the October 2026 election.

“He has everything it takes to reconnect the party in all regions of Quebec and in urban areas. Pablo Rodriguez is a unifier, and his work has already begun,” said Christian Cyr.

The former federal minister won in the second round on June 14 with 52.3% of the vote, narrowly defeating Charles Milliard with 47.7%.

Former premiers Philippe Couillard and Jean Charest welcomed the new leader on stage.
“There is a rallying cry. The Liberal Party has a history dating back more than 150 years. There have been great achievements in Quebec with sound management of government affairs. There is a lot of experience within the party, as well as new faces and new forces. It’s a good combination to lead Quebec,” said Mr. Cyr.

Now that the party has a leader, the next 15 months will be focused on reconnecting with Quebecers and preparing for the upcoming electoral campaign.

“Presenting a credible alternative to the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government, an alternative that will reconnect with the regions and present credible plans for both state management and regional affairs,” Mr. Cyr explained.

Marc Tanguay served as interim leader for two and a half years following Dominique Anglade’s resignation after the debacle of 2022. His leadership during that period was praised. “He did a very good job, often walking a tightrope to keep people united. People were always waiting for a leader. He was very skilled and experienced. The troops are ready for a big step forward,” believes Mr. Cyr.

Liberals in the Gaspé Peninsula believe in Pablo Rodriguez Read More »

Gaspesian strawberries will be available around July 5

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Ferme Bourdages, foreign workers, gaspe, nelson sergerie, strawberries

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINT-SIMÉON – Local strawberries should start appearing on Gaspesian grocery store shelves around July 5.

That’s what the co-owner of Ferme Bourdages Tradition in Saint-Siméon believes, given that last winter saw virtually no snow and the wetter, less sunny spring slowed down preparations. “A lot of humidity, rain, and cool weather has set us back about two weeks,” says Pierre Bourdages.
Last year, the season began early, with fresh strawberries available by June 20.

Winter frost damage was limited to just 5 to 10%, which suggests a good season ahead.
“We have a lot of flowers in the fields. We have 50% of flowers in the early varieties and the mid-season varieties are starting to flower. As long as the bees do their job of pollination, I think it will be a good season. It all depends on the sun and the heat,” explains the farmer.

Recruiting foreign labour has been a challenge in recent years, but this season 46 workers from Mexico are expected to arrive.

Five arrived in May, eight more on June 12, and the rest are expected to arrive in the next few days.
Recruitment was easier this year. “There were fewer problems with visas and logistics in Mexico and Canada. They have improved integration. There have been changes, but you can never be sure until they land in Montreal,” says Mr. Bourdages.

The first strawberries in Montreal were quite expensive, with prices around $15. “At the beginning, there is always a price increase because there is no volume. It’s late everywhere in Quebec. The price will adjust according to the volumes on the market. We’ll see how many strawberries there are from the United States and how customers react. This could be a game changer for Quebec strawberries,” notes Mr. Bourdages, who points out that Quebecers tend to shun American strawberries.

American strawberries have been selling for as little as $2 in supermarkets in recent weeks due to weak demand.

“They will sell for between $4 and $5 per basket in 750 ml and 1 litre sizes. That’s still competitive and affordable. Production costs are still there. We have to respect our margins if we want to continue producing. It will depend on customer reaction and market volume,” predicts Mr. Bourdages.

Gaspesian strawberries will be available around July 5 Read More »

Representatives Blouin and Sainte-Croix’s record marked by the postponement of rail repairs

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / catherine blouin, Daniel Côte, gaspe, mna, nelson sergerie, rail, stephane st croix

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The results of the 2025 winter session of the Bonaventure and Gaspé Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were marked by the postponement of the rehabilitation of section three of the regional railway and the indefinite postponement of the completion of the Gaspé terminus.

“We decided to return section 3 to the planning stage. We figured we would take the year to optimize the work to be done. Can we break down certain segments because the economic context is difficult and when we have a cost overrun of $150 million or $200 million, we have to take a step back,” said MNA Catherine Blouin.

“This is a particularly complex issue in terms of budget and implementation. It’s a major challenge for the future, and we’re working to review the implementation strategy,” added Gaspé MNA Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

In June 2023, the Quebec government had allocated a total of $872 million for the repair of the entire rail line between Matapédia and Gaspé.

However, in May 2025, Quebec withdrew $561 million for the rehabilitation of the Gaspé rail line from its investment plan for 2025-2027.

From $680 million for 2024-2026, the planned expenditure is now only $119 million for the next two years.

In the meantime, committees have been set up to evaluate the possibility of building structures that would support less weight or reduce rail traffic speed.

“We are taking a year to carry out the exercise and limit costs,” said Ms. Blouin.

“We want to ensure that the work is done flawlessly to guarantee the quality of the infrastructure and minimize asset maintenance costs. We’re not giving up,” said Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Neither MNA is willing to suggest a date for when a train might arrive in Port-Daniel-Gascons.
According to Éric Dubé, president of the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie, a bridge still needs to be completed near Caplan.

In Port-Daniel-Gascons, Éric Dubé mentions that the tunnel is ready but that plans have not yet been made for the two approaches, mainly due to the strike by Quebec government engineers.

“There is still work to be done due to deficiencies found during the final evaluation of the section. There is also the strike by Quebec government engineers. Here too, we are waiting for details on the evaluation work and the corrections to be made. But I am confident about the future,” comments Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

Asked for a timeline, he responded, “Are we talking weeks or months? I am not in a position to answer that question,” added the MNA.

“Section two will be open as soon as possible, and everything is being done to reach that goal,” said Ms. Blouin.

This new uncertainty does not sit well with Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côte.

“This is all a bit ridiculous. The premier promised us a timeline. It’s normal for timelines to undergo minor adjustments. But right now, there is no timeline for Port-Daniel-Gascons. Imagine the timeline for Gaspé? We have no idea,” said Daniel Côté.

“Why is everyone skeptical? It’s because we no longer have a timeline and no one can give us one. The ultimate goal is to rebuild the entire rail line to Gaspé,” added Mr. Côté.
He pointed out that the Gaspé Peninsula has missed several opportunities for economic development.

“I feel like I’ve been repeating the same thing for 10 years. I’ve been elected for almost 12 years, and we’ve been fighting for almost 12 years. It’s been one promise after another from different governments. Every time, they make promises, and every time, nothing comes of it. There are many issues at stake, but I’m eager to get to the bottom of this once and for all,” he says.

The mayor agrees with having a rail line with reduced load capacity that would still allow Via Rail and freight trains to operate.

“That’s all we need. Initially, engineers in the region said that the work required to make it work would cost a little over $100 million. But when we put it through the government process, we wanted the Cadillac, and that’s when we spent beyond our needs,” Mr. Côté concluded.

Representatives Blouin and Sainte-Croix’s record marked by the postponement of rail repairs Read More »

$3.6M investment for Groupe Ohméga and Ganex

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / development, Ganex, Groupe Ohméga, nelson sergerie, wind power

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Groupe Ohméga and its subsidiary Ganex, founded in 2021, are continuing their growth by investing $3.6 million to support development, particularly in the United States.

The project includes the acquisition of equipment, constructing a building to house Groupe Ohméga, and the renovation of the existing building to accommodate the Ganex division.

These facilities will enable the company to enhance its automation and industrial IT services to better serve the wind, solar, and water treatment sectors, in addition to developing new markets.
Groupe Ohméga’s automation service was created in December 2015.

“This is a project that was very important to us,” says Martin Boulay, President and CEO of Groupe Ohmega and Ganex. “We try to look at all the indicators, but with the growth of renewable energy, the energy transition, the transition to digital, and cybersecurity, we are at a crossroads and we want to be forward-looking and grow at the speed of our market,” adds Mr. Boulay.

While the company already has offices in Ontario, Alberta, and soon Texas, Mr. Boulay believes it is essential to remain true to its roots.

“We are very proud that Ganex was born in Quebec, where wind power was born. The regional content in 2005-2006 allowed us to establish ourselves here in the Gaspé Peninsula. We then turned our attention to Ontario and Alberta. We are very proud of these offices, but our headquarters are here in Gaspé. There is a great market in the wind energy sector,” explains the president and CEO, referring to Hydro-Québec’s upcoming 10,000 megawatts of wind power.

The Texas office will help support further expansion.

“There are a lot of wind, solar, and battery assets. Our niche is refurbishing equipment that is about ten years old to perform operations and maintenance to upgrade cyber security and remote control of assets in the southwestern United States,” he says.

Since December 1, 2015, several North American wind farms have been managed remotely from Gaspé.

“We have surpassed the 75-project mark here in Gaspé. They range from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. From Texas to Ohio to Wyoming, we have projects in France. This year, we expect to reach 80 projects. We are very proud of this subsidiary. We can solve problems in less than five minutes. We have a very strong position in the market and we are very proud of it,” says Mr. Boulay.
In addition to wind power, solar farms, hydroelectric plants, and battery farms are also managed from Gaspé.

Hydro-Québec’s 10,000 megawatts of wind power are music to the manager’s ears. “We want to position ourselves clearly. Hydro-Québec, with its subsidiary EVLO, which is one of our customers, controls their battery parks. We clearly want to position ourselves in the service chain for future projects,” says the president and CEO.

For the Quebec government, this is an opportunity to support a company that has been in existence for over 40 years.

“The company has its eyes on the energy future here in Quebec, but also elsewhere in the world. I think it’s an incredible vehicle for development. There is a desire to grow and contribute to Quebec’s energy project,” says Stéphane Sainte-Croix, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé, who announced the financial assistance on behalf of the Quebec government.

In the current geopolitical context, it is more necessary than ever to invest in the growth of Quebec companies to make them more productive, attractive, and competitive in future markets such as information technology designed to optimize renewable energy production, according to the government.

The company is expected to employ around 160 people in the coming weeks, with projections to exceed 200 employees by the end of the year.

The financial assistance includes a $1,120,000 loan granted under the ESSOR program, administered by Investissement Québec on behalf of the government, and $610,500 from Investissement Québec’s own funds.

Founded by Groupe Ohméga in 2021, Ganex designs and develops information and communication technology solutions as well as operational technologies for the industrial and manufacturing sectors, as well as for solar wind, drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

$3.6M investment for Groupe Ohméga and Ganex Read More »

Alliance de l’Est eyes mini hydroelectric power plants

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Alliance, Hydro-Québec, Hydroeletric dams, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – The Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est is analyzing the possible acquisition of the Mitis-1 and Mitis-2 hydroelectric dams on the Mitis River near Mont-Joli. If successful, the move would expand its renewable energy portfolio, which already includes wind and solar power.

“We saw an opportunity that seems to be an interesting avenue. We are seriously considering acquiring and operating them, which would add to our portfolio of new renewable energy sources,” said Simon Deschênes, vice president of the alliance and president of the Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

The infrastructure belongs to Hydro-Québec and has been out of service since 2018 due to its dilapidated condition.

The two dams could produce 10 megawatts and have been in place on the river for close to 100 years in one case.

