Local Journalism Initiative

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Oktoberfest du Vieux-Aylmer brought families, neighbours, and visitors together for a lively
weekend of food, music, and community spirit. Over two days, Rue Principale was closed to
traffic between Jubilee and Bancroft, turning the area into a bustling pedestrian zone filled with
the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses. Local restaurants and craft breweries lined
the street, offering a wide range of dishes and beers, while the popular Grand Festin showcased
some of Aylmer’s best culinary talent through shared tables and hearty local fare. On stage,
Okies, Comment Debord, and Bon Enfant performed on Friday, followed by D-Track & Sam
Faye, Calamine, Pierre Kwenders, and Moonshine on Saturday, keeping the crowds entertained
from start to finish. Organized by the Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer, the event ran smoothly and
drew cheerful crowds that demonstrated why it remains one of Aylmer’s most anticipated annual
gatherings.

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Every year, in the days leading up to Remembrance Day, the Aylmer Legion Branch 33 Poppy
Campaign raises funds to support veterans and their families in the community. Bursaries are
granted to students who are veterans themselves, or the children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, spouses, or surviving spouses of Veterans, who are in need of financial
assistance.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Aylmer Legion Branch 33 Poppy Trust has proudly
awarded a total of $5,800 in bursaries to nine deserving recipients: Emilie Christianson, Jacob
Christianson, Noémie Gagnon, Xavier Kaufman, Laurence Labelle, Danica Lamothe, Philippe
Rollin, Nicolas Roy, and Abby-Gayle Sauvé. Paul Fleury, accompanied by Branch Sergeant-at-
Arms Bruce Howarth, presented the awards to the recipients, with Emilie and Jacob
Christianson to receive theirs at a later date.

Photo: Aylmer Legion Branch 33

To celebrate its half-century milestone, L’Imagier in Aylmer opened its doors to the community
for an evening filled with nostalgia and gratitude, honouring 50 years of imagination, art, and
shared memories.

The event, titled Au fil de l’imaginaire , marked the second chapter of a retrospective exhibition
that retraced the creative journey of its founder, Pierre Debain, while paying tribute to Yvette, his
lifelong partner and cornerstone of the institution’s spirit. Melissa Phillips, a member of the
L’Imagier team, described the night as “reviving a memory,” a moment to reconnect with the
legacy of two individuals whose vision helped shape the region’s artistic landscape.

Curated by their grandson Simon Debain, the exhibition weaves together the past and present,
showing how L’Imagier has grown from a humble home into a vibrant centre for contemporary
visual arts. The space, rebuilt in 2012, yet still echoing traces of the original Debain residence,
stands as a living testament to continuity and community.

Guests were invited to rediscover Pierre’s intimate works, including sketches, charcoals, and
pastels offered in small formats, symbolic of the accessibility and inclusivity that have always
defined the centre. With conversation, reflection, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Yvette’s
legendary hospitality, the evening became, as Phillips put it, “like bringing memory back to life.”

Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Confronted with a growing homelessness crisis worsened by mental health and addiction
challenges, the Quebec government on September 25 officially launched the PRISM program
(Reaffiliation in Homelessness and Mental Health) in Gatineau, an initiative designed to provide
integrated supports for people facing multiple, overlapping vulnerabilities.

At a press conference alongside representatives from Gîte-Ami, Maison Réalité, the CISSS de
l’Outaouais, and municipal officials, Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant stressed
the scale of the problem: while homelessness has risen by 44 per cent across Quebec since
2018, the increase in the Outaouais region has topped 200 per cent. He noted that many people
living on the streets, often struggling with severe mental health or substance-use issues, either
avoid shelters or are refused entry because their needs cannot be met under existing models.

PRISM aims to bridge that gap by offering around-the-clock access, seven days a week, to
permanent shelter beds combined with multidisciplinary clinical care, including a psychiatrist, a
nurse, and psychosocial workers, for eight to 12 weeks of stabilization. Afterwards, participants
will be supported in transitioning to permanent housing, with long-term follow-up provided by
community organizations such as Maison Réalité. Gîte-Ami, which already manages multiple
shelter sites in Gatineau, will operate the program’s dedicated beds.

