chandler

Chandler wants to continue its development

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Town of Chandler wants to continue its economic development by analyzing the possibility of building businesses on Commercial Street, on land occupied by the former Gaspésia paper mill.

The municipality has commissioned an environmental study to determine whether structures can be built along this stretch, with the goal of establishing local businesses between the town hall parking lot and the golf course.

“We would have the possibility of having buildable land. We are having it checked to see if the contamination is significant enough to prevent that,” notes the Mayor of Chandler, Gilles Daraîche.
According to the mayor, there is interest from entrepreneurs who would like to set up shop there. If the study is conclusive, construction could begin in 2026 or 2027.

“That was the parking lot at that level. We believe the pollution is a little lower. That’s why we’re having it checked. If there is potential, we will try to make the most of it,” explains the elected official, thinking in particular of the additional revenue in the form of municipal taxes.

A permit for Han Logement

Han Logement has applied for a building permit for its project to build 32 affordable apartments for people with disabilities in Chandler.

The $10 million project will see four complexes of eight units each constructed on Micmacs Street.
“This is a crucial step. They have applied for their permits. We can assume that everything is going well. Construction should begin in late summer or early fall. There has been a slight delay. There was an easement issue with Hydro-Québec. We’ve sorted that out,” said the mayor.

According to the mayor, the organization’s crowdfunding campaign—aiming to raise $400,000—is progressing well. A second phase could add another 24 units to the project.

A three-dimensional dock

Chandler will soon present a three-dimensional model of its proposed redevelopment of the former commercial dock into a recreational and tourism facility.

The mayor hopes this visual tool will serve as a final pitch to convince Ottawa to invest in the project. “It’s a beautiful project, and making it visual shows what the final product will look like. These people came to the wharf and saw the potential. Having this tool can only help us in carrying out the project,” said Mr. Daraîche.

The mayor hopes to present the project to Transport Canada this fall.

Ottawa has expressed interest in transferring ownership of the infrastructure, which has been closed since 2016 due to its poor condition. A figure of $60 million has been mentioned to refurbish the facility before transferring it to the town.

Chandler wants to continue its development Read More »

New wave of vandalism in Chandler

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – There have been about 10 vandalism incidents since late spring in Chandler, a situation once again denounced by Mayor Gilles Daraîche.

In recent years, similar incidents occurred, but this year, some of the incidents are especially troubling. “We can’t accept racist messages. We’re for culture, we’re for a growing population. We’re happy to welcome people from all over the world. We won’t come and spread racist messages in Chandler. That’s not true,” the mayor states bluntly.

Surveillance cameras had been installed to monitor public places. “We’re going to add some at the Town Hall. We’re also going to add some in strategic locations. We’re targeting those (locations). They will be installed soon,” notes the mayor.

The town will meet with the Sûreté du Québec to determine the best course of action to resolve the situation.

The police have launched an investigation, but so far, no arrests have been made. The mayor says he has forwarded surveillance camera footage to the Sûreté du Québec in an effort to advance the investigation.

New wave of vandalism in Chandler Read More »

Two Super C employees in Chandler prevent fraud against a customer

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Jounalist

CHANDLER—The vigilance of two employees at the Super C supermarket in Chandler prevented a woman from losing $5,000 when she was targeted by a Grandparent Scam.

The attempted fraud occurred in recent weeks, when there was a wave of similar scams and fake representatives in the Chandler and Gaspé area.

“The woman wanted to send money to another country for her granddaughter. She wasn’t 100% sure why she was sending the funds. All she knew was that it was for legal fees,” says Léa Roy, an administrative assistant who was working at the cash register when the woman made her request.
The woman wanted to send a total of $5,000 to five different people outside the country.

“It didn’t make any sense. I asked her if she had spoken to her granddaughter. We spoke to her and managed to convince her that it was a fraudulent transfer. After that, we directed her to the police station, as we always do when this happens,” adds store manager Simon Roy-Grenier.
The victim was not easily persuaded.

