Local Journalism Initiative

Local woman wants to bring films to life for blind moviegoers

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Since childhood, Monika Nelis Dupont, 24, who lives in Bedford, has enjoyed going to the movies in Cowansville with friends and family. Since she lost her sight due to a degenerative condition five years ago, she finds it hard to follow all the action with sound alone. “When you need to constantly ask [other people] what happened, it’s not as much of a communal experience anymore,” she said.

Nelis Dupont, an activist and aspiring children’s author, has launched a petition on Change.org asking the Princess Cinema in Cowansville to invest in audio description devices. These devices, which are shaped like portable cassette players and include headphones, add an extra audio track to the film so moviegoers who are blind, visually impaired or experiencing sight loss can follow the action.

“If you’re watching a film and you hear suspenseful music, you understand why, but if you’re blind, you might not be able to follow the action,” she said. “If the film had audio description, I would hear, ‘Charlie is creeping down the hall with a baseball bat in his hand,’ and so forth. I wouldn’t have to ask what was going on…and it [wouldn’t] disrupt anyone else,” she said.

Nelis Dupont said the closest theatre which regularly shows English-language films with audio description is in Brossard, an hour away. She said she believes more widespread use of audio description devices in local theatres would help bring more blind and partially sighted people and their families and friends back to the movies. Her petition has received more than 360 signatures as of this writing, and she plans to launch a flyer campaign in the next few months. She said she has yet to receive a response from the Princess Cinema.

“The Princess Cinema is wheelchair-accessible, and that’s why I want to support it,” added Nelis Dupont, who also uses a wheelchair. “We have wheelchair-accessible seats. We have subtitles. It would be great if we had four or five audio description devices.”

Local cinema entrepreneur Yvan Fontaine owns the Princess Cinema and four other theatres in Magog, Orford, Quebec City and the Beauce region. He said he is aware of the petition but does not plan to invest in the devices for the moment.

“It’s not that we don’t want to do it,” he explained. “The equipment is not hugely expensive, but we need to make sure all of our theatres are equipped for it, and that requires installing transmitters and receivers. We would need to buy and install that equipment and then ensure that the films came with audio description, which not all films do. People don’t realize the complexity.”

“All of our theatres are wheelchair-accessible, but we have maybe two or three wheelchair users a year,” he added. “Just because we are adapted doesn’t mean people will come. I don’t know how many people have [visual impairments] in Brome-Missisquoi.”

He said he and his counterparts at the Association québécoise des propriétaires du cinéma have been asking for greater support from the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), the provincial crown corporation that supports film and TV production. He said theatre owners have asked SODEC for funding to support installation costs and assurances that future Quebec-made films will include French-language audio description tracks. “We’ve been told that is not a priority for them right now,” he said.

SODEC communications director Johanne Morissette was not able to comment at press time.

Local woman wants to bring films to life for blind moviegoers Read More »

North Hatley curlers hang on to ‘Quebec Challenge Cup’

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An eight-man curling team from Cornwall faced eight from the North Hatley Curling Cub for the ‘Quebec Challenge Cup’ Oct. 20 in North Hatley. The cup is currently held by North Hatley; the team from Cornwall arrived around 6 p.m., shared a meal with North Hatley’s defenders, then both went at it for the bragging-rights of possessing the oldest competitive trophy in North America (since 1874).

Cornwall conceded in the eighth round, losing 8-14.

“It’s a big ladder tournament,” explained Marty Rourke, North Hatley Curling Club VP. Clubs that compete for the trophy can come from as far away as Deep River or Brockville, Ontario and Montreal – any team that is part of the Royal Canadian Branch. It can be five to seven years between the times a club can challenge for the Cup, if they lose.

There are about eight challenges a year. North Hatley’s turn came up last year in late November, travelling to Bedford to compete with the then current champions. The game came down to the last shot and North Hatley won – the first time in the history of their club.

“We win and there’s this massive excitement,” Rourke said. They successfully defended first against a team from St. Lambert, then Sutton, then Dalhousie Lake. Challenges occur about once a month.

The game played is 10 ends, with a break after five. The host is expected to “put on a little bit of a show”. When the game is done, everyone drinks a “rusty nail” out of the Cup, as is tradition. Since the pandemic, their procedure for this has changed – the booze is mixed in the Cup and then distributed among individual glasses.

The eight members of the team can change, Rourke explained, but this game was played with the original eight that won it in the first place. “We’ve got a good little dynamic happening.” Rourke insisted that everyone on the team plays because they enjoy it and it is a way to keep competitive.

The league has probably 50 to 60 teams, Rourke speculated. The next team on the list is the Ottawa Curling Club. If North Hatley keeps winning: Windsor, then Lennoxville. “It’s a nice tradition that keeps going.”

Matt Dupuis, Cornwall’s Skip, fought for the Cup around six years ago. They won and defended it a few times. “It’s a fantastic event,” he added. Their team is composed of two men’s teams that play together regularly. He visited the Townships last year to play for the Cup with a different team but was unsuccessful.

Soundly defeated, Cornwall returned to Ontario Cup-less that same night. One member of their team is a nurse and had to be at work at 7 a.m. the next day.

North Hatley curlers hang on to ‘Quebec Challenge Cup’ Read More »

Investing in food production Canada’s ‘moonshot:’ new report

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

“Canada’s moonshot.” That is how the authors of a new report looking at the future of Canadian agriculture have described the opportunity the country has to become a global leader in food production – a sector that is gaining in importance as the world’s population continues to grow at an increasing rate.

But governments in Canada have to invest more in Canadian farms, farming practices and farmers themselves, they claim.

“Canada is uniquely placed to lead: Our assets are unparalleled, but we need to do more to maximize them,” states the report entitled A New Ag Deal: A 9-Point Plan For Climate-Smart Agriculture released Oct. 3 by Royal Bank of Canada, the BCG Centre for Canada’s Future and the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph.

“As a politically stable country, and a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality food, Canada has an opportunity to become the world’s sustainable breadbasket,” the 19-page report concludes as it lays out nine initiatives as a road map to this destination.

The ‘moonshot,’ if achieved, would see Canada produce 26 per cent more food by 2050 with few emissions. The increase in production is the an amount estimated to be enough to maintain the country’s contribution to feed the global population as it grows – while reducing

But the report also raises the alarm that if Canada fails to invest, the opportunity to be a global leader in food production will be taken by other countries, leaving Canada’s agricultural sector at a disadvantage as world demand for food grows.

See MOONSHOT, Page 4

MOONSHOT: Canadian governments have
to match other countries’ investments

From Page 1

“Canada is already falling behind,” the report states. “The agriculture sectors in the U.S., EU, Australia and China get roughly three times the climate funding that Canada provides to its industry. Yet, the expectations placed on our farmers are growing: to produce more (in increasingly adverse weather conditions), to cut emissions and to help boost global food security.”

The report continues: “The world’s top food producers are on the move. Making sustainable agriculture a strategic priority, Canada’s peers are laying the foundations for formidable climate-smart food supply chains backed by sizeable funding and bold policy measures.

“The sector risks falling behind if Canadian governments don’t match their competitors in supporting producers with the funding and policy tools to grow more food with fewer emissions.”

The authors urge governments to act – and quickly.

“Ottawa and the provinces will need to transform their approach to agriculture policy to protect a sector that accounts for 7 per cent of national GDP — with huge potential for further growth.”

Currently, Canada lags behind other countries in funding for the agricultural sector. For example, the report points out, the U.S. provides US$19.5 billion in incentives and tax credits to support ag-tech and other measures to the farming sector through its recently adopted Inflation Reduction Act. And the pending US $1.5 trillion Farm Bill could catapult the United States’ advantage in the economic sphere.

At the same time, China is investing US$7 billion to revitalize its farmland, while the European Union has earmarked US$224 billion for what it has identified as “climate-relevant initiatives” that will be rolled out between now and 2027.

The report highlights Canada’s strengths in the sector, too.

“Canada is already a vital contributor to global food security and has a head start in climate-smart farming. Canada is already a top food exporter, with a food system ranking among the highest in sustainability, according to the Food Sustainability Index.”

It also points to how more than 65 per cent of Canadian farmers have adopted at least one practice to improve their farms’ resiliency to soil, water and biodiversity challenges.

“Now is the time for Canadian governments to build on our farmers’ successes,” the report concludes. “Canadian governments have an opportunity to step up their commitments and create a robust policy environment that recognizes the sector’s economic potential, its global role as a reliable food exporter and as a climate-smart leader. This is Canada’s moment.”

Investing in food production Canada’s ‘moonshot:’ new report Read More »

Yamachiche pork facility to close next month

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Andrew McClelland
The Advocate

The Lucyporc cutting facility in Yamachiche just west of Trois-Rivières will close its doors for good on Nov. 17, leaving 74 workers out of work.

The announcement was made by parent company Viandes Robitaille in early October. The Lucyporc factory specialized in preparing the “Nagano” pork line — Quebec-raised-and-butchered pork designed specifically for the Japanese market. According to Viandes Robitaille plant manager Carl Robitaille, the decision to cease operations was based on currency inflation in the destination markets.

“The very difficult decision to close the plant comes from the reduction in demand for pork products for export,” said Robitaille. “We just have to look at the price of the yen. The ability of the Japanese to pay a good price is more difficult.”

While Viandes Robitaille said the Lucyporc facility was doing well, the age of the building — and the fact that its equipment is more than 30 years old — meant its closure was a necessary choice.

Quebec pork giant Olymel has a variety of facilities in the Trois-Rivières region, including those operated through partnerships with groups like Viandes Robitaille. Workers from the Lucyporc plant will be well-positioned to find employment at “Olymel de Yamachiche.”

“From a workforce and operations perspective, Olymel de Yamachiche is able to fully serve the Japanese market with Olymel and Oly-Robi products,” says Richard Vigneault, Olymel’s corporate communications manager. “Oly-Robi employees from the former factory will be able, given their experience, to apply for a position in the meat sector at Olymel.”

Included in that group are approximately 50 temporary foreign workers, some of whom have been in the country for a little over a year and are still in training.

Troubled times

The Lucyporc factory has shifted operations and parent companies a few times in recent years. In 2015, the facility merged operations with provincial pork giant, Olymel. In 2019, all employees were transferred to the nearby “Atrahan Transformation” processor. Then, in October 2021, Viandes Robitaille formed a partnership with Olymel, resulting in the reopening of the Lucyporc building.

The Lucyporc closure follows the announcement of another in July of the closure of the Olymel factory in Vallée-Jonction, in the Beauce region. That plant is scheduled to close on Dec. 22. In that case, an additional 50 foreign workers will be transferred from Beauce to Yamachiche, more than 200 kilometres away.

“What we want is for these workers to rediscover the pleasure of working with us, but in another region,” said Olymel vice-president Paul Beauchamp.

The many plant closures and workforce transfers point to the global pork crisis resulting from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input costs and a drop in demand. Olymel claims it has lost $400 million in the past two years alone.

In February, the company also announced the closure of processing plants in Blainville and Laval. And in November, it announced the closure of a factory on St. Jacques Street in St. Hyacinthe. Olymel has remaining facilities in Yamachiche, in Ange-Gardien (Montérégie region), and St. Esprit, in Lanaudière.

While Viandes Robitaille’s Lucyporc building will close Nov. 17, the slaughterhouse in Yamachiche will remain open.

Cutline: The Lucyporc pork processing plant operated by Viandes Robitaille in Yamachiche will close Nov. 17, eliminating 74 jobs, the company announced in early October.

Yamachiche pork facility to close next month Read More »

Mining, battery plants eroding farmland: report

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Following last month’s announcement of the $2.7-billion investment by the federal and provincial governments to help build a massive electric vehicle plant near St. Basile le Grand and McMasterville, a recent report by Radio-Canada claims concerns have been raised at how Quebec’s push to attract battery tech plants could eat up valuable farmland.

According to a document obtained by the French-language media outlet, everything from graphite mines to battery factories represent what is described as just the beginning of a trend that will erode farmland, pushing it to be put to other uses, officials with the provincial Agriculture Ministry are warning.

And these concerns are being raised as the provincial government continues its year-long consultation as it prepares to overhaul the laws that govern the protection of farmland in the province.

In September, Swedish battery manufacturing giant Northvolt announced it would build a factory in St. Basile and McMasterville. It is its first battery mega-factory outside of Europe. The first phase of the project, pegged at $7 billion, was characterized as the largest private investment in Quebec’s history. It will be located on 170 hectares.

When in operation, the facility is projected to produce batteries for 1 million electric vehicles and contribute up to $1.6 billion to the economy.

Mining requests OK’d

When it comes to mining, the provincial Agriculture Ministry is raising a warning, pointing to recent alarming statistics. According to Radio-Canada: “In Quebec, when a mining project wants to encroach on agricultural land to explore or exploit, it gets the green light every time.”

The report claims that between April 1998 and March 2022, the Commission de protection du territoire agricole approved all 10 mining related requests on agricultural land it received. This put 1,780 hectares out of food production.

The CPTAQ has also approved 97 per cent of all infrastructure projects linked to transportation and hydroelectric production, representing another 2,826 hectares of farmland lost.

Mining, battery plants eroding farmland: report Read More »

Ontario maple producers offered sweet deal

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Andrew McClelland
The Advocate

The federal government is teaming up with the province of Ontario to offer maple syrup producers in that province an envelope of $1 million to help increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the maple industry.

The Maple Production Improvement Initiative is aimed at boosting Ontario’s maple production by covering up to 50 per cent (to a maximum of $20,000) of costs on improvement and expansion projects. But it does not have producers in Quebec too worried, at least according to one syrup producer.

“Our government appreciates the resilience and determination of maple syrup producers throughout Ontario and how they have continued to build a solid market for their maple syrup products,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This investment … will drive increased production, supporting specific growth targets.”

To be eligible, Ontario producers must have had 1,000 taps in operation since April 1, 2023. The money can be used for the purchase and installation of upgraded production equipment, like reverse osmosis or remote monitoring systems, which help reduce boiling time and save on fuel costs.

Funds from the initiative can also be used to cover a portion of certain woodlot management activities, including tree marking and the development of a forest plan to assist business operations.

Federal Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay was on hand for the announcement, which took place in Toronto on Sept. 26.

“Ontario’s maple syrup producers continue to deliver exceptional products that are enjoyed here in Canada, and around the world,” MacAulay said.

While the initiative will be administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, it has not yet been disclosed how much of the support money will be provided by the federal government and how much by its provincial counterpart.

Sizing up the competition

The Maple Production Improvement Initiative shows Ontario’s ambition to capture a more significant portion of the maple syrup market. Currently, Canada produces 71 per cent of the world’s maple syrup — and 91 per cent of that is produced in Quebec. 

“Ontario has a tremendous opportunity to grow its maple syrup sector,” said Randal Goodfellow, president of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association. “Whereas Ontario has the largest number of maple trees in Canada, only a very small percentage of this number is used for maple syrup production.”

But some Quebec maple producers aren’t that worried by the prospect of Ontario taking a larger share of the maple pie. As Morgan Arthur — who has been running his maple operation in Rockburn, Que., in the Châteauguay Valley since 1989 — explained, the forests of Ontario simply don’t have the same concentration of maples as Quebec.

“Yes, they have a lot of maples,” said Arthur. “But when you go there and see how spread out those trees are, you realize you’d need an awful lot of land to have a good syrup operation.”

Furthermore, the price of land in Ontario maple-producing areas like Lanark and Lennox and Addington counties has skyrocketed in recent decades due to development of the growing populations of Ottawa and Toronto.

In 2012, Arthur himself expanded into Ontario, at one point with 26,000 taps in Madawaska, just east of Algonquin Park. But he realized the venture could never be as profitable as his Quebec forests.

“I was an Ontario maple syrup producer,” he said. “But, in the end, it made more sense to sell my land. And the people who had the cash to buy it were multi-multi-millionaires.”

Today, Arthur’s operation in Quebec boasts 26,000 taps — 19,000 owned and 7,000 leased. And while he acknowledges that Maple Production Improvement Initiative gives Ontario producers some support, it won’t be enough to tip the balance in today’s market.

“The fact is $20,000 doesn’t go very far in getting set up in the maple business these days. I have a neighbour who just got into production and putting in 2,200 taps cost him $180,000.”

Since the initiative is part of Ottawa’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which came into effect April 1, Ontario producers seeking funding can retroactively apply to have costs covered as of that date. Program applications close Nov. 9.

Eligible costs run the gamut from purchasing sap collection pumps, coolers and evaporators to generators, filters and packaging and labelling equipment.

Ontario maple producers offered sweet deal Read More »

RBC offers a ‘New Ag Deal,’ but who is it really for?