The Gatineau rollout includes five continuous shelter beds and six places in supported housing.
In Montreal, where the program has been active for several years, data show promising
outcomes: roughly 62.5 per cent of participants remained in stable housing one year after
completing the program, and most continued with psychiatric care.

Local organizations say the program is arriving at a critical time. Gîte-Ami reported more than
1,160 admissions in 2022–2023 across its four sites, a figure that has continued to climb, with
makeshift encampments increasingly visible across the city. Advocates caution, however, that
the region’s shortage of affordable housing could limit how far programs like PRISM can reach.
Despite those concerns, community leaders expressed optimism about the collaboration at the
heart of the project. Maison Réalité, which specializes in psychosocial rehabilitation for people
with mental illness, will play a central role in long-term support.

“We’re uniting our strengths to offer hope to those who need it most. This program is more than
a service, it’s a pathway toward dignity and stability, and a chance at a better future,” said
Minister Carmant.

Photo: Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant announced the launch of the PRISM
program in Gatineau, bringing integrated housing and mental health support to people
experiencing homelessness. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

A new awareness campaign launched by the Ville de Gatineau, in partnership with the Société
de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), is calling on residents to treat public employees with greater
respect. The campaign is titled “Avec nos employés, y’a pas de raison d’être bête. À Gatineau,
on se respecte.” (With our employees, there’s no reason to be rude. In Gatineau, we respect
each other.)

The initiative responds to the growing number of reports from frontline staff who describe
encounters involving rude remarks, dismissive gestures and verbal aggression while performing
their duties. According to the city, the scenarios portrayed in the campaign are based on real
events experienced by municipal and transit employees.

The campaign includes posters and a series of short videos depicting these everyday incidents.
In several of the visuals, a person wears a large reptilian or dragon-like mask — a literal
interpretation of “être bête”, which in French means both “to be rude” and “to act like a beast”.
The masked figure symbolizes the uncivil behaviour that the city wants residents to recognize
and reject.

“This behaviour, whether a rude comment or a confrontation, is never acceptable,” said Patrick
Leclerc, Director General of the STO. He added that employees providing essential services to
the public are too often met with hostility when what they need is patience and understanding.
The campaign is part of a broader five-part action plan focused on improving working conditions
and strengthening the relationship between residents and public staff. It includes training to help
employees manage challenging interactions, enhancing the physical safety of workspaces,
simplifying administrative processes, promoting respectful conduct through public messaging
and establishing clear procedures for responding to incidents.

Simon Rousseau, Director General of the Ville de Gatineau, said the city is taking concrete
steps to protect its personnel. “Respect and the safety of our personnel are at the heart of the
values of the Ville de Gatineau. We are determined to ensure that every employee can carry out
their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.”

While campaign materials are highly visual, the underlying message is cultural. Officials say the
aim is to encourage reflection, foster empathy and prompt a shift toward civility in everyday
interactions.

“The growing incivility has profound repercussions on public life, and I witness it directly as a
municipal councillor,” said Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, councillor for the Touraine district and chair
of the Commission du vivre-ensemble. “It is imperative to remember the humanity of each
councillor and each employee. Debate of ideas is essential, but words and actions have an
impact. It is everyone’s responsibility to preserve civility and respect in our exchanges.”​

Photo: City and transit leaders in Gatineau are calling on residents to show more respect toward
public employees, launching a new campaign based on real incidents of incivility reported by
staff. (TF) Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

À fleur d’eau , a multifaceted public art installation by Gatineau artist Mélanie Myers and the
Montreal-based urban design co-operative Le Comité, has been chosen for integration into the
redevelopment of the motor zone in Pointe-Gatineau. The work is scheduled for production in
autumn 2025, with installation set for spring 2026, pending final approval by Gatineau’s
municipal council.

The piece emerged from a competitive selection process that included public input and expert
deliberation. Earlier this year, residents of Pointe-Gatineau voted online for their preferred
artwork among three proposals. À fleur d’eau received the highest number of votes and was
also the unanimous choice of the selection committee. That decision was reached
independently of the public results.

