Author name: The Record

William Crooks
Front row, from left to right: Monique Phérivong-Lenoir, president of the Table des MRC de l’Estrie and prefect of the MRC du Granit; Geneviève Hébert, MNA for Saint-François; Marianne Auclair, president of Économie Estrie. Back row, from left to right: Eugène Gagné, mayor of Weedon; Danielle Berthold, Sherbrooke city councillor; Julie Morin, mayor of Lac-Mégantic; Aline Berthe, co-director of the Conseil régional de l’environnement de l’Estrie; Robert Roy, prefect of the Haut-Saint-François; Philippe-David Blanchette, director general of the Table des MRC de l’Estrie.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Five new regional sectoral development agreements totalling $4.6 million were announced Thursday by the Table des MRC de l’Estrie (TME), with representatives from the Quebec government and regional organizations present to highlight what they called a “major step forward” for Estrie’s future.

Unveiled at Sherbrooke’s Quartier général de l’entrepreneuriat, the agreements align with Quebec’s 2025–2029 strategy for regional vitality and will support initiatives in five key areas: economic development, social and community development, transportation, environmental transition, and gender equality.

“These agreements reflect our vision for regional development,” said Saint-François MNA Geneviève Hébert, speaking on behalf of the provincial government. “They show how solutions must come from the ground up and reflect local realities.”

Each agreement is co-funded and co-managed by multiple provincial ministries and regional organizations, with the TME playing a lead coordinating role. Monique Phérivong Lenoir, president of the TME, emphasized that the projects emerged from deep collaboration across all nine MRCs in the region.

“Estrie is a region that knows where it’s going,” said Phérivong Lenoir. “These agreements reflect our ability to unite across mandates and borders to act collectively. Our region is rural and urban, multilingual, diverse, and close to the U.S. border—our challenges are complex, and our solutions must be too.”

Five funding envelopes

The largest envelope, totalling $1.78 million, is for economic development and will be led by Économie Estrie. President Marianne Auclair said four priorities will guide their work: innovation, succession planning for businesses, sustainable practices, and market diversification.

“We’re calling for project submissions now through May 1,” said Auclair. “These are concrete issues our businesses face, and this funding gives us the means to act.”

A second agreement, worth $937,470, targets social and community development, including efforts to fight inequality, food insecurity, and housing challenges. TME Director General Philippe-David Blanchette noted that it comes at a time when “economic situations are particularly difficult in our communities.”

A third agreement will invest $687,493 to improve access to sustainable transportation. “Transportation issues are present across all MRCs,” Blanchette said, noting this is the first time Quebec’s Ministry of Transport has signed on to a regional development agreement of this kind.

A fourth agreement, led by the Conseil régional de l’environnement de l’Estrie, dedicates $831,248 to environmental transition and sustainable forestry, running until the end of 2027. Co-director Aline Berthe said it “reinforces our collective ability to act for more inclusive and resilient communities.”

The final agreement, valued at $440,000, is dedicated to gender equality and is being carried out in partnership with ConcertAction Femmes Estrie. Blanchette said one of the priority issues is domestic violence, “a serious and growing concern in the region.”

A model of collaboration

Throughout the press conference, speakers returned to the same theme: these agreements are not endpoints, but the beginning of a new, collaborative phase of regional development.

“We’re not just signing deals,” said Blanchette. “We’re creating a space where all partners—local, regional, and governmental—can align and work together. The old saying goes, ‘Alone we go faster, together we go farther.’ That’s what these agreements are about.”

The funding stems from Quebec’s Fonds régions et ruralité and involves nearly a dozen ministries. Phérivong Lenoir closed her remarks by thanking those who contributed: “You are the architects of this success. Now we move forward—together.”

William Crooks
Candidates at the April 15 debate in East Angus responded to a series of questions from the public, including concerns about inflation, housing, and food insecurity

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With just under two weeks until the federal election, five of the six registered candidates in Compton–Stanstead met on April 15 at the community centre in East Angus for a bilingual public debate attended by roughly 50 citizens. Organized by the CDC du Haut-Saint-François and local partners, the evening focused partially on questions from the public, with the New Democratic Party’s Valérie Laliberté absent.

Questions ranged from agriculture and immigration to trade with the U.S., inflation, and housing. Candidates had one minute each to answer, followed by limited open exchanges. Though the atmosphere remained largely respectful, several pointed contrasts emerged between party platforms.

PFAS and fertilizer safety prompt strong reactions

A question about imported biosolid fertilizers and PFAS contaminants (“forever chemicals”) drew detailed responses from all candidates. Liberal candidate Marianne Dandurand said Ottawa was already acting to regulate the full class of PFAS chemicals: “We’re collecting data, financing research, and enforcing specific standards through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said, adding that the work begun under former Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau would continue if she were elected.

Green Party candidate Sébastien Tremblay called for “very severe” Canadian standards that exceed international norms. “We shouldn’t have to justify contaminants in our agriculture,” he said.

Paul Lehmann of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), citing his background on a fish farm, voiced general support for stricter environmental standards but admitted, “I don’t have much more to add. I’m prepared for the other questions.”

Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Bresse argued that the issue isn’t just imports. “Refusing American biosolids while spreading our own is incoherent,” she said. “The real fight is getting PFAS out of our value chain entirely.”

Conservative Jacques Painchaud warned of the long-term risks posed by over 20,000 near-indestructible PFAS compounds. “We need to review importation regulations and fund more research,” he said, calling the situation a “public health concern.”

Immigration divides emerge

On immigration, candidates clashed over governance and social impact. Tremblay stressed that immigration “shouldn’t be a lever to drive wages down” and called for better infrastructure to support integration.

Lehmann of the PPC said Canada should return to a “merit-based” immigration model and criticized what he described as “mass immigration without proper planning,” claiming it strained social services.

Bresse reaffirmed the Bloc’s push for full immigration powers for Quebec, arguing federal policies are too one-size-fits-all. “Temporary immigration exploded under the Liberals,” she added.

Painchaud said Conservative reforms would link immigration levels to local housing and service capacity. “We’ll decentralize processes and invest in credential recognition,” he said.

Dandurand defended the Liberal record: “Immigration is essential to our region’s dynamism,” she said, noting investments in speeding up work permits and supporting municipalities. In response to Bresse’s critique, she pointed out that “Quebec already has the most autonomy on immigration in the country.”

Canada-U.S. relations spark policy contrasts

In discussing trade and tariffs, Tremblay urged local economic resilience. “Let’s invest in infrastructure that helps SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and stop putting agriculture and energy into trade deals,” he said.

Lehmann emphasized eliminating interprovincial trade barriers as a way to offset U.S. tariff pressures. “Let Maxime Bernier negotiate a better deal,” he added.

Bresse argued for a “Buy Canadian Act” modelled on the U.S. version. “We need to fight fire with fire,” she said, adding that Liberal trade deals had “sacrificed” Quebec agriculture.

Painchaud called for renegotiating NAFTA, protecting key sectors like dairy and lumber, and establishing a business stabilization fund to weather trade turbulence.

Dandurand responded that many such measures were “already in place,” citing supply chain investments and interprovincial trade improvements. “With Mark Carney, we have a strong plan for a more resilient economy.”

Housing affordability and cost of living remain top of mind

On inflation, Lehmann linked cost of living to immigration levels, while Bresse highlighted the Bloc’s proposal to increase pensions and reform employment insurance.

Painchaud said the Conservatives would scrap the carbon tax, cut income tax by 15 per cent, and offer targeted aid to food banks. Dandurand emphasized Liberal plans to double housing starts, eliminate GST on first-time home purchases, and expand dental care.

Tremblay advocated taxing large grocery chains and redistributing wealth. “Three companies profited while prices soared. That’s the root of inflation,” he said.

Debate heated up during exchanges. Tremblay questioned how tax cuts would address structural inequality, while Bresse challenged Dandurand on why Quebecers receive no rebate for Ottawa’s carbon tax credits, which don’t apply in Quebec. Dandurand replied that “Quebec runs its own carbon pricing system that already meets federal benchmarks.”

Local housing solutions discussed

The final question focused on social housing. Bresse and Painchaud both pushed for more local autonomy and faster access to funding. Painchaud suggested tying funding to municipal construction targets and repurposing federal properties for housing.

Dandurand countered that “Quebec has withdrawn from leadership” on housing and that Ottawa stepped in with unique agreements tailored to Quebec’s needs. She said $900 million in federal funding had already been transferred and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation.

Tremblay warned against privatization and called for expanded public housing and direct support to low-income renters.

Laliberté absent, crowd engaged

Though NDP candidate Valérie Laliberté did not attend, organizers allowed each present candidate equal time, ensuring a balanced exchange. The debate was the final major public event before the April 28 vote.

With audience members taking photos and applauding key remarks, the event reaffirmed strong local interest in federal issues, even in a riding with a leading candidate projected to win by a wide margin.

William Crooks
Members of Stanstead’s town council gathered at town hall for the regular April 14 meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Stanstead’s April 14 public council meeting was a packed and wide-ranging session that touched on everything from housing density to fire hall construction to the town’s growing national and international profile. Presided over by Mayor Jody Stone at the town hall, the meeting drew approximately 10 residents and was also covered by members of the German press.

A central feature of the meeting was the first question period, where residents raised concerns about infrastructure. One resident asked about upcoming work on Pierce Street and expressed frustration with persistent water issues. “There’s also a water problem on the street. The water is blocked and coming back to Rue Stanley,” he noted. Mayor Stone responded that although some asphalt repairs were planned for this summer, a decision on which streets would be prioritized had not yet been made.

The town’s finances also came under review. The financial report showed a significant increase in expenses, with $274,340.57 in accounts payable—$143,000 of which stemmed from the town’s share of the shared fire service. “More than half of that is the fire department,” explained the mayor. Council later confirmed that a special meeting will be held April 29 to finalize the construction mandate and borrowing bylaw for the town’s new fire station. Stone clarified that although the town must approve the borrowing regulation, the project would be financed by the fire department, not from municipal coffers.

Housing development was another major topic. Council unanimously adopted amendments to the zoning bylaw to increase allowable housing density in certain sectors. “We move from eight to twelve dwellings per building,” the mayor explained, particularly in the Dufferin and Rock Island areas. This shift was made possible by recent upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment plant, which previously restricted growth.

Another housing-related topic was the town’s lingering non-compliance with a provincial requirement to install 65 water meters for residential monitoring. The meters, which are paid for by the town and not used for billing residents, are required in order to maintain access to provincial grants. “They’re just used for leak detection… we’ll have real-time data,” council explained. Only about 30 meters have been installed so far, though work continues.

Council also approved an $850 budget to participate in the annual Stanstead College alumni golf tournament. While symbolic, the mayor said it contributes to the town’s visibility. “They talk about us during the tournament,” he noted.

Visibility and representation were in fact a major theme throughout the meeting. Mayor Stone received council’s support to submit his candidacy to the board of directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The council committed to covering his participation costs if he is elected. “With everything that’s going on… I want to go a little higher, to try to send clear messages,” Stone said. “Stanstead is being talked about around the world. Even in China, there are articles.” He added that his candidacy had also received preliminary support from other local mayors.

The topic of Stanstead’s international reputation also came up in the second question period. Stone confirmed that Vermont politicians had recently reached out, hoping to meet with Stanstead council as part of broader cross-border cooperation. “If anything, we can get our relationships with our close neighbours even stronger from this,” he said.

Local revitalization efforts also continued to advance. Council approved a purchase offer of $100,000 for a vacant building on rue Dufferin near the border crossing. The structure is set to be partially demolished, with plans to convert the remaining foundation into a riverfront observation platform. “Personally, I’m ashamed to say that’s the entrance to Canada in that sector,” said Stone. The project has secured $114,000 in funding from the MRC, with the city contributing an additional $75,000.

Other resolutions passed at the meeting included the creation of a “paysage committee,” which will be integrated into the town’s existing urban planning advisory committee (CCU). The measure was required by the MRC to maintain eligibility for certain development grants.

Two infrastructure maintenance contracts were also approved. One will see the aqueduct system flushed twice a year rather than once to improve water quality and transparency. “It’s primarily to make the water quality better and less brown,” said Stone. The other contract extends the town’s road sweeping agreement with Simon-Maurice Inc. for another three years at $8,000 per year, allowing for earlier and more efficient clean-up of the town’s main roads.

Stanstead’s updated action plan for seniors (MADA 2025–2029) was also adopted, with a formal launch planned for May 2 at the Centre d’Action Bénévole. The plan aims to improve inclusion and quality of life for residents aged 50 and up.

Finally, a bylaw amendment to clarify firearms regulations in rural areas was introduced and will return for adoption in May. The proposed change would allow hunters to carry unloaded firearms or crossbows on their backs in public rural areas without triggering unnecessary interventions. “Even if the police hadn’t done it, we just wanted to make sure the wording was correct,” said Stone.

The meeting ended on a lighter note, with one resident thanking council for their bilingual service and community harmony. “Where else do you get that?” he asked. “We always live in harmony with the Americans.”

The next meeting is set for the second Monday of May.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has issued a warning to its 72,000 members to avoid non-essential travel to the United States, citing rising concerns about border scrutiny and political interference in academic work.

In an interview, CAUT Vice-President Robin Whitaker said the advisory stems from a combination of troubling developments — notably, reports of Canadian researchers being subjected to politically charged vetting and the risk of detention or data inspection at U.S. border crossings.

“In our view, unless it’s necessary and essential, [Canadian academic staff] should opt not to travel to the U.S. right now,” Whitaker said, adding that the current climate poses a threat to academic freedom and the confidentiality of research data.

The advisory follows a controversial questionnaire circulated to Canadian researchers whose projects are funded in whole or in part by U.S. federal agencies. The questionnaire, linked to Trump administration policies, asks researchers to affirm that their work excludes references to climate or environmental justice, gender theory, or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and that it supports American global influence. It also inquires whether their institutions restrict collaboration with entities deemed “contrary to U.S. government interests,” including “communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties”.

“This is an outrageous attempt to impose political litmus tests on international research,” Whitaker said. “It has already crossed the line into targeting academic freedom across borders.”

According to Whitaker, academics with ties to countries in diplomatic conflict with the U.S., dual citizens, individuals with recent travel to flagged countries, or those with transgender identities are at greater risk of being stopped or questioned at the border. “We’ve heard many stories about people being detained or having their devices searched,” she said. “That raises real concerns — including for researchers like myself who’ve worked on sensitive topics such as abortion access.”

While no recent incidents involving Canadian academics have been made public, Whitaker said CAUT’s guidance is informed by mounting anecdotal reports and the broader climate of repression at U.S. universities. “We’ve seen the Trump administration attacking universities and academic freedom — that reach is now extending, in some cases, right to the border,” she said.

CAUT has not laid out a rigid definition of “essential travel,” choosing instead to leave that decision to individuals. “But if someone came to me saying they’re thinking about attending a conference, I’d tell them to think very carefully,” said Whitaker.

The association is also urging the federal government to intervene, particularly to support Canadian researchers who might face funding disruptions due to U.S. policy changes. “We need a made-in-Canada solution,” CAUT Executive Director David Robinson said in a previous statement. “Ottawa must step up to ensure the vital research that is being threatened by the U.S. is properly funded and supported”.

Whitaker noted that while some U.S. university leaders have taken a stand against government overreach, the overall situation remains “not good for any of us.” She stressed the potential for wide-reaching consequences beyond the academic world. “This doesn’t just affect university researchers,” she said. “It might affect anyone hoping for the best possible flu vaccine next year if the U.S. pulls out of multinational collaborations.”

CAUT’s full travel advisory and related statements are available on its website.

Courtesy
Mateo Jarquin stands in his home workshop on Apr. 14 with the latest version of his self-built robotic hand, the F.L.E.X., which recently earned him first place at the provincial Super Expo-Sciences Hydro-Québec

Lennoxville student wows science fair with self-made invention

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

A Lennoxville student has captured the top prize at the Quebec final of the Super Expo-Sciences Hydro-Québec with a robotic invention that may one day help defuse bombs, repair spacecraft, or bring surgery to remote areas.

Champlain College Lennoxville student Mateo Jarquin earned the highest distinction from judges at the provincial-level competition for his “F.L.E.X.” project—short for “Fully Leveraged EXO Hand.” The device is a 3D-printed robotic hand that mimics real human hand movements in real time, using just a camera and Wi-Fi connection.

“It’s able to detect your joints and fingertips, calculate the distance between them, and translate that into motor movement,” said Jarquin. “The robotic hand copies what you do with very little delay”.

The win secures Jarquin a spot on Team Quebec at the national Canada-Wide Science Fair, which will take place in Fredericton from May 31 to June 7. He also received a $1,500 scholarship, a trophy, and a trip for two to James Bay. In addition, he won a gold medal in the college category from the Réseau Technoscience and the Université du Québec Relève scientifique scholarship, which covers full tuition for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies within the university network.

Jarquin, who was born in Sherbrooke and studied at SES, Alexander Galt, and now Champlain College, is currently enrolled in a general science program. He first presented a prototype of the robotic hand two years ago but was unsatisfied with its limitations.

“This new version has metal-gear servos, better software, and improved materials,” he explained. “The outside is printed using a strong CTG filament, while the inside uses TPU, a flexible plastic that allows the fingers to actually bend like a human hand”.

The system works by placing a camera near a user’s hand—either mounted on a stationary stand or worn on the shoulder by a small robot companion Jarquin calls “Pico.” The camera tracks the hand movements, and software calculates the angles of each finger joint before transmitting the data to motors inside the robotic hand, which replicates the motions almost instantaneously.

“It can use a camera from virtually anywhere as long as it has Wi-Fi,” he said. “That’s what makes it different from the older version”.

The project has clear practical potential. “I think it could be used in bomb disposal, space repairs, or even remote surgeries,” said Jarquin. “Places that don’t have access to surgeons could benefit from something like this”.

Jarquin’s passion for robotics is mostly self-taught. “I learned Python through online tutorials, but I quickly realized there wasn’t a tutorial for a project like this. I had to figure it out myself,” he said. “I bought a 3D printer to make this happen. I love taking an idea and turning it into something real”.

He sees his journey so far as transformative. “The Science Fair changed my life,” he said. “Not just because of the awards, but because I met friends and future collaborators. It’s really encouraging.”

Looking forward, Jarquin plans to continue developing his current project but also wants to expand into broader areas of robotics. “Hands-free tech has applications in all domains of science,” he said.

In the meantime, he continues to share his research and technical experiments with the public on his YouTube channel. As the national finals approach, Jarquin is excited to represent Quebec on the Canadian stage—and to keep dreaming big.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “It’s just the beginning.”

William Crooks
Some of the speakers and performers at the April 15 press conference celebrating the Fondation de l’Hôpital de Memphrémagog’s 40th anniversary and launching its 2025 fundraising campaign

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Fondation de l’Hôpital de Memphrémagog officially launched its 2025 fundraising season with a festive press conference on April 15 at Les Enfants Terribles restaurant in Magog, unveiling a full slate of events to mark its 40th anniversary.

Hosted by Jean Delisle, secretary of the board, the event brought together foundation members, volunteers, partners, and supporters to celebrate four decades of community support and to present the year’s programming. “We want to improve what’s happening in our territory,” Delisle said, noting the work of a small but dedicated team of four staff, bolstered by committed volunteers.

The president of the foundation’s board, Charles-Alexandre Pelletier, thanked donors and partners and praised executive director Suzanne-Marie Landry for organizing the event. “It’s been 40 years that the foundation has been helping health care services in the region. Thank you all for being here,” he said.

Dr. Stéphane Tremblay, general director of the regional university health authority and a longtime supporter of the foundation, highlighted the importance of its role in the health network. “Being healthy doesn’t only mean needing surgery or accommodation. It’s about being able to live fully,” he said. Tremblay also praised the foundation’s broader social impact, saying it creates a sense of pride and cohesion in the region.

Suzanne-Marie Landry then unveiled the foundation’s anniversary programming, starting with “La Dolce Vita,” a three-course Italian dinner cruise featuring singer Marco Calliari, to be held on May 21 aboard the Grand Cru. “It’s really a one-of-a-kind experience,” Landry said. Tickets are $200, with a $58 tax receipt included.

The event is chaired by Claudia Lord of the Groupe financier Héritage, who said she is proud to support the hospital and help ensure that quality care remains accessible close to home. “I come to the hospital at 4 a.m. with my kids. That’s why I care,” Lord said.

Calliari, known for his lively Italian music, offered a preview of the evening’s entertainment with an impromptu performance. He encouraged everyone to “learn some Neapolitan” before the cruise and promised a festive atmosphere filled with music and audience participation.

The foundation’s traditional Classique de golf, paused during the pandemic, is returning on June 5 at the Club de golf Venise. The event is chaired by Gilles Pouliot, former foundation president and this year’s honorary president, and co-hosted by vice-president Patrice Lamoureux. “It’s more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of health, the outdoors, and solidarity,” Pouliot said. Highlights include a $40,000 hole-in-one prize sponsored by RBC. A post-game dinner will also be served.

