Local Journalism Initiative

Robert Savoie’s 4,000th conference: a milestone event in Gatineau

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

On April 17, the Foundation for Outaouais Seniors in Gatineau hosted a landmark event in the
career of renowned speaker, author, and coach Robert Savoie. Celebrating his 4,000th
conference, Choose Yourself , proved to be a transformative experience for all attendees. The
event drew on nearly a quarter-century of Savoie’s expertise in guiding individuals on their
personal journeys of emotional and spiritual growth, offering profound insights into the power of
personal choice and self-liberation.

Reflecting on the event, Savoie shared, “It was with renewed enthusiasm and deep gratitude
that I approached this significant milestone in my career. This conference, marking my 4,000th,
was not just a reflection of my past endeavours, but a pivotal invitation to each participant to
repossess their life through mindfulness and emotional liberation.”

The Choose Yourself conference was crafted to empower attendees to harness their inner
resources—those innate ingredients for success that Savoie insists every individual possesses.
“All the inner ingredients necessary for the success of your life, you can offer them to yourself,
because you already have them; they are in each of us,” he asserted during the event. This
message underscored the conference’s focus on self-choice as a fundamental tool for personal
transformation.

Savoie’s journey has been deeply personal and influential. He reflected on significant life
events, such as the murder of his father, which propelled him on a powerful journey of
forgiveness and self-discovery. These experiences have enriched his teachings and his
approach to helping others navigate their paths from intellectual understanding to heartfelt
living.

Critics had praised the impact of Savoie’s conferences, highlighting their effectiveness in
catalysing significant change in a remarkably short time. As Savoie prepared for this milestone
event, he remained dedicated to his mission of helping individuals discover and fulfil their
potential in all aspects of life.

For more information about the Choose Yourself conference and other events, please visit
Robert Savoie’s website at robertsavoie.com.

Photo: On April 17, 2024, the Foundation for Outaouais Seniors in Gatineau celebrated a ​
significant milestone in the illustrious career of speaker, author, and coach Robert Savoie—his
4,000th conference. (TF) Photo courtesy of Robert Savoie

Robert Savoie’s 4,000th conference: a milestone event in Gatineau Read More »

9th edition of the Réseau FADOQ regional games

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

The Réseau FADOQ, the largest organization for seniors in Canada with over 550,000
members, is proud to host the 9th edition of the Regional Games. These ongoing recreational
and sports tournaments, which will run until June 18, highlight FADOQ’s dedication to
enhancing and preserving the quality of life for individuals aged 50 and older. Open to all
members, regardless of their club affiliation, the games provide a unique opportunity for
participants from different regions to come together, compete, and build connections.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all, registration is mandatory. This helps
organizers plan for the number of participants, arrange teams, and prepare meals, snacks,
draws, and prizes. For registration details and payment methods, participants are encouraged to
consult the designated contacts listed in the event’s schedule.

The Regional Games offer a diverse array of activities, catering to a wide range of interests.
From card games like Military Whist at the Club de l’amitié de Plaisance to darts at Les Rayons
de Soleil de Montpellier, Scrabble at Club FADOQ Saint-André-Avellin, and even a regional golf
tournament at the Tecumseh Golf Club, there is something for everyone. Other highlights
include Baseball Poche, pétanque, pickleball, and a second round of Military Whist, each with
its own set of registration details, fees, and prizes.

The grand finale of the games will take place at Lac Leamy in Gatineau on June 18, 2024, with
specifics to be announced as the date approaches. In addition, winners from the Outaouais will
have the opportunity to represent their region at the FADOQ Provincial Games in Sherbrooke,
Estrie, from September 17 to 19. Selection and registration for these provincial games will be
managed by FADOQ – Région Outaouais.

For more information and to stay updated on event details, participants are encouraged to visit
the official FADOQ Outaouais website:
https://www.fadoq.ca/outaouais/activites/evenements/jeux-provinciaux-fadoq.

Photo: The Réseau FADOQ’s ongoing recreational and sports tournaments, which will run until
June 18, are aimed at enhancing and preserving the quality of life for individuals aged 50 and
older. (TF) Photo courtesy of FADOQ

9th edition of the Réseau FADOQ regional games Read More »

Gatineau celebrated regional heritage at the 5th edition of “Rencontres du Patrimoine”

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

The city of Gatineau, in collaboration with the Société Pièce sur Pièce, the Réseau du
patrimoine de Gatineau et de l’Outaouais, and the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO),
proudly hosted the 5th edition of the “Rencontres du Patrimoine” at UQO’s Pavillon Taché. This
event, a key gathering for heritage enthusiasts since its inception in 2014, aimed to promote,
protect, and enhance the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The program featured a diverse range of presentations and discussions covering various
aspects of the Outaouais region’s history and heritage. Highlights included the opening
conference by historian Catherine Ferland on “400 Years of Beer in Quebec: A Fizzy History,”
and presentations on topics such as the Archéo-Pontiac project, the unique “twang” accent of
the Ottawa Valley, and the preservation of forest history along the Dumoine River.

Daniel Champagne, Mayor of Gatineau, emphasised the importance of the event, stating,
“These gatherings reflect the dedication of Gatineau’s residents to the valourization of our
history and heritage. This keen interest continues through various initiatives undertaken by the
city, including the deployment of the commemorative art program and financial support for
projects that preserve and promote our history, heritage, archives, folklore, and genealogy.”

Murielle Laberge, Rector of UQO, highlighted the significance of hosting the event at the
university, “Our unique programs and research activities, especially in the fields of museology
and heritage, underscore the importance of regional heritage and the challenges and means of
its preservation and enhancement. This vital task requires close collaboration with the region’s
cultural, artistic, and heritage community.”

The “Rencontres du Patrimoine” served as an essential platform for local heritage actors and
enthusiasts to exchange ideas and insights, furthering the understanding and appreciation of
the Outaouais region’s historical and cultural treasures.

Looking ahead, the event also coincides with the Salon du patrimoine de l’Outaouais and the
Salon des exposants du congrès de la Fédération Histoire Québec, both held at the Église de
Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours, offering attendees a comprehensive exploration of the region’s
heritage.

For more information on upcoming events and to view the full program, visit piecesurpiece.ca .

Photo: In the fall of 2023, as part of the rich tapestry of heritage initiatives in the Outaouais
region, the Archéo-Pontiac project invited the community to participate in public archaeological
digs in Quyon, uncovering remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post from 1821 to
1837 and educating over a hundred participants and forty students about the region’s rich
cultural heritage. (TF) Photo courtesy of les Amis du Sault-des-Chats

Gatineau celebrated regional heritage at the 5th edition of “Rencontres du Patrimoine” Read More »

Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day in the Outaouais region

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

As the Outaouais region reflects on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, local organizations
continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) and their families. Through a range of initiatives and resources, these
organizations aim to address the unique needs of the autistic community.

Connexions Resource Centre, in collaboration with Giant Steps, is organizing 101 workshops
for English-speaking ASD families scheduled for the fall. The centre is also working with the
Western Quebec School Board to organize a Transition to High School event specifically for
ASD students.

The centre’s array of services includes weekly playgroups at Cégep Heritage College, monthly
Family Resource Series webinars, and Parent-Child Speech Language Workshops. Connexions
Resource Centre also offers valuable information through its weekly Facebook Wellness Wednesday infographics, which have recently focused on ASD-related topics.

The centre’s Information & Referral Service plays a crucial role in assisting families to navigate
health and social services in English, connecting them with vital regional resources.
The CISSS de l’Outaouais also plays a significant role in supporting autistic individuals through
its Youth Program in Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This program offers
services aimed at optimizing the social participation of autistic individuals and supporting their
families, primarily in their homes and various living environments.

In celebration of the 40th edition of Autism Month, the CISSS de l’Outaouais organized several
activities, including a corporate lunch featuring snacks from the Autiste Café on April 26.
Additionally, the team will participate in the Autism Walk on April 27, a significant fundraising
event for the Trait d’Union Outaouais organization.

Trait d’Union Outaouais and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School invite the general public
to join in this great event to close autism month on April 27, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. “Open to
the general public, you’re all welcome to come and walk with us! Please register to confirm your
participation and help us prepare for the event! Don’t hesitate to share with others. Together,
let’s make the colours of autism shine,” they encourage. For more details and registration, visit
https://www.traitdunionoutaouais.com/en/activities-2024/detail/walk-for-autism-2024/51658.

Photo: Trait d’Union Outaouais and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School are hosting a
special walk to close Autism Month. (TF) Photo courtesy of Trait d’Union Outaouais

Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day in the Outaouais region Read More »

Videotron’s labour dispute: A struggle for job security amidst corporate acclaim

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

Videotron, long admired for its commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation in the
telecommunications industry, is currently facing a labour dispute that has raised questions about
its treatment of employees. The company’s recent accolade as Quebec’s most admired
telecommunications company stands in stark contrast to the ongoing lockout of its workers in
Gatineau since October 30, 2023.

Nick Garneau, a union representative, sheds light on the crux of the dispute: “We’re not asking
for anything unreasonable. We just want to keep our jobs. They want 100% of the contractors to
do the work, and we said no to that.” The union’s main concern is job security, as Videotron’s
push for increased subcontracting threatens the livelihoods of its employees.

The impact of the lockout on the workers and their families has been profound. “It’s hard on
families,” Garneau explains. “Without your normal revenue, it’s pretty hard to be able to make
ends meet. A lot of people had to go to food banks and stuff like that because imagine, one
morning, you’re told you’re not working anymore, and you don’t have your income coming in.”
The union is not seeking to strike but rather to negotiate while continuing to work. “We want to
keep working and negotiating. We never once said that we wanted to strike,” Garneau
emphasises. The union’s stance is clear: they are fighting for the right to maintain their jobs and
ensure a stable future for themselves and their families.

Videotron’s public affairs team states, “Videotron does not usually comment publicly on the
progress of negotiations with its unions. However, it is important to note that the company is
asking for access to more subcontracting, as it currently has more than 350 vacant positions in
its call centres, despite very advantageous working conditions.” The company asserts its
commitment to finding alternative solutions to continue providing the best customer service in
the industry.

The ongoing labour dispute at Videotron highlights the tension between corporate success and
the welfare of its employees. As the company continues to be celebrated for its achievements,
the struggle of its workers for job security and fair treatment remains a pressing issue.

Photo: Videotron, a company known for its dedication to customer satisfaction and innovation in
the telecommunications sector, is currently embroiled in a labour dispute that has cast a shadow
on its reputation as an employer. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Videotron’s labour dispute: A struggle for job security amidst corporate acclaim Read More »

Rocking Chair Conversations: Bridging generations and cultures in Aylmer

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

In the heart of Aylmer, a unique initiative is bringing together people of all ages and cultures for
meaningful dialogue. On the first Wednesday of every month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the
Deschênes Community Centre, 55 Chemin Vanier, Rocking Chair Conversations invites
participants to gather around in a circle of rocking chairs for uplifting and meaningful
discussions. The initiative, which also welcomes donations of rocking chairs, was started by
local elder Judith Matheson, who has long believed in the power of community and the
importance of togetherness.

Matheson, a respected figure in the community, has dedicated her life to fostering connections
and addressing issues of chronic loneliness and isolation. Through her work, she has observed
the challenges posed by modern family structures and individualistic cultures, which she
believes contribute to the widespread feeling of disconnection. “We’re having challenges with
the modern human family as it is reinventing itself,” Matheson explains, highlighting the need for
open-mindedness and acceptance in today’s diverse society.

The Rocking Chair Conversations are more than just casual gatherings; they are part of a larger
vision leading up to National Grandparents Day on September 8th, when the community will
come together to celebrate elders and their wisdom. Matheson emphasizes the importance of
human connection, spirituality, and the balance between materialism and love in combating
loneliness. She also reflects on the changing role of organized religion in providing a sense of
community, noting that many people are now seeking alternative forms of spiritual connection.

At the essence of Matheson’s philosophy lies the transformative power of circle gatherings, a
practice she has nurtured for years. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous traditions and the
profound wisdom of elders, these circles offer sacred spaces for sharing, listening, and healing.
“Immersing oneself in a circle with a shared mission over time fosters a deep understanding and
resonance that emanates from the very core of our being,” she reflects.

As the initiative grows, Matheson envisions the circles becoming a beacon of hope and
inspiration, not just in Aylmer but across the country. “These gatherings are a melting pot of
wisdom, kindness, and diversity, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds unite to create a
stronger, more compassionate community,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of togetherness
that defines the Rocking Chair Conversations.

The Rocking Chair Conversations are a testament to Matheson’s belief in the transformative
power of community. With each gathering, participants are encouraged to share their stories,
listen to others, and find common ground. The conversations are a step toward building a more
connected, compassionate, and understanding society, one rocking chair at a time.

Photo: The Rocking Chair Conversations, hosted by local elder Judith Matheson, take place on ​
the first Wednesday of every month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Deschênes Community
Centre, 55 Chemin Vanier. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Rocking Chair Conversations: Bridging generations and cultures in Aylmer Read More »

Quebec adopts landmark legislation to combat judicial delays

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

In a unanimous decision, the Quebec National Assembly has passed Bill 54, a groundbreaking
law designed to address the persistent issue of judicial delays in criminal and penal matters.
The legislation, championed by Justice Minister and Attorney General Simon Jolin-Barrette, is a
direct response to the action plan unveiled by the Justice-Quebec Table in February, which
called for urgent reforms to enhance the efficiency of the justice system.

Under the new law, significant changes are set to be implemented, including the expansion of
powers for justice of the peace magistrates, which will free up time for criminal and penal judges
to hear more trials. Additionally, the legislation allows for remote appearances and bail hearings
by these magistrates seven days a week, streamlining the process and reducing the need for in-
person court appearances.

A notable feature of the law is the simplification of evidence procedures and the modernization
of processes, aimed at saving court time and minimizing the inconvenience for witnesses. This
includes simplified rules for the admissibility of documents attached to offence reports and
extracts from public registers. The law also extends the time limit for serving a statement of
offence for photo radar and red light camera offences to 120 days, ensuring accountability for
violators.

Furthermore, the law introduces measures to improve the efficiency of asset forfeiture in cases
involving illegal activities, reducing the burden on the courts and preventing the unnecessary
legal proceedings for numerous cases. A new regime for administrative forfeiture allows for the
expedited seizure of movable property valued at up to $100,000 derived from or used in
unlawful activities. Presumptions have been added to aid in the forfeiture of property related to
cannabis cultivation, cash sums found near prohibited substances, and vehicles containing
restricted firearms or equipment used in trafficking.

