Author name: The Record

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Compton-Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand meets with Vermont officials Lindsay Kurrle, Anson Tebbetts, State Senators Russ Ingalls and Scott Beck, alongside Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, during cross-border talks in Coaticook

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Coaticook played host this week to a meeting aimed at reinforcing cross-border cooperation between the Eastern Townships and Vermont, bringing together elected officials, agency leaders, and tourism representatives on both sides of the border.

On Aug. 19, Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand welcomed a Vermont delegation that included Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and State Senators Russ Ingalls and Scott Beck. A press release states that Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, who also sits on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Border Communities Mayor’s Alliance, represented the municipal side in Canada, alongside the Eastern Townships Tourism Association.

Dandurand described the session in an interview as “a first greeting meeting with those two secretaries of agency, which for me… was really important”. While recent cross-border talks had centred largely on tariffs and tourism, she stressed that this one also tackled agriculture, border management, and local economic ties.

Border security and emergency response

A major concern raised was the impact of tighter border controls on emergency services. “On our side, what I hear is that it’s difficult because we do have firefighters coming from the U.S. to help us when there’s a fire,” Dandurand said. “They need to be able to come in, and it is an issue that I’m raising with our own government”.

Kurrle echoed the problem from Vermont’s perspective, citing examples of Quebec firefighters crossing to assist American crews. Dandurand said having a partner on the U.S. side pushing for the same solutions “is going to be an interesting collaboration” moving forward.

Tourism and economic ties

Tourism was another key theme, with officials underlining how important Quebec visitors are to Vermont’s economy. Dandurand noted that “the impact they feel is a lot more important than the one we feel on our side”, as Canadian visits to Vermont have dropped in recent years.

The Eastern Townships Tourism Association highlighted initiatives such as events in Burlington and expressed openness to hosting Vermont-based promotions in Quebec. Vermont representatives, meanwhile, emphasized their frequent visits to the Townships and their commitment to deepening ties.

Looking ahead

The press release framed the talks as “a concrete step toward a stronger partnership,” pointing to agritourism and cross-border trade as priorities. Dandurand echoed that sentiment, saying, “We have always had bridges between us, strong bonds that connect our communities. But we cannot take them for granted; these meetings help us maintain them and make them grow”.

While largely a meet-and-greet, the meeting established direct contacts between leaders. “Now that we have each other’s phone numbers, we can just call each other,” Dandurand said, noting that a follow-up meeting is already scheduled, though she may be in Moncton at the time.

The discussions concluded with agreement to continue regular exchanges, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable partnerships for the benefit of both regions.

Matthew McCully
A bicycle symbol painted on Queen Street at the corner of John-Wilson with arrows pointing towards downtown, are apparently a refresh and not new signage leading cyclists towards a proposed path extension.

Lennoxville residents invited to weigh in Aug. 25 on infrastructure plans

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Just days before the City of Sherbrooke is set to host a public consultation on proposed changes to Queen Street in Lennoxville-including a contentious bike path extension between John-Wilson and William-Paige streets-work crews were out painting bicycle symbols and arrows at both ends of the proposed path.

Called for comment, Lennoxville Borough President Claude Charron said the paint was maintenance, meant to refresh what already existed and should not be taken as an indication of decisions already being made. “The bike stuff happening today is the old path, and it doesn’t mean anything for what will be decided,” he explained in a phone interview Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The City of Sherbrooke media relations, contacted by email for comment around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 19, told The Record in a follow-up text message at 3 p.m. that it was too short notice, but someone was available the next day, but they would like the questions in advance.

Pressed for confirmation that the paint job in Lennoxville was all refresh, no new markings, the media rep later replied by text, “the project isn’t planned before 2026 so it isn’t for the bike lane. Probably is just a refresh. Or maybe another bike path voted in last year by the conseil municipal.”

Lennoxville residents will have the chance to weigh in on the future of local cycling and street infrastructure at a public information session hosted by the City of Sherbrooke on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Centre communautaire Amédée-Beaudoin.

The meeting, organized in collaboration with Bishop’s University Sustainable Development, will focus on potential upgrades to Lennoxville’s downtown core, including bike paths, crosswalks, traffic flow, and street design. Citizens will be able to hear about the project and share their views before decisions are made.

Consultation and transparency

Charron emphasized that the meeting is part of a broader consultation process. “They had a plan, and the plan includes the whole of Sherbrooke,” he said, noting that while the city had promised transparency and consultation, the borough council is keeping a close eye on how the process unfolds.

An online survey about the bike path and related changes recently closed, and results are expected to be presented at the Aug. 25 meeting. “It was finished yesterday or the day before, so they finished collecting,” Charron said in the days leading up to the session. “It’s probably going to be ready for the 25th. They’re probably going to present it on that day”.

Suggested changes

According to information released by the city, proposed changes include:

• Crosswalks with flashing lights to improve pedestrian safety.
• New bicycle facilities linking into downtown to promote active transportation and cycle touring.
• Redesigned intersections for smoother traffic flow and a gateway feature to strengthen Lennoxville’s identity.
• Greenery and streetscaping to create a healthier and more pleasant environment.
• Traffic-calming measures to ensure road sharing.

The city has described the project as part of a gradual transformation of Queen Street, with several work phases scheduled and transitional facilities planned to begin in 2026.

Looking ahead

Charron said he expects the Aug. 25 session will be the main venue where residents will hear directly from city officials about their plans. “I presume they’re going to prep that and present it there,” he noted.

He also raised questions about the timing of the repainting, remarking that it seemed “a bit ridiculous at this time of the year” since winter weather will wear away the fresh paint within months.

The city has invited all residents of Lennoxville and surrounding areas who use local streets and pathways to attend the session and give feedback.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé took a firm stance Tuesday on the province’s proposed Bill 106, which aims to overhaul how doctors are paid, insisting that the legislation is essential to improving patient access and the quality of care. Speaking at a press conference in Montréal, Dubé acknowledged tensions with physicians’ federations but said the principles at stake are non-negotiable.

“The bill is there to stay,” he told reporters. “We will be firm on the principles … because that is what the population wants us to do, to make changes.”

Background and context

Bill 106, tabled in April, would tie part of doctors’ pay to performance targets such as reduced wait times and better patient outcomes. Negotiations with the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) and the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) have been stalled since spring. Both federations have resisted presenting counter-proposals as long as the bill remains on the table.

Dubé said Quebecers have made it clear they want timely access to doctors and health professionals. “Seventy-five per cent of Quebecers agree to evaluate the performance and the quality of care given by doctors,” he noted, citing a recent poll.

The government spends nearly $9 billion annually on physician remuneration, he said, with about $3 billion going to family doctors and $5 billion to specialists. Despite that, 1.5 million Quebecers lack reliable access to a family doctor, including 200,000 vulnerable patients with chronic conditions.

Proposed changes for family doctors

Dubé outlined three major components of a simplified pay structure for general practitioners:

• Simplification of billing: Reducing the current 5,000 fee codes to about 10.
• Capitation model: Linking part of payment to a formal commitment to see a set number of patients.
• Hourly rate option: Allowing additional pay for complex cases.

The province also wants more evening and weekend appointments, raising availability from the current 10 per cent of slots to 15–20 per cent. Dubé illustrated the need with an example: “Julie is 47 years old. She has diabetes. On a Friday night, she suffers from leg pain. Today, she has to wait until Monday or go to the emergency. With what we are proposing, her GMF [family medicine group] is committed to being open Friday night.”

Another proposed change would redirect the 30 per cent bonus family doctors now receive for working in GMFs directly to the clinics instead. Dubé argued this would help hire more nurses, psychologists and other professionals rather than being taken as extra income by doctors.

Proposed changes for specialists

Specialists would keep their $5-billion annual envelope, but part of it would be conditional on targets such as:

• Ensuring 99 per cent of surgeries are performed within a year.
• Reducing delays for specialist consultations, some of which now exceed two years.
• Guaranteeing more availability in emergency departments.

Dubé also called for correcting pay disparities among specialties, particularly those with more women, such as obstetrics, and for modernizing operating room practices, like allowing one anaesthetist to oversee two theatres simultaneously.

Digital health file controversy

Tensions with specialists have extended to Quebec’s digital health file project, which Dubé said is critical to improving efficiency. He accused the FMSQ of applying pressure by not participating in its rollout. “To sabotage the implementation of the digital health record is to make a mistake,” he said.

Reporters pressed him on whether costs for digital projects such as the CIFAR health platform are ballooning. Dubé rejected that suggestion, pledging transparency and promising a dedicated briefing. “If we ask for more help, we’re going to be able to explain why,” he said.

Reporters’ questions: firm stance

Journalists repeatedly asked whether Dubé would impose Bill 106 if negotiations remain deadlocked. “My conditions to remove the bill? For me, it’s an unresolved end,” he said. While he left the door open to amendments, he was clear the bill’s core principles will not change.

When asked about accusations the plan would create “fast food medicine,” Dubé pushed back. “It’s exactly the opposite of what we’re asking. If a patient has a more complex problem, remuneration could include an hourly component to account for that. What I want is not more volume but better care,” he said.

He also fielded questions about whether the province might end doctors’ ability to incorporate, a tax-saving measure. He said Quebec would not act unilaterally while incorporation is permitted elsewhere in Canada, but emphasized that such privileges cost taxpayers “hundreds of millions a year” and must be matched by results.

Asked if the measures risk driving doctors out of Quebec, Dubé admitted concern but said he believes most physicians want a reasonable compromise. He pointed to lowered expectations on some targets as proof of good faith.

Linking managers’ pay to results

In a notable shift, Dubé said he also wants to link the remuneration of senior health-care managers at Santé Québec to performance targets, mirroring the approach proposed for doctors. “We have managers … I would like there to be a marriage of the targets asked to the doctors with a part of the targets that are asked to Health Quebec,” he explained.

Dubé’s bottom line: patients first

Throughout the press conference, Dubé stressed that the reforms are aimed at improving care for patients rather than punishing doctors. “I’m not blaming anybody,” he said. “We don’t want them to work harder, we want them to work differently.”

He concluded by urging the federations to return to the table before Parliament resumes. “We still have time to come back and make counter-proposals … But we will be firm on the principles,” he said.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As wildfires continue to burn across Newfoundland, Townships-born Robert Lodge is keeping a close eye on the situation back home while visiting his sister in Sherbrooke. Though he says his property is not directly under threat at the moment, he and his family remain prepared in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Newfoundland and Labrador has faced one of its worst wildfire seasons on record in 2025. By Aug. 9, approximately 10,697 hectares had already burned in the province, with several blazes still classified as out of control, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and Environment Canada. The largest, the Kingston fire in Conception Bay North, destroyed more than 200 structures and led to widespread evacuation orders, CBC News reported. Authorities responded by imposing a province-wide fire ban until Sept. 7, declaring local states of emergency, and deploying Canadian Armed Forces support, according to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and coverage by The Guardian.

For Lodge, who has lived in central Newfoundland for more than four decades, the fires are uncomfortably close to home. “I moved to Newfoundland 42 years ago,” he said, explaining that he now lives in central Newfoundland, near the Martin Lake fire. “It’s about 20 kilometres from Grand Falls–Windsor, so we’re not under any evacuation order there”.

Still, the uncertainty lingers. “It’s a little bit of anxiety, a little bit of anticipation,” Lodge admitted. “You kind of have to plan. You have to figure out what’s the most important thing to put in the car to take … your papers, your passports, all your documents … and you hope for the best and you leave things behind and just cross your fingers.”

He noted that while he is in Sherbrooke this week, his home is not unattended. “We have someone staying at our house, so we had the evacuation stuff all in order. So, if they did have to evacuate, they could take the pets and the important papers and go,” he explained.

The veteran teacher and arts administrator recalled that fires of this scale were once rare in Newfoundland, but not anymore. “We were under evacuation order back in 2023, where I had the car actually packed, ready to go,” he said. “From 1986 to 2003, it’s quite a while, but now it’s starting to happen more frequently.” He attributed that rise in risk to changing weather conditions. “We had a snowless winter … everything dried real quickly. We had a really hot May and June, July, and it just went from there.”

Communication during emergencies relies on local media, Lodge explained, with alerts broadcast on radio, television, or social media. Residents are typically directed to register with the Canadian Red Cross in safe communities to confirm they have evacuated.

When asked about the emotional toll of repeated threats, Lodge paused. “It’s such an overwhelming thing if that happened. What do you do then? Do you rebuild? Do you stay there? Do you leave? All kinds of questions will probably go through your head,” he said.

Despite the stress, Lodge remains attached to his Newfoundland home. “Right now, no,” he replied when asked if the fires have him reconsidering where he lives. “But with global change, you can’t tell what’s going to happen, right? One summer, all rain … I probably might feel different if I had lost my house in a fire.”

As of this week, he said the fire near his community has shrunk somewhat after recent rain. “It’s probably burning on itself now a little bit. They are not spreading, so hopefully by the time we get back … that will slow things down a lot for all the fires, because there’s three that are out of control in the province. Two of them are near St. John’s, and one of them is in Central near us,” Lodge explained.

Lodge is scheduled to return to Newfoundland Aug. 20. Though relieved that conditions at home appear to be improving, he acknowledges that the risk is part of life now. “When those evergreens start, it’s pretty hard to stop them,” he said. “It’s a lot of anxiety and a lot of worry.”

William Crooks
Young raccoons make their way across a quiet country road near Cookshire earlier this summer

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An unexpected raccoon attack on a Hatley Township resident has renewed concerns over the spread of rabies in the Eastern Townships, as local animal experts stress the importance of vaccination and caution when dealing with wildlife.

A sudden bite on a quiet evening

Brigitte Beauchamp was relaxing on her deck after dinner one Saturday evening when a raccoon climbed up from the yard and bit her without warning.

“It just got dark, probably about 8, 8:15. And out of nowhere, this thing came up and just bit my leg,” Beauchamp recalled. “I didn’t even know he was anywhere until he bit me”.

The raccoon had apparently climbed one of the deck posts and emerged from behind a barbecue before biting her. Beauchamp, who now bears four puncture wounds on her leg, described the moment as terrifying. Her husband tried to chase the animal away with clapping and stomping before finally resorting to a garden hose.

“I heard you scream. It was a scream of terror,” a neighbour later told her, having heard the incident from next door.

Beauchamp was rushed to Sherbrooke’s Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, where she received immediate treatment. She was shocked to learn from the doctor on duty that such incidents are becoming far more common. “Two years ago, he would treat one person for a bite. Now this time he says it’s five a week,” she said.

Long and painful treatment

The bite launched Beauchamp into an intensive rabies prevention protocol. She spent ten hours in hospital on the first night, receiving multiple injections, including a vaccine and a specialized treatment derived from blood products.

“That was already five needles,” she said. “And then yesterday I went and I had to get a tetanus shot again because my tetanus shot was eight years ago, and another rabies shot. I have three lined up in Montreal. I’ll be finished around the 14th of September”.

Although she praised the health system for taking rabies very seriously—“Right away, I was given multiple calls from people asking how I was and setting it up”—she expressed frustration at the lack of follow-up from wildlife officials. “I called the wildlife, Faune Quebec. They asked for my phone number and my address, and I have yet to see somebody come by. So, they’re not really taking this seriously,” she said.

SPA Sherbrooke urges prevention

Alexis Savoie of the Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) de l’Estrie said Beauchamp’s case highlights the ongoing risks of raccoon rabies in the region. “We always recommend people to have their animals vaccinated to prevent these kinds of situations,” he said. “People don’t often know that it can be dangerous to their animals, but also themselves”.

According to Savoie, reports of raccoon rabies began surfacing near the Vermont border late last year, and the threat has grown since. “It started to really become a possible problem in the last couple of months in the area just across the border from the U.S. There are cases of raccoon rabies in that area, so there is a possibility that it will spread in our region,” he explained.

In response, Quebec has been distributing vaccine baits across the Eastern Townships and Montérégie since Aug. 6, with operations continuing through Sept. 20. “They’re like little ravioli,” Savoie said, describing the edible vaccine packets dropped in wooded areas and along waterways.

Advice for residents

The SPA stresses that residents should never approach unfamiliar or apparently sick wildlife. “Even if he seems inoffensive, maybe he’s not—you can never tell for sure,” Savoie cautioned. Foaming at the mouth, aggression, or unusual behaviour are clear warning signs.

If someone is bitten or comes into contact with saliva from a potentially rabid animal, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, and medical help should be sought without delay. “Even if the wound seems minor, it can spread really quickly,” Savoie said.

Pet owners are urged to consult veterinarians to ensure animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations. “If your animal was bitten, you have to react quickly and not let that potentially spread,” he said. “If they’re not well protected, it can ultimately cause death quite fast”.

Savoie also warned against relocating wildlife. “Do not relocate animals that may have rabies or that have been orphaned in the wild, because you could spread the disease,” he explained. Moving raccoons from one area to another, even unknowingly, risks transporting the virus into previously unaffected communities.

Growing unease in the Townships

For Beauchamp, the attack has changed her daily routine. “I know I don’t sit out in the evening. You know, it’s 7, 7:30, I’m in the house,” she said. “What’s the chance he’s coming back for me? It’s probably never going to happen again. But it’s just really scary and I just wish that somebody would take it seriously”.

She believes more needs to be done to warn residents, particularly as other neighbours have also complained about raccoon problems. “It would be good to warn people to be careful. But, you know, this thing came out of nowhere, so I don’t know what to say,” she said.

With confirmed rabies cases in raccoons south of the border and aggressive behaviour reported in the Townships, experts agree vigilance is essential. The SPA and government authorities continue to roll out prevention campaigns, but residents like Beauchamp say they want more visible action to match the growing threat.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Parti Québécois has won a decisive by-election in Arthabaska, handing Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) another setback as it struggles to maintain support ahead of the 2026 provincial election.

PQ candidate Alex Boissonneault captured 46.4 per cent of the vote in the Aug. 11 contest, defeating Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime, who finished with 35 per cent. The CAQ candidate placed a distant third with just over 7 per cent, a dramatic collapse from the 52 per cent the party secured in the riding during the 2022 general election, according to Global News.

The victory marked the PQ’s third consecutive by-election gain, following wins in Jean-Talon in 2023 and Terrebonne in March 2025. CityNews Montreal described the outcome as “the end of the CAQ era,” while CTV News Montreal reported that analysts now see the PQ as “the number one political force in Quebec”.

Premier Legault acknowledged the scale of the loss. He told reporters he takes “full responsibility” and announced plans to meet with his cabinet to reflect on the party’s direction. “I think it’s time now for me to show humility and listen to citizens,” he said, in remarks reported by Canadian Press.

Expert analysis

Emmanuel Choquette, a professor of political communication at Université de Sherbrooke, said the outcome shows how far public opinion has shifted in a short period of time. “This by-election result really reflects a shift in voter sentiment,” he said in an interview. “Quebecers are clearly signalling dissatisfaction, especially over the handling of public services and transparency in governance”.

Choquette noted that the CAQ’s steep decline in Arthabaska cannot be dismissed as a one-off. “When your support drops from over fifty per cent to less than ten in one riding, it’s more than a bad night—it’s a red warning light,” he said.

He added that attempts by the CAQ to reconnect with voters have largely failed. “All their efforts to reach people more directly and positively didn’t work,” he said. “Their support just keeps falling”.

PQ momentum

For the Parti Québécois, the string of wins has reinforced its momentum under leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Choquette argued that authenticity has played a key role in the party’s revival. “What benefits the PQ and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is the authenticity of the leader and the party,” he said. “People appreciate that you’re clear about what you want to do—even if they don’t agree with it”.

He pointed to the PQ’s willingness to speak openly about sovereignty and to reject traditions such as oaths to the monarchy as examples of positions that resonate with voters. “You do what you said you would do, and you’re honest about it. People appreciate that,” he said.

The party now holds six seats in the National Assembly, giving it a more visible presence than in recent years. “We’re starting to see the construction of a team,” Choquette said. “That adds confidence for the public toward the PQ”.

Implications for other parties

The by-election was also disappointing for the Quebec Liberals, who remain stuck below 10 per cent support in the riding. “They did better than in the last election, but it’s still less than ten per cent,” Choquette said. He noted that the Liberals continue to struggle to connect with francophone voters outside Montreal. “They have to become a party that can represent regional interests, not only the interests of Montreal,” he said.

For the Conservatives, the result raised questions about Duhaime’s leadership. Despite a strong showing, the party failed to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the CAQ. Choquette suggested Duhaime’s polarizing style was part of the problem. “He may be too divisive,” Choquette said. “A lot of people will like him, but not love him—and some will vote against him because of it”.

Challenges ahead for CAQ

Choquette said the CAQ now faces an uphill battle to rebuild credibility. While Legault was once praised for reversing unpopular decisions, voters no longer interpret his changes of course as signs of political acumen. “People don’t see it as political sense anymore,” Choquette said. “They see it as improvisation”.

He pointed to the government’s shifting position on the third link highway project as an example of what many saw as an electoral tactic rather than a thoughtful policy decision. “A lot of people saw it as a decision without reflection, just a strategic, electoralist move,” he said.

With the next provincial election set for 2026, the PQ is emerging as the main challenger while the CAQ attempts to stem its decline. Choquette said the high turnout in Arthabaska—close to 60 per cent—was also significant. “It shows that voting still matters for a majority of people,” he said. “That’s good news for democracy, for any party”.

