Local Journalism Initiative

New, modern church to be rebuilt on Côte St. Charles site

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1019 Report

Work is set to begin to build a new Côte St. Charles United Church in St. Lazare now that the old building has been torn down.

A demolition crew removed most of the old building, which dates back to the early 1900s, last Friday, leaving just the stone façade of the entrance of the original building and the foundation.

“Basically, it’s going to look the same as before,” said John Pichovich, a church trustee and treasurer while he was visiting the site Monday to see how work was progressing. The new building will be slightly longer than the original, he added.

The church, which is now home to the congregation of the former Wyman Memorial United Church in Hudson, which was sold in the fall of 2020, opted to build a new structure after discovering a number of issues as it attempted to renovate the old building, Pichovich said.

The stone façade of the front entrance of the building will be incorporated into the design of the new church, as well as stained glass windows that were removed from the old structure and stored before the demolition crew moved in.

The 100-member congregation is expected to begin holding services in the new church next May, when work is scheduled to be completed, Pichovich said.

New, modern church to be rebuilt on Côte St. Charles site Read More »

Fight to against massive hospital parking lot plan taken to Quebec City

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon and representatives of the grassroots environmental group Mères au Front were at the National Assembly in Quebec City yesterday to formally submit a petition calling on the provincial government to abandon its plan to build a 14-acre parking lot at the new Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital.

The petition, signed by 2,362 residents of the region, was initiated by Vaudreuil MNA Marie-Claude Nichols after provincial health officials announced it was shelving the initial plan to build an underground lot or a multi-level structure at the new hospital. The change, which would see a surface parking lot stretch over 14 acres, was announced earlier this year by Health Minister Christian Dubé in order to save $50 million on the $2.6-billion hospital project.

“This about-face is incomprehensible and unacceptable,” Pilon said in June when Quebec Health officials announced the change in plans. “The Quebec government’s decision to build a surface parking lot runs counter to municipal, regional and provincial environmental policies and objectives.”

In an open letter published in The 1019 Report earlier this month, Mères au Front said: “We demand that the ministry of health and Social Services plan the construction of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital in accordance to sustainable development principles.”

Several municipalities in the region along with the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges have condemned the new parking lot plan.

Despite widespread local opposition, Soulanges MNA Marilyne Picard, a member of the CAQ government, supports the surface parking lot plan.

The hospital, currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Fight to against massive hospital parking lot plan taken to Quebec City Read More »

New plan hatched to attempt to complete abandoned arena project in Pincourt

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

After 20 years, several attempts and a few lawsuits, the four municipalities on Île Perrot are joining forces to once again attempt to complete the abandoned arena project that sits as an eyesore on 5th Avenue in Pincourt.

Notre Dame de l’Île Perrot Mayor Danie Deschênes said her town along with Île Perrot, Pincourt and Terrasse-Vaudreuil are all on board and ready to move forward with the project. To that end, they have applied for a provincial government grant to help fund the initiative.

“We never disagreed on the fact we need an arena on Île Perrot,” Deschênes said in an interview. “We’re just following through on previous discussions we’ve had over the past eight years.”

The grant application will be submitted to the provincial financial assistance program for recreational, sports and outdoor infrastructures.

“We have until Dec. 15 to submit the grant request,” Deschênes said. “We will be ready by then.”

Neither Deschênes nor Pincourt Mayor Claude Comeau were able to provide a dollar figure on how much money the four municipalities would request, but the amount will be determined by the time the grant application is submitted.

“We should have an amount ready by the time we submit the grant application,” Comeau said, adding the subsidy would cover two-thirds of the cost of the project.

“The first step right now is to see if we’re eligible for the subsidies,” Comeau said.

A decision on whether the government will accept the grant application will be made by next spring.

“We need a facility on the island,” Comeau said.

Last month, three of the four towns on the island entered into a three- to five-year agreement to manage an arena in neighbouring Vaudreuil-Dorion in order to provide ice time for youth who live on Île Perrot. It is viewed as a temporary solution to the growing demand for ice time by youth leagues on the island.

“We’re moving forward and, hopefully, if the government supports us, we’ll have a facility for the kids to skate on the island,” Comeau said. “That’s our goal. It’s a win-win situation.”

If the municipalities receive a grant next year to complete the indoor arena complex, it could be ready by 2025. The four participating municipalities will also create a new board to take charge of the project. 

Construction of the now abandoned arena complex began in 2003, which marked the start of a saga that has lasted two decades.

In 2004, with costs rising and a dispute erupting with the contractor, the agency created to oversee the arena declared bankruptcy. The contractor sued the town of Pincourt and the agency. The case lingered in court for about seven years before the town of Pincourt purchased the property in 2012.

A plan put forward by a private company owned by ex-Vancouver Canuck winger Alexandre Burrows at that time aimed to see the arena completed, but quickly fell apart. In 2014, Pincourt sold the property to another private firm, but legal disputes entangled the project.

The town bought the property again in 2018, announcing plans to complete the arena. But those plans fell apart, too.

In 2019, the town announced it would demolish the unfinished building. But that plan was delayed. In 2021, the town announced it would sell the property again. No buyer, however, was found.

A study conducted shortly after Comeau was elected mayor in 2021 concluded that completing the arena was a viable option. “This is why we decided to move forward with the project,” he said.

New plan hatched to attempt to complete abandoned arena project in Pincourt Read More »

Pressure on MRC to reconsider site for compost plant mounts

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

Residents opposed to the MRC’s choice of location for a $20-million open-air compost processing facility in St. Télesphore are seeking help from municipal councils across the region – and they are gaining support.

On Monday evening, members of Vaudreuil-Dorion city council were asked to question Mayor Guy Pilon’s vote on the MRC council in support of the purchase of a seven-hectare site in St. Télesphore, which residents say covers crucial underground water sources that could be put at risk of contamination by the facility.

Last week, the growing group of residents opposed to the project – the largest in the MRC’s history – were in Pincourt, urging elected officials there to do the same. Including in that group was the former mayor of St. Télesphore, Claude Cyr, who now lives in Pincourt.

So far, three municipal councils in the region – St. Polycarpe, Ste. Justine de Newton and Coteau du Lac – have adopted formal resolutions in the last month urging the MRC to reconsider its choice of locations for the plant. These towns have asked the MRC to consider an industrial site for the facility.

The pressure campaign to convince members of the MRC council to reconsider the site location is expected to continue later today, as the MRC hosts its regular public meeting at 7: 30 p.m. at the MRC offices, 208 Harwood Blvd. in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Next week, residents from across the region are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the project, an event that some Vaudreuil-Dorion councillors said Monday they would attend to get answers to the questions they have about the project. The information sessions will be held Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., at the Centre Socioculturel de Très St. Rédempteur, 808 Principale St.

To register, go to MRC’s website at https://mrcvs.ca/.

Pressure on MRC to reconsider site for compost plant mounts Read More »

Anglophone Montrealers rally against Bill 96

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Task Force president Andrew Caddell speaks to the crowd at Sunday’s rally. Photo Russell Tellier

Russell Tellier
Local Journalism Initiative

On the afternoon of Nov. 19, 300 people assembled in Trenholme Park in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to protest Bill 96. The protest was organized by the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, which launched a lawsuit against said bill in May. 

“Today we are obliged to take the Quebec government to court to ensure our constitutional rights are protected,” said Marc Perez, a member of the Task Force’s board of directors. Task Force secretary-treasurer Dale Weber, meanwhile, described Bill 96 as both “illegal” and “mean-spirited.” 

The Task Force, which does not receive financial assistance from the government, is funding its lawsuit through individual donations.

In addition to other changes, Bill 96 further restricts access to English services in Quebec, increases French-language instruction in English CEGEPs, and imposes francization requirements on businesses with 25 to 49 employees. The bill was implemented by Minister François Legault’s government in May 2022 ostensibly to protect French throughout the province. 

“What we see also is that the percentage of people, especially on the island of Montreal, speaking French is decreasing. So, French will always be vulnerable in North America,” Legault said in September.

“French is not in decline in Quebec, no matter what the Premier may say,” said Geoffrey Chambers, the former president of the Quebec Community Groups Network, while addressing the crowd at Sunday’s rally. “The story of French in Quebec is a massive victory, a success. And we fully support and applaud that fact. This new piece of legislation does not protect the French language; it attacks the English-speaking community.”

Likewise, protesters Danielle Carter, Irwin Rapoport and Sharon Schmerer rejected the argument that French is in danger. 

“I think there are 1,000 or 2,000, at most, fluent Mohawk speakers. That’s a language that’s in danger,” said Rapoport. “There are about 6.9 million French speakers in Quebec. The language is not in danger. They’ve got thriving media and entertainment and publishing.”

According to Statistics Canada, 237,420 Indigenous people in Canada reported in 2021 that they could speak an Indigenous language well-enough to conduct a conversation. This constituted  a 4.3 per cent decline from 2016, and the first decline since this specific data collection started in 1991.  

Schmerer said: “The first language anywhere in the world is English. What’s wrong with two languages?” 

Both Chambers and Carter said that the Quebec government is trying to get rid of Quebec’s anglophones. “[Bill 96] has a devastating effect on the education system,” Carter said. 

“People are losing their jobs because they don’t speak French. Already we know that anglophone Quebecers are the poorest demographic in Quebec,” Weber said.

A recent study conducted by the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) found that the provincial poverty rate for anglophone Quebecers (10 per cent) is almost twice as high as it is for francophone Quebecers (5.8 per cent). PERT also said that anglophone Quebecers are more likely than their francophone counterparts to be unemployed. 

Whilst Perez predicted that Bill 96 will eventually be overturned, Rapoport also expressed optimism, predicting that most of the legal challenges against the law will succeed.

Concordia student Robert Toto described the fight against Bill 96 as “a long uphill battle.” “I think the best thing to do is just continue fighting and keep going at it and simply not give up,” he said. 

The rally, which drew a small police presence, occurred between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. amidst cold weather. Cars that drove by honked in support of the protesters, many of whom were holding anti-Bill 96 signs. 

The Task Force organized a car procession that started at the Walmart on Decarie Boulevard before the rally and ended at Trenholme Park. 

Task Force president Andrew Caddell said that more anti-Bill 96 demonstrations will be held.

Anglophone Montrealers rally against Bill 96 Read More »

Subsidy for L.A. Kings games draws political backlash

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

At a press conference on Nov. 15 announcing plans to stage two Los Angeles Kings preseason games at the Videotron Centre in October 2024 (see article in this edition), Martin Tremblay, chief operating officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment and president of Gestev, said the Kings’ visit would be a “festival of hockey.” However, opposition parties across the political spectrum are not celebrating.

La Presse revealed on Oct. 17 that the subsidy of up to $7 million provided to Gestev by the provincial government to stage the event was taken from a regional development fund overseen by the province but normally managed by the Ville de Québec and surrounding regional county municipalities – without consulting the city. “There’s no more breathing room in the state’s coffers [but] this morning, we learn that to subsidize two NHL games in Quebec City, the government is using a regional development fund for local businesses and nonprofits,” interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay tweeted Nov. 18.

“In order to give a gift of $5 to $7 million to hockey billionaires, the government used a fund intended for local nonprofits … and bypassed the fund’s rules of operation. Is this a prudent use of public funds?” tweeted Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis, the party’s point person for the Capitale- Nationale region. Québec Solidaire, for its part, announced plans to ask the province’s auditor general to investigate, with Jean-Talon MNA Étienne Grandmont saying a local food bank needed the money more – a suggestion echoed at the municipal level by Limoilou Coun. Jackie Smith.

Quebec Conservative Party leader Éric Duhaime called on the government to cancel the subsidy, saying, “I understand the CAQ is trying by all means to win back Quebec City voters … but it’s not by trying to buy them with tickets for a preseason Kings game that it will succeed.”

Mayor Bruno Marchand has said his administration “wasn’t involved” in the province’s decision.

Quebec City has been without an NHL team since 1995. “We lost our team and we’d like it back one day,” Lévis MNA Bernard Drainville told Radio-Canada. He said he believed the government had made the right choice to invite the Kings “to send a signal to the NHL” that Quebec City was ready for a team, but that the “timing wasn’t ideal.”

Subsidy for L.A. Kings games draws political backlash Read More »

Get up-to-date vaccines before holiday season, Boileau advises

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

As the holiday party season approaches, Quebec public health director Dr. Luc Boileau is advising people in high-risk groups to get updated COVID and flu vaccinations.

“The situation is different from previous years, and that’s for the better, but there are a few worrisome elements,” Boileau said at a press conference on Nov. 15, pointing out that COVID, seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – the “cocktail” of viruses which filled emergency rooms last winter – are still circulating in Quebec. He mentioned that data indicated that seasonal flu infections are likely to peak around Christmas. “We’re not in flu season yet, but it’s inevitable, it’s on its way and it might be on its way quickly … it’s better to get vaccinated now than to wait for the wave to come,” he said. He added that RSV infections are also on the rise, although a wave of infections on the scale of last year is not expected.

“Then, of course, there’s COVID,” he said. “It is still around and circulating very actively in the community … we’re not in a wave, but we’re in a period of relative stability. It’s still here.” He said about 100 Quebecers are being hospitalized for the virus every day, and 50 – mostly seniors – are dying every week.

Boileau specifically encouraged people 70 and older, health workers, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people who share a home with someone in a high-risk group to get up-to- date vaccinations. He pointed out that a flu shot given to a pregnant woman also provides some protection to the newborn baby. Boileau said vaccination was available to everyone in the province, but particularly recommended for people at high risk. He said over one million Quebecers have received a COVID booster this fall.

“It’s getting colder outside, there are going to be more and more gatherings and crowds in shops and so forth, and we’re heading for a time of year where, every year, there are a lot of infections,” Boileau said. He encouraged people to wash their hands frequently, stay home when sick and wear masks if they must go out while experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms, even if they have tested negative for COVID. He noted that getting vaccinated reduces the risk of complications leading to hospitalization, helps prevent premature deaths and reduces the burden on the province’s health-care system. “Vaccines don’t prevent us from getting sick, but they prevent us from having to deal with the heaviest [consequences] of an illness, and avoid us having to go to hospital, or to the funeral home,” he said.

COVID and seasonal flu vaccinations are available at health clinics and at most pharmacies, and can be given at the same time. Anyone who wishes to get vaccinated can make an appointment online on the ClicSanté portal or call the province’s bilingual vaccine hotline at 1-877-644-4545 (from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Those who have recently had a COVID infection or been vaccinated are advised to wait three to six months before getting a new shot.

Get up-to-date vaccines before holiday season, Boileau advises Read More »

Local CQSB schools to close for three-day strike

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

All English public schools in the Quebec City region will be closed from Nov. 21-23 as members of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) and unions representing support staff carry out a three-day strike.

