Federal government

Nathalie Provost is elected in Châteauguay – Les Jardins-de-Napierville

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

After a fast-paced campaign and a long election night, voters in the Châteauguay – Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding have sent first-time Liberal candidate Nathalie Provost to Ottawa.

According to preliminary results issued by Elections Canada, Provost won the riding with 27,960 votes, or 45.1 per cent of the total vote. Bloc Québécois candidate Patrick O’Hara received 18,022 votes, representing 29.1 per cent of the total vote, while Conservative candidate David De Repentigny garnered the support of 13,471 voters, for 21.7 per cent of the total vote. Hannah Walker of the New Democratic Party received 1,337 votes (2.2 per cent), while Martine Desrochers of the Green Party of Canada had 765 votes (1.2 per cent), and Nicolas Guerin received 426 votes (0.7 per cent).

Of the 91,519 eligible voters in the Châteauguay – Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding, at least 61,981 individuals cast a ballot at one of 256 polls, for a voter turnout of 67.72 per cent.

Provost was gathered with her team and volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Chateauguay on Monday evening to watch as results trickled in after polls closed. Following a late night during which the Liberal Party of Canada was projected to win the election, Provost said on Tuesday morning that she is excited and honoured. “I’m now realizing more and more that I am an MP. I am very proud, but I can feel the weight of the responsibility,” she added.

Provost said the 37-day campaign felt like a five-kilometre run. “It was much too long to run it as a sprint, but you cannot pace yourself like in a marathon,” she explained, admitting that as a first-time candidate she was met with a stiff learning curve.

She says she felt the support of the Liberal Party during her campaign. She points out that several Liberal MPs and cabinet ministers visited the riding, including Mélanie Joly, Rachel Bendayan, François-Philippe Champagne, and Dominic LeBlanc. “They taught me how to go knocking door-to-door,” she said, with a laugh. “It was really fun to learn with them,” she continued, comparing her time with fellow Liberal candidates, and especially Champagne, to a master class in campaigning.

Provost was not the only notable first-time candidate on the Liberal slate, as Prime Minister Mark Carney was also learning to campaign on the fly. Carney and the Liberals secured a fourth term with around 43.5 per cent of the total vote across the country. At the time of publication, there were still several ridings that were considered too close to call, and Elections Canada had yet to confirm whether the Liberals had won a minority or majority government.

Uncertainty aside, Provost said she was privileged to represent the riding, and had particularly enjoyed watching the spring season arrive across the territory. “It is so beautiful, and people are proud of their land. They cherish it. It’s their wealth,” she explained, noting she shares this sense of pride, having come from an agricultural area as well.

Provost thanked her team for their hard work throughout the campaign. She was also very careful to mention former Liberal MP Brenda Shanahan, who served the Châteauguay-Lacolle riding over three terms. “I wouldn’t be here if she had not shaken hands with me and given me that beginning impulse. Even in the last days, people were telling me about the great job that she did in Chateauguay and the surrounding area,” she explained. “This was the strongest foundation for a campaign,” she added.

Now Provost is hoping to continue in Shanahan’s footsteps. She said a priority over the summer will be to ensure that she fully understands all she was hearing from voters during the campaign. “I want to go back to see people, to have discussions with people in order to understand their needs, their issues, and to make sure that my priorities are representative of their priorities.”

Provost said that along with representing the people of Châteauguay – Les Jardins-de-Napierville, she wants to improve the way the federal and provincial governments work together. Pointing out that she has worked as a Quebec civil servant within the provincial government, she said there are too many examples of inefficiencies between it and the federal level. “We are all working together for our citizens, so it must be more efficient than it is right now,” she concludes.

Nathalie Provost is elected in Châteauguay – Les Jardins-de-Napierville Read More »

Local business community remains optimistic despite tariffs

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Local businesses are adapting to the uncertainty brought on by the Trump administration in the United States.

The ripple effect of tariffs and talk of escalating trade wars has reached the Valley, resulting in shrinking profit margins, difficult decisions, and a great deal of concern for the local business community.

Jonathan Turenne, the owner of the IGA supermarkets in Ormstown and Huntingdon, says that while businesses like his are trying to adapt, it feels more like improvisation. “When you live with uncertainty, you can’t plan for the long term, so you can’t plan for stability,” he explains. “We are trying to make long-term projections to give ourselves a guideline, but then we adjust them every week, or almost every day.”