William Crooks
Margaret Shepherd and Charles Milliard stand in front of the Bishop’s University Library following the announcement of Milliard’s appointment as Executive in Residence at the Williams School of Business

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Bishop’s University’s Williams School of Business (WSB) is bringing new real-world expertise into its classrooms with the appointment of Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence for the fall term. The position, recommended by WSB Dean Dr. Margaret Shepherd, is designed to strengthen ties between the university and leaders in the business world, offering students direct access to contemporary perspectives on strategy, innovation, and responsible growth.

Milliard, 45, is a North Hatley resident, pharmacist by training, and former executive vice-president of Uniprix. He later served as CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), overseeing chambers of commerce across the province. Milliard also recently ran for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party, placing second before deciding to seek a new professional challenge in the region.

“I’m immensely proud to be joining the team at Bishop’s University’s Williams School of Business,” Milliard said. “Bishop’s is a small gem of a university, truly one of a kind in Quebec and Canada. I’m genuinely delighted to be able to contribute, in my own way, to its profile, and to have the opportunity to teach the next generation of business leaders.” He added that his career has brought him into contact with leaders in health, economics, and politics, and he looks forward to discussing “the importance of our entrepreneurial fabric as a driver of our collective prosperity, and our shared ambitions for the Quebec of tomorrow.”

As Executive in Residence, Milliard will teach three courses, mentor students, give guest lectures in other faculties, and take part in a variety of WSB and campus activities. “It’s not a weekend thing,” he noted. “I live [in North Hatley] full time.” Beyond his classes, he intends to inspire students with stories and lessons from his two decades of work with entrepreneurs across Quebec. He expressed concern about what he sees as a decline in entrepreneurial instinct in the province, citing the complexity of starting a business and the lure of opportunities elsewhere. “We need a new start when it comes to entrepreneurship in Quebec, and that’s going to be a way for me to take part in that challenge,” he said, stressing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for 85 to 90 per cent of Quebec’s businesses.

Dr. Shepherd said the appointment reflects the WSB’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to create “young, vibrant, innovative leaders” through real-world engagement. “Charles is here to inspire our students and to connect our students and our faculty with real-world experience and to offer an opportunity for us to get on the innovation track,” she said. While the school last had an executive in residence some 20–25 years ago, she described this as both “a revival and a new start,” aligned with WSB’s growing focus on experiential learning.

Ninety per cent of WSB courses now include an experiential component, with the goal of reaching 100 per cent. Dr. Shepherd said the university’s interdisciplinary approach means that students outside the business school, in areas such as social sciences and natural sciences, will also benefit from Milliard’s presence.

Both Dr. Shepherd and Milliard pointed to wider challenges facing students, including uncertainty in the job market, the need for applied skills, and anxiety about the future, particularly with emerging technologies such as AI. “When you have breadth and depth in terms of competencies, you can do more than just being an accountant, for example, if they study accounting or HR,” Shepherd said, noting that Milliard’s career path—from pharmacy to business leadership—demonstrates the value of versatility.

The Executive in Residence role is honorary and reflects the university’s appreciation for the expertise and perspective Milliard brings. Bishop’s says in a related release that his work will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen what makes the institution distinct while fostering innovation and community connection.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec’s CEGEP network is heading into the new academic year facing deep budget cuts, a hiring freeze, and mounting workloads—conditions that union leaders warn will diminish services for students and strain staff across the province.

Éric Cyr, president of the Fédération du personnel professionnel des collèges (FPPC-CSQ), said in an interview the situation is especially concerning for professional staff, who play a key role alongside teachers and support personnel in student success. “This fall our members are going back to school and they’re kind of nervous because there’s been a lot of cuts in the past year. For example, just since last May, 91 of our members have been cut,” he said. The losses come amid what he described as a $151-million reduction in funding since May.

The cuts arrive at a time when CEGEPs are seeing steady growth in student numbers. According to Cyr, the system is “receiving more and more students every year,” creating a collision between increasing demand and shrinking resources. He added that the trend is expected to continue for the next five years, with growing cohorts in both pre-university and technical programs.

The pressure is especially acute in English-language CEGEPs, where staff must also meet additional obligations under Bill 14, legislation that extends French language requirements in the education sector. Cyr noted that implementing and complying with the law “gives them a lot of extra work… and less staff to do the work.” The result, he said, is “a lot of new demands on the staff” paired with shrinking teams, making it harder to maintain service levels.

Cyr stressed that many CEGEPs have dipped into their reserves to maintain essential services, softening the immediate impact. “The numbers I’m giving you would have been much higher if it was not for the CEGEPs who have taken money from their reserves to preserve services,” he explained. But these reserves are finite, and the hiring freeze imposed last November remains in effect. Even when positions become vacant due to retirements or departures, they may be left unfilled—further eroding capacity in the months ahead. “The current situation will probably be worse a month from now,” Cyr warned.

The FPPC-CSQ conducted a review over the summer and found that roughly half of the eliminated positions were in administrative or back-office roles, such as accountants and other professional staff whose work supports institutional operations. However, the other half directly assisted students and teachers. Among those lost are psychologists, student life counsellors, and adapted services counsellors—staff who provide crucial accommodations for students with diagnosed learning needs or disabilities.

“These are direct services that have to be cut because CEGEPs don’t have the money to keep them,” Cyr said. While some basic services remain, “there are less people to offer them,” meaning students could face longer wait times or fewer options for support. He added that in some cases, students might be forced to seek help in the private sector—an option not all can afford.

Cyr emphasised that both students and staff ultimately bear the brunt of these cuts. “We really think that there’s a limit to what our colleagues can do. You cannot do more with less—it becomes impossible.” He fears the combination of heavier workloads and fewer resources could lead to burnout and higher absenteeism among those who remain, further undermining service delivery.

Addressing the challenges, Cyr called for greater dialogue with the Ministry of Higher Education. He noted that the spring cuts were announced abruptly, leaving institutions scrambling to adjust. The government’s argument, he said, was that CEGEPs could absorb the reductions, but in reality, the cuts represented about five per cent of their budgets. “You still have to have teachers in every class… there’s a limit where you can absorb those cuts,” he said.

In the short term, Cyr believes dialogue could help identify temporary solutions to manage the strain. But in the long run, he said, more funding will be unavoidable. “Eventually there are more students in the CEGEP network every year… it’s supposed to be like that for the next five years. Eventually it’s going to take more money. You can’t do more with less.”

Cyr also urged students and parents to speak out when services are lacking, stressing the importance of demanding the support that should be available. “Oftentimes when you’re in CEGEP you’re 17, 18, 19 years old… if in your CEGEP there’s no psychologist or there’s nobody to answer your questions at the library, students have a government body,” he said, suggesting they should raise their concerns with student unions about the reduction in services.

He reminded that these supports exist for a reason: to help students succeed and graduate. “Inside the province of Quebec we need students to get a diploma,” he said, noting that strong graduation rates are essential to meeting the province’s economic and workforce needs.

While the coming year remains uncertain, Cyr expressed hope that the situation is temporary and that the government might reconsider its approach, as it has recently in other parts of the education sector. “Not all the money CEGEPs would want to have,” he said, “but enough money to make them function properly.”

The FPPC-CSQ represents more than 2,200 professional staff in 38 CEGEPs across Quebec. It is part of the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, which represents over 225,000 members province-wide, including educators, health and social service workers, and other public-sector employees.

Courtesy
Participants in a previous march against sexual violence walk together holding signs and banners, calling for justice, equality, and an end to abuse

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Coalition of Women’s Groups of Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi is calling on residents to take a stand against sexual violence during an evening march through downtown Cowansville on Friday, Sept. 19.

The event is part of the provincial “Let’s refuse the unacceptable” campaign, launched by the Quebec Grouping of Sexual Assault Help and Advocacy Centres (RQCALACS) ahead of the annual Day of Action Against Sexual Violence Toward Women. Local organizers, including the CALACS des Rivières and other women’s support groups, hope the demonstration will unite the community in a visible demand for change.

Local leadership and participation
Vanessa Bergeron, a counsellor and prevention agent at CALACS des Rivières, has been helping coordinate the march. While she is a relatively new member of the team — having worked there for about two years — she says the organization has been active in the region for 35 years. CALACS des Rivières is part of a provincial network, but its services are tailored to Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi.

According to a press release, this year’s march will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Davignon Park (Municipal Place) with an interactive sign-making activity. Bergeron says this creative session is meant to give participants “the occasion to create their own custom sign for the walk,” encouraging both personal expression and collective preparation.

From there, marchers will make their way through the city, stopping six times — once for each of the campaign’s key demands: improved access to justice for survivors; legislation against sexual assault in schools; concrete measures to address women’s poverty and precariousness; regularization of migrant status; protection of sexual and reproductive rights; and sustainable funding for community services.

At each stop — in front of sites such as a school, a pharmacy, a community organization, the legal aid office, and Service Canada — participants will call out examples of “the unacceptable,” from systemic barriers in the justice system to unsafe conditions for students in schools.

Making noise for change
To ensure their message is heard, the march will include live percussion. “We will have a musician with us playing percussion so that we can make some noise… so that people can hear us arrive,” Bergeron said.

Last year’s march, held in Granby, drew about 100 participants. Organizers expect a similar turnout in Cowansville, where the evening will end with an open microphone for survivors and supporters to share their experiences, as well as a collective banner that participants can decorate with messages of solidarity.

The event is organized by a coalition of local women’s organizations, including Maison Alice-Desmarais, Horizon pour Elle, CALACS des Rivières, Centre des femmes des Cantons, and Centre de femmes Entr’elles.

The scale of the problem
Bergeron notes that sexual violence remains a serious concern in the region. “It’s one in every three women in Quebec that has been a victim of sexual violence,” she said, adding that more than 90 per cent of victims are girls or women and that most knew their abuser beforehand, often within the family or in a position of authority.

In the past year alone, CALACS des Rivières received more than 200 requests for individual support from residents of Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi. Over 70 of these were from teenagers, leading to more than 700 one-on-one counselling sessions. The organization also runs support groups, delivers prevention workshops in schools, participates in community events, and offers awareness training.

While prevention efforts in local schools are ongoing, Bergeron says the reality remains difficult. She pointed to a recent “big surge in recruitment for sexual exploitation and prostitution with minors in the area,” an issue that has prompted significant outreach on social media and targeted prevention initiatives.

Challenges in supporting victims
Working with minors presents unique challenges. “It’s always tricky with minors because… everybody gets involved,” Bergeron said, referring to the rapid involvement of multiple agencies, which can complicate efforts to respect a victim’s pace. CALACS provides emotional and psychosocial support without pressuring victims to file formal complaints.

She also noted the influence of certain social trends. “There’s a whole… alpha male thing going on too with the younger generation,” she said, describing it as another factor shaping their prevention work.

A call for action
Bergeron says her “ideal world” outcome would be to see all six of the campaign’s demands met, but acknowledges this is a long-term goal. In the meantime, events like the Cowansville march serve as both awareness-raising and solidarity-building efforts.

The march is open to everyone, and organizers encourage participants to bring creativity, energy, and a willingness to speak out. As Bergeron puts it, “Let’s stay united to make our voices heard.”

The Facebook event page for the march, as well as a video of last year’s event in Granby, are available online for those who want to learn more before attending.

Courtesy
An artist’s rendering by Daniel Quirion shows the former railway bridge over the St. François River reimagined as a vibrant pedestrian and cycling link

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A long-discussed plan to turn Sherbrooke’s former railway bridge over the St. François River into a linear park is gaining momentum, with local advocates pointing to recent government reports, municipal interest, and comparable successes elsewhere as reasons the project could finally move forward.

The citizen group Portail St-François (PSF) is pushing for the conversion of the disused rail line — stretching from the Marché de la Gare through Rue Alexandre and Rue Talbot to Fleurimont, and ultimately connecting Ascot Corner, East Angus, Disraeli and Coleraine — into a corridor for cycling, walking, running, and tourism. Supporters see the initiative as an economic, health, and mobility boost for the region.

From rail line to trail potential
Fabien Burnotte of PSF explained in an interview that the railway stopped operating around 20 years ago, and ownership of the infrastructure passed to Quebec’s Ministry of Transport. While many other abandoned rail corridors in the province have been converted to bike paths, Burnotte said that since 2019 the Ministry has applied a moratorium on such changes, opting to commission a report from a rail-focused company.

That report, released only after years of repeated access-to-information requests, concluded that the Quebec City–Thetford Mines section had commercial viability for freight service. The province has invested in that segment, with trains expected to return in the near future. But the stretch from Thetford Mines to Sherbrooke told a different story. “There is no actual economic potential for the train,” Burnotte said, noting that parts of the track had been destroyed by climate change and that repairing it would be too costly.

Initial versions of the report were heavily redacted. “The first time was like 99 per cent black [redacted],” Burnotte recalled. “After six years, we had a version… enough to see that there is no actual potential economic for the train.” This absence of commercial freight potential, he said, clears the way for serious consideration of active-transportation uses.

Momentum from other municipalities
Burnotte pointed to the example of Chambly, near Montreal, where an old rail line was successfully turned into a cycling path last year. “It’s possible if the city… makes the decision we want–to do something–and they have the approval of Ministry of Transportation,” he said.

Closer to home, Ascot Corner has secured roughly $500,000 to study and begin building a cycling path along and beside the old railway, extending to the Sherbrooke boundary. Engineering work is already underway. Ascot Corner Mayor Nathalie Bresse “really wants to create that access for bikes and walkers,” Burnotte said.

PSF believes that if neighbouring municipalities advance their sections, Sherbrooke’s involvement — including use of the former railway bridge — becomes essential for a continuous east-west route.

Political support lining up
The project has attracted backing from elected officials at multiple levels. Provincially, Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie “100 per cent supports the project,” Burnotte said, with her office actively involved. Federally, MP Élisabeth Brière has indicated she would support funding if the city formally requests the project, noting that Ottawa could contribute once a substantial plan with economic benefits is in place.

Within Sherbrooke’s municipal council, Burnotte cited the interest of councillors Geneviève La Roche (Ascot) and Laure Letarte-Lavoie (Fleurimont), both of whom are active in mobility issues. The MRC du Haut-Saint-François has also been engaged for more than a decade, conducting feasibility studies for its segment.

With municipal elections approaching in November, Burnotte said it is “time to… let the information get out” and secure commitments from candidates to make a formal request to the province.

Funding and benefits
According to Burnotte, Quebec’s Ministry of Transport has special funds that could cover up to 50 per cent of the costs for such a project, with additional federal contributions possible. He envisions economic benefits for businesses along Rue Alexandre, new tourism opportunities, and better links between Lac des Nations, the east bank of the St. François, and neighbouring municipalities.

“A link of mobility active, an attrait touristique majeur, nothing less in the dreams of the citizens,” the PSF press release stated.

Next steps
PSF has launched a new website, www.lepsf.ca, with information, sketches, drone images, and opportunities for public input. Burnotte said the group’s immediate goal is to keep the project in the public conversation, build consensus among municipal, provincial, and federal partners, and be ready to apply for funding as soon as Sherbrooke’s council gives the green light.

For Burnotte, the bridge project is part of a broader vision for cycling connections in the region. He noted that later this fall there will be discussions about extending bike paths from Sherbrooke to Lennoxville along Route 143, with connections planned to Wellington and Aberdeen streets. But he acknowledged that linking through Lennoxville has its own challenges, including concerns from some business owners.

Still, he sees the potential transformation of the disused railway bridge as a catalyst for the region. “I think it’s a very nice project for the whole region,” Burnotte said. “If we are going that way… we will have money, and we will have a nice, big, interesting project” that connects communities on both sides of the St. François.

William Crooks
Members of North Hatley Council, including Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish (centre), listen as residents voice concerns over the proposed ice rink location during the Aug. 11 meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Aug. 11 meeting of North Hatley Council, chaired by Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, drew roughly 40 residents and an unusually long first question period—about an hour and a half—devoted entirely to the town’s plan to replace the municipal tennis courts with a new refrigerated ice rink.

The project, funded through a major donation from the Pollock family, has been in development since October 2023. Davis-Gerrish told the packed room that the council remains “united” in its commitment to building the rink, but emphasized that not all details have been finalized. “The rink is approved in concept. The location, the cost and all that is to follow once we have all the numbers,” she said.

A recently circulated petition opposing the use of the tennis court site was presented by long-time resident Nicholas Oldland, who said it had gathered 143 signatures from local residents in just four days. Oldland, who lives next to the courts, called them an “extraordinarily successful resource” and argued that while he fully supports the idea of a rink, using the courts is “a terrible mistake.” He asked whether there was a required number of signatures for council to reconsider the location. Davis-Gerrish did not indicate that any petition size would alter the decision and added, to audible reaction from the crowd, that she had heard some people thought the petition was for the rink’s placement rather than against it.

The mayor also clarified that despite a municipal notice that had led some to believe the location was decided, the placement issue remains unresolved. “We’re still looking at options,” she said, though she stressed that space in the village is limited and that other possible sites—such as River Park, Scowen Park, the town hall lot, and the parking lot—had been ruled out for legal, environmental, or engineering reasons.

River Park had originally been favoured, but engineering studies found that the soil could not support the heavy refrigerated slab without $800,000 in pilings, with no guarantee against shifting. While some residents questioned whether alternative engineering solutions—such as flexible joints—could work, others said the site’s cost and risk made it impractical.

Supporters of the project highlighted its potential for a five-month skating season, year-round use, and community-building benefits. One resident read a letter from an 11-year-old local boy describing his love for hockey and the rink as “a place of intergenerational gathering” that enlivens the village in winter. Another said that, given climate change, the existing natural ice rink only offers 20 to 30 days of usable ice annually.

Opponents questioned the financial prudence and the loss of a valued amenity. Several noted that the tennis courts, which have a scenic lakeside setting, were built with significant community effort and private fundraising. Another resident argued that past “gifts” to the town, like the current rink, had fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, and said the municipality should “take care of what you have” before accepting new projects.

Traffic and noise were also raised as concerns, with some questioning the impact of placing a busy facility in a residential area. Others proposed relocating the tennis courts instead of removing them entirely, but said new courts in River Park would not offer the same experience. One resident suggested exploring an agreement to use nearby private courts as a compromise.

The discussion repeatedly returned to the issue of transparency. Several speakers pressed council for detailed operating cost projections, maintenance estimates, and full disclosure of engineering studies before making a final decision. “There is a need for very obvious transparency here,” one resident said, adding that both cost and feasibility data should be shared publicly.

Davis-Gerrish said operating costs for comparable rinks range between $15,000 and $20,000 a year—well below the $100,000-plus figures circulating online—but stressed that these were only estimates. She reiterated that the family’s intent is for the rink to be free for public use, though the idea of limited rentals or sponsorships could be explored in future.

While the tone was at times heated, with moments of applause, interruptions, and pointed exchanges, council members maintained that no construction will begin until all studies are complete and the public has been informed. “We respect and acknowledge your desire to be heard,” the mayor said, adding that “nothing is going to happen without the population knowing all the steps that are going to be taken.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Stanstead is moving ahead with a range of new measures, from helping local families with sports fees to safeguarding its heritage buildings, following a busy council meeting on Aug. 11.

Mayor Jody Stone said one of the key decisions was to reimburse a portion of the surtaxes that Magog now charges Stanstead families for minor hockey. “Stanstead used to have its own hockey league,” Stone explained in an Aug. 12 conversation with The Record. “A couple of years ago it kind of merged or closed down, and they joined Magog. In the past couple of years, Magog hasn’t charged them a surtax, but this coming season, they’re surtaxed, so we revised our policy to allow us to reimburse a portion of that surtax.”

Council also approved a $22,000 investment in new playground equipment for younger children at Generations Park, the bulk of it covered by the Stanstead Recreational Association’s $21,000 donation.

A number of infrastructure and administrative measures were passed, including the appointment of a new member to the Stone Circle Committee, and authorizing the fire department to apply for a grant to hire an emergency preparedness coordinator for the 10 municipalities in the Border Group (BG). A sludge removal contract was awarded for the Rock Island sector to avoid higher costs expected under new regulations coming next year.

Stone confirmed progress on a contentious cross-border waste issue. The town has sent formal notice to the owners of a U.S.-side building, advising that Stanstead will no longer collect its garbage. “There is no Canadian citizen living in that building, so we don’t need to go and pick up garbage there,” he said, adding that the owners were given a list of American contractors for waste collection.

One of the most visible projects will be the demolition of a deteriorating downtown Rock Island building to make way for a multi-phase public green space. The top structure will be removed while the foundations remain, part of which will become a riverfront lookout. “Just beside that building is the river, and there’s also a waterfall,” Stone said. “We’re hoping to be able to build out that lookout and make it so that it’s a nice place to go and spend time.” The first phase, to be completed this year, will focus on demolition and platform construction; public consultations on the space’s future will be held in 2026.

Council also introduced a notice of motion for new building maintenance rules designed to protect Stanstead’s many heritage structures. “We’re giving ourselves some powers to make sure that the people that own buildings keep them up so that they don’t deteriorate,” Stone said, noting that the measures will cover roofs, windows, heating, and structural upkeep. A public consultation will follow.