“At first, she didn’t agree. She really wanted to send the funds. She couldn’t believe it and didn’t understand how it could be so realistic. We never know if they’re going to go somewhere else or to the police station. Obviously, she didn’t make the transfer, and that’s a good thing,” adds the manager.

The Sûreté du Québec praised the actions of the two employees who prevented the customer from losing a large sum of money.

“This is becoming more and more common in our area. It’s a collective responsibility. We are stepping up our prevention efforts. The Super C employees were on the front line,” explains Sergeant Isabelle Cyr, local community police coordinator at the Sûreté du Québec station in the Rocher-Percé MRC.

“This is to highlight their kindness and dedication,” she stresses, explaining the reason for awarding the employees with certificates.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Two Super C employees in Chandler prevent fraud against a customer Read More »

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – Dominique Giroux launched her pre-election campaign on June 11 for the upcoming November 2 election for mayor of Chandler.

In front of about 25 people who attended her first official public appearance, the candidate, who had made her intentions known last winter, placed recruitment as a priority.

“Attracting our professionals: we’ll soon be short of teachers and dentists. We’re already short of veterinarians. We have 1,000 people who don’t have family doctors. We have to attract these people. We’ll have to invest and develop a strategic plan to attract them,” explained Ms. Giroux, who intends to listen to her citizens.

“The railway is strategic. With my team, I’ll do my best to ensure it reaches at least Chandler. We’ll see later about the distance rules required for building buildings. The main goal of the campaign will be on focusing on the population and the town,” she said, promising a clean campaign against her announced opponent, Gilles Daraîche.

The town is also working to revitalize the wharf that Transport Canada wants to sell. “It’s super important. Now, there are a lot of costs involved. When I’m elected, I’m going to work on that,” the candidate said.

Former mayor Louisette Langlois attended the pre-campaign launch. She indicated that her presence was not an endorsement, but rather an opportunity to hear democracy in action. She declined to comment further.

“I didn’t invite anyone. Ms. Langlois is here.” I can’t tell you if she’ll vote for me, but I feel a great deal of solidarity with me. But between what people feel and how they vote, that can change,” comments Ms. Giroux.

In the ongoing dispute between Langlois and the town, where the town is claiming more than $300,000 related to the former mayor’s 180-day suspension in 2021, with legal costs exceeding $400,000, Ms. Giroux prefers not to comment.

“We have to sit back and watch. I am new to this. Ms. Langlois’s case is very hot. We’ll see where it gets to and we’ll see, within reason, what we can do. But at this point, I can’t answer you because I’m not in office,” says the candidate cautiously.

However, the saga surrounding Sauvetage adrénaline, which led to her dismissal, could resurface during the campaign.

Ms. Giroux once again assures that she has turned the page. “I have a 50-page judgment that has been issued. If people want it, I can forward it. They will read it and make their own analysis. No one said I stole. I don’t think it can harm me,” believes the woman, who is currently the operations coordinator at Camp Bellefeuille.

As soon as she announced her intentions on social media that she was launching her campaign on June 11, Dominique Giroux said she was the victim of intimidation by elected officials who sit on the council table.

“I won’t name them out of respect because I have strong values. I find it sad because municipal employees receive letters asking them not to take sides during the campaign. That councillors can say things… It didn’t affect me. I just find it boring,” the candidate says.

The mayor, Gilles Daraîche, believes that his opponent is casting aspersions. “I spoke with the five elected representatives present and no one intimidated Ms. Giroux. It would be important to name names when making such denunciations, so that we can check. Moreover, the five elected representatives are not talking to Ms. Giroux. It’s all made up in a spirit of revenge. I hope the public will disregard these falsehoods,” says the mayor.

The tone of the campaign appears to be set. “It’s a campaign that will be long and has already begun. It will be a campaign filled with falsehoods right to the end,” believes the outgoing mayor.

