Local Journalism Initiative

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

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

William Crooks
Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin shakes hands with Promutuel Assurance Centre-Sud General Director Maryse Morel following the announcement of a new partnership at the QG de l’entrepreneuriat on June 19

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem received a significant boost on June 19 with the announcement of a new five-year partnership between the City of Sherbrooke and Promutuel Assurance Centre-Sud. Starting in 2026, the partnership grants Promutuel naming rights to the city’s entrepreneurship hub, known as the Quartier général de l’entrepreneuriat (QG), located on Wellington St. South.

As part of the agreement, Promutuel will contribute $135,000 annually, for a total indexed value of $710,000 over five years. According to a related release, the funds will help support the hub’s operational costs, including enhanced programming and improved reception services at the Guichet unique.

The building will be renamed QG de l’entrepreneuriat Promutuel Assurance and the multipurpose room on the ground floor will become the espace entrepreneurial Promutuel Assurance.

“I’m very proud to announce this important partnership,” said Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin at the event. “The QG is a dynamic centre for economic development in Sherbrooke. Seeing a major company like Promutuel choose to invest financially here sends a strong message and highlights the energy driving our local community.”

Beaudin also emphasized the role of the social economy in the city’s development, noting that Promutuel, as a mutual insurance company, is a prime example. “To see a social economy enterprise like Promutuel—often not the first that comes to mind—taking on this kind of leadership is reassuring,” she said. “It aligns perfectly with our newly adopted social economy policy.”

The mayor praised the city’s development team for securing the deal and pointed out that this is the second major agreement signed under Sherbrooke’s municipal partnership program, a new initiative designed to foster collaboration with the private sector.

Promutuel Assurance Centre-Sud General Director Maryse Morel said the decision to support the QG was about more than visibility. “It’s more than just a name on a building,” she told attendees. “This is a strong commitment to the community, to entrepreneurs, and to the economic future of Sherbrooke.”

Morel described the QG as “a place where ideas take root, where passion meets boldness, and where dreams become tangible projects.” She emphasized that Promutuel is committed to being an active and engaged partner. “We’re here on the ground, listening, present when it matters, and genuinely involved,” she said.

Businesses interested in future partnerships with the city are invited to contact partenariats@sherbrooke.ca.

Courtesy Angus MacKinnon
Flames consume the McKinnon family barn in Barnston in the early hours of June 26, sending a glow into the night sky before the structure collapsed

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A devastating barn fire in the early hours of June 26 has claimed the lives of more than 160 animals at the MacKinnon family dairy farm near Barnston, causing extensive damage to a landmark agricultural operation rooted in the Eastern Townships for generations.

The Ayer’s Cliff Fire Department received the emergency call at 2:02 a.m. and arrived to find the large dairy barn completely engulfed in flames. “Upon arriving on scene, the building was fully evolved from one end to the other,” confirmed Ayer’s Cliff Fire Battalion Chief Dany Brus in an interview. “The owners were able to save a few cattle, calves mainly, but it was too dangerous to go inside the building.”

Farm owner Angus MacKinnon was alerted to the fire by his brother just after 2 a.m. “I came out of the house, and the building was completely engulfed in flames,” he said. “There was nothing we could do.”

The fire consumed the entire main barn, resulting in the loss of approximately 100 Holstein milking cows and 65 bred and soon-to-be-bred heifers. “We were able to save about a dozen calves who are housed in hutches outside the building,” said MacKinnon. “We loaded them into our cattle trailer and moved them away from the building for their safety.”

Firefighters from multiple departments were called in to assist. Brus confirmed response teams from Ayer’s Cliff, Stanstead, North Hatley, Coaticook, and Stanstead Township participated in the operation. “We never ran out of water,” he said. “We were drafting from a pond only about a kilometre away.” Emergency crews remained on scene for over seven hours, leaving around 9:30 a.m.

No injuries were reported, but paramedics remained on standby throughout the morning. “It went well. It wasn’t an easy fire,” said Brus. “The McKinnon family is well known in the region. This is a big loss for them—it’s also a big loss for the community.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but MacKinnon suspects it may have been electrical. “We have an electrical monitoring system, and there was a spike at 1:35 a.m. on one of the entrance panels,” he explained. “There aren’t many motors working at that time of night, so we think that may have been the root cause.”

The damage extends beyond the building and livestock. MacKinnon said one of the four concrete silos on the property is still smouldering. “There’s fire in that, and I have 400 tons of silage in there,” he said. “That will probably take the next six months to burn through because they have no access to it.”

The destroyed barn held not only livestock but also decades of memories for the McKinnon family. “That was the barn I was brought up in,” said MacKinnon. “All the childhood memories with my family are in that barn. And my kids’ memories are there also now. That’s all gone up in smoke.”

Despite the loss, the McKinnons are determined to rebuild. “We’re well insured, and the next generation was in place to take over the farm over the next four, five, six years,” MacKinnon said. “The master plan is to keep the eighth generation here and going.”

Community support has already begun to pour in. “We’re very, very thankful for the outpouring of support we’ve had from the community—phone calls and notes and texts of support and commiseration,” he said. “We’ve been here for a long time. We’re very involved in the community, and we’re touched by the emotional support we’ve had in the last number of hours.”

Though the future will bring many challenges, MacKinnon remains characteristically resolute. “Farmers are optimistic,” he said. “We like looking ahead, not back.”

July 8 meeting to finalize tough budget decisions

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) is facing challenging financial decisions as it prepares to implement approximately $6.5 million in budget cuts mandated by the provincial government. At its June 25 Council of Commissioners meeting, presided over by Chair Michael Murray, commissioners and administrators laid out the difficult measures ahead. They confirmed that final budget resolutions—including school-level allocations—will be formally adopted at a special public meeting on July 8.