On August 28, the foundation will host a special anniversary evening at the Théâtre Magog featuring Juno-winning blues and jazz artist Dawn Tyler Watson. Attendees will be treated to archival footage, tributes to the foundation’s pioneers, and live music. “We want to remember how far we’ve come and celebrate those who’ve made it possible,” Landry said. Tickets are $40.

A fourth event will take place on Oct. 16 with a free motivational talk by Paralympian Lyne Tremblay, titled Croire en ses rêves et les réaliser! Une fabuleuse odyssée!. Tremblay, who gave a moving speech at the press conference, likened the foundation’s work to a strong and expansive base supporting a high-performance hospital. “Aiding the foundation is like giving our health system a breath of fresh air,” she said.

The calendar culminates in the Souper-spectacle de Noël Desjardins, scheduled for November 28 at the Hôtel Chéribourg in Orford. The evening will feature a holiday market, performances by Magog-born singer Carole Vincelette and the band Shine, and a silent auction including two tickets for a southern destination offered by Air Canada. Tickets are $150 per person. Desjardins is the event’s title sponsor, and general manager Sylvie Marcotte spoke proudly of her team’s long-standing support: “It’s a ruby anniversary—40 years of helping the foundation make a difference,” she said.

Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that the foundation’s impact goes far beyond equipment or buildings. “You’ve helped us improve both physical and mental health services in the region,” said Tremblay. “That’s the greatest gift you’ve given our community”.

Courtesy
From left to right: Andrew Phaneuf, Johanne Fradette, William Marsden, Paul-C Carignan, Brian Wharry, Constance Ramacieri, and mayor Pierre Martineau at the Christmas seniors’ meal organized in partnership with CAB Stanstead

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

Stanstead Township’s annual Easter meal for seniors, organized in collaboration with the C.A.B. of Stanstead, is officially at capacity, with 44 participants expected at the town hall on April 17. The free event, which was promoted through the municipality’s Friday info letters and website, was designed to bring together local seniors for a festive and hearty noon-time gathering.

Kimberley Whitworth, who coordinated the event on behalf of the municipality, confirmed that registration is closed. “I gave the final numbers to C.A.B. on Thursday,” she said. “I’m actually waiting to hear if I can squeeze in three more people, but right now we’re full.” She noted that a few signups arrived after the deadline due to technical issues, but the overall response has been enthusiastic.

The meal itself will be delivered by C.A.B. and served in the town hall at 778 Sheldon Road. It includes ham with pineapple sauce, coleslaw, a vegetable side, and Texan-style breakfast potatoes with cheese. Dessert will feature maple syrup, and Whitworth is adding homemade devilled eggs, sliced cheeses, vegetables with dip, hummus, and cake slices. Guests will also enjoy coffee, tea, punch, and a few Easter-themed decorations to set the scene.

The gathering, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., is more than just a meal. “It’s about community,” Whitworth explained. “The councillors help serve, and it gives seniors a chance to connect with each other and with their municipal representatives.” Five of the seven councillors, including the mayor, are expected to be present to assist.

During the meal, Whitworth will deliver a short talk about MADA (Municipalité amie des aînés), a province-wide initiative to foster age-friendly communities. “It’s a project we’re working on, and with everyone sitting together, it’s a great time to share information.”

The event will also include a draw for prizes donated by local merchants. “We’ll be pulling names out of a hat,” she said. Prizes include three hams from Dépanneur Marché de la Baie, free meal tickets for future C.A.B. deliveries, and tickets to a local $15 soup lunch.

The Easter event builds on the success of a similar Christmas gathering hosted last December, which drew 35 seniors. “The councillors really enjoyed it and asked me to do it again,” Whitworth said. “So here we are.”

Whitworth confirmed that although this Easter event is full, future events are in the works. “We’ll likely do something for Thanksgiving and definitely Christmas again,” she said. “We go according to what meals C.A.B. is offering at the time.”

In the meantime, she encouraged residents to watch for updates on the town’s website and info letters, adding that registration typically opens three to four weeks in advance. “People mean to sign up, but then life gets busy. I try to give them as much time as possible.”

While most attendees are from Stanstead Township, a handful from neighbouring areas have also signed up, paying a small fee to cover the cost of their meals. “It’s really about bringing people together,” Whitworth said. “That’s what matters most.”

William Crooks
Antoine S. Petit, head of Sherbrooke’s public works and construction division, stands in front of a municipal work truck at the city garage following a press conference outlining plans for the 2025 spring cleanup

Spring cleanup kicks off April 22 in Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The City of Sherbrooke’s annual spring cleanup operation will begin on Tuesday, April 22, with mechanical sweepers covering streets, sidewalks and bike paths across the city. Residents are asked to rake their lawns and clear debris from the street edge over the weekend to help ensure smooth progress when municipal crews arrive.

“This is a major operation that takes several weeks,” said Antoine S. Petit, head of the City’s public works and construction division, during a press conference held Monday at the municipal garage. “We really need residents to collaborate—especially by removing their cars and bins on their designated cleaning day”.

This year’s campaign, which costs roughly $2 million, will start in the Fleurimont borough and unfold in three phases: preparatory work (already underway), sweeping of streets and sidewalks, and finally, cleaning of municipal parking lots. The entire process is expected to last about six weeks, with street cleaning alone taking around four weeks to complete.

“We alternate the starting location each year,” explained Petit. “This time we’re beginning in Fleurimont, but the schedule is built to minimize disruption. Arterial roads are usually cleaned at night to reduce noise, while local streets are done during the day”.

The City will use both municipal employees and contractors for the work. A fleet of sweepers has already been deployed downtown and on bike paths as part of the preparatory phase. Petit noted that this early work also allows the City to test equipment and train personnel before moving into full operations.

One important date to note: Parc Jacques-Cartier will be closed for 24 hours on Wednesday, April 23 to allow for thorough cleaning. A reminder will be sent to residents in advance, but that date may shift if weather conditions interfere.

Spring cleanup efforts were delayed slightly this year due to a harsher-than-usual winter. “We used more abrasives than normal,” Petit said. “There’s visibly more gravel and debris than last year. That’s why it’s especially important that residents rake their lawns and avoid pushing rocks into the street”.

Last year, around 3,000 sections had to be re-swept due to residents failing to move cars or bins, which slowed progress and increased costs. “These aren’t ‘bad behaviours’—just a lack of awareness. But every time we need to redo a street, it delays the whole operation and frustrates everyone involved,” Petit said.

To help prevent such setbacks this year, Sherbrooke residents are encouraged to:

• Avoid blocking streets with vehicles or collection bins on cleaning days;
• Clear lawns of debris early;
• Avoid creating piles of rocks in the street or placing sand and gravel in waste bins.

Real-time updates will be available through the City’s interactive online map and by signing up for alerts through the “Mon Sherbrooke” portal. Residents can also register online for bulky waste pickup as part of a parallel service: sherbrooke.ca/nettoyage.

Collected grit will be tested for contamination and either recycled, treated, or disposed of depending on the results. “It becomes a residual material under environmental regulations,” Petit explained. “So, we treat it accordingly”.

The city expects the cleanup to wrap up around June 1, though that timeline depends heavily on weather. “Rain and freezing temperatures can definitely slow things down,” said Petit. “But if we all work together, we can make it smooth and efficient.”

Liberal lead holds as campaign heats up with debates

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With the April 28 federal general election quickly approaching, the campaign in Compton–Stanstead is gathering momentum. Liberal candidate Marianne Dandurand holds a commanding lead in the riding according to the latest 338Canada projection, published April 11, which places her at 50 per cent ± 8 per cent—a full 30 points ahead of the next contenders. The Bloc Québécois and Conservatives are tied at 20 per cent, with the Greens at 4 per cent, the NDP at 3 per cent, and the PPC at 2 per cent.

The race to succeed outgoing Liberal MP Marie-Claude Bibeau features six main officially registered candidates. The Record contacted all six to conduct structured interviews. Five responded. Conservative candidate Jacques Painchaud did not reply to four different attempts by Friday’s deadline.

First debate draws a crowd

The first candidate debate took place on April 7 at the Pavillon des arts et de la culture in Coaticook, drawing nearly 150 attendees, according to a press release. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Coaticook Region (CCIRC), CIGN FM radio, the CDC of the MRC de Coaticook, and Le Progrès de Coaticook, the event was hailed as a success by its organizers.

Present for the Coaticook debate were Marianne Dandurand (Liberal), Nathalie Bresse (Bloc Québécois), Jacques Painchaud (Conservative), and Sébastien Tremblay (Green). Valérie Laliberté (NDP) and Paul Lehmann (PPC) were absent. The debate covered trade relations with the U.S., supply management, rural housing, climate change resilience, cell service coverage, and the federal deficit.

Another debate is scheduled for April 15 at 6 p.m. in East Angus, offering what may be the last public exchange among the candidates before election day.

Paul Lehmann (PPC): “Freedom is the core of democracy”

Representing the People’s Party of Canada, Paul Lehmann is a Lennoxville-raised entrepreneur with deep roots in the Eastern Townships. After arriving in Sherbrooke for speed skating in the 1990s, he studied at Champlain and Bishop’s, eventually settling here to raise his family.

“I talk politics all the time. At some point, you have to stop talking and act,” he said. “The PPC’s 21-point platform matched what I’ve been thinking.”

His main focus is freedom of expression. “We’re in a time where people want to decide what we can or can’t read. That’s dangerous. I’ll censor myself, thank you,” he said.

Lehmann also drew connections between immigration, housing affordability, and strained social systems. “Mass immigration without proper planning is hurting us. We’re seeing food banks serve seniors who can’t make ends meet, while others game the refugee system with help from consultants.”

He emphasized support for small farms and rural food sovereignty. “I grew up on a fish farm. We lost everything to NAFTA. I understand why farmers are nervous about trade deals.” He believes Canadian agriculture needs better protection and pointed to his own experience with aquaculture regulation and international competition.

Though PPC leader Maxime Bernier opposes supply management, Lehmann says he would advocate for regional needs. “I want to thread the needle. Our small farmers are the heartbeat of this riding.”

Marianne Dandurand (Liberal): “We need strong regional voices at the table”

Liberal frontrunner Marianne Dandurand is a former journalist and longtime political advisor to current MP Marie-Claude Bibeau. Born in Bonsecours and now living in Sherbrooke, Dandurand has worked in regional tourism, agritourism, communications, and market research.

“I love this region. I know the issues. I’ve seen them up close from Ottawa and from home,” she said.

Dandurand’s campaign emphasizes protecting agriculture, improving rural infrastructure, and maintaining strong cross-border relationships. “We’re not immune to what’s happening in the U.S.,” she said. “We have to be ready, especially when it comes to tariffs and trade.”

She supports cell service expansion and says fibre optic coverage, while improving, still misses some corners of the riding. “Let’s bring the province, Ottawa, and municipalities together and actually fix this,” she said.

On supply management, she’s unequivocal. “It’s critical to our farms and our food system. I worked on this with Bibeau, and I’ll continue the work.”

Dandurand said her experience in Agriculture Canada has given her a detailed understanding of how Ottawa works and how federal programs can either help or hinder local economies. She emphasized the need for policies that reflect regional realities, not just national averages.

She pledged to maintain an office in Lennoxville if elected, calling it the most central and practical location for constituents. “Even if I’m not elected, I’ll still be working to support projects I’ve seen across the riding.”

Sébastien Tremblay (Green): “Let’s get ahead of the climate curve”

Green Party candidate Sébastien Tremblay is a teacher in Magog who lives in western Sherbrooke. A longtime party volunteer, he stepped in to run when no other local candidate came forward.

“I’ve worked on campaigns before. This time, I’m the one wearing the button,” he said.

His priorities include mental health care for adolescents, housing accessibility, water protection, and climate resilience. “One in seven teens needs support. We need more services, and they need to be free,” he said.

Tremblay emphasized that Compton–Stanstead’s mixed urban-rural character makes it a test case for progressive policy. “We have a lot of variety in this riding. The Green Party’s platform is flexible enough to support everyone from Coaticook to western Sherbrooke.”

He noted his personal connection to environmental issues through fishing and local water sources. “Lake Memphremagog is vulnerable. Zebra mussels are already showing up in Massawippi. This is serious. Ottawa needs to be proactive.”

He added that Greens want decision-making power decentralized to communities. “The people closest to the issues should be the ones shaping the solutions,” he said.

Valérie Laliberté (NDP): “The cost of living is what people talk to me about”

NDP candidate Valérie Laliberté has served as a political assistant in Compton–Stanstead and Sherbrooke, and worked for the federal government in service delivery.

“I’m not here with an agenda. I’m here to listen,” she said.

Laliberté said the main concern she hears from voters is affordability. “People are stretched thin. Groceries, housing, everything. We need to make life livable again,” she said.

She praised the NDP’s role in the creation of the national dental plan. “We’ve been pushing for that for years. It’s finally happening. That’s the kind of difference we can make.”

Although she missed the April 7 debate, Laliberté emphasized that she has a long-standing connection to the region, having gone to primary school in Compton and worked in several local municipal offices.

She said she would prioritize transparency and public accessibility. “I’ll be available. I’ll go door to door, I’ll hold small community meetings. I’ll respond,” she said. She added that balancing her campaign and parenting two young children has been a challenge, but also keeps her grounded.

Nathalie Bresse (Bloc Québécois): “We protect what’s ours”

Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Bresse is a longtime mayor of Ascot Corner and a well-known figure in local governance. At the Coaticook debate, she strongly defended Quebec’s agricultural model and the need for Ottawa to respect provincial jurisdiction.

“Supply management is not negotiable. It’s not just for farmers. It keeps prices stable for families,” she said.

Bresse said she was drawn to the Bloc because it reflects her values. “Whether it’s Liberals or Conservatives in power, the Bloc is there to ensure Quebec doesn’t lose out.”

She raised issues of cell service and rural transport at the debate, criticizing what she called “urban-centred” federal policies. “Montreal MPs aren’t talking about Compton–Stanstead’s cellphone coverage. But I am.”

She promised to remain visible and present. “People here know me. I’ve been at every carnival, every fundraiser. You’ll see my face.”

Jacques Painchaud (Conservative): present at the debate, silent elsewhere

Although Conservative candidate Jacques Painchaud participated in the April 7 debate in Coaticook, he has yet to make himself available for interviews or respond to The Record’s requests. At the debate, he echoed party themes of economic restraint, cutting the federal deficit, and reducing bureaucracy. However, his platform remains largely undefined in local media.

With the East Angus debate looming, voters may get another chance to hear directly from him.

Looking ahead

In a riding where political momentum is often determined by local presence, strong debate performances and community engagement can matter. But with the Liberals holding a 30-point lead, it’s an uphill battle for challengers.

The April 7 debate showed that residents are engaged: nearly 150 turned out to hear about trade, tariffs, cell service, and climate change. Organizers have urged all citizens to participate. “Here, men and women can vote without fear or judgement,” said Vicky Désorcy, chair of the CIRCC board, in the release. “Let’s take advantage of that right.”

For Compton–Stanstead, the coming days will be decisive—not just in terms of who wins, but how deeply candidates can connect with the people they hope to represent.

William Crooks
Emily Côté of Townshippers’ Association shares a laugh with Université de Sherbrooke medical students at the snack table during the Family Day event held at Sherbrooke Elementary on Apr. 12. The group helped organize the half-day gathering as part of a leadership program connecting future doctors with local English-speaking communities.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Families gathered at Sherbrooke Elementary School on Sat., Apr. 12 for a festive morning of games, gifts and grassroots networking as part of Family Day, a half-day event organized by Townshippers’ Association and Université de Sherbrooke leadership students. The initiative aimed to connect English-speaking families in the area with local community services—and each other.

The event ran from 8 a.m. to noon and was tailored specifically to families with children aged 2 to 12. Children received free gifts, participated in arts and sports activities, and snacked on treats provided by organizers. But the focus went well beyond fun: it was also about forging community ties and raising awareness about English-language services in Sherbrooke.

“We know that English-speaking families often feel isolated or unaware of what resources are available to them,” said Emily Côté, a Townshippers’ program manager who spearheaded the event. “Many organizations offer services in English but have websites only in French. We wanted this to be a space where people could connect, ask questions, and feel less alone”.

In total, 11 organizations took part, offering information on everything from senior care and tenants’ rights to arts programming and youth support. The event was also an opportunity for the medical students involved to learn more about the community they may eventually serve as physicians. “The leadership program is about making future doctors more familiar with local resources,” Côté explained. “It helps them connect with the people they’ll work with and not just see themselves as people who know ‘just medical stuff’”.

One of the participating groups was CAAP Estrie (Centre d’Assistance et d’Accompagnement aux Plaintes), represented by Assistant Director Angela Moore. “We’re here to help people who want to make complaints about health and social services,” Moore said. “The health system can be hard to navigate, especially when something goes wrong, and we want people to know they’re not alone”.

Moore said CAAP also works with families supporting seniors in residences. One emerging issue they often see involves lease renewals for seniors. “Some residents don’t fully understand their rights when it comes time to renew, and that’s where we come in—to help people be informed and empowered to make enlightened decisions,” she said.

Other community partners included the Lennoxville Library, EspaceM, Bulles et Baluchon, L’Action Plus de l’Estrie, the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre, Parents-Secours Sherbrooke, Carrefour jeunesse emploi, and the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, among others. Tables were set up to share pamphlets, answer questions, and invite families to upcoming programs or services.

The Lennoxville Library’s Christian Collins and Carlaine Mboula staffed a double table, offering information about literacy resources. Nearby, Bulles et Baluchon representatives Jacynthe Samson and May Anne Lamoureux Bélanger were also on hand to speak about their programming for families. Groups such as CAPACOA Estrie, Projet Chrysalide, Action Saint-François, and the Grande Table also had a presence, sharing tools with families on issues ranging from food security to environmental action.

Though the primary audience was English-speaking families, the event was inclusive of anyone who wished to attend. Hosting it at Sherbrooke Elementary made sense, Côté explained, because “it’s a space already geared toward children and families, and it was available to us at a reasonable rate as a community event”.

The event received a warm reception from attendees, with children darting between activities while parents paused to chat with organization reps or fellow families. There was even a surprise guest—an audiologist from the CIUSSS team that Côté hadn’t expected—highlighting the community spirit of the day.

Asked whether the event might become a regular occurrence, Côté was hopeful. “There’s clearly a need for these kinds of events. People want to feel connected, and we’d love to do more of this,” she said.

For now, the organizers are grateful for a sunny Saturday morning that brought together dozens of families, and for the opportunity to reinforce the message that English-speaking residents of Sherbrooke are not alone—and that resources are out there if you know where to look.

U.S. trade war with China risks global fallout, says McGill economist

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The escalating U.S.-China trade war is shaking the global economy—and Canada may find itself caught in the middle, according to Julian Karaguesian, a faculty lecturer in McGill’s Department of Economics and former senior advisor with the federal Ministry of Finance. With over two decades of experience in international trade and finance, including postings in Berlin and Washington, Karaguesian warns the current trade tensions are anything but ordinary.

He characterized the United States’ current strategy toward China as a combination of irrationality, deliberate realignment, and tactical pressure. “It’s part mad king, part I want to realign the global trade system, and part negotiations,” he said. The tariffs now in place—as high as 125 per cent on some imports—have made trade between the two economic giants prohibitively expensive. While U.S.-China trade totals roughly $600 to $650 billion, the impact of these policies is far more widespread. These two nations are embedded in hundreds of global supply chains, he explained, and placing barriers between them disrupts far more than direct imports and exports.

To illustrate the complexity, Karaguesian pointed to Apple’s international operations, where design, marketing, and component production span over 30 countries, with final assembly taking place in China. “It’s assembled there, and then it’s ferreted around the world,” he said. Tariffs, in his view, are “like an earthquake under the global supply chain.”

He argued that the current protectionist wave did not originate with Trump. “The border with the United States has been thickening since 9/11,” he said, referencing shifts under George W. Bush, Barack Obama’s Buy American measures, and the quiet but firm protectionism under Joe Biden. Trump’s approach, he suggested, simply made the underlying trend more extreme. “He’s using a blunt kind of hammer-like policy instrument.”

Karaguesian believes Trump genuinely wants to bring jobs and industries back to the United States but doubts the practicality. “To do what China does, you need a physically fit and mentally fit workforce,” he said. “The old notion of China is an anachronism… they’re not making cheap stuff in sweatshops anymore.”

He recalled seeing China’s high-speed train system in action: “They’ll get you from Beijing to Shanghai—1,500 kilometres—in four hours on the latest rail technology.”

Karaguesian sees Trump’s populist economic message as a reaction to the fallout from deindustrialization in the U.S. and Canada. “The lie that was told by Clinton and Blair was that these were unskilled jobs,” he said. “Of course, they’re very skilled. I’ve been in factories, I’ve seen how skilled the workers are.” Once lost, he warned, that knowledge doesn’t return.

He linked the decline of manufacturing directly to the opioid crisis in the U.S. “If you look at a map of the Rust Belt and a map of the epicentres of the opioid crisis, they overlap almost totally,” he said. For years, he argued, cheap credit obscured the damage. “Everybody could get a car, a credit card, a college loan.” But that illusion collapsed with the 2008 financial crisis.