A second candidate, Dominique Giroux, enters the race for Chandler mayor Read More »

Chandler-Louisette Langlois Dispute: Hearing not set until spring of 2026

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Town of Chandler’s motion seeking more than $300,000 from former Mayor Louisette Langlois, who challenged the sanction imposed against her by the Municipal Commission in 2020, will not be heard in court until the spring 2026. The delay is due to difficulties in finding a judge ready to hear the case.

Beforehand, a pre-trial conference will have to be held to determine how many days need to be scheduled for the hearing. The application filed in 2022 was amended from its original amount of $230,411.

Since January, $5,248 in legal fees have been added, for a total of $410,034 to date.

The Percé Courthouse clerk issued the certificate of completeness on January 7.

In January 2021, the municipal council adopted a resolution leading to the filing of the claim by the town, emphasizing in particular that the allegations against Louisette Langlois resulted from gross or intentional misconduct, by giving precedence to her personal interest, by having committed actions intentionally and premeditatedly, all to achieve her ends.

This argument was repeated in the motion for an originating application for reimbursement of defence costs filed in January 2022.

The invoice claimed at that time was $230,411. Chandler’s attorneys noted in particular that “The decision rendered (…) on December 21, 2020 is damning of the defendant and establishes that the defendant’s acts or omissions constitute serious misconduct and/or intentional misconduct and/or separable from the performance of her duties.”

They added that the former elected official “has multiplied proceedings, some of which are unnecessary, unfounded, and truncated in light of the evidence presented before the CMQ (Commission municipale du Québec).”

In December 2019, Louisette Langlois was cited for 21 violations of the Chandler Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Elected Officials. Following hearings in July 2020, the commission concluded in December 2020 that the former elected official was guilty of 20 violations, including conflicts of interest. Before the sanction hearing, Ms. Langlois had attempted to obtain a stay of proceedings, contested the notice of sanction issued against her, and even requested that the investigation be reopened. These requests were rejected by administrative judge Sandra Bilodeau.

The former mayor made an appeal to the Superior Court, but it was dismissed in July 2021, and she suffered the same fate in October 2021 before the Court of Appeal.

Furthermore, the motion accused her of subsequently escalating the number of proceedings

Chandler-Louisette Langlois Dispute: Hearing not set until spring of 2026 Read More »

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Chandler is calling on the Minister of Municipal Affairs to force the resignation of councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who faces multiple serious criminal charges. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche has already publicly called for the Newport councillor’s resignation, but so far, nothing has happened. Mr. Daraîche is asking the Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Catherine Blouin, to intervene with Minister Andrée Laforest. 

“I have already spoken to Ms. (Catherine) Blouin’s political attaché, who is to send a message to Ms. Blouin so that she can intervene with the Minister of Municipal Affairs,” Mr. Daraîche emphasized. 

Beforehand, the mayor asked the councillor’s lawyer about his intentions. “He may not have access to his emails. I spoke to his lawyer, who needs to talk to him about it before I can send my message. We’d like this to happen as quickly as possible to take the burden off everyone’s shoulders, even him. At some point, we have to disassociate ourselves from Mr. Godbout,” the mayor stated. 

Furthermore, the municipal council filed a notice of motion at a special meeting in April to stop the remuneration of a councillor who is absent from the municipal council. “The gentleman is no longer being paid as of today’s meeting (May 5),” the mayor noted. In Chandler, a councillor receives $2,171 per month. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout was arrested on April 15 by the Sûreté du Québec. The 36-year-old faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée de Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the victims’ identities. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec alleged that Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact his victims. On April 25, the court ruled that the accused would remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings. After deliberating, Judge Denis Paradis ruled for the Crown, finding that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence, that he faces a sentence of between five and 10 years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

On April 29, his lawyer, Ariane Cayer, asked the court to postpone the case until May 13 due to the amount of evidence in the file. 

In addition to being a municipal councillor, Mr. Godbout was employed by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) as a physical rehabilitation therapist. 

The accused is charged with fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking of a document. The charges were filed following a UPAC investigapro-mayor of Chandler during the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the fraud at approximately $10,000. 