“The prefect of Mitis was looking at this as an important issue, and now that all energy projects have to go through the alliance, the file was quickly forwarded to us. We have conducted studies on the state of the infrastructure and financial modeling. We are in preparation mode to see how far we could go in acquiring it,” says Mr. Deschênes, who also serves as mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.

However, the elected official does not want to disclose any more information, for example, on the condition of the dams and the costs involved in purchasing and upgrading them.

In recent weeks, the MRCs that are members of the alliance have approved the borrowing bylaw of the Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, authorizing an expenditure not exceeding $5,084,400 and a loan of the same amount for the development, construction, operation, and implementation of financial instruments for the power plant redevelopment project.

The vice-president warns that no conclusions should be drawn about future costs. “What was important was to have the financial resources available. It’s difficult to estimate how much it might cost to bring the two dams back into service. We have to be careful before doing any calculations,” he says.

The Alliance, however, is not closing the door on further acquisitions of small dams. “We are always interested. We have to be careful because there are dams that are already in service and are not necessarily for sale. We are focusing on owning this new source of energy, gaining experience, and improving our knowledge. We are not closing the door,” said Simon Deschênes.

Alliance de l’Est eyes mini hydroelectric power plants Read More »

Still no commitment to Quebec content in wind farms

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / gaspe, mna, nelson sergerie, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, wind farms

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Quebec still has not committed to including regional and Quebec content requirements in wind power projects, even though Hydro-Québec is set to develop 10,000 megawatts of wind energy.
Following the adoption of Bill 69, the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix believes that Hydro now has the agility and flexibility to create winning conditions for Quebec content.

Mr. Sainte-Croix believes that the sector will be able to focus on its objectives and will be included in the development plan.

The elected official indicates that there will be room for Quebec companies such as LM Wind Power in Gaspé and Marmen in Matane.

However, conditions have not yet been set. “We are not yet in concrete discussions to see how this will play out. We have given Hydro-Québec the tools to consider these elements. But we are aware that the contribution of these companies is important for the future,” says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Meanwhile, the MNA believes that the abolition of the minimum price for gasoline, which came into effect on June 9, is a step toward stimulating competition. He notes that other measures are in the works, including mandatory disclosure of price variations, which will make it easier to track market trends.

The MNA points out that Haute-Gaspésie, Côte-de-Gaspé, and part of Rocher-Percé still have some of the highest gasoline prices in the province.

“It will take some time for the market to regulate itself based on supply and demand. The Clark report in recent years indicated that Gaspésie more often than not had the highest prices in Quebec. The abolition of the price floor will stimulate this impact on prices,” he believes.

In place for 28 years, Quebec felt that the previous price floor mechanism limited competition among retailers and, as a result, led to higher prices.

Meanwhile, when it was withdrawn on June 9, motorists in the Bay of Chaleur were paying the fair price for regular gasoline, according to data from the Régie de l’énergie, However those in Rocher-Percé and Côte-de-Gaspé were paying more.

In Avignon and Bonaventure, gasoline sold for an average of $1.514 per litre, with a profit margin of 11.2 cents, slightly below the annual average of 11.7 cents.

In Chandler and Gaspé, a litre should sell for $1.54, but it is priced at $1.57.

The margin on the Gaspé Peninsula is 14.8 cents, compared to an average of 12.5 cents last year. In Rocher-Percé, it was 12.8 cents, compared to an average of 11.6 cents last year.

Government actions in recent months have lowered the average profit margin by 3 to 4 cents, depending on the sector.

The report by economist Robert Clark, published in May 2024, who was tasked with investigating the practices of oil companies, concluded that the Gaspé region had the highest annual pre-tax gasoline price in the province over the past decade.

Furthermore, for the third time since 2019, a report showed that the annual profit margin for retailers in Gaspé was the highest in the last decade.

The expert noted in his report, for example, that the profit margin in Gaspé rose from 9 cents in 2021 to 15.2 cents in 2023.

According to him, lower sales volume did not explain the higher prices charged in the region.
The Quebec government has since forwarded the Clark report to the Competition Bureau.

Still no commitment to Quebec content in wind farms Read More »

Contract awarded for plans to extend bike path to Douglastown

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / bike path, Douglastown, gaspe, Haldimand Beach, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé has awarded a nearly $35,000 contract to develop plans for the extension of the bike path between Haldimand Beach and Douglastown via the railway right-of-way.
The town is moving forward even though no timeline has been announced for the repair of the rail line to Gaspé.

“Financial assistance has already been provided to the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC by the federal authorities. Since we have the financial assistance, we might as well do the preliminary studies. The good news is that it is subsidized at nearly 90%. Whether the railway is ready in two, three, or four years, the studies will be in hand and can be implemented anyway,” says the Mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté.

Last fall, a management agreement was signed between Quebec City and Gaspé, in which the town will maintain the footbridge.

The new trail would offer a safer alternative to walking on the railroad tracks and crossing the Saint-Jean River on the railroad bridge.

When the project was first proposed in 2019, it was estimated at $2.3 million.

Contract awarded for plans to extend bike path to Douglastown Read More »

Gaspé Peninsula CISSS needs $20M to balance its budget

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / 20 Million, budget, cisss, health, neslon sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) must find $20 million to balance its $560 million budget allocated by Santé Québec for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
“That’s what we’re currently finalizing,” says President and CEO of the CISSS Martin Pelletier. “We need to present a balanced budget, and we’re $20 million short of last year’s actual spending. That’s going to involve some tough choices,” admits Mr. Pelletier.

The CISSS is one of the institutions most affected by the budgetary constraints, with Santé Québec requesting the equivalent of a 4.6% cut of its overall budget, the largest share in the province.
“It’s a lot for us. If we didn’t have the independent workforce, which costs $25 million, we wouldn’t be talking about cost reduction. We have no choice but to use it, because otherwise, it would result in service disruptions,” explains the CEO.

The CEO explains that the calculation method is based on clinical financial performance. Mr. Pelletier cites the example of the obstetrics department. “The number of births in the Gaspé versus the cost, makes a baby’s (delivery and care) cost higher than elsewhere and is considered inefficient. It’s a parametric calculation done at head office. We’re at a disadvantage from the start because we have four hospitals in a large area for a population of 80,000.” In the city, a single hospital can optimally serve 80,000 residents,” he says.

Recognizing the unique nature of the Gaspé Peninsula healthcare network continues with Santé Québec. “This is a reality that we will debate and that is well known to Santé Québec’s senior management. But the order has been placed, and we must submit a balanced budget,” explains Mr. Pelletier.

Testing Centre

After being criticized since its establishment at Place Jacques-Cartier last fall, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS relocated the testing centre to the former emergency room at Gaspé hospital on June 2.
The idea of conducting blood tests in a shopping centre has generated criticism from users due to accessibility issues, particularly for people with reduced mobility.

Financial constraints led to the decision to move this centre to a site belonging to the CISSS. Similar changes will be implemented in other local networks, except in the Baie-des-Chaleurs, where lack of space prevents the repatriation of collection centres.

Dentistry

After being criticized since its establishment at Place Jacques-Cartier last fall, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS relocated the testing centre to the former emergency room at Gaspé hospital on June 2.

The idea of conducting blood tests in a shopping centre has generated criticism from users due to accessibility issues, particularly for people with reduced mobility.

Dentistry

Aware of the need for dentistry throughout the Gaspé Peninsula, the CISSS is focusing on properly operating the centre located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.

Regularly on social media, Gaspesians bring attention to the limited access to a dentist in the region. Residents must travel to Matane, Rimouski, or even Quebec City for treatment

The President and CEO of the CISSS must first self-finance the Sainte-Anne-des-Monts centre. “We had money to start the project. Now we’re in the self-financing phase. The challenge is that we’re using independent labour, which costs more than employees. Revenues must increase significantly to offset these costs,” says Mr. Pelletier. Grande-Vallée and Port-Daniel-Gascons were the other targeted sectors.

“It’s still in the planning phases, but we need to self-finance Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to be able to move on to the next stage,” the director concluded.

Gaspé Peninsula CISSS needs $20M to balance its budget Read More »

Three of the four hospital laboratories in the Gaspé Peninsula are closed at night

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / cisss, Closure, gaspe, health, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The situation is extreme in three of the four hospital medical laboratories operated by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), which are now closed at night due to a lack of personnel.

In May, the Maria hospital had to reduce service hours, prompting the implementation of an on-call service to respond to emergencies.

A similar situation occurred in June at the Gaspé hospital, while the Sainte-Anne-des-Monts hospital has been operating this way for a decade.

The lack of appeal of the profession since the implementation of the reform by former Liberal Health Minister Gaétan Barrette in 2016 and the creation of Optilab, which established a server laboratory in Rimouski, is the source of the problem, according to the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (Alliance of Professional and Technical Health and Social Services Personnel).

Data shared by the union shows there are approximately 35 medical technologists in the Gaspé Peninsula, whereas 75 would be needed to provide full laboratory services across the region’s four hospitals.

In Gaspé, the situation was criticized four years ago when only six of the 14 technologists remained in place.

“Four years later, we’re back to square one. We’re left with a minimum number of people at work due to numerous sick leaves, which is forcing the employer to transform the service with on-call duty,” said Alliance of Professional and Technical Health and Social Services Personnel (APTS) regional spokesperson Jenny Tardif.

“People are at home and already working during the day. We have to continue to provide service in the evening and at night. They are at home at night with a cell phone and are called when the doctor requires them for an emergency,” says Ms. Tardif.

The service is running at a slower pace because non-urgent cases are only being handled during the day.

The union representative recalls the protests that took place in 2016, particularly in front of the Gaspé hospital, to denounce the Barrette reform, and the region’s elected officials followed suit.
“When they announced that we were going to lose 70% of the positions in the Gaspé Peninsula, it hurt the profession extremely badly. When you make health care reforms, you feel the consequences several years later. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of the aftermath of this reform,” comments the union spokesperson.

Ms. Tardif points out that the current situation is not a question of budget.

For example, the medical technologist training program at Cégep de Rimouski has produced only five to ten graduates.

“We destroyed the profession with the 2016 reform. The solutions are not simple,” she says. Even if recruits were found, the issue of housing would still need to be addressed. “We’re practically asking for a miracle. We absolutely must generate interest in the profession. But that’s a very long-term project. We have lost 40 to 50% of our workforce in recent years in the Gaspé Peninsula. It’s difficult to recover,” says Ms. Tardif.

The situation described by the APTS also concerns the Union of Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Respiratory Therapists of Eastern Quebec, which also denounces this situation.
The Lower Saint Lawrence CISSS has provided mobile testing equipment in emergency rooms so that nurses can run tests when laboratories are closed.

“It makes no sense for the members we represent because they don’t have the training. It’s not part of their delegated duties. These machines take time to analyze and often produce error codes. All the time spent doing these tests is time that isn’t being spent triaging patients in the emergency room or caring for critical patients,” says president Pier-Luc Bujold.