In a statement, Minister Jolin-Barrette emphasized the centrality of victims in the justice system
and the necessity for efficiency and performance to ensure their stories are heard and
judgements are rendered promptly. “Unfortunately, in recent months, the justice system has not
always succeeded in this due to excessively long judicial delays. This situation is intolerable. We
have brought together all stakeholders in the justice community to find concrete solutions to this
issue. This law will allow for better use of court time and resources, resulting in faster case
processing. We no longer want cases to be abandoned due to delays,” he said.

The law also includes provisions for the addition of seven new judge positions at the Superior
Court, primarily aimed at improving access to justice in rural areas where most of the new ​
positions will be located. This measure is expected to further contribute to the reduction of
judicial delays and enhance the overall performance of the justice system in Quebec.

Additionally, the law empowers the Minister of Justice to determine the judicial districts in which
mediation is mandatory and arbitration is offered in small claims matters, promoting alternative
dispute resolution methods to alleviate the courts’ workload.

Photo: The Quebec National Assembly has passed Bill 54, a law aimed at tackling the ongoing
issue of judicial delays in criminal and penal matters, which was spearheaded by Justice
Minister and Attorney General Simon Jolin-Barrette. (TF) Photo screenshot of Justice Minister
and Attorney General Simon Jolin-Barrette at a press conference on YouTube

Quebec adopts landmark legislation to combat judicial delays Read More »

Volunteers make a very big difference for CHSLD residents

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Everyone who knows Huntingdon resident Shirley Stark knows not to organize anything with her on Tuesday afternoons.

For the past 35 years, Stark has been volunteering every Tuesday afternoon at the Huntingdon Residential and Long-term Care Centre (CHSLD), where she leads a team of volunteers in organizing small concerts by local musicians as part of the Tender Loving Care program. She first learned of the musical therapy program while visiting her father when he was a resident of the care centre. She began volunteering right away and has never looked back.

At 91 years old, Stark says her work with the residents over the years has played a very important part in her life. “When you see their smiles and how they are enjoying themselves, you enjoy coming,” she says, while adding that her volunteer experience has been very rewarding.

Along with Stark, the team of volunteers behind the Tender Loving Care program includes Dawn Fleming, Mary Shewchuk, Denise Brown, Diane Hayvren, Mary Savage, Muguette Quenneville, and Vicky Krajcar. “We have all stuck together and developed friendships out of it all,” says Stark, who is careful to include the musicians as volunteers as well.

“We are so fortunate the musicians all like to come. They give us a lovely afternoon of music,” says Stark, of the different bands and groups who happily play free of charge for the residents each week.

Around 85 per cent of the 60 residents at the CHSLD take part regularly in the TLC afternoons. Many have limited mobility and are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but this does not matter to the TLC team. Stark says they work to create a festive atmosphere, where the volunteers dance and interact with residents. “They know we are going to look after them for the afternoon,” says Stark of the trusting bond the volunteers develop with the residents.

Stark says she is often struck by the way music reaches the residents. When the bands play certain songs, they can sing along to every word. There are often requests for specific songs as well. She remembers one woman who was always agitated during the musical afternoons. When the volunteers discovered she was a former music teacher, they wheeled her up to the piano. “When she put her hands on it, she just played beautifully,” recalls Stark. “We remember them all fondly,” she says, with a smile.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
Volunteers with the CISSSMO were able to enjoy a recent performance by Elvis tribute artist Sylvain Leduc. Events such as this would not be possible without these dedicated volunteers. 

The staff are also very aware of the importance of these afternoons, as are the families of residents, who sometimes join in on the fun. Véronique Blais, a communications and public affairs representative with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO), says volunteers make a significant contribution to improving and maintaining the quality of life of residents and their families. Their work complements that of the healthcare teams and provides a more human care experience for residents, she explains.

There are 52 active volunteers with the Huntingdon CHSLD, which is significant considering there has been a significant decrease in the number of people donating their time throughout the CISSSMO since the start of the pandemic. “We currently estimate that there are 300 volunteers across all our facilities,” says Blais, who notes there were upwards of 600 volunteers prior to 2020. She says the CISSSMO is now recruiting new volunteers in the hope of matching their pre-COVID numbers by 2025.

Stark says the pandemic stopped the TLC Tuesdays for a while, and there have been a couple of afternoons where the activity has been cancelled due to an outbreak of illness or COVID in the building. Her group of dedicated volunteers doesn’t hesitate to get back to work once visitors are allowed to return. “We have to rock the boat and keep going,” she says of their devotion to the residents and the program.

“Shirley is a role model,” says Lisa de Repentigny, who works as a leisure technician at the CHSLD. “She likes music, she likes people, and it is very easy for her to come,” she explains, while highlighting how important the work of volunteers like Stark and her TLC crew are to the residents.

“We see a big change in our residents,” de Repentigny says. “[The volunteers] bring a little bit of normalcy,” she adds. “We are very lucky to have them.”

Volunteers make a very big difference for CHSLD residents Read More »

Cuts to Canada Summer Jobs program will impact employers, young people

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The budget allocated to the Canada Summer Jobs program for the Salaberry-Suroît region has once again been cut by the federal government.

“It was with great disappointment that I noted another three-per-cent cut in funding for the program compared with 2023,” wrote local MP Claude DeBellefeuille, in a communication to area employers who had applied for funding to hire young workers over the summer.

The drop in funding amounts to nearly $24,000 less in wage subsidies compared to last year. This, when added to considerable cuts made in 2023, represents about 40 per cent of the 2022 budget for the riding. In 2022, the region benefitted from $1,262,598 in funding. The 2023 budget was cut back to $830,771, and the 2024 budget is currently $806,791.

In 2023, the program financed at least 219 employment opportunities, while the same program provided funding for over 365 jobs in 2022.

“It is the region’s young people who will suffer, as they will be deprived of many job opportunities,” said DeBellefeuille, while noting many employers who applied to the program for this summer will receive no funding or an amount that will fall short of their needs.

The MP said she disagrees with the decision to restrict funding, and she is currently working to ensure that the Ministry of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth, and Minister Marci Ien, are aware of the impact these cuts will have on the community.

DeBellefeuille noted she would be keeping a close eye on any developments with the program.

Cuts to Canada Summer Jobs program will impact employers, young people Read More »

Farmers stage protest, demand government support

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A convoy of more than 105 tractors left Saint-Clet for Vaudreuil on April 10, as part of a demonstration staged by more than 250 frustrated producers over the looming crisis in agriculture and government inaction.

Several Valley producers made the trek, most by car or pickup, to add their voices to what became a resounding cry for the government to put a stop to the pressure mounting on farmers.

Protesting producers called on the government for better support, regulatory relief, a reduction in red tape and bureaucracy, a review of agricultural financing, and the introduction of fair environmental, health, and economic standards that will allow farmers to remain competitive in international markets.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie

Jérémie Letellier, the president of the Fédération de l’Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) de la Montérégie, admitted to the crowd that he was taken aback by the number of tractors, while suggesting he had underestimated the level of frustration farmers were experiencing and their support for the growing protest movement.

“Our current governments take us for granted,” said Letellier. “If agriculture were important to our governments, there would be no foreign products on our shelves at a fraction of the cost of production for our producers. There would be true reciprocity of standards. If agriculture were important to our governments, there wouldn’t be a mountain of red tape and bureaucracy, there would be regulatory relief!” he exclaimed, to rousing applause and cheers from the crowd.

Letellier was joined by the presidents from local UPA syndicates, including Beauharnois-Salaberry, the Haut-Saint-Laurent, the Jardins-de-Napierville, Roussillon, and Vaudreuil-Soulanges. He was also flanked by Martin Caron, the general president of the UPA, as well as representatives from the Association de la relève agricole de la Montérégie, and several producers who spoke on behalf of their respective agricultural sectors.

The protest in Vaudreuil was the second in a trio of demonstrations that took place last week. A convoy of over 220 tractors rolled through the streets of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on April 5, where over 400 producers gathered in front of the office Louis Lemieux, the MNA for Saint-Jean. Another 160 tractors made their way through the city of Saint-Hyacinthe on April 12, passing by the office of Chantal Soucy, the MNA for Saint-Hyacinthe, before joining a rally staged by over 300 producers and young farmers.

“It is the local unions who are building this movement,” said Éric Leboeuf, the president of the Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA syndicate. “The important thing is to have more recognition from the government. It’s not normal for people to eat three times a day but less than one percent of the budget is allocated to agriculture,” he pointed out.

“We are being asked to be more and more accountable. The administrative tasks are heavy, and they take up a lot of our time and resources when we already know how to feed people,” he said. “We do it well. We take care of the environment. We have ways of doing things that are getting better and better. We are the solution!” he exclaimed, insisting it is not the government putting action into place. 

Leboeuf’s words were echoed by Ange-Marie Delforge, the president of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges UPA syndicate, who said she was moved but concerned to see so many producers gathered in protest. “We are professionals in agriculture, but the government does not recognize us as such!” she exclaimed, lamenting, “We are far from a priority.”

Hinchinbrooke-based dairy producer Noel Erskine was among the crowd waving a rally sign demanding more support for young farmers. Having taken over his family’s farm two years ago, he said things are going well, but it’s hard work balancing increased expenses with productivity.

“We are a dairy farm, and as a collective we’ve decided that consumers want us to go in a certain direction in terms of animal welfare and how their food is produced. That doesn’t come without a cost. It requires investment, and with investment comes interest rates,” he sighed. “We are just looking for the government to make sure they have our back, because it feels like they haven’t been helping as much as they should,” Erskine added.

Also waving a sign was Josée Lajeunesse, an outspoken advocate for mental health services for farmers and co-owner of the Domaine du Paysan nursery and garden centre in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka. “We’ve come to the point where we spend more time in the office than in the field or greenhouses,” she said. “At some point, well, it’s exhausting!” she exclaimed. “And if the farmer is not doing well, their mental health takes a mean hit. And that’s what needs saving too. We must save our farmers,” she added.

Farmers stage protest, demand government support Read More »

Pet therapy benefits NFSB students and staff

Local Journalism Initiative / / / ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Chateauguay Valley Regional High School’s vice-principal, Sandra Grant, first began working with pet therapist Chantal Pion during the pandemic.

“We were noticing anxiety levels were rising, and we were worried about the students coming back,” says Grant, who was working at Howard S. Billings high school in Chateauguay at the time. “When I came to CVR as vice-principal, I said there was no way I was coming without my dogs!” she exclaims, referring to Pion and her team of professionally trained therapy animals.

Grant had previously worked at CVR, but shortly after returning last fall, she says she noticed a change. “There was a different kind of stress including past anxieties from COVID that needed to be dealt with,” she explains. “I wanted to do something and having had such great success with pet therapy at Billings, I knew it really worked.”

PHOTOS Sarah Rennie
A Grade 8 student bonds with Monsieur Emile during a recent pet therapy session at CVR.

Grant turned to Megan L’Heureux, a community development agent with the New Frontiers School Board, who was tasked with finding a way to fund the project. L’Heureux reached out to the Montérégie West Community Network, a long-time partner with the NFSB, which was able to finance the pet therapy visits with a grant received through the Youth and mental health initiative offered by the Community Health and Social Services Network.

Once the funding was secured, Grant says they began to look at which students might benefit the most from this service. Results from a school survey indicated girls in Grade 8 were suffering from higher levels of anxiety, so the administration decided to focus their efforts on a core group of around 12 students from this grade level. “It is the end of a cycle. They are just on the cusp of senior school, when anxiety levels can rise even higher,” explains Grant.

The program, which started officially on March 14, includes 30-minute visits with the animals every two weeks, for a total of eight weeks. Pion has now been to CVR twice with her animal companions, including Happy the turtle dove, bunnies Choupette and Luna, dogs Beatrice, Rosalie, and Monsieur Emile, as well as a fluffy guinea pig. The students enter the room one-at-a-time and Pion observes them as they naturally gravitate toward one of the animals. Pion is provided with some background details on each student, and she works closely with Donna Roberts of CVR’s Mediation Station, who follows up with the girls after each session.

Pion says she has already noticed a difference in the participants from the first to second session. “We work on the students’ emotions,” she explains. “For some kids it is hard just to come into the school, and now they have a good reason,” she says. “We are not here to try to fix the problem, but to help them to live with this problem,” she adds. Spending time with the animals is calming, and bonding activities help to improve self-esteem and boost confidence.

“There are so many benefits. As a dog owner, I know,” says CVR principal Lynn Harkness, who admits they wish the program could be extended to the entire school. She says they are hoping to develop the program for next year. “We are very blessed to have this opportunity,” she continues, noting the animals are beneficial for her staff as well.

NFSB community development agent Megan L’Heureux worked with CVR vice-principal Sandra Grant and staff member Donna Roberts, as well as Joanne Basilières of the MWCN, to bring pet therapist Chantal Pion and her team of therapy animals to CVR.

HAECC students get in some pets

Pion also visited students at HAECC with her animals on March 18. The visit was organized by NFSB community learning technician Mckenzie Hooker in partnership with the MWCN. All six groups within the school, including the social integration classes, horticulture, and landscaping students, and those in the academic program, spent some time with the animal companions. Staff members were also able to enjoy some time with the animals before the end of the day.

“I wanted to bring a bit of happy into the school,” says Hooker, who admits the purpose of Pion’s visit was not the same as her work at CVR. “The students just melted toward the animals,” she says, confirming the initiative was a success.

Pet therapy benefits NFSB students and staff Read More »

NFSB welcomes new education dashboard

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Quebec government has launched a new education dashboard to publicly track and transparently report information about the sector.

The platform provides access to relevant and reliable information on nine indicators, including graduation rates at different levels, the results of ministerial examinations at the secondary level, job vacancies, and air quality in schools. Some of the statistics are available at the provincial level, while others are searchable and provide data on specific school boards or service centres.

“Having access to data is essential to making informed decisions and providing better support for our students,” said Education minister Bernard Drainville, in a post to social media.

The New Frontiers School Board is on the same page. “Our feeling is that it is good. The more information we have, the better,” says John Ryan, who chairs the NFSB’s Council of Commissioners. He admits however, that the way the new tool was announced by the Education Ministry was perhaps less appreciated. “It caught everyone off guard,” he says, suggesting there was absolutely no advance warning given to school boards or service centres that this information would be made so public.

For example, the dashboard shows general statistics such as the total number of students registered with the NFSB, but also detailed information on success rates for each ministerial exam. According to the platform, there were 3,164 jobs available within the public education sector as of last January, including two teaching and three support staff positions at the NFSB, and 21 positions within the Centre de services scolaire de la Vallée-des-Tisserands. It is also possible to compare between service centres or school boards.