In the wake of that collapse, populist movements emerged, and Trump, Karaguesian said, tapped into the resentment. “He says, ‘I’ll be your Captain Ahab. I’ll be the eye of your reach. We’re going to go and hunt Moby Dick—the establishment.’”

Canada, he noted, has become entangled in the consequences of American trade policy. When the U.S. announced 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last October, Canada quickly issued a similar measure, even though it didn’t import any Chinese EVs at the time. “It was the colonial master giving the order and the vassal state complying,” he said.

China initially held back, but after Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly floated aligning Canadian tariffs with the U.S., the response was swift. “The next day, China put tariffs on our agricultural products,” Karaguesian said. “They’ve told us—politely but clearly—that if we keep following the Americans, they can hit us with a lot more.”

He sees serious risk for Canadian farmers, particularly small family operations in places like the Eastern Townships. But he also sees an opening. If Canada negotiated independently with China, perhaps limiting EV imports or establishing quotas, “they would take their tariffs off our foodstuffs immediately.”

Karaguesian described test-driving a Chinese EV in Paris that left a strong impression. “I liked it better than a Tesla,” he said. “It felt substantial… and they can put one on our roads for $15,000.”

He also noted that China has indirectly offered new markets for Canadian produce. “They’ve told us that you can export more fruit to Australia if you want. We’ll take as much as you have.”

Closer to home, he believes Quebec is well-positioned to weather the tensions. “Why go down to New Hampshire when you can stay here?” he said. “There’s a lot of locally made products, local travel. I think that’ll be a big boon.”

He added that Quebec is less reliant on trade with the U.S. than Ontario, and its major exports—electricity, foodstuffs, and aluminum—are harder for the U.S. to replace. “Sixty per cent of American aluminum imports come from Quebec,” he said. “They don’t have any local aluminum.”

By contrast, Ontario has already seen its auto production fall from three million to 1.3 million vehicles per year. “The Trump people want the entire American auto sector in America,” Karaguesian warned.

While he believes some tariffs—especially on aluminum and automobiles—might eventually be reduced, he sees larger risks looming. “If this trade war with China escalates, it’s going to lead to a global recession,” he said. “And it could re-ignite inflation. All these tariffs are going to drive up prices.”

Canada, he concluded, needs to assert its own strategy. “If we just keep copying what the U.S. does, we risk losing both our autonomy and our markets.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The City of Sherbrooke is inviting residents to help shape how it communicates and collaborates with the public by participating in a survey to update its Politique de participation publique (Public Participation Policy). The initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen citizen engagement in municipal affairs, a goal Mayor Évelyne Beaudin says is central to good governance.

The short questionnaire, available online until April 13, is designed to gather public input on the values and principles that should guide future consultations. According to Beaudin, “Dialogue with citizens is at the heart of municipal action. Involving the public in decision-making is essential for governance that truly meets their needs.”

The current update builds on work that began in January with the creation of a dedicated Public Participation Team within the city administration. This new team is tasked with designing consistent engagement strategies and guiding how Sherbrooke connects with residents on everything from zoning and infrastructure projects to cultural and sports policies.

“We needed a guide for the team to know how to respond to the orientations of city council,” Beaudin said during an interview on April 10. “So, the survey is part of this work to elaborate our new public participation policy”.

While the city has conducted similar consultations in the past—including a broad community development survey held last year—the mayor clarified that the current initiative is more comprehensive and intended to encompass a wider range of municipal decisions.

“That one was more for citizen participation at the community level—how you can get involved in your neighbourhood or even your street,” she explained. “This one is for everyone, monsieur, madame, tout le monde. It’s about anything going on in the city”.

Urban planning remains one of the top areas where Sherbrooke residents tend to engage. Beaudin noted that consultations are often held around the development of new housing projects, traffic concerns, and public green spaces. However, engagement also extends to municipal policy-making in areas like culture and recreation.

“Each time we work on a new policy, we want to hear from the public. And we adapt our approach depending on the objectives of the policy or project,” said Beaudin.

Participation levels across the city vary, but Sherbrooke compares favourably to similar municipalities, the mayor said. “We have a big participation at city council meetings when I compare with my colleagues in other cities,” she said. “For other activities, it really depends.”

One key challenge is making sure residents feel their time and opinions matter. “If people take one, two, or three hours out of their lives to participate, they need to know their voice will be heard, that it will make a real difference,” Beaudin said. “That’s a game-changer. When people see that their participation is effective, they come back and participate again”.

The city is also working to improve how it invites residents to participate and how it follows up with them afterward. According to Beaudin, those early and closing moments in the engagement process can determine whether people view the experience positively or not.

Sometimes, especially when a project affects a small number of residents, direct outreach like door-to-door flyers works better. In other cases, large-scale engagement strategies are more appropriate. “We’re trying to build new standards to ensure the activities are useful for us, but mainly that they offer a positive experience for the public,” said Beaudin.

Asked why public participation matters so much, the mayor was unequivocal: it leads to better decision-making. “All the worst decisions that were taken in the past in Sherbrooke were always because there was not enough consultation,” she said. “When you don’t take the time to verify what people want, you just make bad decisions.”

Although turnout in municipal elections tends to be lower than in federal ones, Beaudin believes Sherbrooke’s relatively high levels of civic engagement are due in part to a robust local media landscape. “We have a lot of active local media. I think it helps people stay more interested in what’s going on in their city,” she said.

The mayor acknowledged there’s still room to grow, especially when it comes to participation in polls and surveys. But she remains hopeful that the new policy and its public input process will move the city in the right direction.

“If I run for election and I’m elected, I’m there for the people,” she said. “If I just suppose what they need, instead of verifying, I won’t be as good a politician as I could be.”

Residents can fill out the questionnaire until Saturday, April 13 at sherbrooke.ca/politiquedeparticipation. The results will help shape the updated policy, which will serve as a framework for future consultations across the city.

William Crooks
Council members gather at the front of the room before the April 7 meeting gets underway in North Hatley

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At North Hatley’s April 7 council meeting, Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish and councillors addressed a range of local concerns including a new housing development, lake access fees, noise complaints, and infrastructure funding. The meeting, which lasted approximately 50 minutes, drew about 10 residents to the municipal hall and ended with a public question period that touched on several high-interest topics.

New condo-commercial development gets green light

Council unanimously approved a new multi-use construction project at 225–233 rue Main. The proposal includes 22 residential condominiums and commercial space on the ground floor, with indoor parking located at ground level rather than underground. The project was reviewed by the Comité consultatif d’urbanisme (CCU) and includes a full landscaping plan.

“These are condos for sale,” the mayor confirmed. “No underground parking. There are 22 indoor spots and an additional buffer of parking on the adjacent lot so residents won’t take over the municipal lot”. Council members said the developer hopes to begin construction as early as June.

Non-resident lake access fees stir debate

One of the most discussed items came during the public question period, as residents raised concerns about the new seasonal access fees for non-residents using Lake Massawippi.

The adopted rate for full-season motorized boat access for non-residents is a total of $450. However, Mayor Davis-Gerrish explained that neighbouring municipalities within the Parc régional Massawippi are charging even more—up to $575.

“That’s for people coming from places like Montreal for the weekend,” she said. “Here, we’ve kept it at $450, which helps fund the lake patrol. That’s how we manage to keep resident fees lower”. She also clarified that residents from Hatley Township can still register and won’t be classified as non-residents for fee purposes.

Traffic and noise from speeding vehicles and motorcycles

Several residents brought up speeding and early morning noise on roads such as Sherbrooke Road and Massawippi Road. One resident described the noise from motorcycles as a “public nuisance,” saying they begin around 6 a.m. and disturb the peace in the village.

Another resident highlighted safety issues on another street in town: “We see kids on bikes, skateboards, scooters—cars are coming down way too fast. I’m afraid there’s going to be an accident”.

In response, council members said they are considering further traffic-calming measures, including the possible installation of additional speed boxes and physical infrastructure such as raised strips or other barriers. “We know it’s a concern, and we’re looking into permanent solutions,” said Davis-Gerrish.

Provincial funding delay for infrastructure raises concerns

The mayor was also asked about the delay in redevelopment plans for Pleasant View Beach House and infrastructure on the west side of town. A council member explained that while North Hatley received a letter from the provincial government confirming up to $3 million in eligible funding, the PRIMO program has been put on hold.

“We’re waiting for final authorizations from the Ministère des Affaires Municipales,” the councillor said. “If the current funds don’t come through, we’ll look for other sources. But the existing building isn’t salvageable—it can’t be renovated. It would have to be rebuilt”.

Consultations planned for village master plan

Residents asked how they could participate in the development of the new master plan for the village. The mayor confirmed that consultations have already begun with local business owners and that a dedicated website is in development to allow for online surveys and submissions.

“They want everyone to feel comfortable sharing ideas,” said Davis-Gerrish. “Not everyone wants to speak up in a crowded meeting, so the platform will allow people to contribute at their own pace”.

Lake patrol and inspection powers renewed

In connection with lake management, council passed a resolution assigning patrol duties to the Régie du Parc Régional Massawippi and reappointed two officers as municipal inspectors. This allows them to issue tickets for infractions, particularly relating to environmental regulations.

“These are the same patrollers we’ve had for the past two or three years,” noted one councillor. “They’re in the cadet program and understand the environmental challenges well”.

Street sweeping contract awarded

Council also awarded a just over $17,000 contract to M&S Létourneau for sweeping streets and municipal parking lots this spring, based on a service offer submitted on March 11.

The next regular North Hatley council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5.

William Crooks
Charles Davies stands beside the brush and stumps left behind after Hydro-Québec and Bell cleared trees under the power lines on his property in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley

Local man says Hydro clean-up left his land unusable

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley resident says his land has been left in a state of disrepair following a vegetation management operation carried out last fall by Hydro-Québec and Bell. Charles Davies, who owns seven acres overlooking Lake Massawippi, claims that stumps and branches left behind after the utility companies cut trees near the power lines now prevent him from maintaining the property he’s looked after for five decades.

“I’ve been maintaining this for 50 years, mowing the grass and looking after it,” Davies told The Record. “It’s such a mess now that I won’t be able to maintain it. The stumps and branches are still there.”

Davies explained that in the past, large trees growing under the power lines had caused power failures due to falling branches. Hydro-Québec and Bell, in response, cut down the trees last fall but left most of the wood behind. A local sawmill, through an arrangement with Davies’s neighbour Henri Guérin, retrieved logs from Guérin’s property. According to Hydro-Québec spokesperson Sébastien Martineau on April 7, Guérin had also offered to have the sawmill remove logs from Davies’s land.

Martineau says Davies refused the offer. “He chose not to participate in the agreement to send his logs to the mill,” he said. Because of that, commercially valuable wood—defined by Hydro-Québec as anything over 10 centimetres in diameter—was left on Davies’s land, as is standard policy across Quebec. Davies himself said he never had a problem with the removal of the logs as planned. When The Record visited Davies’ property for a photo on April 4, the logs were gone.

For branches and smaller debris, Martineau said Hydro-Québec only provides removal services in residential neighbourhoods. “Everywhere else, the branches are left in piles on the property,” he explained. “It’s the landowner’s responsibility to remove them if they want.”

Davies says while some of the debris was partially shredded, the remaining brush and stumps make the terrain impossible to mow.

Martineau emphasized that Hydro-Québec’s decisions are shaped by cost and service priorities. “Collecting branches everywhere in Quebec would be very expensive, and we’d rather focus our resources on cutting and pruning to prevent outages,” he said. The same contractors are responsible for both clearing vegetation and removing debris, so prioritizing debris collection would reduce the number of trees the company can manage elsewhere, he explained.

He added that leaving branches on the ground benefits the ecosystem by enriching the soil, helping control erosion, and providing wildlife habitat.

Martineau followed up after his interview to clarify the broader context, noting that 11,500 km of power lines underwent vegetation management in 2024 alone. He also stressed that no other complaints had been received about the specific clean-up work in Davies’s area and expressed concern about being misrepresented.

“Some found we cut too much,” Martineau admitted. “But in this case, we haven’t had other complaints about how the debris was handled.”

Davies, however, remains unsure of what to do next. “There’s no way I’ll be able to maintain the grass,” he said. “It’s going to be a mess for years to come.”

William Crooks
Mayor Évelyne Beaudin speaks at a press conference on April 7, outlining Sherbrooke’s federal priorities and urging local candidates to commit to concrete action

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a pointed and detailed press conference held on April 7 at Sherbrooke’s City Hall, Mayor Évelyne Beaudin called on federal election candidates to take concrete positions on critical issues facing the city. Flanked by local media, Beaudin outlined her top three federal priorities: restoring passenger rail service between Sherbrooke and Montréal, protecting drinking water sources, and developing the Sherbrooke airport into a hub for technology and innovation.

“The decisions made in Ottawa have a real impact on the ground here,” Beaudin stated early in her address, underscoring that federal involvement is essential for Sherbrooke’s development—even if municipal affairs fall primarily under provincial jurisdiction.

Beaudin stressed that with the third week of the federal campaign underway, it was time for local candidates to commit to specific action. “I want to hear concrete commitments,” she said, framing her press conference as both an invitation and a challenge to federal hopefuls.

Passenger rail: “a matter of economic development”

At the top of Beaudin’s list was the long-discussed return of a passenger train link between Sherbrooke and Montreal. She emphasized the city’s sustained population growth—over 10,000 new residents in less than four years—and the strategic importance of a reliable, weather-resilient transport link to the province’s metropolis.

Estimates for such a project hover around $1.3 billion, though Beaudin suggested the actual cost could be far higher. “It could be $4 or $5 billion and still be just as relevant,” she said. “The impact of efficient transport infrastructure on economic development is undeniable.”

She urged candidates to treat the file with the same urgency and visibility that has surrounded the Québec–Lévis third link. “Sherbrooke deserves just as much attention,” she insisted.

Clean water and invasive species: beyond infrastructure

The mayor’s second priority centred on the protection of drinking water sources, especially Lake Memphremagog. While Sherbrooke has received funding for infrastructure projects in the past, Beaudin stressed that protecting the city’s water requires more than pipes and plants.

She called attention to invasive species like zebra mussels and the increasing presence of chemical contaminants such as PFAS. “These are not problems a city can deal with alone,” Beaudin warned, calling for stricter national regulations and more federal investment in research and monitoring.

“Our drinking water becomes someone else’s wastewater—and vice versa,” she said. “This system is interconnected, and the federal government must take responsibility.”

Beaudin also highlighted that Sherbrooke had to front its own money to combat zebra mussel infiltration in its water systems, a cost she argued should be borne by higher levels of government. “It’s not right that we had to pay for that out of our municipal budget,” she said, calling for unconditional and more flexible federal funding.

A vision for the airport: a “Technopark” of the future

Beaudin’s third major file focused on the Sherbrooke airport, which sits on 563 hectares of land, with 360 hectares available for development. Rather than pursuing traditional passenger flight expansion, she proposed a new vision: a “Technopark” dedicated to innovation in aerospace, drones, and public safety technology.

“This is not about another industrial park with rows of large factories,” she explained. “It’s about research, development, and pilot projects that align with our region’s strengths.”

She pointed to Sherbrooke’s proximity to major institutions, an existing flight school, and a relatively uncongested airspace as unique assets. “We believe this site can propel the region forward,” Beaudin said.

Though the airport was once seeking formal federal designation, Beaudin said the focus has now shifted to attracting high-value industries and forging alignment among all levels of government.

Mixed signals from candidates

In response to media questions, Beaudin was frank about the lacklustre federal campaign so far. “It’s as if everything is already decided,” she said. “When candidates feel too comfortable, no one makes any promises—and without promises, there’s nothing to hold them to.”

She reported having begun individual meetings with some candidates and said more would take place soon. However, she expressed disappointment with the limited engagement from some. “The Conservative candidate won’t say anything at all,” she noted. “That’s frustrating.”

She also called out the tendency for candidates to offer vague pro-environment statements without specifying regulatory changes or funding plans. “We don’t just want good intentions—we want standards to change,” she insisted.

Beaudin acknowledged that some federal funding is already available but tied up at the provincial level. “There’s money, but it’s blocked,” she said. “It needs to flow directly to the regions.”

She reiterated the need to rethink housing development strategies, linking the housing crisis with infrastructure shortfalls. “We can’t keep building if our systems can’t handle the wastewater,” she said, emphasizing that federal involvement in infrastructure is essential for housing to expand.

Local media matter

Beaudin also pointed to the role of local media in pressing candidates to respond. “The fact that we still have a vibrant local media ecosystem here in Sherbrooke makes a big difference,” she said. She encouraged federal efforts to help local outlets survive and even floated the idea of Canada Post distributing local news free of charge.

As the event closed, Beaudin called on voters to push candidates for clarity and commitment. “If I can add my voice today to underline how important this campaign is, I will absolutely do so,” she said. “Because it does make a difference for the region.”

Beaudin confirmed that only the Bloc Québécois candidate had formally requested a meeting at that point, but she remained hopeful that other parties would respond.

“The issues are clear,” she concluded. “Now we need to hear the commitments.”

William Crooks
Candidates Norm Green, Guillaume Brien, and André Duncan take reporters’ questions following the Vision Action Sherbrooke candidate announcement at the Golden Lion Pub on Apr. 3

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Vision Action Sherbrooke (VAS), a municipal political party founded in 2024, marked its first anniversary with the announcement of two candidates for Lennoxville. The event was held Thursday afternoon, April 3, at the Golden Lion Pub, with more than 30 locals in attendance.

Guillaume Brien, mayoral candidate for Sherbrooke and leader of VAS, introduced André Duncan and Norman Green as the party’s first two candidates in the borough. Duncan will run for city councillor in Lennoxville, while Green will seek the position of borough councillor for the Fairview district.

“This is the one-year anniversary of Vision Action Sherbrooke,” Brien told the crowd. “We’re proud to announce two candidates who reflect the values of our party—proximity, listening, and teamwork.”

VAS confirmed that a third candidate should eventually be announced for the remaining Lennoxville council seat. According to Brien, although several prospective candidates had been approached, business commitments prevented them from proceeding. “We’re confident we’ll present a strong trio,” he said.

André Duncan: Municipal council candidate

Duncan, who has worked in hospitality and event management, is the founder of a consulting business in mixology. He stated that his decision to run was based on a desire to be involved in local governance and support projects that address both environmental and social needs.

He referenced his recent involvement in community initiatives, including meetings with local health and forestry organizations. Duncan mentioned the recent acquisition of 34.4 hectares of the Ascot-Lennox forest, calling it “a good, big territory” that requires concrete ideas and long-term planning.

He also addressed the housing crisis: “I’m convinced there’s potential for affordable housing in strategic areas of Lennoxville,” he said, noting that he has personally experienced housing challenges.

Norman Green: Borough council candidate

Green has lived in Lennoxville for over 20 years and has served in various volunteer roles, including president of the Lennoxville Residents Association. He has also been active in defending Lennoxville’s bilingual status, an issue he called “a living, breathing part of our community.”

At the event, Green outlined three main priorities: protecting bilingualism, improving public transit, and increasing transparency in local governance. He said he would push for better bus service for students, seniors, and workers and called for more accessible city government processes.

“I will advocate for open dialogue, real-time feedback, and stronger regular attendance at town meetings,” he said.

Responses to questions

During a media scrum following the announcements, Brien confirmed that Vision Action Sherbrooke now has over 300 members and continues to grow. He noted that interest in the party has come from other regions of Quebec due to its focus on innovation and sustainable development.

The absence of a third candidate in Lennoxville was addressed directly. Duncan explained that some potential candidates declined due to professional responsibilities, but said recruitment efforts were ongoing.

Both Duncan and Green said they had already begun meeting with community groups and attending public events in preparation for their campaigns.

The municipal election is scheduled for later this year in the fall.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Speaking from a dairy farm on April 2 in Granby, François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance, unveiled a major Liberal plan to strengthen Canada’s agricultural sector, protect food producers, and safeguard supply management in the face of new U.S. tariffs expected to be announced by President Trump later that day.

Standing alongside Félix Dion, mayor of Shefford, and Marianne Dandurand, former tourism executive and Liberal candidate in Compton–Stansted, Champagne emphasized the central role agriculture plays in the Eastern Townships and across Canada.

“The strength of Canada starts in our fields,” said Champagne. “We’re here to protect what matters—our farmers, our food system, and our sovereignty.”

The new Liberal plan, announced on behalf of party leader Mark Carney, includes targeted measures to bolster Canada’s agri-food sector, particularly against anticipated trade disruptions. At the heart of the platform is a firm commitment to supply management.

“Let me be very clear,” said Champagne. “No matter the content of negotiations with the U.S. or any other country, we will never, ever accept any questioning of supply management. It is non-negotiable.”

According to a related press release, the plan includes:
• Making permanent the increased AgriStability coverage, doubling protection from $3 million to $6 million per farm;
• Establishing a $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund to boost local processing capacity;
• Injecting $30 million into the AgriMarketing Program to help Canadian products access new markets;
• Adding $30 million to the Agriculture Clean Technology Program to help producers modernize with greener equipment;
• Expanding the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act limit from $500,000 to $1 million and extending repayment terms to help young farmers access land and build operations.

The announcement took place amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy, with tariffs looming. Champagne acknowledged producers’ concerns and positioned the plan as a proactive response to economic turbulence.

