gaspe

Partridge hunt raises money for Gaspé Cancer Foundation

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / September 17, 2025 / cancer, gaspe, health, Penny MacWhirter

Penny MacWhirter, LJI

GASPÉ – On September 20, partridge hunting enthusiasts in the Gaspé area will have the chance to put their hunting skills to the test, while raising money for a good cause.

It is the third year for the Partridge Hunt. In 2023, the hunt raised $3,330 for the Gaspé Cancer Foundation, and almost doubled that amount in 2024, raising $6,476. Their goal for 2025 is $8,000.

Co-organizer Jennifer Jean-Clark says family history played a role in their inspiration to hold such an event. “Our husbands lost their dad at a young age to cancer; they also lost a brother, and two of their siblings now have cancer. My sister and I have a cousin who is fighting cancer right now. My mom had colon cancer at the age of 49 but recovered from it. I used to participate in the Relay for Life but the money didn’t stay in our community,” says Ms. Jean-Clark, who adds that she loves how this money helps people in her community.

The event is open to anyone who has a small game hunting permit. Participants can register as of September 14, right up until after the breakfast on the morning of the twentieth. The cost of participation is $20 per person.

Hunting begins at sunrise and hunters are welcome to hunt in their preferable location. Hunters and the public are invited to a breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. at Melanie and Paul Clark’s camp along Clark’s Road at the end of Wakeham, five kilometres off the paved road. Jennifer’s husband, Rodney Clark, works on the road prior to the event to ensure all vehicles can make it to the camp safely and everyone can participate in the activities. For those unfamiliar with the area, there will be signs directing the way. “The cost of the breakfast is $10 per plate and includes eggs, bacon, bologna, hashbrowns, Gail Dorion’s delicious homemade beans and my brother-in-law Paul’s homemade bread,” says Ms. Jean-Clark. In addition, the Gaspé Tim Horon’s is donating the coffee for the event.

Hunters usually start straggling back to the camp with their catches at around 4 p.m. when a light meal of soup and hotdogs (which is included in the participation fee) is served. They have until 6 p.m. to register their catches.

For the second year local duo Dodo and Coco will be on hand from around 1 to 6 p.m. to entertain the crowd. “It is really a great day for family and friends to begin our beloved hunting season and a good way to give to such a good cause,” says Ms. Jean-Clark.

In the past they’ve been able to give a door prize to each registered hunter and hope to be able to do so again this year. “We are getting close to $3,000 in prizes, including the firearm and crossbow that we are selling tickets on. Prizes are given for the biggest, smallest and heaviest catch. This year the hunt is in honour of Virginia Eagle Sinnett who lost her battle with cancer this past spring. Her daughter Karen will be on hand to give out the prize for the biggest partridge,” says Ms. Jean-Clark.

“This year we have a great sponsor. Les Entreprises Morin Donovan has donated over $1,500 in prizes, including a crossbow, hunting tent, duffle bag and backpack. We also have donations from other local businesses.”

In addition to the hunting activity, to raise funds organizers are selling tickets on a crossbow and 410 shotgun. The tickets are $5 and can be purchased by contacting any of the organizers listed below, or by messaging Jennifer Jean-Clark on messenger. “The winner of the firearm must pick it up at Filet Sport Gaspesien in Gaspé, so they’ll need to have a Possession and Acquisition Licence to get it,” notes Ms. Jean-Clark.

If you would like to support this initiative but can’t attend the event, organizers are able to accept your donations. If donating by cheque, it should be made out to the Gaspé Cancer Foundation.

The organizing team consists of Jennifer Jean-Clark, Melanie Jean, Paul Clark, Rodney Clark, Taylor Clark, Dylan Clark, Émilie Rochefort, Marc-Olivier Curadeau and Kassandra Dubé. Ms. Jean-Clark notes that they try to cover as many of the expenses as possible between the three businesses their family own (PAC Pélouse Gaspé, Multi Services JRC and Dépanneur du Versant). “We want as much money as possible to go to the Gaspé Cancer Foundation,” explains Ms. Jean-Clark.

Get to know the Gaspé Cancer Foundation

GASPE – The Gaspé Cancer Foundation came about after Noreen Hackett attended a women’s symposium and learned about the LeMore-Brown Foundation location in New Carlisle, which financially helps cancer patients in the Bonaventure MRC. Noreen realized such an organization was also needed in the Gaspé area.

“We became a registered non-profit Foundation in July of 2003, yet after 22 years of working hard to promote the organization there is still a large percent of the population that are unaware of the services that we provide to our members,” says Gaspé Cancer Foundation President Tony Patterson, who hopes to spread the word about what an important resource the foundation is.

The foundation is managed by volunteers, it is 100% non-profit, and serves a clientele from Grand Vallée to Corner-of-the-Beach, including Murdochville. “We do not pay salaries, wages or remunerations. All funds raised are used solely and exclusively for the benefit of its members,” add Mr. Patterson.

The Foundation acts as a bilingual information centre, and its purpose is to provide financial assistance to those suffering from cancer who must travel outside of our region to receive treatment or consultations. “To this end, the foundation is responsible for providing financial assistance to all members who must travel to Chandler, Maria, St. Anne de Monts, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Québec City, Montréal or Sherbrooke,” explains Mr. Patterson, who adds, that the foundation is often confused with l ’Association du Cancer de l ’Est du Québec.

“Unfortunately, many find out about us after they have been diagnosed and have already been sent outside the area for consultation or treatments. Cards must be purchased, and membership paid 30 days in advance of becoming eligible for financial aid,” explains Mr. Patterson. In other words, it is important to buy a membership, while you are healthy, hoping to never have to use it. But if you receive a cancer diagnosis, you’ll have the reassurance of support from the Gaspé Cancer Foundation.

The Foundation operates as follows: The cost of membership is $15 per person or $25 per couple including any children under the age of 18. To receive assistance, a member must be in good standing with the Foundation for at least 30 days. All members are eligible to receive financial assistance, without discrimination. “Currently, we have over 1,400 paid memberships, with over $50,000 in assistance given to members of the 2024-2025 fiscal year,” says Mr. Patterson.

Since forming in 2003, the foundation has distributed over $650,000 in financial assistance to its members.
The Foundation’s membership year runs from March to March of the following year. “Every year at the beginning of March we have our renewal campaign and over 10,000 blue forms are distributed to every residence and business in the MRC of Gaspé,” explains Mr. Patterson.

In addition, the Gaspé Cancer Foundation raises money through the sale of annual membership cards, in memorial cards, donations, and fundraisers and can issue tax receipts for any amount over $10. “We do not receive financial assistance from any governments, local, provincial or Federal,” says Mr. Patterson.
For members, the financial assistance reference sheets are also available the organization’s website. When signed by the attending physician where the treatment is administered, the member must mail it to the P.O. Box address on the bottom of the form. Payments are made after verifying the members’ information.

The Gaspé Cancer foundation holds an annual general meeting every year, and all activities of the Foundation for the previous year and its financial position are presented to those in attendance. New Directors are also elected at this time.

Mr. Patterson has been the president of the foundation for eight years and was a director for 12 years as well. “We have a great Board of Directors with a number of directors in long standing, who have been with us since the beginning,” says Mr. Patterson. He is thankful for the community support, which helps to ensure the organization’s longevity, “We are very fortunate to have a number of private individuals, like Jennifer Jean and friends who have over the years have either volunteered for or held events to raise funds for the foundation. They are all greatly appreciated and as a non-profit foundation we could never continue to exist without their support.”

Payments for renewals, new memberships, in memorial cards and donations can be made using Paypal at: www.fcg.gcf.com, by cheque, or buy e-transfers: gaspe45@hotmail.com.

To learn more about the Gaspé Cancer Foundation visit their website or email info@fcg.gcf.com.
Mailing address: Gaspé Cancer Foundation, C.P. 6078. Gaspé, QC G4X 2R6

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Logements HAN: Telecoms knew for 1.5 years

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / September 17, 2025 / gaspe, housing, nelson sergerie, utilities

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – Telecommunications companies have known since May 28, 2024, that a connection for telephone, internet, and television services would be required for the Logements HAN buildings at the end of Forest Street in Gaspé.

“As part of this project, as early as May 28, 2024, municipal authorities notified telecommunications services and Hydro-Québec that this project was coming. Hydro-Québec acted to connect the housing units as soon as they were ready. However, as far as telecommunications services are concerned, that doesn’t seem to be the case,” says Mayor Daniel Côté.

Tenants with disabilities have been moving in since August 1 and are still without telecommunications service. Furthermore, cell phone service is very limited in the area.

“It’s a shame, especially since we’re talking about a vulnerable clientele who can’t afford to travel like everyone else. These are people who need these services at home, probably more than the average person. It’s a significant need for them. I can’t explain the delays. I’m starting to find it long,” added the mayor.

The Town of Gaspé was contacted during the week of September 1, and the mayor on September 6.
“We started working (on the issue) at the beginning of the week,” says the mayor, noting that no deadline was available prior to the tenants’ media appearance.

It was a group effort to get the file moving. On September 9, Telus employees were seen at the location carrying out work to connect the housing complexes to the network.

The Canadian communications giant responded by email late in the afternoon of September 9. “We understand the Han Logement Group’s concerns. Our team, which has been on site since September 8, 2025, is making every effort to proceed with the installation and activation of services, and this should be completed quickly in the coming days, as planned. The complexity of the work, particularly the limited space within the complex, has caused additional delays and a revision of the initial plans. We thank our customers for their patience,” wrote Communications Director Jacinthe Beaulieu.

According to information obtained by SPEC, the network engineering in the area had to be revised because the line between Montée de Sandy Beach and the complexes, which runs via Forest Street, was not designed to accommodate 32 additional apartments.

A new wire must be installed before connecting the complexes. Its design is intended to eventually accommodate a Phase 2 project currently being planned for HAN Logements in this area.

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Gaspé informs publicutilities during major projects

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / September 17, 2025 / gaspe, housing, nelson sergerie, utilities

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – With the recent mishap experienced with Logements HAN regarding the connection of telecommunications services, the Town of Gaspé ensures that when major projects are launched, public utility services are informed well in advance of development projects requiring additional capacity.
The question arises in connection with a major project underway by Gestion Bourgade in the Dean Creek area, near the downtown.

“There is a delegation of municipal work to the land developer. Normally, it’s part of the protocol that public utility companies are informed and prepare accordingly,” notes Mayor Daniel Côté. He notes that, in this specific case, there is no construction underway under a building permit.

Sophie Bourdages, Vice President of Gestion Bourgade, notes that the process is already underway.
“Since public utilities such as electricity, optical telephone lines, and cable television will be buried, work will be carried out in parallel with the construction site to provide water and sewer services to the neighbourhood, since this requires excavation,” the manager explains.

Distribution points have been planned at the entrance to each lot so that owners can connect to the services.The work is expected to be completed this fall.

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Gaspé Municipal Update: Dangerous dog to be euthanized

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / September 17, 2025 / civil code, forillon, gaspe, housing, nelson sergerie, shq

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ: — The Town of Gaspé wants to euthanize a dog that has been declared dangerous, which would be a first in the Gaspé Peninsula.

The town is basing its decision on a measure in the Regulation to implement the Act to promote the protection of persons by establishing a framework concerning dogs.

The Quebec government delegated responsibility for dangerous animals to municipalities following various tragic incidents involving dogs in the province through a law passed on June 13, 2018, which came into effect on March 3, 2020.

A notice of intent was filed at the September 2 council meeting. “We have a potentially dangerous dog here, which has been declared very dangerous by a veterinarian. This is a dog that has killed another animal. Everything has been proven and admitted by its owner. We must begin the process of determining what to do with the dog. What was discussed with the council is that since we are dealing with a dog that has been declared very dangerous by a veterinarian, we must issue a notice of intent,” explains the Mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté, who remains very cautious in the face of a legal and possibly judicial process.
The town became involved following an incident that occurred on July 17, when the “dangerous” dog, a Labrador mix, fatally injured a small dog.

“There are steps to follow. It can take several weeks or even months. We are fortunate to have a veterinarian in Gaspé who can analyze the dog’s dangerousness and behaviour. In this case, it went fairly quickly,” notes the mayor. The owner of the animal has five days to respond to the notice of intent filed by the council.

“All costs and preliminary analyses up to euthanasia, which is the ultimate solution in this case, are the responsibility of the owner,” says the elected official.

The mayor points out that, according to the Civil Code, the owner is responsible for the care, control, supervision, and health of the animal. “We must remember this because I feel that this notion of individual responsibility is forgotten in our society,” says Mr. Côté.

The council was scheduled to revisit the issue on September 15.

The SHQ will have to pay

A 1974 agreement is coming back to haunt the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), which will have to pay 100% of the renovation costs for certain low-rent housing units in Cap-des-Rosiers.

The mayor of Gaspé suggests that this may be related to the construction of these housing units following the mass expropriation of residents when Forillon Park was created.

“A series of low-income housing units were built around the Forillon peninsula. Perhaps it was in connection with this that the SHQ, to make up for the expropriations, assumed 100% of the relocation costs. Perhaps that is the situation. We brought up this agreement and the SHQ agreed to pay 100% of the renovation costs,” says the mayor.

The work is estimated at $8.2 million. If the municipal administration had not brought up this agreement, the town would have had to pay its 10% share, or $820,000.

“We obviously searched for any kind of agreement that could exempt us from the 10% bill. But everything that was in the agreement, we got,” notes the mayor.

There are other low-income housing renovations that need to be done, and the town will pay its 10% share. This is particularly the case for the renovation project on Rue des Grandvillais, a $1.6 million project for which the town will have to pay approximately $100,000.

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Gasoline still at premium prices in Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 11, 2025 / # Regie de l'energie, gas prices, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts regions continue to rank among the areas with the highest gasoline prices in Quebec.

On July 16, regular gas was selling for $1.574 per litre at retailers in both locations.
The disparity is increasingly difficult to understand. Just 100 kilometres away in Chandler, the price dropped by 8 cents on July 15, landing at $1.494 per litre.

Elsewhere in the Baie-des-Chaleurs region, prices ranged from $1.49 to $1.52 depending on the municipality. However, the Petro-Canada station in Paspébiac attempted to raise its price to $1.574 in the middle of the afternoon on July 16.

According to data from the Régie de l’énergie, a litre priced at $1.49 aligns with the average annual profit margin of 11 cents per litre in the Rocher-Percé MRC. In Chandler, the board sets the cost price for retailers at $1.36.

In Gaspé, based on the same data, the profit margin stood at 18.4 cents, significantly above last year’s average of 12.8 cents.

Taking this into account, the price of gasoline in Gaspé should be closer to $1.52, as it is elsewhere in the region.

A report published by the board in February 2024 noted that, in 2023, the majority of independent retailers in Gaspé applied higher retail margins than those in any other region of Quebec. Two years later, it appears the situation remains unchanged.

If fair pricing were applied, the price per litre in Gaspé would be comparable to the $1.51 set several weeks ago in the Matane and Rimouski regions.

As of July 16, the board listed the wholesale purchase price at $1.356 in Gaspé and $1.341 in Baie-des-Chaleurs.

At $1.574, Gaspé trails only Nord-du-Québec and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, two regions with unique pricing structures due to their remote locations.

By comparison, gasoline was also selling for $1.57 per litre in Montreal on July 16. However, prices in the greater Montreal area are affected by higher taxes from the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT), which funds public transit.

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Gaspé wants to position itself as a leader in responsible tourism

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / Daniel Cote, Four-season, gaspe, tourism, Tourist attractions

Jean-Phillipe Thibault, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé is launching its first-ever Four-season sustainable destination strategy. The roadmap is described as ambitious and aims to guide the territory’s tourism development “in a harmonious, environmentally friendly manner that benefits the entire community.”

Mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté notes that Gaspé is one of the first towns in Quebec to adopt such a plan. “For our destination, we expect to become a Quebec leader in sustainable tourism, authentic tourism, and four-season tourism. We anticipate an improvement in the quality of life for residents.”
For the mayor, sustainable development is no longer an option. “It must practically be an obligation. It’s a condition for success. We can no longer conduct development the way we did 100 years ago.”
The strategy unveiled on June 25 is structured around four priority areas of intervention: sustainable mobility and connectivity, four-season tourism, environmental preservation and responsible management, as well as collaborative governance and sustainable strategy.

“This strategy is an element that will guide our actions in sustainable tourism for years to come […] It gives us the tools to develop a thriving tourism economy that respects our exceptional environment and contributes directly to the quality of life of our citizens,” adds Daniel Côté.

Four Seasons

Earlier this year, Gaspé hosted winter cruises for the first time, welcoming Le Commandant Charcot. The town administration sees this as just the beginning of its four-season tourism development.

“We’ve put ourselves on the map with this, but it’s a bit of a pretext to promote genuine winter tourism development,” notes Daniel Côté. We’ve been talking about it for years, but we’ve taken the bull by the horns and it’s a development area we’re going to focus on. We’re still in a summer tourism paradigm. The results are starting to show, but we’re still very tied to summer.”

To support fall tourism, a $50,000 grant was provided earlier to the Berceau du Canada team to enable operations during peak international cruise season. The town’s proposed new arena project is also back in the spotlight. The mayor believes such infrastructure would help support both sports and event tourism.

Other potential growth areas include backcountry skiing and snowmobiling—“when it snows,” Côté notes.

Daniel Côté is also open to artificial snowmaking at Mont Bechervaise, which is owned by the Town.
“Studies are underway and we are contributing to them, but there are a million technical issues […] There are different options on the table, and I think it will become a priority,” he explains.

The next steps of the Four-Season sustainable destination strategy will include the establishment of a monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the action plan and the search for funding to carry out priority projects. The full report on the process is available for consultation on the Town of Gaspé’s website.

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Electoral map: process is still being challenged

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / Alexander Pless, Daniel Cote, electoral map, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A coalition of elected officials from the Laurentians, Centre-du-Québec, and Estrie regions is seeking permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal the trial Superior Court’s decision that rejected the motion to challenge the adoption of Bill 59, the legislation that ended the electoral map revision process.

This May 29 ruling allowed the two ridings of Bonaventure and Gaspé to be retained for the October 2026 election.