Other updates included:

• Heat wave – The town has no special measures in place but the day camp is now housed in an air-conditioned school.
• Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) closed – One local business has expressed interest in hosting a smaller “SAQ Select” location, but must wait a year before applying.
• Former Del Monty site – No public developments yet, though Stone said the town is pressing for “concrete” progress next year.
• Municipal election – Stone confirmed he will run again, adding that he believes “the big majority” of councillors intend to do the same.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) will soon join the ranks of universities offering high-level hockey, thanks to a $6-million donation from philanthropist and businessman Herbert Black. Announced Aug. 12 at the annual Serge Savard Invitational, the gift will create both men’s and women’s Vert & Or hockey programs—the first in the institution’s history.

“This is a donation of $6 million over the next five years and the idea is to start a hockey program for girls and boys at the university,” said UdeS Rector Jean-Pierre Perreault in an interview. “Our intention is to be in a position to start as fast as possible.”

Perreault said the initiative will be an important recruitment tool and a way to bring “exciting games, hockey games, which is our national sport.” The men’s and women’s teams are expected to begin competition in September 2027, following the mandatory registration with Quebec university sports authorities before Dec. 1, 2025.

The Herbert Black – Serge Savard Vert & Or Hockey Support Fund will cover start-up and operational costs, including hiring coaches, recruiting players, and running the program. “Mr. Savard and Mr. Black are really giving the university a chance to move on,” Perreault said. For now, he is leading the project with the UdeS sports services team, which oversees all varsity programs. The detailed agenda for the next steps will be developed this fall.

UdeS currently has no ice rink on campus, so the university will partner with existing facilities in the region. “We will look at different possibilities in towns with the different rinks that are available already around us,” Perreault explained.

Beyond the ice, the rector stressed the broader benefits. “It will contribute in terms of recruitment” and provide entertainment for the community, he said. The addition of hockey will expand Vert & Or’s roster, which already includes six high-level varsity sports and six competitive clubs.

The project aligns with UdeS’s goal of raising its athletic profile as part of its $250-million “Choosing to Change the Future” major fundraising campaign. It builds on Savard’s ongoing support for UdeS athletes, including a scholarship fund launched in 2019 that has secured nearly $5.5 million in commitments.

“This is a whole dream that the students may have a program where they complete their studies at the university level and at the same time they play hockey,” Perreault said, adding his “big thank you to Mr. Black… who is a generous donor.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A grassroots petition is gaining traction in North Hatley as a group of residents voice opposition to the town’s decision to dismantle its municipal tennis courts to make way for a new refrigerated ice rink.

Maureen Hallam, one of the petition’s organizers, said in an interview on Aug. 7 that the effort began after learning the town plans to proceed with construction this fall, following a unanimous council resolution. “They’re going ahead with their plan to tear down our iconic, historic tennis courts to build their refrigerated rink there,” she said.

Hallam is working with others including Diane Eisliger and Lillian Rogerson, to gather signatures ahead of the next council meeting on Aug. 28. “We’re serious about this,” she said. “We’re just not going to post a note and hope people sign—we’re going door to door.”

At issue is the town’s decision to site the Pollock Family Ice Rink on the current tennis court grounds near the public beach, despite earlier indications it would be built in River Park. In a recent statement, the municipality explained that poor soil conditions at the original location rendered it unsuitable for the refrigerated structure, which requires high stability due to the presence of freon-cooled infrastructure.

Engineers estimate the cost of stabilizing the River Park site at more than $800,000, with further potential overruns if the bedrock lay deeper than anticipated. Alternative sites such as the Capelton Road dome and the town parking lot were also ruled out due to even poorer soil conditions, legal constraints, or environmental challenges.

The town maintains that the current location is the only viable option. According to its statement, new clay tennis courts will be built in River Park as part of the overall project. The Pollock family, who are donating the rink, have agreed to pay for the construction of the replacement courts.

“The family is committed to providing an even more beautiful place for tennis,” the town’s statement reads. The new rink is expected to provide five months of skating annually and serve as a covered recreation facility for the rest of the year. Preliminary work is scheduled to begin this fall, with the tennis courts ready by spring 2026 and the rink completed by that fall.

Hallam and others remain unconvinced, particularly regarding the financial justification. “At the meeting, the mayor said it would cost $800,000,” she said. “Well, how much is it going to cost to tear down the existing courts, excavate over there—because I don’t know if you know where our courts are, but they’re on two levels—and then build new ones? I’ve researched building new courts and it’s about $100,000 per court, including fencing.”

She said the goal is to gather as many names as possible—ideally over 500—before the Aug. 28 meeting. “There’s a tax base of 635 or 675 residents in North Hatley,” Hallam said, noting that seasonal residents who pay taxes in the village should also be allowed to sign.

An email from The Record was sent to the town asking whether the petition could affect council’s plans or what number of signatures would be considered significant. No response was received before press time.

Hallam said she hopes the petition will prompt the town to reconsider. If not, the group is exploring the possibility of pushing for a referendum. “None of us know the steps that need to be taken to go to a referendum, so we’re just starting with the petition right now.”

As the effort gains momentum, Hallam reflected on the history of the tennis courts. She said the land originally belonged to the golf club, and that the North Hatley Recreation Society helped purchase it in partnership with the town. “The town didn’t have enough money, so the Recreation Society raised half, I think it was $40,000,” she said. “The land is in the town’s name, but people have a deep connection to these courts.”

Whether that connection will be enough to reverse the town’s decision remains to be seen. But for Hallam and her fellow organizers, the effort is already under way. “Just call us Norma Rae,” she joked—a reference to the 1979 film in which a factory worker leads a successful campaign to unionize her workplace. “The three Norma Raes.”

William Crooks
From left to right: MP Marianne Dandurand, farm owners Karine Fortier and Marc-Antoine Roy with their daughters Élianne, Elodie, and Cloé, founders Diane Duranleau and Marie-Antoine Roy, and MP Sophie Chatel at Bergerie Malvibois et Newport in Cookshire

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As part of an effort to better understand the challenges facing Eastern Townships agricultural producers, Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand and Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel toured six farms across Estrie on Aug. 5. The visit, which culminated in a roundtable discussion at Bergerie Malvibois et Newport in Cookshire, revealed a wide range of concerns from local producers—from regulatory red tape to global competition and interprovincial inequality.

“We wanted to see things that we never see in Ottawa,” said Dandurand after the visit. “Big industry shows up to lobby all the time, but this kind of agriculture rarely does. And yet, these are the people actually feeding us.”

The outreach day included stops at Moisson Estrie, Rustik Bison, Ferme piscicole des Bobines, and several producer organizations, including the Syndicat de la relève agricole de l’Estrie and the Groupe de producteurs maraîchers du Haut-Saint-François. The visit ended at the sheep farm operated by Karine Fortier and Marc-Antoine Roy, where generations of family joined in a frank discussion with the MPs.

Roy’s parents, Diane Duranleau and Marie-Antoine Roy, explained how the farm was handed down in a way that avoided saddling their son with debt. “We divided the properties ahead of time, and I now receive an annual pension. It was the only way to ensure the next generation could take over,” said Duranleau.

But despite that success, they expressed concern that the next transition—to Roy and Fortier’s daughters—would be just as difficult. “There’s always a challenge,” said Roy. “We transferred the farm like the anglophones or the Europeans—without asking for millions up front—but staying afloat gets harder every year.”

Environmental factors were top of mind. Fortier noted that the region’s cooler climate puts crops like corn at risk. “If we get frost in September, we’re done,” she said, adding that while their alfalfa yields rank among the best in Estrie, rocky and elevated land makes cultivation more difficult than in other parts of the province.

Federal and provincial bureaucracy was another major frustration. “They announced they were going to cut red tape, but I haven’t seen it,” said Fortier. “It’s always one more form, one more hoop to jump through. We’re tired of it.”

A common refrain was the uneven playing field between provinces, particularly when it comes to environmental standards and food labelling. “In Ontario, they don’t need the same permits or have the same restrictions,” one producer said. “Here in Quebec, you can’t even clear land without going through a maze of regulations.”

Labelling of imported meat also drew criticism. Fortier pointed to the increasing presence of lamb from Australia and New Zealand on local shelves, sometimes labelled in a way that misleads consumers. “It says ‘processed in Canada’ or ‘Product of Canada’ even if the lamb was raised overseas. People think it’s local,” she said.

Dandurand acknowledged the concern. “When you look at labels at the grocery store, it can be confusing,” she said. “We need to clarify the wording so consumers can really tell what was produced here.”

For Fortier and Roy, the issue is more than just branding—it’s about survival. “For the first time since the heavy lamb sales agency began, supply exceeded demand,” Roy said. “And our production hasn’t even increased. It’s just that imported lamb is eating up our market.”

The group discussion also touched on the importance of buying local. During the pandemic, domestic demand for Canadian meat spiked when global supply chains faltered. “Consumers have power,” said Roy. “We saw it. People bought local when they had to—and we were able to meet the demand.”

Now that demand is falling again, producers are urging government to help maintain the momentum. Suggestions included a national “Product of Canada” campaign and a return to the previous 85 per cent threshold for ingredients in order to use the Canadian brand, rather than the current 98 per cent.

“If we can’t distinguish our products from imports, we can’t compete,” said one farmer. “And if we can’t compete, there’s no future for our kids on these farms.”

Dandurand said the goal of the tour was precisely to gather these kinds of insights. “We’re a new team in government, and new programs are coming. If we want them to work, they need to be designed for the people who will actually use them,” she said.

Chatel, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, did not speak much publicly during the discussion, but Dandurand emphasized that her colleague was taking note. “I think she did not say it, but she thinks we have the most beautiful region in Canada,” Dandurand said with a smile.

Though the conversation ended with laughs, the underlying message was serious: without support, simplification, and fair competition, many small and mid-size farms across the region may not survive the next transition.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built,” said Duranleau. “But pride doesn’t pay the bills.”

William Crooks
Residents filled Centre Lac-Brome on Aug. 4 for a council meeting dominated by concern over tree-cutting along the shoreline. Extra chairs were brought in to accommodate the overflow crowd.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A standing-room-only crowd of around 80 residents packed Centre Lac-Brome for the Aug. 4 Brome Lake council meeting, demanding answers about the controversial topping of trees along the waterfront at 287 Lakeside Road. The meeting lasted nearly one hour and 40 minutes, with many attendees leaving visibly disappointed. Extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the large, vocal crowd, many of whom expressed frustration over the council’s refusal to comment on the situation.

The issue has stirred heated debate on the Knowlton.com Facebook page and around town, after dozens—possibly more than 100—mature trees were topped on Trestle Cove Island, a property belonging to the Town of Brome Lake in front of a lakefront property owned by Knowlton resident Pierre Beaudoin and Hélène Robitaille. A photo posted to the page shows a permit for shoreline work was issued on Nov. 1, 2024, under certificate number 2024-495, and remains valid until Nov. 1, 2025. The document, signed by a municipal staff member, refers only to general shoreline work on a serviced residential property.

At the opening of the meeting, Mayor Richard Burcombe addressed the topic head-on but offered few details. “There’s been a lot of information going around on social media in recent weeks regarding the Trestle Cove file,” he said. “At the moment, we don’t have any new elements to share, since the file is still under review. And because it’s an active administrative matter, we can’t comment.”

He added, “We are actively working on this file and as soon as we have details to communicate, we will do so. That could take a few more weeks.”

Burcombe warned the crowd that no further answers would be given. “We’re not going to get into a debate about what someone said or what’s being claimed. You need to understand how the process works, and it will continue the way it’s supposed to.”

His remarks did little to quell the concerns of those in attendance.

One resident asked what steps the town was taking to clarify the limits and responsibilities of private property owners adjoining the town’s public shoreline. “Some owners argued for decades against public access, citing the risk of vandalism and misuse,” he said. “But what we’ve seen is the opposite—the damage has come from the landowners themselves. What is the town doing to enforce the boundaries and prevent this kind of encroachment?”

Burcombe responded by noting that past objections from property owners had mostly been resolved when a bylaw was introduced several years ago. “Some expressed discontent, but there was no formal opposition,” he said. “There have been some infringements—we’ve seen steps or fences installed without permission—and we’ve taken action in those cases.”

The mayor mentioned a specific instance near Douglass Beach where the town had asked a resident to remove stone steps built on municipal land.

Another resident raised the question of whether it was clear what kind of tree work required permission from the town. “If a homeowner tops trees or removes limbs, is a permit required?” she asked.

The town’s response suggested that it depends on the case. The town clerk explained that while a list of permits is posted monthly, some tree work may not be explicitly mentioned. “You might not see tree topping in a permit report,” he said. “It’s more of a verbal permission process.”

Mayor Burcombe added, “If someone’s trimming dead limbs or topping a tree, they usually don’t need a permit. But cutting down a healthy tree—especially near the lake—does require permission and a valid reason.”

Another resident of the area pushed the point further. “It’s important people understand that you can’t just cut down a healthy tree near the lake without town approval.”

Several residents questioned the town’s lack of action in reporting the matter to law enforcement, pointing to federal laws around wilful property damage.

One citizen quoted the Criminal Code’s definition of mischief, asking, “When there’s vandalism or destruction of public property, aren’t officials obligated to report it to the Sûreté du Québec for investigation?”

Burcombe, a retired police officer, dismissed the suggestion. “I know the difference between civil and criminal intent,” he said. “If someone sprays graffiti on a wall, that’s mischief. This isn’t the same. The police wouldn’t even open a file—it’s not criminal.”

When pressed further, he added, “It’s not rocket science to know what’s criminal intent. We don’t need to call the SQ for this.”

This led to further dissatisfaction. “So, the town never reported the situation? There’s no process to escalate it?” the resident asked.

“The file is being handled administratively,” Burcombe said firmly. “We’ll follow up internally and communicate anything that comes out of the analysis.”

Another resident questioned whether any councillors who are running in the upcoming election would be allowed to publicly state their opinion on the issue. Burcombe clarified that no member of council is allowed to campaign or share election-related views until after the final council meeting in September. “This is not an election forum,” he said. “Council members will vote on resolutions, and that’s it.”

Later in the meeting, a longtime resident raised a past case reported in the local newspaper where trees had been cut along another section of waterfront without apparent consequence. “There were complaints, but I never saw anything happen,” he said. “Is there any record of follow-up in these cases?”

“There are always consequences,” Burcombe replied, but did not elaborate.

As question period ended, many attendees left visibly disheartened by the lack of clarity. Several remarked that the Knowlton.com Facebook page had been more informative than the meeting itself.

Other business from the Aug. 4 council meeting

Despite the focus on the tree-cutting controversy, council worked through a full agenda of routine municipal affairs:

• Accounts payable: Council approved $2.8 million in payments, including $1 million for new sidewalks and culvert repairs, and $750,000 in surplus funds for additional paving projects.
• Winter road preparation: Construction DJL was awarded a $65,883.50 contract for 4,000 tonnes of abrasives for the 2025–2026 winter season.
• Pickleball courts: Three new courts were approved, with Asphalte Bernier receiving the initial contract for $25,622.37.
• Natural conservation: A $30,000 grant from the Fondation de la Faune du Québec will be used to expand the town’s contract with Corridor Appalachien for conservation planning of natural and wetland areas.
• Temporary freeze on developments: An interim control by-law was adopted, suspending new multi-unit and multi-storey residential developments in the downtown core while the urban plan is being revised. This includes a pause on new subdivisions, street openings, and integrated development projects.
• Public safety: The nautical patrol on Brome Lake carried out 146 interventions in the past month, with 34 users expelled for failing to wear life jackets.
• Infrastructure projects: Roadwork on Victoria Street is now complete, with the second phase of work scheduled to begin in mid-September. Line painting and bridge repairs in collaboration with the provincial transport ministry are expected in the coming weeks.
• Building permits and minor variances: Council approved multiple residential renovations and signage applications for properties on Lynch, Maple, Davis, d’Avignon, and Victoria.

The next council meeting is expected in early September. Many residents are hoping it will bring clearer answers—and potentially, accountability—regarding what happened on the shores of Brome Lake.

Courtesy: Facebook
A lakeside resident holds a cluster of zebra mussels discovered on the east side of Lake Massawippi. The photo, shared on Facebook on Aug. 1 with the caption “First time we have had zebra mussels. Lake Massawippi, east side. So disappointing,” reflects growing concerns about the invasive species’ spread.

Bleu Massawippi calls for emergency funding to save lake-saving efforts

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lake Massawippi’s anti-zebra mussel diving operations could be suspended by the end of August unless emergency funding is secured, according to environmental nonprofit Bleu Massawippi. The organization has sounded the alarm, warning that the region risks losing years of progress in the fight against this invasive species if the program is halted.

“For us, it’s not about pointing fingers,” said Laurence Langevin, Director of Bleu Massawippi, in an interview Aug. 5. “We’re trying to rally the municipal, provincial and federal governments. Because it’s working — when we do it right and when we do it enough for the lake’s needs.”

A related press release states that the diving program, now in its fifth year, is a key component of Lake Massawippi’s zebra mussel containment strategy. Divers physically remove adult zebra mussels from targeted locations before they can reproduce. Each adult can release millions of microscopic larvae, known as veligers, which float invisibly through the water and colonize new areas. According to the organization, consistent diving pressure has led to decreased veliger presence in sensitive parts of the lake since 2022.

“Think of it as a ventilator,” Langevin explained. “The lake isn’t cured, but these interventions keep it alive while we work toward permanent solutions.”

But those interventions are expensive. According to Langevin, the town of Magog recently had to spend over $1.2 million to clean water pipes clogged by zebra mussels. “And that’s not a one-time fix,” she said. “It costs a lot of money year after year.”

Zebra mussels, which are not native to North America, threaten the lake’s biodiversity by outcompeting local species for food and habitat. “They filter so much water that they leave nothing for fish, native mussels, or other organisms,” said Langevin. “They also stack up on native freshwater mussels and plants, eventually killing them. We call it a ‘chapelet’ in French — like a beaded necklace — of zebra mussels choking out everything else.”

In addition to environmental damage, the mussels also pose safety and infrastructure risks. Their sharp shells litter beaches, making it dangerous for swimmers. They also clog water intakes for municipalities and lakeside homeowners.

Some residents have recently reported spotting zebra mussels in parts of the lake where they hadn’t seen them before. Langevin explained that while some new sightings reflect genuine spread, others may simply be cases of mussels maturing to a visible size. “They were probably already there — we may have just missed them when diving,” she said. “Or maybe there was a late spawning last year, because the water stayed warm so long into the fall.”

Bleu Massawippi encourages the public to report any sightings — but not to touch the mussels. “We always ask people to send us a photo so we can confirm what it is,” said Langevin. “Don’t touch them, don’t remove them, don’t kill them.”

There are two reasons for that. The first is that zebra mussels can easily be confused with native species. “We don’t want people accidentally harming the species we’re trying to protect,” she said.

The second reason is legal. “Right now, under our permit, we’re not allowed to give people instructions for removal,” Langevin explained. “We’re trying to change that, but until then, we can’t say how to do it, even if people want to help. If someone does it the wrong way, they could face a fine.”

Langevin said Bleu Massawippi is meeting with the provincial Ministry of the Environment to discuss ways to expand public participation in a responsible way. “We don’t want to be the only ones doing this,” she said. “We want to equip people with the tools to remove zebra mussels safely and effectively. But we need permission.”

In the meantime, the group is calling on citizens to pressure all levels of government for immediate support. “Emergency funding is needed to maintain the diving operations for the rest of 2025,” according to the official press release. Bleu Massawippi is also asking for a commitment to develop long-term invasive species management funding across Canada.

If the program stops now, the organization warns, the lake could face a rapid resurgence of the mussel population. The consequences would include beaches covered in sharp shells, blocked water systems, algae blooms, and steep declines in aquatic biodiversity.

“It’s not about doing nothing,” Langevin said. “It’s about doing the work together. We don’t want to be an example of collective failure — we want to be an example of collective mobilization.”

More information, including how to donate or get involved, is available at www.bleumassawippi.com.

Three arrested in suspected smuggling operation

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In what authorities are describing as a high-risk case of suspected human smuggling, RCMP officers patrolling near the Canada–U.S. border overnight on Saturday, Aug. 3 intercepted a U-Haul truck loaded with dozens of migrants near Haskell Road, just south of Stanstead. The truck was carrying approximately 50 foreign nationals — including children and a pregnant woman — packed tightly in dangerously hot and cramped conditions.

RCMP Communications Officer Corporal Erique Gasse said the incident began around 2:20 a.m. during a routine patrol. “With all their experience… what they know about the region… they proceeded to investigate the truck,” he explained in an interview. “When they opened the door, they saw there were 44 people there. There were kids. There was a pregnant woman. They were all very compressed.”

The migrants told officers they had already walked roughly four kilometres on the U.S. side and crossed a river before being loaded into the truck. “They were wet,” Gasse said. “Our policemen came in at the right time… it could have been worse.”

Police provided emergency assistance on site. “They were dehydrated. Some were very cold,” Gasse said. “Our policemen gave them emergency recovery treatment… [the police] had water bottles, juice bottles… one of my colleagues… had a watermelon for his lunch and he gave that to people so they could hydrate.”

No ambulance was required, but the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) was called in to help transport the group to the Stanstead Highway 55 border crossing, where they were handed over to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). “Now the rest belongs to the CBSA,” Gasse said.