Turenne says he is also noticing the impacts of uncertainty on the public. “We’re starting to see it here and across Quebec as a whole, with companies closing or reducing their production volumes. Jobs are being lost. We’re pretty close to the U.S. border here. It’s a strategic location for people who export and import. We’re definitely going to feel it,” he says, noting that customers are holding back on spending.

However, they are spending more on local, Canadian, and Quebec-made products. Turenne says that while positive, the trend is having an impact on product availability and the bottom line. “Local products are in higher demand everywhere, so they are harder to get,” he explains, adding that this affects the price.

“Often, we run promotions at a loss to attract customers, and to sell other products,” says Turenne. Once a price has been advertised it can’t be changed, even if demand has driven up the cost. “Automatically, I am selling at a loss,” he explains, suggesting the fact customers want products on a year-round basis complicates things further.

The purchasing catalog follows global production to ensure, for example, that there are always grapes or strawberries on the shelves. Production forecasts are made a year in advance, with a bit of leeway on the supply side to account for the impact of weather. “But three months out, your purchases are fixed. It is complicated to manage, and the impact we are seeing today is based on decisions we made practically before Trump was elected,” says Turenne. “We are kind of stuck with it,” he shrugs.

Farm supply businesses also impacted

Michel Laplante, the owner of Les Équipements Laplante et Lévesque Ltée (L&L) in Ormstown, says he has also had to adapt to these uncertain times. Around ten per cent of his products come from the United States, and he decided to invest in many of these before the tariffs were imposed on April 2. Now, he says, it is Canadian counter-tariffs that might impact his farm equipment business as well.

“We brought in a lot of equipment that we don’t need right away, but that we will need in the summer,” Laplante explains, noting they are checking the codes on incoming stock to see if pricing has increased and if it includes tariffs. Steel has become more expensive, for example, and suppliers have had no choice but to adapt their pricing. “We have to deal with it and adjust. But my customers who have signed contracts don’t want to pay 25 per cent more,” he admits.

He says that like Turenne, he is sensing that customers are wary of spending too much right now. “We see it with my dairy customers. Supply management is a big issue, and the U.S. doesn’t like supply management,” he says, noting dairy farmers are also having to adopt new animal welfare regulations. “They have to invest to adapt. Some are going to give up altogether. Others will invest and then expand. But right now, they have expenses to cover. In the back of their minds, they are wondering if their quota will stay the same,” he explains.

The value of community

Turenne bought the two IGA supermarkets a year ago. One of the first things he did was join the Association des Gens d’Affaires d’Ormstown et des Environs (AGAO+). “It is important to be present on the local scene,” he says. Laplante says that while the association isn’t essential for his business, he joined to support and encourage entrepreneurs who are just starting out in the community.

Both agree it is important to remain optimistic. “When we end up in situations like this, everyone quickly positions themselves to do what is necessary to make things work,” says Turenne. “We will find solutions. People will find ways to help each other wherever they can,” he adds. “We have always been good at that here.”

Turenne says that customers also have confidence in local products. “When you say that a product is made in Canada or Quebec, people don’t even think twice. They know it’s going to be a good quality product,” he explains. “We don’t have to fight to justify the value of what we do. That’s why there is no reason to be worried right now.”

As for the uncertainty on the horizon, Turenne says businesses have to hope it’s nothing more than a dark cloud that will pass over quickly.

Local business community remains optimistic despite tariffs Read More »

Summer job funding increases slightly but still falls short

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille says the Canada Summer Jobs envelope allocated to the riding once again falls short of the demand.

In a letter to applicants within the current Salaberry-Suroît riding, DeBellefeuille announced that the available funds for this season have been pegged at $812,000. She points out this represents only a slight increase over the $806,791 that was allocated in 2024.

DeBellefeuille expressed her disappointment, noting that the federal government’s allotment for the program does not meet the funding requests made for 2025, which total $1,179,179.

“It is the region’s young people who will suffer, as they will be deprived of many job opportunities,” DeBellefeuille lamented, while pointing out she disagrees with the decision. “We are currently making representations to inform the minister responsible of the needs within our communities,” she concluded.

Local businesses and organizations who responded to the program can expect to receive a notification soon regarding the status of their application.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada, last year’s funding helped to create 161 summer positions with 88 different businesses and organizations in Salaberry-Suroît.