“There may be short-term disruptions,” he said, “but I remain very confident that in the long run, Canada will come out stronger, more united, and more resilient.”

The family that runs Ferme Julio, the Delormes, were recognized during the event as an example of successful agricultural renewal and innovation. Their upcoming on-site fromagerie reflects a broader Liberal aim of supporting local production and processing.

Champagne underlined the strategic importance of food sovereignty, noting that nearly one in nine Canadian jobs is linked to agriculture. “Producing what we eat in Canada is not just economic—it’s about who we are,” he said.

During the press availability, reporters pressed Champagne on whether Canada had received details on the new U.S. tariffs. He declined to speculate, stating only that Canada is “ready for all eventualities” and committed to defending workers and industries.

On April 3, the U.S. officially imposed new tariffs on Canadian dairy and steel products, escalating trade tensions between the two countries. In response, the Canadian government announced it would implement “measured and targeted” countermeasures aimed at protecting key domestic sectors. According to reporting by CBC News, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that Canada “will not back down when our workers and industries are unfairly targeted,” and emphasized the government’s commitment to defending supply-managed sectors.

Asked about access to farmland for new farmers, Champagne at the event pointed to the increased loan guarantees as a critical tool to help the next generation. “The Delorme family is a perfect example,” he said. “Young people investing, transforming, and selling local—this is the future.”

Responding to a question on whether Mark Carney would be campaigning in the region, Champagne confirmed the Liberal leader’s strong ties to Quebec and said more visits were expected.

The press conference ended with thanks to the Delorme family and a promise: “We will defend our producers, support our workers, and build a stronger Canada—together.”

Cookshire Fair preps for 180th edition after sunny 2024 success

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

After a strong 2024 edition marked by sunny skies and solid attendance, the Cookshire Fair is gearing up for its 180th anniversary this summer, running from Aug. 14 to 17.

“We had a good extra,” said Brandon Ward, president of the Compton County Agricultural Society, in an interview. “But next year, we don’t have a clue what could happen.”

Ward confirmed that the 2024 fair ended with a roughly 10 per cent operating surplus—between $20,000 and $30,000. Attendance was in the range of 4,000 to 5,000 over the four-day event.

“It sounds like a lot, but in a way, it’s not,” Ward said. “There’s always repairs to be done.” Any surplus, he added, goes back into improving the experience for exhibitors and fairgoers.

The Society held its annual general meeting in February, where Ward and several other executive members were re-elected. Three new directors also joined the board. “We try to make things better for the people that come to the fair,” said Ward. “That’s why we do the fair—for them, not for ourselves.”

This year’s midway is already confirmed, but Ward said other programming is still being finalized. “There will be some pretty significant changes that will be interesting for visitors,” he said. Updates will be posted on the fair’s Facebook page as bookings are confirmed.

The Cookshire Fair continues to reflect the region’s bilingual makeup. “I would like to say it’s 50-50,” Ward said of the board’s cultural composition. “Everybody can speak English or French.”

While the Society posted a surplus in 2024, Ward noted that the fair remains vulnerable to weather and rising costs. “The weather makes it,” he said. “Some years we could lose money. It all depends.”

William Crooks
David Bombardier, liaison officer with the City of Sherbrooke, speaks during the Apr. 3 press conference outlining the 2025 construction season

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke will see an unprecedented $74.9 million in roadwork and infrastructure projects this summer, the highest investment since 2020. At a press conference on Apr. 3, city officials presented a detailed breakdown of 97 planned interventions, including resurfacing, sewer reconstruction, sidewalk construction, and cycling infrastructure.

“Talking about roadwork may not be glamorous, but it affects all of us,” said Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin, the first of four speakers. “This year marks a record level of investment.”

According to Beaudin, $49.8 million will be spent on surface roadwork, while $25.1 million is allocated to water systems, environmental cleanup, and project planning for future years. “We’ve significantly increased the city’s investments,” she said, citing a 94 per cent rise in sewer and aqueduct work, a 50 per cent jump in paving, and a 12 per cent boost in active transportation.

She also underscored Sherbrooke’s hybrid construction model. “It’s pretty rare in Québec,” Beaudin said. “A good portion of our work is done by internal teams, which makes us more agile and allows us to start earlier in the season.”

What to expect: The city’s most disruptive work sites

While over 90 projects are scheduled across the city, several will cause significant and lasting disruptions. Among them:

• King Ouest, between Léger/Bertrand-Fabi and Sauvé/Comtois, will see reduced lanes for more than two weeks. With around 50,000 vehicles daily, it’s among the city’s busiest arteries.
• Boulevard de l’Université and rue Galt Ouest, near Autoroute 410, will undergo resurfacing expected to last at least four weeks.
• The King/Jacques-Cartier intersection will be under construction for approximately a week, with night-time work scheduled to limit daytime congestion.
• In the downtown core, Wellington Sud will be completely closed for a month as part of a private developer’s project. After that, sporadic closures are expected to continue for nearly a year.
• The Jacques-Cartier Bridge, under the authority of the MTMD, will see months of disruptions, contributing to long-term slowdowns.
• In Fleurimont, Bowen Sud will be completely closed for three weeks for underground infrastructure reconstruction.
• In Lennoxville, only minor work is planned, including a two-day closure of the St. Francis bridge near Bishop’s University for paving.

All works are listed on the city’s interactive construction map at sherbrooke.ca/travaux.

Focus on active transport and school safety

Director of engineering Caroline Gravel detailed the scope of 2025’s work: 3.3 kilometres of underground infrastructure reconstruction and 16.4 kilometres of surface paving. “We’re doing 12 major reconstruction projects and 25 repaving jobs,” she said. “These range from major intersections like King and Jacques-Cartier to smaller local streets.”

Projects to support walking and cycling are prominent in this year’s plans. Eleven new sidewalks totalling 4.3 kilometres will be added, and at least five new cycling links—totaling 3.8 kilometres—will be created, including routes on Wellington Sud, Aberdeen, McManamy, McCrea, and Quatre-Saisons.

“We used to measure success in kilometres,” said Beaudin. “Now, we focus on connectivity and the ability to intervene where it’s most needed.”

Fifteen school zones will also be upgraded for safety, along with eleven crosswalks and five intersections across the city.

New tools to keep citizens informed

Élise Arguin, liaison officer for public communications, presented the city’s strategy for keeping residents up to date. In addition to social media and mailed letters, the MonSherbrooke.ca portal and its “Chantier dans ma rue” feature are at the centre of the plan.

“This tool allows us to communicate directly with people affected by work on their street,” Arguin said. “They receive updates in real time, and they can even submit questions or requests.”

The system’s effectiveness was illustrated by an example from last fall, when a resident asked where to place garbage bins on a newly modified street. The city responded with photos and shared the answer with all subscribers on that street. “We didn’t get any more questions after that,” Arguin said.

More money, more scrutiny

When reporters had the opportunity to ask questions, the mayor was asked why this year’s total is so much higher. “It’s largely because of funding availability,” Beaudin explained. “We’re now in a new subsidy cycle. Last year, we had to prioritise based on strict funding rules. This year, we can do more surface work.”

Asked whether the funding decisions were influenced by Québec’s 2025 provincial budget, Beaudin responded that the projects were already planned in advance, as part of multi-year programs funded by both provincial and federal governments.

She also acknowledged the limits of relying on conditional funding. “Most of this money comes with strings attached. It forces us to prioritise based on program rules, not always local needs,” she said. “We would strongly prefer direct funding without conditions.”

How priorities are set

When pressed on how the city chose which neighbourhoods would benefit, Beaudin said complaints are inevitable. “Even if we put every dollar into roads and nothing else, it wouldn’t be enough,” she said. “We’ve given our technical teams as much autonomy as possible to identify where intervention is most urgent.”

The city uses diagnostic data on pavement condition and infrastructure performance to guide planning. “It’s not a political decision about who gets what,” said Beaudin. “It’s about where the need is greatest and where the intervention will be most effective.”

What about Lennoxville?

In response to The Record’s observation that Lennoxville appears to be largely left out of this year’s plans, the liaison officer with the City of Sherbrooke, David Bombardier confirmed that only minor work is planned.

“There’s nothing major,” said Bombardier. “Some work is planned on Mitchell and two days of paving on the St. Francis bridge near Bishop’s University, but that’s it.”

Beaudin acknowledged the concern, noting that with only so much funding and staff available, some sectors must wait. “We have to balance urgency with feasibility,” she said.

Still, residents across the city—including Lennoxville—can expect some disruption as projects roll out between April and November. “People will need to stay informed and flexible this summer,” Beaudin said. “The good news is, most interruptions should be short-lived.”

William Crooks
Hatley Township council members, chaired by Councillor Jacques Bogenez in the absence of the mayor, discuss zoning, infrastructure, and local services during their regular monthly meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At its monthly meeting held April 1 at the town hall, Hatley Township council addressed a wide-ranging agenda in the absence of Mayor Vincent Fontaine, who was off sick. Councillor Jacques Bogenez presided over the meeting, which drew approximately eight residents and touched on zoning, waste management, cultural planning and infrastructure challenges.

Zoning changes open door to new commerce

Two significant zoning amendments were passed to allow more commercial activity near Highway 410 and in the EX4 zone, close to local quarry operations.

Council adopted a bylaw modifying the zoning plan to allow light commercial activity along the highway corridor. “We’ve been trying for a long time to diversify permitted uses in that area,” said a councillor. “We’re not talking about disruptive businesses—just some small commercial options.” After years of opposition from the MRC, the municipality can now move forward with limited commercial development.

A second bylaw focused on conditional uses in the quarry-adjacent zone. It introduces criteria-based conditions that would allow certain commercial projects, provided they are compatible with the surrounding environment and land-use constraints.

$1.67 million landfill expansion approved

Council gave its approval to a $1.67 million investment in expanding part of the regional technical landfill in Coaticook. The project is overseen by the intermunicipal waste management board, of which Hatley is one of 22 member municipalities.

“This new cell has to be built with membranes and drainage systems to prevent water from seeping into groundwater or nearby streams,” explained one councillor. “It’s costly—much more than what citizens are charged in fees.”

Although Hatley’s share is relatively small compared to larger municipalities, elected officials acknowledged the challenge of being tied to group decisions. “Politically, it’s not easy being part of a million-and-a-half-dollar borrowing plan, but this is a collective responsibility,” said one councillor.

Gas tax funds: Past project closes, new phase begins

Council passed a resolution completing the final steps of its 2019–2024 TEC (Gas Tax and Quebec Contribution) infrastructure funding agreement. This allows the township to qualify for the 2025–2029 cycle.

“This is one of the biggest subsidies municipalities receive,” said a councillor. “For us, it brought in about $1.5 million.” Past projects included infrastructure improvements such as road upgrades. The new round is expected to continue funding similar work.

Waste collection schedule set through 2029

Council adopted a new waste and organic material collection calendar that will run from 2026 to 2029. Organic waste will be picked up weekly from April to October and every two weeks in winter. Garbage will be collected biweekly in the summer and monthly in winter. Large-item pickup will take place once annually in August, and Christmas trees will be collected in January.

The township also approved the purchase of 50 new rolling green bins for organics, at a cost of just under $7,600.

Township joins national economic campaign

Council voted to join the “Defend Canada” campaign, a national initiative encouraging Canadian municipalities to support domestic industries in response to trade barriers from the United States.

“We’re trying to buy Québécois and Canadian as much as possible,” said a councillor. “Given the changes in leadership south of the border, everyone is going to feel it. We need to stick together.”

Culture committee appointments and survey ahead

The newly created culture committee was officially staffed, with appointments retroactive to Jan. 31. A survey will soon be distributed to residents to gather input on the township’s cultural life.

“We want to write a cultural policy that reflects who we are and what people want,” said a councillor. “We’re not trying to organize events ourselves—there are already great groups doing that. Our role is to support them with facilities and coordination.”

The councillor added that the committee sees cultural life as encompassing not just events, but also landscapes, heritage, and local history. “It’s up to us to help keep that alive.”

Roads dominate question period

The second question period brought forward long-standing frustrations about the condition of township roads. One resident asked why the municipality wasn’t rebuilding even a few roads each year. “If you did just one or two each year, eventually they’d all get done,” he said.

“You’re right to be frustrated,” responded a councillor. “We have nearly 100 kilometres of road, and not all of them have been repaired in 30 years.” Another added, “We can’t do everything at once, but we’re not ignoring it either.”

Council said a professional assessment was recently completed that ranked every road in the township and laid out priorities. “Engineers looked at the entire territory and provided prioritization charts. Now it’s our job to act on them.”

The issue is also financial. “Our roads budget—including snow removal—represents a third, maybe even 40 per cent, of the entire municipal budget,” one councillor noted. “If we want to do more, taxes would have to go up.”

A councillor also shared insights from an expert who had visited earlier that day: “He told us that only one in five municipalities actually gets the provincial subsidy for roads. That’s why we need to have our files complete, with estimates and documents ready, to have a chance.”

Reaction to provincial budget

In response to a question about the recently tabled provincial budget, councillors said they were monitoring its implications but hadn’t discussed it in depth.

“We’re in a period of restraint,” one councillor said. “We’re seeing cuts to health, education, and municipalities too. We’ll need to respond accordingly.” Another emphasized the role of the regional prefect, who sits on both provincial and federal municipal bodies. “He speaks with authority and represents us well.”

Other matters

Council also:

• Approved a $23,500 contract for liquid calcium dust suppressant.
• Accepted a $766 per-tonne offer for 10,000 kg of granular calcium for summer use.
• Accepted architectural plans for two residential construction projects.
• Appointed a representative to the Saint-François River watershed council.
• Named new officers to oversee invasive species prevention.
• Hired two student patrollers to monitor summer activity on local waterways.

The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. The next regular session is scheduled for the first Tuesday of next month.

William Crooks
Protestors wave flags at Place Kassiwi in Sherbrooke during the April 1 demonstration against Quebec’s health care reform, part of a province-wide week of action

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Community and union groups gathered at Place Kassiwi in Sherbrooke on April 1 to publicly denounce what they called “false promises” by Quebec’s health minister, Christian Dubé. The protest was part of a coordinated effort by the Coalition solidarité santé (CSS) during its annual “week of action” campaign.

Organized by the Estrie branch of the CSS, the demonstration brought together representatives of various community and labour organizations who are concerned about the direction of the province’s health care reform. Participants voiced alarm over the centralisation of decision-making and a lack of real investment in the public system.

Dominique Vigneux-Parent, spokesperson for the Regroupement des organismes communautaires de l’Estrie and regional representative of the CSS, said that despite the minister’s assurances, the reform is moving away from democratic principles. “One of the promises was that this reform would bring more democracy and more listening to the population,” she said in an on-site interview. “That’s not what we’re seeing at all.”

She pointed to the elimination of CIUSSS boards of directors as an example of power being taken away from the regions. “The decisions will now be made by Santé Québec and no longer here in the region,” Vigneux-Parent said. “That’s a loss of power for us.”

The protest was framed around the symbolic date of Apr. 1—April Fool’s Day—with participants warning that the government’s commitments to accessibility, universality, and free care risk becoming nothing more than a bad joke. As the event’s slogan put it: “So that free, accessible and universal health care isn’t just an April Fool’s joke!”

Critics of the reform are also pointing to what they call insufficient funding for the organisations that support health and social services at the community level. Vigneux-Parent noted that while groups received an extra $3,000 in the recent provincial budget, it was far from enough. “Three thousand dollars isn’t much. It might buy a few meals, but it won’t allow us to hire staff or implement structural measures,” she said.

Rather than increasing bureaucracy, she argued that what is needed is a reinvestment in public services and a return to regionally grounded decision-making. “We want a reform that’s closer to the citizens,” she said. “Not someone in a tower who represents all of Quebec and decides what our needs are.”

The demonstration was one of several across the province that week, as part of a broader mobilisation to defend Quebec’s public health system. “We’re all here because we believe in this public system,” said Vigneux-Parent. “It’s something we need to protect and cherish for future generations.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Amid growing economic uncertainty tied to potential U.S. tariffs and criticism of the CAQ’s recent budget, Liberal MNA Désirée McGraw made a full-day visit to the Eastern Townships on Mar. 31 to meet with local companies and community organizations. The tour included stops in Sherbrooke, Bromont, and Granby and focused on the economic challenges facing the region—especially its close ties to American markets.

“We’re seeing serious implications for companies whose markets are primarily in the U.S.,” McGraw told The Record in a phone interview during her tour. “Even before April 2, businesses have had to make tough decisions to reassure American clients they’ll absorb the cost of the 25 per cent tariffs.”

McGraw, the MNA for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and the official opposition’s spokesperson for the Estrie region and social economy, said she tries to visit the Townships once a month. Last week she attended a sugar shack event in Magog; this time, her mission was firmly economic.

Her day began in Sherbrooke with a visit to Groupe Probex, a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities and those no longer supported by the public education or health care systems. McGraw praised the organization’s model of citizen engagement and social inclusion, calling it “a concept that should be exported to other regions, especially at a time when the labour shortage is critical.”

However, she also noted a troubling vulnerability. “Some of the companies Probex partners with are directly impacted by the American tariffs. And what we’re hearing is that when budgets are tight, programs with a social mission like this are the first to be cut,” she said. “That’s where you see not just economic fallout, but a social one too.”

From there, McGraw headed to Sherbrooke’s industrial park to visit Motrec International, a manufacturer of electric industrial vehicles. The company exports approximately 70 per cent of its products to the U.S., making it especially vulnerable to changes in trade policy under the current American administration.

“They have clients like FedEx, Air Canada, Tesla, Via Rail—the list goes on,” said McGraw. “But when most of your market is south of the border, a tariff like this is a direct hit. These are successful companies, but you can’t shift your client base overnight.”

Despite these challenges, McGraw said the businesses she met showed resilience and foresight. Motrec CEO Blair McIntosh, she noted, has implemented a strategy to weather the uncertainty. “He’s doing an outstanding job, really taking the company to the next level,” she said.

The day continued in Bromont, where McGraw met with representatives from Technum Québec, an international-calibre innovation zone made up of high-tech companies. She used the visit to learn more about the region’s technology ecosystem and congratulated Manon Duclos on her recent appointment as president and CEO of the organization.

She wrapped up her tour at the Chamber of Commerce in Granby, where discussions revolved around the specific challenges and needs of local businesses. “There’s a lot of energy and determination here,” she said. “But also a recognition that things are going to get tougher before they get better.”

McGraw also used the tour to hear local feedback on the CAQ government’s recently tabled budget. “We’re looking at another historic deficit of $13 billion,” she said. “The CAQ came into power with a $7 billion surplus. That’s $20 billion squandered.”

She accused the Legault government of using public money for populist measures instead of improving services. “We’re seeing cuts, not improvements, in our health and education systems,” McGraw said. “There’s growing frustration that Quebecers are heavily taxed but not getting the services they deserve.”

In addition to her economic mission, McGraw weighed in on the Quebec Liberal Party’s ongoing leadership race. She confirmed her support for Pablo Rodriguez, describing him as the only candidate with both legislative and ministerial experience. “We need someone who can hit the ground running, who can rebuild the party, win elections, and stand up to the economic and political threats we’re facing—especially from a possible Trump administration,” she said.

Turning to Bill 94, recently tabled in response to a controversial situation at Bedford school in Montreal, McGraw said the Liberal caucus is still reviewing the legislation but expressed “serious concerns” over its pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause and its extension of provisions similar to Bill 21 and Bill 96.

Bill 94 was tabled in response to allegations that Bedford public school was using its curriculum to proselytize students and promote gender inequality. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen oversight of educational institutions by pre-emptively invoking the notwithstanding clause to limit religious expression in schools, a move that has drawn criticism for potentially overreaching constitutional protections. While there is broad consensus that public funds should not support proselytism or discrimination, critics—including McGraw—are questioning whether Bill 94 effectively addresses the problem without infringing on basic rights.

“There’s consensus across all parties that religion has no place in public schools and that proselytizing children is unacceptable,” she said. “But we have to ask whether Bill 94 actually addresses the problem it’s supposed to fix, or if it goes too far and infringes on basic rights.”

She pointed to her party’s recent report on private religious education, which concluded that government-subsidized private schools must fully adhere to the Quebec curriculum. “There should be zero tolerance for anything that undermines the equality of men and women,” she said. “If religious instruction goes beyond the standard curriculum, it must be privately funded.”

Despite the heavy themes of the day—trade tensions, economic hardship, budgetary fallout, and education policy—McGraw said the meetings had been productive and energizing. “People are paying attention. They’re engaged. And they’re standing strong.” She plans to return to the Townships soon to meet with stakeholders in the tourism, culture, and community sectors.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Syndicat du personnel enseignant du Cégep de Sherbrooke (SPECS-CSN) has unanimously called for the resignation of Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, following what the union describes as a politically motivated intrusion into academic freedom.

During a general assembly held earlier this week, union members expressed outrage over Déry’s recent intervention in two Montreal-area English-language colleges, Dawson and Vanier. The minister reportedly requested an evaluation of courses addressing the Palestinian question—raising concerns over their content and the qualifications of those teaching them.