According to the CBSA, all individuals were arrested upon arrival at the border crossing. The agency confirmed that three men — Ogulcan Mersin (born Jan. 15, 2000), Dogan Alakus (born Sept. 28, 1993), and Firat Yuksek (born Apr. 21, 1994) — have been charged in connection with the incident.

The charges include inciting, aiding or abetting an offence under section 131 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as well as a charge under section 11 of the Customs Act for assisting people in entering Canada outside a designated customs office. The three accused remain in detention until at least Aug. 6, pending further legal proceedings.

The foreign nationals intercepted in the incident are undergoing immigration examinations. Most of the asylum seekers have been transferred to the CBSA’s refugee processing centre in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle. All asylum claims are subject to independent eligibility assessments, the CBSA noted.

In a statement, CBSA Media Relations Manager Guillaume Bérubé emphasized the dangers and consequences of illegal entry into Canada.

“Illegal entry into Canada presents several risks and dangers, both legally and in terms of security of the person,” Bérubé wrote. “People who attempt to enter Canada illegally by smuggling across the border can easily find themselves in vulnerable risky situations and may be exposed to extreme climatic and environmental conditions… leading to malnutrition or serious injury.”

The CBSA stated that it continues to investigate the matter and additional charges may still be laid. As the case is now before the courts, the agency said it could not provide further comment.

So far in 2025, the CBSA has processed 22,237 asylum applications across Canada as of July 27, down significantly from 41,187 during the same period in 2024 — a 46 per cent drop. In Quebec, 14,874 asylum applications have been received this year, compared to 22,337 in the same period last year.

Despite this overall decline, officials say they remain vigilant.

“The CBSA and the RCMP work alongside their partners to disrupt human smuggling networks and to combat international criminal organizations that seek to profit from the desperation and vulnerability of others,” the agency said in its statement.

As of publication, the CBSA had not released any information regarding the specific nationalities of those involved, citing privacy protections under the Privacy Act.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) has issued formal recommendations to the Université de Sherbrooke after uncovering serious deficiencies in how the university handled over $4.4 million in laboratory supply contracts. According to a detailed investigation released July 28, 2025, the university failed to properly assess its needs and unjustifiably relied on exceptions to public tender rules, thereby restricting fair competition in the public market.

The AMP found that the university entered into four successive sole-source contracts—known as “contrats de gré à gré”—with the same suppliers between August 2024 and February 2025. The contracts, valued at $613,359, $137,700, $1.15 million, and $2.48 million, were all awarded without calls for public tenders, despite exceeding the $133,800 threshold requiring competitive bidding under provincial law.

René Bouchard, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the AMP, explained in an interview that the university did not conduct the legally required needs assessment prior to awarding the contracts. “They had not evaluated the expenses, evaluated the needs, how much it was going to cost to buy the supplies,” Bouchard said. “They did not question themselves whether they were going to call for an offer. They decided to go gré à gré. That’s what’s problematic.”

Instead of launching a public call for tenders, the university repeatedly used an exception permitted for contracts involving teaching or research. However, the AMP concluded that this justification was insufficient and not adequately documented.

“The university said, ‘It’s research and teaching, so we’re allowed to go gré à gré,’” Bouchard said. “We told them, ‘You have to document it. Show us that there is only one supplier possible for technical or scientific reasons.’”

In reality, the AMP noted that many of the purchased goods—such as personal protective equipment and general consumables—were readily available from multiple suppliers. Furthermore, the university acknowledged the existence of alternative products on the market, undermining its claim that only one source could meet its needs.

“The law says, when you go to a call for tenders, you can get several prices from several suppliers and get better value,” Bouchard said. “They didn’t do that.”

The AMP’s full decision, dated July 24 and signed by President and CEO Yves Trudel, states that while the university did publish the estimated costs of these contracts on Quebec’s electronic tendering system (SEAO), these publications were for transparency only and did not reflect formal contracts. The university continued issuing purchase orders on a case-by-case basis over three years, creating a patchwork of unchecked procurement activities.

One core issue, according to the AMP’s report, is the absence of a centralized assessment of needs across the university. Individual researchers made separate requests without coordination, making it difficult for the institution to understand the full scope of its recurring supply demands.

Moreover, the university’s reliance on a previous government call for tenders to estimate costs was deemed inadequate, as the products listed there did not align with its actual procurement needs. The AMP also faulted the institution for limiting its supplier pool to only those included in that earlier process, thereby stifling potential competition.

In light of these findings, the AMP has issued two key recommendations:

• That the Université de Sherbrooke perform a “rigorous and adequate preliminary evaluation” of its needs and develop a proper acquisition strategy aligned with the regulatory framework.
• That it ensure proper training for all personnel involved in procurement and contract management, including those requesting goods, on applicable norms and exceptions.

The university has 45 days from the date of the decision to submit a written report outlining the measures it will take to address these recommendations and demonstrate their effectiveness.

When asked whether similar issues are common, Bouchard acknowledged that the AMP has encountered comparable problems at other public institutions. “It’s not unique to the Université de Sherbrooke,” he said. “It’s part of our work.”

The AMP serves as an independent body mandated to oversee the integrity of public procurement processes in Quebec, ensuring transparency and equitable access to public contracts. Its role includes investigating complaints and issuing binding recommendations when violations are identified.

In a written statement provided by its communications service, the Université de Sherbrooke acknowledged the AMP’s recommendations, noting that the matter pertained to projected research-related laboratory supply purchases—not finalized contracts—and that the review stemmed from its own decision to proactively publish cost estimates on the SEAO in August 2024. “It was not a question of contracts being awarded, but rather of forecasts,” the statement reads.

The university said its intention was transparency and that it acted in good faith, “based on a reasonable interpretation of the applicable rules and exceptions for laboratory and research-related supplies.” It said it fully cooperates with the AMP and is committed to implementing the recommendations. “The Université takes the recommendations seriously and reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest standards of rigour and compliance in responsible procurement,” the statement reads.

As of press time, no spokesperson was available for interview due to the university’s summer holiday schedule.

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Flames tear through a three-storey industrial building in Cookshire-Eaton as emergency responders work to protect nearby homes

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Fire tore through a century-old mill in Cookshire-Eaton on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a massive emergency response and raising concerns about just how close the community came to disaster. Just hours earlier, a separate fire at the PPD rubber plant in Waterville also triggered a large evacuation.

In Cookshire-Eaton, firefighters responded to a call around 4:20 p.m. at the Sawyerville Mill, a three-storey structure located on Bibeau Street. The proximity of nearby homes made the operation especially perilous.

“It was a defensive fire,” said Marcel Charpentier, division chief of operations for the Cookshire-Eaton Fire Department. “We saved all of the houses—there’s not one that burned down. We hosed them down and we made a firewall.”

Roughly 40 firefighters and four pumper trucks were mobilized from Cookshire-Eaton and neighbouring towns, including East Angus, Bury, and Saint-Isidore. Ambulances were also on site to monitor for heatstroke and assist exhausted responders.

Charpentier described the flames as intense and the situation as highly precarious. “We had to call Hydro-Québec to shut the power in the quarter,” he explained. “We also had to call the CP to stop the train from coming down because we were on top of the railway line.”

One of the key challenges was water access. With limited supply from hydrants, firefighters had to haul water from further away, which significantly slowed the response. “There is not enough water in the pipes to supply,” said Charpentier. “It’s unfortunate—it made the operation more complex.”

Despite the hurdles, the team succeeded in containing the fire and protecting surrounding homes, some of which had already begun to heat up. “It could have been a train, it could have been homes,” Charpentier said. “We came very close to a mini-disaster.”

The building, which Charpentier described as a significant employer with roughly 25 jobs, was completely destroyed. “It’s sad. These people worked hard,” he said. “This business has been handed down over the years. They were doing really well.”

He confirmed that insurance representatives were expected on-site the next day and that an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. “I’m not sure what really happened,” he said. “They’re working on that.”

While the fire spared homes and infrastructure, Charpentier noted the emotional toll on the community. “The community is burned. That was the only building that was not burned down before. I’ve never had so much cooperation in my life—it was really, really good.”

Earlier that same day, a fire broke out at the PPD rubber plant in Waterville around 1:30 p.m., forcing the evacuation of between 30 and 50 employees. According to Fire Captain Pascal Picard of the Waterville Fire Department, the fire began in a section of the factory where rubber was being mixed.

“It’s a rubber factory,” Picard confirmed. “The sprinklers did their job—they mostly extinguished the fire—but since the rubber was burning, the whole shop was filled with black smoke. We couldn’t see anything, but we ventilated the place.”

Although the building was not significantly damaged, one employee was transported to hospital by ambulance for smoke inhalation. The fire was confined to the machinery used for rubber mixing. “The building’s fine,” said Picard. “The only thing they need to do is fix the sprinkler, because when it goes off, the head needs to be replaced.”

Waterville firefighters were joined by teams from Compton and Memphrémagog-Est. In total, between 28 and 30 firefighters responded, working on-site until around 6:30 p.m.

Both incidents on July 30 tested the coordination and resilience of local fire departments, but thanks to quick responses and intermunicipal cooperation, the worst-case scenarios were averted.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Hatley Township Mayor Vincent Fontaine says the rising cost of waste management is placing increased pressure on municipal budgets—and that residents can help keep those costs down by planning their trips to eco-centres more efficiently.

In a wide-ranging interview, Fontaine confirmed that the township currently pays between $38 and $40 per visit to the Sherbrooke eco-centres, regardless of the quantity of material brought in. “We have an agreement with Sherbrooke,” he explained, “and they calculate an average at the end of the year.”

Although residents do not pay out-of-pocket, every trip costs the municipality, and those charges add up quickly. “If you go two or three times a day, it multiplies quickly,” said Fontaine. “If you have a trailer or a truck, you can put more stock and the municipality will pay just once.”

The township has looked at other options, including Coaticook and Waterville. However, Fontaine noted that while the pricing is roughly the same, distance and accessibility make Sherbrooke the most viable choice for now. “In Sherbrooke, there are two eco-centres, one in Fleurimont and one near Rock Forest. Coaticook is far for the people of the township, and Waterville is a bit closer, but we’re still negotiating with them.”

Hatley Township currently pays between $30,000 and $40,000 annually in eco-centre fees—an amount that has more than doubled over time. “At the very beginning, it cost about $16 [per visit],” Fontaine said. “Now it’s almost $40. With the costs and the labour involved, that’s for sure gone up a lot.”

The mayor said the municipality encourages residents to combine trips and consolidate their loads when bringing materials to the eco-centre, to reduce the number of billable visits. “We asked people during our decommissioning consultation to accumulate their things and go with a bigger trip instead of just small trips.”

Fontaine also addressed questions about his political plans, saying he has not yet made a final decision about running again in the next municipal election. “Most of the people who are there want to return,” he said. “But I’m going to meet with all the councillors in early September when I get back from vacation. There are people who’ve asked me to be part of the Township, and we’ll see. There are still empty seats at the moment.”

He said the main challenge facing the township is maintaining services with limited resources. “Apart from that, we don’t have a city centre, we don’t have a big challenge,” Fontaine said. “The main work is maintaining roads and providing services at the community level.”

Several small projects are ongoing or in the planning stages. Fontaine mentioned that the new bistro space in the community centre should be completed by November or December, and that the township would like to expand trail networks near the Massawippi Trail and possibly extend cross-country s skiing services into Lennoxville.

Wildfires and the risk they pose to rural areas are also on the mayor’s radar. “After that, there will be fires—that’s going to be a major issue,” he said, referring to brush and organic material build-up that increases fire risk.

Another persistent issue is finding good people to serve on council. “The challenge is to find good councillors,” Fontaine said. He explained that while remuneration is modest—“A councillor earns about $12,000 per year, and part of that is for training”—the real hurdle is time commitment.

“It’s not the money, it’s mostly the ‘implication’,” he said. “People think when you’re a councillor, you’re just there a few hours a month—it’s not quite that. There are committees, you have to be present, there are all sorts of little things that take time.”

Fontaine said that many potential councillors struggle to balance the role with work, family, and other obligations. “People today have less time than before, they’re all busy, they work a lot, they have children,” he said. “It takes people who are well-organized and able to plan their time.”

On the topic of councillor remuneration, Fontaine explained that municipal compensation varies widely and is often tied to property values and budget sizes. “It depends on the budget we have,” he said. “Some municipalities have huge budgets—like Eastman. There, you have big house values and people make bigger salaries. Here in the Township, there’s a part that’s more fortunate, near the lake, but most of the area is rural. We try to make sure it doesn’t cost too much to the citizen.”

Finally, Fontaine confirmed that due to vacation schedules, Hatley Township council will not meet in early August as usual. “We’re going to hold our meeting on the 29th of August instead,” he said. “There are too many people on vacation—we made a resolution about it. It’ll be posted online.”

The next regular council meeting after that will be at the end of September. Fontaine expects things to be “back in order” after that point.

Quebec-wide municipal elections will be held Nov. 2.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A new partnership between CAB Sutton and the Maison Gilles-Carle of Cowansville is aiming to bring much-needed relief and support to caregivers in the Sutton and Abercorn region. Launched earlier this month, the program offers both individual psychosocial support and interactive group workshops, addressing a growing demand from community members who care for aging or ill loved ones.

The initiative is being offered under the umbrella of the Regroupement Soutien aux Aidants Brome-Missisquoi (RSABM), which has been working to support caregivers in the region for nearly 30 years. Through the new collaboration, Sutton-area residents now have access to services previously only offered in Cowansville.

“The first thing was to know if there was a need,” said Mathilde Delorme, General Director of CAB Sutton. “We wanted to see if there were caregivers in the area who would benefit from having some kind of support. The support can take all kinds of forms, but it’s mostly psychological.”

To test the waters, the team invited psychosocial counsellor Marlène Johnson to lead a workshop during one of CAB Sutton’s weekly Café 50+ gatherings, a Wednesday afternoon program open to anyone aged 50 and over. “During that meeting, there were a lot of people who showed up and who said that they would be interested in getting more support,” Delorme explained. The response was strong enough to warrant setting up a full day of one-on-one consultations, all of which were quickly booked.

Johnson, a veteran intervenante psychosociale working with RSABM and Maison Gilles-Carle, now visits CAB Sutton monthly to offer individual sessions and group workshops. “Our main mission is to prevent caregiver burnout,” she said. “There are different ways we try to do it—one of them is by giving the helpers, the loved ones, respite.”

That support may include access to Maison Gilles-Carle’s day and overnight respite services in Cowansville, as well as a variety of practical and emotional resources. Johnson’s individual consultations, now available at CAB Sutton, give caregivers a place to reflect on their experiences and reconnect with their own needs. “Usually they’re always centred on the other person, and they lose sight of their own being,” she said. “They often put themselves last.”

The sessions provide a space for clients to speak freely, feel heard, and explore complex emotions. “I try to gently guide, but at the same time, I mostly create a space so they can reflect on their own experience without steering for them,” Johnson explained. “It’s oriented on their needs, their expectations.”

Caregivers face many challenges, and Johnson sees people in all stages of their journey—whether they’re reeling from a new diagnosis, struggling with sleep deprivation, or wrestling with the decision to transition a loved one into long-term care. Many clients, she said, are already nearing burnout when they reach out. “We see them coming too late… they come and reach for help when they’ve been so far into the path of caregiving.”

One client, she recalled, was an 83-year-old woman caring for her husband, who was experiencing falls and declining health. “She has back pain, she’s so tired, she doesn’t sleep during the night,” said Johnson. “She’s doing everything for him—and she feels guilt that she’s not able to take care of him anymore.”

In such cases, Johnson doesn’t offer prescriptions but rather questions and insights to help people step back and evaluate their situations. “They’re so close to the situation, they don’t see how much they have no oxygen,” she said. “I remind them that they matter, and they need to really take care of themselves.”

While the work is demanding, Johnson said it is deeply rewarding—and much needed. “There’s not so many resources, and this is almost free,” she noted. “You only pay $30 for a year, and you have an hour with me. I offer tools to cope with the situation and help them adapt, based on their values and strengths.”

The interactive monthly workshops offered through Café 50+ aim to build those strengths collectively, with sessions covering practical topics such as caregiving techniques, setting up support networks, and mindfulness practices. “They can take their caregiver hats off and start to think about themselves,” said Johnson.

As the program continues, demand is expected to grow. “We’re definitely continuing it in August and September,” said Delorme, noting that CAB Sutton is open to increasing the number of sessions if needed. “If we have the demand, we can actually develop more programs.”

Delorme emphasized that the initiative is rooted in community response. “We publicized it in our infoletter and got a lot of people calling us—that’s when we knew there was a demand.”

According to Johnson, roughly one-third of Quebec’s population acts as caregivers, and many don’t realize they fall into that category. “The face of the caregiver is changing,” she said. “More and more, there are young people becoming caregivers and they don’t know it. It’s not about how much time you spend—it’s about how your life changes.”

She cited the example of a woman in her fifties now caring for both her aging parents while also raising children. “She’s in the sandwich generation,” Johnson said. “She has to work, take care of her family, and now she’s taking care of her parents too. Her life is totally changed.”

In such situations, the emotional weight can be just as heavy as the practical responsibilities. “We try to break the isolation,” Johnson said. “To give them a secure space where they can just express who they are without judgment.”

As word spreads, organizers hope more English-speaking residents in the Sutton area will feel welcome to participate. “We want them to know that we do have services for them,” Johnson said. “And that asking for help is not weakness—it’s actually part of being autonomous. It’s about knowing when to reach out, before you reach your limits.”

To learn more or to book a session, residents of Sutton and Abercorn can call CAB Sutton at 450-538-1919 or email ressource50@cabsutton.com. Monthly workshops are held during Café 50+ gatherings on Wednesday afternoons. All caregivers—whether new to the role or seasoned—are encouraged to attend.

William Crooks
Historian Julien Bazile and longtime volunteer Patrick Wickham stand beside the weathered tombstone of Major Henry Beckett at St. Peter’s Cemetery, the city’s oldest burial ground. Beckett, a key figure in Sherbrooke’s early development, is one of many prominent pioneers interred at the site, now the focus of renewed restoration efforts.

Community calls for restoration of St. Peter’s cemetery in Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The oldest cemetery in Sherbrooke has become the focus of renewed community concern and effort, as volunteers, historians, and church officials work to bring attention—and resources—to its care. St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery, located off Prospect Street, is home to the final resting places of many of Sherbrooke’s early settlers and historical figures. Yet in recent years, it has fallen into visible disrepair, prompting a grassroots movement to reverse the trend.

Tipped headstones, overgrown vegetation, and reports of vandalism have galvanized local residents, including longtime volunteer caretaker Patrick Wickham, who has been quietly tending to the grounds for over a decade.

“I work here for free,” Wickham explained during an on-site interview. Wickham visits the site as often as three times a week and has taken it upon himself to ensure the cemetery doesn’t slide into further neglect.

Wickham’s efforts are now being bolstered by a newly formed committee that includes members of the Musée d’Histoire, Bishop’s University, and the Eastern Townships Resource Centre (ETRC). A formal planning meeting is set for Aug. 16, and volunteers hope it will provide the structure and support needed to launch a broader cleanup and awareness campaign.

Julien Bazile, a historian with the Musée d’Histoire who is also involved in the committee, spoke about the cemetery’s significance. “It is the oldest cemetery in Sherbrooke. It dates back 200 years,” he said. “Many of the pioneers of Sherbrooke are buried here—people like Mr. Beckett… Mr. Worthington… Mr. Bowen. This place is a living page of local history.”

Wickham emphasized the need for proper equipment and planning to safely lift and reset the toppled headstones. “Some of these stones are very heavy—thousands of pounds,” he explained. “You cannot lift them by hand. We need machines, volunteers, and funds.”

The root of the problem, according to Wickham and other locals, is that there is no longer a functioning parish at St. Peter’s. The church itself was sold in 2007 and officially closed in 2014. Since then, maintenance of the cemetery has fallen to the Anglican Diocese of Quebec, which provides what is known as “perpetual care.”

That perpetual care, however, does not include restoring or repairing individual headstones.

“We provide perpetual care for our cemeteries,” explained Sean Otto, Registrar for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec. “That means things like cutting the grass, mending fences, trimming trees. But the headstones are family responsibilities.”

Otto stressed that St. Peter’s is not abandoned. “This is consecrated ground that has been set aside for the repose of the faithful departed. It has never been abandoned,” he said. “We take our responsibility very seriously.”

Still, Otto acknowledged the logistical challenges the diocese faces. “We have cemeteries under our care from La Tuque to the Magdalen Islands. When congregations close, we do our best to step in, but we rely heavily on volunteers like Patrick.”

Longtime Sherbrooke resident June Page, whose family members are buried in the cemetery, was among the first to raise the alarm publicly. “There are a lot of stones that are tipped over,” she said. “The church was sold and all the money went to Quebec City. We want some of that money used to repair the cemetery. We don’t want a GoFundMe.”

Page contrasted the condition of St. Peter’s with the well-maintained United Church Cemetery nearby. “It’s very nice. But St. Peter’s really is not great. It looks abandoned, even though it isn’t.”

That perception is something the new committee hopes to change, not just through physical restoration, but through increased visibility and historical awareness.