At that time, Judge Alexander Pless rejected the request by elected officials from the Laurentides, Centre-du-Québec, the Brome-Missisquoi MRC, and the City of Sherbrooke against the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec and the Attorney General of Quebec to revoke the Act to interrupt the electoral district delimitation process, which was adopted by the National Assembly of Quebec in a unanimous vote on May 2, 2024.

The commission responsible for redrawing the electoral map for the 2026 and 2030 elections had proposed removing one riding in Gaspésie to create Gaspé-Bonaventure and eliminating another on the island of Montreal to establish new ridings in the Laurentians and Centre-du-Québec.

During hearings held from May 8 to 14, the Gaspésie MRCs argued that the proposed electoral map would seriously undermine the principle of effective representation and significantly harm the region’s voice in Quebec’s democratic institutions.

In the notice of appeal filed on June 27, the appellant argued that the Superior Court recognized that Bill 59 infringed on the right to vote, as protected by section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but ruled that this infringement was justified under section 1 of the Charter.

In his decision, the judge noted that “in principle, everyone’s vote must carry equal weight. However, section 3 of the Charter guarantees the right to effective representation. This requires taking into account other factors that conflict with the strict arithmetic equivalence of votes.”

However, he also concluded that the Attorney General of Quebec had successfully demonstrated that the Act was justified under section 1 of the Charter.

The appellants also note that the trial judge dismissed the option of adding ridings on the grounds that it did not have strong majority support in the National Assembly and intend to demonstrate that the judge ignored the possibility of adding four ridings without imposing on the Electoral Representation Commission where to add them, an option that was nevertheless raised by two opposition parties and for which the Attorney General of Quebec never explained why it was rejected.

The group of elected officials also explains that the trial court failed to analyze the fact that, in order to protect a single riding in Gaspésie, the legislature significantly infringed on the right to effective representation of half a million voters in constituencies in a positive exception situation and committed a mixed error of law and fact in concluding that the measure is proportional despite the detrimental effects, which it describes as significant.

The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, who is a party to the litigation, said he had received the proceedings and that his lawyers are currently reviewing the case.

“We may contest the appeal. Our lawyers are looking into the merits of the case to help us decide how to proceed. I still believe that the trial court’s decision was very well-founded and essentially echoed the Supreme Court’s Carter decision,” said Mr. Côté.

The decision upheld Bonaventure and Gaspé for the 2026 election, but the judge warned that for the subsequent election, the National Assembly would have to review the electoral law to protect what little democratic weight remains in the regions.

“I continue to believe in the principle of effective representation, which goes far beyond the number of voters in a given territory,” the mayor continued.

If the Court of Appeal hears the case, it could go all the way to the Supreme Court, but Daniel Côté does not believe that the country’s highest court will revisit the case.

“It’s possible, but the Supreme Court has already ruled on similar appeals. Unless the basis of the Carter Decision [of 1991] is called into question, that society is so different today that the Supreme Court would revisit it. But we’re not there yet,” he says.

“But the ruling is solid and was not written on the back of a napkin. It is a ruling that reflects the essence of the Supreme Court and other case law. The ruling goes into great depth. Any ruling can be challenged before the Court of Appeals, but I find the trial court’s ruling to be solid,” said the mayor of Gaspé, who is waiting for the prosecutors to take a position before going any further.
It should be noted that the commission suggested merging the ridings of Gaspé and Bonaventure, bringing together the MRCs of Côte-de-Gaspé, Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure, and Avignon to create Gaspé-Bonaventure, while Haute-Gaspésie would be transferred to the riding of Matane-Matapédia, a riding in the Lower St. Lawrence region.

As of April 30, 2023, Bonaventure had 35,898 voters and Gaspé had 30,131, far below the minimum threshold. The gap was -29.2% and -40.6%, respectively.

Gaspé ranked third among the least populous ridings, behind the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, which has exceptional status, and Ungava.

According to vote projections based on data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the gap between Gaspé and the average is expected to soon exceed that of Ungava.

In 2017, the commission maintained Gaspé’s negative exception status and granted the same status to Bonaventure.

However, as the representation disparities have increased, the commission declined to renew this status.

Electoral map: process is still being challenged Read More »

Gaspesian berries on grocery shelves

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Berries, foreign workers, gaspe, harvest, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINT-SIMÉON – Gaspé strawberries are now available on grocery store shelves in Bay of Chaleur and the Chandler area.

“The season has started. We’ve had strawberries in the store for a few days now, and it’s a start. The season has started. We still have flowers in the fields with the later strawberries. There’s an abundance right now,” says Pierre Bourdages, co-owner of Ferme Bourdages Tradition in Saint-Siméon.

And the beginning of the season promises a good harvest for 2025.

“It should be a good season despite the late start, with the excess water and cool weather. The heat is now here. The rain caused a bit of a delay,” notes the farmer.

“We’re supplying the markets. We’re starting on the south side: Chandler, Carleton. We’re moving forward gradually. We don’t have large volumes at the moment. You’ll see strawberries in your grocery stores in the next few days,” says Mr Bourdages.

Consumers in Gaspé will therefore have to wait a few more days before they can enjoy this purely Gaspé product.

The increase in the minimum wage and the rise in input costs such as transportation are affecting the cost of strawberries.

“The price is jumping because we have no choice,” says Mr. Bourdages.

However, it is still possible to find cheap strawberries in large chains, with consumers seeing prices as low as $2.50 for a one-litre basket.

“It’s a loss leader. Retailers will set aggressive prices to attract customers by selling at a loss,” he notes.

In Ontario, during the week of June 25, a basket sold for $6.

Strawberries from Île d’Orléans have been sweet and juicy so far this year.

Those from the Gaspé Peninsula should follow the same trend.

“They will be excellent. We mustn’t forget that we have different varieties, but the temperature, climate, heat, and sun make all the difference in the final taste. It helps a lot with the sugar in the strawberries,” he explains.

With the sun and heat of the last few days, the fruit should taste great.

Ferme Bourdages Tradition has about 120 workers in the fields picking. Of these, one-third are from Mexico.

“We have about ten who were expected on July 2, and about twenty the following week. We’re going with the arrival of the fruit in the field. As it ripens, we’ll need workers. In total, we’ll have 44 foreign workers,” says Mr. Bourdages.

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Surpluses in Gaspé, Chandler, and Bonaventure

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / budget, Financial situation, gaspe, nelson sergerie, Surplus

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé has a $3.1 million surplus for the 2024 fiscal year on a $40 million budget. However, the town did draw $1.3 million from the surplus to balance the 2025 budget.
Additional revenues of approximately $2 million were added: $900,000 came from the strong real estate market, including property taxes and renovations carried out on buildings last year, and a retroactive payment of $500,000 in lieu of taxes since 2022 for the construction of the new Ministry of Transportation service centre, making up the bulk of the additional revenue.

In addition, the milder winter and unfilled positions within the municipal administration generated savings. The debt increased from $45 million to $51.6 million.

“I asked our auditors if there are any red flags we should be seeing. Are we investing too much? Is the debt too high? Is the surplus too high? No. All the signs are green, according to our auditors. I’m reassured,” says Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté.

For its part, Chandler recorded a surplus of $681,000 on a budget of $13.5 million.
With that amount the town’s accumulated surplus will almost reach $1 million, something not seen in Chandler for a very long time.

“This hasn’t been seen in a long time. We’re proud of our work. We made big decisions. We turned services that weren’t profitable into profitable,” says the Mayor of Chandler Gilles Daraîche. The elected official points out that in 2022, there was only $130,000 in the accumulated surplus.

“We also have a working capital of $600,000. There are certain projects that we don’t need to borrow for. The winters are less harsh, so we’re saving on equipment. Building permits brought in an additional $78,000,” explains Mr. Daraîche.

A turnaround in Bonaventure, brings about a surplus of $136,000 on a budget of $7 million for the 2024 fiscal year. In 2023, the town recorded a loss of $119,000. The unallocated surplus now stands at $222,504.

The town’s total debt stands at $24 million. However, the portion attributable to citizens, the net debt, is $14.2 million, an increase of $913,000 compared to 2023.

The Mayor of Bonaventure, Pierre Gagnon believes the town’s financial situation has greatly improved over the past year, thanks to tighter spending controls, reduced investments, and a diligent search for government assistance.

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Moose declining in Forillon National Park

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / forillon, gaspe, moose, nelson sergerie, Wildlife

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The number of moose in Forillon National Park has decreased by half since 2017, according to the latest aerial survey conducted by park managers in February 2025.

In 2017, the moose population had reached a peak of 34 moose per 10 square kilometres, equivalent to 800 moose, prompting discussions on how to curb the population, which was putting its habitat at risk due to overpopulation.

The 2020 and 2024 inventories concluded that there were 22 moose per 10 square kilometres. The latest inventory showed a rate of 17 moose per 10 square kilometres, representing approximately 400 moose.

“The target for an ecosystem like ours is between 10 and 20 (moose per square kilometre). We are within the target range for a healthy ecosystem. The closer we are to 10, the better. But we are in a situation that is less problematic than we were at the end of the 2010s,” says Mathieu Côté, manager of Parks Canada’s Gaspé management unit.

“It’s difficult to explain this fluctuation. We are seeing a significant decline, but it is not cause for concern. Our long-term concern was that if we had remained at 35 per 10 square kilometres, there would have been significant impacts on the forest ecosystem. At 17, we are continuing to monitor the situation, but we are less concerned,” notes Mr. Côté.

The park has been tracking the moose population since 1970. The population continued to grow until it peaked in 2017, and since then, the situation has been stabilizing. “Over the past six years, we have been monitoring the situation more closely. We are continuing to do so, and we are pretty much back to where we were in 2009,” notes the manager.

It is difficult to explain what might have happened. “It is possibly multifactorial. There are natural variations. When it reaches a peak and becomes very dense, it often declines,” says the manager, who remains cautious.

Given this situation, conservation hunting to control the population is ruled out in the short term. “We don’t need to intervene. We’re going to let nature take its course. We’re going to monitor the situation closely,” he says.

Additional aerial surveys are not planned in the short term. Monitoring will be done using cameras deployed throughout the park.

Moose declining in Forillon National Park Read More »

A $30 Million Puzzle at the CISSS de la Gaspésie

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / budget, cisss, cuts, gaspe, health care, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The CISSS de la Gaspésie has proposed a $566 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which began on April 1. It’s a balanced budget, but it faces a major challenge to achieve it because cuts will be required to do so.

President and CEO Martin Pelletier indicates that it’s a closed budget.

“In the measures we’ve tabled, there’s a budget restriction target of $30 million, but there’s a $20 million measure regarding the liberation of independent workers, which will be difficult to achieve,” emphasizes Mr. Pelletier. There remains $10 million to be found: $1 million will come from the closure of various collection centres located in leased spaces, such as the one at Place Jacques-Cartier in Gaspé, which had drawn criticism.

However, the three collection centres in Baie-des-Chaleurs will remain open, as the CISSS has no availability in its own premises.

Among other cost-saving measures, tightening working hours is expected to contribute to the savings goal.

“There are measures to review work teams at the clinical and administrative levels, even though our supervision rate is very low. There are measures that provide for non-replacements. Posted positions will not be (filled). Ultimately, there will be fewer hours worked in the coming year to raise this $10 million outside of independent labour,” explains Mr. Pelletier.

There is no question of reducing services at the 24/7 emergency departments of CLSCs in communities like Grande-Vallée, Murdochville, and Paspébiac.

Even though the CEO has been firm on this point since last fall, elected officials, particularly in the Estran sector, remain concerned, especially since there are strong protests for similar emergency rooms in Trois-Pistoles and Pohénégamook, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

“We’re not touching these emergency rooms. There’s no provincial signal to close smaller emergency rooms. We have specific characteristics that make us more isolated than elsewhere. It’s harder to say we could close these emergency rooms. And when we consider a nighttime closure, a doctor often comes in for 24 hours as a backup. The staff we would save at night and who would be redeployed means we’re not really saving money. It would take a total closure to save money, and that’s out of the question. It’s a question of access to care across our vast territory, something we’re trying to explain to head office,” Mr. Pelletier reaffirms.

The debate over recognizing the specificities of the Gaspé remains an ongoing battle.
“The idea is to have basic services throughout the territory for 80,000 people with four local networks. To make this efficient, it would require one hospital for 80,000 people. There are places where we can do better and with new clinical practices. We must adapt to this, but the fact remains that there are basic services that require a cost to maintain,” Mr. Pelletier explains.

A $30 Million Puzzle at the CISSS de la Gaspésie Read More »

Delayed Opening at Demeure Toi

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Autistic Adults, Demeure Toi, gaspe, housing, project

Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Jounalist

GASPÉ – Autistic adults in Gaspé who were scheduled to move into their brand-new living space with Demeure Toi in mid-July will have to wait at least until the fall due to lack of funding.

“Yesterday (June 23), we informed our candidates, who have been in preparatory activities since March, that their entry will be delayed. We’ve just caused them stress and anxiety,” deplores Claudine Dupuis, president of Demeure Toi, a play-on-words name that means house, you and roof, in French.

The non-profit organization is behind the vast project for an adapted and inclusive living environment for 11 autistic adults in downtown Gaspé. The former Colombian Centre—which for many years housed the Ardoise bar, near the Cathedral—was demolished in 2023, and construction began last year. The project is estimated to cost nearly $9 million.

Lack of Funding

Except the funds needed for its operations have not been forthcoming. In a June 23 public statement that caused quite a stir, Demeure Toi explained that it received a promise in August 2024 from Minister Lionel Carmant, responsible for Social Services, for a recurring budget of $318,242 per year to support the residents’ needs. This was reportedly confirmed by Gaspé Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

The money is used, in particular, to hire service coordinators and clinical staff, as well as for continuing education. “It’s not an apartment building. Autistic adults can’t get home alone with their luggage. They need to be prepared with an intervention plan,” explains Claudine Dupuis, who has been actively involved in this project as a volunteer since 2015.

The service agreement proposed by the CISSS de la Gaspésie, however, would only be for $50,000 per year, which is considered largely insufficient and, more importantly, does not fulfill the promise, the non-profit organization laments.

In 2022, a grant of up to $3.65 million was awarded to Demeure Toi to enable the housing project to be carried out. This was part of a Canada-Quebec agreement concerning the Rapid Housing Initiative concluded between the Société d’habitation du Québec and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

A year later, an additional $5.3 million was added, since the building was beyond repair and would have to be demolished and rebuilt rather than renovated. “It’s paradoxical to have a grant of nearly $9 million, but on the other hand, we’re not able to raise the money to offer the services,” notes president Dupuis.

Miscalculation?

According to Demeure Toi, the low amount received compared to the expected amount is explained by the tenant service needs assessment tool, which is actually a tool for people with reduced autonomy that produces results that underestimate the specificities of autism.

“The CISSS assesses our future residents for functional autonomy needs. We feel that it doesn’t measure the autistic dimension; the challenges they face, such as disorganization and anxiety. It’s the financial vehicle that’s not good. They take it in an envelope based on certain criteria, and we don’t fit into that,” explains Claudine Dupuis.

The news broke out four weeks before the official opening, expected on July 20.

Unique project

The Demeure Toi project is tailor-made to meet the specific needs of autism, promoting autonomy and socio-professional inclusion. The concept is unique in Eastern Quebec. “They don’t arrive here with their suitcase playing video games. They engage in a process to create a life project and develop their autonomy. For that, we need preparatory activities; getting them moving before entering, then we update these activities and support them in their process,” explains Claude Dupuis.
The nearly completed building includes 12 supervised housing units, a unit for a resource tenant, a studio for an educator present on weekends, as well as community spaces: a communal kitchen, lounge, sensory stimulation room, multipurpose room, calming room, satellite office, and administrative office.

The facilities will be open in 2026 to non-residents with autism and their families, to strengthen community inclusion. “We want to demonstrate that with rigorous and consistent support, we can bring them elsewhere. Some already work part-time. It’s a forgotten clientele. We wanted to make a difference and show that we were going to succeed…” concludes Claudine Dupuis.

She doesn’t rule out the possibility that the building may never open if funding isn’t forthcoming, and that the announced reduction in funding is a direct consequence of healthcare budget cuts.
Demeure Toi also points out that the promised funding was supposed to be allocated three months before the opening, but that nothing has been forthcoming yet.

Delayed Opening at Demeure Toi Read More »

Fewer reports to DPJ in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Children, dpj, Fewer reports, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The number of reports received and those retained by the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ) in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine declined in 2024-2025 according to a document presented on June 19.

The number of reports retained fell from 678 in 2023-2024 to 519 in 2024-2025. The theme of the latest annual report is “Protecting children collectively.”

“It’s really about how, beyond a report, we can protect children. Every action is an important action for children, and as a DPJ, we really wanted to mention that DPJs alone can’t protect Quebec’s children,” explains Michelle Frenette, Director of Youth Protection and Provincial Director for Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Without denying that in recent years, the DPJ has experienced some bad press, Ms. Frenette maintains that every day, every member of her department offers the best.

“We must always strive for improvement, and that’s what we wanted to demonstrate in this strong message of wanting to succeed in order to do better for Quebec’s children,” continues the director.
Although the number of reports is down 11% this year, the long-term trend over the past decade remains upward.

“What’s interesting for us is the decrease in the number of assessments and retentions,” says the director. The decline rate is 24%.

A number of measures may have helped reduce the number of cases.

“For the past two years, we’ve been implementing a field verification program. These are interveners who can make a few small interventions as soon as a case is reported. Sometimes, we can deploy an intervener who will do one or two small meetings with families and link up with other services, which can make a difference in the region,” explains Ms. Frenette.

A great deal of awareness-raising is done on the front line, notably involving schools and a community committed to its children.

By MRC territory, the number of reports accepted dropped significantly in the Côte-de-Gaspé (from 146 to 78), Avignon (from 110 to 56) and Gesgapegiag (from 33 to 14).

In the other MRCs and Listuguj, the data remain stable.

“It’s hard to explain year-on-year decreases or increases. Sometimes, it’s due to more team awareness, or events in the MRCs. Sometimes, it’s more complete teams on the front line or at school level, where there are more interventions,” says the director.

Urgent and semi-urgent cases are responded to immediately. For less urgent cases, response times have been reduced from 20 days to 14 days.

“We’re mostly within our response times. We have less than 20 children on our waiting list, and they’re on schedule. This is excellent news for our region. We’re trying to keep the number of children on the waiting list to a minimum, with a firm enough rhythm to provide services on time,” says Ms. Frenette.