Some within the sector have criticized the dashboard because it could pit boards or service centres against one another. Ryan says concerns over competition are real but may not be the best way to approach the dashboard and its usage. “There is such variety in schools from one region or community to another, including their social portraits,” he says, suggesting the tool works well to provide a more complete picture of what is going on within each board or service centre. 

“Having access to more data and more tools that we can work with is an immediate plus,” he says.

NFSB welcomes new education dashboard Read More »

Gault Institute creates opportunities while managing overcrowding

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Gault Institute principal Anick Leclerc started the school year in a scramble to find enough desks and furniture, after enough children to fill a separate classroom were registered at the last minute. Leclerc says the fact the school population is booming is a good thing, but it has meant thinking creatively and reaching out to new partners.

“Space is an issue,” says Leclerc, noting they were forced to close the cafeteria to create two additional teaching spaces. The school serves 180 hot lunches per day, and while some students are eating in classrooms, others are now dining on the stage in the gym. “It is not ideal,” she admits, acknowledging she has put plans to launch a breakfast program at the school on hold because of space constraints.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
The front yard at Gault Institute in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield now includes several elements that make up the Kinder Garden, including an outdoor teaching space, a gazebo, and plenty of opportunities for creative learning.

The growing number of students has motivated Leclerc to reconsider almost everything, from class sizes, to creating outdoor teaching spaces, and adding additional recess periods to reduce the number of students on the playground and consequently the number of incidents and accidents.

“We really need to think,” Leclerc says. The school is currently renting the basement of a neighbouring church to use as a gym. “They are beautiful partners,” she exclaims, noting the school rents out its gym facilities to the church on Saturdays in return. “We share many things,” she says, including the playground.

The school has built what is referred to as a ‘Kinder Garden’ in the front yard, which includes a teaching space with tree stump seating, a play area, gazebo, and garden. The project cost $26,000 to put in place and included $10,000 in additional equipment. The idea behind the space is to inspire loose parts play, where students can learn from using natural or everyday objects in an unstructured environment.

Leclerc says she is focused on making the school feel safer and more homelike for her students and for the staff. She admits there is work to be done, and the space constraints make it tough at times. “We have never had this high of numbers at Gault,” she says, while pointing out the need for space is nothing new. The school has undergone three expansions since opening its doors in 1895. The latest addition, on the south side facing Dufferin Street, was completed in 2002. Now the New Frontiers School Board (NFSB) is hoping to expand again by adding a second floor to a section of the school to ease crowding.

“It is not easy on the staff, and we appreciate the effort they are making,” says John Ryan, the chair of the NFSB Council of Commissioners. He notes the board is also managing ballooning populations at the four Chateauguay elementary schools (Centennial Park, Harmony, Mary Gardner, and St. Willibrord) and at the Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre (CVCEC) in Ormstown.

Ryan says resolutions to apply for expansion have been approved and sent on to the Education Ministry. The board is hoping to hear back as early as this June as to whether the government will fund feasibility studies, which constitute the next stage in the expansion process.

Gault Institute creates opportunities while managing overcrowding Read More »

Rosemère Town Council Takes Steps Towards Mixed-Use Development

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Rosemère Town Council Takes Steps Towards Mixed-Use Development

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

In a pivotal move to rejuvenate its regional hub, the Rosemère Town Council passed a resolution directing the General Manager’s office to draft a request for amending the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville’s land use and development plan. This amendment seeks to incorporate mixed commercial and residential use in specific zones of the town, namely C-03, C-139, and C-140, areas central to Rosemère’s urban strategy.

As the local retail sector faces a downturn, Rosemère is experiencing a concerning drop in tax revenues, a scenario that is exacerbating the financial burden on residential taxpayers. The Council’s strategy aims to leverage this situation by optimizing land use in the regional hub to align with broader redevelopment objectives. This would involve the integration of additional green spaces near Place Rosemère, currently the town’s most significant heat island, and enhancing the area’s resilience to climate change.

Furthermore, the Council is committed to addressing the social and demographic needs of Rosemère’s residents by diversifying the housing options available within the community. This approach not only aims to cater to a broader range of residents but also to invigorate the community with new vitality and connectivity.

Earlier in February, the town took a preparatory step by commissioning a technical study to explore the feasibility of integrating certain urban infrastructure systems. This study is crucial in ensuring that any forthcoming projects are backed by thorough data and analysis, thereby supporting informed decision-making by the town’s leadership.

To steer these initiatives, the Council has established a working committee chaired by Councillor Marie-Élaine Pitre, with Mayor Eric Westram and key municipal staff as members. The committee is tasked with monitoring the progress of major projects emerging from these redevelopment efforts, ensuring that each step aligns with the town’s long-term vision for growth and sustainability.

This strategic pivot marks a significant chapter in Rosemère’s urban planning, as it looks to a future where commercial vitality and residential well-being are closely intertwined, creating a more dynamic and sustainable community.

Rosemère Town Council Takes Steps Towards Mixed-Use Development Read More »

Deux-Montagnes Invests $100,000 in Renovation of École Sauvé Playground

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Deux-Montagnes Invests $100,000 in Renovation of École Sauvé Playground

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

The city of Deux-Montagnes supported the renovation project for the new playground at École Sauvé, which has already brought great joy to its students. The city’s contribution of $100,000 played a crucial role in providing a new adventure play module for the children.
The renovated playground offers a vibrant environment for the students of École Sauvé and serves as a multi-functional play area for all the youth in Deux-Montagnes, accessible even outside school hours. “The new courtyard provides a beautiful setting for the students of École Sauvé and allows all young people from Deux-Montagnes to enjoy a wonderful multifunctional play area outside of school hours,” stated Mayor Denis Martin.
The project included landscaping work, refurbishment of play equipment, and a reorganization of the space to better serve the needs of the children. Special congratulations are extended to Mr. Martin Lafrenière, the principal of École Sauvé, and his team for their dedication to this project.
The community’s investment in such projects underscores the importance of providing safe and engaging outdoor spaces for children, which are essential for their physical and mental development. The new playground not only enhances the school environment but also enriches the community by providing a well-equipped space for active play and social interaction among children.

Deux-Montagnes Invests $100,000 in Renovation of École Sauvé Playground Read More »

Marie-Andrée Bonneau Wins Municipal Council Seat in Rosemère

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Marie-Andrée Bonneau Wins Municipal Council Seat in Rosemère

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

Marie-Andrée Bonneau has been elected to the municipal council of Rosemère following a special election held last Sunday.

The election came about to fill the seat vacated by Councillor Carla Brown, who resigned in January. Bonneau and another candidate, Alexandre Raymond from the InnovAction+ party, contended for the position.

Bonneau, running as an independent, secured the council seat with a significant lead, outpacing Raymond by 161 votes. Her victory marks her as the second independent voice on the council, a detail she is particularly proud of.

Reflecting on her campaign strategy, Bonneau highlighted her grassroots approach. “I ran as an independent and sparked a debate. I campaigned without any spending, relying solely on word-of-mouth,” she stated shortly after the final vote counts were revealed.

Bonneau also expressed a deep understanding of her constituents’ concerns and a commitment to represent their voices in the city council. “People want to be heard. Since 2021, things have not progressed. Now, with two independent voices, we hope to initiate healthy debate and push forward on important issues,” she asserted.

She concluded her victory speech with gratitude, saying, “I am very happy and would like to thank all the citizens who turned out to vote,” before ending the evening’s celebrations.

Marie-Andrée Bonneau Wins Municipal Council Seat in Rosemère Read More »

$800K for Five AI Pilot Projects in Municipalities

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$800K for Five AI Pilot Projects in Municipalities

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

The MRC (Regional County Municipality) of Thérèse-De Blainville, led by Eric Westram, Prefect and Mayor of Rosemère, alongside Julie Boivin, Deputy Prefect and Mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, and other council members, unveiled the inaugural projects chosen for the “Signature Innovation” initiative, marking a significant stride in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) within municipal operations.
The initiative has attracted considerable attention, distributing nearly $800,000 across five pilot projects from a total fund of $2.3 million. These projects, rooted in AI, aim to tackle various municipal challenges, including climate change adaptation. The funding, part of a larger $3 million agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH), underscores the region’s commitment to innovative municipal solutions. The projects will be supported by IVÉO, an organization dedicated to assisting small and medium-sized cities in implementing innovative solutions.
Innovative Projects on the Horizon
The selected startups will undertake ambitious projects designed to enhance municipal infrastructure and services. Among them, the projects include:
• Niosense: Focused on sustainable mobility, this initiative aims to enhance transportation efficiency by reducing unnecessary stops at traffic lights through improved synchronization.
• Civilia: Another project aimed at sustainable mobility, Civilia will develop advanced modeling of existing cycling networks to create a platform that measures the impact of construction work on sustainable mobility.
• XEOS and K2 Geospatial: Concentrating on environmental and climate change issues, this project will monitor urban heat islands and air quality, while also developing predictive analytics for tree health.
• CANN Forecast: Dedicated to water economy, this project will diagnose the condition of water mains and predict water consumption patterns using machine learning techniques for predictive maintenance.
• Acara Climate: This initiative focuses on public policy and climate risk management, offering software that supports resilient land use planning and assesses future vulnerability to climate impacts.
A Pioneering Effort in Municipal AI
The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville aims to be at the forefront of integrating AI into municipal operations to address unprecedented challenges such as climate change, aging infrastructure, economic complexities, and labor shortages.
“The projects selected will contribute in their own unique ways to making the municipalities of the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville more innovative and resilient in combating climate change. Whether focusing on water protection, enhancing sustainable mobility, energy recovery, or environmental protection, their outcomes will positively impact the community,” stated Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
This initiative not only supports the regional economy by allowing local businesses to develop and test new technologies but also encourages public-private partnerships that generate solutions beneficial to all municipalities within the environmental sector.
With a second round of project proposals already underway and expected to be announced by fall 2024, the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville is keen to continue building its reputation as an innovative and resilient leader in the face of climate challenges.

$800K for Five AI Pilot Projects in Municipalities Read More »

Novomed Clinic: A New Hope for Healthcare in Montreal’s Parc-Extension

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Novomed Clinic: A New Hope for Healthcare in Montreal’s Parc-Extension

Novomed Clinic: A New Hope for Healthcare in Montreal’s Parc-Extension

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

The transformation of a once-vacant building, previously a funeral home, at the corner of Stuart and Ogilvy in Montreal’s Parc-Extension neighborhood marks the establishment of the Novomed Clinic. This new medical center is set to tackle the critical shortage of healthcare services in the densely populated area, which is home to approximately 33,000 residents within just 1.6 square kilometers.

Dr. Jhanzaib Sherwani, the medical director, has been a key advocate for the clinic, working over the past five years to bring it to fruition. He describes Parc-Extension as a “medical desert,” plagued by a lack of primary, specialty, and urgent care facilities. This sentiment is echoed by Mary Deros, the city councillor for Montreal’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, who notes the area’s scarcity of healthcare professionals and facilities. She also points out the increasing trend of doctors moving into private practice, which has driven up the costs of medical consultations.

The Novomed Clinic addresses particularly acute needs given the area’s ethnic diversity and the language barriers between residents and healthcare providers. Many of the community’s residents are elderly and struggle to access distant medical facilities.

These factors have led to a high prevalence of chronic and acute medical conditions that remain untreated, underscoring the critical importance of the Novomed Clinic. The clinic aims to improve healthcare accessibility and is a significant step forward for the community. According to Novomed, the clinic “was born from a shared vision of accessible and compassionate healthcare, initiated by a group of family doctors committed to serving an underserved community. This clinic stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of Parc-Extension.”

According to the company’s website, its 7,000 square foot facility spread over two floors is designed to cater to diverse healthcare needs, with distinct areas dedicated to family medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, urgent care, and more. The clinic emphasizes staff welfare with features such as a private entry that allows employees to bypass patient areas, leading to facilities equipped with showers and secure lockers. This inclusion aids in maintaining a professional, discreet workflow.

Technologically, Novomed boasts dual monitors in family medicine rooms and a fully wireless setup to streamline operations and reduce clutter. Every family doctor benefits from the assistance of a dedicated medical assistant, enhancing the efficiency of patient management. The clinic’s secure, card-access-controlled areas and monitored parking lot are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and security of both staff and their belongings.

Additionally, Novomed offers a robust mentorship program connecting new medical professionals with experienced physicians. This not only facilitates professional growth but also enhances patient care quality through expert collaboration and guidance. The design of the facility also prioritizes safety, with strategically placed exits in examination rooms to ensure physician safety in emergencies.

Clinique Novomed is a public clinic, and all consultations are covered by RAMQ.

Novomed Clinic: A New Hope for Healthcare in Montreal’s Parc-Extension Read More »

Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension

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Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

Early morning, on Friday the 26th of April, a significant three-alarm blaze ravaged BK Marché, a popular grocery store located in the Park Extension area. The fire reportedly started following an explosive sound heard by employees working the early shift, leading to a swift evacuation of the premises as smoke began to fill the structure. This incident not only impacted the grocery store but also extended to a mosque situated on the second floor of the same building.

The conflagration prompted immediate action from the emergency services, with approximately 90 firefighters arriving at the scene at the intersection of Jean Talon Street and Bloomfield Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. They battled the fire, which is believed to have originated in the building’s basement.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as residents of other units within the building were evacuated safely. The local community quickly gathered around the scene, showing solidarity and support for the grocery store owner during this distressing time. The store, which employs over 50 individuals, plays a significant role in the neighborhood.

As a precautionary measure and to facilitate emergency operations, Jean Talon Street was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between L’Acadie Boulevard and Querbes Avenue throughout the morning.

Authorities, including the fire department, are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire. The closure of this central thoroughfare and the damage to the building has undoubtedly affected local traffic and businesses, underscoring the broader impact of such urban fires on community life and safety.

Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension Read More »

Annual Cleanup at Parc Jarry Celebrates Community and Environmental Well-being

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Annual Cleanup at Parc Jarry Celebrates Community and Environmental Well-being

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

For sixteen years, the friends of Parc Jarry, or “Amies du parc Jarry,” have gathered annually to engage in a spring cleanup event that not only beautifies their community space but also strengthens their collective commitment to the environment. This year, the event is scheduled for the first Saturday of May, continuing a cherished local tradition.

Scheduled from 9:30 AM to noon on May 4th, participants will meet at the chalet at the Gounod and Saint-Laurent entrance. The event is organized by CAP Jarry and Ville en vert – Eco-quartier VSP, with the support of the Villeray – Saint-Michel – Parc-Extension borough. These organizations play a crucial role in maintaining the park as a vibrant hub for relaxation, leisure, and outdoor sports accessible to all.