He is calling for the funds allocated to laboratories to be transferred to hire additional staff, such as laboratory technicians.

“There will be less impact on the population and the nurses and nursing assistants we represent. If it’s not a budget issue, transfer the money and add staff,” demands the union leader, who points out that centralizing laboratories was nonsense.

He is taking advantage of the situation to once again denounce the $20 million in cuts that the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS must make in order to stay within the budget allocated by Santé Québec.

“We are always asking staff to do more with less. The case of laboratory technologists is just one among many. Every time we cut a profession, it’s always the nurses who bear the brunt. Are we cutting back on housekeeping services? We’ll ask a nurse to empty the trash. Cut an administrative assistant? We’ll ask the nurse to make calls and file papers. Close the pharmacy at 4 p.m.? We’ll ask the nurse to fetch the medications. It seems like nurses are just fill-ins,” explains Mr. Bujold.

Three of the four hospital laboratories in the Gaspé Peninsula are closed at night Read More »

Pier-Luc Bujold remains president of the Nurses’ Union

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / CAQ, Convention, gaspe, nelson sergerie, Nurses union

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Delegates from the Eastern Quebec Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Respiratory Therapists Union have re-elected Pier-Luc Bujold as union president for a third three-year term.

Mr. Bujold was first elected in 2017 following the departure of Micheline Barriault, who led the union for nearly 30 years.

“We are committed to continuity and to improving the services we provide. We know we are doing a good job, but we want to continue over the next three years,” says Mr. Bujold.

Delegates concluded a three-day convention in Carleton-sur-Mer on June 12.

“We are taking stock of the situation and need to be united, as the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government is governing with Bill 89, Bill 100, and Bill 101, which could have a major impact on the members we represent in the coming years,” concluded the president following discussions with the union delegates.

The union criticizes the government for not consulting the public before putting its bills on the table. “There are specific characteristics in the Gaspé Peninsula that must always be taken into account. There are important issues for workers under Bill 101. There are many injuries and absences from work. There is a direct impact on the quality and quantity of care provided to the public. The impact of these bills on workers should not be minimized,” notes Mr. Bujold.

Following discussions with delegates, action plans will be developed for future action in the field.
With the CISSS needing to find $20 million to meet the budgetary framework provided by Santé Québec, the union foresees difficult times ahead.

“The announced initial cut of $40 million has had an impact. There have been job cuts and service reductions, even though services are already minimal,” notes the president, who makes a proposal. “In our action plan, we have added campaigning to restore local services in CLSCs. We have a dispersed population. There are too many horror stories of people not receiving care, especially home care,” says Mr. Bujold.

According to him, the next few years will remain difficult, but he sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
“The population, as we can see in surveys, is becoming increasingly critical of everything the government is doing with regard to public services. I see Gaspesians who care about their local services. If we are united, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” believes the union leader.

Pier-Luc Bujold remains president of the Nurses’ Union Read More »

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / Daniel Côte, election, Forth term, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The outgoing mayor of Gaspé will seek a fourth term in the November 2 election.
Daniel Côté believes he has too much to accomplish, after summarizing the last 12 years at the helm of the largest town in the Gaspé Peninsula.

In a press briefing held with his wife and infant, and in the presence of four councillors on June 3, Mr. Côté indicated that he consulted his family over the previous weekend, and made the decision not long after, even though he had promised to announce his intentions in May.

“For me, it is absolutely necessary that the arena be resolved. I’m tired of pushing it forward. I would like our position in the naval sector to have borne additional fruit. I expect the wind industry to have positioned itself in the Quebec market,” he listed as priorities that could be satisfactory following a possible fourth term.

Housing also remains a priority, especially following the announcement of a major housing project by Gestion Bourgade on May 27.

“It makes me think that if we want to continue growing, we have to continue investing. This is the kind of business that motivates me,” noted the elected official.

Before embarking on what could be his next term, the outgoing mayor took stock of several achievements made over the past 12 years: the redesign of the heart of Rivière-au-Renard, or the Canada’s Birthplace; the chairlift at the Mont Béchervaise ski resort; the upgrading of the downtown drinking water system; the new industrial road alongside the conversion of the LM Wind Power plant into a large industrial complex; and the approximately 500 housing units built over the past five years. The mayor isn’t afraid of opposition, having been elected by acclamation last time.

“I want democracy to be expressed. If one person comes, we’ll run a campaign worthy of the name. If no one comes, it will be shorter, simpler. I’m not ashamed of my record,” Mr. Côté asserts.
He does, however, offer one element that should generate consensus. “If someone else comes, I dare hope they’ll draw inspiration from the collaborative work we’ve done and we’ll campaign with similar content. I hope so. If someone comes along and says they’re going to reinvent what 1,500 people built together, they’ll have a hard time convincing people. I have the game plan in my pocket. It’s strategic planning. If I have an opponent, I hope they’ll base their arguments on that. People will judge the person best suited to deliver the action plan, but I’m not worried about turning the page,” says the mayor.

With the arrival of a baby, the elected official has slowed down his activities within the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ). His terms as ex-officio president, on the executive council, and on the leadership council have come to an end.

He will, however, serve as president of the Conseil des MRC, a new body within the union, while remaining president of the Air Transportation Committee and a member of the board of directors.
“We’ve made the necessary contacts in recent years. Joining the UMQ gave Gaspé a platform and allowed us to develop a network of contacts,” he notes. However, he will maintain his roles within the region, as he is president of the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Transport Board and also sits on the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie and the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Energy Board.

“I’m not planning on that (to step away from some positions). I want to maintain a certain position at the national level. Regionally, I don’t think I’m too ambitious. I’m thinking of taking the place that Gaspé should have as the largest town in the Gaspé,” he says.

He also wants to keep his position as prefect of the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. “Within the MRC, I’m the only full-time politician. I can assume a so-called full-time role at the MRC. Why? The MRC and the town are more or less the same territory. Gaspé has 86% of the population and93% of the MRC’s real estate wealth. I want to continue, that’s for sure. I want to keep positions at the regional level. The Board of Directors will decide,” Mr. Côté says.

This position also allows him to sit on the Gaspésie prefects’ table and the Regroupement of Gaspésie MRCs.

Mr. Côté also points out that the Gaspé Peninsula has several full-time mayors, an advantage in his view. “It’s a damn good deal. This isn’t the case in all regions of Quebec, which means that some files are managed part-time. When you’re on it full-time, you can manage everything full-time,” the outgoing mayor states bluntly.

Mr. Côté can count on four outgoing councillors who attended his press briefing announcing his candidacy. Among them was downtown councillor James Keays, whose name has been circulating as a possible mayoral candidate, but who is rallying behind Daniel Côté.

“What we’ve accomplished in recent years is enormous for Gaspé. The council held its own. We could have fought hundreds of times in the public square. We’ve always managed to find ways to resolve the issue, and that was achieved, among other things, thanks to Daniel’s leadership,” says Mr. Keays, who is pleased to see the outgoing mayor recommitting.

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term Read More »

Chandler-Louisette Langlois Dispute: Hearing not set until spring of 2026

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / chandler, Court, Louisette Langlois

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Town of Chandler’s motion seeking more than $300,000 from former Mayor Louisette Langlois, who challenged the sanction imposed against her by the Municipal Commission in 2020, will not be heard in court until the spring 2026. The delay is due to difficulties in finding a judge ready to hear the case.

Beforehand, a pre-trial conference will have to be held to determine how many days need to be scheduled for the hearing. The application filed in 2022 was amended from its original amount of $230,411.

Since January, $5,248 in legal fees have been added, for a total of $410,034 to date.

The Percé Courthouse clerk issued the certificate of completeness on January 7.

In January 2021, the municipal council adopted a resolution leading to the filing of the claim by the town, emphasizing in particular that the allegations against Louisette Langlois resulted from gross or intentional misconduct, by giving precedence to her personal interest, by having committed actions intentionally and premeditatedly, all to achieve her ends.

This argument was repeated in the motion for an originating application for reimbursement of defence costs filed in January 2022.

The invoice claimed at that time was $230,411. Chandler’s attorneys noted in particular that “The decision rendered (…) on December 21, 2020 is damning of the defendant and establishes that the defendant’s acts or omissions constitute serious misconduct and/or intentional misconduct and/or separable from the performance of her duties.”

They added that the former elected official “has multiplied proceedings, some of which are unnecessary, unfounded, and truncated in light of the evidence presented before the CMQ (Commission municipale du Québec).”

In December 2019, Louisette Langlois was cited for 21 violations of the Chandler Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Elected Officials. Following hearings in July 2020, the commission concluded in December 2020 that the former elected official was guilty of 20 violations, including conflicts of interest. Before the sanction hearing, Ms. Langlois had attempted to obtain a stay of proceedings, contested the notice of sanction issued against her, and even requested that the investigation be reopened. These requests were rejected by administrative judge Sandra Bilodeau.

The former mayor made an appeal to the Superior Court, but it was dismissed in July 2021, and she suffered the same fate in October 2021 before the Court of Appeal.

Furthermore, the motion accused her of subsequently escalating the number of proceedings

Chandler-Louisette Langlois Dispute: Hearing not set until spring of 2026 Read More »

VIA Rail explores “alternative return to service” scenerios for the Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / catherine blouin, gaspesie, Transportation, via

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – After more than ten years of stating that passenger rail services to Gaspé would only resume once the entire railway line was refurbished, VIA Rail is now exploring “alternative return-to-service” scenarios for the Chaleur train.

Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Catherine Blouin tabled a motion on May 27 in the National Assembly, calling for the return of passenger rail services to New Carlisle as soon as possible. The motion, which was unanimously supported by the elected officials present at the time of the vote, calls for the return of the passenger train to New Carlisle as soon as possible, noting that the rail line would be operational to Port-Daniel-Gascons in the coming weeks.

In addition, the motion called for the establishment of a shuttle between New Carlisle and Gaspé. The motion was brought to Ottawa on May 29 by Alexis Deschênes, the Member of Parliament for the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. However, the government remained very vague about its intentions.

In an email dated May 30, “VIA Rail has always affirmed its commitment to restoring service in the Gaspé when the tracks are safe and allow competitive travel times to Gaspé,” noted the public corporation. VIA stated that it had begun work to prepare for a possible return to service, in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, and based on its timelines for track refurbishment to Gaspé by 2027.

“When the provincial budget was tabled on March 25, 2025, VIA Rail learned, at the same time as the Gaspé population, that the refurbishment work on the section between Port-Daniel–Gascons and Gaspé was postponed to the planning phase, with no new timeline to guide further efforts,” states VIA.

It was from this point on that the carrier’s thinking seemed to have taken a new turn. “Faced with this major change, and still firmly committed to restoring rail service for Gaspé residents, VIA Rail must now return to the drawing board to explore alternative return-to-service scenarios,” explains the company’s communications department, adding, however, that it is too early to comment on the form or parameters of these scenarios.

“(This is) music to my ears. This is a first for me to hear this type of comment,” says Ms. Blouin, who notes that she has been working on the file for a long time. She points out that collaboration between VIA Rail and Quebec is very good.