Neglect remains the leading reason for referrals at 33%, followed by psychological abuse at 26%. These proportions have remained fairly stable year over year.

Under the Young Offenders Act, a decrease of six interventions was noted, from 121 to 115 cases. Of those involved, 98% of young people followed their sanctions.

“The three main offences are assault, breach of probation and theft. Sometimes mischief. We want to work with teenagers as teenagers. We want to work on accountability, rehabilitation and reintegration. Recidivism rates are very low,” explains the director.

In recent years, a number of vacancies have arisen, putting pressure on the staff who remain in the field.

“When it comes to reporting, assessment and orientation, our team is almost complete. We still have some good news on that front. We still face challenges in applying measures, particularly in the Bay of Chaleurs and Haute-Gaspésie, where we have a little more difficulty following up on families,” she explains.

Finding bilingual workers to serve English-speaking families in the Bay of Chaleurs remains a challenge.

While other parts of the healthcare system have faced budget cuts, the DPJ has so far been spared.
“Everyone will have to look at efficiency. We’re managing public funds and we have to be constantly improving. Now, we have to make sure we sit down together, and that’s where the decisions will have an impact, and as DPJ, it’s clear that the interests of the children will be the first thing we bring to the table, to avoid having a direct impact on their safety, their development and the services offered,” calculates Ms. Frenette.

Fewer reports to DPJ in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Read More »

16 oil wells targeted for permanent closure in the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Closure, gaspe, Ministry of Energy, nelson sergerie, Oil

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Sixteen “active” oil wells in the Gaspé Peninsula are targeted for permanent closure according to Quebec’s Ministry of Energy.

In the wake of the Court of Appeal’s decision forcing companies to close their wells pending a substantive decision on the constitutionality of the law that ended hydrocarbon exploitation and exploration in 2022. The Ministry clarified that none of the 16 wells are currently in production.

According to the map provided by the ministry in response to a request from SPEC, the majority of these wells are located in the immediate vicinity of Gaspé, namely the former Galt site on the western edge of the town, with a total of seven.

Three are located in Haldimand, one in Anse-à-Brillant, four in the Colline-des-Basques sector in the unorganized territory of Côte-de-Gaspé, and one near Saint-Elzéar.

All 16 wells fall under the Act to end hydrocarbon or underground reservoir exploration, hydrocarbon production, and brine exploration, and are slated for permanent closure.

Following the Court of Appeal’s May 22 decision, the ministry has stated that it will resume its monitoring and require those responsible for the wells to proceed with their permanent closure.
According to the ministry, these 16 wells do not pose a risk.

However, contaminants have been detected at three well sites based on the results of hydrogeological studies commissioned by the department.

Since the companies have not yet been notified, the ministry has not specified their exact geographical position.

However, according to the ministry, no surface waterways are connected to the water table and no drinking water extraction sites for human consumption or food processing are located within a radius of at least one kilometre.

The 16 wells have been subject to a closure plan, and those with detected contaminants will have to take these results into account and revise their closure plans, if necessary, to ensure long-term environmental protection and well integrity.

The law that ended hydrocarbon operations provides for a compensation program for revoked license holders, under which the government can reimburse up to 75% of the costs associated with approved closure work.

To date, no compensation claims have been filed by those responsible for these wells.
After the wells are permanently closed, the sites will be monitored by the Department.

16 oil wells targeted for permanent closure in the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

Gaspesian strawberries will be available around July 5

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / Ferme Bourdages, foreign workers, gaspe, nelson sergerie, strawberries

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINT-SIMÉON – Local strawberries should start appearing on Gaspesian grocery store shelves around July 5.

That’s what the co-owner of Ferme Bourdages Tradition in Saint-Siméon believes, given that last winter saw virtually no snow and the wetter, less sunny spring slowed down preparations. “A lot of humidity, rain, and cool weather has set us back about two weeks,” says Pierre Bourdages.
Last year, the season began early, with fresh strawberries available by June 20.

Winter frost damage was limited to just 5 to 10%, which suggests a good season ahead.
“We have a lot of flowers in the fields. We have 50% of flowers in the early varieties and the mid-season varieties are starting to flower. As long as the bees do their job of pollination, I think it will be a good season. It all depends on the sun and the heat,” explains the farmer.

Recruiting foreign labour has been a challenge in recent years, but this season 46 workers from Mexico are expected to arrive.

Five arrived in May, eight more on June 12, and the rest are expected to arrive in the next few days.
Recruitment was easier this year. “There were fewer problems with visas and logistics in Mexico and Canada. They have improved integration. There have been changes, but you can never be sure until they land in Montreal,” says Mr. Bourdages.

The first strawberries in Montreal were quite expensive, with prices around $15. “At the beginning, there is always a price increase because there is no volume. It’s late everywhere in Quebec. The price will adjust according to the volumes on the market. We’ll see how many strawberries there are from the United States and how customers react. This could be a game changer for Quebec strawberries,” notes Mr. Bourdages, who points out that Quebecers tend to shun American strawberries.

American strawberries have been selling for as little as $2 in supermarkets in recent weeks due to weak demand.

“They will sell for between $4 and $5 per basket in 750 ml and 1 litre sizes. That’s still competitive and affordable. Production costs are still there. We have to respect our margins if we want to continue producing. It will depend on customer reaction and market volume,” predicts Mr. Bourdages.

Gaspesian strawberries will be available around July 5 Read More »

Representatives Blouin and Sainte-Croix’s record marked by the postponement of rail repairs

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / catherine blouin, Daniel Côte, gaspe, mna, nelson sergerie, rail, stephane st croix

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The results of the 2025 winter session of the Bonaventure and Gaspé Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were marked by the postponement of the rehabilitation of section three of the regional railway and the indefinite postponement of the completion of the Gaspé terminus.

“We decided to return section 3 to the planning stage. We figured we would take the year to optimize the work to be done. Can we break down certain segments because the economic context is difficult and when we have a cost overrun of $150 million or $200 million, we have to take a step back,” said MNA Catherine Blouin.

“This is a particularly complex issue in terms of budget and implementation. It’s a major challenge for the future, and we’re working to review the implementation strategy,” added Gaspé MNA Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

In June 2023, the Quebec government had allocated a total of $872 million for the repair of the entire rail line between Matapédia and Gaspé.

However, in May 2025, Quebec withdrew $561 million for the rehabilitation of the Gaspé rail line from its investment plan for 2025-2027.

From $680 million for 2024-2026, the planned expenditure is now only $119 million for the next two years.

In the meantime, committees have been set up to evaluate the possibility of building structures that would support less weight or reduce rail traffic speed.

“We are taking a year to carry out the exercise and limit costs,” said Ms. Blouin.

“We want to ensure that the work is done flawlessly to guarantee the quality of the infrastructure and minimize asset maintenance costs. We’re not giving up,” said Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Neither MNA is willing to suggest a date for when a train might arrive in Port-Daniel-Gascons.
According to Éric Dubé, president of the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie, a bridge still needs to be completed near Caplan.

In Port-Daniel-Gascons, Éric Dubé mentions that the tunnel is ready but that plans have not yet been made for the two approaches, mainly due to the strike by Quebec government engineers.

“There is still work to be done due to deficiencies found during the final evaluation of the section. There is also the strike by Quebec government engineers. Here too, we are waiting for details on the evaluation work and the corrections to be made. But I am confident about the future,” comments Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

Asked for a timeline, he responded, “Are we talking weeks or months? I am not in a position to answer that question,” added the MNA.

“Section two will be open as soon as possible, and everything is being done to reach that goal,” said Ms. Blouin.

This new uncertainty does not sit well with Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côte.

“This is all a bit ridiculous. The premier promised us a timeline. It’s normal for timelines to undergo minor adjustments. But right now, there is no timeline for Port-Daniel-Gascons. Imagine the timeline for Gaspé? We have no idea,” said Daniel Côté.

“Why is everyone skeptical? It’s because we no longer have a timeline and no one can give us one. The ultimate goal is to rebuild the entire rail line to Gaspé,” added Mr. Côté.
He pointed out that the Gaspé Peninsula has missed several opportunities for economic development.

“I feel like I’ve been repeating the same thing for 10 years. I’ve been elected for almost 12 years, and we’ve been fighting for almost 12 years. It’s been one promise after another from different governments. Every time, they make promises, and every time, nothing comes of it. There are many issues at stake, but I’m eager to get to the bottom of this once and for all,” he says.

The mayor agrees with having a rail line with reduced load capacity that would still allow Via Rail and freight trains to operate.

“That’s all we need. Initially, engineers in the region said that the work required to make it work would cost a little over $100 million. But when we put it through the government process, we wanted the Cadillac, and that’s when we spent beyond our needs,” Mr. Côté concluded.

Representatives Blouin and Sainte-Croix’s record marked by the postponement of rail repairs Read More »

Still no commitment to Quebec content in wind farms

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / gaspe, mna, nelson sergerie, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, wind farms

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Quebec still has not committed to including regional and Quebec content requirements in wind power projects, even though Hydro-Québec is set to develop 10,000 megawatts of wind energy.
Following the adoption of Bill 69, the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix believes that Hydro now has the agility and flexibility to create winning conditions for Quebec content.

Mr. Sainte-Croix believes that the sector will be able to focus on its objectives and will be included in the development plan.

The elected official indicates that there will be room for Quebec companies such as LM Wind Power in Gaspé and Marmen in Matane.

However, conditions have not yet been set. “We are not yet in concrete discussions to see how this will play out. We have given Hydro-Québec the tools to consider these elements. But we are aware that the contribution of these companies is important for the future,” says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Meanwhile, the MNA believes that the abolition of the minimum price for gasoline, which came into effect on June 9, is a step toward stimulating competition. He notes that other measures are in the works, including mandatory disclosure of price variations, which will make it easier to track market trends.

The MNA points out that Haute-Gaspésie, Côte-de-Gaspé, and part of Rocher-Percé still have some of the highest gasoline prices in the province.

“It will take some time for the market to regulate itself based on supply and demand. The Clark report in recent years indicated that Gaspésie more often than not had the highest prices in Quebec. The abolition of the price floor will stimulate this impact on prices,” he believes.

In place for 28 years, Quebec felt that the previous price floor mechanism limited competition among retailers and, as a result, led to higher prices.

Meanwhile, when it was withdrawn on June 9, motorists in the Bay of Chaleur were paying the fair price for regular gasoline, according to data from the Régie de l’énergie, However those in Rocher-Percé and Côte-de-Gaspé were paying more.

In Avignon and Bonaventure, gasoline sold for an average of $1.514 per litre, with a profit margin of 11.2 cents, slightly below the annual average of 11.7 cents.

In Chandler and Gaspé, a litre should sell for $1.54, but it is priced at $1.57.

The margin on the Gaspé Peninsula is 14.8 cents, compared to an average of 12.5 cents last year. In Rocher-Percé, it was 12.8 cents, compared to an average of 11.6 cents last year.

Government actions in recent months have lowered the average profit margin by 3 to 4 cents, depending on the sector.

The report by economist Robert Clark, published in May 2024, who was tasked with investigating the practices of oil companies, concluded that the Gaspé region had the highest annual pre-tax gasoline price in the province over the past decade.

Furthermore, for the third time since 2019, a report showed that the annual profit margin for retailers in Gaspé was the highest in the last decade.

The expert noted in his report, for example, that the profit margin in Gaspé rose from 9 cents in 2021 to 15.2 cents in 2023.

According to him, lower sales volume did not explain the higher prices charged in the region.
The Quebec government has since forwarded the Clark report to the Competition Bureau.

Still no commitment to Quebec content in wind farms Read More »

Contract awarded for plans to extend bike path to Douglastown

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 9, 2025 / bike path, Douglastown, gaspe, Haldimand Beach, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé has awarded a nearly $35,000 contract to develop plans for the extension of the bike path between Haldimand Beach and Douglastown via the railway right-of-way.
The town is moving forward even though no timeline has been announced for the repair of the rail line to Gaspé.

“Financial assistance has already been provided to the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC by the federal authorities. Since we have the financial assistance, we might as well do the preliminary studies. The good news is that it is subsidized at nearly 90%. Whether the railway is ready in two, three, or four years, the studies will be in hand and can be implemented anyway,” says the Mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté.

Last fall, a management agreement was signed between Quebec City and Gaspé, in which the town will maintain the footbridge.

The new trail would offer a safer alternative to walking on the railroad tracks and crossing the Saint-Jean River on the railroad bridge.

When the project was first proposed in 2019, it was estimated at $2.3 million.

Contract awarded for plans to extend bike path to Douglastown Read More »

Three of the four hospital laboratories in the Gaspé Peninsula are closed at night

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / cisss, Closure, gaspe, health, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The situation is extreme in three of the four hospital medical laboratories operated by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), which are now closed at night due to a lack of personnel.

In May, the Maria hospital had to reduce service hours, prompting the implementation of an on-call service to respond to emergencies.

A similar situation occurred in June at the Gaspé hospital, while the Sainte-Anne-des-Monts hospital has been operating this way for a decade.

The lack of appeal of the profession since the implementation of the reform by former Liberal Health Minister Gaétan Barrette in 2016 and the creation of Optilab, which established a server laboratory in Rimouski, is the source of the problem, according to the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (Alliance of Professional and Technical Health and Social Services Personnel).

Data shared by the union shows there are approximately 35 medical technologists in the Gaspé Peninsula, whereas 75 would be needed to provide full laboratory services across the region’s four hospitals.

In Gaspé, the situation was criticized four years ago when only six of the 14 technologists remained in place.

“Four years later, we’re back to square one. We’re left with a minimum number of people at work due to numerous sick leaves, which is forcing the employer to transform the service with on-call duty,” said Alliance of Professional and Technical Health and Social Services Personnel (APTS) regional spokesperson Jenny Tardif.

“People are at home and already working during the day. We have to continue to provide service in the evening and at night. They are at home at night with a cell phone and are called when the doctor requires them for an emergency,” says Ms. Tardif.

The service is running at a slower pace because non-urgent cases are only being handled during the day.

The union representative recalls the protests that took place in 2016, particularly in front of the Gaspé hospital, to denounce the Barrette reform, and the region’s elected officials followed suit.
“When they announced that we were going to lose 70% of the positions in the Gaspé Peninsula, it hurt the profession extremely badly. When you make health care reforms, you feel the consequences several years later. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of the aftermath of this reform,” comments the union spokesperson.

Ms. Tardif points out that the current situation is not a question of budget.

For example, the medical technologist training program at Cégep de Rimouski has produced only five to ten graduates.

“We destroyed the profession with the 2016 reform. The solutions are not simple,” she says. Even if recruits were found, the issue of housing would still need to be addressed. “We’re practically asking for a miracle. We absolutely must generate interest in the profession. But that’s a very long-term project. We have lost 40 to 50% of our workforce in recent years in the Gaspé Peninsula. It’s difficult to recover,” says Ms. Tardif.

The situation described by the APTS also concerns the Union of Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Respiratory Therapists of Eastern Quebec, which also denounces this situation.
The Lower Saint Lawrence CISSS has provided mobile testing equipment in emergency rooms so that nurses can run tests when laboratories are closed.

“It makes no sense for the members we represent because they don’t have the training. It’s not part of their delegated duties. These machines take time to analyze and often produce error codes. All the time spent doing these tests is time that isn’t being spent triaging patients in the emergency room or caring for critical patients,” says president Pier-Luc Bujold.

He is calling for the funds allocated to laboratories to be transferred to hire additional staff, such as laboratory technicians.

“There will be less impact on the population and the nurses and nursing assistants we represent. If it’s not a budget issue, transfer the money and add staff,” demands the union leader, who points out that centralizing laboratories was nonsense.

He is taking advantage of the situation to once again denounce the $20 million in cuts that the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS must make in order to stay within the budget allocated by Santé Québec.

“We are always asking staff to do more with less. The case of laboratory technologists is just one among many. Every time we cut a profession, it’s always the nurses who bear the brunt. Are we cutting back on housekeeping services? We’ll ask a nurse to empty the trash. Cut an administrative assistant? We’ll ask the nurse to make calls and file papers. Close the pharmacy at 4 p.m.? We’ll ask the nurse to fetch the medications. It seems like nurses are just fill-ins,” explains Mr. Bujold.

Three of the four hospital laboratories in the Gaspé Peninsula are closed at night Read More »

Pier-Luc Bujold remains president of the Nurses’ Union

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / CAQ, Convention, gaspe, nelson sergerie, Nurses union

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Delegates from the Eastern Quebec Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Respiratory Therapists Union have re-elected Pier-Luc Bujold as union president for a third three-year term.

Mr. Bujold was first elected in 2017 following the departure of Micheline Barriault, who led the union for nearly 30 years.

“We are committed to continuity and to improving the services we provide. We know we are doing a good job, but we want to continue over the next three years,” says Mr. Bujold.

Delegates concluded a three-day convention in Carleton-sur-Mer on June 12.

“We are taking stock of the situation and need to be united, as the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government is governing with Bill 89, Bill 100, and Bill 101, which could have a major impact on the members we represent in the coming years,” concluded the president following discussions with the union delegates.

The union criticizes the government for not consulting the public before putting its bills on the table. “There are specific characteristics in the Gaspé Peninsula that must always be taken into account. There are important issues for workers under Bill 101. There are many injuries and absences from work. There is a direct impact on the quality and quantity of care provided to the public. The impact of these bills on workers should not be minimized,” notes Mr. Bujold.

Following discussions with delegates, action plans will be developed for future action in the field.
With the CISSS needing to find $20 million to meet the budgetary framework provided by Santé Québec, the union foresees difficult times ahead.

“The announced initial cut of $40 million has had an impact. There have been job cuts and service reductions, even though services are already minimal,” notes the president, who makes a proposal. “In our action plan, we have added campaigning to restore local services in CLSCs. We have a dispersed population. There are too many horror stories of people not receiving care, especially home care,” says Mr. Bujold.

According to him, the next few years will remain difficult, but he sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
“The population, as we can see in surveys, is becoming increasingly critical of everything the government is doing with regard to public services. I see Gaspesians who care about their local services. If we are united, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” believes the union leader.