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Mitchell Beer
The Advocate

Early October was a busy time for reports on the farm economy, with the National Farmers’ Union co-publishing an important and thoughtful report on the mental-health crisis in farming and the Royal Bank of Canada releasing a document titled A New Ag Deal.

It would be lovely, and very timely, to be able to tell you that this is a story of cause and effect, of problem named and problem solved. But if you’re a small or medium producer on a never-ending treadmill trying to make ends meet, there’s not a whole lot of hope in the deep thought emanating from Canada’s biggest bank.

Naming the root cause

The mental health report, a joint production of the Saskatchewan-based National Farmers’ Union and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, is titled Looking Upstream. Drawing on interviews and surveys with Canadian farmers and farm workers, it leaps over the surface signs of a rampaging mental-health crisis to get at the root cause.

“At the heart of the farmer mental-health crisis is pervasive economic uncertainty and precarity,” the union stated in a release. Yet, “therapeutic efforts remain focused on addressing the downstream impacts of the problem and not the underlying (upstream) causes of poor farmer mental health.”

In the words of some study participants:

“All of the risk of producing food is put on the farmers, while all of the protection and profits go to large corporations. It makes the hard work feel futile some days.”

“Farmers are on the front lines of climate change and it’s exhausting and traumatizing at times. In the B.C. context, we’ve experienced several years of intense pressure from wildfires, heat domes and flooding, all of which have taken an incredible toll on our farms and farmers.”

Strikingly, in contrast to a mental-health profession that mostly just focuses on “fixing” individuals, the report calls for policy action to deliver:

• Better economic stability for farmers and farm workers;

• More support to help farmers make the transition to sustainable farming practices;

• Expanding the federal goals for agriculture to include food sovereignty;

• Rebuilding rural infrastructure;

• Addressing discrimination and violence in the sector;

• Making more mental-health care available to farmers.

More pressure from above

While the report was in production, the Royal Bank was hard at work on its New Ag Deal, a nine-point plan to make Canada’s corporate food sector more competitive with its international peers. Those competitors “are laying the foundations for formidable climate-smart food supply chains backed by sizeable funding and bold policy measures,” the bank warns. And — you can close your eyes and script the next part by rote — Canadian investments (which is to say, Canadian taxpayer subsidies) are falling behind.

The RBC report, produced with the Arrell Food Institute and Boston Consulting Group, calls for new policies that treat soil as an asset class, methane reductions as a profit opportunity, supply chains as strategic drivers, farm technology and talent as future competitive advantages, and corporate consumers as drivers of market change. And it makes some important points:

• Done right, soil carbon credits can turn regenerative practices that restore the soil and boost productivity into a new revenue stream for farmers who adopt them.

• A database of farm climate practices would be a good step forward.

• Early adopters of low-carbon farming techniques should receive credit for their work and their leadership (though the words “regenerative” and “sustainable” are curiously absent from this recommendation).

• Procurement is indeed a powerful, essential tool to reshape markets and deliver faster, deeper carbon cuts.

But Darrin Qualman, the National Farmers’ Union’s director of climate crisis policy and action, sees a lot to worry about in an analysis that promises big things, with its allusion to transformative policies like the Green New Deal. The problems begin with what he casts as the RBC’s “ominous” language for monetizing soil carbon capture.

“It’s very ill-conceived,” Qualman said. “Soil is a lot of things, but it should probably never be an asset class. It should not be financialized based on market forces or the ability to capture profit.”

And the approach to methane capture relies on biodigesters that have been in development for 40 or 50 years, have seen only limited deployment, are too expensive for most farms to afford (hence, the call for public subsidies), and aren’t as useful for smaller, more distributed operations.

“What the report looks like it’s designed to do is to manage the numbers around emissions so that some of the largest corporations in the chain can make their emissions go away,” enabling mega-operations like Maple Leaf Foods to “tell their investors they’re reducing their emissions to net-zero,” Qualman warned.

All of which does exactly nothing to relieve the day-to-day pressure on farmers.

“That pressure comes from income shortfall, for sure, and it also comes from climate impacts,” he said.

And “the other thing that creates pressure is just this treadmill farmers are on to produce more each year, get bigger and bigger each year, and take on debt.”

Yet, the RBC report “seems to be completely compatible with the increasing size and growth of farm units and exponential growth in farm debt, which is a huge issue that you would think banks might want to deal with.”

RBC offers a ‘New Ag Deal,’ but who is it really for? Read More »

Here is what New Ag Deal report recommends

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

A report released earlier this month that looked at the prospects for Canada’s agricultural sector outlined nine policy initiatives to increase Canada’s food production while reducing the industry’s carbon emissions.

The report, entitled A New Ag Deal: A 9-Point Plan For Climate-Smart Agriculture and produced by the Royal Bank of Canada, the BCG Centre for Canada’s Future and the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, described this challenge as “Canada’s moonshot,” which would put the country on a trajectory to being a world leader.

Here is an overview of the nine policy recommendations that focus on five area: soil, methane, fertilizers, talent and technology, and consumers.

Soil as an asset class

As thousands of farmers across the country saw the opportunity to increase their revenues by capturing carbon in their land, their enthusiasm about the prospects of the carbon market has waned. As the report states, pilot projects have been unsuccessful and guidelines to access are unclear.

1. Build Standards To Support Carbon Markets

The authors cite measures that say farmland in Canada can sequester between 35 to 38 mega-tonnes of carbon by 2050, an amount equivalent to about 40-45 per cent of the current emissions from  of the oilsands. With a carbon market estimated to be valued at $4 billion by that time, farmers could see their slice of it ranging from tens of thousands of dollars for some operators to more than a $1 million for larger operations. But it all needs to be measured.

To do this, the authors suggest:

  • Create A Climate-Smart Database To Help Farmers

An extensive data pool is the key to measuring the progress of climate practices, the authors state, adding that many soil maps have not been updated since the 1950s.

A government-funded database would provide real-time economic information for producers, experts and decision-makers.

  • Develop A Fair System That Ensures Market Equity

The study stresses that although it is important to incentivize farmers’ future behaviour, farmers who have been the earlier adopters of climate-smart practices should also benefit and be rewarded. Failing to do so could bring unintended consequences.

The study suggests farmers who have been the first to implement regenerative practices that were perhaps not adequately measured could benefit from expanding capital gains exemptions for qualifying farmland. Methods exist to “back cast” to estimate past changes in soil-bound carbon over several years.

Methane as a growth opportunity

Agriculture is responsible for an estimated 31 per cent of the methane emission in Canada, with 86 per cent of that stemming from ruminant animals digestive process and the remaining 14 per cent  from manure. But manure can also be a source of renewable natural gas, the report’s authors claim.

4. Promote Ways To Make Methane Cuts Profitable

Technology and tools to deal with methane exist, the report points out. The focus now needs to shift to how to make the process of mitigating its effects profitable. One way is to “incentivize utilities to purchase renewable natural gas from digesters” and support the construction of digesters.

Fertilizer supply chains as strategic drivers

5. Strengthen Canada’s Domestic Fertilizer Portfolio

Beyond focusing on revenues, farmers need to ensure the supply of fertilizers and agriculture solutions are affordable and accessible.

While Canada is the largest producer of potash, it is dependent on other countries for nitrogen and phosphorus.

Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canadian farmers sourced 85 per cent of nitrogen fertilizer from Russia. Tariffs imposed following the outbreak of war has dramatically increased the price of that commodity.

Building in-Canada agricultural value chains by promoting the use of biological products can be one solution. By blending them with traditional fertilizers, they can help build healthier soils.

“Canada is in a unique position to lead in this space,” the report stated, “given the raw resources required to create these solutions are found in rural regions.”

Technology and Talent As Competitive Advantages

The labour shortage on farms extends further than merely needing workers during harvest periods. Farmers need access to experts and advisers. They need to collect data and integrate new technologies.

  • Nurture an innovation-driven ag sector

The report’s authors call for support of tech-savvy Canadian agricultural companies. Research and development dollars for “a thriving carbon market and growth of big data analytics.” It is an area that Canada finds itself falling behind compared with other global peers.

The report claims in 2021, more than US$6.9 billion in venture capital funding went to American ag-tech companies, while only US$270 million found its way to Canadian ag-tech firms.

  • Revive Canada’s knowledge-sharing network

A once active network of agriculture experts associated with universities across the country that in years past provided farmers with guidance and advice has frayed, in many instances, due to a rollback in funding. This same types of networks in the United States, according to the report, have been bolstered.

This is an area where provincial involvement would benefit, where experts can provide on-farm demonstrations to encourage the adoption of new management practices and innovations.

  • Boost investment in post-secondary education

Research shows that Canada’s agricultural sector is on the threshold of its biggest labour and leadership shifts. “Current immigration policies that fast-track skilled farmers and on-farm labourers should continue to expand to meet this challenge,” the report states.

To meet this goal, agricultural colleges and universities should continue creating programs that welcome students from different educational backgrounds and faculties to create programs that increase students’ exposure to agriculture.

These institutions should create carbon management programs and invite students from different faculties “to understand how greenhouse gas emissions are tracked, ways to create corporate objectives to decrease emissions and effective methods to monitor progress.”

In addition, to bridge labour gaps, governments should eliminate barriers to foreign credentials for professionals like veterinarians.

Consumers As Drivers Of Market Change

  • Influence purchasing patterns through procurement:

The federal government must lead by example. That means it should align its procurement policies with climate-smart farming practices to achieve its net zero emission commitments.

Here is what New Ag Deal report recommends Read More »

Feds aimed to help dairy processors and farmers

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Andrew McClelland
The Advocate

The Canadian government will pay out $333 million over the next 10 years to dairy processors and producers to offset market losses resulting from international trade deals.

Newly re-appointed federal minister of agriculture Lawrence MacAulay announced late last month the creation of the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund, a compensation package designed to “help the Canadian dairy sector adapt to new market realities.”

Through the fund, for-profit dairy organizations can apply for financial support for a whole host of activities, from purchasing new equipment to constructing new facilities.

“This fund will help the sector manage the growing surplus of solids non-fat, create more opportunities for dairy processors and farmers, and build a more sustainable dairy sector,” said MacAulay at a press conference held in St. Hyacinthe on Sept. 29.

Canada is facing a growing surplus of “solids non-fat” (SNF), the remaining component once cow’s milk is processed. The fat is removed for use in products like butter and cream. Canada’s limited processing capacity for SNF has meant that dairy processors and farmers are losing out on turning the component into a money-maker.

The new fund will be managed by the Canadian Dairy Commission on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

“The Canadian Dairy Commission is committed to addressing the challenge of structural surplus of solids non-fat,” said Gaspé-based dairy producer and CDC chair Jennifer Hayes. “By supporting innovation and investments into medium to large-scale projects to add value to SNF, the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund will help improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian dairy sector.”

The federal government hopes the injection of $333 million into the dairy industry will help operations take on large-scale projects that will “modernize, replace and/or increase processing capacity for SNF and minimize skim milk that is not marketed.”

“The dairy sector is an integral part of Canada’s economy and rural landscape, supporting strong and vibrant communities across the country,” said Francis Drouin, MacAulay’s parliamentary secretary. “This new fund will drive innovation and increase processing capacity, enabling the sector to stay competitive by maximizing the full value of solids non-fat.”

Trade losses

The launch of the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund comes hot on the heels of Canada losing a dairy dispute with New Zealand.

Both countries are signees of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Eighteen months ago, New Zealand filed a complaint with the agreement’s arbitration panel claiming that Canada was not allowing access to its dairy exporters. Just last month, the panel ruled in favour of New Zealand.

The fund also builds on the compensation packages announced by then-minister of agriculture Marie-Claire Bibeau in November 2020, intended to support dairy, poultry and egg producers after those supply-managed sectors lost certain protections in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

“We will always stand up for the supply management system and we have delivered on our commitment to compensate our hard-working producers and processors who have been impacted by recent trade agreements,” said MacAulay last month.

Dairy industry satisfied

Nonetheless, the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund was welcomed by representatives from Canada’s dairy industry, with the Dairy Farmers of Canada stating that it “is pleased to see the federal government honouring its commitment” to compensate dairy producers after trade agreement losses.

“These investments will not only benefit the dairy industry, but, ultimately, the entire Canadian economy,” said Phil J. Vanderpol of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada.

Applications to the fund are being accepted until Nov. 3, and costs are retroactive to Nov. 17, 2022. Only dairy products made from cow’s milk are eligible at this time.

The program will support eligible costs of capital assets and contracted services, including:

  1. removing and disposing of existing equipment
  2. purchasing, shipping, installing and commissioning of new equipment, software and production lines
  3. installation of new, or expansion of existing, milk reception and milk storage areas as required to meet the objectives of the project
  4. retrofits/renovations of existing facilities related to the installation and operation of eligible equipment
  5. construction of a new facility
  6. training necessary to operate eligible equipment, and
  7. translation of materials related to training on the new equipment

Costs related to the purchase of land or research and development are not eligible.

To apply, visit: https://cdc-ccl.ca/en/dairy-innovation-and-investment-fund-what-program-offers

Cutline: Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced the creation of a fund to inject $333 million into Canada’s dairy production and processing sectors in St. Hyacinthe last month.

Feds aimed to help dairy processors and farmers Read More »

Mint and maple: Nature’s memory medicines

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Paul Hetzler
The Advocate

There is good news about treating cognitive decline – and it’s tasty. 

In North America, nearly one in 10 adults over the age of 65 has some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, while another 20 or so per cent have mild cognitive impairment. With treatment costs rising and our senior cohort expanding faster than the population at large, dementia is a topic that won’t  get old any time soon.

Though Alzheimer’s disease was first described in 1906, it seems to have been mostly forgotten until the mid-1970s, when real research began. Historically, those with dementia were locked in asylums and subjected to brutal “cures,” like lobotomies and electric shocks, practices that continued through the 1950s. Later, anti-psychotics, like haloperidol, came into vogue for calming aggressive patients ­– until it was found these drugs made dementia worse.

Donepezil and other cholinesterase inhibitors, which tweak brain chemistry to aid memory, came on the scene in the late 1990s. And now, there’s a drug called lecanimab, which was just approved this year, that slows or even prevents the formation of brain plaques thought to cause Alzheimer’s and certain other dementias. 

More than drugs to treat dementia

But treatment goes beyond medication. Proven techniques for mild dementia include what’s known as cognitive stimulation therapy. In a group setting, patients discuss world events, collaborate on novel tasks and play word and math games. For those with advanced brain disease, reminiscence therapy is a one-on-one talk about times past, using beloved objects or favourite songs to help spark memories.

We know smell and recall are closely linked. But until a few years ago, aromatherapy for dementia patients was relegated to non-medical use by family and friends of loved ones, since there was little science to support its value. Fortunately, that has all changed.

The reason smells can evoke deep emotions and rich memories is because other sensory inputs go through the thalamus, a “sorting hat” that routes data for processing elsewhere in our brains. But aromas zip from our olfactory bulb directly to our hippocampus, without passing “GO” or collecting $200. The hippocampus is involved in memory formation, and has been shown to be more strongly connected to smell than to any other sense. Aroma is likely how Santa, who’s hundreds of years old, still keeps track of all those kids and presents. He’s got fragrant evergreen boughs, a tang of reindeer dung and smoky chimneys to jog his memory.

Mice respond well to mint

In a report that came out in April, researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, detailed how a mere whiff of menthol, an essential oil extracted from mint leaves, improved cognitive function in mice. I’m not sure if we need or want our mice to be any smarter, but that’s what happened to every test animal. However, this is not the most intriguing part of the study.

In addition to normal mice, the research team got their hands on a strain of transgenic mice that were modified to have the kind of brain plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease in people. These poor mice got dementia quite young. To the researchers’ surprise, brief daily exposure to mint oil for six months was enough to completely halt cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer’s.

The cool thing about mint is that it’s easy to grow. In fact, the hard part might be keeping it in check. It prefers moist, rich soils, but seems to thrive just about anywhere. Place a fresh mint sprig in water, and it will begin to root in a week or so. Once the roots are fairly well developed, transfer it to a corner of your property where it won’t be a nuisance if it spreads. Dried mint can be kept in glass jars for use in winter.

Essential oils improve brain function

A topically related study at the University of California at Irvine this year took aromatherapy one step further. Published in July, the report states that diffusing trace amounts of essential oils into the air during sleep improved brain function 226 per cent in adults age 60-65. The odorants used in the six-month trial were not specified, but it’s a safe bet mint oil works as well, if not better, than other scents. I’ve already begun doing this at night. I’ll let you know when I feel 226 per-cent smarter.