In the neighbouring riding of Chateauguay-Lacolle, 68 businesses and organizations received a share of $752,091, which led to the creation of 204 jobs.

Across Quebec, at least 14,620 jobs were created through the Canada Summer Jobs program last year at a cost of $61,612,035. The program covers between 50 to 100 per cent of wages for full time employees for up to 16 weeks.

Summer job funding increases slightly but still falls short Read More »

MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent wins Superior Court battle over Port-Lewis wharf

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A Quebec Superior Court judge has rejected a request by the municipalities of Elgin, Saint-Anicet, and the town of Huntingdon to annul a set of resolutions adopted by the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent that transfer Port-Lewis wharf usufruct rights to a private business.

The March 11 ruling, which was issued by Judge Catherine Dagenais, confirms that the MRC was within its rights to transfer user rights for the wharf to the Marina Port-Lewis, and that the procedures employed to do this were completely legal.

The MRC has owned the wharf and the access ramp since 1990 when it was transferred to the regional municipal authority by the federal government. The wharf, which provides access to Lake Saint-François, has always been enjoyed for free by the public.

In December 2020, the MRC first announced it had reached an agreement in principle with Marina Port-Lewis regarding the use of the wharf for a period of 30 years. At the time, the MRC argued that the agreement served to maintain the MRC’s ownership of the property while protecting the financial capacity of the residents and taxpayers of all 13 municipalities in the MRC. The agreement also supported the region’s economic development.

Concerns over the agreement were brought up by residents during numerous council meetings prior to the signing of the agreement. The MRC prefect and mayor of Sainte-Barbe, Louise Lebrun, insisted the MRC had “heard and listened to the representations of citizens and elected officials of the Haut-Saint-Laurent in order to reach a decision that protects their interests.”

A set of resolutions was then adopted by the MRC in February 2021, authorizing the removal of the wharf from the public domain and the signing of a deed transferring the right of usufruct between the MRC and the marina for one dollar.

A usufruct generally refers to the right to enjoy the use and advantages of a given property with conditions; in this case, the marina was given the right to use the wharf for a period of 30 years. The agreement included an obligation to maintain the wharf and carry out any major repairs. It also guarantees that free public access to the wharf will be maintained.

At the end of the 30-year term, the MRC will regain ownership of the wharf, as well as any renovations carried out by the marina.

A motion was filed in Superior Court against the MRC in October 2021 by the municipalities of Saint-Anicet, where the wharf is located, as well as the municipality of Elgin and the town of Huntingdon. The municipalities requested that the resolutions be annulled as well as the deed of transfer between the MRC and the Marina Port-Lewis.

The municipalities argued that the usufruct contravened article 6.1 of the Municipal Code of Quebec as well as the Municipal Aid Prohibition Act. Questions were also raised about whether the wharf could have been withdrawn from the public domain, and whether the municipalities brought their case to court within a reasonable time frame.

The court disagreed, concluding instead that “The usufruct does not contravene article 6.1 of the Municipal Code, and there is no reason to declare the resolutions and usufruct null and void.”

The ruling was also quite unequivocal in rejecting the municipalities’ claim that the usufruct broke the law by subsidizing the marina’s business in allowing the wharf to be used for commercial activities over the next 30 years without charging rent.

The court pointed out the marina is subject to numerous charges and conditions as part of the agreement signed by the MRC, including all major repairs and renovations during the 30-year period.

The judge noted that as of April 2022, the marina had already spent just over $19,795 on renovations and improvements including parking spaces, streetlamps and lighting, the installation of a dock at the descent, and the construction of six terraces.

The marina must also continue to allow free public access to the property. Emergency services, including police, fire departments, ambulances, and first responders, must also be able to always access the wharf. The MRC has formed a monitoring committee to ensure the right of public access to the wharf is upheld.

The court determined that all procedures to remove the property from the public to the private domain were followed through the adoption of the resolutions in question.

The wharf remains the property of the MRC and is still accessible to all, free of charge, between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m.

MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent wins Superior Court battle over Port-Lewis wharf Read More »

Business as usual at the Halfway House in Dundee

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Louis Patenaude of the Halfway House in Dundee says he is not worried about his business, after U.S. authorities moved to limit Canadian access to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Stanstead, Quebec, which also straddles the Canada-U.S. border.