Pier-Luc Bujold remains president of the Nurses’ Union Read More »

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / July 8, 2025 / Daniel Côte, election, Forth term, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The outgoing mayor of Gaspé will seek a fourth term in the November 2 election.
Daniel Côté believes he has too much to accomplish, after summarizing the last 12 years at the helm of the largest town in the Gaspé Peninsula.

In a press briefing held with his wife and infant, and in the presence of four councillors on June 3, Mr. Côté indicated that he consulted his family over the previous weekend, and made the decision not long after, even though he had promised to announce his intentions in May.

“For me, it is absolutely necessary that the arena be resolved. I’m tired of pushing it forward. I would like our position in the naval sector to have borne additional fruit. I expect the wind industry to have positioned itself in the Quebec market,” he listed as priorities that could be satisfactory following a possible fourth term.

Housing also remains a priority, especially following the announcement of a major housing project by Gestion Bourgade on May 27.

“It makes me think that if we want to continue growing, we have to continue investing. This is the kind of business that motivates me,” noted the elected official.

Before embarking on what could be his next term, the outgoing mayor took stock of several achievements made over the past 12 years: the redesign of the heart of Rivière-au-Renard, or the Canada’s Birthplace; the chairlift at the Mont Béchervaise ski resort; the upgrading of the downtown drinking water system; the new industrial road alongside the conversion of the LM Wind Power plant into a large industrial complex; and the approximately 500 housing units built over the past five years. The mayor isn’t afraid of opposition, having been elected by acclamation last time.

“I want democracy to be expressed. If one person comes, we’ll run a campaign worthy of the name. If no one comes, it will be shorter, simpler. I’m not ashamed of my record,” Mr. Côté asserts.
He does, however, offer one element that should generate consensus. “If someone else comes, I dare hope they’ll draw inspiration from the collaborative work we’ve done and we’ll campaign with similar content. I hope so. If someone comes along and says they’re going to reinvent what 1,500 people built together, they’ll have a hard time convincing people. I have the game plan in my pocket. It’s strategic planning. If I have an opponent, I hope they’ll base their arguments on that. People will judge the person best suited to deliver the action plan, but I’m not worried about turning the page,” says the mayor.

With the arrival of a baby, the elected official has slowed down his activities within the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ). His terms as ex-officio president, on the executive council, and on the leadership council have come to an end.

He will, however, serve as president of the Conseil des MRC, a new body within the union, while remaining president of the Air Transportation Committee and a member of the board of directors.
“We’ve made the necessary contacts in recent years. Joining the UMQ gave Gaspé a platform and allowed us to develop a network of contacts,” he notes. However, he will maintain his roles within the region, as he is president of the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Transport Board and also sits on the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie and the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Energy Board.

“I’m not planning on that (to step away from some positions). I want to maintain a certain position at the national level. Regionally, I don’t think I’m too ambitious. I’m thinking of taking the place that Gaspé should have as the largest town in the Gaspé,” he says.

He also wants to keep his position as prefect of the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. “Within the MRC, I’m the only full-time politician. I can assume a so-called full-time role at the MRC. Why? The MRC and the town are more or less the same territory. Gaspé has 86% of the population and93% of the MRC’s real estate wealth. I want to continue, that’s for sure. I want to keep positions at the regional level. The Board of Directors will decide,” Mr. Côté says.

This position also allows him to sit on the Gaspésie prefects’ table and the Regroupement of Gaspésie MRCs.

Mr. Côté also points out that the Gaspé Peninsula has several full-time mayors, an advantage in his view. “It’s a damn good deal. This isn’t the case in all regions of Quebec, which means that some files are managed part-time. When you’re on it full-time, you can manage everything full-time,” the outgoing mayor states bluntly.

Mr. Côté can count on four outgoing councillors who attended his press briefing announcing his candidacy. Among them was downtown councillor James Keays, whose name has been circulating as a possible mayoral candidate, but who is rallying behind Daniel Côté.

“What we’ve accomplished in recent years is enormous for Gaspé. The council held its own. We could have fought hundreds of times in the public square. We’ve always managed to find ways to resolve the issue, and that was achieved, among other things, thanks to Daniel’s leadership,” says Mr. Keays, who is pleased to see the outgoing mayor recommitting.

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté to seek fourth term Read More »

A busy summer ahead for Forillon Park

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / forillon, gaspe, gespeg, Indigenous, national park, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The summer tourist season, which began on May 30 for Forillon Park, is off to a good start, with overnight stays booked so far 23% higher than those recorded at the same time last year.

More than 18,840 overnight stays have been booked since the reservation centre opened on February 5.

“If you look at our popular ready-to-camp sites in July and August, they’re practically full. The same goes for our electric campsites,” notes Forillon Park manager, Mathieu Côté, Parks Canada’s Gaspésie Field Unit Director. There’s still room for unserviced sites.

For those looking for ready-to-camp sites, there are still good dates available in June, September, and October. The season continues to stretch out.

“We feel there are a few more reservations in June. We expect the tourist season to start fairly early, but it all depends on the weather. Those who want to come to Forillon should check the booking sites because they fill up quickly,” notes the manager.

The new season brings its share of new developments, including a major conservation project for the first of Grande-Grave’s four heritage homes. Work began on the Joseph-Gavey House on May 12.

“This is the beginning of the work. For safety reasons, there was a weakened barn. We had to hold discussions over the past few months with the group (Regroupement de personnes expropriées de Forillon) and the families involved. We had to deconstruct the barn and we committed to rebuilding it, keeping as much of the material as possible,” explains Mr. Côté.

A dome will be placed over the house to protect it from the weather during the outdoor construction. Interior work will begin later this year.

“It’s a complex project. There’s heritage, conservation, and visitor experience, because we’re making heritage accommodations. There’s also a relationship project with the community and the families. We want to commemorate the families who lived there,” explains Mr. Côté.

In November 2022, the federal government announced nearly $9.8 million in support, focusing on four wooden heritage houses in the Grande-Grave area: those of Élias Gavey, Daniel Gavey, Joseph Gavey, and Charles Philipp Bartlett.

Last year, work to finalize access roads to the houses and water research to drill a well for the houses was completed.

The restoration and development project in the beaver pond area is nearing completion. The installation of furniture and the addition of interpretation and signage panels will complete the development of the three new trails in the area during the season.

While these final steps are being finalized, visitors can enjoy the Le Pic-bois, Le Ruisseau, and Le Castor trails, which are now listed on the Forillon National Park map.

“The trails will be inaugurated on July 19, but they are accessible. One of these trails connects the Visitor and Discovery Centre to the waterfall trail,” says the director.

The asphalt on the old Route 132 has been removed. “We’re talking about six kilometres of road where we’ve removed culverts, restored waterways, and removed the asphalt. We’re in the final phase with the planting of 15,000 trees. We’ve also saved a kilometre of road,” notes the director. “In the context of a national park, leaving it as is was out of the question,” adds Mr. Côté.

Several cultural and sporting events will also fill the park’s activities, including the inauguration of the trails on July 19; the Mawiomi, the pow-wow of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, on August 9 in the North sector, near the reception and discovery centre; the sunrise show with Sara Curruchich on August 10 at Cap-Bon-Ami in partnership with the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde; and the Ultra Trail Forillon, a trail running event by Événements Gaspésia, which will return for a third year from September 19 to 21.

Heritage sites including the Blanchette House, the Dolbel-Roberts House, and the Hyman & Sons General Store will come alive starting June 20. Food and sports concessions will gradually open between now and then. Over the past 15 years, more than $100 million has been invested in the park to bring it up to date.

A busy summer ahead for Forillon Park Read More »

Construction of a new daycare has finally begun

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / CPE, daycare, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – After nearly four years of significant effort, construction of the Voyage de mon enfance early childhood centre in Gaspé officially began on June 2. The new facility located near Carrefour Gaspé, will offer 100 daycare spaces.

“The preparations were a lot more difficult than initially anticipated. All in all, we’re pretty proud of the results,” notes Executive Director Gilles Chapados.

The daycare spaces were allocated by the Quebec government on August 21, 2021. “The longest part was finding the opportunity, the land that would allow for this project, which, let’s face it, is quite large. Having a site located downtown with public services made it more difficult to find the ideal site,” comments the director.

The initiative is part of a pilot project that was first spearheaded by the Association of Early Childhood Centres and taken over by the Ministry of Families when project costs exploded. “It’s truly a completely prefabricated daycare. It’s a new thing in Quebec. Overall, for now, from a theoretical point of view, and we’ve seen it in practice, it’s much faster and more efficient, even if it comes with its share of challenges. However, there are several advantages to this type of construction,” maintains Mr. Chapados.

There are still a few details to be worked out. “Building access, managing public services, electricity, and building this project is pretty well organized, but there are definitely technical details to be worked out,” says Mr. Chapados.

Habitations Mont-Carleton has been awarded the contract to build the modular unit. If all goes well, the building will be completed around November or December with the new centre opening no later than February 2026.

“If people call us, we’ll automatically redirect them to the Place 0-5 year old (an organization taking reservations). That’s where we’ll draw children (waiting list) when we need to fill spaces,” says the director.

Construction of a new daycare has finally begun Read More »

Ambitious residential development plan for Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / June 11, 2025 / gaspe, housing, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A “second downtown” near the current downtown in Gaspé is on its way to becoming a reality, as developer Gestion Bourgade plans to build 320 housing units, an investment that could reach $65 million during Phase 1.

In the works since 2021, Gestion Bourgade has signed an agreement with the Town of Gaspé to build the main infrastructure on a 50-50 basis, and to acquire land from the developer at a cost of $2 million as a land reserve for future housing projects. “We had an idea, and when we reached the bidding stage, general contractors told us it was a big project. Our vision is so clear, and the information we received indicated we were heading in the right direction,” says Sophie Bourdages, Vice President of Projects and Administration at Gestion Bourgade.

The company plans to invest about $5 million in infrastructure and has already allocated $2 million to acquire land near the Ruisseau Dean area.

Twenty-two lots have been created for Phase 1, and the permitted uses include a minimum of six housing units, multi-unit and multi-family housing, condominiums, and local businesses. “We’ve never seen a project of this magnitude before, and I don’t think we’ll see it again for a long time. Phase 1 alone is quite a colossal project. We’ve been working on it for four years.” I’m looking forward to seeing it come to fruition because we’re in a serious housing shortage,” says Mayor Daniel Côté, even though some 500 housing units have been built in recent years.

“Our role will be to sell our subdivision project in compliance with regulations to ensure we rebalance the rental market in Gaspé,” says Ms. Bourdages, noting that the vacancy rate is only 0.3%.

The project includes the construction of three streets over 900 metres, water, sewer and storm water systems, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and retention basins.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of the summer. The streets should be ready for transfer to the town by the end of the fall, with paving scheduled for next summer.

“We’ll cover 50% of the cost. The costs still need to be determined. We’re talking about several million dollars. The exact costs will be known once the plans and specifications are completed,” emphasized the mayor. The neighbourhood will be accessible via York Boulevard South and Frémont Street. The idea is to create living environments.

Creating 320 housing units in the first phase doesn’t scare the entrepreneur. “We’re confident because the deficit is so large and has been for so long. We believe that businesses that are unable to attract workers due to a lack of housing will need this infrastructure,” says

Ms. Bourdages.

The developer has given itself seven years to see the 320 housing units built, and they’ve already been approached by other developers. “The segment of the population that has approached us the most is the over-60s who are thinking of selling their house to move into an apartment to avoid worries, people who will have a good retirement. We’re realizing that this is a segment, and that’s why we’re saying we’re rebalancing the rental market,” says Ms. Bourdages. A commercial lot was sold to a partner notary firm early in the project.

Once Phase 1 is completed, the town will receive approximately $800,000 in additional tax revenue.

The town plans to purchase land to create a land reserve. “We intend to acquire $2 million worth of land that already has a higher market value. We can reserve a portion of it for social housing. We’re doing business at the municipal level,” says the mayor.

“The more housing we build, the more people will want to come here. I have faith that the 320 units will contribute to the growth of Gaspé,” concludes Mr. Côté.

Ambitious residential development plan for Gaspé Read More »

Côte-de-Gaspé launches buy-local campaign

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / Buy local, caisse desjardins, gaspe, nelson sergerie, tariffs

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A buy-local campaign is being launched in the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC to encourage residents to support local businesses.

The Côte-de-Gaspé MRC and the Caisse Desjardins de la Pointe de la Gaspésie are investing $100,000 in the campaign, with technical support from the SADC de Gaspé and the Côte-de-Gaspé Chamber of Commerce.

“Through a Web platform, people will be able to buy prepaid cards and benefit from discounts at merchants. If you buy a $25 card online from merchant ‘X’, the MRC and Desjardins will boost your card by 50%. We’re encouraging local purchases with funds from the MRC and Desjardins,” explains Côte-de-Gaspé prefect, Daniel Côté..

The goal is to steer consumers away from large online retailers like Amazon and Temu, where prices are often lower.

“If the argument is just money, people won’t have that savings argument any more. People will have the same prices as on the big platforms, but they’ll be buying locally.” says Mr. Côté.

Approximately 50 merchants across the MRC are taking part in the buy local campaign which will run for the next three years.

An annual bonus cap of $25,000 has been established, and safeguards are in place to prevent individuals from making bulk purchases and reselling the cards on the black market.

“At the end of the day, we figure that with around a hundred thousand invested over three years, we should at least double or even double and a half the returns on our investments. It’s a bold gamble, because we’ve never done it before, and we think it’ll be a winner, and the merchants will get visibility,” says Mr Côté.

Similar campaigns have been launched in other regions with mixed results.

“If we don’t try it, we’ll never know. One of the strongest elements in the Gaspésie is that we’re a proud people. We know our merchants, but maybe we’ve never taken the time to walk through the door. I’m appealing to the pride of our people and calling on local merchants. The excuse that I won’t go because it’s cheaper online no longer exists with this campaign,” says the prefect in a burst of patriotism.

The prepaid card will be available on the MRC’s website starting on May 15. A video will accompany the launch to explain the campaign and guide users through the process.

Residents will be able to purchase a card, choose a participating merchant, and once the transaction is confirmed, the card will be credited. “It’s like giving a credit card to a retailer. If you buy a $50 card, it becomes $75. That’s $25 free,” explained Mr. Côte.

If the campaign goes well, organizers believe it could generate up to $250,000 in economic benefits.

“I think it will have a snowball effect. At the end of the day, we want it to benefit our residents and businesses,” says Mr Côté.

Côte-de-Gaspé launches buy-local campaign Read More »

Spotlight on agriculture in Avignon and Côte-de-Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / Agriculture, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – The Avignon and Côte-de-Gaspé MRCs are promoting agriculture within their respective territories.

The Côte-de-Gaspé is launching a promotional campaign featuring video clips to showcase the 16 agricultural businesses in the area.

“When doing the experiment, people can’t name two or three. We’re now at almost 17 businesses in production or startup,” emphasizes Olivier Deruelle, social development mobilization officer for the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. In addition to Produits Tapp’s sauerkraut, two beef producers, four market gardeners, five fruit growers, flower growers, and processors of seaweed, mushrooms, wild herbs, honey, and maple syrup are spread across the territory.

“What we would like is for people to get to know the people in the community to create a sense of trust and build loyalty in their purchases from producers and then from grocery stores, and not the other way around,” says Mr. Deruelle.

The Côte-de-Gaspé region lost 42% of its agriculture producers between 1993 and 2017. “Since then, we’ve managed to stop the hemorrhage and are even experiencing slight growth. They’re not all large businesses, but it’s encouraging,” he emphasizes.

The MRC is also focused on developing short supply chains, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. “We would like a more local, more fair, and more sustainable food system,” says Mr. Deruelle.

For its part, the Avignon MRC has launched its third Agricultural Zone Development Plan.

“It’s an important sector for the MRC, vital, and it’s a sector we’ve wanted to promote for several years,” says Mathieu Lapointe, Prefect and Mayor of Carleton-sur-Mer.

The first plan was unveiled in 2017, and despite this, developing new businesses remains a challenge.

“Regarding uncultivated land, it was a major concern a dozen years ago. It still is today, but much less so. New production has been added, and fields that weren’t cultivated are now being cultivated,” notes Mr. Lapointe.

In total, the Avignon MRC has 60 agricultural businesses. The western part of the territory primarily features livestock producers, while the eastern part is dominated by market gardening.

Maple production is also very present in the region. “There is significant maple potential and large businesses,” explains the prefect. Convincing Quebec to allow new taps remains a major challenge.

“We have producers who want to expand onto public lands. We are working with them. The MRC owns intermunicipal lots. We want to ensure that the maple potential on our lots is protected. The same goes for public lands. We are raising awareness within the ministry. Even if there is no maple production, we want to ensure that the maple potential in the region is maintained and increased for future businesses,” explains the prefect.

The MRC has set itself a major goal to achieve. “The idea is to support our businesses. We want to promote them. What we would like to do in the long term is for people to become more aware of our businesses, to help them, and to support them,” says Mr. Lapointe.

To help market local products, a traveling public market will be set up.

Spotlight on agriculture in Avignon and Côte-de-Gaspé Read More »

Gaspé Municipal Update: Septic sludge, waterworks, Tourist Street and beach management

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 14, 2025 / erosion, gaspe, nelson sergerie, tourism, water treatment

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPE – The Town of Gaspé is addressing major infrastructure and environmental challenges, including sludge treatment, shoreline protection, beach management, and water supply.

Septic Tank Sludge

Gaspé is studying the possibility of treating some of the septic tank sludge in the future aerated wastewater treatment ponds in Rivière-au-Renard.

The town sends its sludge to Chandler through an agreement with the Régie de traitement des matières résiduelles de la Gaspésie and to Matane when Chandler can no longer process it.

“Perhaps we would be able to treat some of our septic tank sludge without any negative impact. At the same time, we could save on transportation costs to the Chandler and Matane sites,” Mr. Côté calculates.

Sludge from the northern sector and end-of-season overflows could be treated in Rivière-au-Renard. If the studies are conclusive, Gaspé will ask the Quebec government if any assistance is available.

Municipalization in 2015 remains a good move for residents, as their bills have been cut in half compared to private companies.

Tourist Street

Discussions are continuing between Gaspé and the Ministry of Public Security to convince the Quebec Government to protect the entirety of Tourist Street in the Anse-à-Valleau area.

