gaspesie

A new Regional Minister for the Gaspésie

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – Premier François Legault has entrusted the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands to a new addition to the cabinet: the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Rivière-du-Loup-Témiscouata, Amélie Dionne.

Ms. Dionne will also hold the Tourism portfolio in addition to being the Minister Responsible for the Lower Saint Lawrence region.

Daniel Côté, the mayor of Gaspé, notes that Ms. Dionne is the only minister who will have two administrative regions under her wing.

“The Premier has chosen to no longer have a minister in Eastern Quebec, except for Ms. Dionne, who is in Rivière-du-Loup, in the western part of Eastern Quebec. “This is taking us further and further away from power,” notes Daniel Côté.

“Basically, I think that no matter the region of Quebec it should have its own regional minister. The two MNAs from the Côte-Nord sit in the cabinet. Here, it’s not the Premier’s choice (he will be responsible for another region), and he’s imposing a minister responsible for two mega-regions. That’s where the problem lies. It’s as if the Gaspé were being submerged in the Lower St. Lawrence, and as citizens of the Gaspé, we’ve never liked that because there are different realities,” criticizes the mayor of Gaspé.

He is citing as examples Ian Lafrenière, an MNA based in Montreal who covers Northern Quebec, and François Legault, who is the Minister Responsible for Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

With Donald Martel at the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), Mayor Côté believes the new member of the cabinet has good contacts in the region, and he feels he would be able to raise awareness of fisheries issues.

As far as the new Minister of Municipal Affairs, Geneviève Guilbault, Daniel Côté says he has spoken with her in the past and he is under the impression that she understands the issues very well.

On the rail front, with Jonatan Julien now Minister of Transport, the mayor of Gaspé is confident, especially since he was also the Minister Responsible for the Gaspé region, with whom relations were good.

Eric Dube, the mayor of New Richmond and president of the Société du chemin fer de la Gaspésie agrees with that observation. “We worked a lot with Mr. Julien on the rail issue. I think he should remember that. We should be able to establish contacts fairly quickly for the next steps.” says Mr. Dubé.

Quebec put the project back into a “study” phase in March following significant cost overruns to rehabilitate the third section.

Regarding Amélie Dionne’s arrival, Éric Dubé is giving her a chance and isn’t offended by the fact that she isn’t from the Gaspé region. “What I asked for was to have the best person to handle our issues. If the Premier decided it was her, I’ll give her a chance,” he says.

The Baie-des-Chaleurs Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for a minister from the Gaspé region. “We would have preferred to have a minister from the Gaspé region. We’re open to giving her a chance and we hope to meet with her soon to make our priorities known and for regional development to be a priority for her,” says the director, Valentine Palma.

Gaspé MNA Stéphane Sainte-Croix is ​​relieved to see this shuffle process now a thing of the past.
“As for what’s next, we’ll roll up our sleeves tomorrow to establish strategies to meet with the new ministers as soon as possible and bring our issues to them,” says Mr. Saint-Croix.

He’s giving Amélie Dionne, with whom he spoke briefly a few minutes after her appointment as Regional Minister, a chance. The MNA for Gaspé welcomes the arrival of Jonatan Julien as Transport Minister for the rail file.

With the CAQ polling at only 11%, Mr. Sainte-Croix believes that the reshuffling of the cabinet will give his party and the government new wings. “The roadmap for what’s next is known. We’ll roll up our sleeves and do what we have to do to regain people’s trust,” he believes.

As SPEC went to press, the MNA for Gaspé was unsure whether he would remain government assistant for Fisheries under the new Minister of Fisheries, Donald Martel.

A new Regional Minister for the Gaspésie Read More »

Alexis Deschênes’ priorities for fall session in Ottawa

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

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Alexis Deschênes, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj, plans on prioritizing the train, fisheries, and infrastructure during the fall session in Ottawa.

The Bloc MP attended his party’s caucus on September 8 and 9 in Quebec City in preparation for the parliamentary session that opened on September 15.

“…The return of passenger trains as soon as the rail line is completed. We know that in Port-Daniel, the locomotives and cars can travel on the rail line. We’re going to put maximum pressure on VIA Rail to get them to come back with their analysis, which they’re currently conducting, and to go back to the drawing board and tell us where they stand. What we’re hoping for is a partial return,” says Mr. Deschênes. “If that’s not the response we get, we’ll just increase the pressure until they change their minds,” he adds.