Through their union federations, the striking unions are members of the Front Commun, a negotiating bloc which represents more than 400,000 public sector workers in health and education – all of whom are expected to take part in the strike.

“We respect the right to strike, and unless we advise you otherwise, we are inform- ing you that all our establishments will be completely closed during these three days of strike action. Therefore, no unionized employees, no parents/guardians [and] no students will be allowed to enter our schools and centres during this strike,” Central Québec School Board (CQSB) director general Stephen Pigeon and assistant director general Nancy L’Heureux wrote in a message to parents.

CQSB schools in the Quebec City region will also close Nov. 24 for a scheduled pedagogical day.

QPAT president Steven Le Sueur said teachers were striking because of longstanding concerns about pay, work-life balance, support for students with disabilities and staff shortages. “There is a teacher shortage, and the shortage is for a reason – it’s not a very attractive profession at the moment,” he said.

Le Sueur said he understood the strike created some difficulties for parents, but that “patience would be appreciated” under the circumstances. He added that teachers would not assign homework or extra work over the strike period.

The Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), a union federation which represents over 60,000 teachers at French-language public schools around the province including in the Quebec City region, has announced plans to begin an unlimited general strike on Nov. 23. Le Sueur said an unlimited general strike could also be in QPAT’s future. “The way things are moving at the [negotiating] table, that’s a possibility. It would be a disappointment, but we have to do what we have to do. These issues have been on the docket for many years and it’s time to do something.”

“We have a great relationship with our staff, but what can you do, they’re in negotiations. We’re getting close to Christmas, inflation and interest rates are high. We have great sympathy for our teachers and staff and wish them well,” CQSB chairperson Stephen Burke told the QCT.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville has said the school year may be extended in the event of a long strike.

Local CQSB schools to close for three-day strike Read More »

CSL allowing tempos throughout city this winter

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The City of Côte St. Luc is tolerating tempos, temporary car shelters erected during the winter, throughout the city with some exceptions, it was revealed on social media.

CSL and many other municipalities have resisted, or still don’t allow, tempos because they are not aesthetically pleasing.

Resident Orel Zipper asked on Facebook, “how do we get some action to unban tempos from those select streets [where it is] arbitrarily not allowed to put them up? Ridiculously unsafe, especially for older residents or those with mobility issues. More so for those with an inclined driveway. I have brought it up before, but if there’s anything one can do would be great to know.”

The city’s Facebook administrator responded that “for the 2023-2024 winter season, the city will tolerate tempos in areas where they are not zoned. Here’s what this means in practice:

“If you live in an area where tempos are allowed, it is business as usual,” the message adds. “If you paid the one-time fee, you can erect the tempo again this year. If you live in an area where tempos are allowed, and have never applied for a permit, you need to do so. Then you pay the one-time fee. Then you can erect your tempo.”

In areas where tempos have not been allowed up to now, “you can erect a tempo this season. No permit is required and no fee is required this season. You must follow all the installation rules and the tempo must be removed by April 15, 2024.”

As well, “tempos are never allowed at townhouses, apartment buildings, or condo buildings.”

The city posting added that CSL is “considering standardizing the tempo rules across the city as part of the Master Plan and Zoning Bylaw Revision.”

Councillor Dida Berku explained to The Suburban that “when we did the tempo bylaw, we did it by zone, and in certain zones, 12 residents signed a register, and we decided not to proceed with referendums zone by zone.

“Over the past few years, we’ve realized that the tempos have not proliferated like mushrooms, they’re very few and far between, and in those zones where we don’t have tempos, there are residents in very precarious situations, they have steep driveways or have medical conditions, so we tried to find a way to introduce it in the zones, where they’re not allowed, for a year, on a pilot project basis. At the end of the year, we’ll evaluate it.”

We also asked about the fact those who can put up tempos where they have not been allowed do not, right now, have to pay the one-time fee, while those who have yet to put up tempos where they are allowed do have to pay.

“It’s only a one-time payment anyway, so eventually if it does become a permanent situation, they will have to pay,” Berku explained. “In the end, everyone [who wants a tempo] will have to pay. For this year only, they don’t have to pay because it’s a pilot project, and we can’t introduce a fee for something that’s not in our fee schedule.”

CSL allowing tempos throughout city this winter Read More »

St. Laurent Mayor calls for creation of large solar park

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

St. Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa called on the business community to create a large solar park in the borough, an electricity generating system connected to a utility grid.

DeSousa spoke Nov. 2 at the annual meeting of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Saint-Laurent-Mont-Royal. He also told La Presse such a park could be installed quickly, as opposed to dams and wind turbines.

DeSousa pointed out in his speech that 70 percent of St. Laurent’s territory is “dedicated to professional, retail, manufacturing and industrial activities, thus presenting a unique landscape in the Greater Montreal Region.”

He added that in 2019, “this led to the roofs on St. Laurent businesses and parking lots being identified as the two main culprits responsible for the major urban heat island phenomenon experienced in Saint-Laurent.”

DeSousa said the borough has worked to alleviate the heat island situation “by adopting a number of programs, bylaws and other initiatives relating to parking lots and roofs. These have generated numerous accolades in addition to creating a snowball effect in other communities.”

The Mayor also pointed out that an assessment conducted in 2018 “estimated the net surface area of some 1,400 industrial and commercial roofs is capable of accommodating solar panels in St. Laurent at 4.5 million square metres, or the equivalent of 850 football fields.”

Also in 2018, “a study was conducted to evaluate the overall potential of industrial roofs in St. Laurent to produce 521 gigawatts-hours of energy, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 24,000 households.

“The study concluded that St. Laurent has tremendous solar photovoltaic and thermal potential, and it is an ideal location for the installation of solar setups on roofs, given that the buildings are the same elevation and there are few trees in the areas in question. The same study also revealed that the installation of solar equipment would enable certain buildings to achieve partial energy independence. What’s more, the City of Montreal receives 25 percent more sunshine than Paris, boasting an annual average of 2,051 hours versus 1,662 hours for the European city.”

In light of all this and the existence of the Fermes Lufa greenhouse and IGA Duchemin greenhouses, DeSousa urged the business community to “consider the potential benefits of creating a collaborative project centred on solar energy,” pointing out that “several businesses have already begun experimentation in this respect.

“The pursuit of this solar park project could represent an excellent endeavour for the emergence of an urban solar segment in Quebec, while emphasizing that solar is just one of the solutions that can be developed on-site when it comes to renewable energy – and one that could also include the recovery of waste heat, cooling and geothermic.”

St. Laurent Mayor calls for creation of large solar park Read More »

St. Laurent crime up 22.3 percent from 2022

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Crime in the borough of St. Laurent in the first nine months of 2023 increased 22.3 percent from the same period in 2022, from 2,320 to 2,838 incidents, says SPVM Station 7’s June to September 2023 report.

Throughout this year and last, The Suburban and others have been reporting on numerous incidents in St. Laurent, such as murders, arson of businesses and cars, shootings and stabbings.

According to the SPVM statistics, murders decreased from two in 2022 to zero in 2023. However, at the beginning of October 2023, just after the tabulation period, a 23-year-old man died after being stabbed several times in the upper body at his home at Alexis Nihon Blvd. near Côte de Liesse Road.

Attempted murders increased from three to four incidents. Assaults jumped from 377 to 423, a 12.2 percent increase. Instances of discharging a firearm decreased from 10 to four. Sexual aggression decreased from 63 to 54. Robberies jumped from 61 to 76, a 24.6 percent increase. Other violations of the law against people jumped from 156 to 195, a 25 percent increase.

Acts of arson jumped from 14 to 35, a 150 percent increase — some of these are said to be extortion attempts against Arab business owners. Break-ins increased from 174 to 187 incidents. Car thefts increased from 482 to 647, a 34.2 percent increase. Simple theft increased from 571 to 640, a 12.1 percent increase. Fraud jumped from 253 to 346, a 36.8 percent increase and mischief increased from 127 to 201 incidents, a 58.3 percent hike.

Incidents this year included:

• The seizure of contraband tobacco from some establishments.

• Stolen cars, some of which were recovered in searches and for which people were arrested.

• On Sept. 9, the arrest of two individuals for breaking into a vehicle and a break and enter into a commercial enterprise.

During the Nov. 7 council meeting, a resident asked St. Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa what the borough is doing about the many instances of criminality in recent months, such as shootings in residential areas.

DeSousa replied that he was not aware of any recent shootings in residential areas. However, there have been shots fired in industrial areas in October and May.

The Mayor added that crimes are being investigated and in numerous cases solved by Station 7 and its commander Pierre Luc-Gauthier, who said early this year that St. Laurent is still a safe and secure community notwithstanding the many incidents that took place in 2022.

“What we do is try to make sure through police patrols, information given to our residents, our own urban patrols, that there is a visibility given so that people living in the area feel safe and have a sense of security,” the Mayor explained.

The Commander said DeSousa provided a good summary. n

St. Laurent crime up 22.3 percent from 2022 Read More »

Jewish school hit with gunfire twice in four days

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The Yeshiva Gedola School on Deacon Road in Côte des Neiges-NDG was fired upon for the second time in four days.

A nearby resident told The Suburban that he was awakened by four shots at around 4:45 a.m. Sunday Nov. 12. Police were called at 5 a.m. by several residents, and a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene. We saw officers questioning nearby residents.

The first shooting at the school was on Thursday. A second shooting that day took place at United Talmud Torah. This followed violence against Jewish students at Concordia and firebombings at Beth Tikvah and Federation CJA’s West Island headquarters in Dollard des Ormeaux.

There have been police and hired security presence around the school, in recent days, including during a recent event.

In the morning, the entire area around Deacon was surrounded by police tape, from the corner of Lajoie to Van Horne, and from Lajoie and De Vimy to Van Horne. Access from a palliative care centre from Deacon to DeVimy was also blocked. The tape was removed early in the afternoon.

SPVM spokesperson Caroline Chevrefils said that nobody was in the building when the shots were fired, near the intersection of Deacon and Van Horne. Police located a projectile in the front of the building, and other shell casings were found.

Former CDN-NDG councillor Lionel Perez, speaking for the school, said the shooting was a “terrorist act.

“Their objective is terrorize, to stop our prime mission, which is to educate kids, and they will fail! This second incident demonstrates the gravity of the situation and escalation, and we’re counting on the police to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety and security of our school, of our children and our community. We ask our elected officials to continue condemning. We appreciate their support, but they have to ensure the SPVM has all the means necessary for them to do their job and condemn any and all hate speech in society.”

This reporter, who lives on the street, noted that police and a security vehicle had been on the street almost constantly in recent days. We asked if either had been on the street at the time of the incident. Perez responded that he would not get into details.

“All I can say is that that there have been specific security measures that have been put in place after the first attack, and we will let the police continue their investigation.”

Mayor Valérie Plante appeared on the scene later in the morning, as did Eta Yudin, VP for Quebec of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Federation CJA CEO and president Yair Szlak, Côte des Neiges-NDG Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa; Henry Topas, Quebec regional director of B’nai Brith Canada; and Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz, amongst others.

“Violence has no place in our democracy!” Plante said to a phalanx of reporters. “We’re talking about an establishment where kids are attending! This is not the Montreal we want! We can disagree, we can think out loud, we can protest. It’s a complex conflict that is happening [between Israel and Hamas], absolutely, but we can have those conversations with respect, and not using fear and not having this kind of violent act towards the Jewish community! That is wrong! My message to those who think this is a way to spread a message, it is not! I get messages from all kinds of people from different religions in Montreal, and nobody accepts this, nobody wants it, nobody will say it’s okay!”

Plante said for those committing such acts, “the SPVM is working really hard, and we will find them!”

Yudin, of CIJA, said “We have been saying for weeks that the antisemitism and incitement to hatred being heard at rallies in the streets of Montreal will lead to action if unchecked. This is no longer discussion about free speech. Those responsible must be held accountable. The SPVM needs more resources. We thank all those who have spoken out today and condemned these incidents, including our Premier, Prime Minister and Mayor and many other leaders across the political spectrum.”

Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted Sunday morning, “terrorists again fired bullets at a Montreal Jewish school overnight. The government must take concrete action immediately to protect Canada’s Jewish community from the heinous acts of antisemitic violence and intimidation.”

For all of Nov. 12, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had not posted a reaction, but he did retweet a post from MP Karina Gould, saying “I am horrified to learn of another incident of gunshots fired at the same Jewish school in Montreal early this morning. Thank goodness no one was harmed, but this threatening antisemitic violence cannot go on.”

Premier François Legault tweeted, “every effort will be made to find and punish the culprits. The Quebec nation is peaceful. Let’s not import the hatred and violence that we see elsewhere in the world.”

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather tweeted, “this kind of antisemitic act cannot be allowed to become the new normal. Jews have every right to live safely in this country. And it is hard to believe that this level of violence is not directly traceable to the incitement to hate happening at demonstrations. Police need to act.”

B’nai Brith Canada posted, “we are aware of yet another shooting at a Montreal Yeshiva, the same one that was targeted by gunfire last week. Police in Montreal are investigating. We are deeply disturbed and are on the scene to assist.” n

Jewish school hit with gunfire twice in four days Read More »

Ye Olde Orchard changes name after OQLF complaint

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The Ye Olde Orchard Pub, which is in NDG and other Montreal locations, is changing its name to Maison Publique Orchard, a year after the establishment received a letter from the Office Québécois de la Langue Française due to a language complaint.

The change is similar to those made by other establishments to comply with the language law, adding a French-language descriptor to an English business name. Examples include Winners Mode and Best Buy Electronique.

The Quebec government has said more strict sign laws are coming June 1, 2025, as part of Bill 96, but have not released details. As reported by The Suburban this past May, those new rules are expected to at least demand that the French descriptors be more prominent.

Owner Joe Pilotte told The Suburban this past spring that he would have already added the descriptor if that was all that was needed, but that he also wanted to maintain the pub’s longtime identity. However, he said the law’s specifics were unclear.

“They gave us a heads-up the rules will change, and even then my sign might not work if it’s got English words,” he said in May. “You see it isn’t clear. So we’re a little bit in limbo.”

Now, Pilotte, who said his dealings with the OQLF have been amicable, is still not sure his new sign will be in compliance with what is coming in a year and a half.

“We don’t want to spend thousands of dollars or get fined, or upset anyone, because remember at the end of the day it’s the government we’re dealing with,” Pilotte said in May. “We’re just trying to make it work and I’m sure we’ll find something that will make them happy.” n

Ye Olde Orchard changes name after OQLF complaint Read More »

Scores of residents have their say at DDO’s planning consult

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

To conclude the first phase of the consultative process for the future Urban Planning Programme, the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) held a final workshop on the development of its major boulevards last Wednesday evening at the Civic Centre.