“These cuts are overwhelming and extremely preoccupying,” Murray said. “We have had only days to adjust to these cuts. The choices imposed are not merely difficult, but agonizing.”

Director General Kandy Mackey echoed Murray’s concerns and described the planning process as “nothing short of daunting.” She noted that the board received the provincial parameters so late that many staffing decisions for the upcoming school year had already been made. “Since receiving the parameters, we’ve worked nonstop to explore every possible avenue to meet this target with care and strategy,” Mackey told commissioners.

One significant adjustment already proposed is the freezing of school and vocational centre surpluses for the 2025–26 school year, with any deficits to be reimbursed gradually at 2–5 per cent annually. This decision, part of a resolution on resource allocation principles, helps the board manage shortfalls but restricts individual schools’ fiscal flexibility.

In the public question period, local teachers and union representatives expressed frustration at being excluded from primary budget discussions. An Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) representative described the board’s approach to health and safety funding as “deplorable,” urging greater consultation with staff in making tough service cuts. “Why were teachers not included in discussions about which services to cut?” he said. Murray replied by pointing to staff representation on governing boards and encouraged proactive engagement at that level: “Your representatives at every governing board need to be forthcoming, need to be proactive.”

The board also fielded suggestions to hire an external efficiency consultant. While Murray acknowledged the potential benefits, he cautioned that collective agreements severely limit the ability to reduce personnel. “Most of the efficiency experts I’ve had the pleasure—or otherwise—of dealing with start by looking to cut staff,” he said. “We are very reluctant to entertain any thought of staff reductions.”

Murray additionally warned that rising legal and consultant fees—particularly for grievances and health and safety compliance—are channelling funds away from student supports. “We’re unfortunately trapped in a system that is expensive, and that we certainly don’t want to pursue further,” he stated. The implication: cutting administrative overhead may yield less savings than anticipated.

A range of programs stand to be significantly impacted. Extracurricular transportation—such as school buses for sports teams—nutrition support, and specialized staff for vulnerable students are all on the chopping block. Murray noted community groups have already stepped in to help cover some shortfalls: “We’ve had to sacrifice things like buses for high school sports teams, but people are stepping up.”

Major construction projects across the board—such as building upgrades at Parkview Elementary, Sherbrooke Elementary, Richmond Regional High and others—were deferred until the July 8 meeting pending bid results and additional information. Approved projects include adult education renovations at the ETSB board office and enhancements at Lennoxville Elementary.

Outside the financial-heavy agenda, commissioners recognized several positive developments. They celebrated recent graduation ceremonies, community-driven fundraisers (including a $6,000 drive for Pervana’s Garden at Prince Elizabeth Elementary), and vocational training successes. A $2,500 gift from the Christian Vachon Foundation to Farnham Elementary was also commended.

The Board marked the upcoming retirement of long-time Instructional Technology and Pedagogical Services Director Eva Lettner after 33 years of service. Mackey described Lettner’s enduring legacy: “love, laughter, and learning,” with a significant impact on English‑language education in Quebec.

Other administrative advancements at the June 25 meeting included changes to signing authorities in several schools, updating the board’s ethics code, and awarding a $179,868 contract for employee assistance and telemedicine services.

Despite the financial strain, Murray commended the professionalism and collective spirit of ETSB staff and communities. “At this more difficult time, every member of ETSB can take pride in one thing—the team spirit and willingness to go the extra distance that’s been displayed at every level.”

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What parents and teachers need to know

July 8 public meeting: This special session will finalize the 2025–26 budget. Parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to attend to observe or participate and give comment.

Key cuts under review:

• Freezing of surpluses and gradual deficit reimbursement
• Potential elimination of extracurricular bus services, nutrition programs, and support staff
• Possible postponement of school upgrades pending budget approval

Staff input: Board officials stress that teachers should engage actively in governing-board discussions, as union consultations were limited during initial cuts.

Community involvement: Groups are already volunteering to bridge service gaps; ongoing collaboration will be essential during implementation.

A petition against the provincial government’s proposed budget cuts was launched on Wednesday and is available on the National Assembly website.

William Crooks
Mary Ann McCarron, Janet Watson, Nancy Gosselin, and Ann Louise Carson pose with the CFUW Sherbrooke & District donation cheque at Moisson Estrie on June 25

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Sherbrooke & District made a meaningful contribution to Moisson Estrie on June 25, donating $2,285 raised through grassroots initiatives. The presentation took place at Moisson Estrie’s headquarters on 10e Avenue Sud in Sherbrooke, where CFUW members also received a tour of the facility.

“We’re basically a group of ladies who just want to make the world better, largely through education,” said CFUW Sherbrooke & District President Ann Louise Carson on the scene. She explained that while the group focuses on promoting access to education, it also chooses a charity each year to support through various fundraising activities. This year, the members voted to direct their efforts toward addressing food insecurity.

The money was raised through simple community activities—selling books for 50 cents each, organizing events, and gathering donations during group outings. “Whatever we make, we give away,” said Carson. “And this year, there’s been a lot of awareness about food insecurity.”

CFUW members were particularly impressed with Moisson Estrie’s regional reach and operational efficiency. “They cover all the Townships,” Carson said, adding that the organization’s impact aligns well with the CFUW’s desire to support people across the region.

The donation will go a long way. As Nancy Gosselin, Development Manager for Moisson Estrie, explained, “Thanks to agreements with local merchants, each dollar is multiplied by 13.” That means the $2,285 donation has the potential to generate nearly $30,000 worth of food.

The funds will be used to purchase food for Moisson Estrie’s social grocery program and to supply 60 partner organizations throughout the Estrie region. “We cover seven MRCs,” Gosselin noted.