Study looked at effects of maple syrup

In 2016, scientists from the University of Toronto went public with findings – which they admitted were preliminary – that maple syrup helps prevent Alzheimer’s. Natural phenolic compounds in maple syrup seem to keep tangles and plaques from forming in the brain. It’s only right that this research took place in the maple capital of the world. Since that time, studies in the U.S. continue to affirm the results from the earlier work at the University if Toronto.

Exercise, good sleep habits, a balanced diet and plenty of social interaction will help protect brain function. It’s best to avoid smoking and limit alcohol as well.

Given this new information on the benefits of eating syrup and sniffing menthol, I think we should all add mint ice cream topped with maple syrup to our diets. Just to give our brains a leg up. There’s no sense taking chances.

Mint and maple: Nature’s memory medicines Read More »

Interest rate hikes not slowingupward price pressure on farmland

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Price hikes in Quebec outpacing national average

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Despite higher interest rates, the price of farmland in Canada continued to rise in the first half of 2023, with prices in Quebec outpacing the national average.

In fact, the value of agricultural land in Quebec outpaced all areas of the country except Saskatechewan, according to figures released by Farm Credit Canada in early October.

Prices in Quebec increased by 10.6 per cent from January to June this year, while they jumped 11.4 per cent in Saskatchewan, FCC figures show.

The national average was 7.7 per cent.

Increases were lower in Ontario and Manitoba, where values jumped by 6.9 and 6.4 per cent, respectively.

Limited availability of land is said to be the main factor that continued to push prices higher, according to the FCC, even in a higher interest rate environment.

These latest increase continues the trend of ever-increasing farmland prices across the country. Last year, farmland values in Quebec jumped 11 per cent, slightly below the national average hike of 12.8 per cent.

The value of agricultural land has seen consistent year-over-year increases for the last 37 years, with the most pronounced hikes were recorded from 2011 to 2015.

Larger farmers more likely to buy

A survey of Canadian farmers conducted by RealAgristudies in July showed that 17 per cent of farmers in the country said they had or were intending to buy land in the current year. Some 59 per cent they had no intention of buying land, while 25 per cent said they were undecided.

The survey results also found that younger farmers or those who operated larger farms were the ones more likely to purchase land. According to the results, 44 per cent of the largest farms expressed an intent to buy land, while only 6 per cent of the smallest farm operators said purchases were likely.

RealAgristudies, however, did not disclose how many farmers participated in the survey.

Interest rate hikes not slowingupward price pressure on farmland Read More »

Lack of plan for parking at rail station raising concern

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1510 West

The threat of paving what some describe as a little piece of paradise to put up a REM parking lot is looming large in Pointe Claire.

As the clock ticks down to the opening of the light rail station by the Fairview Pointe Claire shopping centre and no plan yet in place for West Island commuters to leave their vehicles, concern is growing about where CDPQ-Infra, the contractor behind the rail project, will put a lot.

For Geneviève Lussier, a spokesperson for the grassroots group Save Fairview Forest, the concern is that the parking lot will be located in what is now a wooded area west of the mall, just north of the rail line.

“Can we say we don’t think the parking lot should go there?” Lussier asked the members of Pointe Claire council earlier this month, referring to the forested land.

Going one step further, the greenspace activist whose group recently held its 150th weekly demonstration at the wooded area in an effort to save it from development, encouraged Pointe Claire administrators and elected officials to get involved in the decisions of the parking plan before a solution is announced and imposed.

“If there are discussions going on right now, maybe we should be part of those discussions,” Lussier said, urging the city to inquire where the talks on the parking situation are at.

Previously, CDPQ-Infra has said discussions to come up with a solution to the parking needs for the train station were ongoing with Cadillac Fairview, the owner of the shopping centre. Rather than build a new parking lot, the contractor’s goal had been to use some of the existing spots within the centre’s parking lot for the REM.

But Cadillac Fairview has made it clear the shopping centre’s parking spots are off-limits, and that CDPQ-Infra will need to find another place for commuters to leave their cars before boarding the electric train.

Officials with Cadillac Fairview could not be reached for comment.

“Would it be possible for the citizens and the city to work together and speak to the CPDQ and have a united voice about making sure we don’t pave one of the last green spaces in that area – actually, the only last green space in that area – and keep the parking lot on something that is already paved?” Lussier asked council.

“If there is a way to unite our voices on that, that would be amazing,” she added.

In response, Pointe Claire Mayor Tim Thomas said: “There wouldn’t be any harm in renewing discussion with the CPDQ.”

Thomas admitted, however, that the consortium building the rail line holds authority over the project, including where parking will be located.

“There are a lot of residents who would help you have that greater voice if you wanted it,” Lussier said, explaining how residents in the east end of Montreal had effectively lobbied the rail project managers to take local concerns into consideration when planning facets of the project in that part of the island.

The forest is currently subject to two separate development freezes – one imposed by the city of Pointe Claire and another by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. The moratoriums prevent any plan to build on the land to move forward. Shortly after the city imposed its freeze in early 2022, Cadillac Fairview filed a lawsuit against the city. The company is seeking to maintain its right to develop the land.

In 2016, when the REM project was first unveiled, CDPQ-Infra had promised there would be 4,500 parking spots spread across the four stations that make up the 14-kilometre stretch of the West Island line.

That number has since been cut to 900, with 500 spots at the Des Sources station; 200 at the Anse à l’Orme station in Ste. Anne de Bellevue; and 200 at the Kirkland station reserved only for Kirkland residents. A parking plan for the station next to Fairview has not been announced.

Officials at CDPQ-Infra were unavailable to comment.

Lack of plan for parking at rail station raising concern Read More »

Beaconsfield has biggest income gap in W.I.: report

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1510 West

Of the five biggest de-merged municipalities in the West Island, Beaconsfield has the biggest income gap among its residents, according to a ranking of Canadian municipalities by the Local News Data Hub at Toronto Metropolitan University.

The ranking lists the 418 municipalities across the country with populations of 10,000 or more, focusing on the gap between the highest earning households and the households with the lowest incomes in each town.

Beaconsfield, with a population of 19,040, ranked 17th on the list, placing it among the top towns in the country when measured by the discrepancy between the households that earn the most and those that earn the least within its boundaries.

The other four West Island municipalities in the West Island that made the list were Kirkland, which ranked 40th; Dorval, which ranked 45th; Pointe Claire, which was 64th; and Dollard des Ormeaux, which came in at 75th.

See INCOME GAP, Page 2.

INCOME GAP: Richest households in Beaconsfield make 4.2 times more than poorest

From Page 1

Income inequality has been recognized as a social measure that has a negative impact on health, happiness and community ties and can limit opportunities for financial stability, according to researchers.

According to the data, the most affluent households in Beaconsfield make 4.2 times more than the least well off in the town.

The data shows that median after-tax income of a household in Beaconsfield in 2021 was $110,000. Despite this apparent wealth, a total of 655 people, or roughly 3.4 per cent of the population of 19,040, live in poverty.

In Kirkland, where the median after-tax household income in 2021 was $104,000, the most affluent households make four times more than the poorest households. According to the ranking, 805 people, or roughly 4.2 per cent of the population of 19,240, live in poverty.

In the city of Dorval, where the median after-tax household income in 2021 was $66,000, the most affluent households make 3.6 times more than the poorest households. According to the ranking, 1,165 people, or roughly 6 per cent of the population of 19,115, live in poverty.

In Pointe Claire, where the median after-tax household income in 2021 was $78,000, the most affluent households make 3.5 times more than the poorest households. According to the ranking, 1,380 people, or 4.4 per cent of the population of 31,560, live in poverty.

In Dollard, where the median after-tax household income in 2021 was $82,000, the most affluent households make 3.5 times more than the poorest households. According to the ranking, 2,435 people, or roughly 5 per cent of the population of 47,925, live in poverty.

The data shows that both the towns with the biggest and smallest gaps between rich and poor households were found in Quebec.

Westmount is where the biggest gap exists – with 10 per cent of households earning 10.9 times more than the lowest earning households in 2020. Meanwhile, in St. Amable, a municipality of just more than 13,000 residents north of Beloeil, the most affluent households make 2.6 times more than its least well off.

The Local News Data Hub also pointed to a recent Statistics Canada report that showed the wealthiest 20 per cent of households in Canada controlled two-thirds of the country’s net worth as of early 2023, while the bottom 40 per cent accounted for just 2.7 per cent.

The StatsCan report also noted the wealth gap between rich and poor in Canada widened at the fastest pace on record in the first quarter of this year. Compared with the wealthiest households, lower-income Canadians accumulated more debt, saw their savings shrink and received less investment income.

The Canadian median after-tax household income in 2020 was $73,000, according to the data.

To compare income inequality across Canada, the Local News Data Hub ranked the country’s 418 largest municipalities using Statistics Canada’s 2020 Gini index for adjusted after-tax household income. The Gini index is an internationally recognized tool statisticians use to measure how income is distributed across a society. It takes into account wages, pension income, investment earnings and government payments like social assistance.

Beaconsfield has biggest income gap in W.I.: report Read More »

Beaconsfield residents now will have their say

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

130-unit housing project part of plan to revamp shopping strip

JOSHUA ALLAN
The 1510 West

A proposed plan that would transform a small rundown shopping plaza in Beaconsfield into a mixed-use commercial development with a highrise residential component that would include 130 units was given preliminary approval last month. Now, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in whether it should be allowed to move forward.

After Beaconsfield council on Sept. 25 approved what has been called “a first draft” of the proposal to redesign the Elm Plaza on 275 Elm Ave., Mayor Georges Bourelle said the project would better meet the housing needs in the municipality.

Developers are envisioning a mix of commercial and new residential space, which would include 13 townhouses and 117 condo units.

Beaconsfield’s aging population, many of whom are looking to downsized, are looking for condo options, Bourelle told The 1510 West. Though a final draft of the proposed project remains to be seen, a development like this would certainly meet this objective, he added.

But some residents are not as sure, expressing their concerns about the project at the Sept. 25 meeting.

Resident Ike Partington warned that the current proposal would “loom” over the existing neighbourhood and contravene several of the municipality’s bylaws.

The plans “don’t contravene our bylaws by centimetres or millimetres,” Partington said. “They are by whole metres, and some of them are multiple metres.”

To respond to these concerns, the project developers have organized a series of public information sessions to offer details and address questions from residents. The first session was held yesterday, with two more meetings planned for tonight, Oct. 18, and tomorrow, Oct. 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Elm Plaza.

Bourelle added that he hopes the information sessions are used by the developers to “get the feeling, the concerns from the residents of the area, and listen to them carefully.”

“Hopefully (the developers) will make some compromises to (their) final design,” Bourelle said.

A spokesperson for the developers did not respond to a request for comment.

Residents also will have the opportunity to express their opinions about the project during a public consultation meeting with city council on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Councillor Martin St-Jean voted in favour of approving the first draft of the project, but his support should not be considered an endorsement of what could be the final plan.

His ongoing support for the project will depend on whether residents continue to voice opposition following the consultations, he said.

“The reason why I voted in favour of the first draft being adopted is so that the public can actually get to see what is being proposed,” St-Jean explained. “After the public consultation meeting, the project can be tweaked.”

Cutline: Beaconsfield council last month approved the first draft of a plan to transform Elm Plaza into a housing project with 130 units and commercial outlets on the ground floor. Now, the proposal will be opened to public consulations.

Credit: The 1510 West

Beaconsfield residents now will have their say Read More »

A seat with a view

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Parks Canada offers 100+ spots – 19 in Quebec, but only 1 in the West Island

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1510 West

What is it about a tranquil waterfront view? It makes you stop. Look out. And look some more.

Now, if that view is of a uniquely-Canadian sight and comes with a fall wind and a comfortable Adirondack chair in which to sit while contemplating the surroundings, well, let’s just say that as you huddle your arms together and feel the weather at this time of year, the combination unlocks a moment that is worth your while.

That is what is on offer at 106 locations in Canada, including 19 in Quebec and just one in the West Island. A red Adirondack chair is waiting for you at each of these spots.

The chairs are provided by Parks Canada, which just over a decade ago launched an initiative that was simple in concept, yet grand in scope. It aims to provide Canadians with a comfortable chair to take in a fabulous view. The spots are among the best of the best of the country’s public spaces, providing a glimpse of Canada’s picturesque landscapes that combine iconic rugged beauty with, in some instances, a sense of natural serenity, while in others, a backdrop of historical significance. All you have to do is sit back and take it all in.

The chairs in West Island can be found at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site.

There are actually two sets of chairs at the park, one just off Ste. Anne Street, where pedestrians can access the site. They offer a front-row seat to view the old locks. The other set is at the far end of the concrete pier that is known as Lookout Point at the western tip of Ste. Anne Canal, where the St. Lawrence River’s Lake St. Louis melds into the Ottawa River’s Lake of Two Mountains.

Take in the surroundings

The red chairs near the locks themselves, two identical Adirondacks with wide armrests and comfortable backrests, standout in Canada’s flagship colour. They offer a vantage point that allows you to see the workings of the locks. They also allow you to take in all the comings and goings of people who are drawn to the park. It can be a busy place depending on the weather. Behind you, the spire of the Ste. Anne de Bellevue Catholic Church rises, framing the treed front yard that looks out on the waterway.

The chairs out at Lookout Point offer an entirely different experience, and worth the walk to find them. Set up in the middle of the concrete quay, they offer an expansive view of the rapids, Île Perrot, Île Bellevue and the smaller non-inhabited island in the area. In the distance, vehicles can be seen as they make their way across the Île aux Tourtes Bridge. The view is wide and conjures a sense of isolation, especially as the temperatures at this time of year keep you company.

Look back at history

The Ste. Anne locks are part of network of canals that permit boats to bypass rapids, acting as a gateway to the Ottawa River.

The locks at this site date back to before Confederation. Merchants who would travel from Kingston to Montreal had petitioned the government of Lower Canada to build it to provide save public access to the route that, up until then, had been controlled by private companies that operated a canal off Vaudreuil.

Construction began in 1840, and the locks opened on Nov. 14, 1843, an event that is credited, in part, to enabling the settlement of Upper Canada, what is known today as Ontario.

Accessing the locks was not an easy navigational feat, however. And in 1870, the Canals Commission recommended new locks be built, running parallel to the old locks. These new locks were completed in 1882. At the same time, a channel was dredged in the middle of Lake St. Louis, allowing larger ships to make their way across the waterway.

The use of the second locks at Ste. Anne by commercial ships was healthy up until the first two decades of the 1900s, when the transition to rail transport took hold.

But the Ste. Anne locks continued to function, and today are widely used by reacreational and pleasure boaters who make their way from Lake St. Louis to the Lake of Two Mountains and beyond.

Finding a part of the past

In October of 2020, Parks Canada officials pulled an old lock gate from the waters of Lake St. Louis. The large wooden panel fitted with steel fixtures weighed more than 36 tonnes. It was determined that the gate was one of the emergency doors that had been sunk to the bottom of the waterway to be used in case of needed repairs.

Parks Canada analyzed the large flat panel, opting not to return it to its underwater holding spot nor putting it on display after finding it contained toxic chemicals.

Commemorating site’s significance

The canal was officially recognized as being of national historic significance in 1987. In August of 2007, the federal government unveiled a plaque at the canal site commemorating this designation, recognizing it as an integral part of a network of inland waterways that played a big role in the growth and development of Canada. As Senator Claude Nolin said when the plaque was installed: The canal “played a major role in the transportation of lumber and the transit of immigrants toward the country’s interior during the 19th century.”

So if you have a moment to reflect, head to Ste. Anne, find the chairs, take in the view and cast your mind back to the past.

Cutline: These red Adirondack chairs are waiting for you at the Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site. They provide a beautiful view of the locks near the junction of Lake St. Louis and the Lake of Two Mountains.

A seat with a view Read More »

Double homicide in Beaconsfield is backdrop of latest work from Pointe Claire author

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1510 West

It happened 10 years ago. The scene of the crime is an address on a quiet cul-de-sac in Beaconsfield. Inside the home, the bodies of a couple in their mid-60s were found. Both had been shot.

That is the setting of the newly released novel, My Brother’s Keeper, by Pointe Claire author Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, published by Véhicule Press. It is her 12th book, and her 11th work of fiction.

It is Kindellan-Sheehan’s first mystery entirely set in the West Island. It is a story that follows the reopening of a police investigation to find the truth behind the deaths of Stu and Carol Tibbetts, described as an ordinary couple living in a house that some wondered how they could afford. It spins a tale of life in the suburbs that, on the surface, looks typical, but encompasses yet-to-be-discovered truths forged by complicated family ties, sibling relationships and secrets that began to be kept long before a 911 call set a homicide investigation into motion.

As Kindellan-Sheehan sets up the story in the opening chapter: “The tragedy was either a murder/suicide or a premeditated cold-blooded murder, committed by their children, or someone who hated them enough to want them dead.”