The cleanup initiative provides an excellent opportunity for community members to contribute actively to the preservation and enhancement of their local environment. By coming together to clean up the park, participants not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the area but also promote biodiversity by creating a healthier habitat for local wildlife.

CAP Jarry’s mission is to protect and promote Parc Jarry as a space for relaxation, leisure, and sports, open to everyone. Meanwhile, Ville en vert focuses on raising awareness, educating, and supporting both citizens and organizations in sustainable development within the district.

This event exemplifies how community involvement can lead to substantial environmental benefits. Providing all necessary materials such as trash bags, gloves, and grabbers, the organizers ensure that everyone can participate safely and effectively. Participants are encouraged to bring their enthusiasm, water bottles, and sunscreen, with a hopeful invitation extended to the sun to join in the efforts.

The Parc Jarry cleanup is more than just a communal obligation; it is a demonstration of the power of collective action in fostering an environmentally conscious community. It’s a chance for neighbors to connect, for new friendships to be formed, and for the community to take tangible steps towards sustainability. This initiative not only enhances the park’s beauty but also instills a sense of pride and stewardship among its users, ensuring that Parc Jarry remains a cherished green space for generations to come.

Annual Cleanup at Parc Jarry Celebrates Community and Environmental Well-being Read More »

Black entrepreneurs from Laval recognized for their business achievements

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Of all the Black entrepreneurs in Canada who live and work in Quebec, more than half are immigrants, according to some of the latest figures compiled by Statistics Canada.

Last week, the Gala de Reconnaissance pour les entrepreneurs noirs du Québec shone a spotlight on these entrepreneurs, while helping to dispel some of the myths that have sometimes created financing roadblocks and image issues for Black entrepreneurs.

Two finalists from Laval

Initiated by the Fonds Afro-Entrepreneur and staged on April 25 at the Théâtre Saint-James in Montreal, the gala was an opportunity to discover and highlight projects and important business personalities in the field.

A number of key players, including Quebec Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy Pierre Fitzgibbon, were present.

While the finalists came from all over Quebec, two in particular from the Laval region,Alexandre Kénol and Olivier Doleyres, were strong contenders.

  • Olivier Doleyres, a young entrepreneur from an immigrant family, embodies success through hard work. Involved in the world of work from the age of 15, Olivier was approached in 2018 to take over Inter Clôtures Sentinelle. After joining the company in 2019, he gradually acquired shares until he became Chairman and CEO in 2024, owning 50 per cent of the company.
  • Alexandre Kénol, founder of Gestion Événements Alexandre Kénol (GEAK) inc. in 2019, embodies excellence in event and project management. Under his leadership, GEAK creates memorable experiences in the sporting, charitable, artistic and corporate fields.

Entrepreneurial spirit

In interviews this week with The Laval News, Doleyres and Kénol revealed some of the secrets of their success.

Doleyres is leading a company that has grown exponentially since he took the reins six years ago. He grew up in a home on Guénette St. in northern Chomedey. He attended grade school and high school in Laval and Montreal. He later obtained an undergraduate degree in industrial relations from University of Montreal.

Although Inter Clôtures Sentinelle’s clients are concentrated mostly in the Greater Montreal area (including Laval, Montreal, the North Shore and Lower Laurentians), these past few years the company has won major contracts from Amazon, UPS and Banque Nationale, as well as for the Espace Montmorency project in downtown Laval by Montoni.

Inter Clôtures Sentinelle operates three divisions: residential, commercial and distribution of materials. The company is currently in the process of expanding through the acquisition of a competing fence installation business.

Revenue has risen exponentially

“In the residential, I have a structure where I have a director with five sales reps who each cover a certain area in Greater Montreal,” said Doleyres. “And then I also have the commercial division where I used to be the director when I started. There I have two sales reps and a director.”

With an estimated market valuation of $10 million, Inter Clôtures Sentinelle currently ranks as number one in the fence installation sector in Quebec. Revenue has doubled in that space of time, according to Doleyres.

Over the previous 36 years, the company, whose head office is on Dagenais Blvd. West in Laval, was doing an average $6 million worth of business annually, he said. Inter Clôtures Sentinelle now does about $12 million of business in a year, according to some of the most recent numbers.

Contact: Inter Clôtures Sentinelle Tel.: (450) 963-1210

Thriving after the pandemic

“Baptism of fire” might be the expression that best sums up how Alexandre Kénol’s company, Gestion Événements Alexandre Kénol (GEAK) inc., managed to survive and thrive – when the ventures of many other entrepreneurs fizzled.

Kénol started GEAK five years ago, just as the Covid pandemic was about to strike and create economic pandemonium around the globe. “We managed to survive,” he said, noting that businesses in general which managed to weather the storm often came out stronger.

GEAK is a one-stop-shop for those looking to organize major events and celebrations. The company’s services include, consulting, planning and designing for occasions that can range from corporate and sports celebrations to charitable fundraising gatherings.

Organizing worry-free events

“GEAK revolutionizes the management of events,” Kénol states on the company’s website. “No need to worry about finding the best idea for organizing an evening with all the constraints you might run into. The GEAK team makes sure to set down a plan based on your objectives in order to organize events that fit your needs. Whether your event is sports or charitable, the team behind GEAK will be sure to fully answer all your expectations.”

In the past five years, GEAK has organized more than 100 major happenings in Laval and Montreal. “Sometimes, when a company is trying to raise its image, they will look for a way to organize an event or activity that ties in with their marketing,” Kénol explained.

“That’s where we come in,” he added. “We do consulting, event production, coordination of the events, as well as originating the ideas behind all this, which allows our clients to attain their objectives.” Contact: info@geakevents.com. Tel.: (438) 882-4195

Black entrepreneurs from Laval recognized for their business achievements Read More »

Lenn’ me your ears!

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Stanstead College cleans up at CFUW public-speaking contest

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Two students from Stanstead College, Alison Om (Senior) and Jade Thibault (Junior), won in their respective categories at the Canadian Federation of University Women- Sherbrooke and District’s (CFUW) annual public-speaking competition held May 1 in the basement of Lennoxville’s Hope Community Church. The winners received $100 each for their school’s library.

Organizer Jane Loiselle presided over the event with nearly 40 in attendance, including local politicians Claude Charron and Jennifer Garfat. The competition was put on hiatus for four years due to the pandemic.

Some seven students from local high schools participated. Loiselle said some schools were not represented due to exam rescheduling caused by the teacher’s strikes at the end of last year. Previous events boasted upwards of 20 young competitors.

Judging the event were Tim Belford, former CBC “Quebec AM” radio show host and columnist for The Record, Jan Draper, senior project coordinator of Write Here, Write Now, and Bev Taber Smith, who is involved with the Townships Sun and the CFUW.

The following are the names of the student participants, the title of their speech, what school and category they represented, and a short summary of what they said:

Kayla Pietraszkiewicz – “Animal testing should be banned worldwide” (Galt Junior)

In an evocative speech, Pietraszkiewicz passionately argued against animal testing, depicting its brutal reality where animals endure extreme suffering for products meant for human use.

She highlighted the high failure rate of such tests and the subsequent unreliability in medicine, questioning the justification of such cruelty.

She pointed out the environmental hazards from disposing of the tested animals and urged a global ban on animal testing, noting the unnecessary loss of animal lives and the ineffectiveness of the results in contributing valuable medical information.

She advocated for consumer awareness and choosing products that do not perpetuate animal suffering.

Alexandre Papillon – “What’s on our plate?” (BCS Junior)

Papillon’s presentation addressed the transparency and safety concerns surrounding Canadian food safety standards.

He pointed out that commonly enjoyed products like gummy bears are made with gelatin derived from cattle bones and pork skin, which many consumers may not be aware of. Furthermore, he highlighted that certain toxins, including melamine known to harm kidneys, are legally permitted in food products like dairy.

He also mentioned troubling findings of physical contaminants such as glass and paintbrush parts in food, demonstrating potential flaws in current regulatory practices.

He suggested that adopting organic foods could mitigate exposure to artificial chemicals and reduce environmental pollution, advocating for improved food safety regulations and clearer labeling to better inform consumers.

Jade Thibault – “It’s not enough to be against something. You have to be for something better” (Stanstead Junior)

Thibault addressed fellow students, faculty, judges, and guests, invoking a powerful quote from Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame”: “It’s not enough to be against something. You have to be for something better.”

This choice was motivated by her belief in the quote’s truthfulness. She interpreted it as a call to support causes actively seeking change, rather than merely opposing issues, which she deemed performative.

The example of Martin Luther King Jr. was highlighted, noting his peaceful, proactive stance against inequality, exemplified by actions like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

She emphasized the importance of nonviolent solutions, urging the audience to engage in activities like protests, signing petitions, and encouraging participation in social causes.

She challenged the audience to reflect on their role in combating inequality, underscoring the ongoing struggle but affirming the impact of individual contributions toward societal change.

Janani Spurthui Sikhakolli – “Measles” (Galt Junior)

Sikhakolli said measles, once believed to be under control, remains a highly contagious disease, with 90 per cent infection rates among the unprotected.

She said it manifests with flu-like symptoms and distinctive irritating rashes. Historically noted since the 9th century, measles caused up to 2.6 million deaths annually before widespread vaccination.

Despite vaccinations reducing occurrences, the COVID-19 pandemic diverted attention and resources, causing a resurgence.

Annually, measles still affects nine million people globally, leading to around 136,000 deaths. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention, with a 97 per cent efficacy rate with two doses.

She said this alarming persistence underscores the need for continuous public health vigilance and education about measles.

Aurélie Monast-Haddad – “Our Accent, Our Legacy” (BCS Senior)

Monast-Haddad announced her topic on accent discrimination and its deep-seated roots in societal norms.

She described accent discrimination as a systemic linguistic oppression impacting millions globally. She admitted her own guilt in perpetuating these biases, despite being a victim of mockery for her Quebecois accent, highlighting a lack of representation in the media and the scorn it incites even among Quebecers.

She explained the cognitive strain foreign accents produce, which unfortunately leads to negative perceptions.

She advocated for awareness and inclusivity, emphasizing that accents are more than just pronunciations; they are the legacies and histories of individuals, deserving respect and honour rather than mockery.

Arabella MacAulay-Fishman – “Why you should vote” (BCS Senior)

MacAulay-Fishman, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student, passionately addressed the importance of voting and the need for better political education in schools.

She noted that in Canada’s last election, only 78 per cent of eligible voters participated, leaving over 12 million people who did not vote. She emphasized that even those uninterested in politics are affected by election outcomes, which influence crucial policies on education, healthcare, and the environment.

She argued that non-voters inadvertently increase the influence of those who do vote, leading to a government that may not reflect the broader population’s interests.

She highlighted the historical struggles for enfranchisement as a marker of societal power and pointed out that barriers like a lack of political education still hinder voter participation.

Citing a study, she revealed that many Canadians received little to no civic education, which is vital for informed participation and advocacy. She called for a standardized civic curriculum to empower future generations and encourage active engagement in societal change.

Alison Om – “You never know. You hope for the best and make do with what you get” (Stanstead Senior)

Om referenced a quote from Nick Fury about making the best of what one has. She highlighted common clichés about perseverance and achievement, acknowledging the fatigue many feel towards such sayings.

She then addressed common excuses people make for not pursuing their dreams, like being too tired or feeling inadequate. She pointed out the reality that some dreams are indeed unachievable, but emphasized hard work, dedication, and goal-setting as keys to overcoming doubts and limitations.

She cited two athletes who overcame significant physical disabilities, to inspire the audience to challenge their own perceptions of limitations and pursue their “impossible” despite the odds.

She concluded by questioning whether constant negativity is truly realism or just a disguise for pessimism, urging the audience to consider how they approach their own challenges.

After the speeches there was a brief time of socializing and refreshment while the judges made their decisions. Loiselle handed out participation certificates to all competitors and announced Thibault and Om as the winners.

Loiselle congratulated the winners and said she hoped more students would participate next year.

Lenn’ me your ears! Read More »

Lennoxville United Church “Service of Hope & Inspiration” supports cancer-affected individuals

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxville United Church’s (LUC) upcoming “Service of Hope & Inspiration” aims to support individuals and families impacted by cancer. This special event to be held on May 5, at 10 a.m. at the LUC, is organized to bring together those who have been touched by this challenging disease, offering a space for remembrance and encouragement.

All financial contributions collected during the event will be divided equally between two notable cancer support organizations: La Maison Aube -Lumière and Leucan. These organizations are dedicated to providing care and support to cancer patients and their families, making significant impacts in their communities.

Attendees are encouraged to make floral or monetary donations in memory of their loved ones. For details on how to contribute, interested parties can contact LUC Outreach Team Member Frankie Noble at 819-348-9118.

The service promises not only a moment of reflection and hope but also an opportunity for attendees to connect with others over refreshments, which will be available after the ceremony.

“It’s a service in which we dedicate some flowers to members of the family of friends of those suffering through cancer or have succumbed to cancer,” Noble explained in a brief interview with The Record May 2. Lennoxville’s Cass Funeral Homes is donating the flowers, she added.

Flowers will be given out at the door to people who come in; during the service they will be placed in “a big vase of hope” and can then be taken home afterwards. Those who wish to include a special dedication in the bulletin to a loved one should contact the LUC before May 4.

Noble said Robbie Hinds will be there representing Leucan and will shave his head in support of cancer victims after the service for a third year in a row. Christian Gagnon, executive director of Aube -Lumière, will attend to represent his organization. Both will be presented symbolic envelopes near the end of the service representing the money raised at the event.

Everyone is invited for refreshments downstairs after the service, Noble said. “Hope bags” will be available there for people to take to loved ones that need to spend time in the hospital due to cancer-related treatments. They contain toiletries, crossword puzzles, pens, pencils and more. “Those are available for anybody to take to anyone, free of charge,” Noble noted.

The event is organized annually by LUC’s Outreach Team, co-chaired by Kristan McKercher and Nancy Suitor.

Lennoxville United Church “Service of Hope & Inspiration” supports cancer-affected individuals Read More »

Québec solidaire hopes to fix construction sector labour shortage

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Québec solidaire, which holds a dozen of the 125 seats in the Quebec National Assembly, is urging the Coalition Avenir Québec government to implement a pilot program that would fast-track potential immigration candidates into the province’s lagging construction sector.

“We will never be able to fix the housing crisis if we don’t build more houses and living units,” says the left-wing party’s official spokesperson (and de facto leader) Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.