By mutual agreement with the Municipal Commission, he stepped down from council a year ago with pay while the case was being resolved in court. It was agreed that the councillor would reimburse the Town for the salary and legal expenses if found guilty. 

Another case involving an illegal lottery dating back to 2021 is also under review by the Office of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions. 

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case Read More »

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The mayor of Chandler is calling for the resignation of Newport ward councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who is facing charges related to violent crimes. 

The town council also tabled a notice of motion on April 24 to terminate his remuneration. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche says he learned of the allegations against Mr. Godbout at the same time as the public, on April 15. 

“We all agreed that we had to act and not let this drag on. In the minutes that followed, we spoke to our lawyers,” says the mayor, trying to find out how to proceed. 

“There are rules to follow. Some people are saying on social networks that the town needs to move, but you have to do things properly to avoid being prosecuted for acting in the wrong way,” explains Mr. Daraîche. 

In addition to working with the municipality’s prosecutors, the mayor consulted with the Ministère des Affaires municipales and the Commission municipale du Québec. 

“A few hours after learning of the events, I asked for Mr Godbout’s resignation,” continued the mayor. 

On April 24, at a special meeting, a notice of motion was tabled to amend the regulations governing the remuneration. of elected representatives. 

“To ensure that in order to be paid, you have to be seated at the council table for the monthly meeting. This is very important. We’re going to stop paying people who aren’t there,” says the mayor. Currently, councillors earn $2,171 per month. 

“That’s the only way we can avoid paying people who are absent,” explains Mr. Daraîche, even though the by-law makes no exception for justified absences. 

“We don’t have much room to manoeuvre. People have to understand. Asking for the resignation and amending the law on the remuneration of elected representatives are the only things that can be done. These are important actions,” maintains the mayor. 

The amended bylaw is expected to come into effect on May 1, although legal delays may push its adoption past the next council meeting on May 5. 

Regarding legal fees stemming from a separate 2021 travel expense lawsuit, when Mr Godbout was pro-mayor, the bill amounts to $9,500, according to the mayor. 

Mr Godbout had been absent from council since April 2024, following a voluntary withdrawal under an agreement reached with the Municipal Commission. That agreement allowed him to continue receiving his salary while awaiting further developments. 

Another agreement, between Mr. Godbout and the Town of Chandler stipulates that the town will be reimbursed for legal fees if he is acquitted of the charges. 

Mr. Godbout is facing charges of fraud, forgery and use, possession or trafficking of a document. UPAC has estimated the fraud at around $10,000. Reimbursement of legal costs is guaranteed. 

“At the Town of Chandler, there is a severance bonus. There are signed agreements,” points out the mayor. Even if Councillor Godbout no longer had any assets, the severance package would allow the Town to pay itself back. 

“At least for the legal fees. As for the salary, we’ll check with Municipal Affairs, because they’re the ones who came to an agreement. He did not sit on the council, but was recognised as a councillor of the Town of Chandler because he was temporarily withdrawn. We’re in touch with the Municipal Commission. If he had been completely withdrawn, we wouldn’t have had to pay his salary, but as he is temporarily withdrawn, we’re going to check with Municipal Affairs,”says Mr Daraîche. 

The mayor also clarified that any legal fees related to Mr. Godbout’s arrest on April 15 are not being paid by the town, as the alleged victims are not elected officials. 

As SPEC went to press on May 2, Bruno-Pierre Godbout had not submitted his resignation. 

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign Read More »

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

PERCÉ – Chandler town councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout will remain in jail for the duration of legal proceedings. That was the verdict of Quebec Court Judge Denis Paradis during the bail hearing held on April 25 at the Percé Courthouse. 

The defence and the Crown presented their arguments in the morning during a hearing that lasted two-and-a-half hours. The defence requested that Godbout be released since he did not pose a danger to the victims or the public, and since he would be subject to numerous conditions if granted bail. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout testified, guaranteeing a $2,500 deposit and an equivalent amount without a deposit. A relative of the accused also promised a $2,500 deposit for his release. 