More than 80 residents participated at the meeting where they had the opportunity to work in teams around discussion tables and exchange their ideas to imagine and propose developments for Boulevards Saint-Jean, des Sources, de Salaberry, Brunswick, Spring Garden and Sunnybrooke.

“We are very pleased with the significant public response. We want to hear from our residents what they would like to see on our major boulevards,” DDO Urban planning Director Sylvain Boulianne told The Suburban.

“This is a valuable exercise to shape a city that takes into consideration the innovative ideas of residents that are based on their daily experiences.”

“I would like to congratulate our residents for their active involvement and remarkable participation in the revision of the Urban Planning Program. Their invaluable input will contribute to the development of tomorrow’s city in a collaborative and visionary manner that benefits the community as a whole,” DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci told The Suburban.

With the input received via the various consultative and interactive activities carried out since August 30, 2023, the city intends, in 2024, to adopt a new Urban Planning Program adapted to the specific social, economic and environmental realities of its territory.

Scores of residents have their say at DDO’s planning consult Read More »

Blaze engulfs Collins,Clarke in Pointe-Claire

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire at the Collins Clarke funeral home located at the corner of Cartier Avenue and Highway 20 in Pointe-Claire last Wednesday.

Smoke from the blaze was pushed east by the 20 km per hour wind. Dark smoke was visible for several kilometres, as far as Dorval Avenue.

According to Montreal fire department department spokesperson Francis Fleury, the two-storey building was occupied and all occupants were safely evacuated.

Seventy firefighters were deployed in 30 fire trucks to contain the building that was visibly engulfed in flames and significantly damaged.

One firefighter was reported injured.

“His injuries were treated by first responders on site. He was not transported to the hospital,” Fleury told The Suburban.

Four Bronco sky-lifts were strategically situated at different angles. The two closest to the building were operated by firefighter duos. At one point the two-person operated sky-lifts became invisible, surrounded by smoke for nearly 10 minutes.

The cause of the fire still has not been determined. n

Blaze engulfs Collins,Clarke in Pointe-Claire Read More »

Sixty WWII and Korea veterans honoured at Sainte-Anne’s

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

A wreath-laying ceremony took place at CHSLD Sainte-Anne’s Hospital (previously Sainte-Anne’s Veterans hospital), largely attended by the institutions’ resident veterans, along with veterans from the Greater Montreal area.

Special guest Nicolas Meunier, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Haiti and Bosnia and is known for his participation as an athlete for Team Canada at the Invictus Games, spoke about the social label associated to veterans of more recent wars. While highlighting the honoured contribution of older veterans, Meunier discussed how newer veterans tend to be ignored on the scale of  social norms.

“People don’t want to support war,” he said in explaining why younger veterans have a harder time being recognized and recognizing themselves for their contributions.

“We have resources, but because of a stereotype, we are afraid to ask for help and to go get what we are entitled to receive. We’ve sacrificed our lives for a very long time, we have psychological wounds as well as physical ones.”

Sixty men and women who served in the Second World War or the Korean War still reside in the hospital that has been converted into a long-term care residence.

The institution’s expertise in the treatment of operational stress injuries, war injuries and pain management continues to welcome soldiers along with police officers. n

Sixty WWII and Korea veterans honoured at Sainte-Anne’s Read More »

EMSB seeks stay on Bill 96 provisions

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Ceausu – The Suburban LJI Reporter

That letter you got from your kid’s English-speaking principal at their English school about next week’s carnival may soon have to be written in French. When a director general of an English board writes to another about issues affecting their boards, those would need to be in French too. Vraiment.

These are just a few of the more puzzling, and widely viewed as ludicrous and unhelpful, provisions of the government’s Bill 96 reform of the Charter of the French language. The English Montreal School Board is now pushing back, announcing Wednesday that it is seeking a stay of provisions of Bill 96 and the Charter requiring use of French in the majority of internal written communications, as well as internal documents, and written communications between English school boards, among others.

“We are taking action now,” said chair Joe Ortona, “because in recent correspondence with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), the situations in which the EMSB is permitted to use English only in internal communications have been interpreted very narrowly.”

Ortona says the EMSB offers rich French programming in its schools and remains committed to ensuring students have strong French language abilities, but “it is important to emphasize that we are an English school board and a key institution of the English-speaking community.”

The legal challenge is being launched because the restrictive view of the OQLF is interfering with the pursuit of the board’s mission and mandate, says Ortona. “It places an unnecessary burden on our staff, diverting their focus from educational priorities and students. Furthermore, while the province is facing a teacher shortage, the government’s approach shrinks our application pool.”

The EMSB is also challenging the application of 20-year-old amendments to the Charter that the government brought into force this summer without consulting the community, effectively forcing English boards to communicate exclusively in French when writing with key community institutions such as the Quebec English School Boards Association. “Requiring exclusive use of French with these institutions is simply shocking,” said Ortona, adding “these provisions should be suspended, as they would cause irreparable harm to the English-speaking community.”

The EMSB brought an application to challenge the constitutionality of numerous provisions of Bill 96 and the Charter of the French Language in June 2022, and was joined with the court challenges of other parties and progressing through the court system. “It is expected to be a lengthy process,” said Ortona. “Unless we secure a stay, the EMSB will suffer irreparable harm during the period of time that we are waiting for a decision on its constitutional challenge.” n

EMSB seeks stay on Bill 96 provisions Read More »

New speed limits in CDN/NDG school zones

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Ceausu – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Côte-des-Neiges – Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is dropping the speed limit on arterial roads near schools.

Although most school zones located on the local network and some secondary arterial roads in the district already had a speed limit of 30 km/h, others, located on the major arterial network did not have a 30km/h limit. Following the announcement of Transports Quebec’s 2023-2028 Road Safety Action Plan,

The move standardizes all school zones by implementing a speed limit of 30 km/h to ensure the following locations are subject to a speed limit reduction from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, from September to June:

– Greaves Adventist School: de Maisonneuve Ouest between Benny Crescent and West Hill;

– École Saint-Luc: Côte-St-Luc between West Hill and Kensington;

– Marymount School: Côte-St-Luc between Décarie and Bonavista;

– Yaldei School: Van Horne between Mountain Sights and Westbury;

– College Notre-Dame and College Marie-de-France International: Queen-Mary between

Roslyn and 3739 Queen-Mary;

– Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf: Decelles between Côte-Sainte-Catherine and Édouard-Montpetit; Côte-Sainte-Catherine, between Decelles and 3175 Côte-Sainte-Catherine;

– Saint-Monica School: Cavendish between Terrebonne and Duncan.

Signs will be installed by the services of Rosemont/Petite-Patrie borough at a yet to be determined date.

New speed limits in CDN/NDG school zones Read More »

Laval ombudsman apologizes for failure to serve residents adequately

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

City of Laval ombudsman Nathalie Blais has issued an apology to those Laval residents whose complaints her office has been unable to process because of inadequate technological support from the administration, she says.

Martin C. Barry

The City of Laval’s ombudsman says she wants to apologize to some residents for not being able to follow up on their complaints in a timely fashion because of “operational challenges” that have been impacting her office’s productivity.

In her report for the year ending in December 2022, ombudsman Nathalie Blais initially said that last year was marked by improved operations for Laval, although some challenges remained.

Sustainable solutions

“We have worked closely with the General Management and the Mayor,” said Blais. “Their support has enabled us to resolve some persistent operational issues and to consider the implementation of sustainable solutions.

“Although challenges remain, we are optimistic about the future,” she added. “We would also like to highlight the increased cooperation of the various municipal departments in improving the handling of citizen complaints, with a collaborative strategy that is beginning to bear fruit.

“For the coming year, our vision is clear: to resolve disputes between the municipal administration and citizens through openness, listening and communication. Our primary objective is to strengthen ties between all parties involved, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to a harmonious community.”

Obsolete computer systems

On the downside, the ombudsman’s office said several operational challenges had been hampering the processing of complaints and impacting productivity.

“These challenges include the obsolescence of its online system for processing complaints, which is no longer capable of producing reports and statistics, response times from municipal services, and a lack of resources within the team,” the office stated.

They added that with the support of the city administration as well as the City of Laval’s Innovation and Technology Department, the ombudsman’s office hopes that a new software system will be implemented in 2024-2025 to better integrate services and process complaints more transparently and efficiently.

In a key passage of the statement, they said the ombudsman would like to offer her “sincerest apologies to certain citizens for not being able to follow up on their complaints within a reasonable delay due to these problems.

Efforts towards progress

“These operational issues had been identified since Ms. Blais’ arrival, but it was not until 2023 that concrete solutions could begin to be implemented, thanks to the commitment and support of the General Management and the Mayor.” In spite of these challenges, the ombudsman’s office says they have redoubled their efforts to make progress on as many issues as possible.

The ombudsman’s office said they managed to process 457 requests over the past year. They maintain that 52 per cent of cases were handled within 30 days, including 29 per cent in five days or less. Also, in 58 per cent of cases, the ombudsman’s office guided citizens, informing them of their rights and putting them in touch with the relevant municipal administration or organization.

Some complex cases remain

In 42 per cent of cases they managed to work in collaboration with the departments concerned “to resolve the case fairly,” they said. In 10 per cent of cases, the department concerned changed its position. They said that some of these cases are still active due to their complexity.

In all, 36 per cent of the cases handled by the ombudsman were admissible (i.e. the complaints were deemed to be founded). The departments most often involved were: public works: 20.6 per cent, environment and eco-citizenship: 15.2 per cent, urban planning: 12.9 per cent and engineering: 8.5 per cent.

Blais seeks ‘commitments’

They said that in keeping with a spirit of collaboration in which the ombudsman seeks to run the office, Blais favors “commitments” from municipal departments rather than recommendations from the office. “The commitment is the result of an agreement between the Ombudsman’s Office and the City departments,” they said.

In the period between January 1 and December 31, 2022, up to the production of the report, 31 commitments (20 files, including systemic complaints) were recorded, and 55 per cent were completed. They said the majority of commitments concerned the City of Laval’s engineering department.

Laval ombudsman apologizes for failure to serve residents adequately Read More »

Three strikes, you’re out?

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Champlain Lennoxville and Eastern Township School Board unions hold “human chain” rally, FAE union unlimited strike raises questions

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A significant demonstration occurred in Lennoxville on Wednesday, Nov. 22, as members of three unions from Champlain College Lennoxville and two unions from the Eastern Township School Board (ETSB), all affiliated with the Centrale des Syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and the Common Front public sector union group, formed a “human chain”.

This event, which lasted from 10 a.m. to noon, centered around Lennoxville’s main intersection at College and Queen, and saw hundreds of local school staff waving placards and operating noise-makers to the supportive honking of cars passing by.

A separate teacher’s union, the Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement (FAE), which represents 65,000 members who work in the French school system, has announced plans for an unlimited strike Nov. 23. ETSB schools Sutton Elementary, Massey-Vanier High School and Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre are jointly administered by the Centre de services scolaire Val-des-cerfs, which is part of the FAE. ETSB staff have said they will not cross the picket line at those schools, which will mean additional service disruptions at those three locations.

According to a press release, the human chain was a part of the Common Front’s initiative, designed to showcase the collective strength and resolve of the educators and staff in protecting and advocating for the education and higher education sectors in the Lennoxville region. This public display of solidarity was particularly poignant as the union members had previously agreed upon a strike mandate to be utilized during the ongoing public sector negotiations. The days of Nov. 21, 22, and 23 marked the second series of strike actions under this mandate, signaling a crucial phase in their collective bargaining efforts.

Three strikes, you’re out? Read More »

Protest for peace in Gaza at Sherbrooke’s City Council meeting, City adopts resolution of solidarity

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A group of nearly 40 Sherbrooke residents, led by organizer Mohamed Soulami, protested for peace in Gaza at Sherbrooke’s City Council meeting Nov. 21. Calling themselves “a group of Sherbrooke citizens for a better world, a peaceful world”, the group submitted a letter to Sherbrooke’s mayor Nov. 7 demanding, among other things, an immediate ceasefire in the embattled region. The City of Sherbrooke responded with a resolution detailing its solidarity with the group.

The letter

The letter, addressed to Raïs Kibonge, Acting Mayor of Sherbrooke, and the city council members, emphasizes the importance of treating all human lives equally and respecting human rights. The letter criticizes several governments for ignoring global organizations’ alerts about ongoing injustices, specifically highlighting the “ethnic cleansing” and “war crimes” in Gaza, Palestine. The authors express disappointment that Quebec and Canada, typically known for peaceful interventions, are perceived to be applying double standards to the situation.

The group makes specific demands:

1) Immediate ceasefire and lifting of the blockade in Gaza.

2) Delivery of humanitarian aid, including energy for hospitals and essential needs for civilians.

3) Rehabilitation of social services, including hospitals and schools, and providing safe places for civilians.

4) Condemnation of the ongoing war crimes against humanity.

They urge their elected officials to denounce the “genocide” in Gaza, where a significant number of victims are children and women, and to encourage the federal and provincial governments to respect human rights in Gaza and contribute to humanitarian aid efforts.

The letter concludes with an appeal to the city council to adopt a resolution reflecting these concerns and to join a global call for a just and better world. The authors express their belief in shared values of justice and equality and hope for a positive response to their requests.

The resolution

Sherbrooke’s City Council professed their solidarity with the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a Nov. 21 resolution:

“The city council has adopted a resolution of solidarity with the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for the respect of human dignity and demanding the safe passage of widespread humanitarian aid and respect for the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.”

“The council also invites the federal and provincial governments as well as other municipalities to adopt a resolution that calls for the defense of human rights, the protection of civilians, and the creation of a climate conducive to establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.”

“A ceasefire is more than necessary to make way for peace between Israel and Palestine. I join my voice with that of the members of the City Council to also ask the Canadian government to use all its resources to achieve this. The incessant cycle of violence must end quickly,” stated Kibonge.

Mohamed Soulami

“Unfortunately, we are seeing in Gaza more and more massacres,” said Soulami in an interview after the event. The victims include civilians, women, children, and the sick, he added; hospitals and schools are being bombed, and many journalists have been killed. The humanitarian crisis is evident and they will continue to mobilize to demand for a ceasefire in the region to establish a lasting peace.

The City of Sherbrooke is a “city of peace”, he went on, part of 10,000 other cities that are committed to peace and human rights. It was important for their group to “hear the voice” of Sherbrooke in their resolution of solidarity. They wish to influence Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to adopt the same position.

Three Canadian federal political parties, and three provincial, are also committed to a ceasefire, Soulami explained, joining Sherbrooke and over 100 other Canadian cities. Many humanitarian organizations, churches, and Jewish and Muslim organizations agree. “It is important that we join our voices together so that this massacre stops.”

