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Leaders from community organizations and regional development groups collaborate to build climate resilience across Estrie, focusing on supporting vulnerable populations affected by climate challenges
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A new initiative is taking root in Estrie, tackling the complex challenges climate change presents to local communities, especially for those already experiencing social vulnerabilities. This project, led by Michèle Laberge, Coordonnatrice Transition socioclimatique at Inter-CDC Estrie, brings together all nine Centres de Développement Communautaire (CDCs) in Estrie. With financial support from the Table nationale des CDC, the initiative aims to strengthen regional resilience to environmental crises through collaboration and social justice.
Laberge, who recently took on this coordination role, emphasizes the initiative’s unique focus on the social impacts of climate issues. “It’s about addressing the social crisis within the climate crisis,” she explained in a recent interview. “We want to ensure that community organizations are not only aware of but are also prepared for the roles they can play in socio-climatic transition, especially concerning our most vulnerable populations.”
The urgency of the project stems from Estrie’s exposure to various climate risks. Unlike other regions, where wildfires might be a more immediate concern, Estrie’s communities are primarily affected by extreme heat and flooding. These events disproportionately impact individuals with limited resources, particularly those in inadequate housing or flood-prone areas. Laberge noted that different crises affect specific groups in unique ways, making it essential to identify which residents are most at risk. “Heatwaves and flood zones often impact people who don’t have the means for adequate housing, including seniors and those facing precarious living conditions,” she said.
The project’s first steps include mapping out these vulnerable areas in Estrie to provide a clearer picture of where resources are most needed. By identifying and highlighting these “fragile zones,” Laberge hopes to build community awareness and spur preventive actions. “It’s about shedding light on the areas at risk and thinking together about how we, as a society, can support those living in these vulnerable conditions,” she added. For example, during flood events, those lacking a robust support network may face prolonged displacement due to the absence of family or friends who can offer shelter.
The coordination effort is guided by a steering committee of leaders in social and regional development, including figures like Marco Labrie from the Réseau estrien en développement social, Martine l’Heureux from the Table des MRC de l’Estrie, and Diane Lapointe from the Estrie Public Health Directorate. Their combined expertise is crucial for creating a network capable of addressing socio-climatic challenges across the region.
Laberge explained that one of the project’s goals is to equip community organizations with the knowledge and tools to understand their role in addressing climate-related vulnerabilities. “The community sector has a vital role to play in socio-climatic transition, particularly in supporting our most vulnerable,” she noted. From volunteer groups to youth centres, these organizations have a close understanding of local needs and can act quickly in times of crisis. Laberge sees this as part of a broader shift toward justice-focused climate action, where communities work collectively to address inequalities that climate crises often exacerbate.
Beyond mapping and raising awareness, the project involves collaborations with regional MRCs to develop climate response strategies. Each MRC in Estrie is already working on response plans for climate-related events, such as extreme weather, flooding, and extended heatwaves. Laberge and her team at Inter-CDC Estrie collaborate with public health officials and regional councils to integrate this data into a comprehensive resilience strategy. By leveraging existing knowledge, they can craft targeted interventions that address the region’s specific vulnerabilities.
Although supported by the Table nationale des CDC, this initiative is not a government-led project. Instead, it remains community-focused and autonomous, which Laberge believes is essential for effectively addressing local needs. The Table nationale des CDC has funded 20 socio-climatic transition projects across Quebec, but Estrie’s decision to unify its CDCs into a single regional unit is unique. “We decided to act together, as a region, which is quite unique to Estrie,” Laberge explained. This collaborative approach strengthens individual communities while enhancing the resilience of the entire region, setting Estrie apart as a model for other regions in Quebec.
Looking ahead, Inter-CDC Estrie plans to launch a public outreach campaign in the spring to increase citizen engagement. This campaign will encourage residents to take part in community discussions about climate resilience, helping shape the direction of future initiatives. “A key part of our mission is mobilizing citizens,” Laberge noted. “We want residents to feel that their voices matter in this conversation.” By involving citizens directly, Inter-CDC Estrie aims to build a stronger, community-driven response to climate challenges.