The need is growing. “In one year, we went from about 150 or 160 people to 207 per day,” Gosselin said, referring to the number of individuals Moisson Estrie serves daily. The number of accredited partner organizations has also grown, from 55 to 61. “Food insecurity is present, unfortunately, and it’s increasing.”

For Carson, the choice of Moisson Estrie was also a natural extension of the CFUW’s core mission. “There’s a link between food and education,” she said. “Children who don’t eat in the morning or don’t eat well during the day have a much harder time learning.”

Moisson Estrie is always looking for volunteers to support its growing operations.

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

As the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) prepares to implement significant budget reductions, the Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) says it is concerned about the potential impact on students—particularly those with special needs—and is calling for broader consultation in the process.

The ETSB is facing a $6.5 million cut to its operating budget, about five per cent, as part of the Quebec government’s $510 million reduction to education spending across the province. The cuts come on top of $200 million slashed earlier this school year.

ATA President Timothy Croteau said in an interview that teachers are anxious about the months ahead and want to ensure that decisions are made with their input. “We’d love to hear from the employer, and we’ve asked that they meet with teachers as well,” he said. “Only meeting with administrators doesn’t get the word out there enough for the rest of us.”

Croteau said the union has heard the cuts may affect classroom services, student aides, and programming that supports vulnerable learners. “It might actually affect their direct services—especially our special needs children. We already don’t have enough,” he said.

He also emphasized that many provisions in the teachers’ collective agreement are designed to directly support students, such as class size limits and access to specialized resources. “It’s not just about teacher salaries,” he said. “Those agreements are built around children.”

The ATA is asking that collective agreements not be affected by the cuts and that the school board look for efficiencies in other areas. One concern is the board’s use of oversized classes, which Croteau said can reduce direct student support. “We’d like to prioritize smaller class sizes,” he said. “Because that means more direct services to students.”

Croteau noted that some schools are already exploring fundraising efforts to compensate for expected losses. “We don’t think that should have to happen,” he said. “This is a government responsibility.”

He added that many teachers support the board’s emphasis on attachment-based learning, which relies on additional time spent with students outside of formal instruction. “Those extras—like field trips—are part of how you build strong relationships,” he said. “And those are the things being cut.”

Croteau also questioned the provincial government’s claim that education funding is increasing overall. Both local MNAs—Geneviève Hébert and Isabelle Charest—have cited a $1.1 billion increase to the 2025 education budget and a 58 per cent rise since 2018.

“They keep saying there’s more money, but we don’t agree it’s reaching classrooms,” he said. “It shows how out of touch they are with teachers and students.”

The ATA is calling for more inclusive conversations as decisions are made. “We’re the ones living it, every day,” Croteau said.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville’s office was contacted for an interview but did not respond before this article went to print.

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

As school boards scramble to absorb $510 million in new education cuts across Quebec, Saint-François MNA Geneviève Hébert has declined to offer any further public comment on the issue, despite repeated requests from The Record.

In a written statement shared by her press attaché, Hébert emphasized that the education budget has increased by $1.1 billion this year to a record $23.5 billion. She added that since 2018, the government has increased education funding by 58 per cent. However, she acknowledged that staffing increases have outpaced student population growth, saying school service centres must now “make decisions that respond best to local needs while ensuring the sustainability of student services.”

Although Hébert’s office initially indicated she would be unavailable for an interview on June 18, The Record followed up the next day to request a future interview. That request was declined on June 19, with her office confirming that Hébert would not comment further on the education cuts. She remains, according to her spokesperson, “in close contact with stakeholders in the school sector” and “fully aware of the challenges they face.”

The silence follows sharp criticism from unions and school boards across the province. On June 17, the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) released a statement accusing Education Minister Bernard Drainville of misleading the public, calling the budget changes a return to “austerity.” The federation highlighted severe consequences for students and staff, including hiring freezes, work overload, and the cancellation of staff assignment sessions. “We talk about educational success, but we’re cutting what’s needed to achieve it,” said FPSS-CSQ President Éric Pronovost. “Enough with the hypocrisy.”

The cuts also include a drastic reduction to building maintenance budgets, from nearly $1 billion in 2023–2024 to just $100 million in 2025–2026—a 90 per cent drop in two years. “We talk about a strong Quebec while our schools are falling apart—literally and figuratively,” Pronovost added.

Locally, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) estimates it must slash around $6.5 million, or roughly five per cent of its total operating budget. Board Chair Mike Murray previously warned that extracurriculars, support services, and student aides are at serious risk. “Yes, contact your MNA and tell them it’s idiocy,” he told The Record in an earlier interview.

Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest, who issued a nearly identical statement to Hébert’s earlier this week, did not respond to a request for an eventual interview on June 19.

The Record has also contacted the ATA Union, the CSQ TRUSS union, and the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) for interviews but has yet to receive responses.

William Crooks
Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas speaks during the June 19 announcement in Centennial Park, where he confirmed he will seek a second term as Fairview councillor under the Sherbrooke Citoyen banner

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke Citoyen leader and mayoral candidate Raïs Kibonge introduced the party’s candidates for the upcoming November 2025 municipal elections in Sherbrooke’s Lennoxville borough during a June 19 press conference at Centennial Park.

Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, current councillor for Fairview, announced he will be seeking a second term, while newcomer Daniela Fernandes will run in Uplands.

“Guillaume turned his first term into an opportunity for innovation. Daniela brings a sensitivity to social issues and a fresh perspective,” said Kibonge. He praised the pair for their commitment to citizen-centred and community-driven politics.

Lirette-Gélinas highlighted his first-term accomplishments, including protecting the borough’s bilingual status, launching the Fairview Citizens’ Assembly, and supporting the arts through grants and outdoor cinema screenings. “I promised to bring politics closer to the people, and that’s exactly what I did,” he said. For his second term, he plans to focus on a business succession grant for students at Champlain, Bishop’s, and Cégep de Sherbrooke, and to enhance flood resilience by improving local hydrographic infrastructure.