Protest for peace in Gaza at Sherbrooke’s City Council meeting, City adopts resolution of solidarity Read More »

Property evaluations cause sticker shock for homeowners

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Residents of several Brome-Missisquoi municipalities are dealing with sticker shock as three-year property evaluation rolls are released. In Cowansville, the value of an average single-family home is nearly 60 per cent higher than it was three years ago, and property values have increased by an average of 50.43 per cent. In Bromont, residential property values rose by an average of 49.6 per cent, and commercial property values by more than 25 per cent.

Property values around Brome-Missisquoi skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as city dwellers took advantage of the rise of telecommuting to move to the country. “As is the case in the majority of cities in the region and elsewhere in Quebec, property values are experiencing a marked increase. Since the new role is [released] every three years, we had a reprieve before feeling the repercussions of the pandemic on property values,” Cowansville mayor Sylvie Beauregard said.

Beauregard assured property owners that their property taxes will not go up by 50 per cent when the 2024 tax rates are released in December. “Your property value on the roll is not your tax account,” she said. “The current tax rate is $0.94 per $100 [of assessed value] and we can’t maintain that – we’ll have to bring it down, so [the increase in value] has the least possible impact on citizens.”

Bromont mayor Louis Villeneuve made similar assurances. “The city has no power over property assessment. … The tax rate will be reviewed based on these new values,” explained the mayor of Bromont, Louis Villeneuve. “The municipal council will act responsibly to avoid a general increase [while] taking into account inflation and the obligations of the municipality,” he said in a statement.

Beauregard said Cowansville would most likely “have to postpone certain projects” because decreasing the tax rate would lead to a decrease in revenue. “We need salt for snow removal, we need to maintain the water treatment plant, and we have employees that have collective agreements that we need to respect,” she said. “We need to reduce expenses elsewhere while still giving services.”

She said she “would be surprised” if a tax increase caused people to decide to leave the city. “The situation is similar in the surrounding municipalities…everything is more expensive, everything has gone up, interest rates have gone up. That’s not good for property owners. That’s not us, that’s the market, but we’re aware [of the impact]. We just have to hope the economy settles down.”

Cowansville plans to release its 2024 budget, including the adjusted taxation rates, on Dec. 18. Property owners will receive tax notices in January 2024.

Property evaluations cause sticker shock for homeowners Read More »

Three ETSB schools to close during FAE strike

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Sutton Elementary School, Massey-Vanier High School and the Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre will close Nov. 21 for at least three days and “potentially much longer” due to two separate teachers’ strikes, Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) chairperson Michael Murray has said.

The three schools are jointly administered by the ETSB and the French-language Centre des services scolaire Val-des-Cerfs (CSSVDC). ETSB teachers are represented by the Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA), a member of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) which is part of the Front Commun negotiating bloc of four large union federations; CSSVDC teachers are represented by the Syndicat d’enseignement Haute-Yamaska (SEHY) which is part of the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), which is not part of the Front Commun.

Both the Front Commun and the FAE are negotiating a new collective agreement with the provincial government, but the two federations have taken slightly different tactics. Front Commun members will hold a three-day strike from Nov. 21-23; FAE members plan to launch an unlimited general strike on Nov. 23.

SEHY president Sophie Veilleux has said picket lines around CSSVDC schools, including the three jointly administered schools, will be “watertight.” QPAT president Stephen Le Sueur has said ATA members won’t cross SEHY picket lines, forcing the English sectors of the three bilingual schools to close for the duration of the SEHY strike. Other ETSB schools are expected to reopen Nov. 24.

“Before students [at the three schools] leave on [Nov. 20], we will have wound up the first term. Students are aware that they will be off for at least six days and potentially much longer. Teachers can share reading lists with students, and so forth, so students can do some independent study, but we don’t have a systematic means of resuming instruction,” said ETSB chairperson Michael Murray. “[Education Minister] Bernard Drainville has said this isn’t a holiday [for students], but we have yet to find a practical way to teach without teachers.” He added that the school board would not pressure teachers to cross SEHY picket lines, and that asking teachers to shift to online learning is “not a viable long-term solution.”

Veilleux said FAE members voted for an unlimited general strike because “there have been no significant advances” in negotiations between teachers and the government over the last several months. She said members are concerned about staffing shortages, wages, insufficient support for students with disabilities and newly arrived immigrant students, and promised help that never comes. “When a student needs a special education technician, don’t tell us that the technician is coming [eventually] – the person needs to be there,” she said.

Veilleux said she hoped the strike would be as short as possible, adding that the union had no strike fund for its members. “We want a quick, satisfying agreement, and we want the things we agreed to be applicable at the beginning of the next school year, and for that, we need an agreement in principle before Christmas. We understand the inconvenience this can cause, and we’re not doing it for fun.”

Le Sueur raised several of the same concerns as Veilleux about working conditions, and said QPAT teachers could join FAE teachers in an unlimited general strike if negotiations don’t move forward in the coming weeks. “The way things are moving at the table, that’s certainly a possibility. It would be a disappointment, but we have to do what we have to do,” he said.

Three ETSB schools to close during FAE strike Read More »

Warden’s Breakfast champions philanthropy for Pontiac’s good causes

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Glen Hartle, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The second annual Warden’s Breakfast, in support of the Centraide Outaouais 2023 campaign, was held at the Recreation Centre in Campbell’s Bay on Monday morning. With 129 tickets sold in advance and more at the door, it was a big success.
MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller served as both host and emcee of the buffet-style meal which featured a broad array of breakfast fare and a diverse parade of speakers.
Toller was joined by Centraide team members Denis Harrison (President of the campaign), Cédric Tessier (Director General), Noëlla Beausoleil (Philanthropic Development Director) and Sara Ait Jilali (Philanthropic Development Advisor).
Also in attendance were several mayors including Colleen Larivière (Litchfield), Lynne Cameron (Portage du Fort), Sandra Armstrong (Mansfield and Pontefract), Christine Francoeur (Fort Coulonge) and Doris Ranger (Sheenboro). Those unable to attend contributed their purchased tickets to a pool to enable residents of retirement home Freinds of St-Joseph’s Manor to attend.
The seven associations that Centraide supports locally are Bouffe Pontiac, Centre Serge-Bélair, Comptoir St-Pierre de Fort-Coulonge/Mansfield, Le Jardin Éducatif du Pontiac, Les Maisons des jeunes du Pontiac, Maison de la famille du Pontiac and Patro Fort Coulonge/Mansfield.
A final tally of funds raised from the event is forthcoming, however, Toller suspects it will be more than double last year’s contributions to the association.
“Let’s not see this as an end point, but as a beginning,” she said. “We look forward to growing this event bigger and better with each passing year, ensuring that our community continues to thrive and support one another.”

Warden’s Breakfast champions philanthropy for Pontiac’s good causes Read More »

Concerns voiced over incinerator project at Friends of the Pontiac meeting

Local Journalism Initiative / / /
Charles Dickson, editor
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Efforts to advance a proposed garbage incinerator project in the Pontiac “raised many red flags,” says a local elected official working on waste management.
Jennifer Quaile, a councillor in Otter Lake and that municipality’s representative on MRC Pontiac’s waste management committee, made the comments in a presentation at a public information meeting hosted by Friends of the Pontiac in Ladysmith last Thursday evening.
According to Quaile, it was clear from the beginning that the waste management committee on which she sits was not going to function in the way she thought it should.
“The committee had no specific mandate, no stated mission,” said Quaile. “For the first few meetings, it seemed this committee was a forum for the warden to convince everyone on the virtues of garbage incineration or energy from waste.”
“I believe there’s a public perception that the committee is a decision-making body, or at least one that can make recommendations to the Council of Mayors for consideration. Unfortunately, that is not the case,” she said.
Concerned that the warden’s solution to disposing of Pontiac’s 5,000 tons of garbage involved importing an additional 395,000 tons required to feed the $450 million incinerator, Quaile began to conduct her own research, an area of specialty as a former public policy researcher and advisor to the federal government.
“What I found in my research were so many red flags – I was actually appalled to see such a dramatic difference from what the warden had been portraying,” Quaile said in her Thursday evening presentation.
Quaile also recounted a number of incidents where she says she and others who attempted to raise their concerns were accused by the warden of being ‘environmentalists’ and were told she would not tolerate ‘fear mongering’.
“To our warden, valid questions and concerns are fear mongering. That is not right in a democracy,” said Quaile.
At one point, Warden Toller, one of the 25 people in the audience at the meeting, interrupted Quaile’s presentation.
“Is this meeting about me or about the incinerator project?” the warden asked.
Remo Pasteris, who moderated the event, reminded the warden and all in attendance that questions could be asked later, but that interruptions of presentations would not be tolerated.
Quaile told the audience that, in the face of her experience with the incinerator issue, she is dismayed but not discouraged, and outlined two areas where she feels change is needed.
“Our regional government – MRC Pontiac – needs to be more transparent . . . a space where mayors and councillors can speak up and members of the public can have their voices heard without being mocked.”
“We should be putting our efforts towards implementing a waste management plan that diverts waste through proven methods like recycling and composting,” she said.
“This would be good public policy, much more environmentally friendly and much less costly,” said the Otter Lake councillor.
Quaile concluded her remarks with a comment about the importance of a free press.
“The free press is, I might add, an incredibly important part of a democracy. As we have seen over the last several months with letters to the editor, the press provides a forum for the voices of the community when they cannot be heard at town halls or MRC meetings,” she said.
Quaile’s presentation was followed by Friends of the Pontiac member Linda Davis speaking on governance issues.
“This is an improper process,” she said. “We should have had a feasibility study. We should have found out what all technologies are available right now and let us have that open discussion.”
Davis recalled that at the warden’s town hall meeting in Shawville in mid-June, the warden said a business plan would be produced, that Deloitte was going to produce it and that it would cost $200,000.
“And I put up my hand and said ‘Before you tender the contract, you can’t say who the winner is going to be,’” Davis recounted.
Remo Pasteris, a Bristol resident and member of Friends of the Pontiac, drew on his science background with the federal government in his review of concerns over the environmental and human health impacts of garbage incinerators of the sort being proposed for the Pontiac.
In a conversation after the meeting, Pasteris emphasized his concern about toxic chemicals.
“Where do the toxic chemicals go? They have to go somewhere. They cannot simply disappear into thin air. Will they be in the emissions? Will they be in the bottom ash? What is the list of chemicals that this incinerator will be tested for, and what are the limits?” he asked.

Concerns voiced over incinerator project at Friends of the Pontiac meeting Read More »

Seniors draw up childhood memories

Local Journalism Initiative / / /
Sophie Kuijper Dickson, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The hall at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Shawville was transformed into an art studio for an hour on Thursday morning.
Fifteen or so people over the age of 55, mostly from the Shawville area, gathered for an art workshop hosted by Connexions Resource Centre.
A spread of coloured pencils, design markers and paints filled a table at the front for the artists of the hour to choose from.
Once they were all seated in front of their blank pages, Diane Wheatley, the resource centre’s regional seniors coordinator, and facilitator of the event, invited them to illustrate a powerful memory from their childhood.
“I was thinking, hmmm, bare feet on a summer day… wonderful,” said Mary McDowell Wood, one of the attendees. “But that’s hard to do,” she concluded.
She sat in front of her blank page for several minutes before deciding to paint the creek that runs through what is now Mill Dam Park on the eastern edge of Shawville.
McDowell Wood said she remembered walking down there as a child, passing the dump on the way, to put her feet in the cold water.
“With aging there are lots of compromises, but the good news is I’m still mobile,” she said.
Her neighbours at the table chatted amongst themselves, deciding on which of their own childhood memories they would be bringing back to life.
“[Making art] offers a reason for social gathering,” said Wheatley. “They are sharing ideas, but they’re also working their memory, and they are also working their hand and eye coordination.”
“Their use of colour also tells you a lot,” she said. “As you can see, everything is pretty bright, so that’s very positive.”
The morning’s event was the third of a series she has been running over the past few weeks. The first two were in Chelsea and Buckingham.
“These kinds of activities allow this, getting the community together talking and sharing” Wheatley said. “It’s precious.”
The next art session will be hosted in Shawville on Nov. 30. Participants will be invited to draw their family tree.

Seniors draw up childhood memories Read More »

‘Literacy means making sense of your world’

Local Journalism Initiative / / /
Camilla Faragalli, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC) has been supporting individuals looking to improve upon their literacy in the Pontiac and larger Outaouais region for decades.
While the organization aims to support the development of all forms of literacy, the COVID-19 pandemic, which moved much of the world online, highlighted an urgent need for digital literacy in the region.
Outgoing president Donna Cushman knows this well. She’s held the position for four years, since just before the start of the pandemic.
Cushman said the WQCL is doing a lot of work to promote digital literacy, especially with seniors, emphasizing that for many people, digital literacy is “a whole new world” to learn to navigate.
“There are a lot of people that could get along with oral communication [in the past],” she said, pointing out that it was easier for people with a lower level of literacy to find employment, prior to the explosion of internet popularity over the past couple of decades.
Cushman said that now, however, many people “just don’t have all the skills that they need,” which in some cases, she said, can lead to embarrassment.
“Sometimes they’ve had really negative learning experiences growing up, and so they’re reluctant to ask for support, because learning has not been a positive experience,” she said.
“It’s a lot of relationship building, at first, you know, gaining trust . . . Because if you don’t have that, you’re not going to get very far with the learning.”
In her time with the organization, Cushman saw the extent to which literacy and confidence, especially in adults, can go hand in hand.
“To me, in the broadest sense, literacy means making sense of your world, and everybody needs to be able to make sense of the world around them,” Cushman said.
Cushman is continuing with the organization as a tutor and a reading buddy. Replacing her as president of the WQLC is Nikki Beuchler.
‘Learners set their own goals’
Founded in 1984, the WQLC works to promote English literacy across the Outaouais by connecting both adult and child learners with local tutors, free of charge.
Individual weekly lessons consist of reading, writing, numeracy, digital skills and communication with one of about 30 trained volunteers.
Lessons are tailored to developing the skills the learner personally identifies as areas needing improvement. No grades or levels are given.
“Our learners set their own goals,” said Greg Graham, executive director of the WQLC.
“There are all sorts of people at varying levels of literacy,” he said, explaining that while for some people literacy goals can be specific, such as achieving a level necessary for enrolment in a post-secondary or adult education program, in other cases, people simply desire to improve their quality of life.
“People are unable to enjoy life or participate in the way they want, because they’re just not able to read and write at the level they need,” he said.
Graham cited the story of an elderly woman who wanted to improve her literacy and digital literacy skills in order to book a flight online to visit family.
“[It is] something that so many of us take for granted, but for this person it was a struggle,” said Graham, adding that the woman was eventually able to develop the skills necessary to book her flight independently.
According to Graham, a number of factors exist that can contribute to a person’s ability to develop and maintain a functional level of literacy.
“They maybe didn’t have all the opportunities to go to school that you or I had,” he said. “Or because of their family situation, they’re living in a bi-cultural, bi-linguistic family, where the language they speak at home and the language they study at school are two different things.”
Graham said the WQLC does not exist to replace traditional education but rather to provide easy-to-access literacy support to people, many of whom are older and less inclined to go back to school.
“They [learners] are not lost,” Graham said, “they just don’t fit the nice handy categories that traditional education provides.”
He maintained that one-on-one tutoring or small workshops can often better suit adult learners’ needs.
A publicly available report from the WQLC shows that in 2021, the organization helped 317 participants in workshops over the course of the year. The report noted the COVID-19 pandemic significantly restricted the literacy program from reaching as many people as it could have.
The bigger picture
An often-cited survey from the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies conducted in 2013 found that 19 per cent of people in Quebec were likely to find themselves in a situation where they would experience great, or very great difficulty in reading and writing.
For context, that means about one in five people in the province would have great, or very great difficulty reading this article.
Guy Chiasson, a professor of political science at the Universite du Québec en Outaouais, said literacy is “very important” for regional development.
“In the current economy, it’s very hard to find positions where you don’t have some level of literacy,” Chaisson said, adding that literacy is important for citizenship, participation in society, and being part of a dynamic community.
“It shouldn’t be seen only in terms of how to get people to be able to work, but also how to get people to be included in society and to be fully functional in all aspects of life,” he said.
According to the WQLC, higher literacy can improve job prospects, earning potential, self confidence and pride, which in turn helps in areas such as personal development, and community regeneration.
“The more literate everyone is, the better we can hold governments to account, the better we can participate in society,” Graham said.
“Regionally, we have that English-French divide,” he added. “And we [in Western Quebec] have got, in some cases, a lower level of education, as well as an older population that might not have much exposure to technology.”
Graham said that one of the biggest challenges for the WQLC has always been the sheer size of Western Quebec.
“We’re bigger than Belgium,” he said. “We cover a vast territory… we want to be able to be more effective geographically. As a region, we will do a lot better if we have those skills.”
The WQLC office is located in Campbell’s Bay. Interested learners and tutors alike are encouraged to reach out.