“This is not a pedagogical question. It’s a political one, and it’s an unacceptable attempt to censor certain courses,” said SPECS-CSN president Mathieu Poulin-Lamarre in a March 28 interview. “Teachers are professionals who know how to present complex topics in ways that foster understanding and dialogue. To suggest otherwise is deeply disrespectful.”

The union emphasized that Déry’s request mirrored demands made by the Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA), a lobby group on whose board the minister served for six years. “It’s a line that should never have been crossed,” added Michèle Le Risbé, vice-president for pedagogical affairs at SPECS-CSN, in a related press release.

Poulin-Lamarre said the minister’s stated concern—that such courses could aggravate tensions on campus—is misguided. “If anything, teaching this content can help reduce tension by promoting shared understanding. Knowledge should not be limited; it should be more accessible to support peaceful campus life.”

Although the resolution is symbolic and the union will not pursue a legal challenge, Poulin-Lamarre said it was necessary to make their refusal clear. “We won’t sit back as if this is normal,” he said. “We refuse this kind of intervention.”

He added that the union is in contact with other groups like the Fédération nationale des enseignantes et enseignants du Québec (FNEEQ-CSN) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFM) to potentially broaden the movement. “If other unions agree with us, we’ll organize and amplify this protest. This is a starting point.”

The SPECS-CSN is the second college faculty union to call for Déry’s resignation, following a similar resolution from the Syndicat des professeures et professeurs du cégep Édouard-Montpetit. Other organizations—including the Fédération des cégeps, the Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université (FQPPU), and the FNEEQ-CSN—have also denounced the minister’s actions.

The union says the minister’s position contradicts the academic freedom legislation adopted by her own party, the CAQ, in 2022. “The CAQ of 2025 is doing exactly what the CAQ of 2022 was trying to prevent,” said Poulin-Lamarre. “Mr. Legault should be reining her in—not excusing her.”

He also expressed concern that similar patterns of political interference seen in the United States, such as the rejection of speakers like John Liu at Columbia University, could spread to Quebec. “It’s essential that we protect academic freedom from any government intervention—this time and every time.”

Union members further criticized what they described as Déry’s lack of regard for the CEGEP network, which they say has been blindsided by a series of austerity measures since August.

“We’re not just reacting to this one incident,” said Poulin-Lamarre. “We’re drawing a line—this kind of censorship has no place in our institutions.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The town of Bolton-Est is continuing to manage the aftermath of a major fire that destroyed the Polyrheo chemical plant on Missisquoi Road on Fri., Mar. 28. Acting mayor Pierre Lemay confirmed that cleanup efforts are progressing and that no residents have been injured or evacuated, though environmental assessments are still underway.

The fire broke out early Friday morning at the chemical additives facility and quickly grew into a multi-jurisdictional emergency. “We had all the different firemen of the different localities here. There were six localities of firemen,” said Lemay in an interview on Mar. 29. Fire departments from Austin, Potton, Eastman, Lac-Brome, and other nearby municipalities assisted in containing the blaze. Firefighters fought the flames defensively, spraying water from outside the building and using heavy machinery to pull apart burning structures.

At its peak, the fire prompted health warnings due to thick black smoke. Residents of the South Bolton area were asked to stay indoors and avoid consuming well water as a precaution. A day later, the town confirmed that water quality in the Missisquoi River had returned to normal. “We got the okay from public safety that no, it would not be affected—that the aquifer was so low that it would not go into there,” Lemay explained.

The blaze was largely extinguished by Friday afternoon. “Late afternoon it was gone, and then the road was open late evening around 9 o’clock,” said Lemay. A team of municipal employees remained on hand throughout the event to assist with potential evacuations and logistics. “We were ready for any evacuation, or making sure that if people needed a place to go, we had the place set up,” Lemay added, offering praise for town staff.

While residents appear to have been spared the worst, environmental officials remain cautious. According to the municipality’s latest public notice, specialists from the Ministries of the Environment, Public Safety and Public Health remain on site. “A team of experts is still on site to ensure that contaminants are contained within the perimeter of the company’s property, to continue securing the site and to continue the cleanup,” reads the statement.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. “The scene has been handed over to the Ministry of the Environment,” said Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Laurie Avoine. “There is no police presence at the scene anymore, and the cause is still unknown.”

One of the most pressing questions—what chemicals were inside the facility—has only recently been partially answered. Lemay said that as of Saturday, the town had finally made contact with the owner and obtained a list of stored products. “It is with Environment Quebec right now,” he said. “I can’t really comment on what’s on the list—it’s not good, pretty much—but we’ll know more this week.”

The Quebec Environment Ministry’s mobile lab visited the site Friday to conduct environmental testing. “We still don’t have the results. It will take 24 to 72 hours,” confirmed communications councillor Marie-Eve Lambert.

To prevent runoff from entering the water system, firefighters and municipal workers dug a retention well and used absorbent barriers. “Everything is being pumped,” said Lemay. “It’s a local contractor that’s doing the work, so it’s very close—like a kilometre from the place.”

In spite of initial concern, only a small number of residents were directly affected. “We were lucky because [the smoke and runoff] were going in a very good direction where it didn’t affect many people,” Lemay said. He estimated that two households might have been directly impacted, mostly as a precaution. “There’s one that’s very close, like on the other side of the street. That probably was affected because that’s where the water is going through to get to the river.”

As of Saturday afternoon, residents had been told there was “nothing to fear for your health,” according to information provided by Public Health. Still, municipal authorities and provincial agencies continue to monitor the site and await results from environmental tests.

“The town was really well organized,” Lemay emphasized. “I can say the team did excellent work, and everything on our side is under control.”

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A new U.S. government sign now blocks the former Canadian entrance to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, following a decision to restrict access from the Stanstead side

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House has long stood as a symbol of friendship between Canada and the United States, straddling the international border in the towns of Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. But a recent decision by the U.S. government to close the entrance to the building (located on U.S. soil) to Canadians has sparked a wave of international support—and a GoFundMe campaign that has exceeded all expectations.

Launched on Mar. 20 by the library, the fundraiser initially aimed to raise $100,000 to build a new, fully accessible Canadian entrance. As of March 28, over $170,000 has been donated by more than 2,600 contributors. The funds will be used to install a new door, mobility-accessible ramps, and a proper sidewalk, among other upgrades.

“We didn’t know how much it would cost at the beginning,” said Sylvie Boudreau, President of the Haskell Library’s Canadian board, in a March 28 interview. “We just wanted to make something basic—a concrete sidewalk, a proper entrance, a nice door.”

The scope of the renovations will depend on how much money can ultimately be raised. Boudreau hopes the funds will allow for more than just functionality: “It would be nice if we could put back some granite or some bricks—something beautiful.”

The building’s original Canadian entrance—located at the rear—is currently unwelcoming and difficult to access, especially for visitors with reduced mobility. The new entrance would not only meet accessibility standards but also restore a sense of pride for Canadian patrons.

Louise Penny, bestselling Canadian author and longtime supporter of the library, contributed $50,000 directly to the Haskell Foundation. According to Boudreau, this route allows Canadian donors to receive a charitable tax receipt, unlike GoFundMe, which does not offer this option.

The library has seen an outpouring of emotional support since the announcement. “It’s crazy how the people rose above,” said Boudreau. “People are hugging each other. The reaction is like—we are all friends.” Both Canadians and Americans have been stopping by the library in person, offering donations and encouragement.

“We have people stopping by, giving us money. This reunited them,” she said, adding that the sense of shared purpose has been powerful. “People are just like themselves—American, Canadians—it’s such a great message.”

International media outlets have also taken note. “Even I had one [interview] at quarter to midnight last night with BBC UK,” said Boudreau. “We’re going to have people from Japan next week. We’ve had people from Sweden. I mean, it’s crazy.”

While the GoFundMe page was originally intended to support entrance renovations alone, the unexpected success of the campaign has sparked broader conversations about restoring other parts of the historic building. “We haven’t discussed yet if we’re going to stop it or not. The whole building needs a lot of repairs also,” said Boudreau.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government has placed a new sign at the former Canadian access point, a gesture that underscores the gravity of the closure. Donations can still be made via the GoFundMe campaign or directly to the Haskell Library Foundation for those seeking Canadian tax receipts. As one donor put it on the fundraiser page: “Don’t build fences. Build longer tables.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At its March 25 meeting, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) council tackled a wide range of topics, from staffing appointments to building upgrades and legislative concerns. The meeting, presided over by chairperson Michael Murray, highlighted several key issues currently shaping the board’s operations.

Leadership transition in educational services

The council approved the appointment of Emmanuelle Gaudet as Director of Instructional Technology and Pedagogical Services, effective July 1. Gaudet will replace Eva Lettner, who is retiring at the end of August.

While welcoming Gaudet, Murray and others offered praise for Lettner’s long service. “She’s been a pillar for as long as I’ve been certainly in this chair,” said Murray. On a lighter note, he joked about recent ministerial directives that “inspired, no doubt, by news that you were intending to retire,” included a new unremunerated committee for retired administrators—“a perfect job” for Lettner, he quipped.

Request for new vocational training program

The board voted to seek ministerial authorization to add a General Building Maintenance course to its vocational training offerings. The move comes as part of a broader effort to diversify programming and respond to strong regional labour demand. If approved, the program could be run independently or in partnership with other English school boards.

Upcoming by-election in Ward 3

A by-election will be held by July 20 to fill the Ward 3 seat vacated by Commissioner Megan Séline, who resigned on March 20. The board appointed Sean Champigny as the returning officer for the election. Murray expressed regret over Séline’s departure, saying the board had “high hopes” her background would have helped the council better understand internal education processes.

Legal challenges and legislative pressure

During his report, Murray addressed ongoing and potential litigation related to recent provincial legislation. He confirmed that the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) has already spent over $1.1 million challenging Bills 21 and 40 and is preparing to contest Bills 96 and 86, all of which are viewed as infringing on the constitutional rights of English-language school boards.

“Our recommendation to the boards is take all the time you want or require to modify your code of ethics,” Murray said, referring to a directive from the Ministry of Education setting a deadline for boards to implement new ethics codes that align with provincial secularism laws. He added that legal counsel had confirmed English boards are exempt from the April 4 deadline.

Capital improvement projects

Several infrastructure projects were approved during the meeting:

• New Horizons School: Basement classroom reorganisation project awarded to Construction Desrochers Bernard for $332,007, including taxes and professional fees.
• Sunnyside Elementary School: Additional funding of $189,809 approved for previously combined stairwell and admin area renovations, bringing the total project cost to $1.136 million.
• Princess Elizabeth Elementary School: Kitchen renovation project awarded to Construction Sovitech for $566,410.
• Playground improvements: A resolution was passed authorizing the board to apply for Ministry of Education (MEQ) grants for up to three years, with the ETSB and each school contributing $10,000 per project. The MEQ will fund 90 per cent of eligible expenses up to $100,000 per school.

International and student recognition

During the “Recognition of Excellence” portion, commissioners celebrated both student achievements and program visibility. Highlights included:

• The “2 for You” partnership between Massey-Vanier High School and the CDM Centre, supported by promotional materials and student testimonials.
• The International Student Program, which has seen increased interest from families looking to host students from countries such as Brazil, China, and Spain. Murray noted that hosting international students had been “a very enriching experience” for families he knew.
• A tribute to Shelby St-Hilaire, a recent Special Olympics double silver medallist and passionate chef, who was recognized for his perseverance and accomplishments.

Community and parental engagement

The Parent Advisory Committee reported efforts to boost participation in governing boards, including video promotion and hybrid meeting formats. Members also discussed the importance of clearer communication between parents and school administrators.

On the topic of cell phone use, the committee opposed a blanket ban, instead calling for more education on responsible use and better support for teachers enforcing existing rules.

Teacher concerns and union input

Public question period raised several concerns from teacher representatives:

• Violence survey: The Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) expressed disappointment over the board’s refusal to partner on a broader violence survey and asked for clarity on the action plan stemming from last year’s OurSCHOOL survey.
• Special needs: Representatives requested increasing local special needs committee meetings from three to five times annually to address growing challenges.
• Role clarity: A call was made for administrators to clearly define staff roles each year to avoid blurred responsibilities.
• Attachment theory vs. job postings: Union representatives argued that current job postings sometimes undermine the board’s stated emphasis on student attachment, asking for greater alignment between policy and practice.

Murray acknowledged the concerns, directing many of them to future discussions between union representatives and administration, and noted, “We always need more” when it comes to supporting special needs.

Closing thoughts

The meeting concluded with a reading of a letter from Dr. Paul Kavanagh highlighting ETSB’s contribution to the “11 Days of Remembrance” national education program. Commissioners were encouraged to continue promoting student-led participation in commemorative activities, both locally and nationally.

The public council meeting lasted roughly an hour and the next one is scheduled for the end of April.

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Jean-Pierre Perreault, who will begin his five-year term as rector of the Université de Sherbrooke on June 1, says he is focused on student success, research leadership and regional collaboration

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As of June 1, Jean-Pierre Perreault will step into the role of rector at the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), taking the helm at a time of uncertainty and ambition for one of Quebec’s largest universities. In an interview conducted on Mar. 25—just hours before the release of the provincial budget—Perreault expressed pride in the appointment and outlined a bold vision for the university’s future, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

“I’m very proud,” he said. “We will have a wind in the face based on many decisions outside, but I’m excited to take this position.” His election was confirmed by the university’s board of directors on Mar. 20 following a vote by a 43-member electoral college. That body includes representatives from the administration, unions, part-time lecturers, professors, and students. Perreault won the position with 65 per cent of the vote, defeating two other candidates, including one from the University of Victoria. “It’s a big mandate,” he said. “That’s the confidence of our community.”

According to a related press release, Perreault will be the 11th rector of the university since its founding in 1954, succeeding Pierre Cossette, who has held the position since 2017. A biochemist by training, Perreault earned his doctorate at the Université de Montréal and completed postdoctoral work at Yale before joining the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UdeS in 1993. Over the last three decades, he has served as department director, associate dean, vice-dean, and most recently as vice-rector of research and graduate studies. During his tenure, the university rose to 10th in Canada for research income. He has played a key role in major initiatives, including a graduate scholarship fund of over $25 million, contributions to the national quantum strategy, and the development of the university’s precision health and research facilities.

Perreault is also a prolific researcher, with close to 900 scientific communications to his name in the field of RNA biochemistry. He holds the UdeS Research Chair in RNA Structure and Genomics and previously held a Canada Research Chair in RNA genomics. He has led the development of gene inactivation applications based on fundamental discoveries from his lab and was the founding director of the Centre of Excellence in RNA Biology.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in his five-year term, Perreault pointed to student development, research leadership, and collaboration. “I want to push further our development in research,” he said. “Taking leadership in large recruitment and in developing experiences for students—that’s what makes us distinct.” He emphasized the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experience, calling it a signature of UdeS. “It’s important that our students live those experiences,” he said.

His immediate priorities include recruitment—particularly of international students—and launching a new process for long-term strategic planning. Perreault voiced concern over recent restrictions on international student permits imposed by the federal government, arguing that they are harming institutions and regions like the Eastern Townships. “The capping around international students is simply not a good thing for society,” he said. “Students coming from all over the world to the Eastern Townships—it’s not a problem, it’s a benefit.”

Partnerships, he said, will be essential to overcoming these challenges. “At UdeS, partnership is so important,” he said. “It’s all the ecosystems that help us to develop the future graduate and prepare well those people to go into society and the workforce.” He expressed particular interest in deepening collaboration with Bishop’s University, calling for a “pole of higher education” in the Eastern Townships.

When asked about recent tensions between the provincial government and English-language universities in Quebec, Perreault was clear. “English is not in danger—not in Sherbrooke, not around Sherbrooke,” he said. While he avoided directly criticizing the government, he affirmed his readiness to support English institutions like Bishop’s. “If I can help this up, be sure I will be there.”

He also stressed the importance of critical thinking in today’s climate of misinformation. “Criticism is so important with all the fake news around the world right now,” he said. “We have to prepare students not only to go into the workforce, but also to be responsible citizens.” For Perreault, the university’s role is not only academic but societal. “More than ever, we have to work all together,” he said. “We can make it—all of us.”

At the time of the interview, the Quebec provincial budget had not yet been released. Perreault said he was watching closely, warning that it could prove to be “a big challenge” for higher education. That concern proved prescient. Hours after the interview, the Université de Sherbrooke released a statement expressing “deep disappointment” with the 2025–26 budget, which includes a 0.7 per cent reduction in university funding.

According to the university, the current funding formula only recognizes 70 per cent of the costs associated with student population growth, leaving institutions unable to cover rising expenses. “The government is complicating our task,” said Denyse Rémillard, vice-rector of administration and sustainable development, in the release. “We must work harder to maintain quality and aim for budget balance.”

Outgoing rector Pierre Cossette added that the impact extends far beyond the campus. “The UdeS contributes over $1.1 billion annually to the region,” he said. “When the university lacks resources, it’s not just the campus that suffers—it’s entrepreneurs, suppliers and the entire region.”

The university also lamented the government’s continued failure to fund a new interfaculty teaching and learning pavilion, a project recognized as a priority by the Ministry of Higher Education. The lack of investment, combined with cuts to infrastructure maintenance and growing information system costs, is putting serious strain on UdeS and other Quebec universities.

“These choices send mixed messages,” Cossette said. “The government is asking universities to increase graduation rates while reducing their capacity to do so. It’s very disappointing.”

Despite all obstacles, Perreault remains hopeful. “I’m very happy to serve one more time the Université de Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships,” he said. “We have to work all together—mainly when you see what happens on the south of the border. More than ever, we have to stand together.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In the wake of a record-setting $13.6-billion deficit in the 2025–2026 provincial budget, municipalities across Quebec—including those in the Estrie region—are voicing serious concerns about what they see as a continuing provincial retreat from funding key local infrastructure. The Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ), representing towns and cities across the province, says the government is offloading more responsibilities onto local governments without providing the financial means to match.

“We were frankly surprised,” said Martin Damphousse, president of the UMQ and mayor of Varennes, in a March 26 interview. “It’s a historic deficit, and at the municipal level, we’re forbidden by law from running a deficit at all. The contrast is stark.”

The provincial budget, tabled March 25 by Finance Minister Eric Girard, is shaped by rising trade tensions with the United States and what the government calls a “turbulent economic period.” Despite the economic uncertainty, the province is pushing ahead with major investments in innovation, public services, and infrastructure. The 2025–2035 Québec Infrastructure Plan (QIP) has been raised to $164 billion, up by $11 billion from last year.

But Damphousse says the increase does little for municipalities. “The share going to municipalities is just 4.3 per cent, or $7 billion out of $164 billion,” he noted. “That’s down from 7.5 per cent a few years ago, even though infrastructure deficits and costs have only increased.”

Budget highlights: growth and cuts

According to a series of press releases, the government’s overall approach in Budget 2025–2026 is to weather economic instability through targeted spending while planning to restore balance by 2029–2030. It includes $12.3 billion in new measures over five years to stimulate the economy and support Quebecers. Here’s how some of that breaks down:

Wealth creation and innovation 

A total of $5.4 billion is earmarked over five years to stimulate economic growth. This includes:

– $4.1 billion to help businesses hit by U.S. tariffs, fund export and investment projects, and encourage diversification.

– $604 million to boost innovation through the new research, innovation and commercialization tax credit (CRIC) and other initiatives.

– $759 million to support regional development, including the forestry sector, tourism, critical mineral exploitation, and rural internet connectivity.

Services for Quebecers 

Another $6.8 billion over six years is set aside to improve public services:

– $3.9 billion will go toward healthcare, including funding for frontline care, youth protection, and vaccinations.

– $1.1 billion is allocated to education and youth development, with funds for recreation, sports, and converting childcare spaces into subsidized options.

– $550 million will support vulnerable individuals, including $303 million for housing needs.

– $717 million will promote Quebec culture and identity, and $636 million will fund justice, sustainable development, and road infrastructure.

Tax system overhaul

The government says it has reviewed 170 tax measures and is introducing changes projected to free up $3 billion over five years. Highlights include:

– Replacing outdated tax credits with streamlined systems like the new CRIC.

– Ending electric vehicle toll exemptions by 2027 and introducing an annual road contribution from EV users.

– Eliminating lesser-used or outdated tax breaks to better align with current economic and environmental priorities.

According to Minister Girard, “We are taking action to help our businesses by focusing on their capacity to innovate and on the contribution of our regions.”

Mixed blessings for the Estrie region

For Estrie, some budget measures may bring modest benefits. Notably, $250 million is planned for local road maintenance in 2026–2027. There’s also $94.7 million for the forestry sector over three years—a significant nod to the economic importance of forestry in the region. Housing measures include $228 million over three years for low-rent housing and $175 million over five years to support the accommodation of vulnerable individuals.

But Damphousse says these investments are too little and too late.

“These are over three to five years, often with no funding this year. When you break those amounts down annually, it becomes very small. Meanwhile, our needs are immediate and growing,” he said.

The strain is especially acute when it comes to housing and infrastructure. Municipalities are being asked to contribute land for new schools and adapt their infrastructure to meet climate challenges—costs they can’t afford without more support.