“To see it written in black and white that it was pushing them to return to the drawing board. There is no reason why the passenger train should not run to New Carlisle. It gives us hope,” adds Ms. Blouin, who also notes that this opportunity must be seized and serious negotiations should begin. “This is a good indication because until very recently, the position has always been that there would be no return until the rail service was operational all the way to Gaspé. There is an opening, and I welcome it. I intend to collaborate with VIA Rail if they need anything,” says Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Deschênes, who will continue to put pressure on the carrier.

“We’re right to ask. Everyone is talking to us about the return of the train. It’s an essential service that we want. So much the better if there’s a change of tone from VIA Rail. It’s the bare minimum we’re asking for,” he adds.

A rumour is circulating at the provincial level that the carrier is toying with the idea of separating the Ocean train and the Chaleur train, which would run independently between Montreal and Matapedia.

VIA, however, did not mention such a scenario in its email. The Coalition of Gaspesians for the Return of the VIA Rail Train believes that studying alternative scenarios for the Gaspé will put pressure on Quebec to refurbish the rail line to Gaspé.

“The more people take the train, the more pressure there will be on the government to complete the section. It’s important that VIA Rail return to explain these alternative solutions,” says coalition spokesperson Micheline Saint-Onge.

The coalition is ready to work with VIA Rail on the next steps, relaying the messages received from meetings held in recent months between Mataand those to come in Rocher-Percé and the Côte-de-Gaspé.

Is the motion the key?

Everything seems to be moving forward since the motion by the MNA for Bonaventure, who indicated that regional connections were at the heart of VIA Rail’s mandate.

“The Matapedia-Gaspé regional connection is essential to serving the communities of the Gaspé. That the National Assembly request Via Rail to restore at least rail service to New Carlisle as soon as possible and to implement a shuttle to provide a connection to Gaspé,” states the motion read by the elected official.

The Coalition of Gaspésians for the Return of the Passenger Train is pleased with this stance taken by elected officials in Quebec City, as the group has been struggling since January to secure such progress.

“In April, we sent a specific letter to the two provincial MNAs, Ms. Blouin and Mr. (Stéphane) Sainte-Croix, and to the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault, asking them to take a position and take action and request a motion to support the project,” says Coalition spokesperson Micheline Saint-Onge.

A meeting with the MNA Blouin, her Gaspé riding colleague Stéphane Sainte-Croix and a representative from the Ministry of Transport was held on May 15.

“We are extremely pleased that this has produced results that have been expected since 2013,” added Ms. Saint-Onge. “We are now waiting for the next steps. June, July 2025 is not far off. We’re continuing the process to get the train back this summer,” she explained before VIA’s letter.

A major factor holding VIA back from its return is the lack of rolling stock, in addition to stations, track safety, and staff.

“What we learned from the meeting on May 15 is that there’s a committee in place with VIA and the Ministry of Transport. I don’t know where VIA is at,” notes Ms. Saint-Onge.

“The only problem VIA had was with rolling stock. But a lot of pressure was taken off that file because new cars were delivered to the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. The ones that were removed need repairs, but that frees up 160 cars. I can’t believe there wouldn’t be a few cars that could come to the Gaspé,” she suggests

VIA Rail explores “alternative return to service” scenerios for the Gaspé Read More »

A trio to launch the 2025 summer tourist season

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / economic development, nelson sergerie, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The 2025 tourist season was launched on June 4 in Percé before some 150 people who were keen to mark the occasion.

This year, Gaspésie Gourmande and Culture Gaspésie are joining forces with Tourisme Gaspésie major to kick off the start of the summer with a major event in Percé.

This launch comes at the same time as CAA-Québec published its annual survey showing Quebecers intend to vacation within the province. Gaspésie ranked second in the survey, at 18%, just behind Quebec City and its surrounding region, at 21%.

“We were eagerly awaiting this survey. The feedback from the field is very positive. Reservations are going well. It’s clear that the heart of the tourist season, the two weeks of construction and the two following, are very busy. What’s fun to see is that people are coming earlier,” notes Stéphanie Thibaud, marketing director of Tourisme Gaspésie.

Ms. Thibaud notes that tourists are already present in the region, an observation made by the mayor of Percé, who says local business owners are optimistic.

“They’re all very optimistic. Reservations for accommodations and campsites are apparently higher than last year at this time. From the top of my town hall, I can see tourists boarding the ferries to Bonaventure Island. That bodes well,” notes Daniel Leboeuf. Tourisme Gaspésie is investing $900,000 in traditional media between March and October, a sum that rises to $1.3 million when content production is factored in.

“We’re targeting the Quebec market, our main clientele. We’re targeting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We’re going to reach a large target group: families, semi-retirees, younger people traveling as couples or with young children. We’re going to adapt our message for the different seasons,” explains Ms. Thibaud.

Last year, the summer season totalled nearly 700,000 visitors, but Tourisme Gaspésie isn’t setting a specific target for this year.

The region’s accommodation offering has increased by 20% since 2020. “It’s 20% in establishments but also in campgrounds. We have room to welcome people and we have new attractions to discover. An extra night, an extra activity, an extra restaurant—that’s what adds value to a trip to the Gaspé,” says the marketing manager, who insists there are still places available in the region in July and August.

Taking advantage of the launch of the tourist season, Gaspésie Gourmande presented the 20th edition of its magazine, which showcases regional gastronomy from every angle.

“The first edition of this tool was an 8 1/2 x 11 page that we folded in three,” recalls Johanne Michaud, director of Gaspésie Gourmet.

Gourmet tourism is thriving. “There’s a surge in local purchasing with what’s happening in the current context. Our members are preparing for the coming summer. We’re expecting a year that may be more extraordinary than 2020. People have a taste for the authenticity we offer them, that businesses offer them.” When you walk into a store, the producer is there, you know the product, you see the field behind it. It’s not all rosy, but I think food tourism is thriving in the Gaspé,” says Ms. Michaud.

The region has chosen to offer a comprehensive food tour rather than short tours in other regions.

“When we do our magazine guide by MRC, people, if they only come to Baie-des-Chaleurs or Haute-Gaspésie, they get a lot. They can’t see everything. I don’t think it’s a challenge. It’s dynamic everywhere,” she says.

A cultural and food tourism offering could be developed, as the three organizations have partnered for the season launch. “There are some great avenues we could explore. There are already collaborations with Culture Gaspésie. We could work together more,” says Ms. Michaud.

At the same time, the Gaspésie Arts Circuit is celebrating its 30th anniversary, a circuit that operates year-round, unlike other regions.

“We’re very proud that this initiative is still going strong. The idea was to allow artisans to market their products together,” says Culture Gaspé sie director Céline Breton, who is pleased with this partnership for the season’s launch.

“We all complement each other in the tourism offering. When tourists arrive, they want to eat well, see shows, and visit attractions. If we all work as a team, we can create a great tourist experience,” says Ms. Breton.

Marketing is geared toward young people using social networks. “We have to reach them where they are,” explains Ms. Breton.

The circuit includes 36 artisans. “Since we are a tourist region, it allows these artists to make a living from their art, unlike in other regions,” says Ms. Breton.

Awards

Tourisme Gaspésie took advantage of its meeting to highlight the contribution of two artisans in the tourism industry.

The owner of Manoir Belle Plage in Carleton-sur-Mer, David Comeau, received the 2025 Excellence Tourism Award, a repeat for the Comeau family, as his father has already received a similar award.

“The importance of making tourism more sustainable, of adapting to local people, Mr. Comeau is an example,” says Joëlle Ross, director of Tourisme Gaspésie.

Paule Ménard-Pelletier of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts based With Couleur chocolat won the 2025 Emerging Manager Award, which recognizes the dynamism and leadership of an individual seen as a driving force in the future of regional tourism.

“Yes, it’s fun to recognize excellence, but it’s also fun to recognize an entrepreneur who has had a business for several years and who works hard,” noted Ms. Ross.

Gaspésie Gourmande also presented awards at the event.

The Award of Excellence was awarded to Les Pêcheries Gaspésiennes in Rivière-au-Renard, owned by Olivier Dupuis and Simon Langlais, for its dynamism and innovative approach to marketing its products.

Founded in 1983, this family business has demonstrated great dynamism since its first years of operation. The groundfish processing plant quickly added the production of the unique Gaspé Cured cod to the manufacture of fish fillets for urban markets, and later opened a retail business with its fish market, which still exists today.

Over the years, Les Pêcheries Gaspésiennes has continued to diversify its activities while pursuing sustained growth.

This ability to adapt and diversify is one of its greatest assets, allowing it to weather more difficult times with resilience and vision.

Furthermore, the Paul-Hachey Award, presented to a chef working in the Gaspé Peninsula who uses products from the Gaspésie Gourmande line with pride and conviction, is awarded to Samuel Laverrière, chef and co-owner of Littoral Bistro Gourmand, located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. A 2016 graduate in French cuisine from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he arrived in Haute-Gaspésie in 2021, where he discovered a different reality, far from the abundance of readily available products to which he was accustomed.

He learned to work with the seasons, adapt to market availability, and adjust his menus to better showcase local products.

“Through his authentic approach, his creativity, and his respect for the product, Samuel Laverrière perfectly embodies the spirit of the Paul-Hachey Award and contributes to promoting the Gaspésie gourmet scene, one plate at a time,” notes Gaspésie Gourmande.

A trio to launch the 2025 summer tourist season Read More »

A busy summer ahead for Forillon Park

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / forillon, gaspe, gespeg, Indigenous, national park, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The summer tourist season, which began on May 30 for Forillon Park, is off to a good start, with overnight stays booked so far 23% higher than those recorded at the same time last year.

More than 18,840 overnight stays have been booked since the reservation centre opened on February 5.

“If you look at our popular ready-to-camp sites in July and August, they’re practically full. The same goes for our electric campsites,” notes Forillon Park manager, Mathieu Côté, Parks Canada’s Gaspésie Field Unit Director. There’s still room for unserviced sites.

For those looking for ready-to-camp sites, there are still good dates available in June, September, and October. The season continues to stretch out.

“We feel there are a few more reservations in June. We expect the tourist season to start fairly early, but it all depends on the weather. Those who want to come to Forillon should check the booking sites because they fill up quickly,” notes the manager.

The new season brings its share of new developments, including a major conservation project for the first of Grande-Grave’s four heritage homes. Work began on the Joseph-Gavey House on May 12.

“This is the beginning of the work. For safety reasons, there was a weakened barn. We had to hold discussions over the past few months with the group (Regroupement de personnes expropriées de Forillon) and the families involved. We had to deconstruct the barn and we committed to rebuilding it, keeping as much of the material as possible,” explains Mr. Côté.

A dome will be placed over the house to protect it from the weather during the outdoor construction. Interior work will begin later this year.

“It’s a complex project. There’s heritage, conservation, and visitor experience, because we’re making heritage accommodations. There’s also a relationship project with the community and the families. We want to commemorate the families who lived there,” explains Mr. Côté.