And just like life, this fictional tale about death is complicated – and sprinkled with familiar geographic references that all West Islanders will immediately recognize and appreciate.

Kindellan-Sheehan uses her West Island roots to build the story of the Tibbetts family, creating a believable back history that fits into its setting.

Although the story centres around a double homicide, Kindellan-Sheehan is quick to admit that the depth of the tale is what she hopes will resonate with readers.

“You don’t write about crime. You write about people,” the author said in an interview, explaining that crimes are usually committed by ordinary people.

Kindellan-Sheehan enjoyed the process of building the back story of her characters all the while weaving in current references, including a mention of the West Island’s latest news source, The 1510 West.

But it is creating a character’s history “is what makes it interesting,” she said.

“The past is never the past, as Faulkner believed,” Kindellan-Sheehan said, referencing the well-known American novelist. “The past is just what you’re carrying on your shoulders. No one escapes it. It’s just like injuries – when you turn 40, you find out that nothing completely heals.”

A retired teacher who taught at St. Thomas High School in Pointe Claire for many years, Kindellan-Sheehan began writing in 1998 following the death of her husband. Her first book, published in 2003, was a memoir, Sheila’s Take, which became a best-seller. She then turned to fiction, writing 11 mysteries, including five since 2013 featuring the recurring characters of Sûreté du Québec investigators Toni Damiano and Pierre Matte.

“I never wrote for money. I never wrote for acclaim,” she admitted. “Writing was like a companion, and I had the best companion for 22 years.”

Kindellan-Sheehan’s latest novel, My Brother’s Keeper, as well as her earlier books are available at Indigo in Pointe Claire and online, and can be ordered on Amazon.

Cutline: Kindellan-Sheehan marked the official launch of My Brother’s Keeper at the Indigo outlet in Pointe Claire last Saturday.

Credit: The 1510 West

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Itchin’ for a kitchen? Local communal kitchen organization comes to Ayer’s Cliff

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Cuisines Collectives Memphremagog, an organization that runs communal kitchen sessions all around the Eastern Townships, has opened up a ‘service point’ in Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall in partnership with the local government. At 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, 11 interested residents and organizers gathered for its first session.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Cuisines Collectives Memphremagog, an organization that runs communal kitchen sessions all around the Eastern Townships, has opened up a ‘service point’ in Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall in partnership with the local government. At 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, 11 interested residents and organizers gathered for its first session.

“[Cuisines Collectives] has been in business for 30 years,” Jonathan Goulet-Abitan, organizer and animator, explained, “it’s our anniversary this year.” They have decided to expand their services further. The organization has numerous service points, their newest being Ayer’s Cliff’s community hall.

Participants in their activities gather in groups of around two to six in a communal kitchen and prepare food. Everyone pitches in; at the end of the activity everything is split evenly among them. Meal choice is made as a group as well, with help from an animator who can suggest menu options.

Sometimes people have special dietary needs or want to cook something inexpensive, Goulet-Abitan noted. Those with similar tastes are usually put together, he added, like vegetarians with vegetarians.

“It is very economical,” insisted Director Lisane Boisclair, because a fair amount of the food used is provided free of charge. This includes many nonperishable and canned items. Every session, participants, after pooling their resources, leave with an entrée, two main courses and a dessert – with portions enough to feed one’s whole family. “It’s at least $15 worth of food per person,” she said.

Cuisines Collectives has two service points in Magog and many in surrounding municipalities. It has also recently begun working with 16 local schools, primarily on recipe-less meals that focus on “cooking hygiene” and the basics. They are starting in Stanstead at Sunnyside Elementary on Oct. 20.

Anyone can participate and there are many good reasons to, Goulet-Abitan said; for the young it could be budgetary, for the old, to socialize. He says they have done basically every kind of meal you could imagine, and what he loves most is helping people fulfill their culinary dreams.

The Oct. 18 session in Ayer’s Cliff was merely a preliminary meeting to talk with those who are interested and make plans.

While visiting for the story, this reporter was offered a choice of three snacks (two sweet and one salty) and was asked to guess what the “base” of all three were. After a little delightful munching, this reporter guessed “egg”. It was not egg, but tofu!

Itchin’ for a kitchen? Local communal kitchen organization comes to Ayer’s Cliff Read More »

A European Pilgrimage

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Pilgrimages can be a source for deeply human interactions, says Dr. Jennifer Cianca, Bishop’s University Classics Professor. Cianca recently completed two routes in Spain and France, the latest in a series of pilgrimages spanning 10 years.

“I’ve done a bunch of them,” Cianca said, referring to her penchant for European pilgrimages. The most recent was a return to two separate routes that she has done before, one in 2013 and one in 2019. “I just wanted to revisit them.”

The first route was through the Pyrenees mountains, from France into Spain. The second was through the Cantabrian mountains in Spain’s mid-western region. The routes are not connected; she took a bus in between.

On her pilgrimages, Cianca walks an average of 30 kilometers per day. The distance varies depending on the elevation and difficulty of the day’s path. Along the way she stayed at “albergues”, inns primarily designated for those travelling these venerable routes by foot, bicycle or even horseback.

Upon starting one of these routes, one receives a “little passport”, she explained. Every night one receives stamps proving one has been walking the route, which allows one to sleep over at the next location.

The inns are either run publicly by the church or the local municipality, or privately. All are relatively inexpensive (10-20 euros a night), the public ones even more so. Some church-run inns are by donation only.

Every sixth or seventh day she stays in a private room, “because I’m old,” she said with a chuckle. Normally, the inns are communal with rows of bunks. People snore and it can be hot, she noted.

Since only pilgrims can stay in the inns, it’s a great place to meet and socialize with others doing the same thing. There are often communal dinners, and you can meet people from around the world. “Nobody who is boring decides to go do [this],” she insisted.

Pilgrims are there for different reasons. Some are running away from something, some are retired, some are facing demons, and some just got divorced or lost their job, she explained. Many younger people do it in between years of study. It is one of the least expensive ways you can travel, so it is a very accessible option.

The “Pilgrim Office”, she continued, has already reported 400,000 pilgrims this year as of August. “It’s growing and growing and growing… it’s totally bonkers.” And these are only the ones that walk at least 100 kilometers and report in to get their certificate.

What makes it “really special” is the brief interactions you have with people, she said, but many also form deep, pseudo-familial bonds with each other on their travels. Cianca tends to walk faster than most, and likes to walk alone, so her socializing tends to take the form of brief meals or shared cups of coffee. It is overall a very supportive group, she said, and you get to see a lot of “humanity, when everything is stripped away”.

People tend not to talk much about politics, except for Americans, she joked. English and Spanish are the common languages. Knowing Spanish allows you to talk to the locals. Pilgrims are a large part of these regions’ economies.

Cianca speculates that a still sizable number of pilgrims do it for religious reasons, but many are “post-Christian”. Every town you pass through has a church or fountain of religious or historical significance. Some people stop at all of them, some at none. She always stops at the cathedrals because she loves their architecture.

One of the routes she recently followed has been in existence for over 1,100 years. Along it you can find ruins of hospitals and historical hideouts. Pilgrims were walking it during the times of the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. Anyone interested in religion or history can run into something of relevance nearly every day, she insisted.

“The Pyrenees are spectacular,” she said, speaking on the landscapes she hiked through. “They have a lush… green tree-cover that make them really wonderful.” There is a “particular flavour” to how the Basques region is settled. Imagine red and white tiled houses dotted up the hills with lots of terracing surrounded by pastures. The Cantabrian mountains in the west are different, she said. There are some rolling foothills, but also jagged outcrops.

The middle of Spain, on the other hand, is very flat, and famous for making pilgrims “lose their minds”. In the summer, the landscape is brown, the horizon endless.

There are paths over the peaks of the mountains, but the main routes take the easiest way between two points. There are nearly no climbs or dangerous cliffs involved.

On an average day, she would wake up and leave her inn by sunrise. She was slower than most, but her motto is: “Leave last, walk fast.” Usually, you begin near somewhere you can find something to eat, like a coffee and a muffin. If you are not, a guidebook has likely told you to prepare beforehand.

Pilgrims tend to take a break around 11 a.m. and eat something and rest a bit, then continue on for a few hours. Cianca does not tend to stop much if she can help it; she does not like walking on a full stomach. An average day involves six to eight hours of walking for her.

At the end of the day, you do your laundry and hang everything up, then look around for a place for dinner. The public inns normally have a “lights out and silence by 10 p.m.” policy. The doors are locked, and you cannot come back in if you are late. Sometimes, if everyone knows the next day will be hard due to terrain or weather, the upwards of 15 people all sleeping together will agree on a time when everyone will officially awake.

Cianca’s pilgrimages have taken place in May, June, August, and September. June and August can be very hot, while May and September are normally more temperate. This time, she had three days of rain. She has a rain jacket and cover for her pack and keeps walking. The only thing that stops her is lightning, which is uncommon, she said, except in the mountains.

There is nothing much you can run into that will phase a Canadian, she said with a laugh. You can find a lot of Quebecers on the trails, mostly retirees.

She has “whittled down” how much she carries with her in her pack over the years. It is never more than about 12 pounds, minus food and water.

Cianca has walked more than 3,000 kilometers in Spain alone. She feels like she may be done there for a while, maybe forever. “I feel like I’ve got maybe what I have needed.” There are routes in southern Spain that she has not walked, she admitted, so “never say never”. She is looking forward now to other places, such as Iceland next year.

She does not think that there is really any better way to “divest of everything else that is going on in life”. She finds the encounters she has had with people on her travels precious in a way that she has not found anywhere else. “There’s a purity of spirit”; exhausted people meeting vulnerable heart to vulnerable heart.

A European Pilgrimage Read More »

Faster ambulance release urged for Sherbrooke’s Emergency Department

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie questions narrative

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

Local healthcare administrators are calling for improvements in the coordination of ambulance services at Sherbrooke’s Emergency Department. Recent discussions between CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) concluded that although there’s no need to amplify the number of ambulance services, there is a pressing need for quicker release of ambulances held at emergency centers. Christine Labrie, Sherbrooke MNA, questioned this narrative and the Health Minister recently at a meeting of the National Assembly.

This push for improved efficiency has received support from the Cooperative of Ambulance Workers of Estrie (CTAE), which has already partnered with healthcare facilities to devise potential solutions.

Insights from recent data analysis highlight that:

Ambulances in Sherbrooke have an overall utilization rate of 53.42 per cent, reflecting the time they are occupied with a call.

The availability rate for ambulances to attend to new calls stands at 46.6 per cent.

For high-risk cases, such as potential cardio-respiratory arrests and life-threatening situations, the average ambulance response time is just under 10 minutes. Moreover, in 65 per cent of these high-risk cases, ambulances reach patients in less than eight minutes.

These figures make Sherbrooke an exemplar, said a press release, as its response times are notably quicker than the Quebec average of 12 minutes and 37 seconds.

Residents can access the detailed response times for ambulance services across all municipalities in Quebec via the MSSS dashboard.

However, the health department also underscores the fluidity of situations. Depending on the urgency of a call, priority levels can be reassessed and modified. For instance, a patient might initially be tagged with a lower priority but can be upgraded to a high priority if their health deteriorates, ensuring that they receive timely medical assistance.

Labrie questions narrative

“Last Sunday, for three hours, there was no ambulance service for the entire territory of Sherbrooke,” Labrie stated during a recent question period at the National Assembly. This morning, she went on, “someone in immediate risk of mortality had to wait for 58 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. This is not a unique occasion and paramedics have been saying for years that Sherbrooke is lacking ambulances. Yet, the Minister of Health has denied the addition of one more ambulance to Sherbrooke’s fleet.” Referring to the CHUS’ assertion that the problem was a question of efficiency, Labrie questioned whether “faster ambulance release” was really the substantive issue and asked the Health Minister again for another ambulance to serve the Sherbrooke area.

Health Minister Christian Dubé responded by saying certain facts needed to be re-established regarding the Estrie region. First, he continued, Estrie’s residents are very well served. The average wait time for an urgent ambulance call is nine minutes. Second, he said, Estrie was given $4.5 million last year towards their ambulance services.

Labrie replied that some locations, like East Angus, are 23 kilometers away and are certainly not well served.

Dubé explained that they are closely following the recommendations of a recent report and will come out with clear new proposals, in the next few weeks, to improve ambulance services across Quebec, including the Sherbrooke region. One must focus on the general picture, he concluded.

Exceptional cases can cost people’s lives, Labrie responded, and asked yet again why the Health Minister wouldn’t agree to give Sherbrooke another ambulance.

“Unfortunately, there are exceptions,” said Dubé, but he believes the government’s commitment to the Sherbrooke region is clear from what he had already mentioned.

Faster ambulance release urged for Sherbrooke’s Emergency Department Read More »

Kirkland building boom will see all sectors expand – industrial, commercial, residential

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

JOHN JANTAK
The 1510 Report

It is projected that the population of Kirkland will grow by as much as a third in the next 10 years, but the town’s expansion will not be limited to the residential sector. It’s industrial and commercial base is going to get bigger, too. And signs of that building boom can already be seen on the north side of Highway 40, where the steel frames of two massive industrial buildings are taking shape.

In fact, there will be three new structures in the industrial campus north of the highway just west of St. Charles Blvd., a strip that encompasses 1.3 million square feet, when the buildings are completed

The project represents a $300-million investment by the Rosefellow real estate management and development firm which owns the land.

“One reason for the large investment is because all three buildings will be carbon neutral,” said Kirkland director general Joe Sanalitro.

“This is very important to the town in order to reach our objectives in terms of sustainable development. There are not too many buildings like this right now on the Island of Montreal,” Sanalitro added.

“The land, which is zoned industrial, was expropriated by the city 12 years ago for $25 million and we sold it for $70 million. There was a welcome tax of over $1.6 million,” said Mayor Michel Gibson.

The city is not yet sure how much tax revenue will be generated after the construction phase is completed.

The first building will be completed by the end of this year and the other two by spring 2024. The tenants of the new buildings have not yet been publicly announced. More than 800 trees will be planted on the site.

New commercial operations, too

The city’s commitment to sustainable development is also what prompted electric carmaker Tesla to locate in a 90,000-square-foot dealership along the Highway 40 service road east of St. Charles Blvd.

“They wanted to set up shop in Kirkland because of the services we give our residents and to the commercial sector as well,” Sanalitro said. “We’re happy to have them because their mission lines up with our sustainability plan as well.”

It took almost three years of discussions between the city, Tesla and the Broccolini Group, which developed and manages the property, to realize the project.

“They did a great job on the site itself. We had some high standards in terms of architecture and they were willing to follow those standards,” Sanalitro said. “And we’re happy with the result.”

Another major project currently under way is the expansion of the Canadian Tire retail outlet on Highway 40 west of St. Charles Blvd., which is building an extension to its existing building that will add about a third more space to the retail outlet.

“It’s a big project. They’re modernizing the whole store,” Sanalitro explained. “The expansion is mostly on the west side of the structure where they had the outdoor nursery.”

He added the city council is very selective with the development projects that are authorized in Kirkland.

“We really strive hard to keep the quality of life for the residents versus development,” Sanalitro said. “There’s always aspects that are considered by council, the impact on quality of life but also the balance between development and the quality of development.”

In the next decade, the population of Kirkland, which now stands at about just over 19,000 is expected to reach about 30,000, with the jump in the number of residents coinciding with the opening of the REM light rail service, mitigating the demand a growing population will put on the region’s road network.

There are currently three residential projects in the works in Kirkland, including the Lacey Green Village development. This project – which stretches from the border with Pointe Claire westward, between Brunswick Blvd. and the Highway 40 service road – includes 47 single-family homes, 110 townhouses and up to 900 condo units in a string of buildings that could be as high as 12 storeys. Another 800 units will be found in four buildings slated to go up near Ste. Marie Road, and another development with an as of yet undetermined number of units will be built on the site of the RioCan Centre near the Kirkland cinema.

Cutline: The steel frame of new industrial building can be seen taking shape north of Highway 40, west of St. Charles.

Credit: The 1510 West

Kirkland building boom will see all sectors expand – industrial, commercial, residential Read More »

Pontiac Tourism teams up with Calumet Media to elevate online presence

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Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative

MRC Pontiac – In an era dominated by digital interactions, cultivating a robust online identity is critical, particularly for entities dedicated to promoting tourism, such as the Pontiac Tourism Association (ATP). A recent collaboration with Calumet Media, through funding from the MRC, aims to tap into the agency’s content creation and digital marketing, ultimately heightening the visibility of the Pontiac region on Google’s search engine to attract more visitors.