For its part, the criminal prosecution argued that the charges are very serious, including the aspect of violence and control toward the victims. It called a Sûreté du Québec investigator who indicated that the investigation is still ongoing. At the time of his arrest on April 15, police indicated that there may be additional victims. 

After taking the decision under advisement, the judge ruled at the end of the day on the side of the criminal prosecution, considering that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence in the justice system, that he faces a sentence of between five and ten years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

The 36-year-old man faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. 

The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the identities of the victims. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec stated that Mr. Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact the victims. 

In addition to being a municipal councilor, Mr. Godbout works as a physical rehabilitation therapist at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS). 

Being remanded in custody represents a new setback for the individual, who is already facing charges of fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking in a document. These charges were filed following an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) while the councillor was pro-mayor of Chandler following the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the amount of fraud at approximately $10,000. In addition, a case dating back to 2021 related to an illegal sports betting lottery remains under review by the Crown. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody Read More »

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER: – A grassroots fundraising campaign for the 32-unit affordable housing project for people with disabilities was launched on March 18 in Chandler. 

The developer, Han Logements, must raise $400,000 from the community to complete the financial package for the project,which is estimated at approximately $10 million and will be located on Rue des Micmacs.  “We have an innovative model that involves a multitude of partners, including small and large donors from the community,” said Han Logements President and CEO Anik Roy Trudel. 

The project will consist of four eight-unit buildings, for each complex the community will need to raise $100,000.  Desjardins has already announced a contribution of $64,000, and a private contributor from Percé has contributed an undisclosed amount.  The total is already approaching $100,000, nearly a quarter of the fundraising goal.  The Town of Chandler donated the land, valued at approximately $100,000. 

“Once we have the community’s contribution, it’s the basis that allows us to go knocking on the doors of foundations and major donors, and  we tell them that the project is already supported by the Chandler community and the surrounding area; they want “We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a secthe project, and that puts their shoulder to the wheel,” notes Ms. Roy Trudel. 

“We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a second phase,” adds Ms. Roy Trudel.  The goal is to begin construction this year once the financial package is complete. Initial studies had detected contamination on the chosen site, but further studies resolved the problem. 

“It took time, but we had the Town’s support. We conducted additional studies and, with the ministry, were able to determine that it was natural contamination. We can move forward,” explains Ms. Roy Trudel, who points out that this constraint has added minor delays. 

The units will accommodate people with physical or intellectual disabilities, those living with autism spectrum disorders, as well as seniors with certain physical limitations.  “We’re targeting people living with disabilities,” she says. The units are designed to make life easier for tenants, such as the absence of a door step for people with reduced mobility. 

For the mayor of Chandler, this project represents the culmination of a long process.  “We’ve been waiting for this day. Work should begin in April or May, with delivery within a year. We’re very happy,” says Mayor Gilles Daraîche. “We donated $100,000 worth of land, and that was our starting point for the project. We were very happy to contribute to it so our residents could benefit from it,” added the mayor. 

Phase 2 of the project will be built on the same lot. 

Boosting construction in Chandler 

This initiative is driving increased construction activity in the town of Chandler. “We see that people are starting to come. It’s just one start, and it’ll get the others going,” believes the elected official, who estimates that some 80 housing units will be built in his municipality by 2025. 

Another priority is expanding daycare spaces. 

A 71-spot daycare centre was built and opened last year, and a project for a 12-spot community daycare is currently being developed in the former printing plant. 

However, demand remains high. “We can never have enough (daycare spots). We hope that more people will settle in Chandler. We always need more daycare spaces, we always need more housing. We hope to have another mandate to do it,” notes the mayor who will be running for mayor next November. 

Other projects are progressing 

Construction of 32 housing units in Gaspé is progressing. “We’re aiming for early August, August 1, to welcome the first tenants,” emphasizes Ms. Roy Trudel. Construction on the Forest Street extension began in June 2024. “There’s also potential for a phase 2 there. The mayor would like us to start quickly. There’s space on the same lot. It’s being evaluated,” she says. 