‘Literacy means making sense of your world’ Read More »

Joyful jingles & merry mingles

Local Journalism Initiative / / /
Camilla Faragalli, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Snow-frosted trees and sparkling gift packages filled the tinsel-lined hall at the Forest Inn on Saturday for the Bryson RA’s second annual Jingle & Mingle Christmas event.
Elves, ice princesses and of course, Santa himself, were all present and photo-ready throughout the “jingle” portion of the day.
Upon entry, kids were invited to take a photo with Santa and write him a letter, to be sent to him via North Pole Express Post.
Photo print-outs were available immediately, as was a frame-decorating station, and an abundance of hot chocolate, cupcakes and rice krispies to keep little bellies full.
“Often in rural areas like the Pontiac, when we want nice professional photos with Santa, we go to shopping centres in the city,” said Meghan Griffin, one of the twenty-plus volunteers from the Bryson RA who helped make the event possible.
“We wanted to kind of bring the magic here,” she said, adding that over 100 children had attended the sold-out event over the course of the day.
“It’s pretty special.”
“We don’t have many events in the Pontiac,” said Danick Lacroix, a Bryson father of three who attended the Jingle with his family.
“Last year’s [Jingle and Mingle] was a success, but it’s even better this year,” he said.
Shyloh Pasqua, secretary of the Bryson RA, said that the Forest Inn hall was lent to the RA for the occasion by Stanton Enterprises Ltd.
“It’s exceptionally generous because it’s very hard to find a hall big enough to accommodate the space that we need,” she said, adding that the donated space helped lower the costs of admission, making the event more of “a giving back” to the community.
The hall would be transformed yet again that evening, for the “mingle” portion of the Jingle & Mingle; a Christmas craft and vendor show featuring local artisans.

Joyful jingles & merry mingles Read More »

CWL Christmas market returns to Ste-Anne’s Church

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Camilla Faragalli, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

After a pandemic-related hiatus, the Catholic Women’s League annual Christmas market was back in full swing at Calumet Island’s Ste-Anne’s Church on Sunday.
“It’s a big church and we try to help out as much as we can with our fundraisers,” said Joan Derouin, president of the Ste-Anne’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and lead organizer of the Christmas market.
The event featured 12 local vendors, a bake sale and a draw for prizes including gift baskets, wall-hangings and paintings, with proceeds going to different charitable organizations, as well as the church itself.
“I appreciate that this local event is just for artisans,” said Nathalie Bennett, one of the vendors and the owner of Hodgepodge Artizan. “You get a unique perspective on other artists in the area.”
Bennett was selling her “door jingle-janglers,” which she said bring positive energy and good fortune to the home, as well as a variety of charms, necklaces, and even some decorative Christmas spiders.
“They’re really cute in the bathroom,” said Bennett of her beaded arachnids. “I use them to guard my soap,” she added with a smile.
Bennett’s unique creations were among the many on display.
Local artist Jelly Massee was selling her acrylic paintings and watercolours along with some Christmas decorations made from oyster shells and wood cuts.
“Bryan [Massee’s husband] was eating oysters one night and I didn’t want to waste the shells, so I got the idea to make these,” she said.
Massee explained that she builds the shells up with clay in some places, before painting, varnishing and drilling holes in them to make her decorations.
“It’s been an awesome day,” she said of the market. “Just meeting people and getting my work out there, letting people know I’m here.”
As well as promoting local artisans, Lise Lagarde, the CWL’s secretary, said the Ste-Anne’s Christmas market is about helping people in need.
“We help the homeless, we help local shelters like L’EntourElle and AutonHomme, and we also do baskets for our elderly that are alone or hospitalized at Christmas,” she said.
She added that the rest of the proceeds go towards the church, particularly to help pay the heating bill, or if a member is going through a hard time.
“If their house should burn down or if they are hospitalized or something, we come and help,” Lagarde said.
“CWL stands for Catholic Women’s League, but it’s beyond just a church.” Lagarde said.
“It’s community.

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Pontiac High hosts exhibition hockey games in Shawville

Local Journalism Initiative / / /
Charles Dickson, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

The 2023-2024 high school hockey season was launched almost two weeks ago as Pontiac High School (PHS) hosted teams from Hadley and Philemon Wright in exhibition games at Shawville arena. Teachers Darcy Findlay and Matt Greer are co-organizers of the PHS hockey program, with help from Cody Laurent and Steve Rusenstrom. According to Greer, the hockey program has been running since about 2004, with a short hiatus during the covid pandemic. This year’s lineup features 18 boys and girls on each of the junior and senior teams. Asked whether he calls it co-ed hockey, Findlay replied, “I just call it hockey.” Friday’s games were officiated by volunteer referee Jeff Ireland. The visiting teams, hailing from the Hull sector of Gatineau, both took commanding leads early in the games. Valiant effort on the part of the Pontiac teams closed the gap but, in the end, was not enough to prevail. As Cade Kuehl of the PHS senior team said, “We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to lots of fun, learning and growing together as a team, and maybe some winning in there too.”

Pontiac High hosts exhibition hockey games in Shawville Read More »

A (Ladies’) Night to remember

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Camilla Faragalli, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Dozens of women spent Friday evening sharing food, wine, and plenty of laughter at Marché Bristol Market’s first ladies’ night event.
The nearly sold-out charity fundraiser, hosted at Bristol’s Jack Graham Community Center, featured a vendors market, a silent auction, a buffet, bingo, and door prizes.
“We chose the Ladies’ Night theme because there was nothing like it in Bristol and the ladies of the Pontiac deserve a night out,” said Marché Bristol Market’s president Emily Reid.
She said that the event was such a success that the organization, which just got its nonprofit status over the summer, is already planning another large fundraiser for next year.
Reid is one of Marché Bristol’s three board members and permanent volunteers. Other members include treasurer Jennifer Gauthier and secretary Taylor Tubman.
The event raised money for Angel Tree, a volunteer organization whose mission is to provide children in need in the Outaouais with toys, clothes, hygiene products, food, and school supplies.
“We decided to go with Angel Tree because they weren’t getting a lot of publicity through other local events,” Reid said. “And the timing is just perfect, because they’re really focused around Christmas time.”
Samantha Jane, a wedding officiant and sex educator, was one of 11 vendors at the event, selling a range of personal products for women.
“I came here tonight because I know the organizers, and they thought it would be a good place for me to get to know some of the community,” she said.
“I’m having the party of my life it seems,” she added with a grin, yelling slightly over a cover performance of The Beatles’ Twist and Shout that was blaring from the stage.
The live music from self-described “high-voltage rock-blues-country band” Jon Dale kept energy levels up all night.
Band members included lead vocalist Katy Shnier, lead guitarist Nicolas Carrière, Mathieu Carrière on guitar and vocals, Patrick Marshall on drums, and Eugene Sable on bass.
“Everybody was just in a great mood,” said Gail Gavan, who attended the event and even graced the stage herself to provide some impromptu entertainment.
“We all needed to get out and just have a little bit of fun,” she added.
Ladies’ Night was catered by Chantal Labrie and Melanie Rivet of Norway Bay’s My Way chip stand, with desserts from Jennifer Gauthier, also known as The Bay Baker.

A (Ladies’) Night to remember Read More »

Legion hosts Comedy Night

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Glen Hartle, reporter
Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Local boy Eric O’Brien, from Vinton, came back to his roots and brought some fellow comics with him for the comedy night hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 162, also known as the Pontiac Legion, this past Friday evening.
Mona Woodstock, secretary for the Legion, said “we wanted to try something different,” and big city comedy in small town lights sounds different.
The small building the Legion calls home seats, at most, 50 people and is essentially a walk-in off the street kind of place. There’s a bar at the far end, windows on the sidewalk side sandwiching the main door, a piano, ample community-style seating and commemorative memorabilia on most walls and surfaces. It’s an intimate environment and one that would seem to lend itself well for comedic routines where familiarity is part and parcel of the show.
Enter Eric O’Brien and Friends.
O’Brien is a tall fellow with a jolly disposition and he was clearly in comfortable and familiar territory standing in front of a crowd with a microphone in his hand. He has previously worked at CHIP-FM as a journalist and content creator, has experience in ad work for radio and television and also has experience in podcasts. The fact that the audience was essentially his home turf likely added to his ease. Or did it?
Standing in a casual two-tone hoodie and quilted pull-over puffer vest, he looked at home with his mom, dad and several other family members looking on.
“I don’t usually let anyone I know come to my shows,” he laughed as he got the evening rolling. “However, I now get to embarrass my family.”
With O’Brien were three friends from the city, all comedians with various levels of experience. First up was Jake Daly and, to use O’Brien’s words, his routine was “kind of intense.” That is an understatement. As is the case with comedy, some of his schtick worked and some did not, and the audience of a largely older crowd wasn’t always quite in tune with his – um – intensity.
Next up was Andreas DeChellis, newly testing his comedic chops. His self-deprecating humour and youthful disposition were endearing and, in his own words, he’s still working on things.
After a pause for refreshments, O’Brien once again took the mic and offered some amusing banter before handing the floor to veteran “he’s seriously in the top ten in Ottawa” comedian Jeff Davis. It is here where the show took flight and the audience let loose with their appreciation. Davis is a large man who uses his size as a part of his routine and “accidentally winning a pie-eating contest” was met with enthusiastic laughter. He held court for the remainder of his stint and the Legion came alive.
All in all, O’Brien showed the Legion, family and friends that he has both aspiration and talent, and is surrounded by a fellowship that supports him. For the Legion and its clientele, let’s hope they “try something different” again, because it was good fun this time around and we want more.

Legion hosts Comedy Night Read More »

Champlain College Lennoxville staff strike for improved public services

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The staff of Champlain College Lennoxville, a public English-language CEGEP in the Townships, are on strike from Nov. 21 to 23. This action, part of the Common Front, a coalition of Quebec public sector unions, is a response to government proposals deemed insufficient by the staff and aims to advocate for access to quality collegiate education across the region.

Participating are the Champlain College Lennoxville Teaching Union (SECCL), Support Staff Union (SPSCCL), and Professional Staff Union (APCCL). The strike began at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and is being held at Champlain College Lennoxville.

The SECCL represents over 100 teachers and is part of the College Teachers Alliance (ASPPC), which unites 61 teaching staff unions across Quebec. The SPSCCL Represents over 20 employees in various administrative and technical roles. The APCCL is comprised of 13 members, including advisors and social workers, focusing on student welfare.

This strike underscores the staff’s stated commitment to maintaining high standards in collegiate education. The unions, part of a broader alliance representing over 420,000 public sector workers in Quebec, are negotiating with the stated goal of avoiding impoverishment and promoting equitable access to education.

Maxime Chaput Dupuy, APPCL President, explained that they are striking in an effort to improve their working conditions. There has been a large turnover in employees among CEGEPs in Quebec, he continued; Champlain Lennoxville is a “young” group and has been affected just the same. Their major goal is simply to retain professionals at the CEGEP level.

The central question is one of pay – professionals with the same job can make much more money in the private sector. This “pay gap” affects retention, since, with many trades, one can make 15 to 20 per cent more elsewhere.

Inflation has outpaced wage increases, and they have not been able to maintain their purchasing power, he said. The government’s current offer is a 1.5 per cent increase for next year, but the recent inflation rate is 7 per cent. This renders their position “unstable”, and they are insisting on fighting for an offer that “would make up for the losses of the past few years”. Other issues on the table include flexibility of working schedules and “relief” for time worked as representatives of their respective unions.

Dupuy emphasized that the government has more than enough money to pay for what they are asking. He stated that the APPCL has a good working relationship with their local management, which is not at issue.

SECCL President Brigitte Robert confirmed that the strike is a response to “the lack of movement at the negotiating table”. The government’s offer of a 10 per cent increase in salaries over the next five years is “not reasonable”, does not even keep pace with inflation, and the government push for later retirement dates penalizes employees instead of incentivizing them to stay longer at their jobs.

The Common Front is demanding a $100 per week immediate increase in pay, or an increase equal to the current inflation rate, for all members, plus two, three and four per cent salary increases over the next three years respectively.

After the planned Nov. 21-23 strike days, the Common Front must give the government legal notice to strike again. If notice is given Nov. 24, the next strike could start as early as Dec. 5. The Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement (FAE), a separate teacher’s union, is starting a general unlimited strike this Thursday, she said, and it is part of the mandate voted by the Common Front last October that they would be willing to do the same.

The Common Front recently took another measure towards a resolution of their negotiation woes – a demand for conciliation was “deposited” Nov. 16. This amounts to the request for a mediator to sit down at the table with both parties to facilitate a solution – it has been accepted. There is a lot of “media spin” by the CAQ government, Robert claimed, putting forward the idea the Common Front is simply unwilling to budge, but the opposite is true.