Fast-track immigration

“The labour shortage is slowing our construction industry,” he continued. “We are proposing the creation of an express lane towards permanent immigration in order to attract more workers for the industry – persons who are already here, who speak French and who can help us to build more. It’s win-win.”

Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, the QS MNA for Montreal’s Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne riding, who is the party’s spokesperson for immigration issues, notes that similar programs have been implemented in recent years to make up for labour shortages in sectors like food production, development of artificial intelligence and nursing assistance.

“And that’s exactly what we seek to duplicate here,” he says. “Effectively, this type of program could make up for nearly a third of the 7,800 workers currently lacking in the construction industry.”

Under the QS proposal:

·         The program would grant access to a Quebec Access Certificate (CSQ), leading eventually to obtaining permanent resident status.

·         It is addressed specifically to non-permanent residents who are already living in Quebec, particularly asylum seekers, those with work permits for the construction industry, or persons with open work permits.

·         Participants would have to meet certain criteria:

·         Must have been employed and on salary in the residential construction sector in Quebec for at least 12 of the 24 months preceding their application (required work experience will be cumulative and not consecutive, the reason being the seasonal nature of many of the jobs in question);

·         Must have an Apprentice Competency Certificate from the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ);

·         Must make a commitment to obtain a certificate of training for a construction skill recognized by the Government of Quebec within 24 months – in other words, an Attestation of Professional Studies or a Diploma of Professional Studies;

·         Must also have a knowledge of spoken French equivalent to level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competencies in French.

Québec solidaire hopes to fix construction sector labour shortage Read More »

Construction and community organizations essential to overcome housing crisis says Bisson

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Independent mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson revealed a five-point approach to tackle Gatineau’s critical housing issue at a press conference at the Asticou Centre on April 24.

“As you know, our City is at a critical point in terms of housing and it is essential to put in place concrete and sustainable solutions for social and affordable housing,” Bisson wrote to social media.

While Bisson listed Gatineau’s vacancy rate at 0.8 per cent, the latest Rental Market Report recorded the 2023 vacancy rate at 1.1 per cent. The area’s vacancy rate has remained steady at 1 per cent since 2018.

To undertake the housing crisis, Bisson recommended using existing land and buildings for social housing, consulting with the main players in the construction sector, using social utility trusts, utilizing municipal right of pre-emption on land and multi-unit buildings as well as continuing the activities and recommendations of the Comité-choc en logement.

To achieve this feat, the candidate underlined the contribution of the main players in the construction and community organizations.

“It is with firm commitment and unfailing determination that I wish to lead these initiatives,” wrote Bisson. “Together, we can transform our vision into reality and make Gatineau a city where every citizen can find an affordable and decent roof over their heads.”

Photo caption: Mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson shares his five-point plan to resolve Gatineau’s housing crisis at a press conference on April 24.

Photo credit: Stéphane Bisson Facebook

Construction and community organizations essential to overcome housing crisis says Bisson Read More »

François Legault expects Montreal police to remove pro-Palestine encampment on McGill campus

Local Journalism Initiative / /

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

In a press conference today, shortly before the arrival of pro-Israel counter-protesters at McGill University, Quebec Premier François Legault made it clear that he expects Montreal police to remove the pro-Palestine encampment on the downtown campus.

“Everybody in Quebec has to respect laws,” Legault said in English. “Right now, the encampment is illegal, so we have to respect law and I want to make sure that police officers make sure that laws are respected.”

In French, Legault said, “I expect the police to clear these camps.”

McGill University has previously stated that the encampment goes against its own regulations. On Wednesday, a Quebec judge rejected a request for an emergency injunction against the encampment, which was made on the part of two McGill students who felt threatened by the presence of the protesters on campus.

A police spokesperson stated this morning that the police presence at the university today is meant to keep the peace between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters, as the latter group has planned an afternoon demonstration outside the Roddick Gates, just a few feet away from the McGill encampment.

François Legault expects Montreal police to remove pro-Palestine encampment on McGill campus Read More »

Laval City-Watch

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Officials with the City of Laval last week marked the 10th anniversary of the founding of a special office for the enforcement of ethics and integrity guidelines and rules.

It was created in the aftermath of the corruption scandal that shook the municipality a decade ago, forcing the resignation of former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt.

“Each member of the staff of the city contributes to the culture of ethics and integrity,” says Laval Police director Pierre Brochet.

“After a decade of actions and projects, we are in a new era, and numerous positive developments have followed. We salute the path taken by our leadership and the reach of the BIELT in all the actions that affect our city.

“Participating in the growth and development of Laval can only take place when accompanied by an adherence to its values and the best practices as regards ethics and integrity.” The City of Laval launched the BIELT in 2014, in conjunction with the City of Terrebonne.

To underscore the value of the work accomplished by the bureau’s team, officials from the BIELT will be on hand at Laval’s interim city hall on Saint-Martin Blvd. on May 16 to sign the city’s Golden Book.

Officials from Quebec’s Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) and the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) are also expected to take part.

Laval doubles up on its support for Communauto

The City of Laval says it is adding new Communauto car-sharing stations to the existing network on its territory, in addition to increasing financial assistance to be made available to new subscribers to the service.

The city says it is undertaking the measures as part of overall efforts to help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Quebec government is providing financial assistance.

Marco Viviani, vice-president of strategic development at Communauto, Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, and Christine Poirier, city councillor for Duvernay-Pont-Viau, responsible for dossiers involving development on city territory. (Photo: Vincent Girard, City of Laval)

“Our government is proud to support the City of Laval, which is implementing various concrete initiatives to support the reduction of greenhouse gases on its territory,” said Quebec Environment and Climate Change Minister Benoit Charette.

“This subsidy is not only a step in the right direction,” he continued, “but will also contribute to encouraging the recruitment of new subscribers to use this service, while also favouring the implementation of new car-sharing stations on Laval’s territory.”

“We are proud to diversify the mobility options available to the people of Laval,” added Laval city councillor for Pont-Viau Christine Poirier, who manages the city’s territorial management dossiers.

“We are offering an efficient and accessible option to reduce solo car use, while taking into account the reality in Laval regarding daily car use,” she added.

“Several new stations set up on municipal properties will be tested during a pilot project between the city and the service, of which the new stations will become permanent if the support is there,” said Poirier.

Laval chooses three partners to meet tree-planting goals

The City of Laval is partnering up with three organizations specialized in planting trees to meet its ambitious tree-planting objectives, which it hopes to meet by the year 2030 at least.

CANOPÉE, PlantAction and GRAME will be assisting the city in planting trees. One of the goals of the tree-planting program is to reduce the impact of “heat islands,” which are built-up areas of asphalt and concrete within cities that retain heat much longer.

“The advantages of planting trees are well-known,” says Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “They contribute to the greening of the landscape, to better management of rainwater and the struggle with heat islands.

“What’s more, they contribute to the maintenance of good physical and mental health. We have given ourselves the mission to do everything we can to make Laval a greener and better place to live. Our efforts today and our ambitious targets will benefit generations to come.”

Laval City-Watch Read More »

Public spaces, useful places

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Debate over use of Lennoxville’s old firehall focus of monthly meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxville’s Borough Council held its monthly meeting April 30, with numerous local residents urging the Council to free up the use of the town’s old firehall for public projects as it was previously when it was overseen by volunteer firefighters. Borough President and City Councillor Claude Charron presided over the 20-minute meeting with seven members of the public in attendance.

Jane Loiselle, representing the Lennoxville Art Group, took the floor first to address the Council during the meeting’s question period. She reminded those gathered she attended a Council meeting back in February and brought up the firehall topic. At that meeting, she was urged to write a letter to the town on the issue.

She received a response within a week, which she appreciated. However, she admits she was “not pleased” with its contents. Loiselle read out parts of the response to the group.

“Unfortunately, it will not be possible to hold activities on this premises,” it read.

“As you mentioned, they are exclusively devoted to storage.”

The response went on to say the town could provide a 10ft. by 10ft. tent instead.

“[That] is nice, but I’m sorry, for an art group a 10ft. by 10ft. tent is not practical,” Loiselle said to the April 30 gathering. She does not think the issue has been explored enough. Many groups wish to use this space, and she thinks such a quick negative response was unwarranted.

Loiselle was approached recently by the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, who suggested a joint project with the Lennoxville Art Group could be held this August. If they had access to the old firehall, they know they could pull it off even if the weather turned sour.

“What’s the next step?” she asked the Council.

“The first step, you did it – you got your administrative answer,” responded Charron.

Technically, it is assigned as storage, he went on. Previously, Lennoxville firefighters would oversee events held in the space which minimized security concerns. “At this point we’re in a different environment… it becomes political,” he added. He said if enough groups show support, the matter can be studied.

It is not so easy for the city to allow the use of a designated garage for other purposes, he continued. If the space were to be allowed for other purposes, the costs of renovation and other matters would need to be balanced against the potential benefits. Charron promised he would take action to get a study done on the situation.

Discussion then turned to previous evaluations of the old firehall, which are not made public. Other options than the old firehall, that are not a small tent, could be explored, it was agreed.

Heather Thompson, representing the Lennoxville Library, spoke next in support of Loiselle. The library has activities in the summer and holds two book sales at Square Queen, right across the road from the old firehall. “When it rains, we have to annul our activities,” she said.

Charron noted that the upstairs of the building, Salle Amédée Beaudoin, is being used by the art group, but agreed it is not a “permanent solution,” because it is not always accessible.

Charron said they will work on it and that it is not a short-term, but a long-term issue.

After a few minor points on the meeting’s agenda and some brief messages from the councillors, the meeting was adjourned at roughly 5:20 p.m.

Public spaces, useful places Read More »

Fortified footy forthcoming for femmes

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Trevor Greenway

editor@lowdownonline.com

Soccer des Collines is getting serious about footy in the Hills. 

The organization has hired two new professional directors – both of whom bring some high-level soccer experience, and it has installed a new president and a new board of directors, while laying out a new vision for success on the pitch. 

According to Soccer des Collines president Roy-Girard, just 420 females joined the league this year, compared to 683 males. To combat this, Roy-Girard and his team have been speaking with female soccer leagues around the country for ideas on how to entice young women to pick up or continue the sport. Roy-Girard said female numbers are strong in four-to-six-age range, but there’s a drop-off when the kids get older. What it needs now is volunteers, young coaches and more female players. 

“There is a very low number of girl registrations, but it’s not just a Des Collines problem; it’s a soccer Outaouais problem,” said Roy-Girard. “The whole region is low on women, and in our case, there seems to be a gap in the seven-to-eight-age group. We don’t have that next generation that is going to fill in.”

This year’s registration numbers show that in the U8 (seven-eight age group), boys greatly outnumber their female counterparts – 120 boys compared to just 38 girls. 

The hope is that this year’s summer Olympics, where Canada’s female squad will take on France, Colombia and New Zealand in Group A, will help entice younger girls to stay in soccer. Roy-Girard said that Canada’s sports culture still revolves around men’s hockey, but with the success of the new women’s hockey league (PWHL) and the rise in popularity of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), he said he’s hoping more young girls will see how far soccer will take them.

“We don’t have the [soccer] culture like hockey, where everyone knows the game and knows the players,” he said. “And because the majority of our players are under 12, we want to show them that it’s about having fun, but it’s also important to show where they can go with it; they can go to university; they can get scholarships; they don’t have to be a professional player. But we’re going to start to try and educate our base to let them know what opportunities are out there.”

Part of the overhaul at Soccer des Collines was due to past years’ struggles, during which Roy-Girard admitted the organization “let down” parents, coaches and players. Communication, management structure and governance issues have plagued the club since the pandemic, he said. 

So, cue the talent. Soccer des Collines hired former Brazilian professional player Juninho da Silva as its technical director to help steer the club along. Da Silva has played professional soccer in Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Tunisia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. over a 20-year career. Roy-Girard said he will be instrumental in helping increase players’ skills this season. 

The club also brought on sporting director Anthony Delion, who holds degrees in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) coaching and is a certified technical director. Delion, from southern France, has played soccer since age five and founded the highly successful Plateau Soccer Club in Gatineau.

Both new directors are full-time hires, and the hope is that they will maintain consistency from year to year, while board members and presidents are swapped out yearly. 

“Anthony and Juninho are critical for the continuation of the club,” said Roy-Girard. “We want to be able to have a club that can run year after year without depending on the board members. If I leave tomorrow, the club should not fold,” he said. “I think our biggest struggle is communication with members. We’ve not been great at that in the past. I think we’re getting better at responding and being a little more proactive. I still feel like we’re a little last minute, but you know, we’re going to continue to improve on that.”

The club is in good financial shape, said Roy-Girard, and said it has some surplus money this year that will go back into the club to offer free training sessions for players. He also said there would be free spring training, some specialty sessions like goaltender training, and a bigger year-end party, adding that he is hoping for some team outings, like Olympic viewing parties and going to see Atlético Ottawa games at TD Place. 

Soccer registration for most age groups closed on April 30, however, the club is accepting registrations for U4-8 until the end of May.

Fortified footy forthcoming for femmes Read More »

NCC buys Dunnderosa Golf for $3.9M

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Trevor Greenway

editor@lowdownonline.com

The NCC wants to own every bit of property in Gatineau Park, and the crown corporation is getting closer to that goal after it acquired another 42 acres of land – the former Dunnderosa Golf Course. 

With that acquisition, which was finalized at the end of March, the NCC now owns 99 percent of Gatineau Park and says it has its sights set on that last remaining one percent. 

“Because, for our conservation mandate, it’s easier to have the control and the management over all the lands in the park,” explains Catherine Verreault, director of Quebec Urban Lands and Gatineau Park with the NCC, about the crown corporation’s goal. “But we’ve been having good discussions with the private property owners and municipalities in the park.”

The NCC paid $3.9 million for the 42 acres that used to be home to the Dunnderosa Golf Course, and Verreault said the organization is thrilled to conserve this land, especially because owners had previously wanted to put a housing development there. The lands, which connect to the Chelsea Creek Ecological Corridor, will be conserved and maintained as eco lands – with user trails connecting to Gatineau Park. Verreault says the property has rich biodiversity, and the NCC will create a plan that allows residents to ski, bike and hike through the lands, while giving flora and fauna natural space to thrive. 

“Securing this land allows us to protect part of that corridor,” adds Verreault. “The golf course has not been used in many years, and it’s starting to regenerate. It’s a really nice, open area and used by lots of pollinators, breeding birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. It’s very interesting in terms of biodiversity.”

According to the NCC’s Ecological Corridor report, 16 species of special concern – both plants and animals – are found within the Chelsea Creek Ecological Corridor, like the eastern milk snake, olive-sided flycatchers and woodland pinedrops. 