Just over 200 years ago, the Dundee spot was a trading post along the banks of the Salmon River. When the frontier separating Canada from the United States was established, the line ran right through the building, which has taken on many forms over the years as a hotel, a bar, and now a freight-shipping company.

Patenaude’s father, Maurice, purchased the building in the 1950s and eventually converted it to a shipping business that allowed Canadians to collect parcels from the United States without having to cross the international border.

The Halfway House is nestled between the Dundee and Fort Covington ports of entry. Patenaude took over the business with his partner, Marie Brown, after his father’s passing in 2022.

Patenaude says he has not noticed any change or additional attention from the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “What are they going to do, sit inside my house?” he scoffs, suggesting there are a half-dozen other buildings between the border stations in the same situation. “It’s been this way since the dawn of the border,” he laughs.

Clients are required to report the contents of their parcels to the Canada Border Services Agency at the Dundee border crossing, where applicable taxes and duties are applied. Patenaude says that despite the imposition of tariffs on certain goods being imported from the United States, he has not heard much complaining.

Business is steady, and Patenaude says it usually picks up come spring; so far, he is not seeing signs of a boycott on American goods. “I think the exchange on the dollar is probably our worst enemy now,” he admits, before explaining his clients rely on his services because it can be difficult to find certain products outside of the U.S. “I have quite a few farmers, and quite a few mechanics, too,” he says.

Patenaude, who lives on the U.S. side, admits he could see a bump in business if local Canadians begin to feel less comfortable crossing the border. “During COVID, we were exceptionally busy because people could not cross,” he says. “That could happen again,” he muses, noting he is registering new clients daily.

“It’s not a hidden secret anymore!” he exclaims.

Business as usual at the Halfway House in Dundee Read More »

Federal deputies call on U.S. officials over reduced border hours

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Salaberry-Suroît MP and public safety critic, Claude DeBellefeuille, and Saint-Jean MP Christine Normandin are stepping up their pressure on Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister David McGuinty over reduced hours of operation at area ports of entry.

The hours at the Herdman (Chateaugay), Trout River (Trout River), Lacolle Route 221 (Overton), and Lacolle Route 223 (Rouses Point) border crossings between Canada and New York State were reduced by half as of January 6. Faced with this continued reduction in hours, which see the crossing points close overnight, the MPs have reached out to their American counterparts for support.

An official letter was sent to U.S. elected officials who share a border with the two MPs’ constituencies. DeBellefeuille and Normandin emphasized the need for continuous operational border control, especially in the current geopolitical context.

The aim of the joint initiative is to ensure the American authorities are aware of the risks associated with the security and fluidity of cross-border trade. “Our American counterparts are well aware of the consequences of a less secure border,” said DeBellefeuille in a joint statement issued by the deputies.

She highlighted the importance of working together to press McGuinty to reverse the Canadian Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) decision.

“Reducing opening hours not only weakens border security; it also harms our regional economies, which are heavily dependent on cross-border trade,” added Normandin.

When asked, a representative from DeBellefeuille’s office noted that despite an initial response from the CBSA to the MPs requests for a revision, the deputy has not received anything further from the public safety minister.

U.S. elected officials spoke out in November, when the joint decision by the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was first announced. New York State Senator Dan Stec blasted the decision, insisting “You can’t have a part-time border.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also publicly stated her opposition to the reduction in hours, as has New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones.

DeBellefeuille and Normandin said they hope the letter will result in elected officials on both sides of the border speaking with one voice, with the end goal of prompting the federal governments to reconsider their decision.

Federal deputies call on U.S. officials over reduced border hours Read More »

Black Hawk helicopters are now patrolling the border

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Valley residents living along the U.S. border are getting used to hearing the heavy thumping of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s new Black Hawk helicopter as it flies overhead.

The RCMP deployed the military helicopter on January 17 to shore up its surveillance and response capabilities along the border while clamping down on illegal migration and drug smuggling.

“We want to send a message to the Americans that we are taking this very seriously,” said Sgt. Charles Poirier during a January 30 press conference in Saint-Antoine-Abbé, which took place just kilometres from what he described as an illegal migration hotspot.

“We are very serious about our measures, that we are present, and that we intervene every day,” he added, noting the helicopter allows officers to respond more rapidly and with greater flexibility to any situation along the border.