“Adjusting to inflation is the minimum,” Robert insisted. Without such an adjustment, public sector employees are, in effect, losing money year to year. But they expect more, she continued, since Quebec’s MNAs voted themselves a 30 per cent raise and the provincial police just received a 21 per cent increase themselves. “When you see that our offer is half of what was offered to the [provincial police], it is really insulting.”

The government has the means to meet their demands, Robert said, and austerity cannot be used as an excuse not to invest in public services. Investment is needed in the public sector, but she thinks the CAQ, comprised of “businessmen, businesswomen” from the private sector, refuse to appreciate it. Public services are “broken and need repair”.

Robert emphasized her union is not doing this because its members do not love their jobs, but because they want to be able to do their jobs better and devote more time and attention to every student in their classrooms. She invites the students and community to show solidarity and “come say ‘hi’” to those on the picket lines.

The Champlain unions are planning a “big human chain” event in partnership with the Eastern Township School Board unions for Nov. 22, wherein a human chain will be formed from the Champlain Lennoxville building all the way to Lennoxville Elementary School.

Visit profsennego.com for insights into the teachers’ negotiation process and the broader implications for Quebec’s educational landscape.

Champlain College Lennoxville staff strike for improved public services Read More »

Gatineau invites artists to enrich downtown with Public Art for Sentier Culturel 2024

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Photo: In a bid to transform the cityscape of Gatineau with vibrant public art, the Sentier Culturel 2024 becomes a canvas for creativity, as seen in the colourful geometric sculptures floating serenely on the water, blending artistry with the fluidity of urban life. (TF) Photo courtesy of the City of Gatineau

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

In a move to invigorate the downtown area of Gatineau, the City, in partnership with Tourisme Outaouais, Vision Centre-ville, and the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, has launched a call for submissions for the 2024 edition of the Sentier Culturel public art initiative.

This marks the eighth edition of the contest, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its cultural and artistic landscape.The competition is centred around the integration of ephemeral public art installations along the Sentier Culturel 2024 route, a key component in the city’s strategy to revitalize the downtown core. By introducing artistic works into the urban environment, the initiative aims to create a dynamic and attractive city centre, rich in cultural experiences.

Artists from the Outaouais region, the national capital region, and across Quebec are invited to submit their proposals. The competition is divided into two main categories: urban art and digital art. For urban art, artists can propose either new or existing works that have not been previously displayed in Gatineau. These installations must be durable to withstand outdoor conditions for a minimum of five months, safe for public interaction, and self-sustaining without the need for constant supervision.

In addition to traditional urban art, the contest is open to digital art projects specifically designed for a 20-foot shipping container, which will be part of the Sentier Culturel. This unique aspect allows artists to experiment with space and technology in a contained environment.

The Sentier Culturel offers a budget ranging from $3,000 to $25,000 plus taxes for each artwork, depending on its scale, size, and complexity. Artists are encouraged to include detailed budget proposals in their submissions. The competition also allows for financial participation from other partners.

Submission guidelines require artists to present a comprehensive package, including an abridged CV, a brief artistic approach statement, a detailed project proposal, envisioned locationor type of space for the installation, and visual representations of the proposed artwork. Budget projections should be presented using a provided template.

The deadline for submissions is set for November 26, at 11:59 pm. All applications must be submitted via the SMARTSHEET platform by this deadline to be considered.

The entries will be evaluated based on a range of criteria, including the understanding and presentation of the project, adherence to guidelines, budget realism, originality, creativity, technical feasibility, and the potential impact on the Sentier Culturel’s visitor experience.

The jury for the competition will comprise members from the Sentier Culturel team, representatives from the City of Gatineau’s Service des arts, Tourisme Outaouais, Vision Centre-ville, two professional artists, and a representative from the Association des Résidants ​de l’Ile de Hull.

With this call for submissions, Gatineau reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene in its urban spaces, offering both local and national artists an opportunity to showcase their creativity and contribute to the city’s aesthetic and cultural enrichment.

Gatineau invites artists to enrich downtown with Public Art for Sentier Culturel 2024 Read More »

Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy hosted groundbreaking forum in the Outaouais

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Photo: The Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy Forum in Outaouais, focused on the future and efficacy of Homeopathic Medicine. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

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

The Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy (QCFH/CPHQ) recently organized an innovative forum on homeopathy, marking a historic first in the nation’s capital region. Hosted at a hotel in Outaouais, the event was co-hosted by Paul Labrèche, homeopath and president of the QCFH, alongside Dr. Christiane Laberge, a distinguished family physician and well-known health communicator in Quebec. The forum also featured the presence of other notable experts in the field, significantly contributing to the discussion and promotion of homeopathy within the region.

At the forum, the extensive agenda delved into the global impact of homeopathy, its potential in addressing everyday health issues, and featured powerful patient testimonies underscoring the benefits of homeopathic treatment. Paul Labrèche, reflecting on these discussions, emphasized the global significance of homeopathy, stating, “Homeopathy is an approach to health that is used around the world, which positively contributes to improving the health of Quebecers and allthe inhabitants of this planet. The growing use and popularity of homeopathy is in itself an indication of its effectiveness and legitimacy.” This statement highlighted the broad scope and increasing recognition of homeopathy in healthcare.

The forum also addressed the challenges facing homeopathy, particularly in light of Health Canada’s proposed cost recovery program for Natural Health Products (NHPs). This development could lead to higher costs for homeopathic medicines, potentially affecting access and leading to increased online imports of questionable quality.

In addressing inquiries about customizing homeopathic treatments for the unique health requirements of the Outaouais region and building connections with local healthcare providers, Sylvie Piché, the Communications Officer for the Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy (QCFH), recognized the challenges due to limited resources. She explained, “Our coalition, constrained by limited financial and human resources, faces challenges in extensively evaluating and responding to the specific needs of various regions across Quebec.” Piché further elaborated, “However, organizing an event like the recent forum serves a crucial role in raising awareness about homeopathy. It highlights its significance and applicability as a therapeutic approach in regions like Outaouais.” This statement underlines the coalition’s effort to promote homeopathy despite resource-related limitations.

Paul Labrèche, President of the Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy, provided in-depth insights into the effectiveness and global influence of homeopathy. He compared the approach of homeopathic practitioners to that of conventional doctors, noting a significant difference in how each interacts with patients. “Homeopathic non-doctors often have more time to spend with theirpatients or clients than doctors who are in the health system,” Labrèche observed. This allows for a more personalized and in-depth understanding of the patient’s needs in homeopathic practice.

Labrèche also shared compelling patient stories that underscored the effectiveness of ​homeopathic treatments. One notable example was of a woman who had been frequently hospitalized due to recurrent pneumonia and, after receiving homeopathic treatment, there was a remarkable improvement in her health. “She ended up not being hospitalized anymore and regained much more energy,” Labrèche recounted, illustrating the transformative impact of homeopathy in this case.

Labrèche’s future vision for healthcare is centred around a collaborative model. He advocated for integrating various medical practices, including homeopathy, into the broader healthcare system. “I like the word collaborative,” he emphasized, proposing a healthcare system where diverse medical approaches work in tandem for the overall benefit of patients. This integrated approach, according to Labrèche, could lead to more effective and comprehensive patient care.

Quebec Coalition for Homeopathy hosted groundbreaking forum in the Outaouais Read More »

The new seniors and alternative centre Parc-de-la-Montagne in Hull welcomes its first residents

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Photo: Local leaders inaugurate MDAA Parc-de-la-Montagne, the first of 46 planned seniors’ and alternative centres in Outaouais, marking a transformative step in residential and long-term care environments. (TF) Photo courtesy of the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Centre

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

In a significant step towards enhancing care for the elderly and adults with special needs, the Parc-de-la-Montagne seniors and alternative home opened its doors to its first residents on November 8. This event marked the culmination of a dedicated effort to create a living space that balances quality care with a home-like environment, signifying a shift in how society approaches long-term residential care.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Sonia Bélanger, the Minister responsible for Seniors and Minister for Health, and Suzanne Tremblay, the Member of Parliament for Hull. Located at 155, boulevard Lionel-Émond in Gatineau, the facility is a testament to a collaborative vision of providing compassionate and specialized care.

The Parc-de-la-Montagne is distinguished by its unique design, featuring 72 new places for the region’s population, with 60 dedicated to seniors and 12 for adults with special needs. This establishment consists of six households, each accommodating 12 individuals. These residents are provided with single rooms, each equipped with adapted toilets and showers, ensuring privacy and dignity.

A key aspect of this new facility is its emphasis on creating a familiar, home-like atmosphere. The design and architecture of the Parc-de-la-Montagne are centred around recreating the warmth and comfort of a home, aiming to provide a more human-centric living environment. Thisapproach is part of a broader vision to transform the nature of residential and long-term care facilities.

This innovative model extends beyond the physical layout. It fosters a community-centric approach, promoting human contact and an active lifestyle. Both interior and exterior spaces arethoughtfully arranged to meet the needs of residents and their families. The inclusion of caregivers in the daily lives of residents is a strategic move to enhance interaction and provide holistic care.

In her address, Sonia Bélanger expressed her pride in the realization of this project, highlighting its alignment with the government’s commitment to providing inclusive and pleasant living environments on a human scale. Suzanne Tremblay shared her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing seniors with quality services and care in a stimulating and secure environment in Gatineau.

MNA Mathieu Levesque, also present at the inauguration, celebrated the addition of 72 new places for the Outaouais population, acknowledging the role of Sonia Bélanger in bringing this vision to life.

The Parc-de-la-Montagne is one of the 46 seniors and alternative homes announced, contributing to a total of 3,480 places, nearly 3,000 of which are new. This initiative is part of a ​broader transformation in residential and long-term care settings, reflecting a shift towards morehumane and resident-focused care models.

The new seniors and alternative centre Parc-de-la-Montagne in Hull welcomes its first residents Read More »

Inspiring unity and resilience: Aylmer’s business community gathers for a networking event

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Photo: United for progress: Mayor France Bélisle shared words of encouragement to Aylmer’s business leaders’ rally at a networking event. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

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

On the evening of November 15, the local business community of Aylmer gathered at Putter’s in the Galeries Aylmer for a significant networking event. Organized by the Association des professionnels, industriels et commerçants d’Aylmer (APICA) in collaboration with Le Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale (RGA), La Banque Nationale and Inteloom, the event symbolized a united front against the current economic challenges.

Amidst a backdrop of inflation, climate change, and global upheaval, the event was a beacon of resilience and cooperation. Mayor France Bélisle acknowledged the tenacity of the entrepreneurs, stating, “Thank you to the entrepreneurs for their perseverance through the pandemic and the current economic climate – for not giving up. I know how running a small business takes two hundred per cent of your attention and the city is here to back you up!”

Patrick Chénier, President of APICA, reinforced the significance of such gatherings, “It is so healthy for local business owners to gather and show support, especially at Putters where Serge Laprade has invested so much into growing his business here in Aylmer.”

APICA, recognized for its role in stimulating and supporting the Aylmer business community, once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a supportive environment for business growth. With initiatives that range from networking events to promoting local heritage through festivals, APICA has been a cornerstone in the socio-economic development of the region.

The RGA, known for its dedication to the success of Francophone and Francophile business people in the National Capital Region, continues to be a vital player in the business landscape. Their values of cooperation, acknowledgment, and commitment were reflected in the night’s atmosphere, uniting businesses in a common goal of thriving in challenging times.

This event not only provided a platform for networking but also highlighted the enduring spirit and adaptability of the business community in Aylmer, a testament to the collaborative efforts of organizations like APICA and RGA.

Inspiring unity and resilience: Aylmer’s business community gathers for a networking event Read More »

Waterville parents rally against school bus service cut to Astbury Road

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By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant mobilization effort, parents in Waterville are challenging the Centre de Service Scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke (CSSRS)’s recent decision to suspend bus services along Astbury Road, citing major safety concerns for their children. The decision, effective from Oct. 30, has sparked widespread unease and calls for action within the community.

Parents’ position

Lucie Massinon, a local parent, expressed bewilderment over the suspension, noting the longstanding history of reliable school transportation on Astbury Road since the 1990s. She pointed out the improved condition of public roads today compared to twenty years ago, labeling the CSSRS’s decision as “completely illogical”.

The alternative route proposed by the CSSRS is deemed far less safe. It features challenges such as reduced visibility due to a sharp curve, frequent wildlife crossings, ice risks from a nearby hydraulic dam, persistent fog, and heavy, high-speed traffic of trucks and cars. These conditions represent a “real nightmare” for parents concerned about the safety of their children.

Moreover, the designated boarding point for the bus service contravenes CSSRS policy CSRS-POL-2012-02, which advocates for reasonable walking distances to bus stops. The property of one of the families lies over 600 meters from the nearest stop, exceeding the policy’s limit and thereby challenging its compliance.

Adding to the urgency, an incident on Nov. 1 highlighted systemic issues within the school’s organization. A child from Astbury Road was mistakenly sent home by bus, despite being scheduled to stay at school, resulting in the child being left alone over 600 meters from home, without sidewalks or safe passage.

This situation at Astbury Road is not isolated but reflects a broader issue affecting rural school transportation. In response, Waterville parents have garnered support from the city of Waterville and are reaching out to other rural municipalities within the CSSRS territory, urging them to adopt similar resolutions to support the cause.

Massinon emphasized the arbitrary nature of the CSSRS’s decision, challenging the validity of the reasons given for the suspension of the bus service. The parents are adamant in their fight, asserting that school transportation is a fundamental right and rejecting the notion of being treated as second-class citizens. They remain hopeful that the CSSRS will revisit and amend its decision, acknowledging the genuine concerns of the families affected.

“All we know is that the bus used to pass on Astbury Road for 30 years and now they say it is not safe anymore,” said David Blanchette, parent representative. A lot of other municipalities are concerned about the situation, he added.

In Hatley, he continued, they are planning on making a private road public and may face the same issue, but they will not be able to point to a previous 30 years of problem-free service.

“Basically, what they are saying is dirt roads are not safe anymore,” Blanchette reiterated, but it is important that those in the country have the same services as those in the towns.

It was Blanchette’s 5-year-old child that was accidentally left by the side of route 143 a few weeks ago. “This is unacceptable. It can’t happen.”

CSSRS response

The official overseeing school bus transportation in the region in question informed the CSSRS that the school bus driver tasked with navigating Astbury Road claimed it would be a “security risk in winter conditions”, said Donald Landry, General Secretary of the CSSRS. The driver indicated that the turns, inclines, and width of the road were all dangerous, especially in icy conditions and with the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic.

The CSSRS conducted their own preliminary investigation and found there was indeed a potentially unacceptable level of risk in navigating the road. Thus, they decided to accept, for the moment, the bus driver’s assessment, and suspended service on Astbury Road until the end of the spring. The bus will return to its normal service at the beginning of May.