Fernandes, an education advisor at Champlain College and PhD candidate, said she was running to deepen her community involvement. “Sometimes we work in the field and we want to make a difference, to do a little more. For me, especially in this community that welcomed me, it’s time to give back,” she said.

Her platform includes improving pedestrian safety—particularly on Queen Street, where she said poor lighting makes winter crossings dangerous—promoting intergenerational programming with local schools, and opening new avenues for citizen participation. “Every citizen has a role to play in improving our neighbourhood,” she said.

In the question period that followed, journalists pressed both candidates on deeper motivations and challenges, especially surrounding Lennoxville’s linguistic identity.

Asked about the future of bilingualism in the borough, Lirette-Gélinas acknowledged the growing concern. “More and more, anglophone citizens feel isolated,” he said. “Here in Lennoxville, we’ve always lived in harmony, but there’s still work to be done, especially in bridging the gap between students and long-time residents.” He emphasized the progress already made in building those connections.

The Record questioned why both candidates chose to run under the Sherbrooke Citoyen banner rather than as independents—a topic often debated in the region. Fernandes said the party’s collaborative structure appealed to her as a first-time candidate. “I would feel more secure with a team that is already working, that is knowledgeable and will support me,” she said.

Kibonge also weighed in. “There was a poll last year that showed most people just want things to get done,” he said. “Being in a party allows us to support each other, to share experiences. When Guillaume talks about Lennoxville in caucus, it helps us all understand why we must preserve bilingual status, why these things matter.”

He added that Sherbrooke Citoyen values transparency. “In 2021, we promised to preserve bilingualism—and we did. It wasn’t a campaign line, it was a belief we acted on.”

In closing, Lirette-Gélinas reflected on what he had learned since being elected in 2021. “Don’t be shy. Reach out to people, even if they seem intimidating—ministers, officials—because what’s happening in your borough matters,” he said. “And always be ready to collaborate.”

William Crooks
From left to right: David “Skip” Wright, Councillor Jennifer Garfat, Nelson Gonyer, Betty Hall, Hanna Carey, Borough President Claude Charron, Gino Rouleau, Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, and Cyrielle Fleury at the June 18 Lennoxville Borough Council meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the June 18 meeting of the Lennoxville Borough Council, Councillor Jennifer Garfat officially announced her intention to run for Borough President in the upcoming municipal elections this fall. Incumbent President Claude Charron confirmed he will seek to fill the councillor seat Garfat will vacate, effectively swapping roles. “That’s the intention,” Charron said, after clarifying that the two are not running against each other.

Much of the meeting’s focus centred on environmental concerns raised during question period. Hanna Carey, Quebec coordinator for Invasives Canada’s new federally funded Youth Eco-Stewards program, introduced herself and outlined plans to engage local youth aged 12 to 30 in environmental projects such as invasive species removal and pollinator garden support.

“One of the events…is going to be for Pollinator Day,” Carey said, adding that she is collaborating with groups like Sierra Club Canada and hopes to plant wildflowers in both public and private spaces in Lennoxville. She requested the borough’s help in identifying municipally owned land for planting. Carey will be coordinating the program for two years and is aiming to build partnerships with local organizations and city departments. “I’d love to get more youth in the community involved as well,” she added.

Charron said the borough would assist by connecting Carey with municipal environmental players. “We probably can assist you… our leisure department normally is responsible for different organizations in Sherbrooke and Lennoxville,” he said, suggesting that the borough could help link her with relevant contacts. He added that she would be participating in an upcoming planning session for Pollinator Day and potentially partnering with educational gardens at Bishop’s University.

A second resident (and columnist for The Record), Nelson Gonyer, raised concerns about the borough’s grass-cutting schedule, noting that lawns around public monuments were overgrown well into June. “There was one point where you couldn’t see [the flowers] for the grass,” he said, referring to the monument at the entrance to Lennoxville. Gonyer questioned whether the city had effectively extended its participation in the “No Mow May” campaign into June, creating an “unsightly” impression for visitors.

Charron explained that while No Mow May is not a bylaw, it is an encouraged environmental practice, and confirmed that mowing delays are due in part to weather and the city’s workload. “It takes them about three weeks to go around all the spaces they maintain,” he said, citing 126 sites under municipal care. He emphasized that residents should call 819-821-5858 with complaints to ensure follow-up. “If you don’t complain about it, it will stay that way,” he said.

Gonyer also asked about a proliferation of pink flyers stapled to telephone poles during Friendship Day weekend. Charron confirmed the city is aware and dealing with the situation, describing it as related to mental health. “There is a bylaw about putting posters on posts… so that’s not a legal thing to do,” he said.

During the councillor message period, members offered congratulations to Champlain College student Mateo Jarquin for winning a bronze medal at the national science fair and recognized the success of Friendship Day events. They also expressed support for families displaced by the recent fire on Massawippi Street, and highlighted the upcoming Eastern Townships Tea Festival at Uplands. Other topics included a reminder from Garfat that Chimney Swifts are endangered and residents should report sightings, as well as ongoing tick awareness and rabies prevention measures.

William Crooks
The two vacant student houses at 2848–2850 and 2856–2858 College Street, photographed on June 18, are slated for demolition due to chronic flooding and structural deterioration

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Bishop’s University is set to demolish two long-vacant student residences on College Street in Lennoxville, citing ongoing safety concerns related to flooding and the cost of repairs. The buildings, located at 2848–2850 and 2856–2858 College Street, have been empty since 2020 and 2021, respectively.

“They’re in an advanced state of disrepair,” said Kylie Côté, Vice-Principal of Finance and Administration at Bishop’s. “We did undertake some studies to see about making them viable again for students to live in,” she said, but the findings showed it would be prohibitively expensive.