According to Myers, the inspiration for the piece was rooted in a deep engagement with the
site’s history. “We researched the many floods that have disrupted the area over the decades,”
she said. “We wanted to create something functional, forward-looking, something that
acknowledges the site’s future as a park, a place to sit, observe, and measure the rising
waters.”

The artist’s collaboration with Le Comité was, in her words, a highly productive exchange of
strengths. “The co-op has strong structural design skills. They’re clever and innovative when it
comes to thinking through community spaces.” Myers explained that Le Comité would develop
the structural skeleton based on the project’s criteria, and then both parties would refine it
together through a shared artistic lens. “Eventually, we landed on the idea of arches embedded
with limnimetric scales.” These are vertical gauges traditionally used to measure water levels in
rivers or lakes, and in this context, they double as sculptural elements, blending utility with
symbolism in a flood-prone landscape.

The installation will feature seating, counters, and an arch structure, including a hand-sculpted
water-level gauge cast in bronze. The work not only serves an aesthetic and recreational
function but is also a tangible record of the site’s hydrological memory. “In a direct way, it
dialogues with the rising water,” said Myers. “It offers a measurement tool that’s accessible to
citizens and makes the data of floods feel real. The memory of the site is reactivated every
spring.”

For residents and visitors who encounter the piece next spring, Myers hopes the experience will
be both contemplative and grounded in the land’s layered history. “They’ll be in a green space
near the river, but physically standing on the foundations of deconstructed homes,” she said.
“The place is inhabited, maybe even haunted, by its past. À fleur d’eau invites people to pause
and live with the elements, not fight against them.”​

City councillor Isabelle N. Miron, chair of the Commission for the Arts, Culture, Letters and
Heritage, welcomed the announcement. “This public art project reflects the City’s commitment to
transforming urban spaces into unique and resilient places to live. À fleur d’eau is not only a
beautiful piece, but a reminder of our shared history and our relationship with the environment.”

Photo: À fleur d’eau , a sculptural public art installation by Mélanie Myers and Le Comité, has
been chosen to anchor the revitalization of Gatineau’s flood-affected Pointe-Gatineau sector,
offering both a contemplative space and a living tribute to the site’s watery history. (TF) Photo:
Courtesy

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

A legal argument now before the Supreme Court of Canada could redefine how governments
use the Notwithstanding Clause, with potentially far-reaching consequences for civil liberties
and language rights across the country.

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy, a resident-led group advocating for English-speaking
Quebecers, has submitted a legal brief urging the Court to rule that governments cannot use the
clause to erase core rights and freedoms. Their intervention comes in the ongoing legal
challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21, which bars public workers in positions of authority from wearing
religious symbols.

While the case itself is focused on secularism, the Task Force’s submission focuses on the
broader issue of how Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, known as the
Notwithstanding Clause, is being used. The Quebec government has invoked the clause to
shield both Bill 21 and Bill 96. Bill 96 is a controversial law that restricts access to English in
education, health care, and government services.

“The government is using this clause to sidestep the Charter altogether,” said Andrew Caddell,
president of the Task Force. “We’re asking the Supreme Court to make clear that some rights
are so fundamental they cannot simply be overridden.”

The Task Force argues that the Charter, introduced in 1982, did not create new rights but
instead confirmed longstanding protections rooted in Canadian and British legal traditions.
These include freedom of expression, equality before the law, and the protection of minority
groups. These values existed before the Charter and continue to guide Canadian law.

Their legal brief, prepared by constitutional lawyer Michael Bergman, argues that even when a
government uses the Notwithstanding Clause, it should not have the authority to remove all
legal protections. Courts, they say, must continue to uphold deeper constitutional principles,
such as the rule of law and respect for minorities.

Vice President Geoffrey Chambers said the group is not asking for compensation or special
treatment. “We’re simply asking the Court to confirm that basic rights don’t disappear just
because a government says so.” He added, “This is not just about legal theory. It’s about
protecting the kind of society we all want to live in.”

Photo: A Supreme Court case could decide whether Quebec’s government can use the
Notwithstanding Clause to override fundamental rights, including those protecting English-
speaking communities. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Court of Quebec has upheld disciplinary suspensions issued to two Gatineau police officers
involved in the 2018 arrest of journalist Antoine Trépanier, confirming that the officers breached
ethical standards and failed to meet the investigative obligations expected of law enforcement.