The Quebec government is proposing to protect a central area where the majority of the erosion is occurring. “If we don’t fully protect the bank, we’ll end up with erosion that will double, triple, or quadruple at the ends of the riprap. We’re shifting the problem. It’s a basic logic, supported by engineers and scientists, that we must install the entire riprap if we want to avoid problems later,” the mayor emphasizes.

The town wants the Quebec government to pay 75% of the bill for protecting the entire area. The municipal council awarded a $644,000 contract to carry out the engineering work last June. Significant damage occurred following a violent storm in December 2016.

Beach Leases

Gaspé intends to sign a new lease with the Ministry of the Douglastown, Boom Defense, and Haldimand beaches for the summer of 2025.

In 2020, during the pandemic, the beaches were overflowing with people who had no qualms about the environment.

The Micmac Nation of Gespeg is also involved, “We worked with the Gespeg First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources to strengthen prevention efforts to facilitate beach maintenance and make life easier for people. But this is conditional on the lease renewal,” explains Mr. Côté. The Nation’s ancestral rights are taken into account in the leases to be signed, following a positive meeting with the band council. The leases would be for one year, in order to further deepen the partnership between the Nation and the Town of Gaspé.

Water in Anse-au-Griffon

Gaspé will have to rely on surface water collection to supply the water system in the Anse-au-Griffon sector. Groundwater research over the past several years has never yielded good results. The study will help find the best location to draw water from the river. “The Anse-au-Griffon River isn’t very far away. But where is the best location? How should we get our water, the best technique? That’s what the engineering firm in charge of the project must evaluate,” says Mr. Côté.

A treatment plant will be necessary to treat the water. A few dozen homes will need to be served. “If we prorate the number of residents served versus government requirements and costs, there is obviously a distortion, but the bill is borne by all residents served in the greater Gaspé region,” says the mayor. A partnership with a private company was ruled out because the process would have been complicated. The mayor is eager to finally turn the page.

Gaspé Municipal Update: Septic sludge, waterworks, Tourist Street and beach management Read More »

The Table of Prefects and mayor of Gaspé react to federal election

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / May 7, 2025 / election, gaspe, nelson sergerie, prefects

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Table of Prefets was expecting a tighter electoral race in the region. Nonetheless the results are unequivocal and reflect the population’s interest in the campaign, which led the Bloc Québécois’ Alexis Deschênes to win the election in the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj.

Following his election, the new Member of Parliament (MP) listed the return of the passenger train to Gaspé, and possible new tariffs in the forestry industry as among his top priorities.

“The return of the train is a major issue for us. In the forestry industry, we agree that in the short term with the current crisis with the United States, there is a lot of uncertainty. Yes, these priorities are consistent with those of the Table des préfets. As for housing, we’re going to sit down together and work on solutions to get the Government of Canada more involved in adding rental housing,’ says Mathieu Lapointe, President of the Table of Prefects.

The fact that the riding is now represented by an opposition MP after 10 years of Liberal representation is not a concern according to Mr. Lapointe. “For us, the important thing is to have an MP who is present on the ground and who listens. I have no doubts about that. We’re also in a minority government situation, and the Bloc will be able to play an influential role,” Mr. Lapointe added confidently.

The vastness of the territory remains a challenge, regardless of the MP. “But with today’s technologies, we can meet virtually and rally around common issues,” believes Mr. Lapointe.

Although he was long rumoured to be the Bloc candidate in the election that ended on April 28, Gaspé mayor Daniel Côté says he has no regrets, even after the Bloc Québécois won by a large majority in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj.

“I have no regrets. Three parties approached me. With the vastness of the territory and the distance between federal issues and the population, I’m not sure that’s what motivates me in life and that’s what motivated my decision,” explains Mr Côté, whose wife is expecting a child very soon.

“I’m a hands-on guy. I find municipal politics more appealing than federal politics,” explains the mayor, who was defeated in 2011 by New Democrat candidate Philip Toone, the representative for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine during the Orange Wave.

The Table of Prefects and mayor of Gaspé react to federal election Read More »

Daycare workers move toward an unlimited strike

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 26, 2025 / CPE, CSN, gaspe, nelson sergerie, strike

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The approximately 300 educators at CSN-affiliated early childhood centres in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine gathered for a general assembly on March 19 to vote on a strike mandate that could lead to an unlimited general strike.

Educators from 12 daycare centres in the region staged their fourth and fifth strike days on March 18 and 19, following a mandate issued last fall. “The educators will discuss the steps needed following the government’s blockage regarding the renewal of the collective agreement and the improvement of working conditions,” says Serge Saint-Pierre, President of the CSN Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Central Council.

“We see that at the bargaining table, even though there have been discussions, nothing justifies a return to work. The workers’ minimum demands have not been met,” added the union leader. The results of this mandate will be announced nationally as soon as possible.

The workers are demanding, in particular, a lighter workload; better compensation to ensure attraction and retention; regional disparity bonuses for employees in certain remote regions; measures to improve the quality of childcare, including clearly defined and respected ratios between the number of educators and children, as well as better support for children with special needs. “Our first three days of strike action weren’t enough to make the government see reason. The region’s childcare workers are therefore going to raise their voices with a new strike mandate. Every time we take action, we make progress at the bargaining table. We continue to make our voices heard for the future of childcare centres,” says Katie Leblanc, Vice-President of the Baie à Maria Childcare Workers’ Union.

The workers had issued strong strike mandates last October and November in the region. According to the CSN, the average salary for a childcare worker is $29 per hour. In addition to the strikes of March 18 and 19, previous strikes took place in January and February

Daycare workers move toward an unlimited strike Read More »

Sharp decline in international students at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 26, 2025 / carleton, cegep, Education, enrollment, gaspe, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A sharp increase in applications from students in the region and the rest of the province offsets in part the massive loss of international students in the first round of registrations for the fall semester at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.

According to data from the registration period that ended March 1, the college has received 717 registrations compared to 783 at the same time last year. Of the registrations 306 were from the region, and over 250 from elsewhere in the province.

The retention rate for students from the region is 80%. “The demographics are improving in the Gaspésie. More students were enrolling in CEGEP in the region. We have about fifty more admission applications this year, and the retention rate is 80%, which is very pleasing,” says Director of Studies Serge Rochon.

However, the outlook for international students is less optimistic. “We are seeing a significant drop in the number of applications from international students. We are down 42%, which is significant. Despite this, we are able to offer almost all programs at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles,” says Mr. Rochon. Applications for international students have dropped from 302 to 176.

“For months, the government has been saying, ‘We’ll impose this measure, or it will be more difficult for post-graduation permits,’ because students, once they graduate, would like to stay in Quebec and work to meet our labour needs. This rhetoric, which we’ve been hearing for months, has made students less interested in coming to study in Quebec,” says Mr. Rochon.

The Adventure Tourism Technique program has already reached capacity in the first round, while only a few spots remain in the second round for the medical archives, marine engineering, legal technology, police technology, and computer technology programs.

Due to budget caps imposed by the Quebec government, the Police Technology program will not require practical labs for its first year, as budgets for capital investments have been capped by Quebec. This work is planned for the summer of 2026.

“We have a cap, but we’ve prioritized Police Technology. In the first year, there are mainly theoretical courses on professional knowledge, psychology courses, which means we didn’t need labs in the first year,” says Mr. Rochon.

On the other hand, an extensive revision of the Early Childhood Education program failed to attract enough students to revive the course.

“We had renewed the program. We had developed partnerships with daycare centres in the Côte-de-Gaspé region. There were jobs available upon entering the program, paid internships. Despite this, we had few applications for admission. We will look into this with our partners to make the program as attractive as possible. The training is less attractive to young people. There is the whole issue of working conditions. We see that they are negotiating, and we hope that with better conditions, we will attract young people. It is our great disappointment to be forced to suspend only one program, and that is Early Childhood Education Techniques,” analyzes the director of studies.

Last year, the CEGEP found housing solutions for out-of-town students, including a public call for student accommodations in Gaspé, which resulted in a surplus of available housing. “With our partners, there is still space, and we are hopeful of housing all our students in Gaspé next fall,” he says.

In Carleton-sur-Mer, a new residence is under construction with about twenty spaces. Meanwhile, the residence project in Grande-Rivière is moving forward with the Ministry of Higher Education, but nothing has yet been finalized. “The budgetary context makes it difficult to have new projects these days. But with private partners, we found solutions. I don’t think we have any particular issues in Grande-Rivière,” notes Mr. Rochon.

In the anglophone sector, 17 registrations were received at Gaspé campus. “It was 22 last year. It’s a slight decrease, but there’s still room. We often have registrations in the second, third, and fourth rounds. There are also agreements with English-speaking CEGEPs that often arrive during the winter semester,” says Mr. Rochon.

Sharp decline in international students at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles Read More »

Winter Cruises: A resounding success, says Escale Gaspésie

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 26, 2025 / economy, gaspe, Mi'gmaq, nelson sergerie, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Escale Gaspésie reports that their first winter cruise season in Gaspé “Exceeded all expectations.”

The Commandant Charcot, a ship owned by Le Ponant, made five stopovers at the Sandy Beach wharf, helping Gaspé stand out as the second port of choice on the tour.

This winter 527 passengers and 758 crew members visited Gaspé, generating direct economic spinoffs of approximately $140,000. This represents an average of $271.11 per passenger, more than double the average for the 2024 regular summer season, estimated at $107.62 per passenger.

Winter cruise passengers paid a weekly average of $30,000 for access to the ship, and a total of 842 excursions were booked, demonstrating a strong interest in the region’s winter offerings.

“We were nervous at first.” admitted Escale manager Igor Urban. “On January 21, we had no ice or snow. We started with an atypical winter that required a lot of adjustments, but thanks to that, we demonstrated the full potential and, above all, the flexibility of our winter destination. We offered six tours instead of three,” explains Mr. Urban. A highlight of this season: winter stopovers lasted an average of 35 hours, much longer than the usual 6 to 10 hours in summer. The last stopover of the season took place on March 8 and 9.

Escale Gaspésie is already preparing for future winter seasons, with three stopovers booked for 2027. “For now, they’ve booked a 24-hour slot. What’s likely to change is a shift in the direction of stopovers toward weekends, allowing for the opportunity to take advantage of the facilities at Mont Béchervaise, for example. There were 145 crew members who enjoyed the mountains during two different stops. This proved that it might be worthwhile to come on weekends,” says Mr. Urban.

If the ships arrived on weekends, the stopover could be extended to 48 hours. “That’s our wish, and that’s what the captain and the excursion manager have observed.” They realize that 24 hours isn’t enough. There’s so much to do that they realize it’s worth staying, and it makes the passengers happy. It’s a unique experience. 24 hours was already out of the ordinary, and now we’ve managed to average 35 hours at our destination. The goal is to get people to stay longer,” hopes Mr. Urban.

Another first-of-its-kind outcome was the delivery of 32 pallets of supplies that the ship received during three of its stops. In addition, some of these supplies included locally sourced products from Gaspé. “It’s a big first for us. A big step forward. It’s proof that we’re capable of doing it. It also helped create ties with Gaspésie Gourmande and put Gaspé products on their plates.” This can help ensure a much greater interest in cruises, within the community,” emphasizes Mr. Urban.

Among the activities most appreciated by cruise passengers: snowshoeing in Forillon Park and discovering Mi’gmaq culture, including Mi’gmaq shows and traditional Quebec music on board the ship.

Commandant Charcot’s visit to Gaspé has resonated as far away as Europe. “The media coverage is incredible. We hope to increase sales for 2027. Other cruise lines were also following what was happening. With what we’ve just achieved, maybe we’ll have other ships,” dreams Mr. Urban.

Escale Gaspésie is now gearing up for the 2025 summer cruise season, which will feature 19 confirmed ships and an expected 12,579 passengers.

“We’re looking forward to a slightly milder season.” Cruises sell out three years in advance. In 2022, we had a lull at Escale Gaspésie. We have 19, compared to the 22 or 24 we were used to. We see that in 2026, we already have 25 ships planned,” says the station manager.

Winter Cruises: A resounding success, says Escale Gaspésie Read More »

MTQ unveils two traffic studies in Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 25, 2025 / gaspe, MTQ, nelson sergerie, public safety, Transportation

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A 2024 traffic analysis concludes that despite the possible addition of several hundred housing units on a street connecting to York Boulevard East, the Ministry of Transportation states that the impact on traffic in the area will be minimal.

The study focused specifically on traffic at the corner of York Boulevard East (Route 198) and Dean Creek Street. According to the study findings, the current configuration of Route 198 can meet anticipated traffic needs, even during rush hour. Consequently, no changes to geometry, signage, or markings are required.

The Ministry is awaiting receipt of the developer’s proposal for access to the eco-district to assess its feasibility and determine whether an access and road permit can be issued. Recommendations have been submitted directly to the Town to help guide its decisions on matters under municipal jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, minor improvements are planned for the Route 132 and 197 intersection in Saint-Majorique

In August 2022, The Town of Gaspé requested an analysis from the Ministry of Transportation to improve safety at the intersection following a fatal collision on July 3, 2022.

The site is located on a long, straight stretch at the exit of the Saint-Majorique ferry toward Rivière-au-Renard, where the speed limit is 90 kilometres per hour. However, many motorists fail to comply with this limit.

Following its study, the ministry did not identify a significant safety issue related to traffic at the intersection of Routes 132 and 197. However, the ministry has noted a recurring pattern of accidents on the eastbound approach to Route 132 from Cap-aux-Os, which requires action.

At the end of the summer, the signage on the eastbound approach was improved: the alignment chevrons were increased in size and the “Curve Ahead” sign was replaced with the “Restricted Visibility Ahead on a Horizontal Curve” sign.

Next summer, the speed limit will be lowered for part of the section of Route 132 on the eastbound approach to the intersection, and signage will be installed to reflect the new speed. Additionally, during a future roadway conservation project, the ministry will validate the slope transition and make corrections, if necessary, and will asphalt the shoulders to reduce the amount of granular material entering the roadway.

The intersection will be monitored in the coming years to assess whether these measures effectively enhance safety.

MTQ unveils two traffic studies in Gaspé Read More »

How climate change and human activity are reshaping fisheries in the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 19, 2025 / arthur poirier-roy, fisheries, gaspe, global warming

Arthur Poirier-Roy

CASCAPEDIA-SAINT-JULES – The Gaspé Peninsula, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and abundant resources, faces a growing challenge: the dwindling wild salmon population. For those whose livelihoods and passions are intertwined with the rivers and the sea, the scarcity is a stark reminder of the changing times. Todd Cochrane, who has worked at Sexton & Sexton, a fishing shop in Cascapedia, for 33 years and has fished for over 50, has witnessed these changes firsthand.

“It’s not just the salmon,” Mr. Cochrane explains. “Everything’s changing. The water’s warmer, the ice isn’t as thick, and the weather’s unpredictable.” Small fishing cabins that once dotted the water pools around New Richmond, Bonaventure, and Miguasha now stand empty, stark white patches against the snow. The ice, once reliable, is now too thin, making winter fishing a risky endeavor.

While Mr. Cochrane fishes for various species, his thoughts immediately turn to salmon and trout. He points to the rise in predator populations, particularly striped bass and seals, as a significant factor in the salmon’s decline. Both species prey on juvenile salmon, and their numbers have increased dramatically in the past 15 years. While striped bass are recreationally fished, demand remains low. Seals, though legally huntable, are rarely targeted; there’s little market for their meat or pelts anymore.

The way people fish has also changed dramatically. Fifty years ago, it was primarily an American pastime, with tourists traveling north for the region’s renowned salmon. Now, Quebecers make up the majority of anglers. The sport, once elitist, has become more accessible. But the biggest shift, according to Mr. Cochrane, has occurred in the last 15 years. Fishing equipment has become incredibly efficient, and social media has revolutionized how skills and techniques are shared. He recounts the story of a man who, having never held a rod before, learned through YouTube and displayed better casting technique than seasoned fishermen.

Mr. Cochrane emphasizes that catch-and-release fishing, now the norm for salmon, is a necessity. With so many anglers and such effective equipment, without this practice, the rivers would be emptied in a single season. This adaptation has also spurred new ventures, like guided fishing trips and cabin rentals, creating a form of eco-tourism that helps maintain the infrastructure necessary to protect the salmon population. For Mr. Cochrane, fishing is a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. “I’m releasing that fish,” he says, “so that our children can go on and catch it. It’s up to us.”

Research supports Mr. Cochrane’s observations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has studied the impact of striped bass predation on juvenile salmon, finding it significant in some areas. Other studies have linked mining activity, particularly dewatering and associated contaminants like copper, to declining salmon populations. The increase in recreational activity around salmon habitats has also been suggested as a contributing factor.

The Quebec government has proposed restrictions for the 2025 salmon fishing season due to historically low salmon runs.

The Gaspé Spec invites readers to share their stories and information about the changes in the fishing sector, the impact of climate change on their lives, and what can be done to help. Let’s explore these challenges and work towards a sustainable future for Gaspésie’s fisheries.

How climate change and human activity are reshaping fisheries in the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

Gaspé Firefighters: Hidden report includes 15 recommendations

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / March 19, 2025 / cnesst, fire protection, gaspe, nelson sergerie, public safety

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The organizational assessment commissioned by the Town of Gaspé on its Fire Protection Service contains 15 recommendations, but the Town refuses to release the report despite an access to information request.

The fire brigade has been plagued by allegations of a toxic climate that has poisoned the work environment in recent months, leading to the suspension of Director Carl Sinnett and the announcement of his departure last November.

Two factions were at odds: those who wanted him to stay on and those who demanded his departure.

The assessment, conducted by the firm Layran Services Conseils, was submitted on November 16, and Mr. Sinnett’s departure was announced on November 21. Director General of Gaspé Jocelyn Villeneuve indicates that upon his arrival two years ago, he initiated a major analysis of the various departments. However, given the more complex nature of the situation, a report was commissioned for the fire department.

“There were some elements reported previously, but what led us to conduct the assessment was to gain a good understanding of our department and be able to improve everything,” says Mr. Villeneuve.

The 15 recommendations submitted were presented to the fire department at the end of February. “There are a few that I can’t share because they may affect groups of individuals or contain personal information, but the major recommendations shared with the fire department range from implementing expectation management processes, optimizing operational guidelines, reactivating the labour relations committee, and establishing an employee consultation committee,” the Town Director quotes. Mr. Villeneuve refuses to make any connection between the filing of the report and Mr. Sinnett’s departure.