The Black Hawk is one of two choppers on loan until the end of March at a cost of $5.3 million, from the Ontario-based company Helicopter Transport Services. A second helicopter is currently stationed in Manitoba. 

Poirier said that officers in the field are already benefitting from the new measures. He explained that the Black Hawk allows the RCMP to respond more quickly and to transport teams from one location to another, given the sheer size of the territory. “Let’s say an intervention takes 30 minutes in a vehicle; we might be there in five minutes in a Black Hawk.”

The helicopter, which allows officers to rappel down or hoist individuals as needed, will also be used to assist ground patrols by identifying suspicious activity from the air.

Poirier said the new acquisition complements the RCMP’s existing fleet, which includes a smaller helicopter, several drones, patrol vehicles, all-terrain-vehicles, snowmobiles, and amphibious vehicles. “We also have an entire technological apparatus at the border, including cameras, sensors, and other detection mechanisms,” he noted.

‘We want to reassure people’

Along with communicating a message to the U.S. on border security, Poirier suggested the RCMP also wanted to inform locals about the presence of the helicopters. “They are imposing. They look like the military, and people who live along the border will see them on a regular basis. They also fly very low sometimes, and they make a lot of noise,” he acknowledged. “We want to reassure the people who live along the border to know that it is us and that there is nothing unusual going on.”

The Black Hawks flying overhead have been the topic of conversation between locals across the Valley, with many saying they were alarmed, or at best confused, by their presence.

“They went over my house three times, directly over the roof,” said a Hinchinbrooke resident. “It is loud and it’s invasive and it just seems like our peaceful little border has become something else just overnight,” she added, noting that the RCMP had already installed cameras at the end of her road. “I feel like I am being watched all the time,” she said.

“We understand that this can be an inconvenience,” Poirier said, noting that any issues relating to the helicopters and increased border patrols can be signaled to the RCMP, and efforts will be made to accommodate such concerns.

“One thing that needs to be clear is that we don’t randomly patrol the border. Every patrol we make is based on intelligence. It is focused,” said Poirier, noting that officers typically concentrate their efforts on a hot spot or problem area where they can work within the community.

“Local help is essential to our mandate,” he said. “We can’t be everywhere at once. We work very well with the public, and we recognize the inconvenience of having people crossing on their property,” he continued, noting that anything out of the ordinary, “whether it’s an individual, several individuals, a vehicle, even if it’s just a backpack on their property,” can be reported to the RCMP and an officer will be dispatched to investigate.

Situation is ‘under control’

According to Poirier, the helicopters will be used primarily to follow up on intelligence received, where officers can signal a location from the air to those on the ground so they can better concentrate their patrol. In the event an individual has crossed the border and has not been located within a certain amount of time, the helicopter may also be deployed for a “search-and-collect” operation.

A Hemmingford maple syrup producer says he regularly finds articles of clothing and tracks running through his sugar bush located along the border. He observed that since the helicopters began flying overhead, there has been very little evidence of people moving through the forest. He recalled feeling a bit nervous after the helicopter circled above him a few times while he was preparing his trees for the upcoming sugar season.

Poirier reiterated that the situation along the border is under control, noting both south- and north-bound movement across the line by migrants is relatively quiet at the moment. “The numbers are quite low,” he confirmed, while highlighting the RCMP’s focus on smuggling networks operating in the area.

Poirier also addressed American concerns over the trafficking of fentanyl across the border. “Less than one per cent of the fentanyl currently on U.S. streets comes from Canada. In the last 12 months, in Quebec alone, we haven’t seen any fentanyl destined for the American market,” he confirmed.

Poirier reiterated the importance of sending a strong message to the Americans that border security is being taken very seriously by the RCMP; but he noted it is also important to remember the facts.

Black Hawk helicopters are now patrolling the border Read More »

Ottawa to provide $10M for 11 projects in the Gaspé Peninsula

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Bonaventure: – The federal government is granting $10.1 million to 11 businesses and organizations in the Gaspé Peninsula to support their development, resulting in total investments of $86.5 million. 

“When we look at the Gaspésie promoters, people who work very hard for economic development and producing wealth in the Gaspésie, we see how dynamic, job-creating and diversified our businesses are in the territory. This is positive for a region like ours,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands, and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, who made the announcement during a press briefing on January 10 in Bonaventure. 