During the winter season, the children affected will have to catch their bus on the side of route 143, but the Ministry of Transport will install panels on the side of the route indicating there is a new bus stop there.

To fully verify that they have made the correct decision, the CSSRS has commissioned an official study to assess whether the road presents a “real risk” for school buses during the winter season and are waiting for the results.

Waterville Mayor’s position

“We keep our roads as good as we can,” said Waterville Mayor Nathalie Dupuis, and Astbury Road has not been changed for years besides one section of it being redone. The repairs did not change the road’s configuration, she insisted. Nothing concerns them about the quality of the road.

Snow removal on the road is done every year and nothing has happened to show the road is particularly dangerous in the winter, Dupuis explained. She doesn’t think a snowplow would be any less difficult to drive on the road than a school bus if there were a problem.

Dupuis does not think a blanket stoppage for school bus service on the road during the winter makes sense; if conditions happen to be particularly bad on any individual day, a decision should then be made. “Normally, everything is okay all the time.”

She does not understand the CSSRS’ reaction and does not think it realizes how dangerous the current situation is for the young children that must be collected on the side of route 143. There is not much traffic on Astbury Road, but a lot on the 143, she insisted, especially in the morning and at the end of the day when the children are to be picked up and dropped off. Dupuis claims the new stop was checked for its risks by the CSSRS on Oct. 9, Thanksgiving Day, which did not accurately represent the route’s usual conditions.

Dupuis noted that the usual way to prove the route was too dangerous to drive, through the Commission des Normes, de l’Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail (CNESST), was not followed, and that the CSSRS’ decision was made “too easily”.

The Town of Waterville has sent a resolution to the CSSRS and other municipalities that may be impacted by the issue, detailing why the CSSRS should reconsider its decision.

Waterville parents rally against school bus service cut to Astbury Road Read More »

Waterloo comes together for fire evacuees

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By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The community of Waterloo is coming together to support 11 of its residents who lost their homes when an apartment building was destroyed by fire on Nov. 12.

Patrick Gallagher is the director of public safety and fire safety for the municipality of Waterloo. He said firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 6 a.m. that morning. Neighbours and courageous passersby rushed through the building knocking on doors and telling people to evacuate, Gallagher recounted. No one was injured. However, the fire chief said it quickly became apparent that the building was a total loss, with extensive damage to the roof and facade.

Gallagher and his crew fought the fire with the assistance of crews from Brome Lake, Bromont, Granby and Shefford. “There were about 40 of us,” he recalled. After the fire was out, the firefighters turned their attention to helping the evacuees. “We put together a crisis cell…and we’re collecting clothes and household furniture with the collaboration of the Centre d’action bénévole (CAB) aux 4 Vents, the Knights of Columbus and St. Bernardin Parish.” The crisis cell is also helping victims replace important documents lost in the fire, added Gallagher, his voice betraying his exhaustion.

The municipality of Waterloo has also started a crisis fund to support the victims, and local soccer coach and volunteer Pierre-Paul Foisy has launched a fundraiser on the GoFundMe platform to provide further support, raising nearly $4,000 as of this writing. Local shoe store Chaussures Pop has pitched in as well, offering free winter boots to evacuees, and a storage company has offered free storage space. “This is a tight community, and a lot of people are involved in the response [to the fire],” Gallagher said.

The Canadian Red Cross provided emergency housing and food assistance for the evacuees for the three days following the fire. Now, most are staying with family, friends or acquaintances while they look for long-term housing. “With the rents the way they are now, it’s not easy for people to relocate quickly. That’s the hardest part, and that’s what we’re working on now,” Gallagher said.

It’s still not clear what caused the fire. A Sûreté du Québec investigation is ongoing; SQ Sgt. Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, a police spokesperson, said “it may be a few days or weeks” before investigators learn more.

Gallagher said the crisis cell is actively looking for donations of furniture, appliances and kitchen supplies such as pots and pans for evacuees. Donations of furniture and housewares can be brought to the St. Bernardin Parish office; donations of food and personal hygiene supplies can be brought to the CAB. Any financial donations will be given to the municipal crisis fund and “shared fairly” between the evacuees, he said.

Waterloo comes together for fire evacuees Read More »

Three ETSB schools to close during FAE strike

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By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Sutton Elementary School, Massey-Vanier High School and the Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre will close Nov. 21 for at least three days and “potentially much longer” due to two separate teachers’ strikes, Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) chairperson Michael Murray has said.

The three schools are jointly administered by the ETSB and the French-language Centre des services scolaire Val-des-Cerfs (CSSVDC). ETSB teachers are represented by the Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA), a member of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) which is part of the Front Commun negotiating bloc of four large union federations; CSSVDC teachers are represented by the Syndicat d’enseignement Haute-Yamaska (SEHY) which is part of the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), which is not part of the Front Commun.

Both the Front Commun and the FAE are negotiating a new collective agreement with the provincial government, but the two federations have taken slightly different tactics. Front Commun members will hold a three-day strike from Nov. 21-23; FAE members plan to launch an unlimited general strike on Nov. 23.

SEHY president Sophie Veilleux has said picket lines around CSSVDC schools, including the three jointly administered schools, will be “watertight.” QPAT president Stephen Le Sueur has said ATA members won’t cross SEHY picket lines, forcing the English sectors of the three bilingual schools to close for the duration of the SEHY strike. Other ETSB schools are expected to reopen Nov. 24.

“Before students [at the three schools] leave on [Nov. 20], we will have wound up the first term. Students are aware that they will be off for at least six days and potentially much longer. Teachers can share reading lists with students, and so forth, so students can do some independent study, but we don’t have a systematic means of resuming instruction,” said ETSB chairperson Michael Murray. “[Education Minister] Bernard Drainville has said this isn’t a holiday [for students], but we have yet to find a practical way to teach without teachers.” He added that the school board would not pressure teachers to cross SEHY picket lines, and that asking teachers to shift to online learning is “not a viable long-term solution.”

Veilleux said FAE members voted for an unlimited general strike because “there have been no significant advances” in negotiations between teachers and the government over the last several months. She said members are concerned about staffing shortages, wages, insufficient support for students with disabilities and newly arrived immigrant students, and promised help that never comes. “When a student needs a special education technician, don’t tell us that the technician is coming [eventually] – the person needs to be there,” she said.

Veilleux said she hoped the strike would be as short as possible, adding that the union had no strike fund for its members. “We want a quick, satisfying agreement, and we want the things we agreed to be applicable at the beginning of the next school year, and for that, we need an agreement in principle before Christmas. We understand the inconvenience this can cause, and we’re not doing it for fun.”

Le Sueur raised several of the same concerns as Veilleux about working conditions, and said QPAT teachers could join FAE teachers in an unlimited general strike if negotiations don’t move forward in the coming weeks. “The way things are moving at the table, that’s certainly a possibility. It would be a disappointment, but we have to do what we have to do,” he said.

Three ETSB schools to close during FAE strike Read More »

Property evaluations cause sticker shock for homeowners

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Residents of several Brome-Missisquoi municipalities are dealing with sticker shock as three-year property evaluation rolls are released. In Cowansville, the value of an average single-family home is nearly 60 per cent higher than it was three years ago, and property values have increased by an average of 50.43 per cent. In Bromont, residential property values rose by an average of 49.6 per cent, and commercial property values by more than 25 per cent.

Property values around Brome-Missisquoi skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as city dwellers took advantage of the rise of telecommuting to move to the country. “As is the case in the majority of cities in the region and elsewhere in Quebec, property values are experiencing a marked increase. Since the new role is [released] every three years, we had a reprieve before feeling the repercussions of the pandemic on property values,” Cowansville mayor Sylvie Beauregard said.

Beauregard assured property owners that their property taxes will not go up by 50 per cent when the 2024 tax rates are released in December. “Your property value on the roll is not your tax account,” she said. “The current tax rate is $0.94 per $100 [of assessed value] and we can’t maintain that – we’ll have to bring it down, so [the increase in value] has the least possible impact on citizens.”

Bromont mayor Louis Villeneuve made similar assurances. “The city has no power over property assessment. … The tax rate will be reviewed based on these new values,” explained the mayor of Bromont, Louis Villeneuve. “The municipal council will act responsibly to avoid a general increase [while] taking into account inflation and the obligations of the municipality,” he said in a statement.

Beauregard said Cowansville would most likely “have to postpone certain projects” because decreasing the tax rate would lead to a decrease in revenue. “We need salt for snow removal, we need to maintain the water treatment plant, and we have employees that have collective agreements that we need to respect,” she said. “We need to reduce expenses elsewhere while still giving services.”

She said she “would be surprised” if a tax increase caused people to decide to leave the city. “The situation is similar in the surrounding municipalities…everything is more expensive, everything has gone up, interest rates have gone up. That’s not good for property owners. That’s not us, that’s the market, but we’re aware [of the impact]. We just have to hope the economy settles down.”

Cowansville plans to release its 2024 budget, including the adjusted taxation rates, on Dec. 18. Property owners will receive tax notices in January 2024.

Property evaluations cause sticker shock for homeowners Read More »

Studio Swing Sherbrooke comes to Bishop’s

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Studio Swing Sherbrooke, a local swing dancing organization, held an event in partnership with Bishop’s University (BU) Nov. 14 in Bandeen Hall, accompanied by the Sherbrooke Jazz Orchestra.

BU invited the group as a part of its Humanities Week. The Sherbrooke Jazz Orchestra attended and practiced their big band tunes to accompany the dancers. Mathieu Desy, a BU music professor, organized a showing of ‘Swing Kids’, a 1993 movie drama revolving around rebellious teens swing dancing during the Nazi regime in Germany, the night before. The night of Nov. 14 began with a little class on the Lindy Hop style, Studio Swing Sherbrooke Organizer Pascale Rousseau recounted, followed by a short demonstration. At least 40 BU students attended.

“We’re a non-profit organization,” explained Rousseau; it was founded in 2005, with its official dance school opening its doors around 2015. It puts on events for its community every week, sometimes general and sometimes dance-specific.

The organization teaches many different styles of swing dancing: Lindy Hop, a style that was popular in the 1920s and 30s and accompanied by big band jazz music; Rockabilly Jive, a 50s/60s style accompanied by rock and roll; West Coast Swing, an evolution of the Lindy Hop that can be danced to blues and R&B; Charleston style and others.

These dances emerged from Afro-American culture, in places like Harlem, New York, Rousseau said, after many African Americans migrated north following the Civil War; also, Chicago and the West Coast. The dances evolved differently depending on place and what music was popular at the time.

Studio Swing Sherbrooke is planning its “New Year’s Party” for Jan. 20, but the details are not fully fleshed out. In Jan., March and April their regular class sessions will continue, and they are trying to organize more evenings with live music.

Rousseau insisted that the classes are fun, for those thinking of joining in, and that they are a very open-minded community. Unlike Latin dancing, which can be “seductive”, they dance with a spirit of friendliness. She is comfortable both leading and following, and many men there are too – the traditional norm that the man always leads is not adhered to. They offer a lot of dancing options, so that people can “find what music talks to them the best”.

Many English-speakers attend their classes, Rousseau said, though they are mostly given in French. Some Americans come up and dance with them every week and some of their teachers are English. It’s all body language, she said with a chuckle, and everybody is welcome.

Studio Swing Sherbrooke’s website, Facebook page and info letter can be consulted for more information.

Studio Swing Sherbrooke comes to Bishop’s Read More »

Public transportation workers protest lack of funding

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Workers of transport unions protesting outside of Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbault’s office in downtown Montreal. Photo Corinne Boyer

Corinne Boyer
Local Journalism Initiative

On Nov. 14, hundreds of bus drivers, maintenance employees, and other staff from public transport companies protested in front of Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault’s office to petition for more investments in transportation.

The demonstration, which started at 10 a.m. had union workers sounding their horns, blasting music, and holding signs of Minister Guilbault’s face that said “return of the sardine class in buses,” mocking her refusal to invest in public transport until ridership returns to higher levels of commuters.

The protest was planned in retaliation to her government’s proposal in late October to pay only 20 per cent of Quebec’s collective transport $2.5 billion deficit. Four of the union presidents spoke at 11:45 a.m. to denounce this lack of investment.

“We all know that the government must give more money to the Société de Transport,” said Julie Sigouin, president of the Société de Transport de Laval (STL) drivers’ union. “With more money, we’re going to be able to have more buses on the road and more trains in the metro.”

Lack of funding has caused large deficits in the transportation sector and has forced transit companies to implement cutbacks. These cutbacks have largely affected the number of buses that are able to run on a daily basis. If such abatements are put into effect, the metro may have to close at 11 p.m. and buses may only run until 9 p.m.

Nicolas Nadeau-Fredette, media relations and public affairs manager at Trajectoire–a non-profit association that specializes in collective transport for Quebec–confirmed that passenger traffic is at more than 100 per cent in certain areas, and union representatives and transport workers fear that this will encourage the public to take their cars.

According to Nadeau-Fredette, union workers are asking for investments in operational services, which would allow for more bus drivers to alleviate these high traffic rates in certain areas. Though he says that the minister is refusing to invest more sums of money until commuter traffic returns to its pre COVID-19 overcrowding rates.

As negotiations continued, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government agreed to pay 70 per cent of the deficit, a 50 per cent increase to what they initially agreed to pay. Ultimately, they changed the way to calculate the deficit, which resulted in the potential reimbursement of a smaller amount. This led to contention amongst union groups and transport employees and led to their decision to demonstrate.

“Quebec municipalities responded by saying they agree that the government should pay 70 per cent but to calculate from the right numbers,” Nadeau-Fredette said.

Union representatives are asking the government to honour the promises made by former Minister of Transport, François Bonnardel in 2021. They also want the government’s honesty and transparency in their calculation methods for the 70 per cent deficit debt that they promised to pay off.

“Adequate funding ultimately saves households money, since transportation is the second-largest budget item for Quebec families, who are already hit hard by the cost of living,” said the president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Marc Gingras.

The Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique and the CSN are calling on Premier François Legault and Minister Guilbault to make the right choice for the future of Quebec as well as future generations by investing the essential amounts of money into transport services. 

Public transit workers say they will continue to plan demonstrations if the government fails to heed their calls and that a future strike is not out of the question.

Public transportation workers protest lack of funding Read More »

Concern raised over future of Mac Farm

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Serious questions are being raised about the future of the farm at Macdonald Campus of McGill University in the wake of the provincial government’s plan to dramatically hike tuition for students from outside Quebec looking to attend English-language universities.

In an open letter Nov. 2, Deep Saini, the principal and vice-chancellor of McGill, singled out a short list of faculties and programs that could face the biggest impacts if the tuition increases are imposed for 2024, levelling a serious financial blow to the university. The letter has sent waves of concern about the long-term prospects of the operations at the university’s campus in Ste. Anne de Bellevue.