In November 2022, the federal government announced nearly $9.8 million in support, focusing on four wooden heritage houses in the Grande-Grave area: those of Élias Gavey, Daniel Gavey, Joseph Gavey, and Charles Philipp Bartlett.

Last year, work to finalize access roads to the houses and water research to drill a well for the houses was completed.

The restoration and development project in the beaver pond area is nearing completion. The installation of furniture and the addition of interpretation and signage panels will complete the development of the three new trails in the area during the season.

While these final steps are being finalized, visitors can enjoy the Le Pic-bois, Le Ruisseau, and Le Castor trails, which are now listed on the Forillon National Park map.

“The trails will be inaugurated on July 19, but they are accessible. One of these trails connects the Visitor and Discovery Centre to the waterfall trail,” says the director.

The asphalt on the old Route 132 has been removed. “We’re talking about six kilometres of road where we’ve removed culverts, restored waterways, and removed the asphalt. We’re in the final phase with the planting of 15,000 trees. We’ve also saved a kilometre of road,” notes the director. “In the context of a national park, leaving it as is was out of the question,” adds Mr. Côté.

Several cultural and sporting events will also fill the park’s activities, including the inauguration of the trails on July 19; the Mawiomi, the pow-wow of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, on August 9 in the North sector, near the reception and discovery centre; the sunrise show with Sara Curruchich on August 10 at Cap-Bon-Ami in partnership with the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde; and the Ultra Trail Forillon, a trail running event by Événements Gaspésia, which will return for a third year from September 19 to 21.

Heritage sites including the Blanchette House, the Dolbel-Roberts House, and the Hyman & Sons General Store will come alive starting June 20. Food and sports concessions will gradually open between now and then. Over the past 15 years, more than $100 million has been invested in the park to bring it up to date.

A busy summer ahead for Forillon Park Read More »

New Fishing Lodge Brings Passion, Tourism, and community spirit

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / cascapedia, mary robertson, salmon fishing, tourism

Mary Robertson, LJI Journalist

CASCAPEDIA-ST. JULES – The grand opening of the Gaspé Coastal Fishing Lodge on May 16 was an exciting event for its founders, Sarah Nellis, Andrew Murphy, and all who worked hard for more than a year to turn an abandoned old building into a new fishing lodge on the Grand Cascapedia River.

It was also a reason for the community to gather at the Lodge and see the renovations on what was once a local landmark. Fishing enthusiasts and the local community were given tours of the new lodge and told about the historical significance of the Nadeau family and their contributions to the town more than a century ago.

Originally from Bromont in the Eastern Townships, Andrew first came to the Bay of Chaleurs in 2018 to explore the possibilities for striped bass fishing in the area. By chance, he met Sarah, a salmon-fishing guide, who grew up in Cascapedia-St. Jules. Together, they shared their passion for fishing and realized that they wanted to build a life together in Sarah’s hometown.

Andrew started Gaspe Coastal, a guiding operation that initially focused on striped bass. His efforts helped to introduce and grow the bass fishing industry in the region, something rarely seen in Eastern Canada. Sarah later became a partner in the business, and over time, they expanded their offerings to include Atlantic salmon fishing adventures. It wasn’t long after that they started to work on a business plan to build their own fishing lodge.

“We always knew a fishing lodge was part of the long-term plan,” says Sarah. “Our home was already a lodge of sorts, with guests coming and going all summer long. Now, we’ve created a space that welcomes guests more formally but still feels like home.”

Their lodge in the centre of Cascapedia-St-Jules was built by Edmund Nadeau, whose father, Peter, had been a successful entrepreneur in the early 1900s in Grand Cascapedia. Lovingly restored and redesigned, the lodge now offers occupancy for 20 guests, with 10 guest rooms, five bathrooms, and luxurious bedding. It is decorated in a warm, lived-in decor that includes everything from a Montreal Canadiens jersey to vintage fishing reels and antlers. “We built the kind of lodge we would want to visit,” she says. “A place with world-class angling, delicious food and wine, and an atmosphere full of personality.”

Their guiding team is young, dynamic, and deeply passionate about fishing and hospitality. With an experienced chef preparing gourmet meals and a program that blends luxury and wilderness, the lodge is already making waves among anglers from Canada, the United States, and Europe.

While Atlantic salmon remains a major draw, the couple emphasizes the potential of striped bass fishing. “Striped bass are often misunderstood,” explains Sarah. “They’re a native species and a true conservation success story. Developing this fishery could bring enormous economic benefits to our region.”

With an eye on future expansion, including possibilities like hunting and backcountry skiing, the couple remains focused on offering fishing adventures. “We want this lodge to be more than just a business. In the off-season, we hope it becomes a community hub – a place where locals feel just as welcome as guests from away,” she underlines.

When asked about why they chose to build their lodge in Cascapedia-St. Jules, Sarah says, “I feel like this place is special. We both felt that it was important to bring the old Nadeau House back to life and to give as much, if not more, back to the community that I’ve gotten so much from. And Andrew, although he’s not from here, he really loves this place, and it’s our home!’

Sarah and Andrew got married on May 31, in what they described as a “beautiful and joyful celebration.” What began as a fishing adventure has turned into a heartfelt business venture and a new chapter for a young couple, whose love of fishing, nature, and the community of Cascapedia-St. Jules has given them many reasons to build an exciting future together.

New Fishing Lodge Brings Passion, Tourism, and community spirit Read More »

Construction of a new daycare has finally begun

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / CPE, daycare, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – After nearly four years of significant effort, construction of the Voyage de mon enfance early childhood centre in Gaspé officially began on June 2. The new facility located near Carrefour Gaspé, will offer 100 daycare spaces.

“The preparations were a lot more difficult than initially anticipated. All in all, we’re pretty proud of the results,” notes Executive Director Gilles Chapados.

The daycare spaces were allocated by the Quebec government on August 21, 2021. “The longest part was finding the opportunity, the land that would allow for this project, which, let’s face it, is quite large. Having a site located downtown with public services made it more difficult to find the ideal site,” comments the director.

The initiative is part of a pilot project that was first spearheaded by the Association of Early Childhood Centres and taken over by the Ministry of Families when project costs exploded. “It’s truly a completely prefabricated daycare. It’s a new thing in Quebec. Overall, for now, from a theoretical point of view, and we’ve seen it in practice, it’s much faster and more efficient, even if it comes with its share of challenges. However, there are several advantages to this type of construction,” maintains Mr. Chapados.

There are still a few details to be worked out. “Building access, managing public services, electricity, and building this project is pretty well organized, but there are definitely technical details to be worked out,” says Mr. Chapados.

Habitations Mont-Carleton has been awarded the contract to build the modular unit. If all goes well, the building will be completed around November or December with the new centre opening no later than February 2026.

“If people call us, we’ll automatically redirect them to the Place 0-5 year old (an organization taking reservations). That’s where we’ll draw children (waiting list) when we need to fill spaces,” says the director.

Construction of a new daycare has finally begun Read More »

Fewer gaps in ambulance services

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / ambulance, gaspesie, health services, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Ambulance service gaps have become a rare commodity at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS).

From a rate of up to 3.5% in the last quarter of 2022, this rate has dropped to 1.56% in 2022-2023 and further to just 0.24% in 2023-2024.

Companies have made significant efforts to hire paramedics or have relied on independent labour to fill positions. “It’s difficult to reach 0% because there are situations where there are last-minute illnesses or difficulties replacing someone who was already on the schedule. When we’re talking about 0.24%, the efforts have been remarkable, and people have found solutions,” says Jean-François Sénéchal, Deputy Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS. When a shortage occurs, staff are strategically redeployed across the territory.

Since 2018, several shift schedules have been converted to hourly schedules. “The argument has always been that it would be easier to recruit and retain staff when we have hourly schedules because, in terms of personal and social life, it’s easier to plan activities. This confirms that the arguments for the conversion were well-founded,” says Mr. Sénéchal.

The advantages of hourly schedules facilitate redeployment and allow for faster response times because people are already in the ambulance—a response time of less than a minute—while the on-call schedule requires the paramedic to first go to the paramedics station to take charge of the vehicle and then respond to the call, resulting in a response time of approximately eight minutes.

There are still a few on-call shifts available in the Gaspé, however, the goal is to one day see the region covered 100% with hourly schedules.

“For example, if we’re talking about Mont-Louis or Murdochville, it’s clear that what we have left as on-call teams doesn’t have much travel time during the week. If we put these teams on the hour, it would be, in quote, a waste of resources,” explains Mr. Sénéchal.

In Gaspé, an on-call team was converted to a 10-hour shift, a change that initially sparked controversy, but has since produced promising results.

Currently, there’s a 24-hour team in Gaspé and in Rivière-au-Renard, in addition to the 10-hour shift in Gaspé.

“Based on the volume of activity and our redeployment capacity, we think we made the right decision,” concludes Mr. Sénéchal.

Fewer gaps in ambulance services Read More »

Women’s groups say obstetrics improvements are needed

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / gaspe peninsula, health minister, health services, hopsital, labour shortage, obstetrics

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Women’s groups are once again denouncing the situation of understaffed obstetrics departments at hospitals in the Gaspé Peninsula, particularly the one in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.

The Haute-Gaspésie hospital has experienced a staff shortage and service disruptions nearly every month for the past two years due to a lack of trained nursing resources available to work in obstetrics.

Committees have been formed in each of the local networks to find solutions, including training more nurses to work in the obstetrics department.

“But one of the fundamental issues is retention because the working conditions are demanding. We are calling on the Legault government, Health Minister Christian Dubé, and Gaspé MNA (Member of the National Assembly) Stéphane Sainte-Croix because we believe there is undoubtedly a deeper issue, which is to strengthen local services. The citizens of the Gaspésie and the workers are not second-class citizens because we live in the Gaspésie and we have the right to have local services that operate year-round,” says Nastassia Williams, coordinator of the Table de concertation féministe de la Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, who also speaks on behalf of the Maison des familles Haute-Gaspésie and the Syndicat des infirmières, infirmiers auxiliaires et inhalothérapeutes de l’Est-du-Québec.

The organizations say these service interruptions generate considerable stress for families expecting a child and pose real risks to the health and safety of the mother and baby. In addition to increasing anxiety, these discoveries can lead to unwanted or unnecessary medical interventions, disrupting the safe progress of deliveries.

The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) formed committees last December to find solutions after a series of department closures and service disruptions in Haute-Gaspésie.

Discussions on the issue are ongoing, “We have nurses working in other departments who have agreed to work in obstetrics, sending them to Quebec City for training at the CHU. We’re in the process of organizing this schedule,” says CISSS President and CEO Martin Pelletier.

He predicts it will take until the fall for the obstetrics department to stabilize. “The medical staff is also stretched thin. We don’t want to lose a doctor in the meantime, because otherwise, it would be a different story,” says the director.