“I couldn’t confirm or deny that this is a logical next step. Since it concerns one person, I can’t go into any more detail about the information I could provide,” says the director.

The CNESST had opened a prevention-inspection intervention file for the Town of Gaspé fire station, and an intervention was carried out on July 23, 2024, to verify the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations applicable to psychosocial risks, the organization stated last summer.

According to Mr. Villeneuve, the climate has returned to normal within the brigade.

Refusal to share the report

Even though the director general agreed to share the document’s conclusions, the Town refused to make it public, despite a request for access under the Access to Information Act. The Town indicates that, after analysis, the report contains personal information about the individuals interviewed and who testified as part of this process, pursuant to sections 53 and 59 of the Act respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information.

The Town also believes that the report contains opinions or recommendations made at the request of the Town of Gaspé, and that this information may be kept confidential for 10 years, as permitted by Section 37 of the Act.

Finally, since the report substantially consists of personal or confidential information that may be protected by Section 14 of the Access Act, the Town of Gaspé reserves the right to refuse to release the entire report in question.

Improvement of equipment

One of the criticisms heard during the period of tension within the brigade was the quality of the firefighters’ equipment.

The director is aware of this and notes that the Town is investing to improve it. The Town is considering equipping the department with a ladder truck since the town centre and its outskirts contain tall buildings such as the hospital and the Mgr Ross CHSLD.

“For the moment, we need a fire station to accommodate a ladder truck, and it’s on the drawing board. It’s not on the agenda. However, the station is included in the three-year capital plan. It’s something we’ll work on,” Mr. Villeneuve maintains.

The investment will be significant

“Once the plans and specifications are completed, we’ll need to find funding to be able to do something within the citizens’ ability to pay,” says the director general.

Gaspé Firefighters: Hidden report includes 15 recommendations Read More »

Gaspé Strategic Development Plan has four major components

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / February 26, 2025 / development, gaspe, municipal, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Four major components were retained in the report aimed at providing Gaspé with a Strategic Development Plan for the next 10 years.

The territory, the social component, the economic component and the internal component of the municipal organization are the elements that emerged following the consultations conducted online and in person during the months of October and November.

The consultations engaged nearly 1,000 people online, including 250 young people, as well as more than a hundred participants in the various workshops organized throughout the Gaspé area.

Several workshops were also held with elected officials, the municipality’s administrative staff and other socio-economic partners in the community. “The population contributed enormously to the activity, much more than I could have expected,” says Mayor Daniel Côté.

An ongoing online consultation invites residents to provide feedback on the proposed priorities.

“There aren’t any big surprises: people are generally satisfied with the work accomplished and the way we are developing this town. Where there are pitfalls is the issue of housing, intra-urban and inter-urban transportation, the commercial offer where the municipality can’t do much. These are the elements where people have put big reservations. We will have to emphasize these elements,” explains the mayor, who notes that the population’s satisfaction rate is close to 80%.

The online survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help prioritize what is presented to the population. The town hopes to adopt the final strategic plan by mid-March.

“There will also be time objectives. Among other things, in the next steps, we will modernize urban planning,” emphasizes the mayor. Internally, efforts will also be made to improve communication between the town and its citizens. To address this, a communications officer position has been created.

The 10-year planning horizon was also intended to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Gaspé.

“All sorts of ideas emerged. People wanted more civic activities, but given Gaspé’s place on the national stage, there will be elements of national history that will have to stand out. It is still the first meeting place between Indigenous communities and European communities. The beginning of the Francophonie in America was in Gaspé,” maintains the mayor.

Residents also expressed interest in infrastructure legacies and maintaining strong relations with First Nations.

A 500th anniversary celebration committee will soon be formed. “We don’t want to do it at the last minute. We want to train it as far in advance as possible so that we can already start looking for funding, work with the First Nations, with Saint-Malo, which is our twin city in France because of our ties to Jacques Cartier, who left Saint-Malo in 1534. We have several long-term projects,” he adds.

Gaspé has chosen to complete its strategic planning before launching consultations on the future of the land of the former Ministry of Transport service centre downtown and that of the arena.

“We were supposed to launch the consultations at the beginning of the year, but we chose to do them one after the other to avoid people being inundated with surveys,” the mayor explains.

The demolition of the former Minister of Transport (MTQ) buildings was completed in January, with decontamination still to be carried out.

The town is expected to take possession of them at the end of the year or early next year. “The arena property will be fine when there is a financial assistance program that will accept us to build a new arena. We still have a few years before the land is available,” he notes.

The consultation will address both properties. “We don’t want to duplicate. If people choose to build a citizen space on land x, there won’t be two citizen spaces,” explains the elected official.

The survey on the strategic plan is available online until February 28 on the town’s website.

Gaspé Strategic Development Plan has four major components Read More »

Stay alert when sharing the road with snow plows

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / February 19, 2025 / gaspe, MTQ, nelson sergerie, public safety

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Transports (MTQ) is raising awareness among road users about the dangers of snowplow operations, specifically focusing on the limited visibility experienced by snowplow drivers.

Driver behaviour is being targeted as visibility is significantly reduced around these heavy trucks that maintain the road network. The SPEC recently spoke with two ministry employees to better understand the challenges of clearing snow from the road network in a region like the Gaspé.

As soon as snow is forecast, the teams get to work. “We make sure that the vehicles are available, and that the required abrasives and salt are available, depending on the type and amount of precipitation. Depending on the winds, the temperature, the traffic, whether it’s night or day, if it’s sunny, we make sure of the number of vehicles we’ll need. As soon as the precipitation starts, the trucks go out,” says Conrad Boulay, team leader at the MTQ Gaspé service centre. The centre is responsible for internally clearing snow from Route 198 between York and downtown Gaspé, Highway 132 between downtown and Saint-Majorique and Route 197 to Rivière-au-Renard. Up to four snowplows may be required during heavy precipitation to clear snow or ice from these sections of the road. The rest is contracted out to private companies.

Contrary to popular belief, the teams react quickly. “The criteria are quite low. As soon as the precipitation starts, a truck starts on the road network and we add trucks as the situation evolves. We always have operators ready to act,” he says.

The materials used for snow clearing depend on the weather conditions, but also on the experience of the snowplow drivers. “It’s really teamwork,” says Mr. Boulay.

Once the team leader gives the order to take out the machinery, the driver gets to work by first starting a safety round. “I register on my electronic log (which compiles driving hours) and then my team leader gives me the recipe for the material to spread on the road,” says Patrick Langlais, a snowplow driver with several years of experience.

During a storm, the challenges are numerous. “For less experienced drivers, it’s keeping their plow on the yellow line and organizing themselves to see where they’re going. The other challenge is negotiating with other motorists. This year is tough because people are becoming more impatient and reckless. Motorists are impatient and are making dangerous maneuvers,” says Mr. Langlais.

“We see people passing too often in a cavalier and dangerous manner. I don’t want it, but I was talking about it with my team leader, but I feel an accident coming. Recently, a driver passed me with two cars coming in the opposite direction that had to move over to let him pass,” explains Mr. Langlais.

In addition, people are not aware that snowplow drivers have very limited visibility because of the equipment on their vehicles. “People don’t know this and they take risks. Recently, a driver passed me on the right. Given that my visibility is reduced and that I might have to move over to the shoulder to do my job, there are significant risks. I find that people are making strange decisions. You must not like the paint on your car very much to do that,” says Mr. Langlais.

Mr. Langlais suggests motorists “Stay at an angle where the driver can see you.” He explains that when the plow is raised on the right side he has practically no visibility.

Pedestrians walking at night or during precipitation are also at high risk, particularly when they are not wearing reflectors. “The bane of a plow driver is the pedestrian seen too late on the side of the road… You can imagine the disaster,” says the driver.

Another element that Mr. Langlais emphasizes is the need to travel on the yellow line to clear snow and spread abrasives effectively. “This is something I have to consider when I meet another motorist,” he says.

The photo that illustrates the article shows the truck’s blind spots, meaning that the driver cannot see what is happening inside the perimeter defined by the orange cones, hence the need to be careful when a driver passes a snow removal vehicle.

Some figures

The Lower Saint Lawrence-Gaspé Peninsula-Magdalen Islands Regional Directorate is responsible for more than 3,600 weighted kilometres of road maintenance.

The weighted kilometre refers to the unit of measurement for circuit lengths in winter maintenance. It is the physical length of the segment multiplied by an adjustment factor that takes into account the number of lanes and the complexity of maintenance.

The department sets the requirements based on the type of road (highway, national, regional, resource access road) and traffic flow.

For the region, this represents approximately 42% cleared roadways, approximately 39% partially cleared roadways and approximately 19% roadways on hardened snow.

The department itself performs 28% of winter maintenance, with the rest being maintained under contract or agreement.

The budget for winter maintenance is $56 million this year. More than 230 trucks use more than 76,500 tons of de-icing salts and more than 82,000 tons of abrasives.

Stay alert when sharing the road with snow plows Read More »

$1.6M in funding for the Cap-aux-Os Centre artistique

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / February 19, 2025 / arts and culture, gaspe, lebouthillier, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The financial package to launch the construction of the Cap-aux-Os Centre artistique is now complete with the federal government’s announcement on February 6 of a $1.6 million contribution.

The project involves transforming the village’s old church into a modern, dynamic and inclusive arts centre. This iconic venue, once the heart of the community, will regain its vocation as a gathering place thanks to a complete renovation that combines respect for heritage and innovation.

The planned work includes replacing doors and windows, improved insulation, redesigned interior cladding and new stairs. At the same time, special attention will be paid to universal accessibility: adapted toilets, a barrier-free entrance and modernized exterior stairs will be integrated to ensure that this space is truly open to all.

The installation of an artesian well, a septic tank and the replacement of oil heating with a more ecological option are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental standards.

“The church will become the Arts Centre, which will be a creative hub dedicated to artists. We will become the first Maison de la culture in Gaspé. Artists will have access to work, exchange ideas and there will be workshops, a café-bistro, ready-to-camp for artists in residence and artists will offer learning sessions to school groups, the community and tourists,” says Daniel Bernier, president of the Cap-aux-Os Arts Centre Committee, who has been working on the project for eight years. The Cap-aux-Os municipal library will also be located at the venue.

“It’s important to support this project. We’re talking about culture. It’s near Forillon Park. It will be part of the tourist itinerary and it will showcase the culture and artists of the community. We know how important it is, especially in the current period, to have something beautiful in the community,” says Member of Parliament (MP) Diane Lebouthillier, who announced the federal contribution.

The total cost of the project was estimated at $4.1 million in 2022. In addition to federal contributions, the Quebec government has disbursed $2 million, the Town of Gaspé $155,000 and the MRC de la Côte-de-Gaspé $50,000.

$1.6M in funding for the Cap-aux-Os Centre artistique Read More »

The federal government provides support for winter cruise ships

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / February 5, 2025 / development, gaspe, nelson sergerie, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

Cruise Association is receiving funding from the federal government to continue its activities for the next four years, including the development of winter cruises.

Canada Economic Development will provide $1,860,000 to the organization, awarded by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Jean-Yves Duclos, taking advantage of the visit of the first winter cruise aboard the Commandant Charcot to the Port of Quebec City. The vessel had stopped in Gaspé on January 21.

A first non-refundable installment of $960,000 is part of the renewal of the association’s support. This funding will cover a period of four years, and will allow the organization to support businesses in developing and structuring the tourism offering and marketing outside Quebec, in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Tourism, the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance and ecosystem partners.

The second non-refundable portion, totalling $900,000, will help the association promote a new winter cruise offer and improve the cruise tourism offering in Quebec.

This funding will support a dozen tourism businesses in the regions, including five cruise stopovers, four of which are in the regions of the Magdalen Islands, Gaspé, Sept-Îles and Saguenay, in addition to the Quebec stopover, which serves as the port of embarkation and disembarkation for cruise passengers.

With this support, local businesses and tourism organizations throughout the province will benefit from financial assistance to enhance their tourism products and experiences, helping to attract more visitors to the regions.

“The support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has allowed us to support stopover organizations so that they can equip themselves with essential equipment and infrastructure to improve the offering and ensure the comfort and safety of reception staff operating in winter conditions. The renewal of our agreement will also allow us to continue to support companies in the sector for the development of cruises in Quebec,” commented René Trépanier, General Manager of Croisières du Saint-Laurent.

Gaspé is scheduled to receive four more stops by the Commandant Charcot this winter, bringing a total of approximately 500 passengers for this first experience. If successful, the ship may return to the St. Lawrence in 2027.

The federal government provides support for winter cruise ships Read More »

Not an easy working environmentwithin the Gaspé fire brigade

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / February 5, 2025 / fire service, gaspe, nelson sergerie, public safety

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Tensions are rising between a group of firefighters and the Town of Gaspé over the direction of the fire department following the departure of former chief Carl Sinnett.

Two factions have formed within the brigade, which has 85 firefighters: those who were supporters of the former chief and those who wanted new blood and an improvement in the service. According to information obtained by people familiar with the matter, a dispute over the purchase of jaws of life led to friction between some members of the brigade, which explains the intervention of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) last summer.

It was then that some firefighters formed a group against Carl Sinnett and attended the investigation that ultimately led to his departure.

In October, The SPEC revealed a toxic environment within the brigade, which contributed to Carl Sinnett’s one-week suspension in connection with a harassment case.

The Town of Gaspé declined to comment, citing employee confidentiality. The CNESST confirmed that “a prevention-inspection intervention file was opened for the fire station of the Town of Gaspé and an inspection was conducted on July 23, 2024, to verify the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations applicable to psychosocial risks.”

At the time the Town ordered a study on the work climate. The results have been received and are currently under review by authorities.

Our sources within the brigade say that the arrival of the interim director Éric Fugère, who is also director of the Percé fire department, has caused further friction.

They claim that Mr. Fugère has been using a Town service vehicle “for personal purposes,” particularly in the Percé territory.

A photo of unit 148, taken in Percé during the Polar Dip in December, was even circulated.

Furthermore, according to our sources, the interim chief informed firefighters that more specialized rescues, such as water rescue, high-altitude rescue, and hazardous materials response would be required since the training of Gaspé firefighters does not meet the necessary criteria and must be provided by the National Firefighters School.

Our sources express concerns that citizens are unaware of the situation. They also allege that Mr. Fugère is making questionable decisions regarding the risk coverage plan, our sources continue.

On several occasions, fire stations were put on standby, resulting in costs for taxpayers, and the interim director did not know the Gaspé area very well. Our sources wonder if these situations are normal.

Several firefighters have left the department in recent weeks, some of whom had several years of service.

At the Town Hall, the mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, also a firefighter is not commenting on this matter. Communications Director Jérôme Tardif wrote: “The Town of Gaspé wants to reassure the population: the fire safety service remains fully functional, and firefighters continue to provide security coverage across the entire territory.”

Regarding the departure of firefighters, Mr. Tardif notes that “With the improvements in our processes and the implementation of the recommendations of the work climate report, several fire

fighters have decided to leave the fire safety service. Despite everything, our staff remains sufficient to ensure coverage of the territory.”

The Town has made “significant investments” in firefighter equipment as well as in recognized training, to optimize operations and the development of our staff.

Additional measures will be deployed in the coming months to further strengthen this essential service.

Regarding the company vehicle, the Town mentions that the contract with the interim fire director – for three months – provides access to the same company vehicle as the former director, under the same conditions.

The position of fire department director is currently open for applications.

Not an easy working environmentwithin the Gaspé fire brigade Read More »

First winter cruise in Gaspé after a decade of efforts

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / January 29, 2025 / development, gaspe, national park, nelson sergerie, winter tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The first winter cruise ship arrived in Gaspé on January 21 at noon. The Commandant Charcot of the Ponant cruise line anchored at the Sandy Beach wharf in a project that had been on the table since 2018.

The ship is carrying 153 passengers on this inaugural winter cruise, sailing through the St. Lawrence on its journey. This stopover is the first of five scheduled by the shipowner between now and March 9. “It’s happening. It’s taking shape. We can’t wait. We’re on the lookout.” We’re looking forward to it,” said Destination Gaspé’s Port of Call director, Igor Urban, a few hours before its arrival

The ship was docked at the wharf for 24 hours, a rare occurrence during summer cruises in Gaspé. The lack of snow forced the organization to adjust the activities offered to passengers.

The guests went snowshoeing in Forillon Park, met with the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, and took part in an interpretation activity on Gaspesian plants in Coin-du-Banc.

“Backcountry skiing was planned, but potentially with the February 4 and 5 stopover, this activity will be on the agenda once again,” said Mr. Urban. “We’re adapting,” he said.

The organization mobilized extra staff to ensure a proper welcome for the cruise ship passengers. “It requires a little more effort because it’s outside of what we usually do. But people responded. We had all our guides and our people at the reception. We are really happy. We also feel a mobilization at the team level,” mentions Mr. Urban.

A significant first also occurred during this inaugural winter stop. “For the first time, we had a resupply. The ship comes from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. It had crossed the Atlantic before starting its stay in the St. Lawrence. They needed food and instead of resupplying in the big centres, they chose to do it in Gaspé,” explained Mr. Urban.

In total, 15 pallets of food had to be transported on the ship. “Usually, we can help out with eggs or things like that, but here, we are in a real ship’s grocery store. We had been warned two weeks ago. The Port of Gaspé was proactive,” he explains. The shipment included trout and Gaspé salmon.

In total, 503 people will visit Gaspé during the ship’s five scheduled stopovers, according to current reservations, marking a historic chapter for the region.

“This is a pilot year. The company will see how it goes and if everything works to their liking and the passengers are happy, it could come back in 2027. Other cruise companies that also offer winter activities are looking at what is happening right now. It’s a double benefit for us,” says Mr. Urban.

Other companies have already shown interest in the destination. “In April 2024, we were already being asked questions by other companies. It’s something that is being observed,” says Mr. Urban as shipowners inquired about the situation at a cruise convention in Miami.

Looking ahead, for the 2025 summer season, 19 ships have confirmed visits so far, with a total of 12,579 passengers expected. The season will run from May 11 to October 27

“We will receive slightly fewer ships in 2025. There may be changes. That is why the calendar is not official. We expected it. It is due to a transition in the organization of cruises. 2025 is the result of 2022. We are already seeing an increase in 2026 and we are talking about 26 cruises booked for the moment,” notes the port manager.