Côté explained that the homes are located in a flood-prone area—one in a 0-to-20-year flood zone, the other soon to be reclassified to the same level. Even with extensive renovations, including waterproofing the foundations “similar to waterproofing the outside of a boat,” student safety could not be guaranteed.

“There was actually one instance back in October–November 2019 where we had to evacuate the students,” she said. “Even if we waterproofed the houses, the access still becomes inaccessible in the case of a flood when everything else around it is flooded.”

The combined capacity of the two buildings was 13 beds. According to Côté, the university’s current focus is expanding on-campus housing instead. Construction has already begun on a new wing of the Paterson residence that will add 63 additional beds.

“These just didn’t seem like a viable option or an interesting option for our students going forward,” Côté said.

The university does not plan to rebuild on the site. “No final decisions have been made about what that space might become in the future,” said Côté. However, she emphasized that any future use of the property “will take into consideration a long-term and lasting positive impact for the community.”

Before receiving the demolition permit from the City of Sherbrooke, the university was required to commission an architectural study to determine whether the houses had any historical or heritage value. “The study came back saying that there was not,” Côté said. “We aren’t taking anything away from the Lennoxville community that would have some sort of significance in terms of historical impact.”

The demolition aligns with the university’s broader housing strategy and its efforts to prioritize student safety. “Our mission, our focus is really more on-campus housing anyway,” said Côté.

No timeline has been announced for the demolition itself, but the process is already underway administratively. Bishop’s continues to evaluate the best long-term use of the property in consultation with stakeholders.

Record Archives
Deputy Mayor Constance Ramacieri at a press conference last year

Tête-à-têtes with your local elected officials

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Stanstead Township Deputy Mayor Constance Ramacieri is no stranger to community work or local politics. With roots stretching back over four decades in the Lake Lovering and Fitch Bay area, Ramacieri spoke candidly in a recent interview about her journey into municipal leadership, the township’s current priorities, and her deep commitment to preserving water quality and building community resilience.

Ramacieri first came to the area 45 years ago, renting a place on Fitch Bay Road for the summer. “We had a big house where myself, my sisters, nephew, brother-in-law—we spent a lot of time here,” she said. What began as a summer retreat eventually became a year-round home, shared with her partner on the shores of Lake Lovering.

Though officially retired, Ramacieri remains highly active. “I do work part-time. I was a consultant on all issues related to public participation,” she said, noting her background also includes time as a political aide to the mayor of Montreal. Today, she continues to consult occasionally and also chairs the Quebec Federation for the Defence of Lakes and Waterways.

Her decision to run for council in 2021 was driven in part by necessity. “There was not a plethora of people who wanted to run,” she said. “Out of the seven positions—the mayor and six councillors—there was one election, and all the others were acclaimed. So, it was kind of like all hands on deck.”

Her work with the federation focuses on combatting aquatic invasive species like Eurasian water milfoil, which she encountered first-hand in Lake Lovering around 2014. “We were the second lake in Quebec that had the authorization to do burlap at the bottom,” she said, referring to a method of smothering the plant. That effort eventually evolved into a broader alliance advocating for provincial action.

By 2022, the informal Milfoil Alliance formally incorporated as the Quebec Federation of the Defence of Lakes and Waterways. “We have 160 members in 11 regions of Quebec,” Ramacieri said. The organization addresses a wide range of water-related concerns, from milfoil to blue-green algae, always with a focus on public health and environmental stewardship.

Locally, one of the township’s most pressing challenges is Fitch Bay. “The concern is a health concern,” Ramacieri explained, referring to the rise of blue algae linked to phosphorus stirred up by watercraft activity. “The average depth of Fitch Bay is three metres. If it’s dangerous, then we should act.”

The township is in the process of applying to the federal government—who controls navigable waterways—for authorization to impose restrictions on the bay, such as banning wake-generating activities. “It’s a huge endeavour,” she said, “many hours and a lot of investment in time, energy, and research.”

Despite earlier reports suggesting a streamlined federal process, Ramacieri clarified that the application process remains rigorous. “The hill is still as high to climb. What’s faster is the government’s response time,” she said.

Outside of environmental issues, Stanstead Township has been working to strengthen its community infrastructure. Notably, council recently signed a three-year agreement with its two main community organizations, providing them with stable funding. “It gives them predictability,” Ramacieri said. “That’s really, really good for community organizations.”

The township also owns St‑Éphrem Church, which it purchased from the diocese two years ago. The building had structural issues, but the municipality committed to studying its potential. “We said we would give ourselves two years to come up with a proposal,” Ramacieri explained.

Now, that proposal is starting to take shape with support from the Fédération québécoise des municipalités. The envisioned redevelopment includes three pillars: administrative offices for township staff, community-oriented space such as a kitchen or meeting room, and rentable space for citizen services like health consultations or tax advice.

“We have a very small city hall. Our staff is in the basement,” she said. “If we go ahead with the project, citizens should have access to staff on the main floor of a building.”

Ramacieri also highlighted the township’s agreement with Canon Gustin Hall, the local Anglican church, to help cover infrastructure costs. “It’s not huge amounts of money,” she said, “but the three-year agreement helps them finance some of the work that needs to be done.”

Asked about the relationship between council and residents, Ramacieri was positive. “I think the relationship is exceptional,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that what we do, people consider perfect—but I think people feel that they can speak to us and that they are heard.”

Stanstead Township streams all its council meetings on Zoom, a decision that makes local democracy more accessible. “You don’t even have to come out, which in the Eastern Townships in the dead of winter is a really good thing,” she noted.

Attendance tends to rise when residents have specific concerns, which Ramacieri sees as appropriate. “That’s what a council is all about. You bring us the problem, and we try to find a solution,” she said. “We don’t always have the solution—but we apply the influence we have.”