“Long before packing their bags or buying a plane ticket, tourists nowadays start their research about potential destinations online. This makes it important for organizations like ATP to not only have a robust, comprehensive website that exemplifies the region but to also make it highly discoverable through search engines like Google and Bing,” said Jon Stewart, owner of Calumet Media.

By optimizing their website content with pertinent keywords and search phrases (Search Engine Optimization or SEO), the Association plans to increase their search rankings, steer more traffic to their platform, and attract more potential tourists.

According to Stewart, “As a non-profit organization, the ATP’s mandate is to promote local businesses within the tourism and hospitality industry; this project is designed to increase the number of tourists visiting the Pontiac through improved visibility and better story-telling. These tourists spend money through purchases for accommodation, food, and entertainment which are a vital part of the economy of the region.”

With the improvements planned for the ATP website, www.explorepontiac.ca, there is also the possibility of off-setting the cost of online ad placements for members through a Google Ad Grant, which encourages non-profit associations. For example, if ads from members meet certain criteria and rank highly when generic searches are used (examples:  accommodation, adventure, hunting and fishing etc) the cost will be covered by the Google Ad Grant.  This grant has a potential of generating as much as $10,000 in free online advertising per month for ATP members.

Stewart explained that the ATP has used the grant with some success in the past, but hopes to increase the benefit for members with the planned improvements to the website, creating an immersive and informative experience to highlight the many attractions and rich culture that Pontiac has to offer.

Pontiac Tourism teams up with Calumet Media to elevate online presence Read More »

MRC Pontiac meets local farmers about agri-food processing project

Local Journalism Initiative / /

Peter L. Smith
Local Journalism Initiative

MRC Pontiac – The MRC Pontiac Economic Development Department hosted three information sessions focused on the feasibility of an agri-food processing project. The September meetings were held in Shawville, Campbell’s Bay, and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. They were chaired by Assistant Director of Economic Development David Cyr, who explained the proposed project.

Cyr told attending farmers the Agri-Saveur Pontiac project would complement the Abbatoir Pontiac facility in Shawville. “Processing is what is missing in agriculture,” he noted, asking: “Where can producers go if they wish to further develop their agricultural related products?” He gave the example of beef producers who may wish to have their product made into pepperettes or jerky. This type of facility would assist the producer to make the transformation and help with marketing, if needed. The facility would also assist produce growers in using their produce to develop sauces or other related products. The facility would include a commercial kitchen where clients could rent workspace for their projects. It would be open to the public, including Ontario producers, but with priority booking given to Pontiac residents.

The Economic Development Department is in discussion with the Pontiac Agricultural Society to establish the facility on the Shawville Fairgrounds. At the conclusion of each meeting, producers were asked to complete a survey regarding the project feasibility with questions about their food industry tenure, commercial kitchen usage, main distribution channels used to sell their products, and benefits expected as a member of Agri-Saveur Pontiac. 37 producers completed the survey.

The Economic Development Department is currently working to formalize a business and marketing plan. The projected cost of the project is over $2 million.

MRC Assistant Director for Economic Development David Cyr presents the Agri-Saveur Pontiac
project to L’Isle-aux-Allumettes farmers.

MRC Pontiac meets local farmers about agri-food processing project Read More »

Québec Solidaire introduces bill to combat agricultural land grabbing

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative

Alejandra Zaga Mendez, MNA for Verdun and head of Québec Solidaire in matters related to agriculture, recently put forth a groundbreaking bill in the National Assembly. It aims to combat the growing problem of agricultural land grabbing and simultaneously offer protection to the next generation of Quebec farmers.

In a recent interview with François Carrier of CHIP FM, Zaga Mendez expressed deep concern over diminishing agricultural land in Quebec. “Agricultural land is becoming increasingly rare. It constitutes just 2% of our territory. We’re witnessing increased pressure on our farmers from skyrocketing land prices to zoning modifications that facilitate urban sprawl,” she explained.

She further highlighted an alarming trend: “Recently, we’ve seen agricultural lands purchased by investment funds, pension funds, and other speculative entities. This not only deprives young farmers of available land, but also drives up prices, making it harder for them to acquire or expand their farms.”

Drawing attention to the detrimental effects of climate change, Zaga Mendez emphasized its direct correlation with protecting agricultural zones. “With more extreme weather events, safeguarding our farmland has never been more crucial. These areas are essential for feeding Quebec’s population, and their protection is fundamental for our food autonomy in the future.”

The proposed bill is two-pronged: it seeks to ban private investment funds from acquiring agricultural land and also mandates the Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land of Quebec (CPTAQ) to maintain a comprehensive record of all acquisitions in farming areas.

“We hope to bolster the role of the CPTAQ. They should be equipped with the necessary resources to oversee acquisitions effectively and understand the dynamics of price fluctuations in various regions,” concluded Zaga Mendez, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Commission.

Québec Solidaire introduces bill to combat agricultural land grabbing Read More »

Farming 2023: a mix of success and concerns

Local Journalism Initiative / /

Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative

With challenges from climate change to high interest rates, three Pontiac farmers shared a mix of success stories and concerns as they evaluate this year’s season.

Scott Judd is co-owner of Glad Crest Farms and Little Red Wagon Winery in Shawville. Judd said his operations have never been better with cooperative weather giving an early start, a good amount of heat, and timely rains which produced great crops. He noted the price of feed went up, but it balanced out as the price of the grain they sell also increased.

However, Judd isn’t without concerns; purchasing more land is very expensive, and the need for efficiency and vigilance about minimizing spoilage or “shrink”.

Denise Fitzpatrick of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes has a dairy farm, beef cattle and cash crops. She emphasized the unpredictable weather this year influenced the maturity of the grains. She found hay production difficult.

One of Fitzpatrick’s major concerns is inflation; everything has increased in price. She also noted new farmers will experience these higher costs which may make starting from scratch nearly impossible unless one is exceptionally resourceful.

Lucas Kaiser, owner of Wendelin Farm, raises beef cattle in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. He spoke of the difficulties of starting a farm in the modern age: initial investments can be prohibitively expensive and the shift towards larger farming operations means small-scale farmers face more challenges. For Kaiser, managing costs is paramount.

Despite the challenges, these farmers remain committed to their trade. Each emphasizes the importance of adaptation, efficiency, and innovative thinking in navigating the dynamic landscape of modern agriculture.

Farming 2023: a mix of success and concerns Read More »

FQM congress: Municipalities meet in Quebec City

Local Journalism Initiative / /

Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative

More than 30 delegates from the Pontiac attended the 81st annual congress of the Fédération québécoise des municipalities (FQM) in Quebec City September 28 – 30. Representatives from the MRC Pontiac included mayors, director generals, and councillors.

The event brings together municipal representatives from across the province to discuss, share, and debate current issues impacting the day-to-day management of communities. Policy workshops led to the FQM’s adoption of seven resolutions concerning climate change, emergency measures, forestry, housing, protected areas, and ethics and accountability.

Premier François Legault spoke at the event, reaffirming the CAQ government’s commitment to complete cellular network coverage, province-wide, by the end of his term in 2026. He also reiterated the province’s commitment to invest $470 M in the vitality of village centers and the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR).

Much of the conference was dedicated to climate change adaption plans. MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller — who attended sessions on waste management, the environment and forestry — said the plans are focused on reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gases through a multi-angled approach that includes planting trees and transitioning to electric vehicles.

The waste management session focused on composting. Grants are available for municipalities to provide residents with home composting bins at no cost, something the MRC Pontiac ’s waste management committee will consider in their planning.

A need for decentralizing management was stressed in the forestry session with a call for the autonomy of local and regional industry. Community forests were also discussed, with Toller noting a keen desire for creating one in the Pontiac. She spoke of the benefits of these forests, including wood supply for small mills and recreation opportunities. There was lengthy discourse surrounding the impact of this year’s forest fires, with an emphasis on the need for more planes and support for the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU).

Toller said negotiations for the renewal of the fiscal pact between the provincial government and municipalities was the agenda item that will have the greatest impact on the Pontiac. “As a spokesperson for the regions, the Federation reiterated it will not accept any setback regarding the renewal of the fiscal pact and wants to preserve all the achievements and above all the payment to municipalities of the value of the growth of one QST point,” said Jacques Demers, president of the FQM, mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley and warden of the MRC of Memphrémagog.

FQM congress: Municipalities meet in Quebec City Read More »

Pontiac daycare development in limbo amidst government backtrack

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative

Pontiac’s planned daycare development faces uncertainty, with recent government changes putting it in jeopardy.

In an interview with CHIP FM, Pontiac MNA André Fortin voiced apprehensions about the halt of the much-awaited daycare initiative. In March 2022, the government greenlighted additional daycare spaces for the CPE 123 Picabou, which involved buying a prefab home for a new land parcel.

However, the execution didn’t go smoothly. The government’s tendering process stumbled, with two attempts returning bids surpassing their estimates. Consequently, the project was shelved, leaving families, including critical workforce members like nurses and teachers, grappling with limited daycare alternatives.

“This leaves Pontiac facing a daycare space crunch for the foreseeable future, causing many, including healthcare professionals, to defer their job return. This issue extends to other regions too, affecting 43 daycare centers. The Liberal Party has consistently sought answers from the CAQ government, both in the Assembly and media. Yet, the future remains uncertain,” said Fortin.

Fortin highlighted the government’s oversight of depending exclusively on this single venture to fulfill daycare needs. As Pontiac was hinging on this project, it couldn’t participate in other potential projects. The conversation also threw light on the government’s favoritism of the CPE model, a broad-spectrum facility, sidelining home-based solutions. Though renowned for its consistent and top-tier care, the current challenges reflect its vulnerabilities.

“The project’s delay has disregarded other viable opportunities,” stated Fortin. “While awaiting these tenders, the government misjudged the region’s requirements. Their analysis, focusing on the 60 spots, deemed Pontiac well-equipped in daycare provisions, unintentionally barring us from other projects that could have bridged the current gap,” he added.

Carole St-Arnaud, director general of CPE 1-2-3 Picabou, explained their daycare facilities. They have various subsidized spaces across different venues and have secured land in Shawville for the 60-place facility, with 10 spots designated for infants. However, staffing remains a hurdle and they rely heavily on on-call substitute personnel.

In response, Catherine Pelletier, communications agent for the Cabinet de la ministre de la Famille, underscored the CAQ’s dedication to the early childhood network since 2021. Pointing to their numerous initiatives and progress in new space creation, she advised reaching out directly to the Ministry for specifics.

Fortin remains steadfast, stating he will prioritize the issue in the next Quebec City session.

Pontiac daycare development in limbo amidst government backtrack Read More »

Military veteran biographical booklet launching at The Hut

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ANAF Unit 318 (The Hut), in Lennoxville, will be hosting the launch of a booklet volume of military veteran biographies Oct. 19. Heather Keith, member of the Genealogical Society of Sherbrooke that had the booklet commissioned, and translator, will emcee the event.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

ANAF Unit 318 (The Hut), in Lennoxville, will be hosting the launch of a booklet volume of military veteran biographies Oct. 19. Heather Keith, member of the Genealogical Society of Sherbrooke that had the booklet commissioned, and translator, will emcee the event.

“The Genealogical Society here in Sherbrooke,” Keith explained, “published a bunch of volumes called ‘Hommages à Nos Militaires’.” The three volumes include genealogical and biographical information on local soldiers and were initially available only in French.

When Keith joined the Society, they wanted to translate all their material into English, but she suggested they start with these volumes first, since they were on the soldiers they knew were English and from Sherbrooke. They decided to put out self-published booklets that include 15-20 biographies each, with coloured pictures, and distribute them amongst the local small museums and historic sites. The booklets will cost $15 each. Keith did the translations herself.

The launch of the first volume will take place at The Hut Oct. 19, at 7p.m. Many have been invited, including local 103-year-old veteran Ralph Benson and numerous Lennoxville military members. They expect 150 to attend.

Keith enjoyed learning about the military while translating and is proud to emcee this event. We are nearing Remembrance Day, she said, and people should know more about their military and its history.

Military veteran biographical booklet launching at The Hut Read More »

The MRC of Avignon West launches a reflection process

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MATAPÉDIA – Following in the footsteps of the eastern sector, the western part of the Avignon MRC has initiated discussions regarding the establishment of an intermunicipal fire protection board.

Presently, the municipalities of Pointe-à-la-Croix, Matapédia, and the Plateaux sector already share the same service manager.

“The municipalities to the west of Pointe-à-la-Croix have met in recent weeks with a similar objective to that of the east,” says Nicole Lagacé, the mayor of Matapedia.

“For the fire chief, it’s four different budgets and four different accountability reports. We could amalgamate all that into a single budget for all the municipalities concerned,” says the mayor.

A study has been commissioned from Icarium, which had already conducted a study in the Avignon MRC.

“Right now, the work is done, and people’s safety is well established. However, I think we need to go beyond the status quo to improve our service. That would benefit everyone,” says Ms. Lagacé.

Each municipality with a fire station has committed, by resolution, to continue the analysis.

It’s hard to believe that any amalgamation would happen quickly.

“Obviously, it would have been easier to do it at the beginning of the year. At this point, it may be a little too late. We’ll see how we can pursue this, but the objective is to do it as quickly as possible,” she says.

“If it’s more efficient to implement it by January 1, it will be in 2025 but, in 2024, there is a likelihood that major decisions will have to be made,” she adds.

The MRC of Avignon West launches a reflection process Read More »

Sharp rise in unemployment rate in September

Local Journalism Initiative / /

The loss of 3,300 jobs has caused the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1% in September, reaching 6.8%.

GASPÉ – The loss of 3,300 jobs has caused the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1% in September, reaching 6.8%.

According to Statistics Canada, the losses occurred, both among full-time and part-time employees, as well as due to more than 2,600 people leaving the active job search in the last month.

A total of 2,800 full-time positions were eliminated from the job market last month.

At 32,800, the figure remains higher than the 29,500 people at the same time last year. However, the number of part-time positions decreased both in the last month and compared to last year.

There were 4,500 part-time positions in September, compared with 5,000 in August and 5,600 in September 2022.

The number of unemployed individuals increased from 2,000 in August to 2,700 in September.

There were 2,600 unemployed individuals a year ago.

Taking into account that the labour force, i.e., individuals employed or actively seeking employment, decreased from 42,600 in August to 40,000 in September, the unemployment rate climbed from 4.7% in August to 6.8% in September compared to 6.9% a year ago.

Sharp rise in unemployment rate in September Read More »

FIRE SAFETY: Escuminac, Nouvelle, Carleton-sur-Mer and Maria have come to an agreement

Local Journalism Initiative / /

An intermunicipal fire protection agreement is about to be concluded between four municipalities in the eastern part of the MRC Avignon.

CARLETON-SUR-MER – An intermunicipal fire protection agreement is about to be concluded between four municipalities in the eastern part of the MRC Avignon.

In October, Escuminac, Nouvelle, Carleton-sur-Mer and Maria will adopt resolutions formalizing an intermunicipal agreement to consolidate their fire safety services.

Carleton-sur-Mer will assume management of the service as of January 1.

“Our aim is to optimize our services, improve our practices and be more attractive for recruiting and retaining firefighters. We are very pleased with this progressive step, which will enable us to provide an enhanced service throughout the territory,” explains Mathieu Lapointe, mayor of Carleton-sur-Mer.

A service director will be hired, prevention will be transferred from the MRC to the régie intermunicipal administrative body, and a full-time training officer will work within the organization to improve practices.

“We will benefit from the combined expertise that will be added to the team,” says the mayor.

The four municipalities will consolidate their fire safety budgets, and participation will be slightly increased. “But, above all, there will be a huge increase in the service offered. We’re getting up to speed. We had some challenges in terms of upgrading prevention, among other things. We had a lot of work to do to improve our practices. By consolidating our budgets, we will be more efficient,” notes Mr. Lapointe.

Among the benefits highlighted are the reduced duplication of administrative structures, standardized working conditions for the 60 firefighters, maximized resources available throughout the territory during the day, and standardized prevention and service operations.

An advisory committee has been established to oversee the service.

The municipalities will retain responsibility for their fire stations and rolling stock, while the rest of the equipment will be pooled within the integrated service.

The new authority is also seeking funding from the Quebec government, which encourages such collaborations.

“The Department of Municipal Affairs has programs for service pooling. We are aiming to secure up to $250,000, which will assist us during the first five years of this new integrated service,” suggests the mayor.

The initiative commenced eight months ago following a fire safety study that recommended the creation of two units within the MRC.

FIRE SAFETY: Escuminac, Nouvelle, Carleton-sur-Mer and Maria have come to an agreement Read More »

Third mobilization for employment insurance reform

Local Journalism Initiative / /

The mobilization continues to demand an overhaul of employment insurance, as another demonstration took place on October 11 in front of the Marinard plant and in the streets of Rivière-au-Renard.