In 2024, Escale Gaspésie welcomed 7,405 cruise passengers during the summer season.

The season wrapped up on October 28 with 22 ships, but since the boats are smaller and more luxurious, the attendance statistics were affected.

First winter cruise in Gaspé after a decade of efforts Read More »

Train will not go to Gaspé before the end of 2027

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / January 29, 2025 / gaspe, MTQ, nelson sergerie, rail, Transportation

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ- The Quebec Department of Transport is once again postponing the deadline to rehabilitate the reopening of the railroad to Gaspé, now targeting the fall of 2027.

In 2017, the provincial government promised to reach Gaspé in 2022. Then it was 2026, 2025, then 2026 again and now, all the regional stakeholders in the file estimate that the terminus of the line will not see its first train until the fall of 2027.

“It is a disappointment,” says Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté, who participated in a rail work monitoring committee with the authorities of the Quebec Ministry of Transport on January 22.

“We’re being told about 2027 in the broad sense, but I would venture to assume that it’s probably later than 2027,” Daniel Côté continued.

For several weeks now, two major calls for tenders remain suspended by Transports Québec. On January 22, the Ministry of Transport announced that it was cancelling these calls for tenders, citing significant differences with the estimated budget required.

The first call launched on March 21 faced nine postponements, and bids were only opened on September 18. Pomerleau submitted a bid for $258 million, while Partenariat Ferroviaire Gaspésie suggested $286 million to complete the work.

The work involves repairing two bridges in Gascons, another between Gascons and Newport, one in Newport, and one in Douglastown. In addition, a bridge in Grande-Rivière was to be replaced, and a retaining wall in Pabos Mills is also part of the bid.

The contract duration was estimated at 28 months, according to the call for tenders. Another revised contract, which had originally provided for the repair or construction of nine infrastructure projects, but for which the price request was ultimately only for bridges, has also been dropped.

The targeted sites were a small bridge in Pabos Mills, the Grand Pabos River bridge, the Pabos River bridge, the Barachois bridge and the road bridge on Highway 132 in Barachois.

The Ministry of Transport had removed the four retaining walls at Anse-à-Beaufils and Sandy Beach from the project. The ministry indicated that the revised contract was estimated at over $50 million. On August 28, Pomerleau submitted the lowest proposal of $79 million. Hamel Construction, the only other bidder, was asking for $83.8 million.

For the first contract, involving nine structures, only Pomerleau had submitted a bid of $104 million. “Consequently, the ministry will review its planning for awarding contracts with the aim of completing the entire project. As such, the design and the strategy for grouping the work will be reviewed with the aim of obtaining more competitive bids during the next calls for tenders,” the ministry said in a January 22 press release. At the end of this review, it will be possible to present a new completion schedule for the remaining work between Port-Daniel-Gascons and Gaspé.

“Everything is being done to complete all the work up to Gaspé as quickly as possible,” the ministry added.

“This is the process we got bogged down in. The time it takes to get out of the process is time we’re not spending doing work. That largely explains why the work is delayed and why we’re disappointed,” says Mayor Côté.

The total of the tenders could now surpass $517 million, the sum budgeted by Transports Québec for the Port Daniel-Gaspé stretch of railroad, Some contracts have already been awarded on that section.

Not a surprise

“It (another delay) is not really a surprise. We’ve seen it coming for a while, knowing that barely 50% of the contracts were awarded on the third section and that there were calls for tender rejected. It was inevitable,” comments the president of the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie, Éric Dubé. “To meet the 2026 deadline, all the work would have had to be given in 2024,” adds Mr. Dubé.

“The calls for tenders compared to the estimates have exploded. When they are not able to explain the discrepancies and with the leeway they can afford, they have to find solutions to return to calls for tenders,” he continues.

“What will be important is for the ministry to come out with calls for tenders as soon as possible so as not to lose another year,” says Mr. Dubé.

The ministry mentioned this coming spring. “The definition of spring is not a specific date. Will it be April? May? We want it as soon as possible to have an answer as quickly as possible. We will just know when the calls for tenders open if there will be other delays. We have just lost 2024,” says President Dubé.

In an ideal world, bids should be called in February so as not to lose 2025. “They are working very hard to go to calls for tenders so as not to lose another year,” continued Mr. Dubé.

The Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie could be asked to do more work to give a boost to the rehabilitation.

“We think we can minimize costs. The ministry came to us with an additional bridge in Caplan since the section will not be open before June. It’s a big project and we will be able to deliver. That’s the role we can play to help,” says Mr. Dubé.

The superstructures will not be able to be built by the company, but the culverts and level crossings could be taken care of.

One billion dollars?

Will a budget of $1 billion be needed to complete the entire refurbishment?

“We asked ourselves whether additional funds will be needed. As long as that is not known, it will be difficult to ask for more until we have spent all the money we have. The ministry is working on the objective of carrying out the necessary work. Until all calls for tenders are open, it’s difficult to speculate. We’re not there yet,” Mr. Dubé analyzes.

The work will continue in 2025 on six sites between Port-Daniel-Gascons and Gaspé.

The interventions include the reconstruction of seven structures (five bridges and two walls), the rehabilitation of 18 structures, the relocation of track in three sectors, the replacement of more than 120 culverts, protection work against coastal erosion and submersion and interventions on the components of the railway for the entire section, with changes of ties as well as ballasting and levelling work.

Section two between Caplan and Port-Daniel-Gascons should be put into service this spring.

Can we believe in 2027 for Gaspé? “It will depend on how quickly the ministry awards contracts for the third section by summer. Otherwise, we will lose another year,” says Mr. Dubé. “We have political assurances that the file will be settled and that the last section to Gaspé will not be abandoned even if there were delays and additional costs,” says Daniel Côté.

Economic development

The postponement of another year to reach Gaspé will have impacts on the economic development of the Rocher-Percé and Côte-de-Gaspé MRCs.

The ministry asked the company to find out if this announcement will have financial impacts on it. “Everything east of the cement plant, we have not yet quantified the impacts since we are one year behind. We will have to do the exercise. We will have to talk with the companies and the economic departments of the MRCs concerned to see what they had in their book,” says Mr. Dubé.

It will have no impact on the Mines Gaspé revival project in Murdochville since exploitation is planned for around 2030.

The picture could be different for LM Wind Power in Gaspé, which now manufactures smaller blades, the size of the blades that were previously transported by truck to New Richmond to be placed on a train.

“This is an issue that we will have to quantify. Knowing that we would be in Port-Daniel in 2025, rather than bringing them to New Richmond, we have to see if we can transship them closer to the manufacturing point. It’s a bit like when we started transshipping them in New Richmond: we were supposed to do it for two years. We did it for six years,” says Mr. Dubé.

“It’s a thorn in the side,” says Daniel Côté when asked about the credibility of the rehabilitation schedule that has been postponed again.

“It always sounds a bit strange for companies for whom deadlines are important. We don’t necessarily have a million companies running after us. We can’t guarantee 2026-2027.” We have to postpone it to 2027. It has an impact on our credibility in our town and our region. There are elements over which we have no control other than to exert pressure. We continue to exert pressure, but there are things that are beyond our control, but it is certain that it has an impact on our credibility,” adds the mayor of Gaspé

Train will not go to Gaspé before the end of 2027 Read More »

Mayor of Gaspé alleges Pascan inflated its rates; the company denies claims

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / January 22, 2025 / gaspe, nelson sergerie, Transportation

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté is accusing Pascan airline of inflating its rates following the announcement of the updated Regional Air Access Program (PAAR) 2.0 tabled by the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault in December at Michel-Pouliot airport in Gaspé.

Daniel Côté made this statement following a detailed analysis of the new PAAR program that will be in effect as of February 3. The PAAR program is not the problem.

“When we apply the government discount percentage to the PAL Airlines ticket, we arrive at around $500 for a round trip Gaspé-Quebec or Gaspé-Montreal. With Pascan, it doesn’t work. The prices were inflated shortly before the announcement. The prices are $600-700 for a round trip and not $500,” calculates Daniel Côté, who indicates that before the program was announced, the two carriers displayed an equivalent price grid.

The Québec government has been made aware of this issue. “We were told that they were going to check and discuss the issue with Pascan. They were a little surprised,” maintains the elected official on the sidelines of the January 13 council meeting.

In his opinion, the program remains good, whether it be the program that now applies to flights between Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands, the fact that non-profit organizations can benefit from the program or the end of the maximum usage limit for users.

Pascan retorts that fares were not inflated before the announcement, according to co-owner Yani Gagnon, who learned of these comments from The SPEC. Before reacting further, Mr. Gagnon wanted to speak with Mayor Côté.

A profitable airport

Unlike other regional airports that are recording deficits, the Gaspé airport is doing well.

The mayor mentions that the Michel-Pouliot Airport should end the 2024 fiscal year with a balanced budget, based on overall expenditures of $1.5 million.

Regular use by two carriers, Pascan and PAL, generates landing fees. In addition, the airport brings in more revenue with additional services. “All the aircraft electricity charging systems, we provide the fuel, the de-icing of the aircraft, all the services are now offered by the airport instead of dealing with a subcontractor. We are now making a profit from these operations, which makes the activities profitable,” illustrates the mayor. For example, Baie-Comeau recorded a deficit of $350,000 in 2024.

Bilingualism: No news from the Quebec Government

Gaspé has not heard back from the Quebec Government following a request to give a little more latitude to communicate in English with citizens of the English-speaking community.

Bill 96 requires communications in French, except in tourist communications or in emergency situations.

“There is no response. The law was adopted for all of Quebec. There is no exemption for Gaspé. I imagine we will have to respect it,” says Mr. Côté.

Vision Gaspe Perce Now will translate and transmit the communications. “They do it of their own free will. I applaud this initiative,” notes the mayor, who would like Quebec to take into account the historical particularity of Gaspé.

Canadian and international instability

The threats of 25% tariffs by American President-elect Donald Trump, the resignation of Liberal leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on January 6, and the uncertainty caused, not to mention world events, particularly those in South Korea or armed conflicts, are of concern to the mayor of Gaspé.

Daniel Côté mentions that several sectors of the local and regional economy are at risk. “Our fishing industry exports a lot to the United States. Our wind industry exports almost exclusively to the United States. If there are 25% tariffs on everything manufactured here, it will hurt our economy,” notes the elected official.

“We have to stick together, our business community or our council have to stick together to at least provide a minimum of stability to weather this storm. It’s part of my wishes for 2025,” the mayor mentions as a possible solution, admitting that in the end, it might not change much, but he adds that it’s worth a try.

Mayor of Gaspé alleges Pascan inflated its rates; the company denies claims Read More »

Gaspé budget increases 5.5% to $38.2M

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / January 8, 2025 / gaspe, municipal, nelson sergerie, Taxes

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – During a special meeting on December 16, the Town of Gaspé tabled a budget of $38.2 million for the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting a 5.5% increase over 2024. However, taxpayers will face an additional average burden of 2.39%.

For an average property valued at $240,100, the increase will be 2.39%, which is below the annualized inflation rate of 2.7%.

“Municipal expenses often increase faster than inflation. For example, the Sûreté du Québec bill is increasing by 3.6%, and Hydro-Québec’s by 6.1%. Bills are increasing, which explains the increase in the budget. On the other hand, the increase in the average tax bill is 2.3%, below inflation. This is a political commitment that I made 12 years ago. We are meeting the objective,” says Mr. Daniel Côté.

The total surplus is $10 million and the Town of Gaspé is drawing $1.2 million from its accumulated surplus to balance the budget.

The surplus is down by $3M. Other amounts taken from the surplus consist of $867,000 used for unexpected expenses, $1M to balance the 2024 budget, and $160,000 to replenish certain reserve funds.

“It’s still a good cushion, but a good cushion where we can’t go crazy. We have to be reasonable in our approach. Having such a cushion gives us free rein to deal with several unforeseen events,” says the mayor. The town’s overall debt is $48 million, representing a little over $2 per $100 of assessment. “Our finances are very healthy,” says the mayor.

Among the new revenues, the growth in the QST generates an additional $546,000, and compensation in lieu of Quebec taxes increased by $301,000, notably with the addition of the Maison des aînés de Rivière-au-Renard last year.

The residual materials rate will be frozen at $260.

The rate for the water supply and sewer will increase from $595 to $615 and the rate for emptying and treating septic tank sludge will increase from $175 to $200.

Housing construction continues with nearly 300 rental units since 2020, including 176 private units, 66 social or affordable units and 56 units built by the CISSS via the Maison des aînés and modular homes near the CHSLD Mgr Ross.

At the same time, 238 single-family homes or cottages have been built. The vacancy rate has increased from 0% to 1%, but there is still a long way to go to achieve a balanced market, which is considered a rate of 3% according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Several other projects are underway, including the Habitations de la Montagne, where 84 affordable units are under construction in Sandy Beach, as well as the second phase of Han-Logements for a possibility of 16 to 32 additional units in Sandy Beach as well. Other discussions are ongoing with developers, including Gestion Bourgade near Ruisseau Dean Street, near downtown, which represents the creation of an entirely new neighbourhood.

The three-year capital expenditure program includes $152 million in projects, with the largest being the Rivière-au-Renard aqueduct and sewers, estimated at $58.9 million, which has been a recurring item over several years.

“It is moving through phases. It is a fairly complicated file with the various ministries. In wastewater, several resolutions have been adopted for future aerated ponds. All that is missing are a few final studies. We have a good idea of the site. The file continues. As for drinking water, the search for groundwater is proving inconclusive. We are heading towards a water filtration plant, probably near Lac d’Amour where the current water intake is located. It takes the financial aid that comes with it to absorb that,” notes the mayor.

The other main issue is the sports complex near the C.-E. Pouliot High School, estimated at $34 million. This project initially suffered a refusal of funding from the Quebec government.

Gaspé budget increases 5.5% to $38.2M Read More »

Gaspé succeeds in reducing residual materials bill in non-residential areas

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / December 11, 2024 / Bill 96, gaspe, nelson sergerie, waste

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A major turnaround, the Town of Gaspé has reached an agreement with Matrec to reduce the costs of residual material collection for the commercial, institutional and industrial sectors.

Twelve years ago, the Town had transferred this collection to the private sector and the contractor reached an agreement with the customers for the billing but, in September, the town council announced its intention to take it all under its wing after complaints were received at Town Hall when it was suggested that the bill was doubling, tripling or more.

A 90-day notice had been adopted by the town council for a change effective in January 2025.

A clause in the contract allowed the Town to do so. “When Matrec saw that, they were open to negotiating. As part of this negotiation, they agreed to lower the rates for merchants by 34% in addition to bringing the contractual clauses back to September 2026. They committed to freezing the rates for 2025 and increasing them to the cost of inflation in 2026,” explains the Mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté.

“It will also give us time if we repatriate everything into a single contract,” says the mayor.

Following this negotiation, the gap between what the Town would have billed starting in January via the tax account versus the agreement reached with Matrec no longer justified Gaspé taking over the service.

“It’s difficult to calculate for each specific case, but overall, it probably would have been the same. But by going back to the same, it would have been a real headache for the Town to repatriate all that and redo the contracts. It would have been much more complicated. The result makes sense. I hope our merchants and industrialists will be happy,” says the mayor.

Bill 96

Gaspé’s municipal council has adopted a resolution requesting flexibility in Bill 96, which mandates that all municipal communications be in French.

“We don’t have the same history as Montreal and its suburbs. Here, we have always lived very harmoniously between francophones, anglophones and the Mi’gmaq community,” explains the mayor.

According to census data, the proportion of English speakers in Gaspé declined from 13% in 2016 to 11% in 2021.

“It is not in Gaspé that French is in decline. Why apply the same rule to Gaspé where English is in decline in favour of French? Why penalize our anglophone community when the problem is not here?” asks Mr. Côté.

“I hope that our reality is recognized and that we can have some form of modulation, but honestly, I have little hope for a result,” says the elected official.

If the law is not changed, Vision Gaspe Perce now has offered its services to translate communications into English. Gaspé does not have bilingual town status. In the 1940s and 1950s, half of Gaspé’s citizens were English-speaking. There are exceptions in the law for emergency measures, tourism and financial information.

Changes mentioned in minor emergencies

The mayor of Gaspé is concerned by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre’s reflection on the modification of the composition of the teams in the emergency departments at the Murdochville and Grande-Vallée CLSCs. On the sidelines of the organization’s board of directors meeting on November 28, President and CEO Martin Pelletier indicated that services are not being reduced, but he mentioned changes in the way care is provided, such as replacing a nurse with a nursing assistant.

“We are somewhat afraid of a service cut. These are hubs that are far from the Gaspé and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts hospitals. We are talking about an hour’s drive. A nursing assistant can do some of the work, but cannot do everything that a full-time nurse can do in terms of care,” explained Mr. Côté, who has heard concerns from specialists in the health network.

This is the third time in a decade that the fate of the 24/7 emergency services at the CLSCs in Murdochville, Grande-Vallée and Paspébiac has been in the news.

“I hope the inevitable does not happen. With all the projects on the drawing board, there should normally be an economic resurgence in Murdochville and Grande-Vallée, therefore, an increase in the population. An increase in risks related to industrial activities that will require 24/7 services in emergencies. I hope that we will think about the future and that we will not only take into account current demographic data,” notes the mayor who is also prefect of the MRC of Côte-de-Gaspé.

Work at the Town Hall

The Town of Gapé is asking the Quebec government to reduce its subsidy to its initial promise due to the additional costs incurred by the work.

Initially, the project was $4.3 million, but following the calls for tenders, the cost of the work was just over $3 million. The government assistance of 65% had been reduced accordingly.

In the meantime, an unforeseen amount of $700,000 has arisen. “This unforeseen event that no one saw coming is likely due to a design error. We are asking the ministry to assume part of this additional cost. Initially, it had budgeted $4 million for the project. We assume that it had budgeted that way,” hopes the mayor.

In the meantime, the claims process against the architectural firm to which the fault is attributed continues. “We hope to reach an agreement with the firm. Except that in any good agreement, will we get 100% of our gain? If not, we turn to the ministry so that it does its part,” notes the mayor.