Mr. Deschênes hopes to see the federal government’s involvement in the next budget for rail to Gaspé. “Can the federal government contribute? We’ll exert pressure in that direction,” says the MP.

In other infrastructure, he notes the Port of Matane and the extension of the runway at the Magdalen Islands airport.

In the fisheries sector, the MP will prioritize the Fisheries Fund, which will need to be renewed, along with the diversification of export markets. “It’s really important. Money needs to be made available for this,” says the MP.

The pozzolan mine and the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse are also on his list of priorities, as he aims to bring these citizens’ demands to Ottawa.

In the upcoming budget, expected this fall, Alexis Deschênes hopes for a response to his concerns. “Funding to enable the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region to acquire infrastructure that will improve mobility and prosperity, and a renewed Fisheries Fund because it allows for innovation,” he says.
The big question will also remain, the size of the deficit, which could reach $100 million.

Mark Carney’s Liberal government will table a budget this fall. “We’ll see to what extent Mr. Carney has managed to outspend Justin Trudeau in just a few months, something we didn’t think possible,” the Bloc member emphasizes.

Over the summer, Mr. Deschênes built a team to support him in his role as MP.

Alexis Deschênes’ priorities for fall session in Ottawa Read More »

VIA Rail explores “alternative return to service” scenerios for the Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – After more than ten years of stating that passenger rail services to Gaspé would only resume once the entire railway line was refurbished, VIA Rail is now exploring “alternative return-to-service” scenarios for the Chaleur train. 

Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Catherine Blouin tabled a motion on May 27 in the National Assembly, calling for the return of passenger rail services to New Carlisle as soon as possible. The motion, which was unanimously supported by the elected officials present at the time of the vote, calls for the return of the passenger train to New Carlisle as soon as possible, noting that the rail line would be operational to Port-Daniel-Gascons in the coming weeks. 

In addition, the motion called for the establishment of a shuttle between New Carlisle and Gaspé. The motion was brought to Ottawa on May 29 by Alexis Deschênes, the Member of Parliament for the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. However, the government remained very vague about its intentions. 

In an email dated May 30, “VIA Rail has always affirmed its commitment to restoring service in the Gaspé when the tracks are safe and allow competitive travel times to Gaspé,” noted the public corporation. VIA stated that it had begun work to prepare for a possible return to service, in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, and based on its timelines for track refurbishment to Gaspé by 2027. 

“When the provincial budget was tabled on March 25, 2025, VIA Rail learned, at the same time as the Gaspé population, that the refurbishment work on the section between Port-Daniel–Gascons and Gaspé was postponed to the planning phase, with no new timeline to guide further efforts,” states VIA. 

It was from this point on that the carrier’s thinking seemed to have taken a new turn. “Faced with this major change, and still firmly committed to restoring rail service for Gaspé residents, VIA Rail must now return to the drawing board to explore alternative return-to-service scenarios,” explains the company’s communications department, adding, however, that it is too early to comment on the form or parameters of these scenarios. 

“(This is) music to my ears. This is a first for me to hear this type of comment,” says Ms. Blouin, who notes that she has been working on the file for a long time. She points out that collaboration between VIA Rail and Quebec is very good. 

“To see it written in black and white that it was pushing them to return to the drawing board. There is no reason why the passenger train should not run to New Carlisle. It gives us hope,” adds Ms. Blouin, who also notes that this opportunity must be seized and serious negotiations should begin. “This is a good indication because until very recently, the position has always been that there would be no return until the rail service was operational all the way to Gaspé. There is an opening, and I welcome it. I intend to collaborate with VIA Rail if they need anything,” says Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Deschênes, who will continue to put pressure on the carrier. 

“We’re right to ask. Everyone is talking to us about the return of the train. It’s an essential service that we want. So much the better if there’s a change of tone from VIA Rail. It’s the bare minimum we’re asking for,” he adds. 

A rumour is circulating at the provincial level that the carrier is toying with the idea of separating the Ocean train and the Chaleur train, which would run independently between Montreal and Matapedia. 

VIA, however, did not mention such a scenario in its email. The Coalition of Gaspesians for the Return of the VIA Rail Train believes that studying alternative scenarios for the Gaspé will put pressure on Quebec to refurbish the rail line to Gaspé. 