Trépanier, who was working for Radio-Canada at the time, had been reporting on Yvonne Dubé,
the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Outaouais. He was examining
allegations that Dubé had previously acted as a lawyer without being properly licensed. As part
of his reporting, Trépanier contacted Dubé to request comment before publication.

Dubé filed a complaint with the Gatineau police, accusing Trépanier of criminal harassment.
Two officers, Constable Mathieu La Salle Boudria and Lieutenant Paul Lafontaine, responded to
the complaint and arrested Trépanier. The Police Ethics Committee later found that the officers
had failed to take necessary investigative steps to assess the context of Trépanier’s
communication. The Committee determined that the arrest was not based on a thorough
understanding of the situation and that the officers had not respected procedural or ethical
standards.

The Committee imposed a 10-day suspension on Constable Boudria and a 12-day suspension
on Lieutenant Lafontaine. Both officers contested the sanctions in court. The Court of Quebec
rejected their challenge, finding that the Committee’s conclusions were supported by the
evidence and that there was no legal error in its decision.

Photo: The Quebec Court has upheld suspensions against two Gatineau police officers for
improperly arresting journalist Antoine Trépanier, affirming that their actions breached ethical
standards and underscoring the need for law enforcement to exercise due diligence when
dealing with the press. (TF) Photo: Courtesy of Antoine Trépanier’s LinkedIn page

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The chronic underfunding of health and social services in the Outaouais took centre stage on
September 18 at a public forum held at the Maison du Citoyen in Gatineau. Elected officials,
health workers, and local organizations gathered for the Forum Santé Outaouais 2025 to
demand fair funding and more control over how healthcare is delivered in the region. The
message was clear: the Outaouais is being left behind.

The event was organized by Action Santé Outaouais, AQDR Outaouais, and the Conférence
des préfets de l’Outaouais. At the heart of the forum was a number that set the tone—$348
million. That’s how much less the region is estimated to receive each year in health funding
compared to other areas of Quebec. Speakers and community members linked that funding gap
to the real-life challenges people in the Outaouais face every day when trying to access care.

Five regional leaders took the stage: Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Chantal
Lamarche (MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau), Marc Carrière (MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais),
Jane Toller (MRC Pontiac), and Paul-André David (MRC Papineau). All pointed to the same
reality: the region is growing, its needs are increasing, but the services and staff needed to
support that growth simply aren’t there. They called for decisions to be made closer to home
and for funding to reflect the region’s true needs.

Steve Brabant, Director General of Cégep de l’Outaouais, and Murielle Laberge, Rector of
Université du Québec en Outaouais, highlighted the challenges in training and keeping
healthcare workers in the region. They stressed the need for long-term investment in local
education programs and better support for students pursuing health careers. Dr. Marc Bilodeau,
CEO of the Outaouais health authority (CISSSO), also addressed the forum, outlining internal
efforts to improve services but acknowledging the deep structural challenges the region faces.
Among the biggest concerns raised was the severe shortage of health professionals, more than
1,400 positions are currently unfilled.

In the Pontiac, 80 percent of residents now cross into Ontario to get care, a situation Jane Toller
described as unacceptable. The closure of the obstetrics unit in the Pontiac has forced
expectant mothers to travel to Pembroke or Gatineau to give birth. As a result, more C-sections
are being scheduled simply to ensure women can plan around the long travel distances. Toller
stressed that women have the right to give birth where they live and said the Pontiac is
determined to get its birthing services back.

Seniors’ care is another major issue. The region is already short almost 400 long-term care
beds, with that gap expected to grow to 1,400 by 2040. The Outaouais also ranks last in
Quebec for publicly funded hours of in-home care. With not enough family doctors and few
alternatives, many older adults struggle to get support, especially if they want to stay at home.​
Mental health services were described as fragmented and underfunded, particularly outside
Gatineau. Community organizations are stretched thin, with long wait times and unstable
funding. Rural areas face added challenges: distance, transport, and language all make it
harder to get timely support.