The NCC has acquired 63 separate properties in Gatineau park since 2008, amounting to 665 acres. To own 100 per cent of the land in Gatineau Park, the NCC needs to acquire the remaining 884 acres, which they say they plan to do. 

While the Dunnderosa Golf Course has been closed since 2020, Village Dunnd’s still operates a minigolf and outdoor playground at the corner of Notch and Kingsmere roads.  

NCC buys Dunnderosa Golf for $3.9M Read More »

Drug company sends ‘sample’ cocaine to recovered user

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Trevor Greenway

An online recreational drug company sent a sample vial of cocaine to a recovered addict in the Hills.

The online company fcuk Reality sent .025 grams of what they brand as “high heat” cocaine through Canada Post to the recipient’s community mailbox in early April. The recipient, who overcame their addiction to the drug over a decade ago after spending time in rehab, said the delivery of this illegal and highly addictive drug was “triggering.”

“If this had been a bad week personally, this would have been up my nose,” said the recipient, who said they wish to remain anonymous. They said they have serious concerns over how this company got their information, as the package, which came in a green envelope, had their name and address on it. The package came with a large branding sticker that reads “fcuk Reality cocaine, high heat, free sample” with a QR code on the front. Inside the package was a flyer from the company marketing “lab-tested drugs to adults for safer consumption” and a vial of white powder. 

The recipient said they flushed the powder down the toilet, but before doing so smelled the top of the vial. “Oh, it was definitely cocaine,” they told the Low Down, adding that they did not ingest any of the illegal substance and haven’t touched the drug in over a decade. 

A search of fcuk Reality online turns up only some unconnected Instagram accounts or articles about the 2004 film “Layer Cake”, which used the French Connection UK (fcuk) brand for a particular scene; the online drug company has seemingly imitated the branding from the film. 

The only way to access fcuk Reality’s encrypted site is through the QR code on the package. When the Low Down scanned the code, we were brought to a site offering everything from cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA to psychedelics like DMT and LSD. Fcuk Reality’s site even sells the potent sedative GHB, which is known as the “date rape” drug. Purchases on the site are restricted to cryptocurrency.

The company claims to offer “clean” drugs, and its website states that the cocaine sent to the Hills resident was 87 per cent pure and contained “no fentanyl” – the powerful, synthetic opioid that has caused a drug epidemic across North America. Anyone with access to the site can buy up to 28 grams of cocaine for $1,400 – about half of what that amount is worth on the street, according to the 2019 Global Drug Survey. 

Fcuk Reality didn’t respond to the Low Down’s queries, but the website states that the Canadian company was formed to combat overdoses. 

“So many of us have lost family and friends to overdoses. What’s even more upsetting is that this could be changed so easily,” the site reads, continuing, “An extra day or two of due diligence via sending products to the lab is all it takes to save countless lives.”

But the recipient in the Hills had already saved their own life by overcoming their addiction. 

‘Predatory’ drug companies target addicts

Carleton University law professor Dawn Moore, who is an expert on illicit drugs, said the delivery of cocaine to a recovered user is an irresponsible move by the company, but it’s also not surprising given that since the legalization of cannabis, other drugs like magic mushrooms and ketamine are being “marketed” to both recreational users and addicts. 

“It pisses me off,” said Moore, who has spent years working with addicts in the region. “Because people work so hard to get clean. I don’t judge people who use, just do it safely and responsibly and please have babysitters for your children. But folks who are trying to get clean need all the protection and love and support in the world. But this is the dark side of legalization, right?”

Moore said that since cannabis was legalized in 2018, drugs – everything from cannabis and magic mushrooms to harder substances like Ketamine and MDMA – have become marketable to consumers.” Moore called drug companies like fcuk Reality “predatory.”

“Legalization was great for a lot of things,” said Moore. “But what it also brought us was capitalism into the drug economy and the ability to mass market and to target vulnerable people in this way, and that I find really upsetting. We don’t pay attention enough to how much we live in an addiction-driven society where so many of our habits are manufactured addictions.”

The recipient said they surmise that because they’ve purchased cannabis online through various companies, their information was sold to the drug company, which then sent the sample vial of drugs to their address. 

According to Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Marc Tessier, while drugs like cannabis and magic mushrooms are being sent through the mail more frequently, this is the first time his police force has ever heard of cocaine being delivered through Canada Post. He said the SQ wouldn’t comment specifically on the case because the recipient did not report it to authorities.  

In its 2022 sustainability report, Canada Post noted that its postal inspectors stopped $17.74 million of illicit substances, including contraband tobacco, from being delivered throughout its 22,500 urban and rural delivery routes. The federal postal service says that it works with law enforcement and agencies to collaborate on investigations and to coordinate search warrants. 

“We have several security, screening and safety protocols in place to help us identify suspicious items,” Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu told the Low Down. “Postal inspectors have the authority to inspect mail, and if illegal or dangerous non-mailable matter is found, it is removed from the postal system.” She didn’t comment on the local cocaine specifically or how it got through their protocols. 

Drug company sends ‘sample’ cocaine to recovered user Read More »

Today’s Quebec minimum wage increase ridiculed for being below inflation rate

Local Journalism Initiative / /

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As announced by the Quebec government on Feb. 1, minimum wage in the province increased today by 50 cents per hour to $15.75. Approximately 207,500 workers in the province will be affected by this change.

Québec Solidaire MNA Alexandre Leduc, who represents Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, called the announced increase “not sufficient” and “ridiculous,” given that it corresponds to a 3% increase in the minimum wage, which is less than the current rate of inflation of 3.6% in Quebec.

In a press conference, Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet said today’s increases raises the minimum wage to roughly half the average hourly pay for workers in Quebec, which is the provincial government’s goal.

Today’s Quebec minimum wage increase ridiculed for being below inflation rate Read More »

UQO appeals to public to house hundreds of students

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

While the Université du Québec en Outaouais reached a milestone with the awarding of contracts for a new student residence, it has simultaneously launched a plea to the public to assist with off-campus accommodations.

“Until the student residence project comes to fruition, (Université du Québec en Outaouais) is aware that the housing shortage remains, and we must once again launch an appeal to the population to find housing for our future students,” the university rector Murielle Laberge noted in a release.

The project was estimated to cost $32 million, with the Société d’habitation du Québec, the Ville de Gatineau, and the Ministry of Higher Education as the main funders. The building’s first residents were expected to move in the fall of 2026, leaving the university to strategize how to house students for the coming term.

Months away from the fall term, the university has already received 429 requests for accommodation, while only 39 places were available. Those with accommodation were invited to contact the Université du Québec en Outaouais Student Services by email at logementhc@uqo.ca.

Photo caption: With more than 400 requests for student housing, the Université du Québec en Outaouais turns to the population to assist in accommodating students for the coming term.

Photo credit: Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook

UQO appeals to public to house hundreds of students Read More »

UQO hosts first Outaouais Digital Summit

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Over 250 people gathered at the Université du Québec en Outaouais on April 26 for the first-ever Outaouais Digital Summit.

“In a field as vast as digital technology, we have unlimited potential to explore new horizons, whether in the field of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, or in the digitalization of Quebec society and Canada as a whole,” said Université du Québec en Outaouais rector Murielle Laberge in her welcome address.

As a leader in high-level education, Laberge said the Université du Québec en Outaouais was at the forefront of the digital shift.

“Yesterday’s students have become effective and renowned decision-makers. Today’s students are their successors and their mastery of the digital world will guarantee the health and prosperity of our region and even our country,” said Laberge.

The Université du Québec en Outaouais initiative was a result of support from the Ville de Gatineau, Cégep de l’Outaouais, Ministry of Culture and Communications of Quebec, Portage Cybertech, Centre de la sécurité des télécommunications du Canada and fifteen partners from the Outaouais entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The first summit featured around 10 speakers and panelists touching on subjects like cybersecurity, data intelligence, business technology, and their application to different areas such as engineering, health, environment, and construction.

Among the presenters was Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and responsible for the Outaouais region, who spoke to the importance of Quebec’s “cultural sovereignty.”

“We need to present and discover French-speaking content,” said Lacombe.

The Quebec Culture Minister formed an advisory committee on the matter back in 2023. The committee came back in January with 32 recommendations to promote French cultural content online.

While the Minister welcomed the efforts by the federal government, Lacombe insisted action must be taken. “I think these are good bills, but we need to have Quebec perspectives on this issue. It is important for Quebec to equip itself with its own tools. This is why I set up a committee of experts on cultural sovereignty.”

With the success of the first summit, the second edition was already in the works for next year.

Photo caption: Attendees gathered at the Alexandre-Taché pavilion at the Université du Québec en Outaouais for the first Outaouais Digital Summit on April 26.

Photo credit: Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook

UQO hosts first Outaouais Digital Summit Read More »

Ducharme insists Quebec should shoulder responsibility for homelessness

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

While funds have been committed to the homelessness situation around the Ruisseau de la Brasserie, independent mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme said the situation lacked concrete actions to “relieve the human suffering found there and to restore a sense of pride to all Gatineau residents who travel near the Guertin site.”

“It is unacceptable that citizens, among the most vulnerable in our society, must live in such an open-air repository,” Ducharme wrote in a press release. “The health of the premises requires accountability from all stakeholders. The citizens deserve better, Gatineau deserves better – it’s a question of human dignity and collective pride.”

Ducharme put forward a seven-point action plan to ease the “hemorrhaging” of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie. This included a major cleaning of the site, creating a plan to transfer the encampment to municipal land and developing a new site. In case this was to fall through, a backup plan would be implemented to secure a perimeter around the current site. Along with creating an Action Group for People Experiencing Homelessness, Ducharme also proposed meeting with the mayor of Ottawa to discuss cross-border homelessness and putting intensified political pressure on the Government of Quebec to assume all responsibilities regarding homelessness.

“The current situation at the makeshift campsite at the Ruisseau de la Brasserie is unacceptable,” Ducharme continued, “both for people experiencing homelessness and for residents of Gatineau and our visitors. The Ville de Gatineau has already done a lot. Now, the Quebec government must assume its responsibility. It’s up to everyone to manage their own fern, as the Deputy Prime Minister said.”

Photo caption: Citing the situation as unacceptable, mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme wishes to see a major cleanup of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie.

Photo credit: Yves Ducharme Facebook

Ducharme insists Quebec should shoulder responsibility for homelessness Read More »

Stay or go?

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Research group to study international student transition to permanent residency in Sherbrooke’s English community

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to social research, is collaborating with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on a study focusing on the transition of international students in Canada to permanent residency.

The study particularly emphasizes the experiences of students in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) such as Sherbrooke, a city with a notable population of former students from Bishop’s University and Champlain College who have transitioned to permanent residency, according to an April 25 release.

The SRDC’s research seeks to understand the factors that influence international students’ decisions to remain in Canada. To gather comprehensive data, the organization is conducting a survey and follow-up interviews with international students at Bishop’s University (BU) and Champlain College. These efforts aim to uncover the motivations and challenges these students face when deciding to settle permanently in Canada.

The findings from this research are expected to be instrumental in shaping immigration policies and initiatives designed to attract and retain international talent in communities like Sherbrooke.

Participants in the study, which has received ethics approval from BU, will complete a brief, five-minute survey to express their interest, followed by a semi-structured interview lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. As a token of appreciation for their participation, they will receive a $50 gift card.

The SRDC encourages international students to engage in this important study by visiting this survey link: https://ca1se.voxco.com/SE/99/Transition/

A one-page brochure with more details about the project is available for interested parties.

More from Project Manager Julie Rodier

“There are two types of OLMCs,” explained Rodier in an interview with The Record April 30. These are either French language communities in majority English provinces, such as Moncton, New Brunswick, or vice versa, such as Sherbrooke’s English community.

The study’s goal is to find out if international students’ experiences in OLMCs are different than those of international students outside OLMCs. Many studies have already been done on the latter, and though this study is small (only Sherbrooke and Moncton), the SRDC is hoping to find out what challenges, opportunities, and factors play into international students’ decisions to stay in or leave OLMCs in Canada after their schooling.

Rodier said they already know that many students already have it in their heads that they will stay when they come here. Others decide during the course of their studies. The main factor playing into a student’s decision to stay is whether or not they can find a good job, “that is associated with their experience, education, and expertise.”

Other factors include whether or not there is a better quality of life in Canada than their country of origin, whether their schooling experience was positive, how welcoming the community has been, and whether there is the possibility to work in their language of choice in the OLMC.

“[IRCC data shows] only about 50 percent of [English-speaking] international students that obtain permanent residency in Quebec stay in Quebec,” Rodier continued. Some 35 percent end up moving to Ontario, with the other 15 percent moving to somewhere else in English Canada. “We want to know why,” she added.

The SRDC survey questions and interview will focus on the four stages of the participant’s “journey”: Arrival in Canada, integration into the community, experience at school, and afterwards. Interviewers will ask what the participant was thinking at each stage to get an idea of some of the potential “barriers” at play.

Rodier admitted that Sherbrooke and Moncton are “quite different.” Each community will be looked at separately, but also compared to tease out commonalities. New Brunswick is a bilingual province, so she thinks it is likely easier to live and work in French there. On the other hand, some recent Quebec policies, like the need to learn French, “may be changing people’s motivations.”

Results of the study will be compiled, analyzed, and turned into a report that will inform future IRCC policy. She emphasized that no participant’s name or identifiable information will be passed along in the report.

The report will be comprised of “high level themes” of what they found in the interviews combined with existing data present in the relevant literature. Rodier noted that information gathered like this (in interviews) is “qualitative” and will be roughly grouped according to similarities in content. “Most people mentioned this, some people mentioned this, one person mentioned this,” she explained.

Rodier encourages those who wish to know more to contact her by email at: jrodier@srdc.org      

Stay or go? Read More »

Anglophone communities have uncertain place in proposed history museum

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Anglophone communities have uncertain place in proposed history museum

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

If all goes according to the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s plans, Quebec City will be home to a third major museum as early as 2026.

The Musée National de l’Histoire du Québec is expected to open in spring 2026 at the Camille-Roy Pavilion of the Séminaire du Québec, near the Basilica-Cathedral Notre- Dame-de-Québec in the Old City. Premier François Legault made the announcement on April 25 in Quebec City alongside culture minister Mathieu Lacombe, minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region Jonatan Julien, several local MNAs, Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand and Musée de la Civilisation CEO Stéphane La Roche.

“I’m very proud to announce the creation of the first museum entirely dedicated to the history of the Quebec nation,” Legault said. “Quebec City is naturally the place for it … be- cause Quebec City is where it all started.” He went on to wax lyrical about the “improbable” survival of the first French settlers and the francophone nation they gave rise to, and the “Indigenous peoples who were here before us and helped us through the years.”