But for women, the stakes are higher. Traditionally female professions are more affected, they say. “This is an issue we see in the healthcare and education sectors, which are traditionally female professions, where adequate working conditions have not been provided. It’s a sector that has been neglected for years. We have people who are burning out, people who aren’t being replaced. The day the government considers issues affecting women, whether in terms of services or jobs, as a priority, the issue will decrease and we will have fewer workforce issues,” analyzes Ms. Williams, who points out that public services have been neglected for years.

Women’s groups say obstetrics improvements are needed Read More »

Damning Auditor General’s Report – CISSS granted a grace period

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / auditor general, cisss, gaspesie, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie – LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) has been granted a grace period until October to address the 64 recommendations proposed in response to the damning report by the Auditor General of Quebec. That report was produced three years ago on five major areas of the organization’s management.

In May 2022, the then Auditor General, Guylaine Leclerc, criticized management and governance by making five major findings: lack of rigour in hiring and inadequate management of service contracts; work environment issues; poorly protected personal information; and lack of compliance with governance rules. The auditor noted that the CISSS management was problematic overall, particularly at the management level when Chantal Duguay was President and CEO.

“Four of the five areas are 100% complete. We have met expectations. The fifth area that has not yet been completed is contract management, although many changes have been made over the past year and a half, we still have some areas to address to meet the VGQ’s (Quebec’s Auditor General) expectations,” says President and CEO Martin Pelletier.

What remains to be done is the response to the logistics action plan, which had to be readjusted.

“Our internal approach, with review processes to ensure that contracts are properly secured, is where it’s lacking. There are a lot of contracts we sign each year that are for five years and they aren’t in the mix. We see that there are still adjustments to be made to our mechanisms,” maintains Mr. Pelletier.

The Auditor General is satisfied with the work accomplished over the past three years.

“We met three times with the VGQ (Auditor General) office officials, and each time, it was satisfactory,” says Mr. Pelletier.

Regarding governance, with the changes implemented with the arrival of Santé Québec, this aspect has been put on hold while the auditor adjusts to the new way of managing the future.

Mr. Pelletier notes that a great deal of work has been done over the past three years to address the concerns raised by the report. Relations have improved.

“One of my major projects was to ensure that we collaborate. We didn’t always agree, but we were able to agree on the well-being of users, and we did so respectfully with the unions and Santé Québec. We talk to each other, and that’s where we can find solid solutions. The lines of communication are excellent,” notes the CEO.

Patient safety has never been compromised, he says. “I hope that not too late in the fall, we’ll be able to close the file once we’ve provided the latest information,” says the President and CEO.

Damning Auditor General’s Report – CISSS granted a grace period Read More »

The Gaspé is consulted on the province’s energy plans

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / energy, gaspesie, Magdalen Islands, nelson serger, windpower

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – The Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region shared its views in Gaspé, on May 23, as part of the Energy Vision Tour, which aims to define the Integrated Energy Plan for the coming years.

Yves Montigny, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for René-Lévesque and spokesperson for the tour, and his colleague from Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, met with about twenty participants at the consultation.

“Before even writing anything, we want to take the time to engage with communities, with people on the ground, to get their vision of energy development and ensure that what we write reflects the realities on the ground,” notes Mr. Montigny, who was halfway through this consultation tour, which included 16 planned stops.

In the Gaspé Peninsula, the issue of wind power is important. “What role can wind power development play, or forest biomass, or other types of energy beyond Hydro-Québec? There’s also fossil fuels. In this grand vision of decarbonization, when we want to decarbonize our economy, our energy supply, we want to do it as part of a transition. But before creating a scenario, we want to be able to discuss with citizens how they see it,” continues the Côte-Nord MNA. Regarding the role of regional content in future wind farms, particularly the wind turbine blades from LM Wind Power in Gaspé, the elected official indicated that the discussion will continue.

The latest wind farm procurement process has raised several questions and concerns, particularly from the mayor of Gaspé, about the future of Quebec’s wind industry.

“The key to the energy vision is to listen to people. It’s time to hear from them. They will give us their opinions on this. I’ll be happy to document all of this, and it will be part of our reflection,” said Mr. Montigny.

Several stakeholders have criticized the Quebec government for granting large blocks of energy to economic projects, some of which have failed, such as Northvolt. Companies that have obtained blocks of energy are not using them at full capacity.

“In discussions with participants, what we’re told is that we need to adapt our energy supply to demand. People want to develop economic projects, and we want to adapt to that. There are also established criteria that are often misunderstood. All the energy allocation criteria, in a context of energy scarcity, people say, allocate megawatts while optimizing economic benefits,” maintains the MNA for René-Lévesque.

Bill 69, currently under consideration by the Quebec government, aims to integrate energy planning, and this consultation is intended as an upstream step.

Regionally, in addition to industry stakeholders and elected officials, Indigenous communities will also be consulted.

The Gaspé is consulted on the province’s energy plans Read More »

Ambitious residential development plan for Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / gaspe, housing, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A “second downtown” near the current downtown in Gaspé is on its way to becoming a reality, as developer Gestion Bourgade plans to build 320 housing units, an investment that could reach $65 million during Phase 1.

In the works since 2021, Gestion Bourgade has signed an agreement with the Town of Gaspé to build the main infrastructure on a 50-50 basis, and to acquire land from the developer at a cost of $2 million as a land reserve for future housing projects. “We had an idea, and when we reached the bidding stage, general contractors told us it was a big project. Our vision is so clear, and the information we received indicated we were heading in the right direction,” says Sophie Bourdages, Vice President of Projects and Administration at Gestion Bourgade.

The company plans to invest about $5 million in infrastructure and has already allocated $2 million to acquire land near the Ruisseau Dean area.

Twenty-two lots have been created for Phase 1, and the permitted uses include a minimum of six housing units, multi-unit and multi-family housing, condominiums, and local businesses. “We’ve never seen a project of this magnitude before, and I don’t think we’ll see it again for a long time. Phase 1 alone is quite a colossal project. We’ve been working on it for four years.” I’m looking forward to seeing it come to fruition because we’re in a serious housing shortage,” says Mayor Daniel Côté, even though some 500 housing units have been built in recent years.

“Our role will be to sell our subdivision project in compliance with regulations to ensure we rebalance the rental market in Gaspé,” says Ms. Bourdages, noting that the vacancy rate is only 0.3%.

The project includes the construction of three streets over 900 metres, water, sewer and storm water systems, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and retention basins.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of the summer. The streets should be ready for transfer to the town by the end of the fall, with paving scheduled for next summer.

“We’ll cover 50% of the cost. The costs still need to be determined. We’re talking about several million dollars. The exact costs will be known once the plans and specifications are completed,” emphasized the mayor. The neighbourhood will be accessible via York Boulevard South and Frémont Street. The idea is to create living environments.

Creating 320 housing units in the first phase doesn’t scare the entrepreneur. “We’re confident because the deficit is so large and has been for so long. We believe that businesses that are unable to attract workers due to a lack of housing will need this infrastructure,” says

Ms. Bourdages.

The developer has given itself seven years to see the 320 housing units built, and they’ve already been approached by other developers. “The segment of the population that has approached us the most is the over-60s who are thinking of selling their house to move into an apartment to avoid worries, people who will have a good retirement. We’re realizing that this is a segment, and that’s why we’re saying we’re rebalancing the rental market,” says Ms. Bourdages. A commercial lot was sold to a partner notary firm early in the project.

Once Phase 1 is completed, the town will receive approximately $800,000 in additional tax revenue.

The town plans to purchase land to create a land reserve. “We intend to acquire $2 million worth of land that already has a higher market value. We can reserve a portion of it for social housing. We’re doing business at the municipal level,” says the mayor.

“The more housing we build, the more people will want to come here. I have faith that the 320 units will contribute to the growth of Gaspé,” concludes Mr. Côté.

Ambitious residential development plan for Gaspé Read More »

Gaspé Peninsula will keep two ridings in the 2026 provincial election

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / electoral map, gaspesie, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula will retain its two provincial ridings – Bonaventure and Gaspé – in the next election, scheduled for October 2026.

Judge Alexander Pless dismissed the application by elected officials from the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions against the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec and the Attorney General of Quebec to revoke the Act to interrupt the process of delimitation of electoral districts, adopted unanimously by the National Assembly of Quebec on May 2, 2024.

The Regroupement of Gaspesian MRCs argued during the hearings held from May 8 to 14 that the electoral map on the table was highly detrimental to the principle of effective representativeness, directly impacting the representation of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec’s democratic institutions. In his decision rendered on May 29, the judge noted that “In principle, everyone’s vote must carry equal weight. However, Section 3 of the Charter guarantees the right to effective representation. This requires consideration of other factors that conflict with the strict arithmetical equivalence of votes.”

“I am of the opinion that the impugned law does indeed infringe the applicants’ right to vote, as guaranteed by Section 3 of the Charter. However, the Attorney General of Quebec demonstrates that the law is justified under Section 1 of the Charter. The application for a declaration of invalidity must be dismissed,” noted Justice Press.

“This is a lengthy 43-page judgment that truly covers the state of the law on the issue of electoral districts. Its interpretation of the 1991 Carter decision on effective representativeness is exactly the same interpretation that we have,” responded Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté. The decision upholds Bonaventure and Gaspé, but the judge warns that for the subsequent election, the National Assembly must review the electoral law to protect the little democratic weight remaining in the regions.

“That leaves a little time, but the process for reviewing the electoral law is long because the MNAs are both judge and jury. That said, there was a commitment from all political parties to ensure a certain lasting influence for the regions of Quebec whose populations are growing less rapidly than urban centres. If we want to avoid finding ourselves in 100 years with 100 MNAs (Members of the National Assembly) in the Montreal region and 25 for all regions of Quebec, there are principles that must be reviewed in the electoral law to ensure that the regions maintain a minimum weight,” states the mayor, who is also a lawyer by training.

The elected officials of the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions still have the option of appealing the decision. “They have the right to appeal if they believe they have been wronged. This isn’t a decision made on the spur of the moment. The judge really delves into case law and cites decisions made by the Speaker of the National Assembly where he had to rule on principles,” notes Mr. Côté.

The deadlines for achieving their goals are very tight, particularly for the Electoral Commission, which was told in November to continue its review work while keeping its report secret.

“For now, that’s what the judge says because the 2017 map will prevail in 2026,” explains Mr. Côté. What the judge is saying is what is more damaging? Removing one of the two ridings in the Gaspé Peninsula or ensuring the principle of one voter, one vote for the regions surrounding Montreal? He concludes that what is more damaging is removing a riding in the Gaspé Peninsula,” the mayor quotes.

Prior to the court’s decision, Quebec had indicated it was waiting for the ruling before taking a position, while elected officials in the region hoped the National Assembly would adopt a revision of the electoral law before the court’s decision.

“The judgment that will be rendered will be important, crucial for the future. We will wait for the judgment to be rendered. Considering the nature of the judgment, we will see what options will be presented to us. Our intention remains the same: to impose the known framework for the next election and promote new inputs on regional representation. The process is underway; we are awaiting the judgment,” stated Gaspé Member of the National Assembly Stéphane Sainte-Croix on May 23.

