Daniel Kirchin

Hooked on School Days spotlight classroom challenges and solutions in Estrie

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

Hooked on School Days, an annual initiative of the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, has evolved into a crucial opportunity to enhance awareness and engagement while underscoring the significance of supporting youth in their academic pursuits. Against the backdrop of labour shortages and rising living costs, discussions on education retention and motivation have become more common.

Organizations such as Centraide Estrie and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, have used this week to not only reaffirm their commitment to supporting children’s educational needs, but also to address the pressing issues faced by families in Estrie.

Andrée Mayer-Périard, President of the Réseau québécois, emphasized the importance of encouraging young individuals to stay motivated in school on their academic journey. She noted, “It is crucial to relentlessly support the efforts of every student so that they have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, especially in a year marked by various challenges affecting their academic path.”

“The Hooked on School Days serves as a reminder that academic perseverance is a collective responsibility,” she explained. “Fostering the educational success of our youth is beneficial for everyone, forming the foundation for overall well-being and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” Mayer- Périard added.

The Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative recently conducted a survey addressing the issues faced by families in the province, providing insights into Quebec residents’ opinions on educational success, motivation, and the role of support.

“Each year, we paint a portrait of the opinions of Quebecers on various aspects directly or indirectly affecting educational success such as work-study balance, motivation, the role of those around them in success, etc.” she explained.

“The survey is a way to take the pulse of Quebecers on important themes in education and it is also an opportunity to reiterate our important messages.”

The Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative survey highlighted that 91 per cent of Quebecers believe more efforts are required to encourage school perseverance, while only 63 per cent think young individuals should prioritize being students.

Some 59 per cent of respondents are concerned about high school dropout rates, and 57 per cent worry about the overall motivation of students. Also, the impact of labour shortages is another area of concern, with 67 per cent expressing fears that young people may prioritize work over studies.

“These findings highlight the ongoing need to emphasize the fundamental role of education in the journey of young individuals,” Mayer-Périard explained.

She further added, “The employment rate for individuals aged 15-19 was 51.1 per cent in 2021. A survey on the mental health of young people aged 12 to 25 in several regions of Quebec revealed a significant increase in the proportion of high school students working between 2022 and 2023.”

In tandem with these efforts, Centraide Estrie on Monday disclosed a substantial donation exceeding $20,000 as part of their ‘Operation September’ initiative, dedicated to supporting community initiatives for the most vulnerable.

Émilie Handfield Dutremble, Social Partnership Advisor for Centraide Estrie, highlighted the impact of Operation September, which reached 12 organizations within the territories of the seven MRCs under Centraide Estrie. She emphasized the tangible difference the donation makes in families’ lives, particularly amid the escalating cost of living.

“When families receive equipment or financial aid, they experience a sense of relief. The money saved on school expenses can be redirected to essentials like groceries,” she remarked.

Discussing the relevance of Operation September during Hooked on School Days, Handfield Dutremble underscored its pivotal role, stating, “Having the necessary school materials is fundamental to educational success. Centraide Estrie is dedicated to the triumph of young minds, and the Operation September program is a proof of this commitment.”

The week-long celebration of Hooked on Schools Days in Estrie also sheds light on pertinent issues faced in the classroom.

From the perspective of Centraide Estrie, Handfield Dutremble explained, “Classroom attention and academic motivation are influenced by various factors. In Estrie, we are fortunate to have numerous contributors in this regard. Possessing necessary school materials, engaging in educational outings, and participating in interest-linked programs are key factors enabling young people to stay motivated and attentive in class.”

In acknowledging the challenges of school perseverance in Quebec, Handfield Dutremble, voiced her concerns, stating, “We acknowledge the existing challenges in school perseverance in Quebec. Despite certain improvements in data, issues such as anxiety and motivation persist. Factors like the current labour shortage, financial pressures, and insufficient food resources impact children’s ability to learn.”

From the perspective of Centraide Estrie, Operation September stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to supporting academic perseverance and addressing the complex challenges faced by the youth in the region.