“We want to develop a partnership between local citizens and historical professionals,” Bazile explained. “We hope it becomes a model for local heritage conservation. This isn’t just about old stones—it’s about our collective memory.”

Otto echoed that sentiment. “We’re less interested in political designations and more interested in building community,” he said. “Our ideal is to create a strong network of local volunteers who help make this a beautiful and meaningful place again.”

As the Aug. 16 committee meeting approaches, volunteers are calling on Sherbrooke residents to get involved, whether by donating time, equipment, or expertise.

“After the 16th, we’ll have a clearer structure,” Bazile said. “But we already know what we need: help lifting stones, cleaning, monitoring the site, and preserving its history.”

Page noted that Wickham is already trying to set up a kind of informal patrol. “It’s not about having security guards,” she said. “It’s just about people walking through now and then so it doesn’t look forgotten.”

Despite the growing attention, the question of funding remains unresolved. While the diocese maintains that headstone restoration falls to families, Wickham pointed out the difficulty. “Some of the people here died in the 1800s. Their families are gone. They don’t have $30,000 to fix a stone,” he said.

That reality is pushing some community members to explore heritage site designation. Otto said such a move wouldn’t necessarily conflict with the land’s consecrated status. “There are already diocesan properties in Quebec with the highest designation for historical religious buildings,” he said. “I don’t see why a cemetery couldn’t also be recognized.”

He added, however, that “the question becomes whether it is in the public’s best interest that public funds be spent this way. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t be eligible.”

Whatever path forward is chosen, the movement has already begun. Wickham, Bazile, Otto, and others hope to rally Sherbrooke’s citizens around this tangible piece of its past.

“Heritage isn’t just about identity,” Bazile said. “It’s about our shared spaces, our collective memory. What we do here can echo beyond this cemetery.”

Residents interested in joining the effort can contact the organizing committee through Bazile or the Anglican Diocese directly. Volunteers, donors, and community members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming August planning session.

William Crooks
From left to right: Saint-Adrien Mayor Pierre Therrien, Le Champ Bleu co-owner Émilie Windsor, Richmond MNA André Bachand, UPA Des Sources president Monia Grenier (with her grandson), and Wotton Mayor Jocelyn Dion were on hand to celebrate the official launch of Le Champ Bleu’s first season of container-grown raspberries

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A small family farm in Saint-Adrien is making waves in Quebec’s agricultural sector with the official launch of its first season of container-grown raspberries. On July 24, La bleuetière Le Champ Bleu held a press conference and open house to unveil its new above-ground raspberry production — a method still rare in the province, and even rarer when combined with a public pick-your-own offering.

“We wanted to offer delicious raspberries while respecting our environment and our agricultural reality,” said Émilie Windsor, co-owner of the farm. “This method, we’ve adapted it to our scale, right here, in nature, in Saint-Adrien.”

The raspberries are grown in large pots under umbrella-style shelters, a setup that provides better protection against bad weather, allows for precise irrigation and fertilization, and results in high-quality fruit in controlled conditions. “When you have rocky ground like we do here, it doesn’t matter — you just place the pot on top,” Windsor explained at the event. “And in years with a lot of rain, the pots drain properly. It creates an environment where we can really reduce the number of treatments we need.”

While the farm is not yet certified organic, Windsor said they strive to use the best possible practices. “We follow the principles of organic farming. We use a natural granular fertilizer in each pot, and it’s activated with a small sprinkler.”

What makes the initiative even more unique is its openness to the public. Le Champ Bleu is now one of the only farms in Quebec to offer pick-your-own raspberries grown in containers and under rain shelters. “Usually, this type of production is geared toward distribution,” Windsor said. “We think it’s really new to offer it at a small scale, and even more so to open it up for self-picking.”

Visitors will be able to pick their own raspberries once the fruit reaches peak ripeness. “We’ll wait until the field is really, really red,” she said, “then we’ll open up time slots for autocueillette.”

According to a related press release, founded over 20 years ago by Carmen and Gérald Auger and known for its highbush blueberry fields, Le Champ Bleu has been operated since 2021 by Émilie, Edison, and their two children, Noah and Gaël. The farm already offers blueberry picking in a peaceful setting near the heart of the village and close to the Parc régional du Mont-Ham. With the addition of raspberries, it is taking a new step in sustainable, community-rooted agriculture.

Windsor emphasized the importance of local support. “This project wouldn’t have been possible without a lot of help, and we continue to receive help,” she said. She acknowledged the financial support of the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), through both the Prime-Vert program and the Initiative ministérielle: relève agricole et entrepreneuriat. Additional support came from La Financière agricole du Québec, the MRC des Sources, and the SADC des Sources.

“We’re a small farm, but now in our fifth season we feel well supported,” she said. “We’ve had help from so many local companies — contractors, tradespeople, neighbours, even friends and family. It’s amazing.”

Speaking at the event, Richmond MNA André Bachand highlighted the project’s local significance. “We’re very proud that something this unique is happening right here in Saint-Adrien,” he said. “This is practically in the heart of the village, and it’s bringing agriculture closer to people. That’s how you raise awareness about food production.”

Bachand praised the innovation and commitment of the farm and admitted he was eager to try the fruit. “Raspberries are my favourite,” he said with a smile. “And this—this is a raspberry!”

After the speeches, attendees toured the growing installations and sampled the first raspberries of the season — fresh, juicy, and grown with care.

As Windsor put it, “I feel very lucky to be doing this project here in Saint-Adrien, with the support we have.”

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

Manufacturers across the Eastern Townships are sounding the alarm over federal policy changes they say could devastate the region’s economy if temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are forced to leave.

According to data gathered by Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ), 807 TFWs currently make up nearly one-third of the workforce across 35 companies in Estrie and Montérégie. Employers say they are running out of time to secure a federal commitment to allow these essential employees to stay.

“It’s the eleventh hour,” said Alain Ouzilleau, president of kitchen cabinet manufacturer Cubico&co in the Townships. “Two-thirds of our foreign workers will have to leave next year if the government doesn’t change its mind. It’s very important that something is done very quickly.”

Ouzilleau said 75 of his company’s workers are foreign nationals, and that Cubico&co, like many local manufacturers, has already invested millions in automation to compensate for an ongoing labour shortage. But the nature of their work—highly customized cabinetry—remains labour-intensive. “What we could do with automation has been done,” he said. “If we lose 50 employees that cannot be replaced, we’re talking over $20 million less in sales. It’s major. It’s really significant.”

MEQ echoed that warning in a statement released July 21, urging Ottawa to adopt a “grandfather clause” to allow current TFWs to remain employed in the regions where they are already integrated.

“If nothing is done in July, the situation could quickly deteriorate for manufacturers who may lose a workforce essential to their operations,” MEQ stated. While Quebec’s provincial government has expressed support for such a clause, responsibility for the TFW Program falls under federal jurisdiction—specifically Employment Minister Patty Hajdu.

The federal government announced changes in fall 2023 that effectively reduce the number of TFWs businesses can employ. For some companies, the decrease amounts to 10 fewer foreign workers per site—posing a threat not only to operations, but to the wider regional economy.

“The public will suffer from this, not just manufacturing,” Ouzilleau warned. “These people are buying groceries, spending in restaurants, paying taxes. There are a lot of secondary industries that will be affected.”

The MEQ survey of companies in Estrie and Montérégie estimates the economic fallout if TFWs are lost:

• Over $171 million in lost annual revenues
• More than $20 million in cancelled investments
• An estimated $16 million in lost annual tax revenue to governments

Impacts are expected to intensify between now and March 2026, with January marked as the peak month for anticipated labour shortfalls, according to a related release. The most affected job types include welders, machinists, CNC operators, metal processing workers, and industrial painters. Surveyed employers said that 97 per cent of them offer francisation programs and that many TFWs are well integrated into local communities.

“People need to understand,” Ouzilleau said, “these are fully vetted individuals who are contributing to our society, paying taxes, learning French.”

He added that while Ottawa negotiates trade terms with the United States, it controls immigration policy and needs to act now to protect Canadian industry. “We didn’t need that fight [with our own government] right now,” he said. “The government needs to at least grandfather what we have.”

MEQ’s broader recommendations to reform the TFW Program include prioritizing manufacturers in the application process, adapting salary thresholds regionally, raising the TFW cap in low-unemployment regions to 20 per cent, and exempting simplified permit streams from the TFW quota calculations.

Local MP Dandurand responds

Compton-Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand acknowledged the urgency of the concerns and said she has been in contact with impacted businesses in her riding. “I understand the situation in which they are,” she said July 23. “I’m very sensitive to what they are going through.”

Dandurand emphasized the federal government’s efforts to strike a balance between meeting the country’s economic needs and maintaining its capacity to properly welcome newcomers. “Welcoming newcomers has been an issue… So this is where there’s been change at the federal level,” she said.

She noted that Quebec, which has jurisdictional authority in some immigration matters, had previously asked the federal government to reduce immigration levels. However, she added, “We know that they are currently asking for an opening in the Temporary Foreign Workers Program.”

While she could not provide a firm timeline, Dandurand confirmed that discussions are ongoing with both provincial representatives and the federal ministers responsible. “They understand the situation that the industry is in, and I say in regions, because the situation is different in regions than in urban centres,” she said.

Speaking as chair of the federal rural caucus, Dandurand said this challenge is being felt across the country. “This is a situation… from coast to coast to coast. And I know it’s a cliché, but… we hear about how essential those workers are everywhere.”

Although she could not promise specific policy changes, Dandurand said she is committed to ensuring that the government understands the regional impact. “I hope that we’re going to be able to do something,” she said, “because the impact of immigration is different in regions than in urban centres.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A Quebec man is warning fellow boaters to steer well clear of the U.S. border on Lake Champlain after what he describes as a harrowing encounter with the U.S. Coast Guard that left him briefly jailed, soaked, and shaken.

Édouard Lallemand, 60, was out fishing alone in a small aluminum boat near Venise-en-Québec on Sunday, July 20, when he says a U.S. Coast Guard vessel confronted him, accused him of being in American waters, and eventually detained him.

“They said I was in American water. I said, ‘It’s impossible. I see the buoy on my left,’” Lallemand told The Record in a July 23 interview. “I swear to the day I die; I wasn’t in the States.”

Lallemand said he had launched from a friend’s dock and was trolling slowly, taking care to remain north of the international border. He says he was certain he was still in Canadian territory, citing landmarks he has used while fishing the lake for decades.

According to Lallemand, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel with four officers approached and told him to cut his engine. After a brief verbal exchange, Lallemand said he attempted to head back to shore, but the coast guard vessel manoeuvred in such a way that it pushed his boat southward.

“They were pushing me into the States,” he said. “I said, ‘I know what you’re trying to do, to make sure I’m in the States and then you’re going to arrest me.’”

Lallemand alleges that in the process, his small boat capsized. “I swear to God I was drowning,” he said. “I yelled at them, ‘Give me a buoy, I’m drowning here.’” He was eventually pulled aboard the Coast Guard vessel, handcuffed, and taken to shore in Vermont, where he said he was placed in a jail cell for about six hours.

Once processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in St. Albans, Vermont, Lallemand was released without charge or fine and allowed to return to Canada. “They said, ‘You’re welcome to come back to the USA anytime you want,’” he said. “Come on… I look like it says ‘sucker’ on my head?”

Lallemand said he lost fishing gear valued at around $800 and described the incident as traumatic. “I can’t eat. I jump out of bed at night like I’m falling,” he said. “I’ve been working in public my whole life. I’m not a fighter. I fish, I love my wife and grandkids. That’s it.”

In a statement provided to CTV News, the U.S. Coast Guard said the Canadian vessel had crossed into U.S. territory and the boater failed to comply with orders to stop. The statement said he was taken into custody and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol “without incident.” The Coast Guard also said the actions of its crew “are currently under investigation.”

Lallemand, meanwhile, is urging other Canadians to avoid the border area entirely. “Don’t even go close to it,” he said. “Even if it’s 500, 600 feet from there.”

The Record contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for further comment but did not receive a response before press time.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant escalation of its response to provincial education funding cuts, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) voted on July 22 to participate in a legal challenge spearheaded by the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA). The move targets not the amount of the budgetary reductions for the 2025–2026 school year, but the method and conditions under which they were imposed—conditions the ETSB says violate its constitutionally protected right to manage its own affairs.

The resolution, adopted with one abstention at a special meeting of the Council of Commissioners, authorizes the board to join QESBA’s legal proceedings and mandates Power Law to act on its behalf. It also directs the ETSB to apply for a stay of the contested budget rules no later than Aug. 15, which, if granted, would temporarily suspend the application of the government’s restrictive directives until the courts can rule on their validity.

Background – Deep cuts and tight timelines

The ETSB had already voted on July 8 to delay the adoption of its 2025–2026 budget in light of what Chair Michael Murray described as a “monumental reduction in resources.” The board was facing an unprecedented $6.5 million in compressions across two years, with over $3 million to be cut for the 2025–2026 school year alone. The Quebec government had announced the cuts on June 12—just days before the end of the school year and after staffing decisions were already finalized.

According to the ETSB, adopting a balanced budget under the new constraints would require “substantial cuts to direct student services, including the elimination of the majority of decentralized ‘measures’ and increased reliance on community partners to fill service gaps.” The board also criticized the province’s one-day consultation period, calling it incompatible with responsible financial planning and local service delivery.

Challenge rooted in recent court victories

At the July 22 meeting, Murray explained that while a partial reinvestment from the government had slightly improved the situation, those funds came with conditions that restrict how school boards can allocate their resources. “They tied up the reinvestment with a variety of rules that make it very difficult for a school board to be flexible,” he said.

Among the conditions for accessing the roughly $2.4 million in new grants are compliance with staffing-hour targets, prioritization of administrative over student-facing cuts, and commitments to government priorities such as regional service sharing. Murray argued that these restrictions undermine a landmark April 2025 ruling from the Quebec Court of Appeal, which reaffirmed that English-language school boards have constitutionally protected rights to manage and control their operations under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“That ruling is binding,” Murray stressed. “The government did not apply for a stay. Even though they’ve applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, the appellate court judgment stands as law.”

The resolution presented July 22 echoes that position, stating that the new conditions “restrict management and control” and “would prevent the ETSB from managing its staffing and allocating its funding in a manner that responds to the needs of its students and community.”

QESBA to lead proceedings with Power Law

The ETSB’s resolution formally empowers QESBA to lead the challenge and designates lawyer Mark Power of Power Law to represent the board. Power previously represented English school boards in the successful legal battle against Bill 40, which had sought to convert elected English boards into government-controlled service centres.

Because Power is not a member of the Quebec Bar, the ETSB passed a second resolution requesting special permission for him to represent them in this case as well.

The board intends to support a motion for a stay of the contested rules by Aug. 15, which Murray said would likely be heard quickly. “If we obtain a stay, we will still submit the same balanced budget that we would if we don’t obtain a stay, but we will have a lot more liberty or flexibility in the use of funds in the meantime,” he said.

As one example, Murray noted that the government instructed boards not to cut food programs. “We would probably not have cut them anyway,” he said. “But the idea of dictating basically clause by clause what we do and don’t cut… is contrary to the rights of management and control.”

Next steps and broader implications

The ETSB has deferred its budget adoption to either Aug. 26 or Sept. 23, in accordance with the Education Act deadline of Sept. 26. Murray confirmed that the legal challenge should not delay that timeline. “The application for a stay will have to be judged very quickly and will normally be judged very quickly,” he said.

If the stay is granted, the ETSB will regain short-term flexibility over its spending while the case proceeds through the courts. “Based on previous legislation and court judgments, including our win at the appeal court for Bill 40, we would then proceed to use our own best judgment for the use of the funds,” Murray explained.

The challenge is supported by all nine English-language school boards in Quebec. Murray noted that while the case centres on the English system’s protected rights, its outcome could influence broader governance across the education sector.

In closing the July 22 meeting, Murray thanked administrators and commissioners for interrupting their vacations to attend. “Enjoy the rest of your summer,” he said. “We’ll keep you posted on developments.”

William Crooks
Sisters Cindy and Mary Smith stand in front of an abandoned garden in Mary’s backyard in Lennoxville, where tall stalks of the invasive plant Common Mullein have taken over. This year’s Big Backyard BioBlitz is especially encouraging participants to report sightings of invasive species like this one.

NCC’s Big Backyard Bioblitz returns for a fifth year

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is inviting Canadians of all ages to step outside and reconnect with nature as its fifth annual Big Backyard BioBlitz kicks off July 28 and runs through August 4. Whether from a balcony, a backyard, or a deep forest trail, participants are encouraged to document plants, animals, fungi, and insects—helping scientists better understand biodiversity while learning about their own natural surroundings.

“It’s a really important opportunity for us as a conservation organization to mobilize Canadian nature inspectors,” said NCC spokesperson Jensen Edwards July 22. “There are way more participants than there are scientists in Canada. We can’t be everywhere all the time, and using people’s eyes and ears and phones and recording devices, we get a much better sense of the state of nature.”

To take part, all that’s needed is a smartphone, tablet, or camera. Participants simply photograph what they see—or record sounds—and upload the observations to a national biodiversity database via backyardbioblitz.ca. The site includes instructions, species identification tips, and automatic recognition tools to help users name what they’ve captured, even if they don’t know it themselves. “Thankfully, the technology we use for this can actually help with identification,” said Edwards. “You just need to upload the photo and the platform and community will do its best to identify it for you.”

This year, the BioBlitz has been extended from five days to a full week to give participants more flexibility—whether they’re families enjoying the long weekend or coworkers looking to bond over nature. The website also features a “Coin des jeunes” section with downloadable activities like scavenger hunts, bingo, word searches, and colouring pages to help children and students get involved.

Started in 2021, the BioBlitz has quickly grown into one of NCC’s most valuable citizen science initiatives, according to a related release. Over 193,000 observations have been submitted so far, documenting more than 8,600 different species across the country, including many considered rare, at risk, or endangered. In 2024 alone, more than 900 Quebecers participated and submitted over 5,560 observations.

Among the most commonly recorded species in recent years is the endangered monarch butterfly. “Funnily enough, in the last two years, the monarch butterfly is the most observed species we get through the BioBlitz,” Edwards said. “That’s heartening, because it means people are seeing them and recognizing them—and that’s great news for both monarch recovery campaigns and public awareness.”

But the event isn’t only about spotting charismatic or rare species. It also plays a critical role in tracking invasive plants, particularly in regions like Quebec. “Things like phragmites or purple loosestrife crowd out native species and disrupt ecosystems—and they’re really expensive to remove,” said Edwards. “If people can spot them early and flag them for us, it gives NCC or municipalities a heads-up and an opportunity to get ahead of the problem before it spreads too far.”

The BioBlitz data informs NCC’s conservation strategies and partnerships with governments, First Nations, and private landowners. If monarchs, for example, are spotted in new areas, NCC can investigate whether that land might be worth protecting. “It helps validate our models,” said Edwards. “It can also reveal opportunities to make an impact for any species.”

This kind of community-based science is especially useful in regions like the Eastern Townships, where urban and rural spaces blend together. “The Green Mountains Corridor is one of the most important land migratory corridors in eastern North America,” Edwards explained. “We work really hard to conserve land there not just for the species that live in those areas, but also for the people. It’s helpful to know where big mammals like moose and black bears—or even vulnerable road-crossers like snapping turtles—are spotted so we can understand where their movements might be blocked or disrupted.”

Pascal Côté, Director of Strategic Conservation and Innovation at NCC, echoed that sentiment in the press release: “Each observation helps us monitor biodiversity, detect invasive species, and understand how climate change is affecting ecosystems. Participating in the BioBlitz allows people to have fun and learn, while actively contributing to a national effort to better understand and protect biodiversity.”

Observations from the BioBlitz are added to global open-source biodiversity platforms and are available to scientists, conservationists, and land planners worldwide. The event is also a way to build community around nature appreciation. “You really build a sense of community because you see the power of mobilizing all these people around one goal,” said Edwards. “It’s a reminder of how much people care, and how much they can contribute.”

Participants are encouraged to share their discoveries on social media using the hashtag #BioBlitzCNC. The 2025 Big Backyard BioBlitz is supported by NCC sponsor Manulife.

For more information or to register, visit backyardbioblitz.ca.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) is raising concerns over what it describes as the widespread use of inaccurate government data to justify Bill 89, newly adopted legislation in Quebec that places stricter limits on workers’ right to strike.

David Bergeron-Cyr, vice-president of the CSN, said that data published earlier this year by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and relayed through Statistics Canada grossly overstated the number of labour conflicts in the province. “The issue is that their numbers were wrong,” Bergeron-Cyr said in an interview. “Those numbers were way higher than the reality.”

The federal data claimed Quebec saw 759 strikes in 2024. But according to Quebec’s Ministry of Labour, the correct figure was 208—a number that places 2024 only slightly above the annual average and far from a record year. Following inquiries from the CSN, Statistics Canada removed the disputed data from its website earlier this month.

“Those inflated numbers were used to justify Bill 89, which restricts the right to strike,” Bergeron-Cyr said. “We contacted the federal agency and they admitted the data was wrong. They even suggested we use the Quebec Labour Ministry’s numbers instead, as they are more reliable.”