“We had to fight for it,” Legault said, mentioning the Patriote rebellion; the 1838 Durham Report, which recommended the assimilation of francophones into Canada’s English-speaking majority; and the survival of French- speaking Quebec amid “a sea of English” in North America. “The fact we still speak French here is an exploit,” he said. “It’s important to share that with our young people.”

He said the state-of-the-art, interactive, child-friendly museum would trace 400 years of history through “great people and great events,” share the stories of eminent artists, athletes, statespeople and businesspeople and show off the “grandeur of our land” and collective victories such as the creation of Hydro-Québec.

“My objective is that when Quebecers come to see the museum, they’ll say, ‘I’m so proud to be a Quebecer,’” he said. “This museum will show us that we can dream big. I’m proud to be a Quebecer and what I want with this museum is for Quebecers to be even prouder.”

The museum is widely understood to be a scaled-down version of the CAQ’s Espaces Bleus project, which envisioned a museum of Quebec history, culture and identity in each region of the province, and was ultimately shelved due to ballooning cost estimates.

Legault read a long list of Quebec public figures, living and dead, who he expected the museum to honour, including singers Céline Dion, Robert Charlebois, Gilles Vigneault and Jean-Pierre Ferland; authors Michel Tremblay and Dany Laferrière; and sports legends Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, Marie-Philip Poulin and Mickaël Kingsbury. Laferrière and sprinter Bruny Surin, both born in Haiti, were the only immigrants mentioned, and no anglophones or Indigenous people mentioned by name. When pressed by CBC reporter Cathy Senay, Legault said, “I could see a place for someone like Leonard Cohen.”

The Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCC) could not provide a full list of organizations that had been consulted for the project by press time, but MCC spokesperson Catherine Vien-Labeaume said a yet-to-be-established “scientific committee” would ensure a diversity of perspectives, including those of First Nations and English speakers. As of this writing, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network and the Quebec English-speaking Communities Research Network (Quescren) said they had not been approached. The Huron-Wendat Nation and the Musée Huron-Wendat had not been consulted either, according to Huron-Wendat Nation spokesperson Rose- Marie Ayotte.

“I look forward to seeing how the new museum explores what a Quebecer is, how it explores that idea of nous,” said Quescren research associate and historian Lorraine O’Donnell. “I’d love to see a process where anglophones and other cultural communities are consulted. We’d be very interested to help develop quality content.”

O’Donnell and Guy Rodgers, a filmmaker and advocate for anglophone arts and culture who has consulted for Montreal history museum Pointe-à-Callière, both said they hoped the museum would incorporate anglophone history and avoid perpetuating the stereotype of anglophones as elitist and out of touch with the francophone majority. “Our communities are very diverse in terms of socioeconomic and regional background,” O’Donnell said. “The stereotype that equates anglophones [with] an economic elite in Montreal is part of the story, but it isn’t the whole story. I’d love to see a nuanced picture.”

“The CAQ launched this [Espaces Bleus] idea a few years ago, and it turned out to be a big boondoggle, so they scrapped it. This history muse- um is a way of saving face and centralizing it,” said Rodgers, who explored the rich and varied history of English-speaking communities in Quebec in the documentary What We Choose to Remember. “You do want people to feel proud of their history, but is the vision of history that’s going to be pre- sented positive and inclusive, or will it be resentful? A good history museum would make everyone feel welcome, but anything put together under this government is not likely to do that.”

Anglophone communities have uncertain place in proposed history museum Read More »

Library strike set to continue after staff reject proposal

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Library strike set to continue after staff reject proposal 

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

The strike affecting Quebec City’s public library system is set to enter its ninth week after unionized staff narrowly voted down a proposed collective agreement. Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCWU, more widely known by its French acronym TUAC) local 501, which represents about 200 collections, billing and related staff at the city’s 26 public libraries, rejected the proposal, 52 per cent to 48 per cent. Turnout was estimated at 73 per cent.

Employees have been on strike since March 1. Their main demands include more flexible scheduling, higher pay for entry-level staff and pay equivalent to Ville de Québec staff doing similar jobs.

The agreement that was voted down last week was the third attempt to resolve the dispute. A previous agreement negotiated through a conciliator from the Quebec Ministry of Labour was rejected by the Ville de Québec, which finances the library system through the nonprofit Institut Canadien de Québec (ICQ).

The parties are not allowed to speak publicly about the details of a rejected agree- ment. “The specific reasons people vote yes or no are their business [but] from what we’ve heard, the fact that there was very little movement on pay parity compared to the first proposal and the fact that the first proposal was rejected by the city have led to a lack of trust” between the employees and the ICQ, TUAC spokesperson Roxane Larouche told the QCT. The fact that the ICQ must validate any proposed agreement with the city before approving it also complicates matters. “Ninety-nine per cent of the time, we don’t have to deal with that,” Larouche said.

She said she expected negotiations to resume over the next week. In the meantime, picket lines will return to the steps of city libraries. Larouche said morale has been high on the picket line so far “although such a close vote might make it hard for some people,” and strikers benefit from the union’s nationwide strike fund.

ICQ spokesperson Mélisa Imedjdouben said in a brief statement that the ICQ was “deeply disappointed” at the lack of a resolution to the strike. “The offer presented to unionized staff took into ac- count the concerns expressed in terms of salaries and working conditions, while keeping in mind the need to ensure responsible management of public funds,” she said.

Twenty-three of the city’s 26 libraries will remain closed until further notice. The other three – the Monique-Corriveau Library in Sainte-Foy, the Étienne-Parent Library in Beauport and the Gabrielle- Roy Library in Saint-Roch – are operating on a reduced schedule, open only on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Library strike set to continue after staff reject proposal Read More »

Gaza war creates divisions in local Jewish community

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Gaza war creates divisions in local Jewish community 

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

For members of Quebec City’s small Jewish community, services at the city’s only synagogue have long provided a “safe space” transcending the barriers of language, politics and ideology. Then came the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel, where over 1,100 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, and the subsequent war in Gaza, where an estimated 30,000 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of thousands injured or displaced.

Now, a Quebec City father says his family has been excluded from two recent events at Congrégation Beth Israel Ohev Sholem (CBIOS) because of his and his partner’s outspoken advocacy in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Université Laval chemistry professor Jesse Greener told the QCT he and his family were told they were not welcome at a children’s event earlier this spring and a Passover celebration this past week. He and his partner, left-wing journalist and author Nora Loreto, have sent a mise en demeure through their lawyer, well- known Montreal-based human rights attorney Julius Grey, asking for a formal apology and a written promise to “cease all forms of discrimination based on political convictions.”

“On April 5, we were told that because of the protest [calling for a ceasefire in Gaza], certain members wouldn’t want to [attend an event] with us. The synagogue has never been a place to discuss politics … even after Oct. 7, we thought there would be people there who would not agree with us, but we weren’t planning to talk about it,” he said. “I guess things have changed, because we’re getting a message that people don’t want to be around us.”

CBIOS vice president Debbie Rootman disputes Greener’s account, saying the family was only asked not to attend one event, a Passover celebration on April 23, and they turned down an invitation to a separate celebration at her home. However, she acknowledged that the Gaza war has created divisions within the synagogue and the wider Jewish community. “This political issue of the Israel and Hamas conflict divided many families and friends,” she said in a brief email exchange with the QCT. “It is very emotional and [there’s] a lot of ignorance and propaganda.” No one from CBIOS was available to com- ment further at press time.

A lost opportunity

Greener said he was disappointed that his two elementary-school-aged children seemed to have lost a chance to connect with their culture. “My family was affected by the Second World War; they were refugees who were resettled in Canada after losing most of their family in the Holocaust. It’s part of my children’s heritage.

“Passover talks about social justice, and we want that for the kids – we want to explain Jewish faith and culture, and talk about slavery, dispossession and war, and break that down with the kids,” he added.

Greener said he believed the ongoing war “was not about Jews vs. Arabs or Jews vs. Palestinians, but about the colonial state of Israel doing colonial things.” He said people within his own family don’t all have the same stance on the war, but are still on speaking terms. “It’s hard, because it is such a tripwire … but it doesn’t have to be a red line. Just because we’re not partisan Israel supporters doesn’t mean we should be divided as a community.”

Gaza war creates divisions in local Jewish community Read More »

Champagne assures police headquarters will move forward before by-election

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Interim Gatineau mayor Daniel Champagne stood by his previous statement to resolve the location of the future headquarters for the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau before the June 9 by-election.

“I am confident that over the next few days and weeks, we will be able to move forward at great speed with this issue,” Champagne told reporters during a press briefing following an executive committee meeting on April 24.

While discussions continued behind closed doors, Champagne assured the municipal council decisions would be made in a public context.

The acting mayor said the file was progressing well as administration worked away on financial elements and negotiations with different partners.

“There is a need for action in the case of headquarters. I think the majority of council members have realized this,” said Champagne. “I am very happy to see the commitment of my colleagues at the municipal council table to move this issue forward.”

Photo caption: Gatineau’s interim mayor, Daniel Champagne, remains optimistic about resolving the issues around the future headquarters for the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau before the by-election on June 9.

Photo credit: Google Maps Screenshot

Champagne assures police headquarters will move forward before by-election Read More »

Gatineau wants your opinion on immigration and living together

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau is inviting the public to participate in an online consultation on immigration, integration and living together to identify and improve the City’s next actions in terms of immigration and living together.

“It goes without saying that diversity is part of our city’s DNA. This consultation will not only allow us to have a clear picture of the current situation, but it will also allow us to adopt more precise actions in this direction,” president of the Commission du vivre-ensemble and Touraine district councillor, Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, wrote in a press release.

Citizens and local organizations are welcome to express themselves on several themes, such as reception and integration, security, discrimination and racism, along with participation and living together. The consultation can be completed at gatineau.ca/consultations until May 9.

The results will assist in developing a three-year action plan on immigration and living together, in partnership with the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration.

Along with the online consultation, Gatineau plans to hold a forum for organizations and stakeholders in the field on May 8 which will also help in the development of the City’s next action plan. The data collected will be arranged into a report and made available on the City’s website at gatineau.ca/consultations.

Photo caption: Gatineau launches an online consultation on immigration, integration and living together to fuel its next three-year action plan.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau X (Twitter)

Gatineau wants your opinion on immigration and living together Read More »

District councillor seat up for grabs along with mayor’s

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The mayor’s seat is not the only thing open in this by-election. The position of Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district councillor is also available as independent candidate Olive Kamanyana vies for mayor.

Those interested in being candidates for mayor or for councillor of the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district can apply until May 10. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility conditions provided in the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities.

A declaration of candidacy form, which is available at the office of election president on the fifth floor of the Maison du citoyen, must be completed. Candidates were invited to make an appointment with the office of election president to submit their declaration of candidacy.

The names of the registered candidates can be found on the City’s website at gatineau.ca/election. For more information on the municipal by-election, the public and candidates can visit gatineau.ca/election.

Photo caption: Gatineau residents will not only be able to have their choice of mayor on June 9 but also the next district councillor for Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital.

Photo credit: Élections Québec Website

District councillor seat up for grabs along with mayor’s Read More »

Gatineau police appeal to public to identify two possible witnesses

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau police are seeking the public’s help to identify two possible witnesses of a serious assault of a 72-year-old man in the Hull sector on April 7.

The incident allegedly took place around 9:00 pm in the apartment building at 20 rue Mance. The victim was rushed to the hospital where his condition was considered serious. Thirty-five-year- old Jonathan Pelletier-Markus was arrested 11 days later as part of the investigation.

The first witness was described as a man in his early twenties with black hair and a well- groomed black beard. At the time of the event, he was dressed in black. The second witness was also a man in his early twenties with dark hair and a beard of a few days. He was depicted wearing a black, red and white coat, dark sports pants and a black cap with the visor toward the back.

Police invited the men in question or any person with information leading to their identification or the advancement of the investigation to contact Detective Sergeant Jean-Marc Gagnon at 819-243-2345, ext. 6445. All information received would be treated confidentially.

Photo caption: The Gatineau police hope to identify two men who possibly witnessed a serious assault in the Hull sector on April 7.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website

Gatineau police appeal to public to identify two possible witnesses Read More »

Bromont public transit project on ice for now

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

An ambitious public transportation project in Bromont has been quietly shelved after three calls for tenders failed to give rise to any workable bids.

After a pilot project in summer 2021 showed encouraging ridership results for a shuttle service within the city, plans were announced to expand the shuttle service as early as 2022, implement a taxi-on-demand service similar to the one in Cowansville, work with major employers and surrounding municipalities to set up transport for employees, and set up a municipal car-sharing system that would allow people to loan their cars to their neighbours.

At the time, the then-head of the city’s sustainable mobility committee, Pierre Vinet, said transit advocates hoped to “develop a package that will allow people to get rid of their second car, if they have one” by 2024.

Vinet and MRC Brome-Missisquoi (MRCBM) director general Mélanie Thibault confirmed that the project as it was originally conceived is off the table.

“We made three calls for tenders, and sometimes we had no bidders and sometimes the estimated costs were so high that we couldn’t move forward,” Thibault said. “One of the impacts of the pandemic and of everything that was happening with the world economy meant that costs exploded.”

Amélie Casaubon, communications and citizen services co-ordinator at the Ville de Bromont, told the BCN the city was “working on a sustainable mobility plan, but it’s still at a very early stage.”

Service not resumed in Sutton

In Sutton, an environmentalist group held an Earth Day rally to call for the return of inter-city bus service to the city. Transdev, the company which provided the service, never brought it back after the pandemic. Solidarité Environnement Sutton spokesperson Sylvie Berthiaume said the organization was asking for an on-demand taxi service between Sutton and Bromont, where people would be able to use an existing private bus service to go on to Montreal or Sherbrooke. There is an on-demand taxi service, but Berthiaume said reservations need to be made far in advance, “which isn’t going to inspire anyone to get rid of their car.”

“We feel that this bus service needs to be public, because it’s not profitable enough for a private company and we pay a lot [in taxes] to maintain the roads,” she said. “There are more and more people in this region, and new companies opening, bringing more and more workers who are not all living in town. If we don’t do something soon, there will be even more cars on the road and that will create extra pollution,” she said.  “We need to think in the medium term.”

Berthiaume called on the MRC to appoint a sustainable mobility point person and invest in wider, safer bike paths as well as scaling up public transit. She and her colleagues say a lack of alternatives to driving makes it harder for senior citizens, young people, low-wage workers and people sharing a car with others in the same household to get around.

Thibault said it was “possible” that details would be released in the near future about a public transit project serving Sutton, but couldn’t provide further details.