Though Stanstead Township is about 10 kilometres from the U.S. border, its economic activity hasn’t been directly impacted by cross-border trade issues. However, Ramacieri emphasized the municipality’s sense of cross-border solidarity, particularly with the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Stanstead and Derby Line. “We follow that closely,” she said. “If anything more dire ever happened, we stand together.”

She also praised neighbouring Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone’s recent appointment to the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “It’s really good for us,” she said. “Lakes and waterways, infrastructure, invasive species—these are all things that cross borders.”

Whether tackling phosphorus pollution or reimagining community landmarks, Ramacieri is clear about the role of council. “We are greater than just our small town,” she said. “And we need to act like it.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As public backlash mounts over steep new education cuts, local Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Isabelle Charest (Brome-Missisquoi) and Geneviève Hébert (Saint-François) have issued near-identical statements defending the government’s record on school funding. Neither was available for interview on June 18 despite requests from The Record.

Both Charest, MNA for Brome–Missisquoi, and Hébert, MNA for Saint-François, highlighted that the province’s education budget for 2025 has increased by $1.1 billion over last year, reaching a record $23.5 billion. Since 2018, they said, this represents a 58 per cent increase.

Their shared message also underscored the need for “responsible financial management,” noting that staffing levels in the school network have outpaced student population growth. As a result, each school service centre must now make its own budget decisions “to best meet local needs while ensuring the sustainability of student services.”

Hébert’s office further emphasized her “close contact with school sector stakeholders” and stated that she is “fully aware of the challenges they face.”

In Charest’s case, her press attachée also directed The Record to Amélie Moffet, a communications advisor at the Ministry of Education, for further comment.

The statements come in the wake of widespread concern over a $510 million reduction to Quebec’s education system, on top of $200 million in cuts earlier this school year. The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) has warned that programming, extracurriculars, and essential support services may be slashed to meet its own $6.5 million budget target, roughly 5 per cent of its total operating budget.

In an earlier interview, ETSB Chair Mike Murray described the situation as “impossible,” with daily internal meetings underway to search for savings across thousands of budget line items. The Quebec English School Boards Association has publicly condemned the cuts as an attack on the viability of the public system.

The Record will continue to follow this story and will seek interviews with both Charest and Hébert as soon as they are available.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A new decontamination and rehabilitation truck developed by Stanstead Battalion Chief Brian Wharry is now operational across the Régie incendie Memphrémagog Est (RIME), aiming to significantly reduce the risk of cancer and other health hazards faced by firefighters.

Wharry, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, spearheaded the project out of personal conviction and professional concern. “Cancer has a little bit of a passion of mine—reducing the risk for anybody, if possible,” he said during an interview.

The idea for the dedicated truck emerged from conversations between Wharry, then-interim director Dany Brus. Recognizing that fire chiefs are too busy during emergency calls to manage decontamination and rehabilitation, Wharry proposed a vehicle that could be dispatched automatically to building fires throughout the RIME region to handle those needs.

Wharry began repurposing a retired vehicle in late 2024, equipping it through the winter to meet stringent safety and hygiene requirements. The truck now carries everything needed for on-site firefighter support, including hydration supplies like water, Gatorade, coffee, and snacks, as well as a tent setup for vital sign monitoring and cooling or warming down after exertion.

After using two air bottles in a structural fire, firefighters are now required by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) to undergo a 20-minute recovery period. “We check their vital signs—pulse and breathing—and make sure they’re getting adequate nourishment and rest,” Wharry explained. First responders manage this process, calling in paramedics if any issues arise.

Equally critical is the post-fire decontamination process, which aims to minimize firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens. “Anybody that’s in that toxic environment—they have to be washed,” Wharry said. Firefighters stay fully suited, including air packs, while trained personnel hose them down, spray them with a decontamination solution, rinse them, and then remove gear following strict procedures to avoid contact with contaminants. All gear is then bagged and sent back to the station for specialized cleaning.

The need for such a service is underscored by recent updates from CNESST, which now recognizes 15 types of cancers as presumptively linked to firefighting—an increase from nine as of May 1, Wharry said. This change aligns with research from the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which confirms elevated cancer rates among firefighters due to exposure to smoke, chemicals, diesel exhaust, and other toxic substances.

The RIMÉ truck is dispatched automatically as soon as a structure fire is confirmed. Although not needed immediately on scene, the team typically arrives within 30 to 45 minutes, in time to begin processing firefighters as they rotate out of the active fire zone.

The decontamination process is complemented by newer fire station protocols. “The colour-coding—the red, yellow, and green zones—is all part of making sure that the contaminants don’t cross over into the living quarters,” Wharry noted. Gear is cleaned in designated ‘hot zones’ and not allowed into the station’s ‘green zone,’ where office and living areas are located.

Wharry emphasized the standardization of the process. “It’s always the same process unless there’s a hazardous material involved. Then it’s a very different process,” he said. For ordinary structure fires, however, all personnel inside the smoke environment are treated the same way.

The truck is currently based at the Stanstead Township station but is intended to serve the broader RIME area, which includes municipalities such as Ayer’s Cliff, North Hatley, Stanstead, and even as far as Barnston West. It will eventually be relocated to Ayer’s Cliff, once the new fire station there is complete.

“This truck is about taking one thing off the fire chief’s plate during a call,” Wharry said. “We manage the rehab and decontamination, and hopefully, that reduces the long-term health risks for our team.”

A group photo of all 20 fire trucks in the region and their crews is currently being planned for this Friday, an initiative Wharry said would a chance to celebrate the teamwork behind RIME’s growing health and safety capacity.