Gaspé succeeds in reducing residual materials bill in non-residential areas Read More »

La Gaspésienne No. 20 has been repaired

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / December 4, 2024 / cultural, gaspe, museum, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – One year after suffering significant damage, the restoration work on Gaspésienne No. 20 was completed on November 15.

“It looks like nothing happened! We really got our Gaspésienne back to the way it was before the fire, and maybe even better than before the fire,” says Martin Roussy, director general of the Musée de la Gaspésie.

The restoration was carried out according to the rules of the craft thanks to two rare craftsmen who specialize in this type of restoration.

“It’s a job that takes time and, by doing the operation, we gave it a little youthfulness, made it stronger and more able to last over time,” mentions the director. Finding these kinds of people was a blessing.

‘It’s a dying profession. We had a hard time finding them because you only find them through networks. We eventually found some, and the ones we did find were young people who had taken over an existing business. It’s doubly interesting because they’ve been given a great contract and they’re a team that now knows La Gaspésienne,’ explains Mr. Roussy.

The museum also took advantage of their visit and their expertise to create a sort of health record to plan repairs over the next few years.

“This will allow us to plan what we’ll do next year, in two years or in five years to continue to preserve it until we manage to protect it permanently, that is, find shelter to prevent it from being exposed to bad weather,” says the director.

A $10,000 fundraising campaign was launched in the spring to raise funds to begin the process of developing the protection project.

“We will keep these amounts in the bank and when we start the process that will allow us to analyze what we should do and then the funding application process. start this project with the initial knowledge of what needs to be done to protect it,” explains Mr. Roussy.

So far, more than $11,000 has been raised.

Since winter is just around the corner and workers to rebuild the footbridge that also suffered significant damage were not available, this work will be done in the spring.

“All this work will be done and we are very, very eager for next summer to restore access to the Gaspésienne, to visit this beautiful artifact that seems to have come straight from its construction site in the 1950s,” says the director.

A major game plan will be launched in 2026 to prepare for the overall protection of the legendary ship. “It’s a long-term project,” says Mr. Roussy.

The Gaspésienne should be accessible next summer, once the footbridge has been rebuilt. “However, we may have to avoid certain sections of the bridge that are part of the small adjustments to be made to complete the craftsmen’s work,” Mr. Roussy is careful to point out.

Additional measures have been taken to prevent such a situation from happening again. “On the ground where the fire broke out, there were accelerants contained in all the products used: the plants, the flower boxes. We got rid of all that. There are more surveillance cameras and the lighting has been adjusted. We have done everything that can be done to prevent an accident because it was an accidental fire. We have put additional measures in place to avoid such an event happening again,” Mr. Roussy explains. The fire, of electrical origin, started around 8 p.m. on November 24, 2023, and broke out slowly at the beginning of the gangway leading to the boat. The boat didn’t catch fire right away. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Sûreté du Québec and the firefighters were alerted.

The 45-foot vessel had been the subject of a vast mobilization for its restoration in 2016 when about thirty volunteers stripped and repainted it.

It was the only one of the 50 produced in the second half of the 1950s that could be refurbished. The boat had originally belonged to Thomas Boucher, a fisherman from Newport.

Once restored, the Gaspésienne No. 20 became an integral part of the museum starting in 2017. At the time, a virtual experience allowed visitors to see life on board the boat in 1963. The museum also won an award for this documentation that contributed to the advancement of Quebec museology.

La Gaspésienne No. 20 has been repaired Read More »

SIA calls for a regular trail maintenance program

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / December 4, 2024 / gaspe, nelson sergerie, sia, tourism

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

International Appalachian Trail (SIA) on the Côte-de-Gaspé would like to obtain a recurring program for its maintenance after spending $30,000 over the last two years to clear the trail following severe wind events.

Jean-Marc Hardy, a member of the SIA board of directors, would like the Quebec government to create a program like the one set up to maintain the Route verte for cyclists.

The December 2023 storm cost the local committee $10,000, thanks in part to volunteer contributions. Without this support, expenses might have reached nearly $20,000. This figure excludes other Gaspé sectors of the trail.

Fortunately, the MRC de la Côte-de-Gaspé, the Town of Gaspé and Desjardins assisted due to the storm’s exceptional impact.

“Usually, for regular trail maintenance, there is never anyone who wants to help us,” notes Mr. Hardy.

A similar storm in December 2022 cost $20,000. “The fact that it happens two years in a row when the recurrence is perhaps two to three times in 100 years, that it happens two years in a row, we can be tempted to link it with climate change and the future does not look any rosier,” says Mr. Hardy.

After two large storms in two years, the trail managers hope that the forest around the trail has been adequately cleared. “With climate change and the spruce budworm, and what doesn’t help us, logging changes the dynamics of the winds around the trail. All that put together, we’re not sure we’ll get a break, but we still hope so,” he says.

To address these challenges, trail managers have requested recurring funding from the Ministry of Transportation.

“Based on the principle of the Route verte, long hikes are one of the sustainable means of transportation that should be encouraged but, to encourage them, we still have to support the organizations that manage the trails. We are asking to try to have a budget that could work like the Route verte. We would be sure to get a helping hand every year,” says Mr. Hardy.

Such recurring funding would allow for preventive measures along the trails.

Following last December’s windstorms, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests reported that 5,408 hectares of forest were devastated in Haute-Gaspésie, the only place where windthrow was observed.

This summer the ministry recalculated these figures using satellite images.

Of the total, 3,186 hectares of forest on public lands and 582 hectares on private lands were devastated by more than 75%.

Additionally, 1,329 hectares of public lands and 311 hectares of private land experienced partial windthrow, where 25 to 75% of trees were affected. Areas with less than 25% tree loss were not counted.

SIA calls for a regular trail maintenance program Read More »

Bill 96 brings new challenges for anglophones

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / December 4, 2024 / Bill 96, gaspe, Holly Smith, language, local organizations

Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

GASPE – The winds of change are sweeping through Quebec and, for anglophones in the Gaspé Peninsula. Those winds have never felt so strong. The recent decision by the Town of Gaspé to stop providing written material in English feels like a big change for many anglophones and serves as a strong reminder of the challenges that Bill 96 brings.

What is Bill 96?

In June 2022, the Quebec government passed a new law, Bill 96, essentially an amendment to the Charter of French Language, to promote the use of the French language in Quebec and to affirm that French is the common language of Quebec.

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government’s latest attempt was to increase French in Quebecers’ everyday lives. It builds on Bill 101, Quebec’s original language charter, but with stricter rules. Under Bill 96, businesses with 25 or more employees must operate mainly in French. Public documents, municipal communications, and signs must prioritize French, limiting the use of English. Government services in English will only be available to those who qualify as members of Quebec’s recognized English-speaking minority.

Certain groups are exempt from Bill 96, such as historic Anglophones, so Quebec residents have the right to receive education in English. These are generally people who attended English schools in Canada or whose parents did. Exemptions also apply to Indigenous people. Immigrants can access services in English for up to six months after they arrive in Quebec. After these six months, they are expected to use French services.

People who ask for English services must “attest in good faith” that they qualify as one of the three exceptions.

When the Town of Gaspé shared that it would no longer provide public materials in English, the news rippled through the community, hitting close to home for many anglophones not only in the Town of Gaspé but also in other municipalities along the coast. For decades, English-speaking residents have balanced life in a bilingual region, relying on municipal updates, public notices, and services to stay informed and connected.

For many, this issue isn’t just about language, it’s about feeling included, heard, valued and informed in a place they’ve called home for generations. When reached by SPEC, Jessica Synnott, Executive Director of Vision Gaspé-Percé Now, wanted to reassure the community that her organization is stepping up. “Vision Gaspé-Percé Now will work closely with the Town (of Gaspé) to ensure communications to the public are translated regularly. We are going to try to translate what we can and prioritize documents, and mainly publish them on our (Vision Gaspe-Perce Now) Facebook page and possibly distribute them during some activities,” explains Ms. Synnott.

The Mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côte, shared a message on his Facebook, thanking Vision Gaspé-Percé Now for stepping up to help, “Jessica offered to share municipal information, translated by their services, with our English-speaking citizens and organizations. I immediately accepted this helping hand from our partner organization. The Town of Gaspé has lost the right to communicate in English with its residents (except in specific cases) and cannot do so indirectly either… But an organization can, of its own accord, translate our public information! This will undoubtedly provide some relief to our English-speaking community, who deserve to be kept informed, as one of the three founding peoples of our town.” Mr. Côte wrote.

Ms.Synnot tells SPEC that accessing important services and information in English was already a challenge, and now those challenges are growing. “One area of concern is navigating government services. The biggest impacts are with government services, RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec) being the one we are hearing the most frequently. Although there is service in English, it is extremely hard to navigate,” explains Ms. Synnott.

Vision Gaspé-Percé Now is working to help anglophones affected, adding to initiatives they’ve worked on in the past, such as the “Mellow Yellow” initiative, launched in 2006 in partnership with the health system. “With this program, health workers who can serve users in English are identified with a yellow stripe on their name tag,” Ms. Synnott shared, “To navigate the current obstacles, Vision can offer individual support to community members to help them with accessing services in English.”

The organization also collaborates with government agencies to advocate for English speakers. “Vision works closely with various levels of government, such as the Secretariat for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers, to identify obstacles for the English-speaking community and work towards solutions,” Ms. Synnott explained.

Vision Gaspé-Percé Now remains committed to ensuring the anglophone community retains access to resources and opportunities. “We will continue working with our partners to support them in their offer to the English-speaking community as well as offering our own programs,” states Ms. Synnott.

Bill 96 brings changes that affect anglophones, businesses, and community organizations in Quebec. To learn more about Bill 96, visit the Government of Quebec’s website

Bill 96 brings new challenges for anglophones Read More »

Town of Gaspé will communicate less in English

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / November 20, 2024 / gaspe, language, municipal law, nelson sergerie

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Town of Gaspé will have to comply with Bill 96 in its communications with its citizens, which must be done exclusively in French, except in certain specific cases.

The new version of the Charter of the French Language requires the Town to end its communications in English since the municipality does not have bilingual status and cannot obtain exceptional status.

“Gaspé does not have bilingual status. To obtain it, you had to ask for it and have more than 50% of the population who were English, at the time in question,” notes Mayor Daniel Côté.

In the 1940s and 1950s, half of Gaspé’s citizens were English-speaking. According to the elected official, the proportion of English speakers in Gaspé is now around 13%.

“Out of respect for the three founding peoples: French, English and Mi’gmaq, we have always made the maximum possible communications in both official languages. As of now, we can no longer communicate in English, except for a few aspects,” notes the mayor.

“In our linguistic communication policy, we have made it as broad as possible to respect the English-speaking community that partly built this town. Anything that concerns public safety, we will not leave anyone in danger, regardless of their language,” indicates Mr. Côté.

The Act allows financial and tourist information to be communicated in English as well. There are other elements that have an exceptional status also.

“We will notify the English-speaking population in the coming weeks, who are used to receiving almost all communications in their language. We will inform them that, unfortunately, we can no longer do so under the law. I know that this will create discontent among the English-speaking population, but we will no longer be able to do what we have been doing for years,” concludes the mayor.

The public announcement of these government directives provoked several negative reactions on social networks.

Town of Gaspé will communicate less in English Read More »

Gaspésie Literacy Council aiming to serve entire territory

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / November 13, 2024 / cynthia dow, gaspe, literacy

Cynthia Dow, LJI Journalist

GASPE – On November 5, the Gaspésie Literacy Council (GLC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Douglastown Community Centre and online. They were joined by a number of their many local and regional partners, including Literacy Québec, Pouvoir des mots, CAMI, the North Shore Community Association, and the department of Public Health for the Integrated health and social services centres (CISSS.)

Interim Executive Director Angelina Leggo indicated that a “comprehensive needs assessment” was undertaken this year to find out how the GLC is doing in serving its immense territory, which covers the same area as that of the Eastern Shores School Board. The assessment report relied on surveys with 73 members of the public, 18 organizations and 25 individual interviews.

As a result, the GLC has undertaken some restructuring and has enhanced online content, including a complaint box for users. “We are focussing on how to effectively reach the whole territory,” Ms. Leggo explained, “We are not looking to grow our team, although we may have to look at that, but we will also be solidifying our partnerships.”

The annual report outlined several projects and initiatives undertaken this past year, including the Digital Literacy Project in cooperation with the York River Seniors Centre, Vision and CASA. This project includes one-on-one tutoring to help people use online services effectively.

Coordinator Rebecca Simon reported that the “drop-in tables” are very popular. The project has been taken to CASA’s wellness centres in Port Daniel and New Carlisle and will be present at all Vision wellness centres this year. A guide will be printed up, entitled “How to Internet Safely.”

Meanwhile, at Gaspé Polyvalent School, the GLC offered financial literacy sessions to the Secondary 5 students.

The financial report for the past fiscal year was not available at the time of the AGM, but will be available at the end of the month and can be sent out by email to those interested.

As part of the restructuring, the GLC has reduced the number of board members from nine to seven, with the bylaws stipulating that at least one board member must come from the Indigenous community and at least one from the Baie Comeau/Sept Iles area. A nomination policy has also been put in place.

The current board is composed of Mike Vigneault from CAMI, Jody Lessard from the North Shore Community Association, Kayla Gallan, Jessica Synnott, Maureen Cassivi, and Laura Comeau. One seat remains vacant.

You can see the array of programs available from the GLC on their website at https://gaspelit.ca/

(Full disclosure: Cynthia Dow recently organized an event that was partially funded by the GLC.)

Gaspésie Literacy Council aiming to serve entire territory Read More »

Dental care… 1,000km from home

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / November 13, 2024 / dental, gaspe, Healthcare, jean phillip thibault, new richmond

JEAN-PHILIPPE THIBAULT, LJI Journalist

Dussault would have preferred to use her vacation weeks for something other than finding and attending a dental appointment for herself and her children, 1,000 kilometres from home.

After exhausting local and regional contacts, she had to resort to contacting her previous dentist near Montreal, more precisely in Longueuil, with whom she had fortunately kept in touch, and where her mother still lives.

Charlotte Guay-Dussault, a mother of two girls aged three and a half and five and a half, lives in Cap-d’Espoir, part of Percé. Born in Longueuil, she moved to the Gaspé Peninsula in 2018, where she now lives with her partner. The family’s oral health has always been a priority. There was no question of neglecting it.

Like many, she had to start calling left and right when her regular dentist had to temporarily close his clinic due to an illness in his family, leaving hundreds of patients without dental care.

“We were supposed to have our appointments the week the dentist had to close urgently, last fall. I had heard that it was difficult to find one, but not to this extent,” she says.

The young woman hadn’t expected the task to be so challenging. No other clinic in the region was accepting new patients at that time.

Even on the South Shore of Montreal, appointments don’t fall from the sky. After two weeks of vacation in the metropolitan area, Charlotte Guay-Dussault had to take a third week off to stay with her mother, as the only available time at her dentist’s office was on a Thursday. Her partner left alone with the car for the Gaspé, while the rest of the family booked one-way plane tickets for their return home. However, available flights only took off on Sundays.

Charlotte Guay-Dussault had to use up a full week of her vacation for a dental appointment some 1,000 kilometres from home.

“In any case, in the end, I literally had to take five days of vacation to go to the dentist. Before even paying the bill for simple cleanings, it cost me $1,000. I can’t imagine if cavities and braces get involved, or for those who can’t afford them,” she says, somewhat flabbergasted.

She still considers herself lucky in the circumstances, since she is employed in the public sector, having a little more resources and time than others who are not in the same situation.

Eighteen calls later

The mother is not the only one who has had to juggle schedules and plan all the logistics for dental care. Armed with an address book and a her friends from Chandler called all the dentists in the area for her two teenagers, discovering a host of new area codes as she called a little further west: the Gaspé Peninsula, Lower Saint Lawrence, Chaudière-Appalaches, Centre-du-Québec.

“It was finally the 18th office that agreed to take her on as a new patient… in Quebec City. She doesn’t have any family in town, so she stays in hotels, not to mention the other expenses. She takes a few days off here and there. All that just to go to the dentist, which is basic care, let’s be clear,” stresses Charlotte Guay-Dussault.

A third friend had to go to Carleton-sur-Mer, a three-hour drive away, for an emergency during the holidays.

“I don’t blame dentists, who work like crazy and devote themselves body and soul to taking on as many people as possible. On the contrary, I understand that this is a private matter, but access to a dentist should worry us collectively. We need to talk about it,” says Charlotte Guay-Dussault.

Discreet Public

Health Directorate

How many other patients are deprived of a dentist in the Gaspé Peninsula? Is dental tourism widespread in the region? Is the population at risk? What is the overall picture?

The Gaspé SPEC tried to reach the dental advisor at the Gaspé Peninsula Regional Public Health Directorate to discuss this issue. However, she has not been available in the last month since the initial interview request.

According to 2014 data, only 54% of the region’s population had consulted a dentist, dental hygienist or orthodontist in the past year, compared to 61.6% for the province as a whole.

The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), however, is well aware of the problem. Faced with a lack of resources and the departure of the last dentist in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in 2021, the establishment has taken steps to maintain service continuity.

In November of the same year, Health Minister Christian Dubé announced $846,000 in funding to support a pilot project for a dental clinic run by the CISSS. The community clinic opened its doors the following year, in 2022, in the facility vacated by the retired dentist from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.

Today, the clinic has a permanent dentist, along with a team of hygienists, assistants and administrative staff. The initial scenario was to add a second permanent dentist.

“Recruitment remains a challenge, particularly for hygienists and dentists. Indeed, we would like to have two permanent dentists rather than just one. However, we applaud the work of the on-site team, which is able to accommodate a large number of users each week,” explained in an email Lou Landry, who was until recently the spokesperson for the CISSS de la Gaspésie. The organization is responsible for staff recruitment and salaries.

The Sainte-Anne-des-Monts community clinic focuses on offering dental care to people below the low-income threshold or living in remote areas.

Due to the shortage of dentists that is affecting almost all parts of the region, residents of Matane—about an hour’s drive from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts—and elsewhere in the Gaspé Peninsula have also been quick to make appointments at the community dental clinic, much to the chagrin of some Haute-Gaspésie residents, who are still left without options. It highlights the ongoing challenges of oral health in the region.

At the very least, on a more positive note, the clinic that treated Charlotte Guay-Dussault and her family has gradually started operating again since September.

Dental care… 1,000km from home Read More »