Introduced by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, Bill 89 amends the Labour Code to impose stricter conditions on legal strikes in essential services sectors, including early notification requirements and broader arbitration powers. The government has said the law aims to ensure service continuity in critical public sectors. Labour unions, however, say it undermines the fundamental right to collective action.

According to Bergeron-Cyr, employer groups such as the Institut économique de Montréal (IEDM) repeated the erroneous federal data in public commentary to support Bill 89. “L’Institut économique de Montréal and some politicians continued to use them as if they were right,” he said.

A CSN press release issued on July 16 notes that even Quebec’s Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, echoed the incorrect numbers, despite his own department holding the accurate figures. The CSN asserts that a simple verification could have prevented the spread of misinformation and calls for greater caution from public figures and media alike.

François Enault, first vice-president of the CSN, also weighed in. “No, there is no explosion in the number of labour disputes. No, 91 per cent of Canada’s strikes are not happening in Quebec,” he said in the release. “Now we need to return to the real question: who benefits from restricting the right to strike? Certainly not workers.”

While acknowledging that strike activity has increased slightly in recent years, Bergeron-Cyr attributed the change to rising living costs and labour shortages. “Workers are fighting for their rights more because they’re not scared,” he said. “They know they can find another job, and they want better pay because the cost of living is crazy.”

The CSN contends that even this uptick does not justify sweeping legislative changes. “The big deal isn’t the numbers,” Bergeron-Cyr said. “The big deal is that it was used to justify a bill that attacks democratic rights. In a free society, workers have the right to fight for their rights, and striking is part of that right.”

Although Bill 89 has already passed, the CSN hopes public pressure will eventually lead to its repeal. “If the CAQ doesn’t change its mind, we hope a future government will,” Bergeron-Cyr said. “We’ll continue to protest and challenge it however we can. We cannot accept this kind of thing.”

The CSN represents more than 300,000 unionized workers across Quebec.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With Canada Post workers voting on a final contract offer from their employer, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is warning that another strike could be the final straw for many of the small businesses that still rely on the Crown corporation.

According to new CFIB survey data, nearly two in three small- and medium-sized enterprises (63 per cent) say they would consider abandoning Canada Post permanently if another strike occurs. The vote, currently underway, is set to conclude by Aug. 1.

“We hope that this will lead to the end of the current uncertainty regarding a potential strike at Canada Post,” said Jasmin Guénette, Vice-President of National Affairs at the CFIB, in an interview with The Record. “The previous strike impacted most of the small businesses and cost them between 75 million to 100 million [dollars] each day in higher cost, loss of revenues, and so on.”

Guénette noted that Canada Post’s last major labour disruption in 2024 triggered significant changes in how small businesses managed shipping and communications. “When there’s a strike, some small businesses shift to other courier services and they don’t come back to Canada Post,” he said.

While four in five CFIB members surveyed still use Canada Post, most do so out of necessity rather than preference. Seventy-three per cent use the service to send cheques, and 61 per cent use it for other types of mail. Over half cite lower cost (58 per cent) and accessibility (50 per cent) as key factors. However, only 25 per cent said they choose Canada Post for reliability, and just 9 per cent highlighted customer service as a strength.

Guénette warned that unless changes are made to how Canada Post operates, it will continue to lose ground to private sector competitors. In 2019, Canada Post held 62 per cent of the parcel delivery market in Canada. According to its most recent annual report, that share has dropped to just 24 per cent. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of small businesses now rely primarily on private companies for parcel delivery.

“There are certain things that private couriers do that Canada Post don’t—for example, they can deliver on the weekends,” Guénette said. “If Canada Post doesn’t change its business model and the way that they service the customers, unfortunately for them, they will continue to lose market share.”

The CFIB is calling for a wide-ranging overhaul of Canada Post’s operations, urging flexibility from both the Crown corporation and the union representing its employees.

“The union needs to show some flexibility,” said Guénette. “Maybe delivering a mail letter every day is not needed anymore. There’s a lot of things that should be reformed within Canada Post.”

Among his suggestions were evening or weekend delivery options and adjusting routes based on customer demand. “Hopefully the employer and the union will deal with this to ensure that the service remains,” he said.

Guénette also pointed out that many businesses in large urban centres, including Montreal and Sherbrooke, have access to multiple courier services. “But in remote communities, often Canada Post is the only service available,” he said. “Hopefully the union and the employer will find some middle ground so that those who need to be serviced by Canada Post can rely on it.”

In the wake of the 2024 strike, many small businesses took steps to reduce their reliance on traditional mail. Seventy-one per cent encouraged clients to adopt online communications and payment tools. Forty-five per cent turned to private couriers, while 27 per cent delayed sending certain mail or packages. Thirteen per cent stopped using Canada Post altogether during the work stoppage.

The CFIB warns that Canada Post’s ongoing losses—currently pegged at $10 million per day—are not sustainable. In the press release accompanying the survey, CFIB Director of National Affairs Christina Santini stated, “Canada Post’s current business model needs a thorough overhaul. It’s high time the federal government allowed Canada Post to implement the necessary changes so that it can be profitable and relevant.” She added that small business owners need long-term reliability and affordable rates in order to continue using postal services.

The CFIB survey was conducted online between June 26 and July 10, 2025, with responses from 2,317 member businesses. For a comparable probability sample, the margin of error would be plus or minus 2.04 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Founded in 1971, the CFIB is Canada’s largest small business advocacy organization, representing over 100,000 members in every sector and region. The federation provides policy representation, business resources, and exclusive discounts to help small businesses succeed.

As the union vote wraps up in the coming days, Guénette said he is watching the outcome closely. “It’s going to be interesting to see the result and what it means for the future of Canada Post.”

Matthew McCully
View of Queen Street

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A plan to extend a bike lane along Queen Street in Lennoxville has sparked concern among local business owners and some borough officials, who are urging residents to fill out a municipal survey and attend an upcoming public consultation.

According to the City of Sherbrooke, the proposed work is part of a larger effort to improve connectivity across the urban cycling network. The specific segment under review would close a gap between the existing bike paths on John-Wilson and William-Paige streets. This follows the 2023 installation of a bicycle lane between Côte de l’Acadie and John-Wilson.

However, Lennoxville Borough President Claude Charron says the initiative, while well-intentioned, raises serious questions. “It’s an electoral promise from the party,” he said. “The intention is good—they want to connect all the bike lanes. But it’s quite a big change for Lennoxville.”

Charron emphasized that this is a city-led project, not a borough decision. “Our services get directives from the mayor or the executive committee,” he said, adding that the plan is part of a broader city vision. “We’re in Sherbrooke, so that’s where it’s from.”

The project would run past several small businesses on Queen Street, including a salon run by Trulene Bachand and her family. Although she does not own the salon herself—her daughter does—Bachand works there full-time as an esthetician, alongside other self-employed stylists. She says they were not consulted.

“We never got a visit,” Bachand said. “We’re rarely open on Mondays, and it seems like that’s when they came. We just found out from… the tattoo parlour down the road.”

Parking is a long-standing issue in the Lennoxville core, she explained. “Our clients constantly say, ‘Sorry I’m late, couldn’t find parking.’ A lot of the businesses on Queen don’t have private lots—Faro, Pizzaville, the new bakery, Rustic Roots, us. Our clients aren’t comfortable parking in places like McDonald’s because cars get towed.”

She believes the bike lane won’t help businesses. “Nobody is going to say, ‘Let’s take our bike and go shopping in Lennoxville.’ Cyclists just pass through town. They don’t stop.”

Charron echoed those concerns. “If you take parking out on one side, you’re favouring the pharmacy on the other. Are we putting a business at risk? That’s a real question.”

He proposed a shared road with a reduced speed limit instead. “Downtown is already 30 kilometres an hour most of the time. Why not make that official and keep the space we have?”

Thanks to pressure from the borough council, a public consultation is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, at Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre. “It was supposed to go ahead this year,” Charron said, “but we insisted on consultation and hearing from merchants. That delayed the project to 2026.”

With Sherbrooke municipal elections set for November, Charron noted that a change in administration could potentially halt the project. “The possibility is still there,” he said.

In the meantime, business owners like Bachand are encouraging their clients to participate in the online survey and attend the meeting. “We’re all trying to band together,” she said. “It’s going to negatively impact every single small business that doesn’t have its own parking.”

The City of Sherbrooke says feedback from the survey will help determine the final form of the project. The survey can be accessed through the city’s website, and the collected data will be used strictly for planning purposes, according to a privacy notice included with the form.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Anglophone-rights advocates will gather at Dorchester Square in Montreal on Thursday, July 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a protest rally denouncing what they say is an escalating attack on the English-speaking community’s rights under Bill 96. The demonstration is being organized by the Coalition Against Bill 96, a group formed by members of the Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) and the Task Force on Linguistic Policy.

The protest was triggered by a $30-million fine recently imposed on LaSalle College by Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education, citing violations of provincial rules limiting the number of English students enrolled in subsidized private institutions. As first reported by La Presse and CBC News, the fine stems from LaSalle’s intake of international students prior to new government caps taking effect. Critics argue the college had already committed to these students contractually before the policy changed and had little room to reverse course.

Claudia Maheux, a CaPQ member and one of the rally’s organizers, said in an interview that the situation with LaSalle College “is going to affect the very existence of their college because the fines amount to about $30 million and their revenue is only $79 million.”

“It’s not just about whether or not they obeyed the law,” she said. “The law is wrong.”

According to Maheux, the dispute reflects a broader pattern of what she described as “systematic attacks on anglophone rights to education” under Bill 96. She pointed to Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry’s recent interventions against McGill, Concordia, Bishop’s, and now LaSalle as examples. “She’s basically trying to disrupt the right to our English-speaking education,” Maheux said. “She’s cutting up accessibility for us.”

The Ministry has maintained that schools must comply with language quotas and other provisions under Bill 96, part of the CAQ government’s broader agenda to strengthen the French language. But Maheux contends that LaSalle was given no reasonable transition period and faced the impossible choice of either violating existing contracts or removing students mid-program.

“Some of these Anglophone students are paying their full fare,” she explained. “They’re not getting subsidized. And yet the government still wants to fine them. It’s nonsensical and inhumane.”

LaSalle College, a renowned institution with a large international and francophone student base, argues that it should not be penalized for decisions made before the cap was implemented. As Maheux noted, “Out of 4,000 students, about 3,300 are in francophone programs. So in order to stick it to the anglophones, they’re sticking it to their own on top of it.”

The rally organizers are calling on supporters to wear black and make their voices heard. “We’re hoping to muster a big enough crowd to get attention,” Maheux said. “People have to understand that this is not about loopholes. This is about a law that is unjust.”

The Coalition Against Bill 96 is composed of several English-rights advocacy groups and is coordinating speakers and outreach efforts through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

LaSalle College was contacted for comment but did not respond before this article went to print.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The union representing workers at Résidence Bromont has announced a new five-year collective agreement that includes a range of significant improvements to wages, working conditions, and job security.

Ratified by 86 per cent of union members during a June 6 meeting, the agreement was officially signed on June 26 and took effect retroactively from June 16. It will remain in force until June 15, 2030.

“This is a big contract,” said Roxane Larouche, national representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1991-P, in an interview with The Record. “The union is very happy, and I would say the workers are as well.”

The agreement includes annual salary increases ranging between 2.6 and 6.6 per cent depending on job classification, with additional raises tied to the consumer price index (CPI) built into years four and five. “If the index is more than what we usually see—say more than 2 per cent—their raise will follow the CPI plus 25 cents per hour,” Larouche explained. “It’s a good way to increase the salary of the employees.”

This CPI clause is seen as a major achievement and one the union hopes to replicate elsewhere. “Whenever we can get those clauses in the bargaining agreement, that’s a big deal,” she said. “It guarantees workers will get a raise every year, no matter what.”

Other improvements include reducing the probationary period for new hires from 600 to 525 hours, a change Larouche said will make a noticeable difference—especially for part-time employees. “If you’re working part-time, 75 hours can mean 10 months before finishing your probation,” she said. “Now it will come faster, which is meaningful.”

Paid vacation has also improved: workers will now receive a fifth week of vacation after 12 years of service. Reimbursements for work clothing have increased to $100 annually, and overtime pay will now apply after the 11th hour worked in a single day—down from the 13th.

The agreement also includes a clause allowing the parties to reopen wage discussions in the event that government bonuses for healthcare workers—introduced during the pandemic—are withdrawn. “If the government cuts those funds, we will reopen negotiations,” Larouche said.

She acknowledged that while the agreement does not meet every aspiration, it represents meaningful progress for staff who work in care, food service, housekeeping, and maintenance at the seniors’ residence. “When you’re negotiating, it’s always a game of give and take,” she said. “But from what I can see, the employees got a lot of improvement.”

According to a related release, Résidence Bromont workers have been represented by UFCW Local 1991-P since June 3, 2015. The local represents approximately 6,500 members across 80 businesses in Quebec and is part of a broader network of more than 55,000 members in the province, 255,000 across Canada, and 1.3 million throughout North America.

William Crooks
Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone presides over the July 14 council meeting alongside members of council and administrative staff at town hall

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The July 14 meeting of Stanstead’s town council, presided over by Mayor Jody Stone, lasted about an hour and ten minutes and featured a lengthy and candid question period, despite only two residents attending in person. The discussion focused largely on two pressing issues: the ongoing problems with neglected properties along the border and a surprise seven-figure deficit related to the town’s shared landfill site.

A local resident initiated the conversation by asking if the owners of two rundown properties—one on Main Street and one adjacent to customs—had received any formal notices about the state of their buildings and the accumulation of trash around them. Mayor Stone replied that the town’s new building inspector would be visiting the properties soon and confirmed that “yes, they will be notified.” He noted that building maintenance violations have become increasingly difficult to manage, especially in cases involving absentee landlords and cross-border jurisdictions.

The properties in question lie at the intersection of Canadian and American territory, creating unique enforcement challenges. “We had a hard time finding an owner, but three weeks ago we managed to get some contact,” said one councillor. The mayor added that the town had received an email from the owner in early July, seeking clarification about water service and other municipal issues.

The conversation intensified when a representative from Derby Line, Vermont, stood to speak. He explained that his village council had also been trying to reach the property owner and had succeeded in doing so through the efforts of their clerk. “Our maintenance chief confirmed the building is condemned,” he said, citing raw sewage in the basement as one reason why the Vermont Department of Health had declared the building unfit for habitation.

Mayor Stone confirmed the information, saying that the town had heard similar reports and was collaborating with Derby officials to determine what steps could be taken on the Canadian side. “We’re looking at how we can stop taxing them for garbage pickup,” he said, emphasizing that the town no longer provides that service for the site. “It’s not up to our citizens to be paying for it.”

Residents had also raised concerns about a broader surge in illegal garbage dumping around moving day on July 1. Stone explained that Stanstead stopped curbside pickup of large items years ago, but a drop-off service remains available at the town garage once a month. “We actually planned a Saturday just after the first of July so that people could bring their stuff,” he said. “But some people just didn’t get the memo—or keep trying.”

He pointed to similar issues in larger cities. “If you go to Sherbrooke on the first of July, oh my God, it looks like hell,” he said. “Here, it seems like some people missed the message.”

It was suggested that if property owners continue to ignore the rules, the town might need to intervene more directly—by cleaning the sites and billing the owners. However, Stone clarified that doing so would require a court judgment. “It’s like anything—if you do a demolition and want to send the bill, you need a judgment,” he said. A new building maintenance regulation currently in development could eventually give the town more authority in such cases.

Later in the meeting, a councillor gave a detailed explanation of the town’s unexpected $57,008.73 share of a $1,055,735 deficit related to the intermunicipal landfill site managed with neighbouring municipalities. The councillor said the scale of the deficit came as a shock. “Nobody saw it coming,” he said. “We’re fighting with a contractor about one of the new treatment plants. They wanted over a million, but we settled for around $287,000 with tax.”

The deficit also included $125,000 in operational overruns, $73,000 in composting and drainage costs, and a $72,000 shortfall in expected revenue. The councillor explained that reduced garbage tonnage had a direct impact on budgeting. “We go with tonnage—so much garbage, so much compost. People are producing less garbage, and that’s where we used to make our money,” he said. Rather than pass the debt on to a future council after the election, the current council decided to cover it immediately.

Among other resolutions, council voted to allocate $40,000 for the November 2025 municipal election and extended a training contract to continue supporting the Director General and administrative staff. A new auditor contract was also approved.

Council confirmed that the town has joined the Fédération québécoise des municipalités’ “Eco-Energy 360” program. The initiative aims to improve municipal infrastructure energy efficiency with no upfront cost to municipalities. “It’s an amazing program,” said Stone. “If we can reduce our energy bills by $20,000 a year, they take that money to cover the cost of the improvements. It’s a win-win.”

The Director General reported on infrastructure and development work, including major park upgrades. New climbing structures, picnic tables, bike racks, and a pedestrian bridge were installed, particularly at the Generations Park and another local park. Pothole repair work is also set to begin.

Council also approved new signage for the Haskell Free Library, which has had to redirect visitors due to border restrictions. The new signs will be visible from Church Street and help guide patrons to the Canadian-side entrance.

Architectural renovation approvals included exterior improvements to two properties on Rue Dufferin, including one now serving as the future home of Phelps Helps. In one case, council overruled a CCU (comité consultatif d’urbanisme) recommendation to delay a decision due to missing visuals, citing timing constraints and the owner’s willingness to proceed.

On the community side, council heard updates about the town’s participation in a shared sports equipment trailer program with neighbouring municipalities. The trailer, originally obtained through a grant, will be sold to Ayer’s Cliff, Ogden, Stanstead Township, and Stanstead itself for $2,000, allowing all four to continue using the gear for summer and winter events.

Mayor Stone also shared that the Federation of Quebec Municipalities will visit Stanstead in the fall as part of a board meeting in Orford. Around 100 elected officials from across the province will stop in Stanstead for a two-hour visit, during which they will tour the Haskell Free Library and other local landmarks. “They’ve been reading about our story,” said Stone. “This is our chance to show them everything we’ve been working on.”

The next regular town council meeting is scheduled for the second Monday of August.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Hatley Township residents are getting a mid-summer update from Mayor Vincent Fontaine, who spoke to The Record about key initiatives, ongoing challenges, and what’s on the horizon for the municipality.

The Township is continuing its long-standing policy of offering partial refunds for residents who pay to access local beaches. “We’ve had this program for a few years now,” Fontaine said. “If a family buys a seasonal pass for $300, we’ll reimburse $150. It’s about making beach access more affordable and fair.”

The refund applies to both Pleasant View Beach in North Hatley and Massawippi Beach in Ayer’s Cliff. Residents must submit official receipts to receive a 50 per cent refund, up to $150 per residence. Refunds are issued by cheque and should be requested in a single claim at the end of the season.

The mayor explained that the initiative aligns with the Township’s broader family policy. “We already cover the surtax for things like hockey in Sherbrooke,” he said. “Now we’re doing the same thing for the beach.”

The decision also follows the end of a previous intermunicipal recreation agreement with North Hatley. Fontaine said the deal broke down due to ongoing issues. “We were supposed to share a recreation staff person, but that never happened,” he said. “We were also supposed to do joint activities—never happened. But we kept getting bills for activities we weren’t invited to.”

Though the agreement once included beach access, Fontaine said the Township found it more equitable to refund residents directly. “It wasn’t fair for taxpayers who don’t go to the beach to cover the full cost for those who do. By reimbursing half, it’s more balanced.”

On the financial front, Hatley Township is also dealing with an unexpected $29,000 expense linked to landfill operations. The mayor confirmed that an administrative error by the regional body overseeing landfill management resulted in a $1 million overage, distributed among participating municipalities. “We passed a resolution asking for better transparency on their budget and spending,” he said. “We can’t be told mid-year that it’s going to cost more when we’ve already passed our own budget.”

To cover the additional cost, Hatley Township will dip into its financial surplus. “It’s not ideal, but it’s a one-time thing,” Fontaine added. “Next year won’t be like this.”

Roadwork is also underway as planned, including asphalt resurfacing projects that had already been budgeted earlier in the year. “We’ve started that work already,” said Fontaine. “But things are generally quieter in the summer.”

Looking toward the fall municipal elections, Fontaine confirmed that he plans to run again for mayor. “Yes, I’m running,” he said. As for council, some incumbents have made their intentions clear. “Sylvie Cassar wants to come back, and Georges Bogenez hasn’t decided yet, but I think he will too.”

No major summer challenges are currently facing the Township, Fontaine said, describing the season as “really quiet.” He added, “It’ll probably stay that way until mid-August.”

A recent Facebook post from the Township administration reminded residents to take advantage of the beach refund policy and included submission details. Claims and questions can be sent to Annie Desnales at admin@cantondehatley.ca.

Bert Collins and Frank Gilbert enter Lennoxville council race as independents

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With the municipal election just months away, two more familiar names have entered the race for seats on Lennoxville’s borough council—both as independents. Bert Collins and Frank Gilbert have officially declared their candidacies, joining a growing slate of candidates competing for three key positions in the borough.

Bert Collins seeks return to public service

A former borough councillor, Bert Collins is aiming to make a political comeback and has officially launched his campaign for a seat on Lennoxville’s borough council.

“I retired Dec. 31 of last year,” Collins said in a recent interview. “Since then, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands I could give back to the community.” He noted that many residents have encouraged him to run again, often stopping him around town to ask if he’d consider returning to public service.