Hooked on School Days has not only highlighted the crucial need for community support in the academic journey of youth but has also showcased the dedication of organizations like Centraide Estrie and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative.

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Townships Sun on turning 50

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

In a celebration of a half-century of service, the Townships Sun stands tall as it marks its 50th anniversary this week (Feb. 8, to be exact) with the launch of its latest edition. This non-profit magazine, born in the wake of Quebec’s Bill 101 in 1974, has been a steadfast companion of English speakers facing restrictions during challenging times.

Rachel Garber, the editor for the Townships Sun, shared reflections on the magazine’s historical journey. “We started in 1974, when Bill 101 came into fruition. It was a shock to the English community, and we wanted to fill the vacuum of English publications,” she explained, underlining the magazine’s mission to be a voice for a community.

Originally the ‘Eastern Townships Social Action Group,’ the magazine has remained true to its non-profit roots, an embodiment of community-driven journalism. In its nascent years, it was steered by the efforts of volunteer students from Bishop’s University who engaged in research and focus groups, acting as a vital organ for communicating Townships events.

Over the course of five decades, a tapestry of community-based publications has woven itself into the fabric of Township life. Among these, Garber fondly mentioned ‘the sun switchboard,’ an avenue where pages contained letters to the editor addressing community concerns and individuals sharing their written stories, accompanied by poignant visuals and artwork.

Garber delved into the annals of the Townships Sun’s storied past, shedding light on key characters, and defining moments. She recalled the magazine’s opening salvo against Bill 101, a daring move that saw a brief written against the bill ceremoniously burned in front of the National Assembly in Quebec City.

In the intricate mosaic of contributors, two names stand out for Garber – Charles Bury and Bernard Epps. Charles Bury’s stint at The Record proved invaluable, as he returned armed with profound knowledge of the Townships and Quebec, becoming an instrumental figure. Bernard Epps, hailing from the UK, left an indelible mark as a versatile contributor – a writer, an artist, and a fictional and non-fictional storyteller.

Today, the Townships Sun flourishes with an expanded community. Garber revealed that 13 dedicated volunteers and 10 board members, including individuals as young as 18, work together to keep the magazine vibrant and relevant. Garber is known for her role in crafting unique themes for each edition, fostering a diverse range of stories contributed by over 165 individuals in the last two years.

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the magazine has planned a celebration in the form of the Township’s Young Voices Awards. This ceremony will honour the artistic talents of young townshippers in the realms of art, music, and photography. Additionally, an ambitious ‘legacy’ edition is in the works, set to be published in March. Garber explained that it will not only be a reprint of the first editions but will also pay homage to every person who has played a role in the Townshippers Sun over the past 50 years.

Beyond the printed pages, the magazine will host a series of events – an informal reception, a ‘book and brunch’ gathering, and a book festival in March, Fall, and December respectively. These events are designed not only to highlight the publication of the legacy edition but also to provide a platform for local authors to share their compelling stories.

Posthumous recognition will be bestowed upon Bernard Epps, whose significant contributions will be immortalized. His two volumes of work, titled ‘Eastern Township’s Adventure,’ a unique blend of fiction and non-fictional historical anecdotes that weren’t published before his death, are set to be published with the collaborative efforts of Shoreline Press, Eastern Townships Resource Centre and Bishop’s University.

As the Townships Sun stands at this significant juncture, Garber envisions a dynamic future. She emphasized the magazine’s commitment to adapting to a diversifying community, reflecting emerging trends, and engaging a younger demographic. The inclusion of 18-year-olds on the Townshippers Sun’s board signals a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the magazine remains a vital force for the next 50 years and beyond.

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Quebec Mosque tragedy commemorated seven years on

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

In a solemn remembrance ceremony held at Plymouth Trinity United Church on Monday evening, community members gathered to reflect on a harrowing incident that occurred seven years ago. The event, etched vividly in the memory of those present, unfolded on a Sunday evening when a shooter entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec, leaving six people dead and five injured.