“In Estrie, we’re right next to the U.S. border,” Damphousse pointed out. “With the tightening trade environment and tensions over things like cross-border library services, we’re worried these pressures will get worse.”

He added that municipalities in the region are also being hit hard by increased costs related to policing services.

“In many small communities—including places like Ayer’s Cliff—people are already complaining that SQ services are too expensive and don’t meet expectations,” he said. “Now the government is withdrawing more of its support. That means even higher costs for local governments.”

Fears of property tax hikes

Asked whether the growing financial burden will force municipalities to raise property taxes, Damphousse admitted that pressure is mounting.

“Municipalities always try not to raise taxes—it’s never popular. But as responsibilities increase and services are stretched, it’s harder to avoid,” he said. “We’ve already seen it with rising property valuations. Unfortunately, those increases end up reflected in tax bills.”

With housing costs, homelessness, climate resilience, and service demands all on the rise, local governments say they need more than words of support.

“It’s not just about money—it’s about fairness,” Damphousse said. “We’re expected to deliver more with less, and that’s not sustainable.”

An erosion of local democracy?

In a final note of concern, the UMQ also flagged the government’s decision to eliminate the provincial tax credit for donations to municipal political parties as of January 2026. Damphousse said the change could discourage political participation at the local level.

“It’s a small thing, but it matters,” he said. “Anything that puts a barrier in front of citizen engagement is a step in the wrong direction.”

Call for partnership

In its official statement, the UMQ stressed that municipalities are “critical players” in Quebec’s economic, social and environmental development. The organization is calling for a renewed, stable partnership with the province to ensure regions like Estrie can thrive.

“We need to work together to support the regions and protect the quality of life for Quebecers,” Damphousse concluded. “That starts with recognizing municipalities as full partners—not just service providers.”

While the government continues to frame its budget as forward-thinking and balanced in the long run, municipalities say the current gap between responsibility and funding is becoming unmanageable. Whether the province will respond to their concerns remains to be seen.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Seven Quebec mayors have joined forces to demand the provincial government halt the planned closure of several SAQ locations, including the branch in Stanstead. Citing economic and social impacts, the municipal leaders are calling for a moratorium on closures until a territorial responsibility policy is established.

The mayors held a virtual press conference on March 20 to express their concerns about the Société des alcools du Québec’s (SAQ) decision to close eight locations across the province. The affected communities include Stanstead, Gatineau, Baie-D’Urfé, Victoriaville, Saguenay, and two boroughs in Montreal. The closures, set to take effect by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, have sparked criticism from local officials, who argue the decision was made without adequate consultation.

SAQ’s rationale

In its March 11 announcement, the SAQ defended its decision as part of an ongoing effort to adapt to shifting consumer habits. The agency cited declining alcohol consumption, demographic changes, and an increasing demand for convenience as factors influencing its retail strategy. According to SAQ President and CEO Jacques Farcy, “To maintain our long-term performance, we have to evolve how we do business, be more in sync with all our customers, those of tomorrow as well as today.”

The SAQ is planning to launch pilot projects to test micro-agency stores in urban areas and expand its delivery services. It has also pledged to open 34 new agency stores in rural areas that lack sufficient demand for a full SAQ store. However, the mayors argue that none of these initiatives address the impact of closures on their communities.

Impact on Stanstead

For Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, the SAQ’s decision is particularly concerning given the town’s unique location along the U.S. border. “This closure, without an alternative local sales point, risks pushing residents and visitors to shop in neighbouring municipalities or even across the border,” Stone said. With the nearest SAQ more than 35 kilometres away, he warned that the move contradicts efforts to encourage local economic development.

Stone also emphasized the impact on Stanstead’s growing population and tourism sector. “We are seeing an increase in new residents from larger urban centres who are drawn to the relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities we offer,” he noted. “This decision threatens not only local businesses but the overall economic fabric of our town.”

He stressed that the SAQ, as a provincially run monopoly, should consider its broader economic responsibilities rather than focusing solely on financial performance. “They’re not saying these stores aren’t profitable. They’re just not profitable enough,” he said. “That’s not a valid reason to abandon communities that rely on them.”

Broader economic concerns

Other mayors echoed Stone’s concerns, arguing that the SAQ closures undermine local revitalization efforts. Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, mayor of Gatineau, called the closure of the Promenade du Portage SAQ “a blow to our downtown renewal efforts.” Gatineau has invested more than $16 million in revitalizing its core, including the development of 3,700 new housing units. “We cannot allow the SAQ to contribute to the decline of our commercial arteries,” she said. “Instead, we need them to be part of our recovery.”

Victoriaville Mayor Antoine Tardif pointed out that his town successfully fought off an SAQ closure in the past by demonstrating that upcoming housing projects would boost foot traffic. “The SAQ agreed to a five-year extension, but now we are facing the same battle again,” he said, adding that it is unreasonable for the government to prioritize profitability over regional economic health.

Benoît Dorais, mayor of Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough, highlighted the significant investments made in commercial streets like Boulevard Monk. “We’ve put millions into revitalizing this area, reducing commercial vacancy from 20 to 5 per cent,” he said. “Now the SAQ wants to leave, despite the fact that their presence supports local businesses, including bring-your-own-wine restaurants.”

Baie-D’Urfé Mayor Heidi Ektvedt noted that her town’s SAQ is part of the only shopping centre serving multiple communities, including students from McGill’s Macdonald Campus and John Abbott College. “People don’t just go to the SAQ,” she said. “They do all their shopping in one trip. Removing this essential service will hurt local merchants and disrupt our commercial ecosystem.”

Call for government intervention

The mayors are urging the Quebec government to impose a moratorium on all SAQ closures until a comprehensive policy on territorial responsibility is in place. “The government of Quebec invests taxpayer dollars to revitalize communities,” said Marquis-Bissonnette. “It makes no sense for one of its own agencies to act in complete contradiction to that goal.”

Stone agreed, emphasizing that the issue is about more than just alcohol sales. “If the SAQ closes in Stanstead, people won’t just drive to Magog or Sherbrooke for wine,” he said. “They’ll do their groceries there, get gas, and spend their money outside our town. That’s a serious hit to our economy.”

The mayors are also questioning the SAQ’s long-term strategy. “Where is the threshold for profitability?” Stone asked. “Will more stores close in the future if they don’t meet an arbitrary target? We need clarity on what their criteria are.”

While the SAQ has announced plans to open micro-agency stores in urban areas and expand delivery options, there is no indication of a plan to replace the locations slated for closure. “We have no guarantee that an alternative sales point will be set up in Stanstead,” Stone said. “For us, this is not just an inconvenience—it’s an economic threat.”

A petition against the closures has been launched on the website of the National Assembly, and local leaders are encouraging residents to sign. The mayors hope that public pressure will prompt the government to intervene before the closures take effect.

“The SAQ must recognize that it has a role beyond simply turning a profit,” Stone said. “It needs to consider the communities it serves.”

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Participants at the special event on March 20, 2025, in Sherbrooke, where Marie-Claude Bibeau announced funding for seventeen seniors’ organizations in the region, including Uplands’ “From Home to Museum” project

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre in Lennoxville is set to unveil a new exhibition, “From Home to Museum – A Community’s Collective Memory,” thanks to a $21,600 grant from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program. This funding supports seniors-led initiatives that enhance the well-being of communities, and Uplands’ project will do just that by documenting and celebrating the contributions of the volunteers who transformed the historic house into a museum.

Eliza Dussault, the Educational Services Coordinator at Uplands, explained that the project aims to gather stories and testimonials from those who were integral to the museum’s founding. “It’s an oral history project that will allow us to preserve and honour this important chapter in our community’s history,” Dussault said during an interview. Uplands hopes to capture the collective memory of volunteers from the Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society, who spearheaded the restoration and transformation of Uplands from a private home into a museum in the 1980s.

The Uplands project will focus on preserving the contributions of seniors in the community. As Dussault explained, the volunteers who worked on the restoration brought not only their skills but also a deep sense of commitment and shared vision. “Everyone brought a hammer and a ladder,” she said. “It was truly a community-driven effort.”

The project will culminate in a permanent exhibition at Uplands, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the museum and the volunteers who made it possible. Dussault mentioned that while the exact form of the exhibit has yet to be determined, it will likely take the form of a commemorative display integrated into the museum’s existing collections. “The project is still in the planning stages,” Dussault noted, “and we will be working closely with local seniors to gather their ideas for how to best commemorate this chapter of their lives.”

In addition to the main exhibit, Uplands plans to collaborate with Wendy Durrant, a long-time community member and volunteer with the Historical Society, who will help lead the project. Other seniors in the community will also be consulted throughout the process to ensure that their voices are reflected in the final product.

The funding for Uplands is part of a larger initiative announced by Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, on March 20, 2025. At a special event held at Loisirs Acti-Famille in Sherbrooke, Bibeau revealed that a total of $292,595 would be shared among 17 organizations in the region to support projects aimed at improving the lives of seniors. The New Horizons for Seniors program provides up to $25,000 in funding for projects that involve seniors in their planning and delivery. Bibeau highlighted that these contributions reflect the government’s commitment to supporting the volunteers who play a critical role in keeping communities vibrant and active.

Other funded projects in the region include kitchen renovations, workshops, and activities designed to enhance the lives of seniors. Uplands’ new exhibition is one of the most significant projects in the region, and it promises to offer a unique insight into the history of Lennoxville and the community’s collective efforts in preserving its heritage.

For those interested in learning more, Uplands plans to share updates on the project as it progresses. With a strong foundation rooted in community involvement, the “From Home to Museum” project will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in preserving the cultural heritage of Lennoxville for generations to come.

William Crooks
Sylvie Boudreau speaks to a large crowd gathered outside the Haskell Free Library, with the iconic building visible in the background, as the community shows its support in the wake of the closure of the Canadian access

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At a press conference held on March 21, 2025, in Stanstead, near the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, hundreds of Canadians and dozens of Americans gathered to express their support for the iconic institution, which is facing an unprecedented closure of its Canadian access. The decision, announced on March 18, 2025, by U.S. authorities, has sparked outrage on both sides of the border and may threaten the future of this unique library that has long symbolized cross-border cooperation.

For over a century, the Haskell Free Library has stood as a beacon of cultural unity, straddling the border between Canada and the United States. The library’s main entrance is located in the U.S., with a rear exit accessible from Canada. Inside, a line on the floor marks the international boundary, allowing visitors to stand between the two countries. However, starting March 24, 2025, the Canadian access will be partially closed, and by October 1, 2025, it will be entirely shut down by U.S. authorities.

The closure has provoked strong reactions from local officials, with many expressing disbelief over the decision. “It is deeply regrettable that this closure, motivated by border control considerations and exacerbated by political tensions, is happening at the expense of the citizens who have relied on this cultural institution,” said Jody Stone, mayor of Stanstead. He emphasized that the library had long been a symbol of harmonious coexistence between Canada and the U.S.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, also addressed the gathering, expressing her concern over the decision. “Our border community is strong, and this decision only further solidifies our commitment to each other,” Bibeau said. She reassured the public that the Canadian government was already looking into ways to support the library, both through financial assistance and advocacy. “This library is not just a building—it’s a testament to the cooperation and friendship between Canada and the United States,” Bibeau added.

Sylvie Boudreau, president of the Haskell Free Library, explained that the library’s leadership had been preparing for such a situation. “Honestly, it was always in the back of my mind,” Boudreau shared in a later interview. She recounted how, after the library reopened following COVID-19 closures, U.S. authorities had already considered restricting access. “When we received the visit from [U.S. officials], I said, ‘It’s just a question of time.'” She acknowledged the growing security concerns and the library’s efforts to work with U.S. authorities to find a solution.

The justification for the closure was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) citing security concerns. According to reporting from The Canadian Press, a statement from the CPB explained that access without inspection had been allowed in the past because of the library’s location, for the convenience of local populations. A continued rise in illicit cross-border activity and recent incidents, including smuggling attempts, prompted the agency to close the Canadian access to the library. The CBP’s statement, as reported by The Canadian Press, acknowledged the library’s unique role but emphasized the need for heightened security measures.

While the CBP made exceptions for law enforcement and emergency services, starting March 24, only library card holders and employees will be able to access the library from Canada. By October 1, Canadians will no longer be able to enter through the U.S. side without passing through a formal border checkpoint. For many, this change disrupts a long-standing relationship between the communities of Stanstead and Derby Line, Vermont.

Local residents have expressed their frustration, with many pointing to the decades of peaceful cross-border interaction facilitated by the library. “People have used this space for generations. This is a part of our community,” said Philip Dutil, a Stanstead councillor. He recalled his own memories of visiting the library and noted that it had been a vital resource for families on both sides of the border.

Rick Ufford-Chase, mayor of Newport, Vermont, also weighed in, agreeing the decision is a symbolic move with no real security justification. “There’s no reason for this,” Ufford-Chase said, emphasizing that the two communities have long shared resources, including municipal services and even a joint sports league for children. He added, “This decision is an attack on our shared community”.

Despite these setbacks, the Haskell Free Library remains committed to fulfilling its cultural mission. Boudreau has assured the community that efforts to adapt to the new reality are already underway. Plans include constructing a new Canadian entrance and making the library more accessible. The estimated cost of the infrastructure work is $100,000. The library has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds, hoping that both Canadians and Americans will contribute to preserving this unique cultural landmark.

By press time, the campaign had already surpassed its goal, raising roughly $119,000.

In the wake of heightened tensions, the library has become a symbol of resilience and unity. “Whether you’re Canadian or American, it doesn’t matter here,” said Boudreau. “We should all be working to protect the history and purpose of this place.” The community remains hopeful that with continued support, the Haskell Free Library can adapt to the new restrictions and continue serving as a cross-border cultural hub for future generations.

Courtesy
Key figures at the Kwigw8mna opening ceremony, front row (left to right): Casey Konwanoronkwa Goodleaf, 3rd year B.A. in Elementary Education & Indigenous Studies; Geneviève Hébert, MNA for St-François and Assistant Government Whip; Richard O’Bomsawin, Chief of the Abenaki of Odanak; Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University; Vicky Boldo, Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives; Shawna C. Jerome, Coordinator for the Indigenous Student Support Centre; Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of the House of Commons for Compton–Stanstead; Michael Goldbloom, Former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University (2008-2023).

Second row (left to right): Megan Hébert-Lebfevre, Niaka Design; Valérie Laforce, Niaka Design; Lois Dana, Student Life Counsellor for Indigenous and Intercultural Affairs at Champlain College; Curran Katsi’tsoronkwas Jacobs, Bishop’s Alumna (Class of 2015) and Professor in the School of Education; Dr. Genner Llanes-Ortiz, Canadian Research Chair (CRC) in Digital Indigeneities; Drew Henkel, President of the Student Representative Council.

Bishop’s University opens a space for Indigenous reconciliation and community

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On March 21, 2025, Bishop’s University marked a momentous occasion with the opening of Kwigw8mna – a new space dedicated to Indigenous student support, culture, and academic growth. The name, which means “our house and yours” in Abenaki, reflects the university’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.

Kwigw8mna, built within the former Divinity House – a building once used for clergy training – is now transformed into a hub for Indigenous students, according to a related a press release. The facility features the Indigenous Student Support Centre, gathering spaces, study rooms, and an Indigenous research lab. This space aims to provide students with a sense of belonging while encouraging cultural exchange and learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the university community.

The event was an opportunity for both reflection and renewal, according to Vicky Boldo, Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Bishop’s University. “This building carries a complicated history,” Boldo said during the opening ceremony, “and today, it stands as a place of healing, strength, and Indigenous leadership. It is a tangible commitment to making Bishop’s a place where Indigenous students feel seen, supported, and valued.”

A key moment in the celebration was the territorial acknowledgment by Danai Bélanger, Vice-Principal of Student Affairs. “This land was taken without consent,” she said. “We recognize the profound harm inflicted upon Indigenous communities by colonial entities. We must prioritize cultural safety, connection, and Indigenous knowledge in our academic spaces.”

The ceremony, which included traditional drumming by The Flying Sturgeons, also featured heartfelt speeches from prominent figures. Richard O’Bomsawin, Chief of the Abenaki of Odanak, remarked, “Kwigw8mna represents both a commitment and a responsibility. This territory has long been a place of connection, and now it is a space that fosters growth for Indigenous students.”

Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Bishop’s University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the significance of the project. “Kwigw8mna represents Bishop’s lasting commitment to Indigenous students and communities,” he said. “It is a space that embodies our responsibility to uphold Indigenous ways of seeing and doing. We are humbled and honoured to have led this initiative and to continue fostering meaningful dialogue and understanding on our campus and within our community.”

The opening was a celebration of collaboration, with contributions from various community members, university staff, and external donors. A generous $12.7 million investment from the Government of Quebec helped bring this vision to life, alongside support from the Government of Canada and private donors. The final price for the renovations was more than $16 million. Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, expressed her support in the release, stating, “A space such as this will allow Indigenous cultures to shine within the university and promote access to higher education for students from these communities. I congratulate everyone who worked hard to make it happen!”

Indigenous students, too, were excited about the new space. Casey Goodleaf, a third-year student in Elementary Education with a minor in Indigenous Studies, shared her enthusiasm: “Kwigw8mna is a new home away from home. It can be hard to be away from community, but this will be a space that helps create one here – a place to gather and share our stories, ideas, and culture.”

Kwigw8mna’s opening marks not only a physical transformation of the building but also a symbolic one, standing as a beacon of reconciliation and a step towards better supporting Indigenous students. Through continued dialogue, understanding, and respect, Bishop’s University hopes to strengthen its relationship with Indigenous communities and contribute to the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation. The event ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a closing speech from community leaders, who emphasized the importance of coming together to build a brighter future for coming generations.

William Crooks
Borough Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, Borough President Claude Charron, and Borough Councillor Jennifer Garfat at the Lennoxville Borough Council meeting on March 18, 2025

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Lennoxville Borough Council’s March 18 meeting was short but packed with updates on community events and upcoming projects. With only one resident in attendance, the meeting moved quickly through formalities before borough councillors took the opportunity to share news about local initiatives, including the firefighter memorial and the participatory budget process.

Borough Councillor Jennifer Garfat provided an update on the firefighter memorial project, responding to a question about its timeline. She confirmed that the borough is still waiting for a response from the firefighters’ association regarding a suitable date for the dedication ceremony. “We’re hoping to hear back soon so we can start planning,” she said, adding that the borough aims to hold the event within the next few months.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the participatory budget presentation, which will take place at the Centre Amédée-Beaudoin on March 31. Residents will have the chance to review and vote on four different projects vying for funding. “For the first time, we have more than two contestants,” a councillor remarked, noting the added element of competition this year. Council members encouraged the public to get involved, emphasizing that votes can be cast in person, online, or at the borough office for those unable to attend on the set date.

In their closing remarks, councillors highlighted several upcoming events in the community. The Lennoxville Library was praised for its recent Canada Reads event, and council members acknowledged the successful return of the Women’s Centre’s International Women’s Day dinner, which hadn’t been held since 2019 due to pandemic disruptions.

Other community activities include the Grace Village book sale running from March 20 to 22, a public consultation on the Nature Plan scheduled for April 16, and a lecture by the Eastern Townships Resource Centre on asbestos and its global impact. Additionally, the Bishop’s University Singers are set to perform multiple shows at the end of the month, and council members recommended purchasing tickets in advance due to high demand.

A few lighter announcements rounded out the meeting, including a reminder that the Lennoxville Curling Club will be bustling this weekend with its annual pipers’ parade and social events at Hope Community Church. A councillor also mentioned the upcoming Roast Beef Supper at the ANAF Unit #318 “Hut” on April 12, inviting residents to reserve tickets early.

The meeting wrapped up in just 15 minutes, with council members encouraging residents to stay engaged with local projects and attend upcoming events. With key community initiatives on the horizon, Lennoxville residents have plenty of opportunities to get involved in shaping their borough’s future.

William Crooks
Federal and local officials join Sherbrooke reservists to announce the next phase of the armoury restoration project. The event highlighted the commitment to preserving military heritage while modernizing infrastructure for future generations.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The long-awaited restoration of Sherbrooke’s historic armouries is moving ahead, with government officials announcing the launch of the design phase. The project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, will see the Belvédère Street and William Street Armouries preserved and modernized, while plans for a third facility are also in the works.

The announcement was made by Élisabeth Brière, Minister of Veterans Affairs and MP for Sherbrooke, alongside Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, and Honorary Colonel Wilfrid Morin. The event, held in Sherbrooke on March. 19, confirmed that the federal government has signed an agreement to move the project forward.

“Today marks an important milestone in the preservation of our armouries in Sherbrooke,” said Brière. “After four years of hard work alongside reservists, veterans, the city and the Sherbrooke community, I am very proud to have obtained the signature of phase 2 of the project.”

The restoration efforts are part of Canada’s broader defence strategy, aiming to provide reservists with modern, well-equipped infrastructure while maintaining the historical significance of these buildings.

A decade-long battle

The fight to preserve the two historic armouries dates back to 2015, when the possibility of replacing them with a new facility was first discussed. At the time, there was opposition from certain branches of the Department of National Defence (DND), which had proposed a completely new building rather than investing in restoration.