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the municipality has donated land, and the project is now in the financing phase and in Haute-Gaspésie, plans are underway for a 48-unit, housing project valued at $15 million. 

New Richmond has been mentioned as the next development site. “I don’t want to comment, but it’s something we’re evaluating very seriously. We’re working with the municipality, but we’ll see about the timeline. There’s a lot of interest in the Gaspé Peninsula. Han Logements is continuing its momentum, and it’s important to meet the needs of the population,” says Ms. Roy Trudel. 

In Avignon, no projects are under development. “We’re always open. We go wherever there’s a community or a municipality that wants a project,” says the president and CEO. 

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign Read More »

CSN protests against the private sector health care

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – On February 26, the CSN protested against the privatization of the health care and social services network, outside the Chandler office of the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Bonaventure, Catherine Blouin. The protest was part of the CSN’s “For a Truly Public Network” campaign. 

Serge Saint-Pierre, president of the Centrale des syndicats nationaux (CSN) regional council for Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, points out that the network has undergone numerous reforms for over 30 years, the last one being the one that led to the creation of Santé Québec last year. 

“We have always advocated public health care rather than private health care,” Mr. Saint-Pierre points out. 

In the Gaspé Peninsula, the union representative notes that some doctors have left the public network for the private sector. “We are afraid that with the reform that has begun, there will be more and more. When we talk about the private sector, we are talking about profit and people have to pay. The government says it won’t cost anything, we will pay the bill. Everywhere the private sector has set up shop, costs have increased and users have had to pay,” notes the president, who wants to raise awareness among users. 

“At some point, they will be forced to take money out of their pockets if we make more and more room for the private sector,” adds Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

“In the private sector, when cases are too heavy, we return them to the public sector. They only take cases with the possibility of making money, that is to say, cases that are not too heavy,” maintains the union representative. 

The CSN criticized the lack of access to local MNAs Catherine Blouin (Bonaventure) and Stéphane Sainte-Croix (Gaspé). 

“We wanted to talk to the Members of the National Assembly and it was never possible,” he says. 

With the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre facing a $40 million budget cut, Mr. Saint-Pierre says essential services will be affected. 

“Cutting $40 million in the Gaspésie makes no sense. There are people who will not be able to afford to get treatment, who will not receive services at the local level,” says Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

CSN protests against the private sector health care Read More »

Return of the Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud office project

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud Community Social Pediatrics Centre is relaunching its project to develop the basement of its head office in Chandler. 

The goal is to expand the services offered by the organization, which serves the area between Barachois and the Plateaux de la Matapédia. 

The idea first emerged last summer, but a change in administration put the project on hold. 

“It’s a need. We have our house in Chandler with our offices and premises upstairs, but we have a large basement that is available. There are facilities required to properly accommodate people and workshops. We’re even thinking about a music garage. We could have lots of possible projects with work in the basement,” explains the general director, Liane Roy-Castonguay. 

The organization is currently in the process of hiring a project manager. 

“To identify needs and develop workshops throughout the territory. We need space and the needs are there,” mentions the director. 

The Town of Chandler has already funded the plans and specifications for the basement renovations. 

“We will still have to put together the financial package and ask our partners and locals to help us do this work,” says Ms. Roy-Castonguay. 

The estimated cost of the redevelopment is $148,000, with an additional $52,000 required for accessibility improvements in the basement. “It will be in the coming weeks to submit funding requests,” she adds. 

The centre currently has 223 active files. 

In addition to its offices, the centre operates a mobile clinic, called Mobilicoeur, which travels throughout the region, especially during the summer. 

There are two other social pediatrics centres in the Gaspé Peninsula, one in Cap-Chat and another in Rivière-au-Renard. 

Return of the Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud office project Read More »

Langlois-Chandler saga exceeds $400,000 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The saga surrounding the Town of Chandler’s claim against former Mayor Louisette Langlois has cost the Town more than $400,000 in legal fees to date, while no date has yet been set for the case. 