The annual commemoration activity, organized by Actions interculturelles executive director Mohamed Soulami and Abdelilah Hamdache, president of the Institute of the Arab and Muslim World of Estrie, saw the participation of 12 organizations, including the Federation of Cultural Communities of Estrie, the Transcultural Educational Association, the Diocese of Sherbrooke, and the Islamic Cemetery of South-Eastern Quebec.

Others including Samuel Dansokho, Ahmed Chraibi, Aurélie Caldwell, and Gérard Coté, collaborated in the commemoration ceremony. As a diverse assembly gathered for a symbolic minute of silence and contemplation, candles were lit by young people from the Muslim community, symbolizing a collective remembrance and a call for unity.

Inside the Plymouth-Trinity Church, over 50 people paid tribute. Voices of diversity project members, Nesrine and Jessica hosted the ceremony, adding a nuanced touch influenced by the current global context.

Mohamed Soulami said during the ceremony that, “I turned on the television. The news was everywhere. What I felt at that moment, yes, it was a great shock. Lots of misunderstanding too. How could anyone do something such as that?”

Reflecting on the tragic day, Soulami emphasized the importance of commemoration ceremonies. He stated that, “We must always remember what happened if we want to reduce the risks of such a tragedy happening again.”

The ongoing war in the Middle East, with its impact on Muslim communities globally, became an integral part of the commemoration’s tone. Soulami condemned the conflict as a “dirty war, totally unacceptable, which violates the human and universal values established by all countries since 1945.”

Soulami stressed the need to distinguish between global conflicts and local initiatives. “We are aware that we must not mix things up. Today, what we want is to remember the inclusive and pacifist values of our society. It is a call that wants to stop gestures of Islamophobia as well as those of antisemitism, a call that wants to stop all discrimination. What we advocate is living together.”

Living together, however, faces challenges, as evidenced by incidents of racism or discrimination, such as the one Mohamed recalled from the fall. Despite such challenges, efforts to build bridges and connections persist.

The commemoration ceremony was held in Pastor Samuel V. Dansokho’s church, which symbolized unity beyond differences. The pastor, who recently commemorated the Shoah (The Holocaust), expressed solidarity with the victims of Islamophobia.

“These are different events that call us to go beyond everything that divides us to connect with everything that unites us. Each time it is a fight against hatred, each time a fight for peace, understanding, harmony.”

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Quebec to implement online voting trial for 2025 municipal elections

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

Elections Quebec has unveiled its selection of 21 cities set to participate in Quebec’s inaugural internet voting trial during the upcoming 2025 municipal elections.

The initiative will bring online voting options to specific districts or boroughs within the cities of Magog, Drummondville, and Granby, with the determination of participation to be decided by each municipality throughout the year.

The announcement stems from Élections Québec’s call for interest in taking part in the online voting pilot project, initiated in May 2023. A plan was then created for targeting municipalities with populations exceeding 20,000 residents. The focus on more populous areas aims to address the issue of unopposed elections and to ensure active voter engagement.

In an interview with Elections Québec, spokesperson Julie St-Arnaud-Drolet explained the many aspects of the pilot project to take place.

Although internet voting has not been implemented or experimented with in either provincial or federal elections in Quebec, its possible advantages have attracted the attention of various governments and legislatures. Drolet stated that “over the last decade, Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and the federal government have all undertaken studies on internet voting”.

This is alongside countries in Europe such as France, Switzerland, Norway and Estonia that all have online elections now, she added.

According to a study conducted by Elections Quebec on online voting initiatives around the world, municipal administrations adopting internet voting are primarily doing so to enhance accessibility and convenience for voters. In some instances, there is also a hope that it will lead to increased voter turnout.

“In Estrie in 2021, the election turnouts in municipal elections were 33.8 per cent in Drummondville; 39.2 per cent in Magog; and 41.4 per cent in Granby,” Drolet said. All of these are well below the 62 per cent turnout that was seen at the 2021 Canadian general election, and still below the average voter turnout in Quebec by-elections which is quoted as 41 per cent by Elections Quebec.