RIVIÈRE-AU-RENARD – The mobilization continues to demand an overhaul of employment insurance, as another demonstration took place on October 11 in front of the Marinard plant and in the streets of Rivière-au-Renard.

This marks the third event since the forced layoffs of plant workers on September 1 due to the lack of marine products, essentially shrimp, to process.

About forty individuals gathered to urge a comprehensive revision of the system to avoid a seasonal black hole at the end of the benefit period.

“We sent a letter asking for a meeting with Randy Boissonnault (Minister responsible for Employment Insurance). We thought he would have responded to us. He seemed to want to meet with us, however, it hasn’t happened,” explains the coordinator of the Mouvement action chômage Pabok, Nadia Mongeon.

“We can see that if he had wanted to make a reform now, he would have told us, ‘Let’s meet, and I’ll tell you what’s going on.’ We get the impression that he’s always stalling,” adds Ms. Mongeon.

No indication has been given that a reform will be tabled, despite the promise to move forward in 2023.

“It’s at a standstill. Nothing is happening,” deplores the coordinator.

“We’re hoping that, by taking action at some point, they’ll take action with results. But for the time being, we’re not hearing anything,” she adds.

Respecting seasonal workers in Eastern Canada remains the central element of the future reform.

The demands include qualifying with 420 hours, for 35 weeks of benefits, benefits calculated based on 70% of the salary, and considering work in seasonal industries.

Meanwhile, approximately 30 Marinard workers who could not qualify for employment insurance when operations were suspended on September 1 still have no help.

“There are no plans or opportunities to help these workers in the short term,” says Dave Coulombe, Treasurer of the CSN Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Central Council, who met on October 10 with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Minister, Diane Lebouthillier, to assess the situation following what is now referred to as the shrimp crisis.

“We’re going to keep up the pressure and demand that the government help us reform employment insurance,” says Mr. Coulombe.

Luce Jean, president of the CSN-affiliated Marinard employees’ union, points out that several dozen people have been unemployed since September 1.

“Around thirty workers have been unable to qualify for unemployment benefits. We’ve had all sorts of promises since September 1. The federal government told us it would help us, also the provincial government, but in practice we’ve got nothing. We’ve been waiting 41 days for the results of these promises and we’ve got nothing. Forty-one days without pay is a long time,” explains Ms. Jean.

Nothing is currently planned in the event of a moratorium on shrimp fishing.

“She told us that when she has answers, she will speak publicly to inform us. There is no program in place at the moment, nothing on the table, nothing at all,” continues Mr. Coulombe.

“We heard Ms. Lebouthillier say ‘no’ to these workers. That’s why we’re continuing to exert pressure,” stresses Ms. Mongeon.

Third mobilization for employment insurance reform Read More »

Cathy Poirier is confident about the future of the Percé Geoparc

Local Journalism Initiative / /

The mayor of Percé remains confident about the future of the Geoparc, which experienced a major financial crisis in 2022. According to Cathy Poirier, 2023 has been much better.

PERCÉ – The mayor of Percé remains confident about the future of the Geoparc, which experienced a major financial crisis in 2022. According to Cathy Poirier, 2023 has been much better.

The mayor, who has been involved since the beginning and who has chaired the organization, did not want this situation to arise.

“I think financial difficulties happen to a lot of organizations. Interest rates make a huge difference on a $2 million loan. That’s just one factor among many. I think we’ve come to a reflection to improve the situation,” comments the mayor.

The organization is seeking a general manager who specializes in restructuring after recording a deficit of $350,000 in 2022.

“The Geoparc had a very good season, with very good visitor numbers. We had a general manager who did a very good job of restructuring. No one thinks that the future of the Geoparc is in jeopardy,” the mayor continues.

The pandemic years were busy, but on the other hand prevented any development.

“The Board of Directors is very committed and very present, with a new chairman, Daniel Leboeuf. This is excellent news for Percé. He was involved in the initial discussions and in the birth of the Geoparc. Now that he’s retired, he has all the time in the world to devote to the Geoparc,” says the elected official.

The organization aims to find stability in the general management after several people have occupied the position since 2020.

Finding the right fit is difficult in the current labour shortage.

Rue du Piedmont

Work will finally begin on Rue du Piedmont, which will connect Route 132 and the Geoparc.

The first phase involves building the water and sewer infrastructure for a project that the mayor did not have in her plans when she took office in 2017.

In 2016, the population rejected a $2 million project proposed by the former administration in a referendum.

“We worked on an eco-responsible project, which changed the game for developing the commercial street and a different way of subdividing the land and financing the project. We embraced this project,” explains Ms. Poirier.

“It took a while with the Ministry of Culture, the subdivision and the pandemic. The processing of the file slowed down during this period. The subdivision is finished, and we don’t want to go ahead with a global project. We want to phase it,” continues the mayor.

The start of the work will allow the sale of four of the six remaining plots still available.

“There are still plenty of people interested. People are asking around. We’re very confident that the sale of the four plots will enable the second phase to get underway,” explains the mayor.

Meanwhile, the recipe for making asphalt from recycled plastic has been found.

“The studies have been conclusive. An initial trial will be carried out in the autumn to conduct laboratory tests,” she says.

A good tourist summer

Contrary to previews, the summer of 2023 was better than expected, while elsewhere, a certain slowdown has been noticed or a decline was expected after three intense years.

Without having any concrete figures, the trend looks good.

“The Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) indicated that it is equal to or better than 2022. That’s what the tourism industry seems to be telling us. A very, very good season. Maybe a little less extreme traffic in the middle of the summer season, but an earlier start and a season that’s not over yet. What we’re hearing is that the season will be equal to or better than 2022,” says the mayor.

Seeing the tourist season extend is perceived as excellent news.

“It’s a trend we’ve been working on for a long time. When the Geoparc opened in 2016, the plan was that we should stay open all winter to attract new investors. As well as those that are very seasonal, we’re seeing more and more businesses open all year round,” suggests the mayor.

Cathy Poirier is confident about the future of the Percé Geoparc Read More »

Four new free public Wi-Fi zones available in Vieux-Gatineau.

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Djeneba Dosso

On Tuesday October 10, AGAP announced the launch of their new project Zone d’accès public

du Vieux-Gatineau during a press conference held at their office at 330, rue Notre Dame. The

business association’s president Daniel Baril described the project as an initiative that will aid the

dynamization and development of the neighbourhood’s atmospheric streets.

“After several months of discussion, consultation, preparation, identification of partners and

mapped designs, we are delighted to launch Vieux-Gatineau’s new public access zone, aptly

named ZAPVG; a collective project costing $79,600,” he added.

The four designated zones will encompass the commercial portions of Main and Notre-Dame

streets, Notre-Dame Place et Lavictoire park. Each zone will benefit from free public Wi-Fi to

encourage citizens to participate in the appropriation of public space, encourage active travel on

foot or by bike and optimize the discovery of urban revitalization circuits.

In order to maximize the use of the new service, ZAPVG put a strong emphasis on making the

access to public Wi-Fi simple for all.

“To access the Wi-Fi zone, people have to come to our streets or the park,” explained AGAP’s

director Pauline Bouchard. “To connect, they have to spot the little ZAPVG mascot, either as a

sticker, poster or large sign in shop windows, [after that] all they have to do is scan the QR code

on ZAP’s belly, and the connection is automatic.”​Posters and stickers will be placed on shop windows to support local shops and services while

attracting new businesses to the area. The idea is to transform Main and Notre-Dame street’s

commercial sectors into mall shopping centres but in the open air as part of ZAPVG’s

deployment of four season programming.

This initiative is the first phase of ZAPVG’s three-year plan, scheduled to be carried out from

October 2023 to October 2026 to revitalize Vieux-Gatineau’s business and commerce sector.

Honorary Chairman, Mathieu Lévesque believes this first phase “will promote greater

accessibility and is essential for inclusion.”

“Digital technologies are part of our daily lives and the arrival of Vieux-Gatineau in the area of

public connectivity represents an essential service to the commercial vitality of the area,” he said.

“For the local population, the installation of free public Wi-Fi terminals will enable wider access

to online services and activities. For shops and businesses in the area, it’s an effective way of

attracting and retaining customers.”

Lévesque confirmed an injection of $16,500 into the project. The City of Gatineau’s contribution

is $44,577 as part of their COVID-Dynamization Fund. Other private and public partners include

Éric Mathieu of l’Imprimerie Grégoire, co-owner of the commercial building on 395 Main St.

Patrice Poulin, Yannick Dompierre of RPGL Avocats, Caroline Massé of Centre depédiatrie

sociale de Gatineau, Jacques de Bellefeuille of l’Amicale des personnes handicapées physiques ​de l’Outaouais, and Gérald Émery from l’Église de la Nouvelle-Alliance.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan.

Photo cap:

Photo #1: On Tuesday October 10 th , AGAP held a press conference to announce the launch of

their new project ZAPVG. Giving access to and pouring resources into public zones in four key

areas of Vieux-Gatineau, phase one of the three-year plan will consist of the installation of free

public Wi-Fi in each zone. As pictured, AGAP’s president, director, partners and Honourary

Chairman were all in attendance to reveal the project. (DD) Photo: Djeneba Dosso

Four new free public Wi-Fi zones available in Vieux-Gatineau. Read More »

Alberta seeks pension plan like the one Quebec fought hard to get

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Peter Black

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Peterblack@qctonline.com

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants her province to have its own pension plan. To do that, she wants to separate out Alberta’s share of the Canada Pension Plan and create the province’s own plan, just like Quebec has.

Without going into the disputed details of Smith’s proposal, based on a study she commissioned, it’s clearly an explosive issue with serious national implications.

Whatever dangers the Alberta plan may pose for national unity, though, they pale next to the high stakes of Quebec’s bid 60 years ago to have its own independently managed plan, separate from the national scheme Ottawa was proposing.

The showdown was so risky and fraught with political tension that Liberal then-prime minister Lester Pearson said in retrospect, “That issue could have broken up our country. If Quebec had gone ahead with a pension plan of its own that bore no relation to the national plan, it would have been a disaster.”

How that deal was struck was a combination of James Bond-style cloak and dagger tactics, actuarial chess and desperate persistence, conducted with a backdrop of simmering nationalist sentiment in Quebec.

The key figures at the top were Pearson and Quebec premier Jean “Maîtres Chez Nous” Lesage, but the real grinding work of coming up with a win-win deal was left to brilliant civil servants – policy advisor Tom Kent and cabinet minister Maurice Sauvé for the feds, and Claude Morin, Quebec’s deputy minister for federal-provincial affairs.

The federal Liberals had promised an improved pension plan in the 1963 election, and finally having gained power – albeit a minority government – they now had to act. The proposal they came up with, basically a pay-as-you-go plan, clashed with Quebec’s vision of a compulsory contribution scheme.

Talks with the provinces broke down, with Ontario’s John Robarts, for one, liking the Quebec notion better than Ottawa’s. With a serious rift between Ottawa and Quebec brewing, Sauvé began getting calls from Morin; the two had been friends for years in political circles.

What ensued was a round of intense negotiations between Morin, Sauvé and Kent, with Quebec City actuary and future medicare creator Claude Castonguay joining the talks. Between April 7 and 18, 1964, the emissaries travelled in secret back and forth between Quebec City and Ottawa; Lesage had a budget speech scheduled, but postponed it with a possible deal – or a fatal breakdown – looming.

A crucial moment in the talks, as Peter C. Newman describes it in The Distemper of Our Times, is the stuff of theatre. With the negotiators gathered at 24 Sussex Drive for a final consultation, Morin was left alone with Pearson, lying on a sofa and bemoaning his situation: “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be praised. But I don’t want to be criticized all the time either. Sometimes I wonder whether I’m really fit for the job.” (Take note, present and future prime ministers).

Morin replies, “You may be criticized now, but I’m sure that a few years from now they’ll say, ‘Well, Pearson was the man who had to be there at that particular time.’” (Morin, still active at 94, would go on to be a key minister in the René Lévesque government and an admitted informant for the RCMP, codename: French Minuet.)

They concluded the deal that day, which involved Ottawa making many concessions to Quebec on tax measures and the like. Thanks to Pearson’s wisdom and Quebec’s preparation, persistence and vision, working Canadians, whether living in Quebec or elsewhere in the country, have a well-funded, portable and relatively generous pension.

The bonus for Quebec was the creation of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, whose assets now total $424 billion.

Lesage, naturally, milked the moment in announcing the pension plan deal in the legislature on April 18, 1964: “During the past month, I have lived a terrible life. I have worked for my province as no man has ever worked before. I used all the means that Providence has given me so that Quebec, in the end, would be recognized as a province with special status in Confederation – and I have succeeded.”

Swap out “man” for “woman” and “Quebec” for “Alberta” in that speech, and imagine it coming from Danielle Smith’s mouth.

Alberta seeks pension plan like the one Quebec fought hard to get Read More »

Reopening of Murdochville mine by Osisko: water quality concerns citizens

Local Journalism Initiative / /

The Mines Gaspé revival project by Osisko Metals has sparked environmental concerns among Murdochville citizens, albeit relatively contained fears.

MURDOCHVILLE – The Mines Gaspé revival project by Osisko Metals has sparked environmental concerns among Murdochville citizens, albeit relatively contained fears.

This insight follows a meeting on October 5 in Murdochville between a hundred residents and the chief executive officer of Osisko Metals, Robert Wares. Osisko Metals intends to reopen the Mount Copper open-pit mine.

The primary concern raised is the management of the dewatering process, involving the drainage of a huge pond that has formed in the open pit mine since its closure in the early 1980s. Underground mining in Murdochville ceased in October 1999.

Citizens expressed worries about the environmental impact of withdrawing a significant volume of water to restart mining activities. However, Mr. Wares assures that the water is not contaminated.

“It is not. Glencore, in their environmental monitoring process, has done a lot of analyses. In our current study, we will do a specific analysis on the water in the pit from the surface to the bottom,” explains Mr. Wares.

“The goal is to dewater the pit without any impact on the York River. If it takes three years, it will take three years. The goal of the studies and the government permit is to aim for zero impact with a sufficiently low dewatering rate,” says Mr. Wares, who has no idea of the quantity of water to be released.

It is already certain that water will not be sent into the river in the spring, nor during the salmon run.

“It’s all about the details, how it will be done. This is a very large volume of water that will be dumped into a salmon river which is still fragile, with a fragile fish population. We want to be consulted in the process to respect the capacity of the river and the wildlife population to absorb this volume of water,” mentions the director of the Gaspé River Management Society, Rémi Lesmerises.

The director general carried out water tests this summer for different reasons – tests which will also serve as a witness once the dewatering process is launched.

The issue of dust was raised, but to counter this, Osisko’s management intends to build a bypass road to avoid driving in populated areas.

Discussing with the population is an important element for Osisko Metals, stresses Robert Wares.

“The venture update is part of our policy of continuous project information for the communities involved. We had constructive discussions with the Mi’gmaq community. This is something that we will maintain over the coming years,” explains Mr. Wares.

Regarding ongoing discussions with the Mi’gmaq Nation, Mr. Wares refrains from revealing too much.

“They have several specific requests. This will be disclosed when we forge an agreement with the Mi’gmaq Nation. It’s not yet public,” says the manager who is not surprised by the requests.

The royalty aspect has not been addressed with regional stakeholders.

Upcoming steps and infrastructure

The year 2024 will be important for the continuation of the project involving additional drilling, metal tests, the launch of a preliminary economic study and the first phase of environmental impact studies.

“We will also explore, with the Town of Murdochville, how Osisko can contribute to infrastructure. Rebuilding the infrastructure is essential,” says Robert Wares, who is willing to contribute to upgrading it.

“We can get leverage from governments for what we invest. For critical minerals, for example, the federal government has a $1.5 billion program for infrastructure,” he adds.

The mayor of Murdochville, Délisca Ritchie Roussy, notes that a 2014 study estimated municipal infrastructure revitalization work at $37 million.

“Today, it’s up to $52 million. We don’t have money for that. Governments won’t give us that. We ask governments for small amounts and they don’t have any,” underlines the elected official.

The Osisko chief executive officer says the mine will have a lifespan of 20 years. For the rest, the current economic context will have an impact going forward.

The mayor plans to negotiate an agreement with the mining company when the mine closes. “I will negotiate the closure. Everything will be recorded in the books. If I had known at the time everything I know today, rest assured that Noranda would not have left like that, leaving such outdated infrastructure. It’s being negotiated everywhere now,” warns Ms. Richie Roussy.

Noranda Incorporated operated the copper mines and the smelter from 1953 and their respective closures, in 1999 and 2002.

On the environmental aspect, the mayor trusts environmental studies.