“The more people take the train, the more pressure there will be on the government to complete the section. It’s important that VIA Rail return to explain these alternative solutions,” says coalition spokesperson Micheline Saint-Onge. 

The coalition is ready to work with VIA Rail on the next steps, relaying the messages received from meetings held in recent months between Mataand those to come in Rocher-Percé and the Côte-de-Gaspé. 

Is the motion the key? 

Everything seems to be moving forward since the motion by the MNA for Bonaventure, who indicated that regional connections were at the heart of VIA Rail’s mandate. 

“The Matapedia-Gaspé regional connection is essential to serving the communities of the Gaspé. That the National Assembly request Via Rail to restore at least rail service to New Carlisle as soon as possible and to implement a shuttle to provide a connection to Gaspé,” states the motion read by the elected official. 

The Coalition of Gaspésians for the Return of the Passenger Train is pleased with this stance taken by elected officials in Quebec City, as the group has been struggling since January to secure such progress. 

“In April, we sent a specific letter to the two provincial MNAs, Ms. Blouin and Mr. (Stéphane) Sainte-Croix, and to the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault, asking them to take a position and take action and request a motion to support the project,” says Coalition spokesperson Micheline Saint-Onge. 

A meeting with the MNA Blouin, her Gaspé riding colleague Stéphane Sainte-Croix and a representative from the Ministry of Transport was held on May 15. 

“We are extremely pleased that this has produced results that have been expected since 2013,” added Ms. Saint-Onge. “We are now waiting for the next steps. June, July 2025 is not far off. We’re continuing the process to get the train back this summer,” she explained before VIA’s letter. 

A major factor holding VIA back from its return is the lack of rolling stock, in addition to stations, track safety, and staff. 

“What we learned from the meeting on May 15 is that there’s a committee in place with VIA and the Ministry of Transport. I don’t know where VIA is at,” notes Ms. Saint-Onge. 

“The only problem VIA had was with rolling stock. But a lot of pressure was taken off that file because new cars were delivered to the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. The ones that were removed need repairs, but that frees up 160 cars. I can’t believe there wouldn’t be a few cars that could come to the Gaspé,” she suggests

VIA Rail explores “alternative return to service” scenerios for the Gaspé Read More »

Fewer gaps in ambulance services 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Ambulance service gaps have become a rare commodity at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS). 

From a rate of up to 3.5% in the last quarter of 2022, this rate has dropped to 1.56% in 2022-2023 and further to just 0.24% in 2023-2024. 

Companies have made significant efforts to hire paramedics or have relied on independent labour to fill positions. “It’s difficult to reach 0% because there are situations where there are last-minute illnesses or difficulties replacing someone who was already on the schedule. When we’re talking about 0.24%, the efforts have been remarkable, and people have found solutions,” says Jean-François Sénéchal, Deputy Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS. When a shortage occurs, staff are strategically redeployed across the territory. 

Since 2018, several shift schedules have been converted to hourly schedules. “The argument has always been that it would be easier to recruit and retain staff when we have hourly schedules because, in terms of personal and social life, it’s easier to plan activities. This confirms that the arguments for the conversion were well-founded,” says Mr. Sénéchal. 

The advantages of hourly schedules facilitate redeployment and allow for faster response times because people are already in the ambulance—a response time of less than a minute—while the on-call schedule requires the paramedic to first go to the paramedics station to take charge of the vehicle and then respond to the call, resulting in a response time of approximately eight minutes. 

There are still a few on-call shifts available in the Gaspé, however, the goal is to one day see the region covered 100% with hourly schedules. 

“For example, if we’re talking about Mont-Louis or Murdochville, it’s clear that what we have left as on-call teams doesn’t have much travel time during the week. If we put these teams on the hour, it would be, in quote, a waste of resources,” explains Mr. Sénéchal. 

In Gaspé, an on-call team was converted to a 10-hour shift, a change that initially sparked controversy, but has since produced promising results. 

Currently, there’s a 24-hour team in Gaspé and in Rivière-au-Renard, in addition to the 10-hour shift in Gaspé. 

“Based on the volume of activity and our redeployment capacity, we think we made the right decision,” concludes Mr. Sénéchal.