The Bioparc de la Gaspésie in Bonaventure receives the largest share, with $2.7 million non-refundable out of a total investment of $7.8 million. The project aims to improve and enhance the tourism offering by implementing the first phase of its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This includes the overhaul of four ecosystems, the creation of new animal habitats, the expansion and renovation of the animal care building, the construction of an exhibition pavilion, the redevelopment of public spaces, the expansion of sanitary spaces, the development of digital and scientific content, as well as a marketing strategy. 

Merinov receives $2 million to strengthen its innovation and technology transfer capacities by establishing the Merinov Innovation Hub in Grande-Rivière to better support the Quebec fisheries, aquaculture and bioresources industry. The spaces will offer five technological platforms related in particular to sustainable fishing gear, microalgae, the valorization of algae and co-products, a fish breeding room with modern effluent treatment technologies and ecophysiology and biology laboratories. The project is worth $31.2 million. 

Groupe AEM Canada of Cap-Chat is also receiving $2 million to increase the production capacity of the start-up company that specializes in the manufacture of high-purity alumina. This $27.7 million project will allow it to acquire and install specialized equipment, expand a building to add clean calcination rooms and increase its working capital. 

Cuisimer of Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis receives $1.9 million to increase production capacity and improve the productivity of the seafood processing company. Cusimer will expand its plant, add lobster tanks, a lobster sorter, a conveyor and cooling and air conditioning systems. The project requires $7.5 million in investments. 

Several smaller projects are also being supported through Canada Economic Development for Quebec. 

Les Bateliers de Percé will receive $333,750 of $445,000 to modernize and expand its boat to increase capacity. 

The Accès Micro crédit Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine project is being granted $252,000 non-repayable on a $965,000 project to promote the economic development of official language minority communities in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands, by offering support, coaching and training activities to English-speaking entrepreneurs. 

The Parc régional Petite-Cascapédia receives $250,000 non-repayable funding to create a zone for beginner downhill skiers and snowboarders, part of a total investment of $780,000. 

The Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du Sud de la Gaspésie will be able to complete the technological development of the JOBEL national software package (electronic logbook allowing fishermen to transmit their commercial fishing data) and its marketing in the Atlantic provinces with a contribution of $201,000 from the federal government. 

The Village en chanson de Petite-Vallée received $180,000 for marketing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée. 

A sum of $144,500 is reserved to enhance the tourism offer of the Corporation de développement de La Martre by setting up historical interpretation trails of the La Martre lighthouse by creating and implementing an escape game in the lighthouse keeper’s house, including rental improvements, as well as by developing an artifact exhibition room, a $205,000 project. 

Finally, Concept K will be able to improve its productivity and increase its production capacity with $125,000 out of $610,000 to acquire and install new production equipment and relocate the activities of the Sainte-Anne-des-Monts service point to a new location. 

“The Gaspé Peninsula is going to be a part of Canada’s economic recovery and we see that with our promoters, we have to hold our own. We are a tourist region, a resource region. We are a region that innovates in fisheries. Investing in the region is profitable for the region, for Quebec and for Canada,” says Ms. Lebouthillier. 

This announcement comes despite parliament being prorogued until the end of March. “That doesn’t stop departments from operating, working on projects and making announcements,” says Ms. Lebouthillier. 

Ottawa to provide $10M for 11 projects in the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

Striking postal workers demonstrate in Valleyfield

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The 85 members of Valleyfield local 460 of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been waving flags and handmade signs during daily demonstrations outside the Canada Post depot on Victoria Street in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

The local represents Valley postal workers from Hemmingford to Dundee as well as the city of Valleyfield. Its members, along with the 55,000 other postal workers across Canada, walked off the job as part of a nationwide general strike on November 15.

Negotiations with a government-imposed mediator have been taking place since November 19 with both the urban and the rural and suburban mail carriers (RSMC) bargaining units. The CUPW has rejected a proposed 11.5 per cent wage increase over four years, asking instead for 22 per cent over the same period.

Talks between the RSMC union representative and management have focused on issues such as pay stability, validation, hourly rates, and maintaining hours. The urban units have focused on issues such as salary, minimum hours for part-time workers, and weekend delivery demands aimed at competing with “gig-economy” platforms that deliver parcels as cheaply as possible. The union is concerned this could impact full-time carrier routes on weekdays.