Collins has lived in Lennoxville his entire life and previously served both as a councillor and as borough president. “You could start going to school at kindergarten and finish at university in the same town,” he said, reflecting on the area’s unique qualities. But he feels the borough is too often overlooked by Sherbrooke’s central administration. “A lot of people… they don’t think that we exist.”

One of his major concerns is the condition of local roads. “When you go up College, starting at the corner of Queen, you have to zigzag to go up the hill—it’s that bad,” he said. He also pledged to improve communication for English speakers navigating city services. “It’s hard for the people of Lennoxville to get someone to speak English. At the end, you practically hang up.”

Collins also highlighted the lack of Lennoxville representation on Sherbrooke’s executive committee. “It’s been 12 years since we’ve had a seat,” he said, adding that he’s raised the issue with current mayoral candidates. “We need to be in the kitchen.”

He’s running as an independent despite outreach from both political parties active in Lennoxville. “They both called me—three times and two times,” he said, “but I decided to run as independent. I want to work for the people of Lennoxville, not for a party.”

His platform includes protecting the borough’s bilingual status, particularly amid community concerns about the future of Lennoxville’s designation. “I assure people—I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t lose it,” he said.

Frank Gilbert enters the race for Fairview

Running specifically for the Fairview councillor seat is Frank Gilbert, a long-time Lennoxville resident and retired firefighter.

Gilbert, 60, was born in 1964 and has lived in Lennoxville since 1966. “All my life I’ve been involved,” he said, referencing his time with Scouts, minor hockey, and especially the Lennoxville Fire Department. He helped found the Lennoxville Firemen’s Association monument and remains active in community efforts.

Like Collins, Gilbert chose to run independently. “I have no beliefs whatsoever in political parties at the municipal level,” he said. “Ever since we’ve had political parties in Sherbrooke, it’s been fights and discord. I want to work with people—not fight with them.”

He stressed the need for affordable housing in Lennoxville, particularly for young families. “You can’t buy a $600,000 house when you’re 25. We need duplexes, small houses, affordable streets,” he said, noting he had to move to Sherbrooke years ago due to high local housing costs. “If we want to keep our English kids here, we’ve got to have places for them to live.”

He also wants to address the borough’s downtown stagnation. “Why don’t we have a laundromat? Why are there empty buildings and lots?” he asked, adding that as an elected official he would reach out directly to property owners and city administrators to seek solutions. “Let’s work at it. Fill those empty holes.”

On bilingualism, Gilbert said his own upbringing taught him the importance of language access. “I learned to speak English from the neighbourhood kids,” he said. “It needs to become second nature for city staff to communicate in both languages here.”

He emphasized that his run was about giving back. “This isn’t a career thing for me. I’ll be retired soon, and I want to use that time to give to my community,” he said.

A full field in Lennoxville

Collins and Gilbert now join a growing list of candidates vying for Lennoxville’s three council seats: borough president, and councillors for Fairview and Uplands.

Sherbrooke Citoyen, led by mayoral candidate Raïs Kibonge, has a full slate in the borough. Long-time community organizer Kerwins Saint-Jean is running for borough president. “Lennoxville is a unique and vibrant part of Sherbrooke—bilingual, diverse, and closely knit,” he said at his campaign launch. His priorities include supporting Queen Street businesses, protecting the Ascot-Lennox forest, and improving public transit, including better evening and weekend service and a universal student transit pass.

Current councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas is seeking re-election in Fairview under the same banner. He cited his accomplishments in protecting bilingual status and launching the Fairview Citizens’ Assembly. Daniela Fernandes, an education advisor at Champlain College, is running in Uplands as a member of Sherbrooke Citoyen. Her platform emphasizes pedestrian safety, citizen engagement, and intergenerational initiatives.

Meanwhile, Vision Action Sherbrooke (VAS) has introduced two candidates: André Duncan for borough president in Lennoxville and Norman Green for Fairview borough councillor. Duncan brings experience in hospitality and community outreach, and has advocated for affordable housing and strategic land use. Green, a long-time volunteer and former Lennoxville Residents Association president, is focusing on bilingualism, public transit, and government transparency.

Claude Charron, the current borough president, is not seeking re-election to that role but instead plans to run for councillor—a role swap with Jennifer Garfat, the current councillor who now aims for the borough presidency.

With six named candidates and at least one more VAS hopeful expected, Lennoxville residents will have multiple options to consider as the fall election approaches. The race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with independents and party-aligned candidates presenting different visions for the borough’s future.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Municipality of Austin has removed most English-language content from its public communications following a complaint to the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), Mayor Lisette Maillé confirmed in an interview with The Record on July 9.

“We don’t really have any choice but to comply,” Maillé said. “We have been bending the rules, kind of hoping to go under the radar… but we were reminded by the OQLF that we’re not allowed to do this and this and this and that.”

Austin is not recognized as a bilingual municipality under section 29.1 of Quebec’s Charter of the French Language, which only applies to municipalities where more than 50 per cent of residents are English-speaking. According to Maillé, the proportion of Anglophones in Austin is about 13 per cent.

The most recent intervention came in May 2025, when the OQLF responded to a citizen’s complaint regarding English content in municipal publications. Although the municipality had already ended the systematic translation of council minutes and bylaws years ago, the complaint was triggered by “some, albeit limited, information in English,” Maillé wrote in the municipality’s summer newsletter.

That included bilingual calendars, reminders about bylaws, and summaries of council activities. “What they’re losing now is content of community interest—more of the social interest of the community: leisure, heritage,” Maillé explained. “We would put a résumé of the three months’ last items in the bulletin, in English… so that people could at least follow the financial end of what was going on in the municipality. This we’re not allowed to do anymore either.”

Maillé noted that safety-related content can still appear in English, and that “all staff and council members are bilingual and are more than willing and able to provide… administrative support in English to citizens who request it.”

The municipality’s website will also continue to host some limited English content, though the OQLF objects to documents that mix both languages side by side. “It’s the idea of systematic translation, systematic English content, that they don’t agree with,” Maillé said.

The municipality had first received notice from the OQLF in 2012 to comply more strictly with the Charter. At the time, Austin ended the practice of translating administrative materials but maintained some English for community-oriented updates. A second warning came in 2017.

Despite the new restrictions, Maillé said the council remains empathetic to its English-speaking residents. “We understand that it’s difficult for them, but we have no choice,” she said. “As a government body… we have to comply.”

In the most recent bulletin, Maillé expressed similar regret, writing: “Notwithstanding the empathy felt by Council and staff members towards our unilingual English-speaking citizens… you will therefore understand that the Municipality has no choice but to comply.”

Nonetheless, Maillé assured that citizens can still request assistance. “We’re more than happy to provide that support when asked,” she said. “That hasn’t changed.”

William Crooks
Ezekiel Godfrey, technical director; André Bachand, MNA for Richmond; Christian Noël, president of Engrenages Spécialisés; Patrick Guilbault, senior regional director for Centre-du-Québec at Investissement Québec; Ermina Babajic, director of quality and continuous improvement; and Laurence Rivard, controller, stand in the factory at Engrenages Spécialisés following the July 9 tour.

Engrenages Spécialisés gets major government support

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Richmond-based manufacturer Engrenages Spécialisés is receiving a $675,000 boost from the Quebec government and Investissement Québec to improve productivity and expand its operations. The announcement was made July 9 during a factory visit that included a tour of newly installed equipment made possible by the investment.

“We’re going to show you around, we’re going to do a factory tour, but we’ll mainly be looking at the project that Investissement Québec helped us carry out,” said company president Christian Noël in remarks before the tour.

According to a press release issued the same day, the $1.3 million project includes the acquisition of three new machines installed in production cells to increase the company’s capacity to produce transmission shafts. The upgrades are expected to reduce manufacturing and assembly time by 25 per cent.

Engrenages Spécialisés specializes in custom machining and supplies high-precision components for original equipment manufacturers. “We’re a machining shop, and we supply parts to equipment manufacturers,” Noël explained. “We work mostly in industrial markets—with our clients who build lifting equipment, a lot of lifting equipment because of the gears, in agriculture, in energy, and a little in transportation.”

“Right now, energy is booming, so we do a lot of energy parts,” he added. “Recreational has gone down a lot in the last two years, but we didn’t go down because we don’t do recreational.”

The company distinguishes itself in a niche market by producing its own gears. “The particularity of a gear is the teeth,” Noël said. “Not everyone does that. Not every machining shop does that. That’s what sets us apart from the others.”

The new equipment is largely dedicated to meeting growing demand for splined transmission shafts, especially from regional agricultural manufacturers. “Mainly for making shafts—we have a lot of demand in agriculture,” Noël noted. “We have several machines here that allow us to do everything.”

Most of the company’s operations are done in-house, except for heat treatment. “All the rest of the operations, we can do here internally,” said Noël. “That lets us have a competitive price. We sometimes even manage to compete with China.”

Founded in 1999, Engrenages Spécialisés now has about 30 employees and supplies customers across Quebec. “Ninety per cent of our sales are delivered in Quebec,” Noël said. One of the company’s key clients relocated outside the province but still builds parts destined for Hydro-Québec.

The investment includes a $337,500 loan from the ESSOR program and a matching loan from Investissement Québec. “This investment of $675,000 will allow Engrenages Spécialisés to optimize its operations and strengthen its strategic role with many equipment manufacturers in Quebec,” said Economy Minister Christine Fréchette in the official release.

Richmond MNA André Bachand described the company as “a source of pride for Richmond,” while Patrick Guilbault of Investissement Québec said the project shows “major productivity gains can be achieved by Quebec SMEs through concrete actions and our support.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Facing an unprecedented $6.5 million budget compression, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) voted at a special July 8 public meeting to defer adoption of its 2025–2026 budget. Citing a lack of final budgetary parameters from the Ministry of Education, the Council of Commissioners passed a resolution urging the Quebec government to reconsider its directives and give school boards more flexibility to safeguard student services.

The resolution, moved by Commissioner Eliza McKnight and adopted with one abstention, highlights what ETSB Chair Michael Murray described during the meeting as a “monumental reduction in resources” imposed under impossible timelines. The government notified school boards of the required compressions on June 12—just days before the end of the school year—after staffing assignments and major decisions had already been made.

“The choices imposed are not merely difficult, but agonizing,” Murray said. “We are trying to preserve the maximum of services to students that we possibly can.”

In the resolution, the board calls on the Ministry of Education to “revise the draft budgetary rules to significantly reduce the scope of the imposed compressions.” It also backs the Quebec English School Boards Association’s call to reinstate a previously available mechanism allowing school boards to use accumulated surpluses to offset budget shortfalls.

According to the text of the resolution, the ETSB determined that adopting a balanced budget under the new constraints would necessitate “substantial cuts to direct student services, including the elimination of the majority of decentralized ‘measures’ and increased reliance on community partners to fill service gaps.”

Commissioners were unanimous in denouncing the one-day consultation period provided by the government, calling it incompatible with responsible financial planning. The proposed rules were described as “unreasonable,” especially given the responsibilities of school boards to tailor services to local needs.

Director General Kandy Mackey emphasized the rapid and intense efforts by ETSB’s management team to assess all options. “Yes, tough decisions and so forth, but we really tried to do our best collectively to protect as much as we possibly could,” she said.

Murray praised the finance department and administration for “phenomenal” work under extreme pressure, noting that nearly all available flexibility had already been exhausted due to existing collective agreements, long-standing contracts, and previously planned spending.

Despite the efforts, the board is still awaiting final figures from the Ministry. Murray confirmed that an assistant deputy minister told him the final parameters would not be available until July 15.

Given the situation, the board unanimously resolved to defer budget adoption to a future meeting, either Aug. 26 or Sept. 23. The Education Act requires school boards to formally adopt their budgets no later than September 26.

Following the vote, Commissioner Mary-Ellen Kirby agreed with the board’s approach, calling it “a very sane approach to a rather insane situation.” She and others expressed full support for the resolution.

During the informal discussion period after the meeting adjourned, an Appalachian Teachers’ Association representative asked whether staff would be more directly included in the next phase of budget planning. “We work on the ground level… and we have some great recommendations,” he said.

Murray responded that wider consultation could be possible depending on the timing of the Ministry’s final directives. “I personally would be very interested if any of the unionized groups under the collective agreements have recommendations to make—to entertain them either in writing or in a meeting,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about lost surpluses. While the board had a modest surplus last year—estimated at about $80,000—it is no longer allowed to retain or apply that money due to the new rules. Additionally, the board continues to pay down a long-standing debt incurred in 2003 to fund a one-to-one student computer program, originally backed by a ministerial authorization.

Despite the financial strain, Murray reminded attendees that the board’s advocacy was not only on behalf of English school boards but also the French system, which, due to its direct accountability to the Minister of Education, faces limitations in publicly opposing the cuts. “We are in fact speaking not only on our own behalf… but I think on behalf of all of the school service centres,” he said.

The ETSB will revisit the matter at one of its two scheduled fall council meetings. In the meantime, Murray encouraged union members, parents, and other stakeholders to continue engaging and voicing their concerns.

A petition protesting the cuts—circulating among education advocates—has reportedly garnered over 150,000 signatures. “Maybe if enough people sign it,” Murray said, “it’ll get the attention of the government.”

The petition can be found here: https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-11541/index.html

Tzara Maud
Speakers at the July 4 Cohabitat Nidazo event included municipal, provincial, and community housing leaders who shared their support for the rural co-housing project and emphasized the need for infrastructure funding solutions

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Cohabitat Nidazo hosted a key gathering at the Maison Melba in Frelighsburgon July 4 to highlight progress on its 79-unit rural housing development and to rally support for a crucial next step: infrastructure financing.

The private event brought together federal and provincial representatives, municipal officials, leaders from the social economy sector, and longtime allies of Nidazo’s innovative co-housing model. The evening centred on a common challenge facing rural housing projects—funding basic infrastructure like water and sewage systems.

“We collectively raised $1.2 million to buy the land,” said Hélène Sactouris, general director of Cohabitat Nidazo, in a July 8 interview. “We have 32 members already implicated and invested. They’re working on how they’re going to be living together in this future co-housing project. But the hardest part remains: infrastructure.”

Unlike urban developments that can simply connect to existing municipal services, Nidazo must build its own systems—at a projected cost of $4 million. “Compared to towns, bigger towns and cities, we can’t just plug ourselves on the water and a system,” Sactouris said. “We have to build it, which is like a $4 million cost adding on to all of the rest.”

Sactouris said Nidazo does not qualify for existing public programs. The 47-acre site is being developed with environmental integration and rural scale in mind. “We created little bubbles throughout the 47 acres to keep as much green as we can and to reduce the impact,” Sactouris said. “We’re talking about 79 units,” she added, including “affordable lodging, a co-op, which permits a 25 per cent reduction on the price, and different types of co-ownership units with bifamilial, bigenerational, and a few single houses.”

Originally, the plan included buildings on a smaller lot across the road. “That little lot by itself—we had like six buildings on it—it was costing us $1.2 million,” she said. “So, we said in March, let’s put it aside for now. Phase two.”

The July 4 gathering was by invitation only and aimed to bring key stakeholders together. “The event was to put all the deciders, if you want, or big influencers together and to tell them where we are,” said Sactouris. “The ball’s been passed around for a year and a half through all the funds. I’ve been everywhere. And then I said, okay, that’s enough with the ball there. I get everybody into the same room and let’s find a solution together.”

She added that the project’s goals extend well beyond simply building homes. “We want the schools to keep open, we want services, we want to be able to lodge workers,” she said. “It’s much more than just having affordable housing. It’s the impact that it has on health, on social economic development in a little town.”

According to a related press release, Frelighsburg’s mayor, Lucie Dagenais, voiced her support at the event, saying, “We are with you until the end.” Maude Brossard, deputy director of the Chantier de l’économie sociale, stated, “Nidazo is a pearl in Quebec and an imposing voice,” and pledged to collaborate on funding challenges for rural cohabitation projects. Guillaume Brien, director general of the Fédération des coopératives d’habitation de l’Estrie, reminded the audience, “This co-op model is the strongest and most resilient of all types of businesses.”

The town of Frelighsburg is also planning infrastructure upgrades. “They have to rebuild their wastewater treatment,” Sactouris said. “They’re happy to rebuild it, but the analyses that we had at the beginning—even with the one that they have now—they could furnish it.”

She added that Nidazo will finalize its infrastructure plans once the town selects a firm for the work. “That’s going to be our cue to finalize,” she said. “But then we’ve got to pay for it.”

Nidazo’s model is intentionally non-speculative. “We sell at cost, and whatever suspension we have is just deducted off the total,” Sactouris explained. “We’re a non-profit.”

Looking ahead, she hopes Nidazo can help open doors for similar projects. “We’re not just asking for ourselves,” she said. “We’re opening the way for others to come. There’s a bigger pressure. It’s not just us saying, ‘Hey, hi, we’re alone, help us out.’”

For more information, visit www.nidazo.ca.

William Crooks
Residents filled the room at North Hatley’s July 7 council meeting, raising questions and concerns about the plan to swap the village’s tennis court and ice rink locations

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At its July 7 council meeting, the Municipality of North Hatley confirmed it is moving forward with studies for a major recreational infrastructure project that would see the village’s tennis courts relocated to River Park and a covered refrigerated ice rink built in their place. The rink, part of a $1.5 million donation from a local family, has prompted both enthusiasm and concern among residents, over 30 of whom attended the meeting to voice opinions and ask questions.

Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish explained that while the project is not yet confirmed, site testing and feasibility studies are well underway. Soil testing has been conducted on all municipally owned lands, and the tennis court site was the only location found suitable to support the weight of the planned ice rink structure. River Park, the former site of the seasonal outdoor rink, was ruled out due to unstable ground.

The proposed plan involves relocating the tennis courts to River Park this summer, ensuring no interruption to the tennis season. Once those are completed, work would begin on the ice rink at the former tennis site. Davis-Gerrish reassured residents that “there will not be a lack of season” for tennis and that both facilities will remain available without interruption.

While a final decision has not been made, council passed resolutions during the meeting to proceed with further engineering and environmental studies. A full public presentation will be made once all data is in, including detailed designs, timelines, and cost projections.

Several residents questioned why other parcels of land had not been used. The mayor clarified that sites such as Scowen Park are legally protected by agreements with the Massawippi Foundation, which prohibit permanent construction. Other locations, including the old rink area near the Capelton Road and various parking lots, were tested but could not support the rink’s structure without major and costly reinforcement—estimated at $800,000—with no guarantee of long-term stability.

Council confirmed that the new rink is made possible by a $1.5 million gift from a local family, who have made previous donations to the municipality. Davis-Gerrish described the donation as “an extraordinary gift” and emphasized the family’s desire that both the rink and tennis facilities continue to serve the community. “They do not want to take one away to create something else,” she said. “It’s all or nothing.”

Questions were also raised about long-term operational costs. Davis-Gerrish said these would be included in the final public presentation, but acknowledged that maintaining a refrigerated rink will cost more than the town’s current setup. She noted that North Hatley already spends around $30,000 annually to operate the temporary rink and $13,000 each year resurfacing the tennis courts.

The possibility of incorporating pickleball courts into the new site layout was raised by multiple residents. Council said the idea is under consideration, particularly the option of using removable surfaces during the rink’s off-season. However, for now, the focus remains on relocating the tennis courts and building the rink. Concerns were also expressed about potential noise and proximity to neighbouring homes, particularly if pickleball were to be introduced. One resident suggested using noise-dampening rackets and setting usage rules to limit disturbance.

Some questioned whether the new rink would fit visually and spatially into the current tennis court site, citing worries that the structure would feel “squashed” and overwhelm the landscape. Davis-Gerrish responded that the design process will ensure the site is attractive and well-integrated, and that the donor family will not approve a project that appears rushed or out of place.

Others were more supportive, calling the rink a long-overdue investment in youth and community life. Some praised the potential for extended skating seasons and year-round recreational use, while others urged caution about the long-term financial and environmental impact of the facility.

Davis-Gerrish emphasized that the town is proceeding carefully. “Once we get confirmation on the engineering and the electrical and all that stuff, there’s a presentation that’s going to be made… with the look, the location, the timeline,” she said. “If it doesn’t work, then it’s back to the drawing board.”

While council has not scheduled a referendum on the project, it committed to public consultation and transparency throughout the process. The mayor reiterated that if a suitable new home cannot be secured for the tennis courts, the project will not go ahead in its current form. “We want to make sure it’s done right,” she said.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A major residential development proposed for Ayer’s Cliff is progressing, though construction permits have yet to be issued. The Terrain Madore project, which could bring 200 to 500 new residents to the municipality, has undergone significant regulatory changes and sparked considerable public interest.

Located north of Wulftec International Inc. and west of Tyler Road, the Terrain Madore site was rezoned in 2023 to allow for residential use in zone RES-17. As Ayer’s Cliff Director General Abelle L’Écuyer-Legault explained, this required both a change to the town’s zoning bylaw and an amendment to the MRC’s land use plan to include the area in the urban perimeter. “No permits have been issued for residential development,” she clarified in an email, noting that while architectural plans have been validated, further municipal authorizations are still required.

In a recent interview, Mayor Simon Roy said the proposed development includes 24 buildings with up to 8 units each. “It could start, I would say, this fall or maybe next spring,” he added, though no timeline has been confirmed.