“The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Education and the B.A. & Sc. Interfaculty programs will also be severely affected,” wrote Saini, outlining the hit McGill would suffer from the provincial government’s decision.

The Agricultural and Environmental Sciences faculty has about 2,000 students, according to Valerie Orsat, assistant dean of student affairs for the department. That includes roughly 1,300 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. In the last five years, about 20 per cent of them come from other provinces.

Another 20 to 25 per cent are foreign students. With Quebec also proposing changes in the funding model for international students, this could further reduce the revenue McGill retains from the tuition paid by these students.

“We can’t offer programs if we don’t have students,” Orsat said.

The immediate question looming over the faculty, Orsat said, was the university’s current student recruitment campaign, which is in full swing in November.

See MAC FARM, Page 4

MAC FARM: FMT already hit by drop in enrolment due to Bill 96

From Page 1

“It’s recruiting season right now,” she said. “Do we completely forget the rest of Canada?”

With tuition for students from outside Quebec set to jump from $8,992 to approximately $17,000, Orsat seriously questions how many students from the rest of Canada would opt for McGill.

Orsat says the faculty always attracts students from the western provinces, explaining they see McGill as an exciting option that offers them a “different experience before settling on the family farm.”

Adding to the uncertainty is the blow that the campus’s Farm Management and Technology program has already suffered this year with the changes it was forced to impose due to Bill 96, the province’s update to its Charter of the French Language.

The FMT program is a CEGEP-level offering that has seen its numbers drop in the past year because it must now abide by new regulations requiring all students to have certificates of eligibility to attend an English-language institution. Post-secondary students from other provinces do not qualify for an eligibility certificate.

“My numbers are already down,” said Pascal Theriault, head of the FMT program.

“I’m not sure what to think yet,” Theriault added. “There is still a big fog around it,” he added, referring to the uncertainty of what the future holds.

With the number of FMT students dropping and the number of students in the Faculty of Agriculture poised to take a dip due to the tuition hikes, the cost of maintaining the farm becomes more difficult, he said.

The capacity to continue to offer quality programs if the faculty loses a number of students in the undergrad level could be affected, he said, adding the FMT program would not be able to afford to keep the farm operating on its own. “We might lose a critical mass of students.”

Theriault said offering proper training for students in the field of agriculture is expensive, but in the era of growing climate change challenges it is even more crucial.

“If you want to train farmers in new technologies, you need that infrastructure,” he said.

Training agrologists and agricultural engineers is crucial now more than ever, Theriault said. “When I look at climate change, the financial stress, the need to have professionals working with (farmers) to feed Canadians – that is where my concern is,” he added.

Cutline:

The number of students at Macdonald Campus in Ste. Anne de Bellevue is expected to drop if measures outlined by the provincial government to dramatically raise tuition for students from out of province attending an English-language university are implemented.

Concern raised over future of Mac Farm Read More »

Ag insurance programs can’t keep up with inflation, extreme weather

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Andrew McClelland
The Advocate

Quebec Liberal agriculture critic André Fortin is calling for the provincial government to completely revise its farm support programs in the wake of inflation and adverse weather due to climate change.

“The reality of today’s farmers has changed a lot,” said Fortin, who also serves as the MNA for Pontiac. “Climate change, the meteoric rise in production costs and inflation are making their lives extremely complicated and too often leading them to consider abandoning production.”

The 2023 growing season has certainly been a trying one for Quebec’s agricultural producers, with extreme weather events and high amounts of rainfall making production unpredictable, particularly for market gardeners. Those factors are creating financial havoc for farmers, and Fortin says many of his constituents are saying the existing insurance programs offered by La Financière agricole du Québecno longer address their needs.

“We need to review our agricultural insurance programs,” wrote Fortin in a post on his official Facebook page on Nov. 2. “They are old, clunky, hard to navigate and are most certainly not adapted to the reality of farming in 2023. We have to protect our farms better.”

La Financière could probably attest to that fact itself. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, it paid out a whopping $287.1 million in support to stabilize the income of agricultural producers. That’s is more than double compared with the 2021-22 fiscal year’s total of $119.6 million, and substantially above the $198.9 million paid out in 2020-21.

See LA FINANCIÈRE, Page 4

LA FINANCIÈRE: For some, it has been wettest summer ever

From Page 1

For producers like Rob MacWhirter from Gaspé, the extreme weather events of the summer of 2023 led to never-before-seen troubles.

“Our haying was really out of whack this year,” MacWhirter said. “It rained intermittently and then there were rains like monsoons. It was just ridiculous. And there was so much damage to the fields.”

MacWhirter’s family beef operation cuts hay on about 300 acres in Hopetown, about 10 kilometres east of New Carlisle on the Gaspé coast. For him and his family, getting dry hay in the barn was nearly impossible.

“In all of July and August, we had two narrow windows of four days each where we had west wind and sun,” he said. “And we were in such a rush to get the early hay in and wrap it that the quality is low. It didn’t get dried down to where it should’ve been.”

As a result, MacWhirter’s operation found themselves doing their first cut of hay at the beginning of September, indicating a full month of waiting for dry weather.

“It’s certainly the most rain we’ve had in a summer in my lifetime,” he told The Advocate. “And my dad is 90 years old, and he said the same.”

In response to reports like these from producers, Quebec Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne held a meeting with the Union des producteurs agricoles on Nov. 9 to hear what a special committee created in August by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) could do to adapt to increased inflation and adverse weather.

La Financière had already made adjustments to the calculations and coverage offered by its Crop Insurance Program (known as ASREC) to provide emergency support to producers. But now, it says, an in-depth review of ASREC is being conducted to see how it can be changed to align with increasingly unpredictable weather, inflation and climate change. A completely revised version of the program is expected to launch some time in 2024-25.

Ag insurance programs can’t keep up with inflation, extreme weather Read More »

Average value of farmland sold in Quebec in 2022 up slightly

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

The average value of farmland sold in Quebec edged upward slightly in 2022, according to the latest figures in a new analysis issued by La Financière Agricole du Québec earlier this month.

The average value of a hectare of agriculturally zoned land sold last year was $16,695, just $68 more than the average price of $16,627 registered in 2021, according to the Transac-TERRES 2023 report released Nov. 13.

The value of agricultural zoned land in cultivation, however, dropped in the last year, the report states. Although the prices for this category of land is comparatively higher, the average selling price in 2022 dropped compared with the previous year. The average price of a hectare of cultivated farmland sold in 2022 was $27,419 – or $1,126 less than the $28,545 average recorded in 2021.

The report was compiled based on all sales of agricultural land in the province recorded on official land registries from 2019 to 2022.

Among other findings in the report was the wide range of land values seen in farmland from one region of the province to the other. These figures varied from a low of $1,100 per hectare in Abitibi-Témiscamingue to a high of $42,000 per hectare in the western end of the Montérégie region.

The majority of sales – 71 per cent – were concentrated in five regions – Chaudière-Appalaches, Montérégie, Estrie, the Bas-Saint-Laurent and the Centre du Québec.

La Fianancière stressed that a number of factors influence the price of farmland, including demand for land in a certain area, conditions of a particular sale and the quality of the soil.

Average value of farmland sold in Quebec in 2022 up slightly Read More »

Quebec approves move to allow UPA to change members’ fee structure

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

The Union des producteurs agricoles welcomed the news earlier this month that the Quebec National Assembly voted to approve Bill 28, which allows the farmers’ union to change its fees charged to agricultural producers.

“Premier François Legault and his government honoured their electoral promise by adopting legislative changes to adjust our funding formula to reflect today’s reality in the agricultural sector,” said UPA president Martin Caron.

The bill, which passed the last legislative hurdle Nov. 9, will now allow the UPA to review its financing structure and begin consultations with producers with the aim of adopting a new fee structure. This new structure would then have to be submitted to the Régie des Marchés Agricole et Alimentaires du Québec for approval. The Régie is an administrative tribunal tasked with overseeing the marketing of agricultural and forestry products.

What this will mean for individual producers is not yet clear. The UPA would only say the law will give it more flexibility, allowing it to fix mandatory fees charged to producers based on the legal status of the farming business, taking into account the number of owners and the size of the company.

“It will now be possible for us to count on a fairer formula, as producers have been demanding for several years,” Caron said in a statement.

Bill 28 will affect all 42,000 agricultural producers represented by the UPA.

Quebec approves move to allow UPA to change members’ fee structure Read More »

UPA plans march in Quebec City in December

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

The Union des producteurs agricoles is planning a march next month in Quebec City, what the provincial farmers’ union is calling a public demonstration of solidarity with the next generation of farmers.

“The time has come to put in place solutions to ensure the sustainability of agricultural businesses, the vitality of our regions as well as the food future of Quebecers,” the UPA said in a statement.

The event at the provincial capital will be held Dec. 6, when the UPA will be hosting its annual Congrès Général.

“At the dawn of its 100th anniversary, the UPA is calling on governments, partners and citizens to lay the foundation for an important project that would truly give Quebec the means to aim for greater food autonomy,” the organization stated.

The march will start at the Quebec City Convention Centre and make its way to the National Assembly. Agricultural producers attending the UPA’s Congès Général and their families are invited to join the procession.

The aim is to impress upon provincial lawmakers of the urgency to support agricultural and forestry producers in this time of growing erratic weather conditions and harsh inflationary pressures.

UPA plans march in Quebec City in December Read More »

Plan Nature 2030 could change the face of Quebec farming

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Andrew McClelland
The Advocate

The Union des producteurs agricoles has voiced its concerns about how the provincial government will implement its “Plan Nature 2030” — Quebec’s far-reaching consultation and planning project that will determine how it will preserve biodiversity and protect 30 per cent of its terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems by the beginning of the next decade.

The producers’ union wants to make sure that agricultural and forestry producers are involved in the development and implementation of that plan. And chief among its concerns are protecting the agricultural zone and ensuring that environmental regulations work in tandem with ag production.

“The protection of biodiversity through the conservation of 30 per cent of Quebec territory by 2030 — the Quebec government’s Plan Nature 2030 — must not be done to the detriment of agricultural activities,” said UPA president Martin Caron. 

The UPA also wants there to be consistency between federal and provincial strategic plans that promote biodiversity and also between the different plans put in place by the government of Quebec. That includes Quebec’s Sustainable Agriculture Plan and Ottawa’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program.

Farms already doing their part

The union listed its demands in a consultation document sent out to UPA members in October. Those included that “the publication of the Plan Nature 2030 be made once the government guidelines for agricultural protection have been established,” while also noting that “practices beneficial for biodiversity are already in place on farms,” such as the use of agricultural landscaping, windbreak hedges and cover crops.

The UPA is also concerned that the Plan Nature could lead to much agricultural land in the green zone being lost should it be re-zoned as conservation areas. That, says Caron, could lead to further sacrifices made by the agriculture industry in the name of sustainable ag development and biodiversity protection.

“The government of Quebec must clearly reaffirm that all agricultural areas are important and suitable for agricultural and forestry activities, regardless of their classification,” said Caron, noting that since 1998, Quebec’s agricultural zone has been losing the equivalent of 12 football fields of arable land per day due to areas being classified as “non-agricultural” territories for everything from the drainage of municipal lands and right-of-way usage.

Zero net loss of farmland

“(Quebec) must also curb urban sprawl and the growing use of the ‘non-agricultural usage’ legislation, while introducing the principle of ‘zero net loss’ in green zones,” Caron said, adding:  “That is to say no new loss of agricultural or forestry area.”

The UPA’s demands include that there be “zero net loss” in the green zone, requesting instead  that the implementation of the Plan Nature 2030 “respect the principle of zero net loss for the agricultural zone and defend the agricultural zone from conversion into a conservation zone.”

The CAQ government announced the creation of the Plan Nature in December of last year, following the signing of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at the end of the 15th conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (aka, the COP-15), held in Montreal in 2022.

The plan has a budget of $650 million to be used over seven years to protect and restore biodiversity, encourage sustainable practices, act on factors of biodiversity loss and collaborate with Indigenous communities and civil society to conserve biodiversity.

That collaboration has recently taken the form of an extensive series of public meetings conducted throughout October and November by the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec (the National Network of Regional Environmental Councils of Quebec or RNCREQ).

Financial support for farmers needed

UPA representatives have been following and participating in the consultations, citing that it wants new investments for research to find innovative solutions to increase agricultural productivity while improving environmental quality. It also asks for financial support for

agricultural and forestry producers implementing practices beneficial to biodiversity, along with funds for technical support, training and awareness.

Described as the largest investment in land protection and biodiversity in the history of Quebec, the Plan Nature 2023 should be launched at the beginning of 2024.

Plan Nature 2030 could change the face of Quebec farming Read More »

New study shows farmers shoulder more stress, depression than others

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Farmers have higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety compared with the general population, according to a new study published this fall.

In fact, the levels of stress and anxiety are becoming so pervasive among agricultural producers that it has been described as a mental-health crisis, according to the report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

One of the reasons for the accelerations, say the study’s authors, is the fact that efforts to address the situation have focused on care rather than addressing the underlying causes of poor farmer mental health – financial uncertainty and the climate crisis.

“Key factors contributing to the economic precarity of farmers and farm workers include unfettered corporate concentration in the food sector, consolidation and financialization of farmland, climate change and trade liberalization,” the report states.

Based on these findings, this report makes the following six recommendations:

Recommendation 1: Implement policies that enhance economic stability for farmers and farm workers. Since economic instability is a key driver of poor mental health, implementing policies to enhance economic stability for farmers and farm workers is critical. These include policies that address key drivers of economic uncertainty,  like commodity volatility, corporate concentration and the climate crisis. Stronger competition policies also would foster a more equitable distribution of power within the food system.

Recommendation 2: Enhance supports to farmers transitioning to sustainable farming practices. Promoting the adoption of sustainable farming practices and agro-ecological approaches would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance crop productivity, soil fertility and biodiversity.

Recommendation 3: Include food sovereignty in the federal goals for agriculture. The Canadian government should be facilitating the growth of sustainable and local food systems. This includes prioritizes the health and well-being of farmers, farm workers, communities and the environment.

Recommendation 4: Rebuild rural infrastructure. To counter intensifying rural de-population in agricultural communities across Canada, governments at all levels need to revitalize and rebuild rural infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and transportation and communication systems.

Recommendation 5: Address on-going discrimination and violence in the farming sector. In order to make an inclusive farming environment, governments must take meaningful action against violence towards Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, as well as 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and women.

Recommendation 6: Expand access to mental health care for farmers and support existing farm organizations that are providing support, advocacy and research. Meaningful action is needed to improve the living and working conditions of Canadian farmers. A comprehensive approach that considers the upstream drivers of farmer mental health will help foster a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector while improving the well-being of farmers across Canada.

New study shows farmers shoulder more stress, depression than others Read More »

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