Postal workers with Local 460 in Valleyfield have been demonstrating in front of the Canada Post depot on Victoria Street in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield since the general strike was called on November 15. (PHOTO Sarah Rennie)

According to daily negotiations updates posted by the CUPW there has been some progress, with sides exchanging proposals; however, a lot of ground remains.

The federal government ended past work stoppages in 2011 and 2018 by legislating postal workers back to their routes. Jonathan Theoret, the president of Local 460, said he hopes the government will let the employees fight this one out. “We had a 98.5 [per cent] strike vote. That’s really strong,” he said, noting this is the first general strike since 2011.

“We have had special legislation every four years for 20 years,” he explained, noting that the workers signed a contract extension without negotiation two years ago during the pandemic. “Now is the time to ask for what we want,” he continued, noting that salary-wise, employees want to return to the same purchasing power they had in 2020.

Theoret said that so far, support from the public seems strong. “I understand that the market has changed in the past six years. I think the public likes Canada Post, and it is here to stay. It is a service we offer to everyone, even in the North,” he commented. “I understand there are financial challenges, but we all have to face this together,” he added, suggesting Canada Post needs to change as well.

No pickup or delivery

The work stoppage has shut down Canada Post operations entirely. The Crown corporation has said that mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered during the strike, and some post offices will be closed. No mail will be accepted, and service guarantees for items already in the network will be affected.

According to Canada Post, items will be delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume on a first-in, first-out basis, though it cautions that processing and delivery may take some time to return to normal.

The uncertainty around Canada Post’s ability to deliver the sizeable backlog of mail in a timely matter once the strike ends has some consumers holding off on purchases. Christina Fasoula, the owner of the Tricot Laines Studio yarn store and gift shop in Huntingdon, relies on Canada Post to receive and ship her products and has already lost sales due to the strike.

“It is not like we are in Montreal where there are other options. There are multiple companies that you can use to ship without Canada Post, but they are in larger towns. For us, it is not an option,” she explained, noting those options can also be expensive.

Fasoula says that while the strike is causing some complications for small businesses, she is hopeful that locals will consider doing their holiday shopping closer to home, where they can skip the stress of waiting for delivery.

Striking postal workers demonstrate in Valleyfield Read More »

Farmers and politicians rally over stalled supply management bill

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Over 200 representatives from the agricultural and agrifood industry demonstrated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 10, to demand that the senate immediately adopt Bill C-282 which protects supply management.

Protesters were joined by elected representatives from all five major political parties, including Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille and several senators, as they rallied in support of the private members’ bill that has now been stalled for over a year.

Martin Caron, the general president of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA), called on the members of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to support the bill, which was adopted by a majority of MPs in the House of Commons in June 2023.

Canada has conceded nearly 8.4 per cent of its dairy production and processing during the last three international free-trade agreements it has signed, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.

Caron argues that supply management is just as important for dairy and poultry producers as the government’s risk-management programs are for other production sectors.

“Supply management in Salaberry-Suroît represents over 350 family farms that generate more than 3,100 jobs,” said DeBellefeuille. Across Quebec, around 6,500 supply-managed farms create 116,000 jobs and are responsible for $8.7 billion in GDP and $2.1 billion in tax revenues.

“Supply management brings vitality to our villages,” added DeBellefeuille, who noted the quality products and expertise of the agrifood industry as well as the high environmental standards that ensure the quality of agricultural products. “The fact that two unelected senators are preventing C-282 from being adopted is not only unacceptable, but contrary to democracy!” she exclaimed.

Caron pointed out that Canada will no doubt continue to negotiate trade agreements, suggesting it was important to send a clear signal to trading partners who are similarly protecting their own sensitive sectors, such as sugar and cotton in the United States or rice in Japan.

Farmers and politicians rally over stalled supply management bill Read More »

Federal Government Invests Over $33 Million in Community Infrastructure for Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

Cultural and community centres are essential to healthy and prosperous communities. They bring Canadians together and make our communities great places to live, play, and raise a family. That’s why we’re making investments in community infrastructure across the country – to grow spaces where families can succeed.

On July 6, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a federal investment of more than $33 million to support three modern, accessible, and environmentally friendly community infrastructure projects in Montréal, Quebec.