The mayor emphasized the town’s intention to provide more housing options for local residents who wish to remain in the area. “We feel that it’s going to offer more options for people from our city who want to sell their house but want to stay in the region,” he said. He also pointed to potential benefits for local businesses, especially during quieter winter months. “We’re expecting something like 200 to 500 more people… to make sure that even during the down months of winter, there’s going to be enough people around.”

According to L’Écuyer-Legault, a study of infrastructure capacity was commissioned by resolution in August 2024 and completed in December. The report found the town’s drinking water network—including wells, reservoir and distribution—would be able to handle the projected increase in demand. For wastewater treatment, the report recommended enhanced monitoring of the biological process to ensure stable performance as volumes increase. This monitoring began in early 2025 and remains ongoing.

Concerns about housing density led to a revision of the development plan earlier this year. During the April 2, 2024 council meeting, residents raised objections to the number of units per building. Thirty-four of the 103 eligible voters signed a register opposing the previously approved density of up to 24 units. In response, the town repealed the regulation that allowed for more than eight units per building and adopted a new rule capping buildings at exactly eight units.

Council members said they saw the community feedback as a “clear message,” and the decision to limit the number of units was unanimous. The updated regulation does not permit single-family homes in this zone but allows apartment or condo-style buildings within the revised density limits. According to the mayor, the developer is prepared to proceed under the new rules.

Environmental concerns have also been addressed. Though the site is near the Tomifobia River, L’Écuyer-Legault clarified that “the nearest lot line is more than 200 metres from the river.” Wetlands and flood zones on the property are excluded from the development area. “No construction is planned in these zones,” she confirmed.

The municipality has not yet budgeted for additional municipal services—such as snow removal or waste collection—pending confirmation of the project timeline. However, Ayer’s Cliff has contracted the Fédération québécoise des municipalités for municipal engineering support to help anticipate maintenance needs and avoid overextension of resources.

No formal agreement has been signed between the town and the developer. “We can simply affirm that the municipality has made it clear to the developer that affordable and accessible housing is important to council,” L’Écuyer-Legault wrote. The developer has reportedly shown openness to this request, though negotiations have not yet begun.

A public information session is planned, with the date to be confirmed soon. The developer has expressed interest in transparency, and the town has committed to being present to answer residents’ questions.

William Crooks
Cyclists set off from the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS Fleurimont site on July 3 to begin the Sherbrooke–Boucherville leg of the 29th Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, raising funds for pediatric cancer research

Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau departs from Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Fifty cyclists departed from Sherbrooke on July 3 to kick off the 29th edition of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, a two-day fundraising ride supporting pediatric cancer research. The riders, including several pediatric hemato-oncologists, left from the Fleurimont Hospital of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, bound for Boucherville after a morning send-off ceremony.

Organized by the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, the tour aims to raise $3.5 million across eight routes this year. Since its inception, the tour has collected over $50 million in support of children with cancer in Quebec.

“This is a path that’s tattooed on my heart,” said Florence Breton, cancer survivor and tour spokesperson, at the event. “It’s the power of the group, all of your efforts, and the presence of our medical teams that give real meaning to this challenge.” Breton noted how powerful it was that oncologists who usually work behind the scenes with their patients were now joining cyclists on the road.

Dr. Josée Brossard, pediatric oncologist at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, addressed the crowd despite not riding this year. “You know why you’re here,” she told the cyclists. “Each pedal stroke is a message of support for the children, their families, and the healthcare professionals who fight for them every day”.

Also present was professional cyclist and event ambassador James Piccoli. “The Tour is not just a physical challenge. It’s an act of solidarity—a sign of courage and a testament that together, we can truly make a difference,” he said.

The ceremony also honoured 11-year-old Charlotte Trudel of Coaticook, who was named the “jeune héroïne” for the Sherbrooke and Saint-Hyacinthe routes. Charlotte, currently in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, receives treatment at the hospital’s pediatric oncology unit. She joined cyclists at the start line alongside her father, inspiring riders with her courage and humour.

Each cyclist is symbolically paired with a child affected by cancer and wears their photo during the ride. “These faces give us strength,” said Breton. “They are why we do this. They’re our heroes”.

Funds raised during the tour support the Fondation’s Signature project, a major genomics initiative that has already improved care trajectories for more than 350 children across the province. The project aims to provide personalized therapies by decoding tumour DNA, with the goal of increasing survival rates and reducing treatment side effects.

According to a related release, this year’s Sherbrooke route spans 275 kilometres over two days, ending in Boucherville with a celebration that will bring together participants from across Quebec. More than 700 cyclists are participating in the 2025 edition across all routes.

For more information or to donate, visit www.tourccb.ca.

William Crooks
Over 30 people attended Mon Shack’s annual general meeting held June 26 at Mon Shack 2.0 in Lennoxville

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Supervised living organization Mon Shack… Mes choix… Mon avenir! reported a budget surplus and floated the idea of a new residence for older adults living with mental health challenges during its annual general meeting on June 26. Held at Mon Shack 2.0 in Sherbrooke and attended by more than 30 people, the meeting included a review of financial results, organizational activities, and board elections, and was presided over by Executive Director Josée Parent with community organizer Gabrielle Ste-Croix serving as chair.

Over 30 people attended the meeting, including board members, residents, staff, and community supporters.

Parent opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transparency. “Mon Shack doesn’t belong to any one person—it belongs to all of us, collectively,” she said. “It’s important that people know what we’re doing with the money, because we receive support from everyday citizens and community donors.”

Auditor Shawn Frost from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton presented the organization’s 2024–2025 financial results. Mon Shack reported total revenue of $929,693, up from $685,519 the previous year. This $244,000 increase was largely attributed to rental income from Mon Shack 2.0, which was fully operational throughout the fiscal year. Revenue from apartment rentals rose from $184,000 to $354,000.

Mon Shack also received $214,570 in amortised deferred contributions, up from $124,971 the year prior. These contributions consist of grant and donation funds designated for infrastructure or long-term equipment purchases, and are amortised as revenue over multiple years. On the expense side, total spending reached $895,633, up from $626,806 in 2023–2024. The increase was primarily due to amortisation costs related to building construction and equipment, which totalled $239,000.

The resulting annual surplus was $34,060. “We’re not just stockpiling surplus,” Parent said. “We’re using it to keep improving our services, while making sure we have a safety cushion if we ever want to build something new.”

The auditor included a standard reservation in the audit related to untraceable cash donations. “This kind of reservation is standard when organizations receive donations in cash,” Frost explained. “For example, someone buys a hot dog at Square Queen and pays in cash—there’s no bank record for that. It’s not unique to Mon Shack.”

As of March 31, 2025, Mon Shack’s net assets totalled $2,163,148, including $272,000 in unrestricted funds available to the administration. That figure was down from $306,000 the previous year, indicating that funds had been used rather than accumulated. “We don’t want it to get too big or too small,” said Frost, noting that maintaining an appropriate balance of unrestricted funds allows the organization to respond to emergencies or pursue new projects.

Parent took the opportunity to raise a potential new project, a third residence specifically for older adults living with mental health challenges. “Maybe when I retire, there’ll be a Shack 3.0 for older adults with mental health challenges,” she said. “It doesn’t exist in Estrie, and it could be my last big project before I go.”

Founded in 2013, Mon Shack operates two buildings in Sherbrooke that provide supervised housing for people living with mental health difficulties. The original Mon Shack building opened in 2018 and offers 18 units for young adults aged 18 to 35, who receive intensive or moderate levels of support. Mon Shack 2.0, which began welcoming residents in November 2023, provides 22 additional units for adults of all ages with lower support needs. All apartments are three-and-a-half-room units with washer-dryer hookups, storage space, and parking. Rent supplements are available for all tenants.

The annual report notes that Mon Shack’s mission is to promote, develop, and operate residential buildings in Estrie that offer a supervised living environment for adults living with mental health issues. Services are bilingual and available six days per week. In addition to housing, Mon Shack offers individual and group counselling, post-housing follow-up, and a variety of community activities focused on health, well-being, and social integration. These include cooking workshops, physical activities, art therapy, budgeting sessions, and peer-led group initiatives.

During the AGM, Parent acknowledged the team responsible for financial management, including external accounting support and the board’s treasurer. “I’m responsible for every dollar spent and every decision made,” she said. “If something goes wrong, it’s on me.”

Board members also voted to renew the organization’s contract with its current auditing firm and reviewed committee reports. The presentation included updates on program outcomes, partnerships, and the organization’s Univers-Shack initiative—a community-based innovation lab that brings together young adults, staff, and local partners to co-create new approaches to mental health care.

The annual report indicated that Mon Shack received approximately $175,000 in donations in 2024–2025, and that 94 people were registered in clinical programming. The organization hosted over 2,500 participant interactions in its various group workshops and activities.

Four new topics were added to the agenda under the “varia” section at the request of members: camp fire, gardening improvements, gym maintenance, and kitchen usage guidelines. “It’s great when members bring up suggestions like this,” Ste-Croix noted. “We can’t vote on them at the AGM, but they’ll be forwarded to the board and the team for review.”

Parent also reiterated that funding from rent cannot be used for salaries or services, as many grants require funds to be allocated specifically to building-related costs or reserves. “The rental revenue has to stay with the building,” she said. “I can’t use that money to hire staff or fund programming, so we’re always looking for other sources of support.”

Elections for the board of directors concluded the meeting. Several members confirmed they would continue their involvement, and attendees were invited to meet new members informally over refreshments.

Parent closed the session by thanking the residents. “Recovery is a full-time job,” she said. “You are at the heart of our daily work.”

Courtesy
Sherbrooke Auditor General Yves Denis

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The City of Sherbrooke’s Auditor General, Yves Denis, tabled his third annual report on Tuesday, highlighting continued improvements in municipal governance, increasing uptake of his office’s recommendations, and a strategic focus on climate risk.

The 2024 report includes the results of three performance audits, an update on 50 previously issued recommendations, and a renewed multi-year audit plan. One major addition this year is a strategic analysis on Hydro-Sherbrooke’s vulnerability to climate change, marking a shift toward more forward-looking, risk-based auditing.

“This report supports City Council in their goal to ensure rigorous, transparent, and continuously improving governance,” Denis wrote in the introduction of the report.

Three performance audits: from ombudsman to 311 platform

The audits reviewed the Bureau de l’ombudsman, municipal elected officials’ research and support expenses, and the City’s handling of citizen requests.

Denis said the audit of the ombudsman’s office was “generally positive,” but eight recommendations were made to improve visibility, documentation, and performance metrics. “We found good practices,” he told The Record in an interview. “But we also suggested improvements to ensure accessibility and more consistent processes.”

Regarding the expenses of municipal councillors, the audit revealed that some reimbursements did not meet eligibility criteria. Denis recommended clarifying local rules to ensure consistency and transparency. “There’s a need to make sure everybody understands the same thing about what’s allowed,” he said. “Some local expenses might actually be covered by the annual allocations councillors receive.”

A third audit examined the modernization of the city’s citizen request management system, currently under development. The project is expected to lead to a centralized 311 service. Denis took a proactive approach: “It was an opportunity to get involved ahead of time,” he said, “and encourage the administration to think about the risks and challenges that might emerge, instead of just criticizing afterwards.”

Four recommendations were made to structure and support the implementation of this system, informed by consultations with other municipalities that have adopted similar platforms.

Climate change and Hydro-Sherbrooke

One of the major themes of this year’s report is climate risk. A new strategic analysis, conducted in partnership with the Trottier Energy Institute, examined how climate change may impact Hydro-Sherbrooke’s operations.

The findings, detailed in Annex H of the report, stress the need for innovation in grid modernization, protection against extreme weather, and workforce planning. “Next year,” Denis confirmed, “we will be continuing this work, but with a focus on risk management related to climate change—not just electrification.” This includes both energy distribution and dam operations.

He noted that Hydro-Sherbrooke staff were “exemplary collaborators” during the analysis.

Follow-through on recommendations at 74 per cent

The Auditor General’s office verified 50 prior recommendations this year, bringing the overall implementation rate since his arrival three years ago to 74 per cent—up from 55 per cent in his first year.

“This system helps the administration improve,” Denis said. “It’s a joint effort. We formulate the recommendations, and we always ask—are they feasible? Are they relevant? Can the administration realistically carry them out?”

The recommendations vary in complexity, with some requiring structural or long-term changes. Denis emphasized that the process is collaborative and adaptive. “They apply them as they can, depending on other projects underway. Some take time,” he said.

One of the more impactful changes implemented this year was a 2023 recommendation allowing the Auditor General’s unused annual budget to be carried over into the following year. “This protects the capacity of the office,” Denis said.

Since the office began tracking in 2014, a total of 462 recommendations have been issued.

Looking ahead: cybersecurity, climate strategy, and more

The updated multi-year audit plan outlines several priority areas, including continued follow-up on past recommendations, cybersecurity risks, and ongoing work with Hydro-Sherbrooke on climate strategy.

“Cybersecurity is always a concern,” Denis said, “so we keep looking into how things are progressing, and whether previous recommendations are being addressed.”

The plan includes both retrospective and forward-looking audits, a hallmark of Denis’s approach. “Some of our work gives the administration and council information that’s more prospective,” he explained.

The 2024 report also includes an overview of the Canadian sustainability disclosure standards (NCID 1 and 2) recently adopted on a voluntary basis. While not mandatory for municipalities, the standards could guide Sherbrooke toward more transparent reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The report references examples from the cities of Montreal and Québec as potential models.

Asked whether he had a message for Sherbrooke residents, Denis emphasized that his office is seeing real cooperation from the City. “Since I arrived, I’ve seen that the management of the City is very aligned with improvement,” he said. “You can’t get added value without collaboration, and that’s what we’re seeing.”

The full report is available at sherbrooke.ca/verificateur-general.

Courtesy

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A section of land near the North Hatley wharf was cordoned off with Sûreté du Québec (SQ) tape recently following repeated acts of vandalism and trespassing at Lôbadanaki Park, a privately owned area managed by the conservation group Bleu Massawippi.

According to Bleu Massawippi’s biologist and scientific coordinator, Sabrina Leclercq, the organization had installed a fence to protect the shoreline and visitors after a safety incident occurred last summer. “It wasn’t an accident, but it was a situation that could have become dangerous. Since there are no lifeguards and it’s private property, we’re responsible,” Leclercq explained.

The fenced-off area includes a riparian strip along Lake Massawippi, where Bleu Massawippi has been conducting ecological restoration work. “We do want to add some plants… to help with the erosion in that area and to help with the animals living there. There’s a beaver in that area, many birds,” Leclercq said.

However, the fence and accompanying signage were repeatedly vandalized. “They removed some poles, they pushed down the fence, they stole the signs… even some of the plants we put in last year were stolen,” Leclercq said. “And plants are expensive.”

After the damage continued despite installing surveillance cameras, Bleu Massawippi called in the police. “[Bleu Massawippi Director] Laurence [Renaud-Langevin] made a couple of the reports… and the police came and put up the tape so people would know there’s something going on—you can’t just break the fence because you’re unhappy that you can’t access the water,” she said.

The section of land, which may appear to be public, is not part of the municipal beach. “We understand that people want to swim, but they can go to those places—especially the [municipal] beach, because there are lifeguards there,” Leclercq emphasized.

In response to a reader inquiry, the Town of North Hatley confirmed that the taped-off section is part of Lôbadanaki Park and is privately owned. “A fence was installed by the organization in order to protect the flora and fauna… which had been repeatedly damaged by trespassers,” the town stated by email. “The fence was destroyed several times. Bleu Massawippi called the SQ, in which tape was installed in attempts to stop the repeated vandalism.”

Leclercq confirmed that the SQ tape was placed directly by the police themselves and not at the organization’s request.

Although Bleu Massawippi has no confirmed suspect, Leclercq said one local resident may have an idea who is responsible, and the organization hopes the presence of security cameras will deter further damage. “So far, nothing happened since the cameras were up,” she said.

Bleu Massawippi also requested that SQ officers increase patrols in the area, particularly at night. “Last year, it really was a catastrophe. It was chaos in the park—cans everywhere, trash everywhere,” said Leclercq. But so far, this summer has been calmer. “Nothing happened on June 24, which is a good sign. Hopefully there won’t be any incidents for July 1 either.”

William Crooks
Speakers representing teachers, support staff, professionals, administrators, and parent committees gathered at the Delta Hotel in Sherbrooke on June 26 to denounce provincial education budget cuts and call for immediate government action

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Education professionals, parents, and union representatives from across Estrie joined forces Thursday morning to denounce sweeping provincial budget cuts they say threaten the stability of the public school system and place vulnerable students at risk.

Held at the Delta Hotel in Sherbrooke, the press conference featured speakers from nine regional associations and committees, who called on the public to pressure elected officials and demand the CAQ government reverse its course.

“This is not about budget optimization or consolidation,” said Geneviève Simon, president of the Comité de parents des Sommets and the regional advisory committee for students with learning difficulties. “We’re talking about a budgetary ‘saccage’—a sabotage. If we accept this, we will be participating in the dismantling of the public education network.”

The cuts come amid an already fragile and underfunded school system, Simon warned. “The government is asking us to adopt budgets that are frankly indecent and disconnected from reality.”

The impacts of the cuts, which amount to more than $40 million in the Estrie region alone, will be immediate and far-reaching, according to those who spoke.

David Raymond, president of the Syndicat de l’enseignement de l’Estrie (SEE-CSQ), said the message from the CAQ contradicts its public commitment to prioritize education. “They’re acting as if education is a superfluous expense,” Raymond said. “These cuts will reduce services to students, especially those who need them most—students with learning difficulties, newcomers, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

He warned that specialized services such as orthopedagogy will be severely scaled back, meaning many struggling students may be left without support. “It’s unacceptable to think we can continue to do more with less, in a context where needs are growing and resources are shrinking.”

From the administrative side, Alexandre Boutin, president of the Syndicat du personnel technique et administratif (SPTA-CSQ), emphasized the toll on support staff. “Key administrative positions that ensure payroll, transport, scheduling, and disability processing won’t be posted as planned,” Boutin said. “This will create bottlenecks and increase workloads to unsustainable levels.”

Boutin also flagged the expected reduction of special education technicians (SETs), many of whom play crucial roles in de-escalating classroom disruptions. “SETs are often the ones who intervene when a student is in crisis,” he explained. “Without them, not only do vulnerable students suffer, but the whole class is affected.”

Sonia Labrie, president of the Townships Regional Union of Support Staff (TRUSS-CSQ), said the English sector is facing the same challenges. In an interview after the event, she said that despite efforts to soften the blow, the impact on students is unavoidable. “Even if they try to cut where it hurts least, the truth is there will be major consequences,” Labrie said. “After-school tutoring for students with special needs is gone. Extra-curricular sports programs are being eliminated.”

She added that the effects on young children are especially concerning. “In our schools, we had extra staff to help Pre-K students get on the right bus. Those resource people have been cut,” she said. “Now, four-year-olds may be left to navigate that alone.”

Teachers are also struggling to manage the fall-out. “We’re not preparing for back-to-school right now—we’re managing budget cuts,” Raymond said. “And instead of planning classroom strategies, staff are being asked to find money to trim.”

Daniel Guillot of the Association des directions d’établissement en Estrie warned that the three pillars of education—instruction, socialization, and qualification—are all under threat. “Specialized classes may not open. Students may be placed in inappropriate settings. Parascolaire programs that foster belonging and motivation are on the chopping block,” he said.

Luc Lebeau, president of the Syndicat des professionnelles et professionnels de l’éducation de l’Estrie (SPPEE-CSQ), said professionals will likely not be replaced during sick or parental leaves. “There’s already a shortage of psychologists, psychoeducators, and speech-language pathologists,” he said. “When absences go unfilled, the pressure on remaining staff becomes unbearable. And it means services to students disappear during reorganizations.”

That concern was echoed by Yves Bisson, interim president of the Syndicat des employées et employés manuels du soutien scolaire de Sherbrooke (SEM-CSQ), who said building maintenance and hygiene standards are at risk. “We’re already in aging buildings. Delaying renovations and cutting janitorial staff could mean more students getting sick,” Bisson said.

Representatives from the region’s three school service centres—des Sommets, des Hauts-Cantons, and de la Région-de-Sherbrooke—also took part. Maxime Paradis, president of the Comité de parents des Hauts-Cantons, noted that cultural outings are often the only exposure some children have to broader experiences. “Cutting these activities is cutting their access to culture,” he said.

Jonathan Therrien, president of the Comité de parents de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, described the system as already threadbare. “Every year we patch things together with unpaid hours and last-minute fixes,” he said. “Now we’re told to do even more with even less.”

All speakers concluded with a call to action. “We’re asking the public to challenge their CAQ representatives,” said Raymond. “Ask them: how does this benefit our children?”

Simon said she and her fellow parents have begun mobilizing communities. “We’ve sent letters to thousands of families and received unanimous votes of support from governing boards across the region,” she said. “We are building a coalition to resist these cuts.”

At the end of the event, the panel opened the floor to questions and one-on-one interviews, encouraging the media to keep the issue in the public spotlight. As Raymond put it: “Education is not a cost. It’s an investment. And we cannot afford to sacrifice the future of our youth.”