In December, Judge Annie Breault of the Superior Court of the District of Terrebonne partially granted the interlocutory injunction requested by elected officials from the Laurentides and Centre-du-Québec regions and ordered the Commission on Representation on the Electoral Map to continue its work, but maintained in force for the time being the Act that halted the revision of the electoral map.

The court allowed the Director General of Elections, or Quebec’s Electoral Officer, to complete its work and eventually file a second report, as required by the electoral law, should the court rule that the Act adopted in May to suspend the electoral law was invalid.

The MRC group pointed out that the electoral map on the table was highly detrimental to the principle of effective representation, directly impacting the representation of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec’s democratic institutions.

The group made representations to the court on November 28, 2024, to become a stakeholder in the case.

It should be mentioned that the Commission suggested merging the ridings of Gaspé and Bonaventure, bringing together the MRCs of Côte-de-Gaspé, Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure, and Avignon, to create Gaspé-Bonaventure, while Haute-Gaspésie would be transferred to the riding of Matane-Matapédia, a Lower St. Lawrence riding. As of April 30, 2023, Bonaventure had 35,898 voters and Gaspé 30,131, far from the minimum threshold. The gap was -29.2% and -40.6%, respectively.

Gaspé ranked third among the least populous ridings, behind the Magdalen Islands, which has exceptional status, and Ungava. According to projections of the number of voters based on data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the gap compared to the average in Gaspé should soon surpass that of Ungava.

In 2017, the commission maintained the negative exceptional status for Gaspé and granted the same status for Bonaventure.

However, since the inequalities in representation in these ridings are increasing, the commission did not wish to renew this status. In addition to removing a riding in the Gaspésie, the commission suggested doing the same thing in Montreal to create a riding in the Laurentians and another in Central Quebec.

Gaspé Peninsula will keep two ridings in the 2026 provincial election Read More »

MP says there’s nothing good for Quebec in the Speech from the Throne

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / alexis dechenes, gaspesie, nelson sergerie, Parliament

Nelson Sergerie, LJi Journalist

OTTAWA – Alexis Deschênes, the Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj believes that the Speech from the Throne, read on May 27, by King Charles III, in Parliament, contains nothing for Quebec’s regions.

In his first appearance in the House of Commons, Alexis Deschênes spoke on behalf of his party during an “Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.”

“The Speech from the Throne gives no space to the interests of our regions. We are coming off an election campaign totally focused on the importance of protecting our economy from Donald Trump. Yet, the Speech from the Throne makes no mention of Quebec’s forestry industry and its needs in the softwood lumber dispute. It makes no mention of aluminum, one of the sectors hit by American tariffs. It makes no mention of fisheries, a sector as precious as it is fragile, whose exports are far too dependent on the Americans,” the MP asserted.

According to him, the speech, read by a British monarch, could have been written in London, “It is so out of touch with the needs of Quebecers.”

Meanwhile, moments before Mr. Deschênes’ first address to Parliament, members of the Bloc Québécois caucus welcomed his arrival in the House, and the MP also emphasized the trust placed in him by voters.

“I will strive at every opportunity to live up to it and defend the interests of Quebec and its regions,” the MP promised.

Furthermore, the MP has been named the Bloc Québécois critic for fisheries, oceans, the coast guard, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Bloc member sees this role as an additional role to that of Deputy House Leader.

Mr. Deschênes said he has met with several fishermen, plant workers, and industry stakeholders in recent weeks and intends to remain attentive. Among his priorities, the elected official will seek funding for economic diversification missions, create an independent agency for the management of stocks, permits, and quotas, improve port infrastructure, and correct the injustices experienced by pelagic fishermen.

MP says there’s nothing good for Quebec in the Speech from the Throne Read More »

Over 50 hectares ravaged by brush fire

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / forest fire, nelson sergerie, pointe a la croix, sopfeu

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

POINTE-À-LA-CROIX – A brush fire of an intensity not seen in over 20 years ravaged 50.3 hectares in Pointe-à-la-Croix on May 14.

The Société de Protection des Forêts contre le Feu (SOPFEU) declared the fire under control the following morning, and authorities susThe alert was given mid-afternoon on May 14. Pointe-à-la-Croix firefighters called SOPFEU for assistance because the blaze was near residences and, fueled by the hot and windy weather, the fire was heading toward the forest.

At the peak of the effort to contain the fire, dozens of firefighters were deployed, supported by a helicopter, and two water bombers. “This is something we have to deal with every year. It’s becoming a concern. The fire moved closer to the residences,” noted Mayor Pascal Bujold.

Several small fires have been started in Pointe-à-la-Croix in past years. “It’s definitely criminal. It’s always individuals who start fires. We denounce it. We’ve never been able to catch the people, but this time, we hope it will be different,” says the mayor.

This is the largest fire to occur in the Gaspé Peninsula in over 20 years. The last fire of this magnitude was in 2004, when 59 hectares burnt in the Rocher-Percé MRC. Overall, the largest fire to occur in the Gaspé Peninsula was in 1995, when 23,105 hectares burned following a forestry operation, an area equivalent to half the size of the island of Montreal.

In the last ten years, the average area burned annually in the Gaspé Peninsula has been around 16 hectares.

Over 50 hectares ravaged by brush fire Read More »

Long Covid: The Lingering Battle After Infection

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / health care, Holly Smith, Long Covid, nurse, paspebiac

Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

PASPEBIAC – Long COVID is a growing health crisis that affects thousands of Canadians, altering their lives in ways they never imagined. For some, the symptoms persist for months or even years after the initial infection, making even the simplest tasks a challenge.

According to Statistics Canada, as of June 2023, about two-thirds of Canadian adults reported having at least one confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. Among them, nearly 15% developed long COVID, meaning their symptoms lasted for three months or longer. This translates to approximately 1.4 million people, or 4.6% of the adult population, struggling with ongoing health complications.

Long COVID symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common ones include fatigue (72.1%), cough (39.3%), shortness of breath (38.5%), and brain fog (32.9%). Nearly half of those affected reported experiencing symptoms for a year or more, and 21.3% said their condition significantly limited their daily activities.

Roxanne Major, a licensed practical nurse from Paspebiac, knows all too well how devastating long COVID can be. Before contracting the virus, she lived a full and independent life. She worked full-time in healthcare, ran a small foot care business, sold Tupperware, and volunteered at her children’s school. But all that changed on April 1, 2023, when she woke up with severe COVID symptoms.

“I had generalized pain, fever, chills, vomiting, severe spinning vertigo, and was unable to go to the bathroom alone. I did a home COVID test which was positive, then had a positive PCR test at the CLSC. Five days at home in bed. On day six or seven, I tried to work for a week wearing an N95 mask, but was unable to finish the shift twice my husband came to get me,” says the mother of two.

Despite being fully vaccinated and taking all necessary precautions at work, Roxanne tested positive for COVID-19. At first, she thought she would recover within a few days. But as the weeks passed, her condition worsened.

“I lost 90% of my hearing in one ear and my symptoms have worsened following COVID. I went to the CLSC and was put on sick leave for a suspected sinus infection following COVID. Shortly after, I had an appointment with my family doctor, who put me on indefinite sick leave.”

Over the past two years, Roxanne’s list of medical diagnoses has grown. “Starting with bilateral Ménière’s disease, autoimmune inner ear disease (loss of hearing in both ears – with two hearing aids), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (standing for more than 15 minutes increases my pulse rate, decreases my blood pressure, inner tremors), sinus tachycardia, and long COVID, all triggered by COVID,” explains Ms. Major.

The Daily Struggles of Living with Long COVID

Roxanne, who was once a very active member of her community now finds simple activities require careful planning and energy conservation. “On good days, I help my husband make meals and wash dishes using a bench to sit on. I need a family member at home when I shower, which I do sitting down twice a week, in case I fall like I have in the past. On the days I shower, I can’t do anything else because it requires a lot of energy and many breaks between each step. Just cleaning the toilet tires me out for days.” As a mother, Roxanne wants to enjoy her family as much as possible, “Since the beginning, and still today, I need a short nap twice a day to enjoy the little moments with my family.”

Memory and concentration problems are also a significant challenge. Ms. Major’s memory and concentration have also declined. “I was even forgetting to take some of my pills. I now have them prepared by the pharmacy in a dispill. One of the 25 pills I take daily, is an immunosuppressant to try and stabilize my hearing loss.” However, this means she is now more susceptible to infections and viruses. She told SPEC that one time her children had a cold, which she caught and a week later she had to go to the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. But it didn’t end there, “The week after, I got a severe case of gastroenteritis which took another week to get over,” explains Ms. Major

The Emotional Toll of Long COVID

Living with long COVID is not just a physical struggle, it’s an emotional one as well. Many people don’t understand the severity of the condition, leading to judgment and isolation. “People are fast to judge when they don’t see someone out and about in the public, not knowing things a person is actually going through.”

She recalls a painful moment when a family member told her, “You should quit the CHSLD (long-term care facility), you’re always sick when you’re there, try to work less.” Another person accused her of keeping her husband from socializing with the neighbours. “They even said I don’t take care of my children, that I spent the summer rocking outside.” There is still much stigma relating to Long COVID, considering it is a relatively new disease, this manifests the individual being misunderstood, not taken seriously. A report by Simon Fraser University states, “Long COVID awareness and education is needed among doctors, nurses, care providers and the public in Canada to reduce stigma around the condition and legitimize the disability.”

The Fight for Better Healthcare and Awareness

One of Roxanne’s biggest frustrations is the lack of understanding about long COVID in her region. “Here in the Gaspésie, doctors haven’t yet understood the long-term effects of COVID. Despite living in a remote region, I’m lucky to have found and have been cared for by all these specialists in the city since two months post-COVID.”

Her medical team, based in Quebec City, includes ENT specialists, rheumatologists, internists, ophthalmologists, and infectious disease experts. She also receives care from the Long COVID Clinic in Rimouski. “They’re incredible. At first I had access to online webinars to help me understand my symptoms. Since there’s no known cure yet, I’m still learning to manage my symptoms. The team also helped me understand that, it’s not just the flu and it’s not in my head.”

Vestibular physiotherapy has also played a key role in her recovery. “I also have vestibular physiotherapy sessions every week. This helps me enormously improve my balance and reduces the intensity of my vertigo spells and migraines. As you can see, it takes a whole team of professionals to help me manage all the damage caused by COVID.”

Looking to the Future

Although her condition has changed her life dramatically, Roxanne remains hopeful. “The way I see my future today is being focused on learning to improve my quality of life by reducing the intensity of my symptoms and enjoying the simple pleasures with my family: crocheting, swimming in my pool, camping, hunting, gardening, relaxing by swinging on my deck, and getting as much fresh air as possible.”

She knows she may never return to her nursing career, but she still hopes that medical advancements will one day lead to better treatments. “I’ve already accepted that it will be impossible for me to return to my vocation, but I still have hope that one day someone will find a miracle pill for us (long COVID patients).”