“They would have preferred something new, something functional near the highway, like a Costco,” Bibeau said in an interview after the announcement. “But Sherbrooke has such a rich military history, and these two armouries are an important part of our heritage.”

Bibeau and Brière worked closely with Morin and the “Sauvons les manèges” group to push for the preservation of the existing buildings. The efforts were supported by strong recruitment numbers from Sherbrooke’s reserve units, which are among the most active in Canada.

“Sherbrooke is recognized for being one of the best in Canada in terms of recruitment and responding to calls for action,” Bibeau noted. “When National Defence calls Sherbrooke, we go.”

What comes next

With the agreement now signed, Pomerleau has been contracted to finalize designs and begin early construction work, which includes decontamination, demolition, and structural reinforcement. This phase is expected to take two years, with construction of the restored armouries slated to begin in 2027.

In addition to restoring the two existing sites, the project includes the design of a third facility to better meet the needs of Sherbrooke’s growing reserve forces. “We need a third one somewhere that is close enough to the first two, maybe within six or seven kilometres,” Bibeau explained. The location has not yet been determined, and a call for proposals will be issued.

A symbol for the community

The Belvédère Street Armoury, home to Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke and the 35e Régiment des transmissions, was built in 1909 and designated a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in 1991, according to a related press release. It also houses a regimental museum and cadet programs. The William Street Armoury, originally constructed in 1841 as a courthouse, is home to the Sherbrooke Hussars and the 52e Ambulance de campagne.

“These buildings are not just training facilities; they represent Sherbrooke’s deep-rooted military tradition,” said Brière. “They are a place where young people learn discipline and leadership. They are part of who we are.”

Morin, who has been involved in the preservation efforts for over a decade, acknowledged the resilience required to push the project forward. “It was a battle,” he said. “But in the end, it was the dedication of our reservists and the strong history of these units that made the difference.”

Brière, who has been involved in the file since 2019, promised to see the project through to completion. “It took too much time,” she admitted. “And it will still take a long time to see it finished, but I will be there. I want to be there when we cut the ribbon in 2031 or 2032.”

The restoration of the Sherbrooke armouries is part of a broader federal investment of $10.2 billion in military infrastructure over the next 20 years, ensuring that Canada’s armed forces have the facilities needed to train and serve effectively. For Sherbrooke, it means preserving a vital piece of history while ensuring a strong future for its reservists.

William Crooks
U.S. Senator Peter Welch and MP Marie-Claude Bibeau addressed business leaders at a roundtable discussion in Newport on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian trade

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Business leaders, government officials, and economic experts gathered at the U.S.-Canada border in Newport on Mar. 18 for a roundtable discussion on the economic and social impact of President Trump’s trade war and the sweeping tariffs imposed on Canada. The event, hosted by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), saw participation from a wide range of businesses from Vermont and Quebec, including representatives from Sherbrooke, highlighting the deep economic ties between the two regions.

Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, opened the discussion with strong remarks against the tariffs, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Canada relations. “I am absolutely horrified at these tariffs,” Welch stated. “I am appalled at what our president is saying about Canada in referencing to a 51st state. There’s no place for that. We are neighbours, we’re allies, we’re friends, and I want to keep it that way.”

Joining him was Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, who echoed the sentiment that these tariffs pose a serious threat to economic stability and sovereignty. “This is not the right thing to do, not for your economy and not for ours either,” Bibeau said. She noted that Canada was prepared to retaliate with counter-tariffs while emphasizing the need for cooperation. “We are not going to let ourselves be bullied,” she said firmly.

Economic fallout: Business owners speak out

Representatives from both sides of the border expressed frustration over the uncertainty and financial strain caused by the tariffs. Dave Laforce, owner of Built By Newportwhose company has long-standing partnerships with Canadian suppliers, explained how the trade war was directly affecting operations. “We have a culture in our business to form long-lasting relationships with both our vendors and our customers,” he said. “The yo-yo of every hour, things changing, has been brutal.”

Denis Larue, president of J.A. Larue Inc, a snowblower manufacturer from Quebec, outlined the tangled supply chain that exists between Canada and the U.S. “We buy engines and components from the U.S., bring them to Canada to assemble into our machines, and then export them back to the U.S.,” he explained. “If we have to pay tariffs at every stage, prices will skyrocket, hurting American consumers just as much.”

Jody Spearing from UTV International, a Montreal-based manufacturer, highlighted concerns over how tariffs could disrupt production. “We have aggressive plans to launch new products in the U.S.,” he said. “If tariffs stay in place, we might have to reconsider those investments.”

Sherbrooke’s economic worries

Stephen Cabana, Deputy Director of Sherbrooke’s Economic Development Service, provided insight into the city’s broader concerns in a brief interview after the event. “In terms of manufacturing, regarding steel and aluminum, it is impacting approximately 75 to 80 different companies that are directly exporting those products to the United States,” he stated. “These companies employ about 3,800 people. If we expand the scope to all affected businesses in Sherbrooke, that number rises to 125 companies and 6,800 employees.”

Cabana pointed out that the long-term effects are difficult to predict, particularly for those businesses that supply materials to these exporters. “We don’t yet have data on the full ripple effect,” he said. “But we know it’s significant.”

A growing divide

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the trade war beyond economics. Bibeau spoke candidly about how these tariffs were affecting Canadian sentiment toward the U.S. “We’ve never seen Canadians so united,” she said. “People are actively avoiding buying American-made products. It’s heartbreaking because we’ve always seen ourselves as close partners.”

Welch acknowledged the growing tensions and expressed concerns about long-term damage to U.S.-Canada relations. “We are making your hard job harder for no benefit,” he told the gathered business leaders. “The tariffs are causing nothing but disruption, and we need to push back.”

During a media scrum following the event, both Welch and Bibeau reiterated their commitment to fighting against the tariffs. “My goal is to get the word out about how extraordinarily challenging these tariffs are to our economic relationships and our cultural relationships,” Welch said. “This is getting worse, not better.”

Bibeau added that Canada was prepared to take firm action if necessary but remained hopeful that dialogue would prevail. “We will do what we have to do,” she said. “But we also know that it is the American people who can convince President Trump that this is a bad idea.”

Looking forward

As businesses on both sides of the border brace for continued economic instability, there was a clear call for unity and advocacy. Several Vermont business owners expressed frustration with the unpredictability of trade policy under the Trump administration. “You can’t run a business when the rules keep changing,” one participant said.

Cabana emphasized the importance of long-term strategies to mitigate the damage. “We’re working on mid- and long-term public policies to help affected businesses,” he said. “But the reality is, we need structural changes, and that won’t happen overnight.”

Despite the challenges, both Welch and Bibeau expressed optimism that economic cooperation would ultimately prevail. “We will be back,” Bibeau assured. “Our economies are too integrated for this to last forever. But in the meantime, we need to stand firm.”

The roundtable served as a stark reminder of the deeply intertwined nature of the U.S.-Canada relationship. While businesses struggle with the immediate fallout, leaders on both sides pledged to keep fighting against policies that threaten economic stability and cross-border unity. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether these voices can bring about change or if the trade war will continue to escalate.

William Crooks
Ayer’s Cliff Library Director France Beaudin, Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, Director Marian Scott, and Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Simon Roy at the announcement of federal funding for accessibility upgrades at the library

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Ayer’s Cliff Library will soon be more accessible thanks to a federal investment of $115,514 announced on March 17 by Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau. The funding, provided through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, will go towards installing a lifting platform to improve access for people with reduced mobility, seniors, and parents with strollers.

Bibeau made the announcement during a small gathering at the library, highlighting the importance of accessible community spaces. “Libraries are a gateway to culture, and even more so in smaller towns,” she said. “It’s great to have an accessible library—it helps with access to information, literacy, and learning, and it serves as a community gathering place.”

Currently, accessing the library can be difficult for some visitors due to mobility barriers. The new platform will be installed outside the building, making entry easier and safer. “Building a more inclusive Canada requires a lot of work, but it’s important work that must be done,” Bibeau stated. “This addition, supported by the Accessibility Fund, will allow more people to take advantage of the library and its cultural activities.”

Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Simon Roy also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude for the federal support. “The town has always had a very good relationship with the federal government,” he said. “Whenever we’ve needed something, your team has been there.” Roy emphasized that the library is not just a building filled with books but a space sustained largely by volunteers. “For ten months of the year, it’s run entirely by volunteers,” he noted, highlighting their dedication to keeping the facility operational.

The library’s central location in the community makes accessibility improvements even more significant. “For small towns, it’s important to have a centre where multiple services are available,” Roy said. “People come here not just for books, but also as part of their daily routine—stopping by after visiting the post office or the grocery store.”

The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal program that supports construction projects aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and inclusion for people with disabilities. It funds essential infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, automatic doors, and accessible washrooms, ensuring that public spaces are available to all.

Local officials and library representatives welcomed the funding, noting that the timing of the project is ideal. “This really comes at the right moment,” one library representative said. “It will make a big difference for many people in the community.”

Bibeau credited the town’s initiative in securing the funding. “I always say, I can run with the ball, but the local team has to make the pass,” she said. “Thank you for working hard to make this happen.”

With funding now secured, work on the lifting platform is expected to begin soon, ensuring that the Ayer’s Cliff Library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all residents.

William Crooks
Jonathan Tétreault, president of the Syndicat du personnel administratif du CIUSSS de l’Estrie — CHUS (SPACEC-CSN); Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE); Danny Roulx, national representative for the Estrie region of the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS); Christine Labrie, MNA for Sherbrooke; Philippe Lambert, healthcare worker and petition initiator; and Alexandre Dumont, president of SCFP Local 4475

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Health sector unions and Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie gathered on Mar. 17 to denounce the $1.5 billion in budget cuts imposed by Santé Québec, warning of their impact on public healthcare services in the region and across the province.

Speaking in front of the CSLC Belvédère, Labrie called the cuts “irresponsible” given current pressures on the healthcare system. “Many people already struggle to access a doctor or healthcare professional, and wait times are only increasing. It is unacceptable to force CISSS and CIUSSS facilities to make these kinds of reductions,” she said. She urged the provincial government to delay balancing the budget in order to protect both the public and healthcare workers.

Petition to be presented at National Assembly

A petition calling for a reversal of the cuts, spearheaded by healthcare worker Philippe Lambert, is set to be tabled at the National Assembly this week. “I launched this petition because patients should be the priority,” Lambert said. “These budget cuts make it harder for people to get care, and the strain on healthcare workers is unbearable.”

Unions representing nurses, administrative staff, and other health professionals voiced unanimous opposition to the cuts, arguing that they increase reliance on private healthcare providers while weakening the public system.

Criticism of privatization and staffing reductions

Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE), dismissed claims that privatization would help reduce costs and wait times. “That is a myth,” she said. “Instead of investing in the public system, the government is funnelling resources into the private sector. But private clinics pull healthcare workers away from hospitals, worsening staff shortages and increasing delays.”

The unions say the cuts have already led to hiring freezes, unfilled shifts, and the closure of some healthcare services. Jonathan Tétreault, president of the Syndicat du personnel administratif du CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS (SPACEC-CSN), said that administrative staff shortages are forcing nurses and doctors to take on extra paperwork. “Healthcare workers are already overstretched, and now they’re doing administrative tasks instead of patient care. The result? Even longer wait times and lower quality of care,” he said.

The staffing crunch extends beyond administrative roles. Alexandre Dumont, president of the SCFP 4475, pointed to widespread job cuts and hiring restrictions. “The network is fragile, and these reductions hurt everyone. When hospitals don’t have enough staff or equipment, patients suffer,” he said. “We are constantly forced to mobilize to get the government to listen. We need public support.”

Budget reductions delay essential equipment

Danny Roulx, the regional representative for the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), criticized the delays in acquiring essential medical and ergonomic equipment. “Santé Québec is saving money in ways that endanger workers and patients,” he said. “Delaying the purchase of necessary equipment only increases the risk of workplace injuries and worsens conditions for patients.”

Roulx called for a “budget shield” to prevent further cuts and ensure sustainable investment in public healthcare. “Quebec has long prided itself on strong public services, but that system is eroding,” he said. “We need to stop the cycle of cuts before the damage is irreversible.”

A call for government action

The unions and Labrie called on the provincial government to reverse course and reinvest in the public system. Their demands include ensuring adequate staffing across all job categories, prioritizing frontline healthcare workers, and securing necessary equipment and resources.

Labrie reiterated her plea for the government to reconsider its budgetary approach. “Healthcare cannot be an accounting exercise,” she said. “Real people are affected when services are cut. The government must listen to the workers who keep the system running and the patients who depend on it.”

With the provincial budget set to be tabled this week, healthcare workers and unions are bracing for further funding decisions that could shape the future of Quebec’s healthcare system.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ) has launched a new set of educational tools aimed at preventing the sexual exploitation of minors. Developed in collaboration with White Ribbon and other partners, these ready-to-use learning scenarios provide Quebec teachers with concrete resources to address the issue in classrooms.

Isabelle Tremblay-Chevalier, professional and pedagogical advisor at FSE-CSQ and responsible for the Ruban Blanc initiative, explained March 14 that the project emerged from White Ribbon’s broader campaign to combat violence against women and marginalized groups. The campaign received funding from a Canadian organization, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, which did not have Quebec-based representatives, reached out to the CSQ to ensure Quebec-specific tools were developed.

“We worked for two years with a local teacher to adapt content to the Quebec context,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “At the end of the project, we had eight learning and evaluation scenarios that secondary school teachers can use in class.”

These scenarios align with Quebec’s Culture and Citizenship in Quebec (CCQ) program, which is now implemented in all schools across the province. According to Tremblay-Chevalier, teachers often lack sufficient resources for CCQ, especially at the secondary level. The newly developed tools help fill that gap, particularly in areas related to sexual education.

Addressing a growing issue

The push to create these resources comes as awareness of sexual exploitation continues to grow. Several national and provincial commissions have examined the issue, particularly in relation to Indigenous women and minors. Tremblay-Chevalier noted that while the problem itself may not necessarily be increasing, the willingness to acknowledge and document it has.

One of the learning scenarios focuses on online safety, including human trafficking for sexual purposes and how students can protect themselves in digital spaces. “This scenario takes about three class periods and helps students understand the risks they face online,” she said. Other topics include developing healthy relationships, understanding consent, and intervening as a witness to violence.

“There is a strong preventive aspect,” Tremblay-Chevalier added. “We’re not just reacting—we’re educating young people, including boys, about what constitutes sexual violence and how to recognize it.”

The initiative also touches on the role of technology in exploitation. The recent debate over smartphone use in schools has highlighted concerns about students using devices to share explicit content. Tremblay-Chevalier referenced a recent survey in which 76 per cent of teachers supported banning cellphones from schools. “We don’t have direct evidence linking the ban to sexual exploitation, but we do know that mobile devices can be used to take and share inappropriate images,” she said.

A recent FSE-CSQ consultation reinforced this concern. More than 76 per cent of the 7,000 teachers surveyed supported a full cellphone ban in schools, rather than just in classrooms. Additionally, 93 per cent favoured implementing a “digital majority” age in Quebec, setting a minimum age for accessing social media. Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) suggested 16 as the appropriate age, while 31 per cent preferred 15.

FSE-CSQ President Richard Bergevin emphasized in a related release that while digital tools offer undeniable educational benefits, their misuse presents serious risks. “Teachers are clear that banning cellphones in schools would help keep students more engaged in school life and reduce distractions,” Bergevin said. He added that these findings will be submitted to the Special Commission on the Impact of Screens and Social Media on Youth Health and Development, which is expected to make recommendations this spring.

A broader educational effort

The educational tools are part of a larger effort to address gender-based violence across Canada. The PRÉVENIR campaign, under which these resources were developed, promotes gender equity and supports vulnerable groups, including Indigenous and racialized communities, as well as LGBTQ+ youth.

Bergevin emphasized the importance of changing harmful gender norms and attitudes. “This campaign is the result of collaboration across various sectors to learn and exchange best practices. It aims to shift attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, whether through unhealthy media representations or issues surrounding consent,” he said in a statement.

The resources are available on the FSE-CSQ website and are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing curriculum frameworks. They provide structured learning scenarios that educators can implement without requiring extensive preparation.

Calls for digital responsibility

Another key issue raised in discussions around sexual exploitation is the role of social media and digital literacy. The push for a digital majority age aligns with growing concerns about how young people engage with online platforms and the risks they face.

“Right now, the legal age is 13, but 80 per cent of teachers believe it should be raised to 15 or 16,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “There’s growing concern about the impact of social media on young people’s understanding of consent and appropriate boundaries.”

While the new educational tools are primarily aimed at students, some components include guidance for involving parents. Teachers are encouraged to inform parents when discussing topics related to sexual exploitation, ensuring families are part of the conversation.

The initiative aligns with ongoing legislative discussions in Quebec. A parliamentary commission is currently reviewing the impact of screen use on children, with recommendations expected in the spring. The FSE-CSQ has submitted its findings to the commission, reinforcing the importance of digital safety measures in combating exploitation.

A step forward in prevention

With these new resources, teachers now have structured, research-backed tools to tackle a sensitive yet critical issue. By integrating lessons on consent, healthy relationships, and online risks into the curriculum, educators can play a crucial role in preventing sexual exploitation before it happens.

“The goal is not just to react to cases of exploitation but to create a culture where young people understand their rights and responsibilities,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “Education is the most powerful tool we have to make lasting change.”

William Crooks
CBSA officers on duty – From left to right, CBSA officers Samuel St-Pierre (dog handler), Mario Roy (border services officer), Miguel Bégin (director), and Michel Dubois (superintendent) stand together at the Autoroute 55 border crossing in Stanstead.

A closer look at CBSA operations in Stanstead

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided an in-depth look at its operations at the Highway 55 border crossing in Stanstead on March 13, 2025. Led by CBSA Director Miguel Bégin, the media tour showcased the agency’s efforts in monitoring and securing one of Quebec’s key border crossings.

Bégin, responsible for a district covering 500 kilometres from Sutton to New Brunswick with 16 points of entry, welcomed the media and outlined the day’s agenda. The tour featured stops at the traveller processing area, the secondary inspection garage, the commercial inspection zone, and a demonstration by a detection dog, before concluding with a media scrum.

Traveller processing and secondary inspections

The tour began at the primary inspection booths, where Bégin explained the process travellers undergo when entering Canada. Officers verify identity documents, assess admissibility, and determine whether a secondary inspection is necessary. “Most decisions are made right at primary inspection,” Bégin stated. “However, some travellers are referred for additional checks, whether for their status, duty and tax evaluations, or contraband searches.”

At the secondary inspection garage, officers conduct detailed searches when required. Bégin noted that while random inspections are conducted for compliance, officers primarily rely on experience and training to flag individuals for additional scrutiny. “Instinct, knowledge, and specific indicators guide our agents,” he said. The facility allows for thorough examinations, including dismantling vehicle panels when necessary.

One example he provided involved a past seizure where officers discovered illicit substances hidden inside a spare tire, an area often overlooked by smugglers. “We don’t just look at obvious places. We check inside tires, under seats, within dashboards—anywhere that might conceal contraband.”

Commercial processing and detection tools

At the commercial inspection area, Superintendent Michel Dubois provided an overview of truck processing procedures. Commercial drivers undergo primary screening, with some being referred for further scrutiny. “We handle between 90,000 and 100,000 commercial vehicles per year at this location,” Bégin explained.

Additionally, officers demonstrated X-ray imaging technology used to conduct non-intrusive inspections. “This tool allows us to scan vehicles and cargo without dismantling them, making it an invaluable resource,” Bégin said. The scanner can detect irregularities in density, helping officers pinpoint hidden compartments.

Detection dog demonstration

A highlight of the tour was the demonstration of CBSA’s detection dog capabilities. Handler Samuel St-Pierre introduced Jackson, a newly certified detection dog, explaining that the dogs are trained to detect a variety of substances, including drugs and firearm components. “For the dog, it’s a game,” St-Pierre said. “When they find something, they get their reward, which reinforces their training.”

Jackson, a high-energy English Springer Spaniel, was brought out for a live demonstration. As soon as he was released, he darted around the vehicle, sniffing intensely. Within seconds, he stopped and sat beside a car door—a signal that he had detected something. St-Pierre rewarded him with his favourite toy, a ball, and praised him enthusiastically. “These dogs work hard, but they love what they do,” he said. “For them, finding contraband is like playing hide-and-seek.”

St-Pierre explained that training a detection dog is a continuous process. “They start their training young, and even after certification, we are always reinforcing their skills with new scents and challenges,” he said. The dogs are trained on multiple odours, including explosives, narcotics, and firearms residue. “A well-trained dog can detect even the faintest trace of a substance, even if someone tries to mask it with strong odours like coffee or perfume.”

He recounted a particularly impressive case where a detection dog helped uncover cocaine hidden inside a truck’s exhaust system. “It was nearly undetectable using conventional methods, but the dog alerted us right away,” St-Pierre said. “We then used an X-ray scanner to confirm the presence of the drugs before dismantling the vehicle.”

Key questions and answers

The tour concluded with a media scrum, where questions centred on border security, cooperation with U.S. authorities, and operational challenges. Bégin confirmed that the agency works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We collaborate daily,” he said. “Despite political shifts, our working relationship remains strong.”