William Crooks
From left to right: Claude Carrière, president of Jouvence’s board of directors; Gilles Bélanger, Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs and MNA for Orford; Annie Cloutier, director of tourism and social economy financing at Investissement Québec; and Martin Lavoie, general director of Jouvence, hold up an image of the future auberge in front of the building it will replace.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Centre de villégiature Jouvence, a long-standing social economy business nestled in Mont-Orford National Park, is receiving a major boost to its infrastructure with a new $18 million revitalization project, supported by more than $12 million in government funding.

At a press conference held June 17 at La Petite Auberge de Jouvence, Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs and MNA for Orford Gilles Bélanger announced the funding on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism. “Jouvence is essential to our region,” Bélanger said. “This project is about more than a new building—it’s about securing the future of an institution that touches the lives of thousands each year.”

The investment includes $5 million from the Programme d’aide à la relance de l’industrie touristique (PARIT) and over $7 million in loans, largely through Investissement Québec. According to the official release, the new building will be built to LEED certification standards and will feature 42 rooms, a dining room with 90 seats, and flexible spaces for meetings, congresses, and retreats.

Jouvence’s Director General Martin Lavoie described the project as the organization’s new “navire amiral”—its flagship facility. “We are not just building a structure. We are building a future that is greener, more resilient, and more human,” he said, noting that the work will begin immediately with demolition next week. The new auberge is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

In a follow-up interview, Jouvence’s Assistant Director General Hugo Veilleux highlighted how the new auberge will allow the centre to expand its offering. “We’ve seen a growing demand from corporate groups, universities, and unions looking for a peaceful place to meet,” he said. “This project will help us meet that demand while supporting our core mission.”

The revenue generated from the upgraded facility will help fund renovations across the rest of the 110-room site, ensuring Jouvence can continue welcoming school groups, families, and individuals year-round. “We’re open all year, but people don’t always realize that,” Veilleux added. “Come September, the prices drop and the experience is just as magical.”

Founded over five decades ago, Jouvence offers all-inclusive nature stays with lodging, meals, and outdoor activities. The new construction is part of a long-term vision to modernize while staying true to its community-based roots.

The project is also supported by the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins and Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est. “Jouvence will remain a place of connection—with nature, with oneself, and with others,” said Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est Director General Isabelle Charlebois.

With work already underway and an official inauguration expected in 2026, Lavoie thanked all those who brought the project to life: “This is our answer to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Courtesy
Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux at the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge event, where she was recognized for her work on trauma-informed education

Bishop’s grad student honoured for trauma awareness work

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux, a psychology master’s student at Bishop’s University, has received national recognition for her community-based research and powerful communication skills. Jauniaux was awarded the Engagement Prize at this year’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Storytellers Challenge—an honour voted on by her fellow finalists.

“The SSHRC Storytellers Contest is a federally funded competition where you have to tell the story of your research and why it matters—in three minutes—to a multidisciplinary or lay audience,” Jauniaux explained in a June 16 conversation. “It’s a great way to practice scientific communication.”

Jauniaux’s work centres around trauma-informed education. A former youth protection worker, she returned to school shortly before the pandemic, completing a BA in psychology and a certificate in knowledge mobilization before moving on to her current master’s research.

Her passion for the topic is deeply personal. “I’m a trauma survivor,” she shared. “Learning the science of trauma helped me realize I wasn’t alone.”

Trauma, she said, is now broadly defined as an event that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope and can change the brain and body. But healing is possible. “We can rewire, we can reconnect, and we can heal,” she said.

Her master’s project involves the creation and evaluation of a half-day trauma-awareness training program delivered in partnership with local organizations. “It provides participants with basic knowledge about the science of trauma, how to become more trauma-informed, and how to apply this understanding in real-world contexts,” she explained. “Participants say it’s helped them understand their own experiences and those of people around them, and some have even changed their workplace practices.”

For example, Jauniaux described how a professor might misinterpret a student’s seemingly extreme reaction to a minor incident. “They might think the student is being disrespectful, when in reality, the student could be re-experiencing a traumatic event,” she said. “The science shows that traumatic memories can be encoded in survival mode and re-experienced as though they’re happening in the present.”

She emphasized that trauma is not limited to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). “It exists on a continuum,” she explained, “from adversity and stress to more severe trauma. It can come from childhood experiences, systemic injustice, or long-term exposure to microaggressions.”

So far, her training has been offered free of charge and shaped collaboratively with participants. “I’ve developed versions for Bishop’s and [other organizations]. Each one looks a little different, because we adapt it based on feedback,” she said.

Her ultimate goal is to make trauma education more accessible and impactful. “Research doesn’t make sense unless you’re doing it with community,” she said. “This isn’t just my work—it was built with the people around me.”

As she nears the end of her degree, Jauniaux is looking ahead to the next stage of her academic journey. “I’m finishing my master’s this summer and planning to pursue a PhD in psychology,” she said. “I want to keep building on this work.”

Reflecting on her SSHRC win, Jauniaux said she was honoured to be selected by her peers. “It’s a privilege to be able to share my story—and theirs. I shouldn’t be the only one in the spotlight.”

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) is scrambling to adjust to drastic new budget cuts imposed by the provincial government, according to Chair Mike Murray. The cuts are part of a $510 million reduction to education spending across Quebec, announced last week with little notice and no room for negotiation.

In an interview with The Record, Murray described the situation as “impossible” and said the ETSB has already suspended all hiring for the upcoming school year. “We have obligations under all of our collective agreements to maintain those jobs we can,” he said. “What we have to try and do is find the kind of deep cuts… and so far it’s going to be very difficult to cut enough.”

The board estimates it must cut 5 to 5.5 per cent of its total budget—roughly $6.5 million—mostly from the small portion not tied up in salaries. That leaves student services and programming vulnerable. “Everything parascolaire, every kind of extra activity that students are able to enjoy now, [may] have to go,” Murray said. “Outings, clubs, sports—these things are at serious risk.”