For the period from October to December 2024, the total legal costs amounted to $29,984.95. The firm GBC Avocats, to which Charles Caza, the attorney for the former mayor is part, billed $16,542.67. The Town’s representation, Morency Avocats, issued an invoice for $13,442.28. 

The Percé courthouse clerk’s office issued the certificate of completeness on January 7. 

The parties are now awaiting a hearing date for the application. 

In January 2021, the council adopted a resolution leading to the filing of the claim by the Town, emphasizing in particular that the accusations against Louisette Langlois resulted from serious or intentional misconduct, by giving precedence to her personal interest, by having committed actions intentionally and premeditatedly, all to achieve her ends. 

The argument was repeated in the motion for an originating application for reimbursement of defence costs filed in January 2022, which sought $230,411 in reimbursement. 

Chandler’s attorneys mentioned in particular that “The decision rendered (…) on December 21, 2020, is damning concerning the defendant and establishes that the defendant’s acts or omissions are serious and/or intentional and/or separable from the exercise of her functions.” 

They added that the former mayor “Has multiplied the procedures, some of which are unnecessary, unfounded and truncated in light of the evidence presented before the CMQ (Commission municipale du Québec).” 

In December 2019, Louisette Langlois was cited for 21 breaches of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of Chandler Elected Officials. After hearings in July 2020, the Commission concluded that the former mayor was guilty of 20 breaches, including conflicts of interest, in December 2020. Before the sanction hearing, Ms. Langlois attempted to obtain a stay of proceedings, and contested the notice of sanction issued against her, going so far as to ask to reopen the investigation, requests that were rejected by administrative Judge Sandra Bilodeau. 

The former mayor went to the Superior Court, where she was dismissed in July 2021, and suffered the same fate in October 2021 before the Court of Appeal. 

In addition, the motion accused her of having multiplied the procedures thereafter. 

The Town has adjusted its claim to more than $300,000 and is now including the costs incurred in the ongoing legal proceedings.  The total bill for this saga has now reached $404,786. 

Langlois-Chandler saga exceeds $400,000  Read More »

Protestors push for EI reform

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – In a symbolic gesture, approximately 25 protesters braved the freezing rain and dropped off a Christmas tree decorated with black holes at the Service Canada office in Chandler on December 17 to denounce the persistent problems with the Employment Insurance program. 

This was another gesture by the Mouvement action chômage Pabok as part of an awareness week by the Interprovincial Alliance that was being held throughout Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada. 

“Nothing has been resolved. We’re doing this because we hope it can be resolved. We’re hoping for measures that will extend the Employment Insurance pilot project from five to 15 weeks,” explains the Movement’s coordinator, Nadia Mongeon. 

The arrival of Ginette Petitpas-Taylor as minister responsible for the plan and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe (New Brunswick), who is familiar with the issue of seasonal work, raised hope for the unemployed. 

However, with the possibility of a federal election as early as this spring, this hope could be short-lived. “We must not give up. We must force the parties to commit to Employment Insurance,” says Ms. Mongeon, who fears the election of a Conservative government. “I think it will be quite difficult to move a reform or measures to ease Employment Insurance. There is no gain in fact,” she says. 

The relatively low unemployment rate in the Gaspé Peninsula will result in a long black hole this winter. “We are going to have a lot of people who will find themselves in the black hole. It is not only in the fishing sector. It is also in tourism. There are many who tell us that they will finish their benefits in February. It is a long time from February to June. It’s a black hole that’s getting bigger every year,” says Ms. Mongeon. 

The Liberals have repeatedly promised reform since 2015, holding various consultations that have amounted to nothing. “The Liberals have taken certain measures but mostly lightened some of Stephen Harper’s Conservative government’s measures. Apart from the five-week pilot project, the Liberals haven’t done anything very interesting. Apart from increasing health insurance to 26 weeks, but that hasn’t solved the black hole and the number of hours for accessibility,” she says. 