“The government gives them permits on the condition that it is done well. I have no worries, because it will be done according to the rules. They will have to undergo a BAPE,” declares the elected official, referring to an environment assessment with public hearings.

The Osisko objective is still to relaunch activities around 2030. Once operational, approximately 700 jobs would be created in this once-prosperous town which had around 5,000 inhabitants in the 1970s. Today, the population hovers around 700 people.

(with the collaboration of Gilles Gagné)

Reopening of Murdochville mine by Osisko: water quality concerns citizens Read More »

Provincial electoral map: Table of prefects says no

Local Journalism Initiative / /

The Table des préfets in Gaspésie has adopted a resolution calling for the preservation of the Bonaventure and Gaspé electoral districts, which are being merged in the proposed map presented in September by the Electoral Representation Commission.

CARLETON-SUR-MER – The Table des préfets in Gaspésie has adopted a resolution calling for the preservation of the Bonaventure and Gaspé electoral districts, which are being merged in the proposed map presented in September by the Electoral Representation Commission.

The resolution was adopted by the prefects on October 10.

“This is a major concern for the municipal world, and the Table des préfets wants to take the same position as we did at the federal level. What we are asking for is the status quo, aiming to maintain the integrity of the ridings in the region for reasons that we consider obvious,” notes Mathieu Lapointe, President of the Table of Prefects.

The debate goes beyond mathematics.

“It’s the whole question of electoral representation. The size of the territory means that it would be very difficult to cover if we went from Grande-Vallée to Ascension-de-Patapédia. The distance to the National Assembly is an additional hurdle. MNAs already have to drive several hours to get to Quebec City where decisions are made, and then back to their ridings. Distance alone from the riding is already an issue, and adding a huge riding would put a brake on the region’s voice,” analyzes Mr. Lapointe.

This new map is reminiscent of the debate that took place a year ago over the federal electoral map.

Despite similar arguments, the federal commission upheld the elimination of the Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia riding.

“We’re going to work very hard. We’ve already overturned it twice at the provincial level. We intend to work on that. We’re confident in our arguments, and we’re going to make ourselves heard,” asserts Mr. Lapointe.

The Table will be submitting a brief and making its voice heard in Gaspé on October 25 where the Regroupement des MRC and municipal elected officials will be present.

“We’ll also be in Matane since the proposed redistribution would see the Haute-Gaspésie change administra- tive regions. We’ll be taking part in the consultations, which will have a greater impact on the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. We will be present at these two meetings. We’ll also be taking part in the online consultation,” says Mr. Lapointe.

The table will encourage MRCs in the Gaspésie and municipalities to adopt the same resolution in the coming weeks.

In the proposed electoral map unveiled on September 19, the commission suggests eliminating one electoral division in the Gaspésie.

The Haute-Gaspésie MRC would be amalgamated into the expanded Matane-Matapédia riding.

The MRCs of Côte-de-Gaspé, Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure, and Avignon would be consolidated into the electoral division of Gaspé-Bonaventure.

Provincial electoral map: Table of prefects says no Read More »

RCMP presence increases in Dundee as southbound migrants attempt crossings

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has heightened its presence in Dundee and the surrounding region over the past several weeks, as the area has become increasingly known to migrants looking to cross irregularly into the United States from Canada.

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has heightened its presence in Dundee and the surrounding region over the past several weeks, as the area has become increasingly known to migrants looking to cross irregularly into the United States from Canada.

There has been a shift since changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement closed Roxham Road as an entry point, says Sgt. Charles Poirier, a spokesperson for the RCMP. While the vast majority of asylum seekers had been using that unofficial border crossing to access Canada, officials are now seeing a spike in the number of people leaving Canada for the U.S. throughout the Champlain and Valleyfield sectors.

Poirier says that while activity concerning migrants is not completely new to the Valleyfield sector, it was previously anecdotal. The Valleyfield RCMP detachment was more focused on contraband smuggling, he suggests, while admitting the southward movement of migrants is becoming more of a concern. And, since September, police have been noticing a worrying trend where migrants have begun to use railways to cross into the U.S., including the line crossing the border at Dundee.

“There have been a few incidences. It is not happening everyday,” says Poirier of individuals who have been found walking or even driving on railway lines. In other cases, vehicles have been abandoned on or along the tracks after becoming stuck in the rocks and timbers that support the rails.

A report by Radio-Canada confirms that Transport Canada has been in communication with CSX Transportation which owns the railway. The rail company has now taken measures to reduce train speeds in this sector to better detect any obstacles that may be on the tracks.

“It is a difficult situation. It is demanding a lot of effort,” Poirier says, while pointing to the elevated risks involved for the train conductors and operators, the migrants, and patrol officers. He confirms that officers have had to stop trains and that rail lines have been closed, in some cases for hours, to avert possible accidents.

Working with locals

“We cannot do this work alone,” says Poirier. “This area is basically fields and woods, and we can’t do this work without citizens’ help,” he explains, noting the RCMP have resorted in some cases to installing barricades on private property to block access to rail lines.

Poirier encourages residents to stay vigilant and to communicate with the Valleyfield RCMP detachment in the event they come across any articles of clothing or possessions that have been abandoned. If citizens see something out of the ordinary, however, Poirier says it is important to call 9-1-1 directly and the dispatcher will communicate with the appropriate police or emergency unit.

He says that much of the activity involving migrants is related to what he refers to as a crime of opportunity, where people are using taxis, Ubers, or rental cars to get as close to the border as possible. At the same time, he admits they are also investigating human smuggling networks they believe are active in the region. In these instances, Poirier says the individuals arrive at an international airport in Montreal, Toronto and even Vancouver, and within hours “We find them at the border.”

In either instance, Poirier says the RCMP is concerned about the coming winter. “The nights are becoming colder. People will get lost,” he says. “In the past we were not as prepared,” he admits, noting the police force has invested in snowmobiles and rescue toboggans with the understanding they may be called into “search and rescue mode.”

“This also puts our officers at risk,” Poirier says, insisting the RCMP is not taking this lightly. He acknowledges recent tragedies, such as the drownings in Akwesasne and the family who froze to death near a border crossing in Manitoba, weigh heavily on their minds.

“We are taking this very seriously. The consequences are there,” he says.

RCMP presence increases in Dundee as southbound migrants attempt crossings Read More »

CVTA votes overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Teachers with the Chateauguay Valley Teachers Association (CVTA) have added their voices to a resounding demand for change they hope will resonate with the provincial government.

CVTA members voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action during a virtual assembly on October 11, which CVTA president Nick Ross suggests is the highest result he can remember in the association’s history.

The meeting was attended by François Breault, the lead negotiator for the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) which represents the CVTA and is affiliated with the Central des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), who provided an overview of the negotiations process to date. Ross says the presentation gave members “a very clear understanding of what is going on and not going on so far at the negotiation tables.”

QPAT is part of what is being called the common front for this round of public sector negotiations. It groups together the CSQ, CSN, APTS, and FTQ labour federations and collectively represents over 420,000 workers in the education, health, and social services sectors.

The decision whether to launch strike action as far as an unlimited general walkout is not being taken lightly. Union members have been voting during general assemblies since September, with the vast majority posting returns overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate.

“Teachers are frustrated that negotiations are once again dragging on with the Quebec government and want to get a fair deal negotiated, so they can focus even more of their efforts on the students in their classrooms,” says Ross.

He highlights the fact that working conditions for teachers need to be improved if Quebec is going to be able to attract new teachers and retain those already in the profession. “There is a serious shortage of teachers right now, especially in the rural areas of the province like ours; the government needs to address this problem through negotiating a good contract with the teachers.”

At the moment, Quebec is offering a nine per cent increase over five years and a lump sum payment of $1,000 which falls well short of the government’s own inflation forecasts – meaning teachers will lose purchasing power over the life of the contract.

“The working conditions of the teachers are the learning conditions of the students, and the government needs to step up in order to ensure they set up the students in the province for as much success as possible,” says Ross.

The global results from all the local unions represented by the common front had not been made public at the time of publication, but Ross suggests they will undoubtedly be very positive.

“If the unions don’t see positive movement at the negotiation tables and are forced to initiate a strike action, it most likely wouldn’t happen until mid-November,” says Ross, who notes that if or when a strike mandate is announced, over 400,000 workers could walk off the job simultaneously. “This will have a huge impact on services across the province,” he states. “The government would be well served to try to avoid this.”

CVTA votes overwhelmingly in favour of strike action Read More »

Housing crisis hits home in the Haut-Saint-Laurent

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Callan Forrester – LJI reporter

With the current economic state of the province, the housing crisis continues to get worse across Quebec. Recently, the Quebec government announced the introduction of Bill 31. According to the National Assembly’s statement, “The bill amends the Act to allow the Société d’habitation du Québec to offer services for compensation and with a view to self-financing to stakeholders in the housing sector.”

This bill makes it more difficult for tenants to transfer leases to new tenants, meaning that if a tenant leaves a lease, landlords can increase rent without having to respect rent-increase rules. This bill also allows owners of buildings built less than five years ago to raise rents without any sort of limit. And it fails to include anything prohibiting the eviction of tenants from their homes to create short-term rentals such as AirBnBs.

There has been some backlash surrounding this law, particularly in regard to how it affects tenants and the cost of housing. The Fédération québécoise des organismes communautaires famille (FQOCF) recently issued a press release explaining how much of this law will affect Quebec families seeking housing. It requested that the government consider four modifications to the bill that take tenants and families into consideration.

First of all, it asks to encourage private investment in the rental housing sector by offering financial and tax incentives to help create a better market for tenants, while providing benefits such as tax credits for landlords who create more affordable housing. It also requests more transitional measures for families in vulnerable situations as a way for them to cope with skyrocketing housing and cost of living expenses in recent months. It is also calling for a huge reinvestment in programs for social and community housing. Finally, it asks the government to provide more support for community organizations whose goal is to offer support on a day-to-day basis for families who are struggling financially.

Rémi Pelletier, the director of the CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, says the crisis is affecting individuals directly in the Haut-Saint-Laurent. “We hear regularly about families that are coming to us looking for housing; it’s a major issue,” he says. There are many factors which contribute to the costs increasing so much, including construction materials being significantly more expensive right now; the cost to hire builders has also been affected by inflation; and there is simply a shortage of available housing.

“We understand the need from the perspective of the owner, but there is an imbalance that leans too strongly towards the raising of prices,” Pelletier says. “Unfortunately, the reality is that the citizen wants the prices to stay low, but their reality isn’t always taken into consideration,” he adds.

He explains that “40 per cent of families in this region spend over 30 per cent of their revenue on their housing.” But on top of this, “Almost ten per cent are paying up to 50 per cent, and two per cent pay up to 80 per cent of their revenue toward housing. These numbers are very concerning.”

Besides this, 9.2 per cent of housing in the Haut-Saint-Laurent needs major repairs, according to a study released by Statistics Canada in 2021. The Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) recently released a study that shows the cost of living is higher in Huntingdon than in Montreal. The livable income in Huntingdon for a single-person household is $38,404 versus $32,252 in Montreal; $50,102 for a single parent with one child in Huntingdon versus $44,187 in Montreal; and $77,017 for a two-parent home with two children in Huntingdon versus $71,161 in Montreal.

Right now, Pelletier says, “What we recommend is not leaving where you currently live. Each time someone leaves, it makes the prices go up. … That’s the biggest issue with Bill 31.” If you are currently looking for housing, he recommends contacting the Comité Logement Beauharnois, which has an office in Huntingdon.

Housing crisis hits home in the Haut-Saint-Laurent Read More »

Quebec to double university tuition for out-of-province students

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Camilla Faragalli, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec is nearly doubling tuition fees for Canadian students from outside of the province who wish to study at its English-language universities.

The extra revenue, which is projected to amount to about $110 million a year, will go towards funding the province’s francophone universities.

French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge and Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry announced the change on Friday. According to Premier François Legault (via social media), it represents “one more gesture to reverse the decline of French in Quebec.”

With tuition set to rise from approximately $9,000 to approximately $17,000 per year, out-of-province enrolment at Quebec’s three anglophone universities (McGill, Concordia and Bishop’s) is expected to drop.

The fee increase, which the schools predict will cost them tens of millions of dollars a year, will come into effect in fall of 2024.

Quebec to double university tuition for out-of-province students Read More »

Must be something in the soil Calumet Island Carrots biggest in memory

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Weighing in an astounding 2.3 pounds and 1.83 pounds respectively, these enormous, vividly orange root-vegetables looked as impressive as they did delicious.

Connor Lalande, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Two of the largest carrots to grace THE EQUITY office in living memory were brought in last Tuesday morning by Joan Derouin from Calumet Island.

Reaching into her reusable tote bag, Joan pulled out two massive carrots and thumped them proudly on the front counter.

Weighing in an astounding 2.3 pounds and 1.83 pounds respectively, these enormous, vividly orange root-vegetables looked as impressive as they did delicious.

Joan explained that as she and her husband, Lawrence Derouin, pulled the carrots out of the ground on September 30, they were both amazed at the size, thinking them to be the largest carrots they had ever grown.

Asked if they had done anything differently to encourage such colossal growth, Joan simply responded “nope, we did it the same as we’ve always done.”

Will they be keeping them around to admire for a while or are they destined for a date with the pot?

“Oh, we will be eating them,” said Joan.

“I think we will need some help though,” she added with a laugh.

Must be something in the soil Calumet Island Carrots biggest in memory Read More »

Ian Tamblyn brings folksy story-telling charm to LRW

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Accompanying Tamblyn on stage at Little Reg Wagon Winery were two equally captivating personages in the form of Fred Guignon and Pat Maher.

Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Ian Tamblyn’s official introduction on the 2021 Governor General’s list of appointments to the Order of Canada, as an Officer, states that he is being so honoured for his “enduring contributions as a folk music icon, adventurer and cultural ambassador for Canada.” He brought all of that – ALL – to stage at The Little Red Wagon Winery on Saturday evening for the fourth time in the last five years, disrupted only by the upending of 2020.

The at-times boisterous hum which usually precedes events at the winery was somewhat subdued and one had a sense that there was some type of deference at play. Once Tamblyn took stage, it took but scant moments to realize why.

From the first moment Tamblyn addressed the mic, he had everyone in his hands. Granted, they were likely predisposed to be so guided as almost all present were already familiar with him, his story and his artistry, and those unfamiliar were immediately charmed by his unpresuming candour.

Tamblyn governed the flow of things with his balance of story-telling and musicianship, for his is a story where life and artistry have fused to the extent that delineation between the two is now difficult, perhaps as many folk musicians have previously experienced. Thus, he regaled the gathered with tales both amusing and serious, small and grand, local and worldly all while leveraging a somewhat vast catalogue of songs to segue between them all.

The primary billing was given to Tamblyn, but it could equally, and perhaps more accurately, have been billed as “Ian and Friends”.

Accompanying Tamblyn on stage were two equally captivating personages in the form of Fred Guignon and Pat Maher. While Tamblyn’s story-telling while strumming his own guitar was the base, it was the expressive phrasing of the two additional talents which brought the stories to life. The trio has a long history of playing together and their familiarity was apparent.

Guignon has long been a part of the local music scene, appearing on albums by Sudbury songstress Kate Maki and by Montreal-born Ottawan and Greek Canadian, George Sapounidis. His luster, while offering subtle backdrop to Tamblyn’s words, was book-ended by captivating solo riffs where his talent on guitar, both electric and steel, was evident and electrifying. Notably, his quiet confidence made all vulnerable to his searing delivery.

For his part, Maher, who often plays neighbouring Wakefield at Le Hibou or Fairbairn House, either solo or as a part of Tractor or Pickachune, brought contrast. Not so much in his demeanour, as he is one with Tamblyn and Guignon on that score, but for what he brought to bear. One could almost decide that his contributions on bass guitar were the highlight of his offerings – if not for the equitable nature of the quality soundboard which allowed for wonderful nuance in his background vocals. Almost-not-there, Maher’s voice softened Tamblyn’s own delivery and brought depth to the story being told.

Together, the three musicians offered much more than three chord progressions. Tamblyn capoed his guitar for several numbers, bringing the sound up to the realm of that of a mandolin. He even tuned his guitar at one point while singing and playing through – a feat deserving of great praise from, at the very least, those of us challenged by chewing bubble-gum and walking at the same time.

Guignon, swapping out his guitar for the lap steel and back, gladly took the reins when offered, as if bringing operatic-style string arias to en epic tale unfolding beside him. And through it all, Maher anchored things with an unwavering bass which at times belied the folksiness with an uptown edge.
Altogether? Mesmerizing seems the only description possible. For just under two and a half hours, Tamblyn took the audience with him on a tour of both his memories and his escapades, offering generous anecdotes along the way. From Sable Island to St. John’s and from Scotland to White River, you could have heard a pin drop while Tamblyn held court. There were no murmurs or chatting or cell phone interruptions; only artistry on display.

