gaspesie

Gaspesian musicians perform to a full crowd at Homegrown 3

Jillian O’Connell, LJI Journalist

PASPEBIAC – On Saturday, November 2, at the Centre Cultural de Paspébiac, the Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA) hosted its third annual Homegrown showcase with approximately 160 seats filled and guests joining online. 

The event was funded in part by the Secretariat aux relations avec les Quebecois d’expression anglaise and Canadian Heritage. When asked by SPEC how Homegrown started, coordinator Dave Felker explains, “We (CASA) had done cultural showcases of music a few years ago, about 16 of them and we decided that it would be really interesting to bring everyone together for one of them.” 

This year’s edition of Homegrown featured 27 performers from across the Gaspé coast. “I went through a list of English-speaking Gaspesians that play music and tried to mix it up a bit from last year by introducing some new artists to the community. I did have quite the mix. Seventy-five percent of my lineup this year had not been on the stage in the past two editions. Which just goes to show that there is a lot of talent on the coast,” explains Mr. Felker. 

CASA provides an honorarium for their time and performance, along with accommodations for those travelling from either end of the coast. “We also provide food along the way because we want them to be here, jamming, playing music, supporting each other. We don’t want them wandering off to go find lunch. ‘Here, we’ll bring you lunch. Keep playing.’” Mr. Felker added. 

This year, Homegrown 3 was kicked off with a Youth Showcase, featuring six talented performers, ranging from solo acts to bands, who entertained an audience of approximately 50. This was the first year that youth were included. “This time around, as we were approaching the date, I said to my daughter ‘Abby, get a band ready. Let’s add a youth element to Homegrown.’ She already had been playing with a few friends from her school, so I thought it’d be a good experience for them. I contacted Melissa Girvan right away to see if Reed was interested, which, of course, he was. Sadly, we asked schools to send any youth interested in taking part, but there are not any real music programs in any of the schools.” Mr. Felker explains. 

Following the Youth Showcase, a workshop about sharing resources brought together members of various organizations. Members went around the table introducing themselves and their organizations. Participants discussed their ideas, needs and resources available. The workshop concluded with collective emphasis on the importance of collaboration. 

The Gaspedians kicked off the evening show as the MCs for the night and introduced the first band, Mother of Cups, a duo from Gaspé who brought amazing energy, setting the tone for the night as all the other skilled performers who followed. 

The final act of the night was MicMac Drive, which premiered their new song, Chaleur Skies, a tribute to the Pozzolan Dalhousie protest. The band invited the audience to chant “Hey” and raise their fist in solidarity. To close the event, Mr. Felker called all performers back on stage for a group performance of Rockin’ in the Free World. 

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Emergency department at Maria hospital remains a priority for MNA

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Modernizing the emergency and intensive care departments at the Maria hospital remains the top priority for Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Catherine Blouin as the fall parliamentary session began on September 10 at the National Assembly. 

Three companies have expressed interest in conducting studies to better understand the current infrastructure in anticipation of the new project and, consequently, to better determine its costs. 

The study will specifically assess the current state of the electromechanical, structural and civil components and determine whether they are able to handle the new costs anticipated, not only by the emergency and intensive care department project, but also the future developments of the hospital. 

“It’s reassuring. These are two separate projects. First, we have the modernization of the emergency and intensive care departments. The priority is the emergency and intensive care departments. I’m very happy to see that things are moving forward,” notes Catherine Blouin, who hopes the contracts will be awarded soon. 

Ms. Blouin is, however, hesitant to set a date. “The plans and specifications are not yet done, so I’m not going to comment on a timeline,” she says, mentioning that the CISSS (Integrated Health and Social Services Centre) has already managed a similar project at the Sainte-Anne-des- Monts hospital. 

Rail refurbishment 

is also a priority 

Ms. Blouin is not concerned about the refurbishment schedule extending beyond 2026, even though one of the four call for tender projects announced last fall has been postponed week after week since April. 

“For now, we’re staying the course. There are situations beyond our control, meaning that we cannot find enough bidders. There is a lot of work being done in parallel,” notes Ms. Blouin. 

Cell coverage 

On the issue of cellular coverage, the 2026 goal to cover areas in the region, not currently covered by a cellular network, remains on target. 

“I prefer to put the deadline a little further out and create nice surprises, but all the indicators I have are for 2026. I prefer not to raise expectations for nothing,” explains the MNA. 

Housing 

The Québec government has launched a call for qualifications for 500 prefabricated housing units. “An innovative situation,” notes the elected official. 

“We have experience acquired through the single-modular housing units delivered to Maria in nine months with contractors such as Habitations Mont-Carleton. We will be able to take advantage of it and we met with the minister (of Municipal Affairs),” mentions Ms. Blouin. 

Daycares 

The announced daycare spaces also remain a priority for the Bonaventure MNA. “I can tell you – without creating expectations – that things are moving forward,” notes Ms. Blouin. 

“We still have champions in terms of project managers with 71 spaces in Chandler where children will be entering in the coming days,” emphasizes Ms. Blouin. 

Other priorities 

Several other files are also on the MNA’s agenda. “What is important is to continue to get the message across. We have had several visits from ministers. We had the Premier at the end of June, the Minister for Seniors, the Minister of Housing, and that of Culture. Each of these visits brings its share of follow-ups,” explains Ms. Blouin. 

While the Premier clearly reaffirmed his support for wind power at his party’s caucus in Rimouski, the Bonaventure MNA indicates that it remains a priority. 

“We have social acceptability in Eastern Quebec. We have expertise, a renewal of existing wind farms to increase capacity. We are well positioned in the Gaspésie to move forward,” she says. 

Halfway through her term, Ms. Blouin notes that the electoral map has mobilized energy and received everyone’s attention. 

“We decided to review everything in a transpartisan manner with all the parties. It’s a source of pride but, also, the cell coverage with the national announcement in Saint-Elzéar and the modular units in Maria. It’s the work of collaboration and listening to the council of ministers. I may be a bit annoying talking about the realities of the Gaspé, but when we greet ministers, they understand the reality on the ground. There is just as much work, if not more, left to do over the next two years. We continue to move forward,” the MNA concludes. 

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