Her message to others struggling with long COVID is clear: “Anyone can get long COVID: vaccinated or not, in perfect health or not, regardless of age or where you work. It is definitely NOT just a cold. Stay safe.”

Long Covid: The Lingering Battle After Infection Read More »

Rocher-Percé Prefect Samuel Parisé will seek a second term

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / election, nelson sergerie, prefect, rocher perce

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – Samuel Parisé announced his intentions on May 6 via a message on social media that he will seek a second term as prefect of the Rocher-Percé MRC in the November 2 election.

“It’s been a lot of learning. Being involved with the public and organizations is rewarding and enriching,” notes Mr. Parisé, who was just starting his career in politics when he was elected in 2021.

He says he is proud of the modernization of the Rocher-Percé airport, including the extension of the runway and the expansion of the terminal, as well as the fight against Quebec to allow MRCs to support the construction of rental housing.

However, he quickly learned early in his mandate that the political machine doesn’t move as fast as the will to act.

“When I realized that, I had to take a step back. We want to change things quickly, to put certain things in place, but sometimes things are bigger than us. Everything that has to do with the federal or provincial government is a mechanism. The administration is always present. They have directions and things in place. Changing this mechanism is a long-term job,” maintains the outgoing prefect. Even when decisions are made, they can be changed, as was the case with the rail refurbishment in the Gaspésie.

“We still believe this is an essential project both economically and for tourism,” says the prefect. However, the announced rule requiring residences to be 300 metres away from a railway line would have a significant impact in Rocher-Percé.

“It would have an impact on the development of housing and certain land. This is crucial for us. We must find the best agreement and the best way for these projects to coexist. We will continue all of our efforts,” he says.

Continuing the work already underway will be the key principle of a possible second term. “There have been steps taken in the housing crisis. It will definitely be a priority issue. We want to house our people adequately and safely,” says Mr. Parisé. The fight for the return of Réno-Région will also continue to enable low-income people to renovate their homes.

“If this basic need isn’t met, it’s difficult to think of other projects to revitalize our territory,” notes the outgoing prefect, while the MRC continues to rank at the bottom of the pack in terms of development.

“Things are improving demographically; we have people who want to come here, new talent to meet priority needs like health and local services. If we want to ensure continued development, we need to harmonize the reception of new people and the retention of those who currently live in the area,” analyzes Mr. Parisé.

Rocher-Percé Prefect Samuel Parisé will seek a second term Read More »

Correctional officers demonstrate in Chandler

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / CAQ, catherine blouin, demonstration, nelson sergerie, strike

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER – On May 1, correctional officers from the New Carlisle and Percé detention centres held a demonstration in front of the Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly’s office in Chandler.

The twenty or so officers who attempted to meet with MNA Catherine Blouin denounced the Quebec government’s proposed offer of 12.7%, while most other government employees received 17.4% over five years.

“We want to make it clear to our CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) elected officials that the offers are not satisfactory given our working conditions. Our collective agreement expired in 2023. We are here to
make it clear that the 12.7% offer is not sufficient given the increase in violence and the mandatory overtime that has become commonplace. Our conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent years, and we are asking for a raise that reflects the value of the work we do,” explains Noémie Boudreau, president of the New Carlisle Detention Centre officers’ union.

The Quebec government considers that working conditions are too high to justify a lower raise than other public sector workers.

“The employer has many requests for a reduction in our working conditions. They are willing to increase the salary offer only if we agree to a reduction in our conditions, which is unacceptable,” warns Ms. Boudreau.

The union does not have the right to strike or to arbitrate. Agents must be imaginative to make themselves heard, like a commercial recently aired during Canadiens playoff games. “There are approximately three meetings per week at the bargaining table. Depending on the means we use to make ourselves heard, it can move quickly or take time, but we will not neglect our efforts to reach a satisfactory settlement,” emphasizes the president.

The union would like to conclude a new collective agreement before the summer season.

Correctional officers demonstrate in Chandler Read More »

Moose ticks are still present in the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / gaspesie, moose, natural resources, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Despite a lower-than-expected hunter turnout, analyses carried out by the Ministry of Wildlife shows a marked presence of moose ticks during the 2024 moose hunting season.

Wildlife technicians collected samples at the Grande-Vallée, Gaspé and Nouvelle stations in order to have a better picture of the presence of ticks.

The Ministry had expected to see about 100 or so hunters at the region’s registration stations, however only about thirty moose were registered at the stations. Hunters now have the option to record their tagged large game online instead of physically going to a registration station.

“We think we still have a good picture of the degree of (tick) infestation, which was high last fall, both in terms of the percentage of moose and the number of ticks that each of them carried. We expect there to be a lot of ticks on animals this winter,” says biologist Marie-Claude Richer from the Ministry of Wildlife’s Gaspé office.

It’s difficult to compare data from the last decade, particularly because of the pandemic.

“We can go back to 2013. Between 2013 and 2019, we had continuous data. Then, we had some. This year, we’re about at the same level as the highest years, from 2013 to 2016. It’s a year that seems important for the infestation rate,” she explains.

The presence of the tick varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions, since the herd remains relatively stable.

The Ministry is considering a different method for collecting data next fall. “We’re going to try to either go to the stations during the first weekend of hunting or do business with butchers used by hunters. This is an avenue that we will try to develop to see if it would not be easier to go to the butchers. Many hunters register online but still use butchers. We will try to change our way of doing things,” says the biologist.

Long, rainy summers, an early spring and a late fall are factors that increase the survival of female ticks and eggs.

Subsequently, the larvae can attach themselves to moose and cause damage at the end of winter when their physical condition is at its lowest.

Moose ticks are still present in the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

CRE suggests mediation to find a way forward on the caribou issue

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / caribou, forestry industry, gaspesie, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

BONAVENTURE – The Gaspésie Regional Environmental Council (CRE) will act as a mediator in an attempt to bring all parties together following the meeting a month ago by stakeholders from Haute-Gaspésie on caribou protection.

Approximately forty elected officials and socioeconomic leaders had called on Premier François Legault, the Minister responsible for Gaspésie, Maïté Blanchette-Vézina, the Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Benoît Charette, and the Member of the National Assembly for Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, for rapid intervention since Haute-Gaspésie claims it is being economically suffocated. The stakeholders called for a suspension of interim caribou protection measures and the non-implementation of the measures contained in the pilot project announced in April 2024, considering it was never adopted.

“The reaction of the Haute-Gaspésie community to the Quebec government’s proposal is legitimate. We’re at an impasse here,” notes CRE senior advisor Michel Chouinard.

The pilot project for caribou protection, would set aside a vast territory of 5,000 square kilometres for caribou conservation. However, the recent closure of the Damabois sawmill in Cap-Chat and the loss of 18 direct jobs, as well as indirectly impacting dozens more, was the final straw, as recreational tourism projects could no longer be developed.

“The idea is to get back to working together and finding acceptable solutions for both caribou protection and ensuring that local economic activities can continue,” notes Mr. Chouinard.

The CRE points out that Canada’s federal Ministry of the Environment had proposed financial compensation to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of certain protection measures.

“But the initial idea is to implement joint action between Haute-Gaspésie and the Gaspésie to see how we can organize ourselves to maintain the population. It’s important to remember that this is an obligation under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, which takes precedence over any other law,” continues Mr. Chouinard.

Failing to find a solution is no longer an option. “The idea isn’t just to save 11 caribou. We must aim to reestablish a population and be able to live within a few decades on a territory that allows them to roam. Conditions are no longer what they were, particularly in old-growth forests, but let’s look together at what we can do,” he explains.

“We have to get out of the current impasse. We can’t operate in opposition. The community is opposed to Quebec’s proposal. There’s a way to look at things differently and say this doesn’t suit us and how we can find solutions,” explains Mr. Chouinard.

A project manager has been hired to become a facilitator to find a way to move forward on the various available measures.

Gaspé Member of the National Assembly Stéphane Sainte-Croix suggested that the 5,000-square-kilometre zone could be revised. He mentioned expanding the protected perimeter around Parc de la Gaspésie and the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve instead.

“It’s as if we had imposed drastic restrictions from the start. The idea is to take it step by step. We’ll take care of the current population, provide the best conditions for survival and reproduction, and from there, build for the coming years with a plan for two, five, or ten years in the future. We can’t take it all at once,” Mr. Chouinard said, to reduce the impact on the environment.

As of now, no timetable has been set for reaching a consensus of implementing a final plan.

CRE suggests mediation to find a way forward on the caribou issue Read More »

Côte-de-Gaspé launches buy-local campaign

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / Buy local, caisse desjardins, gaspe, nelson sergerie, tariffs

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A buy-local campaign is being launched in the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC to encourage residents to support local businesses.

The Côte-de-Gaspé MRC and the Caisse Desjardins de la Pointe de la Gaspésie are investing $100,000 in the campaign, with technical support from the SADC de Gaspé and the Côte-de-Gaspé Chamber of Commerce.

“Through a Web platform, people will be able to buy prepaid cards and benefit from discounts at merchants. If you buy a $25 card online from merchant ‘X’, the MRC and Desjardins will boost your card by 50%. We’re encouraging local purchases with funds from the MRC and Desjardins,” explains Côte-de-Gaspé prefect, Daniel Côté..

The goal is to steer consumers away from large online retailers like Amazon and Temu, where prices are often lower.

“If the argument is just money, people won’t have that savings argument any more. People will have the same prices as on the big platforms, but they’ll be buying locally.” says Mr. Côté.

Approximately 50 merchants across the MRC are taking part in the buy local campaign which will run for the next three years.

An annual bonus cap of $25,000 has been established, and safeguards are in place to prevent individuals from making bulk purchases and reselling the cards on the black market.

“At the end of the day, we figure that with around a hundred thousand invested over three years, we should at least double or even double and a half the returns on our investments. It’s a bold gamble, because we’ve never done it before, and we think it’ll be a winner, and the merchants will get visibility,” says Mr Côté.

Similar campaigns have been launched in other regions with mixed results.

“If we don’t try it, we’ll never know. One of the strongest elements in the Gaspésie is that we’re a proud people. We know our merchants, but maybe we’ve never taken the time to walk through the door. I’m appealing to the pride of our people and calling on local merchants. The excuse that I won’t go because it’s cheaper online no longer exists with this campaign,” says the prefect in a burst of patriotism.

The prepaid card will be available on the MRC’s website starting on May 15. A video will accompany the launch to explain the campaign and guide users through the process.

Residents will be able to purchase a card, choose a participating merchant, and once the transaction is confirmed, the card will be credited. “It’s like giving a credit card to a retailer. If you buy a $50 card, it becomes $75. That’s $25 free,” explained Mr. Côte.

If the campaign goes well, organizers believe it could generate up to $250,000 in economic benefits.

“I think it will have a snowball effect. At the end of the day, we want it to benefit our residents and businesses,” says Mr Côté.

Côte-de-Gaspé launches buy-local campaign Read More »

Author name: The Gaspé Spec