Ian Tamblyn brings folksy story-telling charm to LRW Read More »

MRC Pontiac expanding Regional Art Collection

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Connor Lalande, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The MRC Pontiac is soliciting works from Pontiac artists to include within its Regional Art Collection.

Calling on the creative talents of those who are native to the Pontiac or have their studio or residence in the MRC Pontiac territory, the MRC has opened a new round of applications for inclusion in its Regional Art Collection.

Started in 2008, the collection was created to encourage artistic exploration among residents and to preserve the diversity and quality of the region’s artistic community.

Works purchased from artists or donated to the Regional Art Collection are displayed permanently within the MRC building.

“Proposals are analyzed by a committee that will take into consideration the quality of the artistic approach and the artist, the importance and reputation of the artist for the local and regional cultural milieu, the cost of the work, the constraints of conservation, restoration or exhibition, and the objective of diversity of media and works (visual arts, crafts, etc.) in the regional collection,” reads the MRC website.

The deadline for application submission is November 15, 2023.

MRC Pontiac expanding Regional Art Collection Read More »

New service point opens at Galeries d’Aylmer offering humanized funeral services

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Opened on October 4, Les Jardins du Souvenir’s new branch at Galeries d’Aylmer revolutionizes funeral services, offering monuments and services in a shopping center setting for the first time, ensuring easy accessibility and community connection. (TF) Photo courtesy of Les Jardins du Souvenir

Les Jardins du Souvenir proudly announces the opening of its brand-new branch at Galeries d’Aylmer.

“This expansion is the outcome of our ongoing commitment to the community and our aspiration to more aptly address its needs,” states Daniel Dezainde, the General Manager of Les Jardins du Souvenir.

Open since October 4, this new location stands as a landmark in funeral services. It represents the first service point within a shopping centre, where the public can purchase commemorative monuments, avail services provided by Les Jardins, and interact with the team members.

“Our new spot at Galeries d’Aylmer allows us to engage more closely with the community by directly interacting with our clientele,” asserts Dezainde. This initiative is transforming the funeral industry by normalizing and humanizing it. Now, after a shopping spree, you can also make your funeral prearrangements.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

New service point opens at Galeries d’Aylmer offering humanized funeral services Read More »

Whodunnit coming to Shawville Lions Hall Lions and Community Players to host murder mystery dinner theatre

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Connor Lalande, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Fancy yourself a bit of a sleuth? If so, keep reading.

The Shawville Lions Club and the Pontiac Community Players are teaming up to provide a wholly unique and unquestionably intriguing Murder Mystery event on the evening of November 4.

An opportunity for self-styled detectives to test out their investigative chops, this interactive, dinner-theater style event will feature professional performers from Murder Mystery Ottawa, a company that bills their shows as “almost too fun to be legal.”

Vice-President of the Pontiac Community Players Valerie Twolan-Graham explained that the Shawville Lions Club and the Pontiac Community Players wanted to put on a fundraiser in November to offer a respite from the often dreary, late autumn weather.

“We wanted to offer something just a little bit different from the norm,” explained Twolan-Graham. “There is often not much happening in November as there would be in the summer or around Christmas time. It’s often never really anyone’s favourite time of year.”

“The goal of the Murder Mystery evening was to put on a professional show in the community where people didn’t need to travel far,” she said. “The evening is all about fun.”

“No one is above suspicion,” Murder Mystery Ottawa’s description of the show reads. “As dessert arrives, you examine the evidence and fill out your ballot. The excitement builds as our Cop unravels the mystery before collaring our culprit but get ready for a big ending.”

“I started the company 31 years ago and still perform in every show I can fit into my schedule,” said Pete Dillon, Lead Crime & FUNishment Officer with Murder Mystery Ottawa.

“Different companies offer different styles of shows, but with ours, it’s a professionally produced and performed interactive, immersive show that will have you howling with laughter as you try to guess whodunnit,” he said.

Aside from the lively entertainment, the event will feature a three-course roast beef dinner catered by Cartrites, a cash bar and prizes.

Tickets for the event cost $100 and can be purchased at Cartrites, Coronation Hall or by contacting Valerie Twolan-Graham.

All proceeds raised by the event will go towards the Shawville Lions Clubs’ community work.

Whodunnit coming to Shawville Lions Hall Lions and Community Players to host murder mystery dinner theatre Read More »

Proportion of “vulnerable” children in Outaouais remains comparably high to rest of Quebec

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Connor Lalande, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The number of children considered “vulnerable” in at least one area of their development remains high in the Outaouais by comparison to the Quebec average.

According to the Quebec Survey on Child Development in Kindergarten (EQDEM), held by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the proportion of five-year old kindergarten children considered vulnerable in the five developmental categories measured has increased throughout the province since 2012.

The five development categories that make up the study are physical health and well-being, social skills, emotional maturity, cognitive and language development, and communication skills and general knowledge.

28.7 per cent of children are considered vulnerable in at least one area of development.

“Vulnerable children are more likely than others to experience academic, motor, emotional or social difficulties. For example, they may find it difficult to work independently, wait their turn, or use their imagination during a game,” the EQDEM report reads.

“It is important to mention that vulnerable children at age 5 will not necessarily have vulnerabilities throughout their school career.” According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the study’s findings stem from data collected on more the 78,000 children who attended kindergarten for five years old during the 2021-2022 school year. Over 5,300 teachers participated in the survey by completing

a questionnaire for each of their applicable kindergarten students. In the context of Quebec, the Outaouais region has among the highest proportion of kindergarten children who are vulnerable in at least one area of their development at 33.2 per cent. Other regions with high proportions in relation to the province include Laval (33.9 per cent), North Shore (32.8 per cent) and Eastern Townships (30.2 per cent).
According to the EQDEM, there is no significant difference

between 2022 and 2017 – the last time the survey was held – in the proportion of vulnerable kindergarten five-year-olds for the indicators used.

“All things considered, children in this region would be neither more nor less vulnerable in 2022 than those who were in kindergarten in 2017,” the EQDEM reads.

Proportion of “vulnerable” children in Outaouais remains comparably high to rest of Quebec Read More »

Quyon Lionettes hold 35th annual car rally

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Connor Lalande, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The Quyon Lionettes roared back to action this past Saturday, hosting the 35th edition of their much-anticipated car rally.

In what is essentially a large scavenger hunt that takes participants on an odyssey of exploration throughout the region, the Quyon Lionette’s annual car rally draws in carloads of participants every year.

True to form, this year’s rally boasted 178, visibly excited participants. This years theme – much to the enjoyment of the events many festive participants – was Candyland.

The event began on Saturday morning, with carloads of participants showing up at the Quyon Community Centre to register. From there, those competing took to their cars to look for clues and solve questions to gain points.

With the scavenger hunt portion of the event completed, participants returned to the Quyon Community Centre where a winner was announced, and a spaghetti supper served.

Event organizer and Quyon Lionettes member Joan Belsher attributed the enduring draw of the car rally to the fall colours and legacy of fun associated with the event.

“I think it’s the time of the year that has a lot to do with it,” said Belsher of the event’s appeal. “When they’re driving through the side roads, they get to take in the beautiful fall colours and everything. That’s a big part of it right there.”

“I also think they just have fun doing it. It’s a time for them to get together with friends and go out and do this for the day. It’s a social time for them,” said Belsher.

Mallory Peck, Jaret Peck, Kayla Morin and Keith Dubeau were the winners of this year’s rally, scoring 73 out of a total of 80 points.

As is tradition, the winners have agreed to help organize next year’s car rally.

Proceeds raised by the event were donated to the Quyon Sports and Recreational Committee for improvements to local recreational infrastructure, such as the ball field.

Quyon Lionettes hold 35th annual car rally Read More »

Gatineau celebrates 20 Years of championing comic book art

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sylvain Lemay, Ph.D., distinguished Writer in Residence, oversees the vibrant preparations in Gatineau, heralding two decades of comic book art and narratives. The 20th “Les Rendez-vous de la Bande Dessinée de Gatineau” is a glowing tribute to a city deeply entrenched in the colourful world of comics. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

The city of Gatineau is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to mark two decades of celebrating comic book art and storytelling. From December 1 to 3, the 20th edition of “Les Rendez-vous de la Bande Dessinée de Gatineau” (RVBDG) will take centre stage at the Maisondu citoyen, offering a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering the rich culture of comic books.

This milestone edition of RVBDG promises a multitude of events. The 1st of December will see the grand opening ceremony accompanied by the prestigious “Prix de l’ACBD”. As the festival progresses to the 2nd of December, participants can look forward to engaging sessions like “Dessiner, c’est facile!” and “Impro BD”, a unique opportunity to meet the author Steaf, and explore the fascinating journey from comic book to screen in “De l’album à l’écran”. The lineup also features other attractions such as “Dédé en BD” and “L’agent double”.

The final day on the 3rd of December continues the revelry with the awarding of the comic contest prizes, a celebration of Tristan Demers’ illustrious 40-year career, and insights into comic book page construction. Renowned artists Steaf, Samuel Cantin, and François Lapierre will grace the event with live drawing sessions. Discussions will also delve into the art of staying relevant in the ever-evolving comic industry.

Beyond the RVBDG, the Senate has proudly unveiled plans for an expansive comic book event poised to converge international and local talents in the realm of comic book art and narrative. The aim is to spotlight the profound impact of comic book culture, which has seen exponential growth over the past two decades. With significant contributions and endorsements from major
figures, including the Comic Book Council of Gatineau and various esteemed Frenchorganizations, the event promises unparalleled magnitude.

One of the most eagerly awaited segments of the celebration is the introduction of a special beer label, masterfully designed in collaboration with Gérito by veteran artist Léon de Doudou. This tribute not only celebrates his 50-year legacy in the industry but also accentuates the festival’s connection to history. The homage is further solidified with nods to La Plou, a pioneer comic book magazine.

The festival’s free entry, exclusive beer tasting sessions, a plethora of workshops, and interactive events are bound to captivate attendees. By partnering with local educational institutions like the College de la Frontière, the event ensures that the next generation of comic enthusiasts is both engaged and inspired.

The grand culmination will be the award ceremony for the CBD Prize, honouring exemplary feats in the world of comics. With a vast library of over 80,000 works to select from, the competition promises to be intense. Attendees can also look forward to comprehensive discussions ranging from the intricacies of comic creation to a profound analysis of the ​industry’s transformation over the last two decades. For more details on the entire range of activities, enthusiasts can visit the official Facebook page of Les Rendez-vous de la BandeDessinée de Gatineau.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

Gatineau celebrates 20 Years of championing comic book art Read More »

The G15+ Collective proposes ambitious measures to reshape Quebec

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Leaders and members of the G15+ collective gather at the National Assembly of Quebec, uniting voices and visions to unveil a comprehensive roadmap of 45 proposals, aiming to enhance societal well-being and pave the way toward a more prosperous, united, and environmentally conscious Quebec. (TF) Photo courtesy of the G15+

In a move that promises to reinvigorate Quebec’s socio-economic and environmental landscapes, the G15+ collective, a group of approximately fifteen leading civil society organizations, unveiled a comprehensive suite of 45 proposals. These initiatives, centred around enhancing the overall well-being of Quebec’s population, were announced at a significant gathering at the National Assembly of Quebec.

With housing at the crux of the plan, the collective has outlined a bold strategy to tackle the prevailing housing crisis in the region. A cornerstone of this initiative is a sweeping construction project which seeks to establish 5,000 social and community housing units annually for the next five years. This move is especially significant against the backdrop of a marked decline in the housing vacancy rate between 1990 and 2021. “We all deserve to live in healthy, sustainable, and affordable living environments, close to essential services, jobs, and businesses,” said Natalie Pouliot, echoing the sentiments of many housing advocates.

In addition to housing, the collective’s roadmap also delves deeply into sustainable consumption and production, a domain that has seen growing attention in recent years. One of the standout recommendations from the G15+ is to double the public transport services throughout Quebec within the next decade. This initiative is aimed not only at narrowing the investment gap with neighbouring Ontario but also at promoting a shift toward more sustainable modes of transport.

The plan doesn’t stop at transportation. It further seeks to challenge conventional consumption patterns by introducing informative food labelling that showcases both nutritional and environmental impacts.

Biodiversity preservation is another critical pillar of the collective’s strategy. In a nod to the importance of the natural environment, the G15+ has proposed allocating a portion of the Quebec Infrastructure Plan’s annual budget toward the creation and restoration of natural environments. This move recognizes the irreplaceable value that these natural spaces offer to the community at large.

The propositions, developed through a year-long intensive collaborative effort, were met with enthusiasm at the National Assembly event, which saw attendance by several ministers, deputies, and representatives from various sectors of society. Speaking on behalf of the G15+, Christian Savard, Béatrice Alain, and Geneviève Morin emphasized the roadmap’s role as a binding force for society. “We want this roadmap as a unifying project to chart the path towards a more united, prosperous, and green society,” they stated.

This ambitious project of the G15+ dovetails with the Well-being Indicators in Quebec, launched in 2022. The indicators serve as a litmus test, gauging the successes and challenges across various facets of societal well-being. An intriguing feature of these indicators is their comparativeanalysis, positioning Quebec vis-à-vis Ontario and Canada from the 1970s onward.

Concluding the announcement, François Delorme, one of the G15+ research partners, ​expressed hope that the proposals would encourage a recalibration of public investments, urging an emphasis on holistic well-being over mere fiscal and economic considerations.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

The G15+ Collective proposes ambitious measures to reshape Quebec Read More »

Healthy walking, healthy talking

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Healthy Lifestyle Day launched in Sherbrooke to promote well-being in the community

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The organizing committee for the 58th Finale of the Jeux du Québec – Sherbrooke 2024 held its inaugural Healthy Lifestyle Day Oct. 17 in Sherbrooke. This initiative was established in collaboration with the Sherbrooke Alliance for Healthy Youth, aiming to encourage the city’s residents, including its youth, to embrace healthier living through a diverse array of activities offered to employees of local businesses and organizations, stated a press release.

The central goal of Healthy Lifestyle Day is to foster the adoption of healthier habits within the Sherbrooke community. This includes promoting physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing mindful screen usage, all of which are integral to good health.

This event builds on the organizing committee’s commitment to promote healthy living. Previous initiatives include the “Course Lumineuse” held in February, workshops in day camps and schools, and the dissemination of informative web capsules and columns.

At Cégep de Sherbrooke (CdeS), organizers planned out a series of walking routes on campus to encourage students and staff to take “active breaks”. They suggested walking at least 4 km/h for periods of five to fifteen minutes between classes to help keep active.

CdeS Kinesiologist Claude Demers, who helped man their kiosk and handed out pamphlets, explained that the walks would allow people to get a breath of fresh air and need not be too lengthy; the important thing is to keep moving. Walking benefits one’s joints, muscles, tendons, and cardiovascular system, stated their handout.

CdeS Student Life Advisor Nancy Roy said they do events like this regularly on all sorts of related topics like mental health, sexual health, and nutrition. CdeS has a large committee of related experts that set the year’s program on these issues ahead of time.

According to organizers, these initiatives are particularly important in today’s society, where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary choices have become prevalent. Healthy Lifestyle Day seeks to address these issues by inspiring individuals to make positive changes in their lives.

The projects that are a part of Healthy Lifestyle Day are primarily intended for the “internal audiences” of organizations that have enthusiastically embraced the challenge. These activities will be showcased extensively on social media platforms to inspire and engage the broader population.

The event involved a diverse range of engaging activities designed to promote health and wellness. Some of the Oct. 17 highlights included:

EXP’s Local Orchard Apple Distribution: EXP distributed apples from a nearby orchard, promoting the consumption of fresh, locally sourced produce.

Cégep de Sherbrooke’s (CdeS) Walking Route and Awareness Kiosks: Participants enjoyed designated walking routes while also gaining valuable insights into healthy living through informative kiosks.

Standish’s Zumba Session: An energetic Zumba session led by Standish had participants moving and grooving to the beat.

Desjardins’ Meditation and Mindfulness Conference: A conference on meditation and mindfulness led by Desjardins offered attendees tools to reduce stress and enhance well-being.

City of Sherbrooke’s Active Challenges and Intra-organizational Competitions: The City of Sherbrooke hosted active challenges and competitions to encourage teamwork and physical activity.

“Un Fermier Dans Mon Quartier” Farmer’s Market Booth: The Center for School Services of the Région-de-Sherbrooke (CSSRS) featured a farmer’s market booth, promoting local, fresh produce.

Healthy walking, healthy talking Read More »

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