Asked about claims that 10,000 personnel had been deployed to the border, Bégin clarified that CBSA employs around that number nationwide but that they are not all stationed at the border. “Our staff operate at airports, land crossings, and in enforcement capacities across the country.”

Bégin also addressed concerns regarding firearms smuggling. “Each year, we seize a significant number of firearms entering Canada,” he said. However, he was unable to provide exact figures and directed reporters to CBSA’s communications department for specific statistics.

Regarding the role of CBSA in intercepting illicit goods outside official border crossings, Bégin emphasized that their mandate is limited to port-of-entry operations. “Once beyond the border, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the RCMP,” he stated.

Finally, when questioned about the recent introduction of tariffs on certain goods, Bégin explained that CBSA officers are responsible for enforcing these measures. “Adapting to new policies is part of our job, and we continue to ensure compliance as regulations evolve.”

A comprehensive look at border operations

The tour provided a rare glimpse into the intricate procedures involved in border security. From traveller and cargo inspections to advanced detection methods, CBSA officers demonstrated the various tools and techniques used to safeguard Canada’s borders. With millions of travellers and hundreds of thousands of commercial shipments passing through each year, the Stanstead port of entry remains a critical checkpoint in the country’s border management framework.

Bégin noted that while technology and expertise play vital roles in border enforcement, human intuition remains essential. “Our officers are trained to notice small details—a nervous twitch, inconsistent answers, even the way someone loads their luggage. These little things can make a big difference in deciding whether to refer someone for further inspection.”

St-Pierre echoed this sentiment, saying that while technology aids their work, detection dogs remain irreplaceable. “No machine can replicate what a well-trained detection dog can do. Their noses are far more sensitive than any electronic device we have.”

As border security continues to evolve, CBSA officers remain committed to ensuring safety while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. With dedicated personnel, advanced technology, and highly trained detection dogs, the agency continues to stand as Canada’s first line of defence against illicit activity at the border.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke has taken a major step toward preserving its last large urban woodland with the purchase of a critical 34.44-hectare lot in the Ascot-Lennox area. The $1.25-million acquisition, finalized on March 11, is being hailed as a strategic move to safeguard biodiversity while also ensuring future public access to green space.

Mayor Évelyne Beaudin emphasized the significance of the purchase in a recent interview, calling it “a huge progress in our goal of protecting the woodland.” She noted that while the city had been considering acquisitions in the area, this specific lot was not originally planned for purchase. “It all happened quickly because the land suddenly went up for sale,” she said. The city acted fast, making an independent evaluation and negotiating a price before finalizing the deal behind closed doors to prevent speculation. The transaction was only made public after council approval.

The newly acquired land, the largest single lot in the woodland, accounts for roughly 12.5 per cent of the total 275-hectare area. Beaudin explained that this purchase brings municipal ownership of the woodland close to 30 per cent, a crucial step in the city’s broader conservation strategy. “If we don’t own the land, we can’t make it publicly accessible,” she said. “Even if it remains privately owned and protected from development, we wouldn’t be able to open trails or make it available for activities like hiking or birdwatching.”

The purchase aligns with Sherbrooke’s broader environmental objectives under its Plan Nature, a long-term strategy to protect ecologically significant areas across the city. The Ascot-Lennox woodland, in particular, has been identified as a key environmental asset due to its biodiversity and role in connecting natural corridors between the St. Francis River and Mont Bellevue. According to Beaudin, “This is the last big woodland in Sherbrooke’s urban area. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting species that rely on large, uninterrupted green spaces.”

The city has been working closely with local conservation groups, including Nature Cantons-de-l’Est and the Association pour le Boisé Ascot-Lennox (ABAL), to develop a long-term approach to land protection. While purchasing key lots is a major part of the strategy, the focus remains on collaboration with private landowners.

Stéphane Tanguay, director of Nature Cantons-de-l’Est, explained March 12 that outright land purchases are just one tool in their conservation efforts. “Some lots, like this one, we will buy because they are strategically important,” he said. “But we’re also working to encourage landowners to voluntarily protect their property. We want to secure at least 200 hectares to maintain biodiversity, and that means finding different solutions based on each owner’s situation.”

Tanguay emphasized that conservation extends beyond land ownership. “We’re actively removing garbage, dismantling illegal structures, and tackling invasive species,” he said. “Last year, we started these efforts late in the season. This year, we’re beginning much earlier and will continue throughout the summer. There are many ways to protect a woodland.”

As for the future of the Ascot-Lennox area, Beaudin acknowledged that the city is exploring different legal protections, including the possibility of designating parts of the land as a nature reserve, similar to what was done with Mont Bellevue. However, she noted that such a designation comes with bureaucratic delays. “It takes seven years just for the government to process the application,” she said. “Right now, there are faster ways to ensure protection. We may use different tools for different sections of the woodland. Some areas could be a nature reserve, while others could be managed as a park with public access.”

For now, the city and its partners are focused on securing additional funding and working with more landowners. Beaudin hinted at future acquisitions if the opportunity arises. “Sometimes it’s better to wait, and sometimes we have to move quickly,” she said. “It depends on the willingness of the sellers, available subsidies, and our long-term vision for the site.”

With this latest acquisition, Sherbrooke is making good on its campaign promise to protect Ascot-Lennox. “We can check this off as a major achievement,” Beaudin said. “This is a big step forward, and we’re not done yet.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An investigation by RCMP Federal Policing in Quebec has led to charges against two U.S. residents accused of organizing the illegal entry of over 50 migrants into Canada. The accused, William Lamadine, 36, of Niskayuna, New York, and Yaya Hassan Yaya Abderaman, 35, of Jersey City, New Jersey, were arrested at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing in September 2023. Authorities allege they used a bus service to transport the migrants over three months.

The pair face charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including organizing illegal entry, conspiracy to organize entry, and conspiracy to bribe a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employee. A request for their extradition to Canada is being considered.

“This is not a typical case that we see,” said RCMP Communications Officer Cpl. Martina Pillarova. She noted that cases involving over 50 people are unusual, adding, “We do not have, we are not accusing people from Canada. Those are people that are U.S. residents.”

According to the RCMP, human smuggling is a global criminal enterprise where individuals are charged significant sums to be transported across borders illegally. While cross-border migration patterns fluctuate, Pillarova emphasized that the overall situation remains stable. “We see illegal entries both ways, northbound and southbound, but there’s been no major shift in the last year,” she said.

RCMP detachments across Quebec are actively investigating human smuggling operations, including cases beyond this one. Investigators pursue not only those who cross illegally but also those orchestrating the operations behind the scenes. “If an investigation shows that someone was organizing the entry, there are additional charges like conspiracy,” Pillarova explained.

While public attention to border security has increased in recent years, the RCMP insists its mandate has remained unchanged. “The job that we are doing right now is not something new,” Pillarova said, noting that efforts to curb human smuggling have been ongoing for years, including before and after the closure of Roxham Road.

The RCMP urges anyone with information on illegal border activity to contact them at 514-939-8300 or their local police department.

William Crooks
Stanstead town council members discuss infrastructure projects and community initiatives during their March 10 meeting at town hall

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Stanstead town council met on March 10 at the town hall, with Mayor Jody Stone presiding over the session attended by approximately six residents. The meeting covered a range of municipal matters, including infrastructure projects, hiring needs, and environmental concerns, with a particularly engaged discussion during the question period.

Infrastructure and budget updates

The council reviewed ongoing municipal projects, particularly focusing on roadwork, fire station development, and drainage improvements. One of the key financial discussions involved an upcoming $1.75 million expense for the reconstruction of Passenger Street. The provincial government is covering most of the cost, leaving the town responsible for approximately $102,000. Mayor Stone noted, “That’s the amount we will repay over 20 years.”

A second major infrastructure project concerns the construction of a new fire station on Notre-Dame-Ouest Street, estimated at $3.47 million. The provincial government will subsidize 70 per cent of the cost, with the remaining amount shared among the 10 municipalities that form the regional fire service.

The meeting also included a discussion on drainage issues along Lajeunesse Street in the Beebe sector. The town had commissioned a study on possible solutions, revealing that the two viable options would cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million. The council will further analyze the best course of action. “It’s a difficult problem to solve because there is no slope,” one council member noted.

Personnel and environmental matters

The town is preparing to hire additional employees for public works and a seasonal horticulture specialist as part of a long-term beautification effort for Stanstead’s three villages.

Additionally, the council discussed the sale of a town-owned lot in Derby, Vermont, to the Memphremagog Watershed Association. The property, which previously housed a well that is no longer in use, will be transferred to the organization to protect the watershed. Mayor Stone emphasized that the sale is beneficial for both parties, as the association will cover all transaction costs and ongoing maintenance.

Emergency preparedness

A report on emergency preparedness highlighted the town’s progress in updating its disaster response plan. A key issue remains the lack of local accommodations for residents in the event of an emergency, as Stanstead has no hotels. The town is working on formalizing agreements with the college and a local seniors’ residence to address this shortfall.

Community initiatives and recreational projects

The council approved a financing agreement with the Stanstead Recreational Association, which will now receive an annual lump sum instead of submitting individual invoices for each event. This change is expected to simplify operations for both the town and the association. The town also committed to the Circonflex program, which will provide shared recreational equipment to municipalities within the MRC. Equipment will be housed at three locations, including the Stanstead municipal garage, and made available for community events.

Meanwhile, a temporary installation at the Stone Circle Park will feature 18 bilingual story panels for children and parents, promoting literacy through outdoor activity.

Public questions highlight historic buildings and Hydro-Québec work

During the question period, a resident inquired about the status of several historic buildings, including a gray stone building near the border and a red brick house believed to be one of Stanstead’s oldest structures. The council clarified that the gray building is mostly in the U.S. and beyond municipal control, while the red brick house is the subject of legal proceedings. “Unfortunately, the owner never completed the renovations,” the mayor said, adding that the building has deteriorated significantly and may not be salvageable.

Another resident expressed frustration over tree-cutting by Hydro-Québec, arguing that the work was excessive and done without sufficient warning. The council acknowledged the concerns and stated that it had expected the work to be completed last summer rather than suddenly this year.

Mayor addresses media attention on Stanstead

Towards the end of the meeting, Mayor Stone addressed the recent media attention Stanstead has received following January remarks by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which straddles the Canada-U.S. border. Noem called Canada the “51^st state”. Stone noted that the situation had propelled Stanstead into international headlines, including requests for interviews from major outlets such as CNN, Swiss, and Belgian media. “We’ve made the news around the world,” Stone said. “It’s unfortunate that it had to be under these circumstances, but at least it highlights our unique community.”

Stone emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations with Derby Line, Vermont, despite political tensions. “Our relationship with our neighbours across the border is vital,” he said. “This is a small town, and we all know each other. We have to be careful not to let this divide us.”

The meeting adjourned at roughly 8:15 p.m., with the next one planned for the second Monday in April.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In an era of constant connectivity and high-performance expectations, taking time to slow down is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But according to Mouvement Santé mentale Québec, it is a vital act of self-care that can help manage the rising tide of collective anxiety. As spokesperson Joséphine Tschirhart explained in a recent interview, the organization is launching a campaign to encourage people to recognize the importance of recharging their mental batteries.

“We work in mental health prevention and promotion,” said Tschirhart. “Every year, we launch a campaign focused on how to protect, develop, and reinforce our mental health. This year, we’re talking about how to take a step back, take breaks, and manage the challenges of living in a fast-paced, high-performance society.”

The campaign, titled “Reenergize: Discover What Recharges Your Battery,” will officially launch on March 13, the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health. It aims to provide tools and strategies to help individuals build moments of rest into their daily routines. The initiative is based on research indicating that prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety-inducing news, coupled with the demands of multitasking, can deplete mental energy reserves and lead to burnout.

A growing concern – The human energy crisis

According to a Léger survey commissioned by the Association pour la santé publique du Québec, 38 per cent of workers and students believe they are at risk of burnout if they continue at their current pace. The study also found that over half of Quebecers wish to slow down their lifestyle, a figure that rises to 76 per cent among students and 68 per cent among parents.

Tschirhart highlighted that society is facing what mental health experts call a “human energy crisis.” The constant interruptions of modern life, from work demands to social media notifications, weaken attention spans and increase stress levels. Research from Laval University found that the average workweek has increased by 3.3 hours in recent years, exacerbating stress and limiting people’s ability to recharge. This relentless pace, experts say, is taking a toll on relationships, social lives, and overall well-being.

Professor Jean-Pierre Després of Laval University’s Department of Kinesiology and Scientific Director of the VITAM – Centre de recherche en santé durable, warns that “we have built a society that is incompatible with human health. We overuse our mental energy just as we overuse the planet’s resources.”

When to take a step back

One of the key messages of the campaign is that self-care should not be viewed as an emergency measure but rather as a routine practice. “People tend to step back only when it’s already a little too late,” said Tschirhart. “What we’re trying to convey is that you don’t need to wait until you’re overwhelmed to take care of yourself. It’s about incorporating small, intentional breaks into daily life.”

To help individuals recognize when they need to slow down, the campaign encourages mindfulness and self-reflection. “We often don’t notice when our energy is depleting,” Tschirhart explained. “Sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running on empty until we hit a wall.”

Mouvement Santé mentale Québec suggests integrating short but meaningful breaks throughout the day. “It could be something as simple as listening to music while cooking, really taking time to enjoy that morning coffee, stepping outside for a short walk, or even just pausing to breathe between tasks,” she said. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is finding what works for you.”

Redefining rest – Moving beyond performance culture

Mouvement Santé mentale Québec also encourages people to rethink societal attitudes toward rest. “We are so often caught in a culture of performance that even when we talk about self-care, we frame it as something that has to be optimized,” said Tschirhart. “But taking a break isn’t about being your ‘best self.’ It’s about making space for yourself in a way that feels natural.”

This shift in perspective is crucial, as many feel pressure to be productive even in their downtime. The campaign emphasizes that rest does not have to be structured or goal-oriented—it simply needs to be a moment of genuine pause.

To support this message, the campaign will provide resources tailored to different groups, including students, parents, and workplaces. These materials will include facilitation guides, videos, and interactive activities designed to help individuals assess their relationship with performance culture and develop sustainable habits for mental well-being.

A call to action

The official launch event will take place on March 13 at La Maison du développement durable in Montreal, with an option to attend online. The event will include workshops and discussions on how societal expectations contribute to mental overload and how individuals can reclaim their time.

Tschirhart emphasized that there are many ways to recharge, and people should explore what works best for them. “For some, it might be spending time in nature. For others, it could be cooking, journaling, or simply sitting in silence,” she said. Some doctors even prescribe time in nature as a treatment for stress and anxiety due to its well-documented benefits on mental and physical health.

Mouvement Santé mentale Québec is making a wide range of tools available to help people incorporate these ideas into their daily lives. Resources such as a workplace guide, a booklet for families, and even a tabletop sign reading “Recharge in progress, do not disturb” are accessible through their website.

Beyond the campaign launch, Mouvement Santé mentale Québec continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote mental well-being across communities. “Everything you need to know is on our website,” said Tschirhart, directing those interested to Mouvement SMQ’s online platform for further details.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The SAQ location in Stanstead is set to close when its lease expires, leaving residents without a local option for purchasing alcohol. Mayor Jody Stone was informed of the decision via a call from a senior SAQ official, who cited low customer numbers and suggested that Stanstead residents were already shopping at SAQ outlets in nearby Ayer’s Cliff, Magog, and Coaticook.

Stone expressed skepticism over the justification, questioning why residents would travel to Ayer’s Cliff when Stanstead has a comparable grocery store with an SAQ outlet offering a larger selection. “The logic for me doesn’t work,” he said, adding that Magog’s wider selection might be a draw, but Ayer’s Cliff’s smaller offering seemed an unlikely alternative for many local customers. He has requested more detailed data from SAQ to verify the claims.

The mayor also highlighted the broader economic impact of the closure, explaining that when people travel outside Stanstead to buy alcohol, they are likely to do other shopping in those communities, potentially harming local businesses. “What upsets me is that they’re taking away a service that we offer in Stanstead,” Stone said. “That hurts other businesses that we have.”

Stone has already contacted the office of the local MNA to voice his dissatisfaction and plans to continue pressing for a solution that would keep SAQ products available in town. He noted that no alternative options, such as a smaller SAQ outlet with delivery options, had been proposed by the corporation. “I would hope that they would give me a solution to the problem,” he said. “They didn’t say they weren’t making money. They’re just saying they’re not making enough.”

The issue has sparked a strong reaction online, with local lawyer and activist Colin Standish criticizing the government-run liquor monopoly for closing a location so close to the U.S.-Canada border, particularly in the context of a trade dispute. “It’s so nice when the government, already controlling a state-administered and owned monopoly, closes down local services literally several hundred metres from the US-Canada border on the literal frontlines of a trade war,” Standish wrote on Facebook, also drawing attention to the price disparity between Canadian and American alcohol due to different taxation and business models.

While Stone continues to advocate for a reversal of the decision, he acknowledges that the town has limited influence over the SAQ, which operates independently of direct provincial government control. “I’m doing what I think I can do,” he said, encouraging residents to make their voices heard. “Just put pressure,” he urged, noting that community feedback could play a role in influencing the decision.

William Crooks
Kelly and Mélodie, representing CALACS Agression Estrie, hold up a banner at the event, calling for urgent investment in social housing to protect women facing violence and exploitation in the rental market

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Advocates gathered at Église Ste-Famille on Mar. 10 to demand more social housing for women facing violence and exploitation in the rental market. The event, organized by the Centre d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (CALACS) Agression Estrie, highlighted the dire need for affordable and safe housing options for vulnerable women.

Mélodie, an intervention worker at CALACS, addressed the crowd, emphasizing how the housing crisis leaves women trapped in unsafe situations. “If there is one place where women should feel safe, it is in their own home,” she said, pointing to the alarming rate of sexual violence occurring in rental properties.

Speakers detailed how women facing economic hardship, racial discrimination, or physical disabilities are often forced to endure unsafe living conditions. Some landlords exploit this vulnerability. “We also meet women who have to exchange sexual services with their landlords in exchange for a rent reduction,” Mélodie stated, describing a reality that many women in Estrie face.

Kelly, another speaker at the event, reinforced the severity of the situation with data from CALACS. “In 2023, 28 per cent of the sexual assault victims we assisted reported being attacked in their own homes. This makes no sense. Women should never have to choose between enduring violence and becoming homeless.”

She also spoke about the difficulty of escaping dangerous situations due to a lack of available housing. “Not only are women no longer safe in their homes, but the lack of social housing and space in shelters makes it almost impossible for victims of sexual violence to leave.”

The pamphlet distributed at the event painted a grim picture of the systemic nature of the crisis, criticizing both landlords and government inaction. “The lack of social housing for women is the government’s responsibility,” it read, calling on officials to prioritize housing solutions for those in need.

Advocates insisted that only a large-scale investment in social housing can address the crisis. “Ending the commodification of rental housing is the only solution to resolve these crises,” the pamphlet stated.

The event concluded with a call to action for local and provincial governments to implement policies ensuring that women in distress have safe alternatives. Attendees were encouraged to contact their elected officials and demand immediate investment in social housing.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Association étudiante du Cégep de Sherbrooke (AÉCS) is strongly condemning the Quebec government’s recent decision to end the Perspectives scholarships, a financial aid program that provided up to $20,000 to students pursuing studies in education, health, engineering, and technology. The move, announced abruptly, has sparked concerns over accessibility to higher education and financial stability for students.

“This decision is a direct attack on accessibility,” said Abdoullah Hajji, AÉCS spokesperson. “These bursaries were meant to support students in crucial fields where the province already faces labour shortages. Removing them makes no sense.”

Hajji noted that the government justified the decision as a budgetary measure but argued that it contradicts the province’s long-term workforce planning. “We want to address labour shortages, yet we remove an incentive for students to enter these fields,” he said. “It shows a complete lack of consistency.” He also pointed to broader funding cuts in higher education, noting that some universities have seen budget reductions of 50–70 per cent.

The Perspectives program provided financial relief to students struggling with the rising cost of living. Hajji said that its elimination will increase financial precarity, forcing more students to take on debt or juggle additional work hours, which could impact their academic success. “We are talking about $20,000 per student over their studies—that is a significant amount that helped cover essential costs,” he said. “Even if the bursary had remained, the rising cost of living would still be a challenge. Its removal only worsens the situation.”

The AÉCS is calling on student associations, unions, and the general public to mobilize against the decision. Hajji mentioned that a national petition is already in circulation, urging the government to reconsider. “We are uniting with other associations across Quebec to push back,” he said. “Students deserve support, not additional barriers to success.” The association is also working with student organizations to organize protests and other actions to pressure policymakers.

The elimination of the bursaries follows previous cuts to CEGEP and university funding, further straining the higher education system. “This is part of a broader pattern of austerity measures in education,” Hajji said. “We need investment, not more cutbacks.” He also noted that he personally benefited from the bursary program and understands firsthand the impact its loss will have on students.

The AÉCS is encouraging students to participate in upcoming demonstrations and voice their concerns to elected officials. “Education should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. It is a right, and we will continue to fight for it,” Hajji affirmed.