Throughout the forum, participants pushed for local, practical solutions. Suggestions included
creating planning tables with real decision-making power, developing an innovation hub to
support hiring and research, and expanding training programs in the region. Some proposed
offering housing incentives to attract healthcare staff, better recognition of foreign-trained
professionals, and stronger pathways from high school and college into healthcare careers.

Calls were also made to bring decision-making back to local CLSCs (community health and
social service centres), especially in remote and Indigenous communities. For seniors,
participants recommended cooperative housing options and guaranteed home care hours that
reflect what people need. On mental health, ideas included long-term funding for community
groups, mobile crisis teams, and better links between schools, clinics, and youth services.

Photo: At the Forum Santé Outaouais 2025 on September 18 in Gatineau, regional leaders
called for urgent, locally adapted solutions to the chronic underfunding of health and social
services in the Outaouais. Pictured left to right are Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Jane
Toller, Paul-André David, Chantal Lamarche, and Marc Carrière. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

One of the city’s newest public sporting events, offering a broader range of races and a growing
reputation as a celebration of inclusion, athleticism and regional identity, Courons Gatineau,
returns on September 27 for its second edition along the banks of the Ottawa and Gatineau
rivers.

Organized by Gatineau Loppet, the non-profit behind the long-running cross-country ski festival
of the same name, Courons Gatineau launched in 2024 with the goal of creating an accessible,
family-friendly running event grounded in local geography and community values. This year,
organizers expect to exceed 1,000 participants, up from 816 in the inaugural edition, as they
expand the race offerings to include two new distances: a 1 km initiation course for newcomers
and a 15 km route designed for more experienced runners. The 5, 10, and 15 km races have
received gold-level certification from Athlétisme Québec, signalling high standards of safety,
quality, and technical rigour.

Just hours before the start of the event, Gatineau native and Olympian Audrey Leduc will arrive
home following her appearance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she
represented Canada in sprint events. Leduc, who also competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics,
will take part in the 2 km family run, sign autographs, distribute medals and speak at a public
press conference scheduled for 1 pm on race day. It will be her first media appearance in
Canada since Tokyo.

“She embodies excellence and inspires young people in our region,” said Philippe Lebel,
president of Gatineau Loppet. “Her presence brings extraordinary energy to this event and to
Gatineau as a whole.”

Beyond the competition, Courons Gatineau places strong emphasis on community spirit and
environmental awareness. The course winds along the two rivers that frame the city and will be
closed to vehicle and bicycle traffic between Rue du Prince-Albert and Rue Saint-Antoine for the
duration of the races. Kiosks from local cultural and conservation organizations, including
Garde-rivière des Outaouais and the Musée de l’Auberge Symmes, will line the route,
highlighting the importance of water stewardship. A fundraising campaign for Garde-rivière is
once again integrated into the registration process, continuing the philanthropic element
introduced last year.

The event also returns with a stronger commitment to inclusion, led this year by Paralympian
Jacques Bouchard, who serves as spokesperson for the adapted races. These races enable
participants living with disabilities to compete with the support of trained volunteers and co-
running wheelchairs. The adapted division has received backing from Caisse Desjardins, which
is covering the registration costs for ten runners.

Photo: Courons Gatineau returns with expanded races and a renewed focus on inclusion, as

families and young runners once again bring vibrant energy to Gatineau’s riverfront streets. (TF)

Photo: Courtesy

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce held a press conference on September 16 to unveil the
results of a survey outlining the business community’s top concerns heading into the municipal
elections. The findings show a clear demand for lower taxes, streamlined bureaucracy, and
faster housing development.

Over 70% of respondents said municipal taxes are too high, and more than half believe the
business climate has deteriorated in recent years. Many cited slow and inefficient permitting
processes as a barrier to growth, with calls for better coordination between city departments and
the use of modern tools like AI.

Affordable housing and homelessness emerged as major issues. Nearly 60% support faster
approval of residential projects, and 48% favour incentives for affordable housing. Public safety
concerns linked to homelessness were also raised.

On infrastructure, a majority back building a new bridge in the east end of the city, while views
on the proposed tramway remain split. The Chamber is urging all candidates to commit to fiscal
reform, governance transparency, and revitalization of the downtown core.