The study also notes that many municipalities see internet voting as a solution to the challenge of recruiting elections officers. Additionally, this voting option allows for an extension of the period during which voters can cast their ballots. The process of introducing internet voting is not uniform across municipalities, as each is responsible for managing its own elections. For instance, the duration of internet voting availability, the registration process, and the combination of different voting methods such as paper, mail, and telephone, vary from one municipality to another.

Drolet also mentioned that “Municipal administrations adopting internet voting are doing so for enhancing accessibility and convenience for voters.” Those that Drolet mentioned included those with disabilities, who live in rural areas, and those who are eligible to vote in Quebec elections outside of the province who will benefit the most from this initiative.

The selected municipalities vary widely in administrative region and size, providing a comprehensive overview of internet voting usage in diverse environments. However, around 300,000 voters will be able to the test the vote via the internet.

Regarding security, Drolet explained that Elections Quebec is set to employ an online voting system crafted by a specialized firm.

A call for proposals went out on Oct. 16 to identify a proficient supplier.

“We would like the company to carry out these online elections to have already worked on one in the past,” Drolet said.

The chosen company will be disclosed in the summer of 2024, after undergoing a meticulous selection process. Drolet further stated that, “the selected company must fulfill over a hundred specified criteria and successfully undergo testing and safety evaluations,” to ensure the security of the vote.

Elections Quebec also announced that this won’t be the only way to vote while these trials are taking place. Electors who will be able to vote via the internet will also have access to all other voting arrangements. They will therefore be able to choose to vote via the internet or in person.

Voting via the internet will be offered over two three-day voting periods. During these periods, it will be offered continuously, 24 hours a day. It will not be available on advance voting days or on election day.

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Sherbrooke councillor Marc Denault resigns as president of transport associations, cites exclusion from crucial meeting

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

Marc Denault, councillor for the Golf district in Sherbrooke, held a press conference around noon on Tuesday in front of city hall to announce that he is stepping down from his role as president of the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS).

According to a statement from the STS, Denault expressed disappointment at being excluded from a meeting between Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Geneviève Guilbault and Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin.

Denault also relinquished his position as president of the Association du transport urbain du Quebec (ATUQ).

The statement from Denault’s office explains that Monday afternoon, Mayor Beaudin’s chief of staff, Steve Roy, sent a text message to Denault informing him about a meeting planned for Tuesday in Sherbrooke. The meeting was scheduled to include Minister Guilbault, STS executive director Patrick Dobson, and other officials to discuss the STS.

Given his extensive involvement in the STS and provincial-level transport financing with the STS and ATUQ teams, Denault said he expressed a desire to participate. His request was denied, citing the meeting’s restricted nature. According to Denault’s statement recounting the exchange, Roy justified the refusal by emphasizing the mayor’s need to demonstrate her transport expertise and establish credibility with the minister.

Denault conveyed his dissatisfaction to Roy, repeatedly seeking the opportunity to speak with the mayor. However, he was informed that she did not have the time for a discussion.

That response, according to the Golf district councillor, serves as “a clear indication of the breakdown in the bond of trust for an individual who has served in elected positions for 22 years, with over 14 years of dedicated service at STS.”

Given Mayor Beaudin’s decision to exclude him and the perceived conflict with his values, Denault found it impossible to continue his duties without the trust and respect of the mayor.

Choosing to resign “with great difficulty”, Denault cited a values misalignment and expressed his heartbreak over the decision. “It’s a heartbreaking choice, but I have to put my foot down. There is a line, and it has been crossed”, he remarked.

Following the announcement Roy, the mayor’s chief of staff, called Denault’s decision regrettable, emphasizing his significant contributions to public transportation issues. Roy deemed the resignation hasty, calling it “a misunderstanding” and noting that “mayors sometimes meet alone with ministers”.

Despite the departure from the STS and ATUQ, Denault will retain his seat on the municipal council and plans to finish his mandate. However, he clarified that he will not run for re-election in 2025.

As the vice-president of the STS, councilor Geneviève La Roche will serve as interim president.

The ATUQ, facing a logistical challenge with Denault’s departure, plans to hold a new election for the position of president in April.

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