Murray also noted that essential support services are on the chopping block. “Especially aides and classroom aides that were to help students—particularly disadvantaged students… not necessarily handicapped but those that need extra coaching.” Professional development for staff is another likely casualty, he added.

The cuts come on the heels of another $200 million slashed earlier this school year, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA). In a June 13 press release, QESBA President Joe Ortona called the move “a direct assault on the viability of our public education system.” He said the decision allows for only 24 hours of consultation and prohibits boards from using any accumulated surplus to soften the blow.

“Our answer is a clear and resounding NO, full stop,” Ortona said. “This financial crisis was not created by school boards, and we will not allow our school system’s integrity to be sacrificed to solve this government’s deficit.”

Murray echoed the sentiment, calling the cuts “wholly political.” He pointed to last year’s collective agreement negotiations, when the Treasury Board sidelined experienced negotiators and agreed to what he described as “very large salary increases.” The financial implications, he said, were not fully understood by the government, and have now ballooned into a budgetary crisis.

The government has framed the cuts as a necessary “budgetary effort,” Murray said. Directors General of school boards were summoned last Thursday to a midday meeting and presented with fixed budget reduction targets. “Don’t argue, it’s not up for negotiation,” was the message, according to Murray. Any feedback had to be submitted within 24 hours.

Despite appeals sent to the education minister outlining the severity of the situation, Murray said he doesn’t expect any change of course. “This is all Treasury Board trying to manage their budget,” he said. “And I’m not minimizing the problem the Treasury Board has.”

Internally, the ETSB is holding daily meetings of its resource allocation committee and has already convened a large management meeting involving principals and centre directors. “We’re working through 4,000 or 5,000 item budget[s], trying to find economies somewhere,” Murray said. A special council meeting will likely be required in July to finalize the budget.

Murray urged concerned parents to act. “Yes, contact your MNA and tell them it’s idiocy,” he said. “Whether they’re government side or opposition side, they have a voice in the National Assembly.”

The QESBA has likewise called on all education partners, parents, and community members to stand united against the cuts. “The future of our children and the strength of our democratic institutions depend on a robust, equitable, and properly funded public education system,” Ortona said.

The ETSB’s next council meeting is expected to provide more concrete details on how the cuts will play out locally. Until then, Murray said, “we will continue to be working very hard on this until certainly next week.”

William Crooks
Kerwins Saint-Jean speaks at his official campaign launch in Lennoxville on June 16, backed by supporters from Sherbrooke Citoyen

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At a midday press conference held in Lennoxville’s Square Queen on Monday, June 16, Sherbrooke Citoyen leader and mayoral candidate Raïs Kibonge officially introduced Kerwins Saint-Jean as the party’s candidate for the Lennoxville district in the upcoming municipal election set for November.

Saint-Jean, a long-time community advocate and organizer, announced his candidacy with visible emotion, pledging to bring his experience and deep connection to Lennoxville to municipal politics. “I’m ready to give back to Sherbrooke,” he told the crowd. “Lennoxville is a unique and vibrant part of Sherbrooke—bilingual, diverse, and closely knit. I want to help it thrive with listening, respect, and determination.”

Saint-Jean emphasized three priorities in his campaign: supporting the local business sector, protecting the Ascot-Lennox woodland, and improving public transit. He spoke of strengthening the commercial corridor along Queen Street, where he hopes to “support current storeowners and encourage the development of new ventures.” He also called for increased bus service on evenings and weekends and expressed support for a universal transit pass for Bishop’s and Champlain students.

The former Cougars football player and Champlain College alumnus noted how Lennoxville shaped his early life. “It’s where I experienced my first real challenges, my first real victories,” he said. “It’s the view, the spirit, the people—it’s my home.”

Following his remarks, Saint-Jean responded to reporters’ questions, explaining that he chose to run with Sherbrooke Citoyen because of the party’s alignment with his values. “Inclusion and the environment—it’s really the reason why I love Sherbrooke and don’t want to leave,” he said. “This is the right move.”

When asked about the importance of bilingual status in Lennoxville, Kibonge stepped in to reaffirm the party’s commitment. “Lennoxville is a particularly special place that needs that, deserves that,” he said. “People here need to make sure that they can understand what’s going on… Rest assured, that’s definitely one of our priorities.” Kibonge added that the party supported retaining Lennoxville’s bilingual designation in 2023 and would continue to uphold that position. “For us, diversity is not just something to talk about—it’s something to live.”

Kibonge praised Saint-Jean’s record of engagement and leadership. “Kerwins embodies the kind of leadership Sherbrooke needs: proactive, innovative, and unifying,” he said. “His achievements show a real commitment to inclusion, youth, and community development.”

A related press release adds that Saint-Jean first gained broad recognition in 2020 when he co-organized the Black Lives Matter demonstration in Sherbrooke, which drew over 3,000 people. In 2024, he co-led the Grand Innovation Lab, an entrepreneurial forum bringing together young Black leaders from across Quebec. He currently works as a project coordinator at the Socio-Economic Summit for the Development of Black Youth.

His community work has included involvement with Actions Interculturelles, the Fédération des communautés culturelles de l’Estrie, Black Estrie, and the Haitian Community of the Eastern Townships, where he served as president. He was awarded the Youth Recognition–Nelson Mandela and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by then-Revenue Minister Élisabeth Brière.

Asked what has most prepared him to enter municipal politics, Saint-Jean pointed to his grassroots experience. “Community, pure and simple,” he said. “I’ve worked with people from many backgrounds with a common mission—helping one’s neighbour. Politics is really the place to do that in a local, tangible way.”

He concluded the event by thanking his new political team and promising a campaign rooted in dialogue and action. “I promise you an attentive ear, a constant presence, and sincere energy put to the service of what we are building together,” he said.