Photo: Gatineau’s business community is calling for urgent reforms ahead of the municipal
elections, with Chamber of Commerce General Manager Étienne Fredette urging candidates to
address high taxes, bureaucratic delays, and the need for faster housing development to restore
confidence and drive economic growth. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Tashi
LJI Reporter

The Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer is bringing Oktoberfest back to the heart of Old Aylmer, turning rue Principale into a lively celebration of music, food, and craft beer. The free two-day festival, taking place September 26 – 27, invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy one of the area’s most vibrant community gatherings.

Oktoberfest has evolved into more than just a seasonal event. With a strong focus on local flavor—both musical and culinary—it offers a showcase of the area’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

“It’s a fall celebration that blends gastronomy, local brews, a family-friendly atmosphere, and free performances for all,” said Aime Johnston, president of the Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer. “It’s a beautiful opportunity for the entire community to come together and celebrate the cultural and festive richness of our region.” This year’s festival will also feature beers from every microbrewery in Gatineau.

The music lineup reflects a diverse mix of talent, headlined by Montréal’s Comment Debord, a seven-piece band known for its funky, retro-infused “text rock.” They’ll take the main stage Friday night, joined throughout the weekend by acts such as Bon Enfant, Pierre Kwenders, Calamine, local Aylmer band Okies, and the high-energy collective Moonshine. Performances will run from late Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, offering a soundtrack for the entire festival experience.

Festivalgoers can also look forward to Le Grand Festin, a ticketed communal dining experience that brings together some of Aylmer’s most beloved eateries. Ras l’Bol, Antonyme, Boulangerie Deux Frères, and microbrewery 5e Baron have collaborated on a multi-course buffet served at long, shared tables right on the street. Tickets are $85 plus tax and include two local beers. Six sittings are available across the weekend, giving diners a chance to enjoy the event at their own pace.

Throughout the festival, rue Principale will be closed to vehicle traffic between Jubilee and Bancroft. The space will be fully pedestrianized, with vendors, food stations, picnic tables, and performance areas lining the street.

Louise Rousseau, executive director of APICA, describes the event as part of a larger vision for the district. “This is more than a party. It’s a celebration of our neighborhood’s growth and resilience,” she said. “We’re seeing people rediscover Vieux-Aylmer as a place to gather, celebrate, and stay connected.”

For full details, including musical programming and tickets for Le Grand Festin, visit: www.facebook.com/events/805607548705039

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Quincaillerie Home Hardware in Aylmer has been named the top Home Hardware store in
Quebec, receiving provincial recognition at the Marchands par excellence awards in Toronto on
September 10. The award was presented during Home Hardware Stores Limited’s annual
Retrouvailles event, which celebrates dealer excellence across Canada.

“This recognition is a true honour for our team and a great source of motivation for the years
ahead,” said Marc Clément, owner and operator of the Aylmer location, alongside his wife Isabel
Lamarche. “Since relocating to our new premises, the store has seen significant growth, and we
are thankful to the Aylmer community for their loyalty.”

The award comes as the store prepares to mark its 10 th year in Aylmer in 2026. It was one of
only 18 stores across the country to be selected for the distinction. Merchants are evaluated on
customer service, staff performance, store presentation inside and out, and involvement in the
broader Home Hardware network.

“On behalf of all employees at Home Hardware Stores Limited, I want to congratulate Marc
Clément and Isabel Lamarche on this well-deserved recognition,” said Pierre Faucher, Territory
Manager for Retail Operations in Quebec. “This award is a testament to the team’s hard work
and strong commitment to customer service and community engagement.”

Photo: From left to right: Éric Kingsley, John Pierce, Marc Clément, Isabel Lamarche, Ian White
and Darrin Sayles at the Marchands par excellence awards in Toronto, where Quincaillerie
Home Hardware in Aylmer was named the best Home Hardware store in Quebec. (TF) Photo:
Courtesy

Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

At the Mayor’s Breakfast on the morning of September 12, Gatineau officials and regional
leaders gathered at the Ramada Plaza Manoir du Casino to chart a course toward economic
transformation through cybersecurity and national defence. With federal plans to raise defence
spending to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035, a potential 150 billion dollars annually, the message
was clear: Gatineau wants in.

Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette framed the city’s ambition in blunt terms. “The public service
is a strength, but it cannot be the only engine of our economy,” she said, warning of looming
federal job cuts and calling for a bold pivot toward high-value sectors. She stressed that
cybersecurity is one of Gatineau’s strongest cards, pointing to the region’s skilled workforce,
proximity to Ottawa, and concentration of specialists. “We’re not building in a desert. We’re
building on living strengths that already exist.”

Reda Bensouda, deputy director of Innovation at the Université du Québec en Outaouais and
former head of the national cybersecurity cluster In-Sec-M, highlighted education as central to
Gatineau’s role in the field. He noted that UQO is working to launch a bachelor’s degree in
cybersecurity. “It’s not official yet, but we’re in the process of getting it approved,” he said. “That
would be a game-changer for the region.”

Jean-Claude Des Rosiers, director of CyberQuébec and longtime entrepreneur, underscored
Gatineau’s existing expertise and infrastructure. His centre works directly with companies to
strengthen their cyber resilience. “There are over 2,400 cybersecurity specialists in the region
and more than 90 companies involved,” he said. “The federal government is a client that
understands cyber risk. That makes this region competitive.”

Michelle Robitaille, CEO of Digital Trust Canada, spoke about the importance of secure digital
infrastructure for national sovereignty. Her organization, founded in Gatineau in 2020, now leads
efforts to create a federated, secure system for Canada. “We’re developing infrastructure to
ensure Canadian data stays in Canadian hands,” she said. “Digital trust and sovereignty are no
longer abstract. They’re now central to innovation, security, and competitiveness.”

Throughout the morning, speakers stressed that cybersecurity must be part of a larger defence
strategy that includes space-based communications, artificial intelligence, and notably, drones.
They described Gatineau as well-positioned to support innovation in autonomous systems and
secure drone technologies, both for civil and defence applications.

As the session closed, Marquis-Bissonnette returned to the stakes at hand. “There’s already
money on the table, and if we want to build a future here, with satellites, secure infrastructure,
drones, and yes, cybersecurity, then Gatineau needs to move now,” she said. “If we don’t,
someone else will.”​

Photo: Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette was joined at the September 12 Mayor’s Breakfast
by Michelle Robitaille, Jean-Claude Des Rosiers, and Reda Bensouda to discuss Gatineau’s
future in cybersecurity and defence. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval Police confirmed last week that it arrested one of its own, Constable Anthony De Melo, to face charges of luring and transmitting sexually explicit materials to a person believed to be a minor.

De Melo was arraigned in Quebec Court, with the LPD noting that the alleged offences occurred outside of the police officer’s working hours.

Initial information released by the LPD indicate the alleged offences took place place last March in the Châteauguay region south of Montreal.

The 46-year-old officer was exposed following efforts made by amateur pedophile hunters.

19-year-old hospitalized after stabbing outside Laval movie theatre

A 19-year-old man is in hospital after an armed assault outside of Laval’s Colossus movie theatre on the night of Sunday September 21.

At around 9:55 p.m., the LPD received a 911 call regarding the stabbing. Upon arrival, the 19-year-old male victim was found with serious stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries, according to the LPD. In the meantime, the force’s Crimes Against Persons unit has taken over the investigation.

The crime scene was analyzed by investigators and crime scene technicians Sunday night, the SPL said, although no arrests had been made by early Monday.

Recent LFD fire calls

16 September 11:09 am // Building fire on Place des Sarcelles in the district of Sainte-Rose. One-storey residential building. Flames were visible on the roof upon arrival of firefighters. Fire code 10-12, meaning a alarm was called in.

20 September 08:17 am // Building fire on Jean-Picard St. in the district of Chomedey. Multi-unit residential structure. Flames apparent in basement to firefighters upon their arrival. Code 10-07, necessitating intervention.

21 September 12:36 pm // Building fire on La Perière St. in district of Saint-François. Residential structure. Flames apparent on the roof. Code 10-09, meaning full intervention required secours engagé à plein, with aggravating circumstances possible.