The fight will continue in the coming months. “We’re going to keep protesting. If we give up, it’s like telling the Conservatives – if they’re the ones who come in – that they can do whatever they want… We have no choice,” explains the coordinator. 

For the Pabok Unemployment Action Movement and the Interprovincial Alliance, the calculation that establishes the amount of benefits according to the unemployment rate in effect by region must be eliminated. 

The calculation must be replaced by the adoption of a universal standard of 420 hours of work or 12 weeks of 15 hours.  In addition, the rate should be 70% on the 12 best weeks, for a duration of 35 weeks. 

They are also asking for an additional 15 weeks of protection for workers in the seasonal industry, as long as the minimum floor of 35 weeks is not established. 

Protestors push for EI reform Read More »

Chandler: Louisette Langlois hearing, not before 2025 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The ongoing legal saga involving the Town of Chandler’s claim against former mayor Louisette Langlois is dragging on as the case is not expected to be heard before the spring of 2025. 

A hearing scheduled for September 3 was postponed because the judge required that the parties be present, which had not been initially requested. This forced a new postponement of the case. 

The judge will then resolve the remaining legal rules and will hear the case on the merits at the same time. In the best-case scenario, a decision is not expected before the summer of 2025. 

Suspended in January 2021 for 180 days, the resolution adopted at that time stated that the accusations against Louisette Langlois were the result of serious or intentional misconduct, by giving precedence to her personal interest, by having committed actions intentionally and, premeditatedly, all to achieve her ends. 

In January 2022, the Town filed a motion claiming $230,411 in legal fees to defend the former mayor before In addition, the motion accused her of having multiplied the procedures thereafter. 

The Town hasn’t ruled out readjusting its claim to request all the costs incurred by the case.  The total cost of this saga now exceeds $375,000. 

$2.7 million in asphalt 

Lately, there has been much criticism of the condition of certain municipal roads. However, the town of Chandler has recently announced it will invest a little over $2.7 million in street paving. 

Several streets, including some high traffic areas, will be repaved. “Our streets need love, for example, Polyvalente Street and Hôtel-de-ville Street. They need to be redone because they are in an advanced state of deterioration,” notes Mayor Gilles Daraiche. 

The resolution includes work on Bellevue, Baie-Bleue, Lapierre, Mgr Ross, Hôtel-de-ville, Daignault, Plage, Cormier, McGrath, Détente, Arcelles, Anse-aux-Canards, Germain and Lantin Streets. 

The mayor mentions that four small sections of asphalt were done this year at a cost of $70,000. 

The loan settlement process is underway and the mayor hopes for a quick response from the Quebec government in order to do the asphalt work this fall. 

In 2021, $2.3 million was invested in asphalt work in the Town of Chandler. 

Newport water treatment project 

The water treatment project in the Newport district is not progressing very quickly, making development in this sector difficult. 

The mayor explains that the water treatment project is complicated. “The system can’t take any more. There are people who want to add services, register other land, and build houses. This is a file that is dragging on and we will work hard so that at least there is work at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026,” says Mr. Daraiche. 

government assistance with a request for a minimum of 90% funding. The project has been included in the Town’s Three-Year Capital Plan for several years at a cost of $12 million. With inflation, the project could reach $20 million, while an amount of $15 million had been mentioned in 2022. 

“Unfair” competition? 

The Town is upset with the programming offered by Chandler’s Camp Bellefeuille. Some activities proposed by the camp duplicate those offered by the Town, despite a promise. 

The mayor does not want to make a war out of it but says he’s disappointed. “I spoke to the director who told me that each activity at Camp Bellefeuille would complement the Town’s activities. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We do yoga, they do yoga. We do fitness, they do that too. It’s the same thing as us. That’s not what was said,” complains Mr. Daraîche. 

The mayor maintains that registrations for the Town’s activities, both at the sports complex and the arena, are full. 

Chandler: Louisette Langlois hearing, not before 2025  Read More »

Scroll to Top