A constant challenge

Thibault explained that the MRC works with municipalities on the development, funding and coordination of calls for tenders for city transit projects. Most recently, earlier this month, it launched a weekday city bus pilot project in Cowansville in collaboration with the city and the ministry of municipal affairs.

“We have six service hubs in the MRC and a lot of rural areas and small communities, so it’s very complex and it’s hard to put an efficient [public transportation] project in place,” Thibault said. “There are certain municipalities, like Cowansville, where it’s possible to live without a car, but it’s complicated. We do have weekday on-demand bus service, but it’s not adapted to everyone’s schedule.”

“It’s very hard to live without a car in Sutton, or even in Cowansville,” Berthiaume countered. “I met a couple who was trying to function without a car in Cowansville and they just couldn’t –  they had to give in. We aren’t expecting service every 10 minutes, but it has to be better than what we have now. We’re in a climate emergency and we can’t wait 10 years.”

Bromont public transit project on ice for now Read More »

UdeS study finds patterns of abuse in some private seniors’ residences

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

A Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) study has shed light on what appear to be patterns of elder abuse in private seniors’ residences in Longueuil.

The study was led by UdeS social work professor and holder of the Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults Mélanie Couture. Working with a local residents’ rights group in Longueuil, researchers spoke directly with residents of several private seniors’ residences and with caregivers to learn more about their own experiences of elder abuse.

Studies that consult elderly residents of care homes directly about their experiences are relatively rare, researchers found. “Our review of scientific literature around the world has demonstrated a glaring lack of data on mistreatment even though we hear about cases from stakeholders and also in the media,” Couture said.

The interviews “demonstrate[d] that mistreatment is expressed through omitted or inadequate care, unfulfilled commitments, non-recognition of residents’ needs as well as retaliation on the part of managers when they dare to complain,” the university said in a statement. Researchers also found that complaint procedures were often long, multilayered and hard to follow.

Although the full results haven’t been published, Couture said she and her colleagues wanted to publicize their findings as soon as possible, to shed light on a public health problem.

The study found patterns of “actions which cause harm, inactions which cause harm, and incidents of financial abuse” where residents were charged for care that wasn’t done. “This isn’t just a question of replacing one employee and solving all the problems,” said Couture.

Couture explained that the residents’ group and community organizations began laying the groundwork for the study as early as 2017, but the interviews took place in 2021 and 2022, shortly after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as residents of private seniors’ homes bore the brunt of the labour shortage and the housing crisis. “The housing crisis brought in an element of nonchalance [because seniors were less likely to be able to find another place to live if they were unsatisfied.] The pandemic and the housing crisis didn’t help, but there was increased public awareness,” she said. She added that “very good private seniors’ residences do exist” but the housing shortage and rising costs make finding a good residence an arduous task for many seniors. She said stricter enforcement of existing regulations and improved government support for nonprofit and co-op seniors’ home projects may help prevent abuse in the long term.

Couture said she hopes the study and the wider public conversation about ill-treatment in seniors’ residences will lead more care home residents with concerns about their treatment or living conditions to file complaints or get a caregiver, health care professional or family member to complain on their behalf. Since 2021, each CISSS or CIUSSS has had a local complaints commissioner and a complaint assistance line (1 877 767-2227.). Complaints can also be made to the provincial citizens’ ombudsman in their capacity as health and social services patient ombudsman (1 800 463-5070) or the bilingual elder abuse helpline (1-888-489-2287).

UdeS study finds patterns of abuse in some private seniors’ residences Read More »

Quebec announces more than $34 million for Eastern Townships tourist projects

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s minister of tourism and minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, along with the Eastern Townships caucus, has confirmed financial support totaling more than $34.3 million for local tourist projects.

This investment was announced in Orford April 29 in the presence of regional representatives including François Bonnardel, minister of public Security and minister responsible for the Eastern Townships region; Isabelle Charest, minister responsible for sports, leisure, and outdoor activities and MNA for Brome-Missisquoi; Gilles Bélanger, MNA for Orford; and André Bachand, MNA for Richmond.

The Eastern Townships, renowned for its robust tourism industry with nearly 1,400 businesses and over 20,500 jobs linked to the sector, have seen an economic contribution from tourism amounting to $794 million, according to an April 29 press release.

At the announcement, Proulx emphasized the importance of local tourism as a major economic sector that enriches Quebec and highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering its development to ensure all regions benefit.

“It takes entrepreneurs, it takes businesses that, when we attract these tourists, will come to the events, but will be able to have access to dining, to our farmers, to our food, to our hotels, to our guesthouses, winter tourism, nature, adventure,” she said.

“It is with immense pleasure that the Government of Quebec is proud, very proud to support our Quebec businesses in the region today.”

Bonnardel expressed satisfaction with the governmental support which will enhance the region’s attractiveness and visitor appeal, particularly praising projects such as the four-season sports and activities at Ski Sutton, which align with its mission.

Investments include a significant grant to the Museum of Nature and Sciences in Sherbrooke for a new permanent exhibition aimed at promoting innovation and raising awareness about humanity’s impact on Earth.

The region’s tourism appeal is further bolstered by projects like the development of services at the summit of Mont Prospect and enhancements in Mont Sainte-Cécile, both poised to attract outdoor enthusiasts.

The funding is part of several programs such as the Tourist Industry Recovery Aid Program, the Tourist Attractions Development Support Program, and the Tourist Offer Development Program in Regional Parks. Notably, the partnership and digital transformation in tourism agreement (2022-2025), funded by the Ministry in collaboration with Tourism Eastern Townships, has allocated $2.8 million to the region.

Since the creation of the Tourist Industry Recovery Aid Program in 2021, $269 million has been allocated to 87 projects, with potential investments reaching over $521 million. The Tourist Attractions Development Support Program has facilitated investments exceeding $1.1 billion in the tourist industry since its inception in 2013.

The following is a list of the organizations awarded money, the individual amounts, and what it will be used for:

Corporation Ski et Golf Mont-Orford: $5,000,000

Repositioning, modernization, and expansion of service areas in the main chalet, implementation of an RFID system, development of an electric-assist mountain bike trail network and a learning progression area, modernization of the snowmaking system.

Ski Sutton: $5,000,000

Installation of a new quadruple mechanical lift, automated lift access system, creation of an art trail in the mountains, construction of a signature viewpoint, and rustic camping and experiential lodging areas.

Musée de la Nature et des Sciences: $1,300,000 + $650,000 from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Development of the new Ipso Mondo exhibition – “A Single Planet,” offering an immersive, participatory multi-part experience.

Development of Mont-Ham: $1,250,000

Construction of four-season architectural eco-cabins with Abenaki design.

Jardin de Cocagnes: $812,500

Development of a collective agrotourism project.

Auberge Ripplecove: $5,000,000

Expansion of common areas to cater to business clientele, including meeting rooms, reception areas, and outdoor spaces.

Manoir Hovey: $5,000,000

Construction of a new pavilion with about a dozen rooms.

Multi-Ind. Capital: $2,000,000

Expansion and renovation of rooms, dining rooms, and meeting rooms at the Auberge aux 4 Saisons d’Orford.

Domaine Lac-Brompton: $2,000,000

Realization of phase 1 of a project for a resort complex in a natural setting, including chalet accommodation and a welcome building with recreational equipment rental for outdoor activities across all seasons.

Villégiature Forêt: $245,000

Construction of ecologs, trail development, and purchase of equipment for outdoor activities.

Parc de la Gorge-de-Coaticook – Parc Découverte nature: $500,000

Construction of twelve ecological small houses.

Parc Régional du Mont-Ham: $114,223

Development of a new stopover for recreational vehicles.

Manoir Maplewood: $28,000

Addition of two rooms.

Société Zoologique de Granby: $15,000

Feasibility study for a new winter activity at the zoo and an off-site business model.

Expérience Embargo: $35,000

Organization of the Soif de Musique 2024 festival.

Cécile Lodges: $99,000

Acquisition and setup of three autonomous, fully furnished, eco-friendly, four-season microchalets, and development of spaces for converted vans.

Lauz Immos: $100,000

Acquisition, installation, and setup of four domes with services at the top of Prospect Mountain.

Station Mont-Saint-Cécile: $100,000

Development of trails, a skills park, a learning and jumping area, and a welcome building. Acquisition of a bike fleet.

Ski Bromont: $30,000

Implementation of real-time broadcasting tools for enhanced communication with visitors.

Vignoble Léon Courville: $23,000

Redevelopment and enhancement of visitor areas and equipment for viticulture interpretation activities.

Rang 1 – Direction Culture: $20,000

Organization of the Colline 2024 festival.

Ville de Danville: $48,500

Acquisition and installation of six charging stations for electric-assist bicycles, including secure storage spaces, in five municipalities certified as “Cœur villageois”: Bromont, Saint-Adrien, Eastman, Danville, and Sutton.

Quebec announces more than $34 million for Eastern Townships tourist projects Read More »

STO promises better travel times with service adjustments

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

In anticipation of the return to school, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais plans to adjust the routes and timetables of lines 49, 50, 52, and 56 as well as introduce line 42. Beginning August 26, students from the Aylmer and Plateau sectors will benefit from more direct links to the Gabrielle-Roy campus along with better travel times.

The changes come after more than 450 people answered a consultation questionnaire from February 26 to March 17 to review the service in both the Aylmer and Plateau sectors for buses heading to the Cégep de l’Outaouais. The main concerns received by the public assisted in refining the initial service proposal. The consultation report was available at www.sto.ca/consultation.

The details related to the new schedule and bus routes for this fall will become available in July. The same goes for the adjustments planned to integrate school lines which serve secondary to better align with the changes made to the service to the Gabrielle-Roy campus.

A communication campaign was also expected to launch in the coming months to inform customers and invite them to plan their trips carefully.

Photo caption: Bus users in the Aylmer and Plateau sectors can expect some changes come late August after the Société de transport de l’Outaouais conducted a service review.

Photo credit: Société de transport de l’Outaouais Facebook

STO promises better travel times with service adjustments Read More »

STO plans to crack down on Ontario licence plates

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Société de transport de l’Outaouais hopes to even the playing field between vehicles registered in Quebec and Ontario when it comes to the new registration tax that will be enforced next year.

Gatineau municipal council recently approved the tax in two installments. Come January 2025, the annual transit contribution will be upped to $60 and increased another $30 the following year.

The first installment was expected to bring in $10 million, which would cover the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ yearly structural deficit. At $90, the second installment was projected to collect $15 million and allow the public transit system to invest the remaining $5 million in additional services. But all these figures do not include funds from Ontario-registered vehicles that now call Gatineau home.

The president of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ board of directors, Jocelyn Blondin, would like the public transit system to work alongside the Ville de Gatineau to call upon the provincial government to remedy the situation.

“I think that what we want is equity among citizens who are the majority here in Quebec,” said Blondin. “But is it only up to the Ville de Gatineau to take these blows? I do not think so. I think that Quebec should be there to help us have a special kind of squad.”

The president suggested police issue tickets to vehicles with Ontario plates and then it would be up to the vehicle’s owner to prove whether or not they were residents of Gatineau.

While they did not have an exact number of vehicles registered to Ontario in the area, Blondin said the plates were a “considered revenue card” that was growing in numbers across the different sectors.

To those residing in the area with Ontario plates, Blondin encouraged them to comply and settle in Quebec “before getting a ticket.”

Once a new mayor is named, the president said he planned to sit down with the police chief to discuss the next steps.

Photo caption: Jocelyn Blondin, president of the board of directors for the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, would like to see a special squad created to track down Gatineau residents with vehicles registered to the neighbouring province.

Photo credit: Screenshot of Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ board of directors, April 25,

2024

STO plans to crack down on Ontario licence plates Read More »

Kamanyana resigns from Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana announced her immediate resignation as district councillor as of April 25, opening the door to a by-election in the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district.

“It’s an opportunity for me, but it’s an emotional situation too,” Kamanyama said in a video posted on her Facebook page. “On the one hand, it is with enthusiasm that I would work for the people of Gatineau by occupying their highest leadership position in our city. On the other hand, it is my hope that district 13 will be taken care of quickly by an elected person.”

The Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities prevents an elected official from sitting in both a councillor and a mayoral seat. Kamanyana had until the end of the nomination period on May 10 to leave her position as district 13 councillor.

With both by-elections occurring on the same day, Kamanyana said she could contribute to reducing the financial burden imposed by an additional by-election.

“Since my election in 2021, I have been campaigning for optimized management of the public finances of our city and for management focused on tangible results,” said Kamanyana.

While the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district awaits its new councillor, Kamanyana encouraged residents to continue using the same communication channels.

Similar to mayoral candidates, those interested in representing the district can submit their application by May 10. Both by-elections are scheduled for June 9.

Photo caption: Independent mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana leaves her district councillor seat as she runs for mayor of Gatineau.

Photo credit: Courtesy of candidate

Kamanyana resigns from Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district Read More »

Urban planner runs under Action Gatineau for district 13

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Action Gatineau candidate Maude Marquis-Bissonnette took advantage of her campaign launch on April 28 and introduced the party’s candidate for the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district, Catherine Craig-St-Louis.

“It is encouraging to see that less than 24 hours after the announcement of a double by-election, a candidate like Catherine Craig-St-Louis is launching without hesitation into the campaign with us,” Marquis-Bissonnette wrote in a press release.

Having grown up in the neighbourhood, Craig-St-Louis said she was sensitive to the needs of the people who call district 13 home.

“I can’t wait to meet people, listen to them, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening the conviviality and welcoming character of the neighbourhood,” wrote Craig-St-Louis.

Craig-St-Louis is an urban planner with more than 10 years of experience with non-profit organizations in Outaouais, Quebec, and Canada. She currently works for Vivre en Ville as project manager and coordinator of the Gatineau office.

“For several years now, she has been collaborating on numerous projects in Gatineau relating to the development of neighbourhoods to create quality living environments. I am convinced that she has all the qualities required to properly represent the citizens in this district,” wrote Marquis-Bissonnette.

For Craig-St-Louis, she said the population must be at the heart of the City’s decision-making processes and that she was committed to working with the people of the community to bring to fruition several files started by outgoing district councillor Olive Kamanyana.

Craig-St-Louis was the first candidate to come forward for the district councillor position. Other potential candidates have until May 10 to submit their applications. Both by-elections will take place on June 9.

Photo caption: Catherine Craig-St-Louis will join Maude Marquis-Bissonnette under Action Gatineau as she runs for district councillor for Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital.

Photo credit: Action Gatineau

Urban planner runs under Action Gatineau for district 13 Read More »

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