A key focus of this investment is the Parc-Extension neighbourhood, a vibrant and diverse area known for its rich cultural tapestry and strong sense of community. The planned construction of a recreation and community centre in Parc-Extension will be built to carbon-neutral standards, making it an energy-efficient facility. This centre will provide multipurpose spaces, including meeting rooms, common areas, a gym, a community kitchen, and offices for local organizations. These amenities are designed to strengthen the social fabric of the neighbourhood by offering a place where residents can come together, connect, learn, and enjoy recreational activities.

In addition to the new recreation and community centre, the Parc-Extension neighbourhood will also benefit from the renovation of the future location of the Afrique au féminin organization. This project will see the building at 8305 Durocher Street transformed with the construction of two new floors, an expansion of the north side, the installation of a green roof, and better insulation. Modern mechanical and electrical systems will be installed to provide a comfortable experience for users. Additionally, paved areas outside the building will be turned into green spaces. These renovations will enable Afrique au féminin to better serve the people in the northern part of Parc-Extension, a low-income residential community with a shortage of community resources.

The federal investment also includes more than $11.6 million for the construction of the Saint-Michel Community House. This three-floor building will house numerous community organizations to meet the needs of local residents of all ages. The building will be carbon-neutral and feature an industrial kitchen and a multipurpose room for use by organizations and the public.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the positive impact of these projects, stating, “Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Montréal. Our government is fast-tracking housing construction and investing in modern and sustainable infrastructure right across the country. With the projects announced today, communities will have the vibrant spaces they deserve – spaces where people living in Montréal’s Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel neighbourhoods can come together, celebrate special occasions, and reach their full potential.”

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser, highlighted the significance of the new community centres: “Community buildings are at the heart of Canadian cities and municipalities. Today’s funding will go toward the construction and renovation of three modern, energy-efficient community centres, where residents of the Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel neighbourhoods will be able to come together to share, entertain, and enjoy enriching experiences. The construction of new, environmentally friendly buildings will help Canadians create healthier communities while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Salwa Ben Belgacem, Executive Director of the Table de Quartier de Parc-Extension, expressed the importance of the new centre for the local community: “The Parc-Extension Community Centre is not just a financial investment, it’s a powerful symbol of support and development for our neighbourhood. This project is the result of unfailing consultation and determination with local stakeholders. It reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible space for all residents. This initiative strengthens social ties and promotes inclusion by advancing diversity – the true wealth of our community. This is a victory for the entire Parc-Extension community. Together, we’ve proven that great things can be achieved through unity.”

Rose Ndjel, Executive Director of Afrique au féminin, expressed gratitude for the support: “Afrique au féminin expresses its deep gratitude for the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and its unconditional financial support for our mission. It goes without saying that situations of exclusion and poverty in Montréal and elsewhere continue to be exacerbated by the challenges we face. Despite this, Afrique au féminin plays a crucial role in demonstrating its importance and its deep roots with the citizens of Parc-Extension in order to act in solidarity to improve and deliver services.”

These investments are part of the federal government’s commitment to strengthening communities across Canada. The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, launched in 2021, supports green and accessible retrofits, repairs, or upgrades of existing community buildings, as well as the construction of new publicly accessible community buildings that serve high-need, underserved communities. In Budget 2024, the federal government announced an additional $500 million over five years to support more projects through the program. At least 10 per cent of the funding is allocated to projects supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations located in urban centres. The program supports the first pillar of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the energy efficiency of public buildings, strengthening resilience to climate change. The program is also part of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy, a sector-by-sector roadmap to achieve Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

City Councillor for Parc-Extension, Mary Deros, expressed her excitement about the new funding opportunities for the borough. “I am extremely ecstatic that we finally have the revenue to move forward with important projects for the entire borough,” she stated. However, she also emphasized that securing this initial funding is only part of the process. “It does not stop there,” she explained. “These groups need to raise an additional 40 percent of the project funds in order to complete them. The government will only provide the money once this 40 percent has been fundraised.”

Councillor Deros highlighted the importance of community involvement and collective effort in achieving these goals. “It’s crucial for the community to come together and support these initiatives. Fundraising the additional 40 percent demonstrates our commitment and ensures that the projects can be fully realized,” she added.

The projects in question are expected to bring significant improvements to Parc-Extension, benefiting residents by enhancing infrastructure, community services, and overall quality of life. “These are important projects for the whole borough, and with the community’s help, we can make them a reality,” Deros concluded.

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