Fewer gaps in ambulance services  Read More »

Damning Auditor General’s Report  – CISSS granted a grace period

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Nelson Sergerie – LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) has been granted a grace period until October to address the 64 recommendations proposed in response to the damning report by the Auditor General of Quebec. That report was produced three years ago on five major areas of the organization’s management. 

In May 2022, the then Auditor General, Guylaine Leclerc, criticized management and governance by making five major findings: lack of rigour in hiring and inadequate management of service contracts; work environment issues; poorly protected personal information; and lack of compliance with governance rules. The auditor noted that the CISSS management was problematic overall, particularly at the management level when Chantal Duguay was President and CEO. 

“Four of the five areas are 100% complete. We have met expectations. The fifth area that has not yet been completed is contract management, although many changes have been made over the past year and a half, we still have some areas to address to meet the VGQ’s (Quebec’s Auditor General) expectations,” says President and CEO Martin Pelletier. 

What remains to be done is the response to the logistics action plan, which had to be readjusted. 

“Our internal approach, with review processes to ensure that contracts are properly secured, is where it’s lacking. There are a lot of contracts we sign each year that are for five years and they aren’t in the mix. We see that there are still adjustments to be made to our mechanisms,” maintains Mr. Pelletier. 

The Auditor General is satisfied with the work accomplished over the past three years. 

“We met three times with the VGQ (Auditor General) office officials, and each time, it was satisfactory,” says Mr. Pelletier. 

Regarding governance, with the changes implemented with the arrival of Santé Québec, this aspect has been put on hold while the auditor adjusts to the new way of managing the future. 

Mr. Pelletier notes that a great deal of work has been done over the past three years to address the concerns raised by the report. Relations have improved. 

“One of my major projects was to ensure that we collaborate. We didn’t always agree, but we were able to agree on the well-being of users, and we did so respectfully with the unions and Santé Québec. We talk to each other, and that’s where we can find solid solutions. The lines of communication are excellent,” notes the CEO. 

Patient safety has never been compromised, he says. “I hope that not too late in the fall, we’ll be able to close the file once we’ve provided the latest information,” says the President and CEO.  

Damning Auditor General’s Report  – CISSS granted a grace period Read More »

The Gaspé is consulted on the province’s energy plans

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

GASPÉ – The Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region shared its views in Gaspé, on May 23, as part of the Energy Vision Tour, which aims to define the Integrated Energy Plan for the coming years. 

Yves Montigny, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for René-Lévesque and spokesperson for the tour, and his colleague from Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, met with about twenty participants at the consultation. 

“Before even writing anything, we want to take the time to engage with communities, with people on the ground, to get their vision of energy development and ensure that what we write reflects the realities on the ground,” notes Mr. Montigny, who was halfway through this consultation tour, which included 16 planned stops. 

In the Gaspé Peninsula, the issue of wind power is important. “What role can wind power development play, or forest biomass, or other types of energy beyond Hydro-Québec? There’s also fossil fuels. In this grand vision of decarbonization, when we want to decarbonize our economy, our energy supply, we want to do it as part of a transition. But before creating a scenario, we want to be able to discuss with citizens how they see it,” continues the Côte-Nord MNA. Regarding the role of regional content in future wind farms, particularly the wind turbine blades from LM Wind Power in Gaspé, the elected official indicated that the discussion will continue. 

The latest wind farm procurement process has raised several questions and concerns, particularly from the mayor of Gaspé, about the future of Quebec’s wind industry. 

“The key to the energy vision is to listen to people. It’s time to hear from them. They will give us their opinions on this. I’ll be happy to document all of this, and it will be part of our reflection,” said Mr. Montigny. 

Several stakeholders have criticized the Quebec government for granting large blocks of energy to economic projects, some of which have failed, such as Northvolt. Companies that have obtained blocks of energy are not using them at full capacity. 

“In discussions with participants, what we’re told is that we need to adapt our energy supply to demand. People want to develop economic projects, and we want to adapt to that. There are also established criteria that are often misunderstood. All the energy allocation criteria, in a context of energy scarcity, people say, allocate megawatts while optimizing economic benefits,” maintains the MNA for René-Lévesque. 

Bill 69, currently under consideration by the Quebec government, aims to integrate energy planning, and this consultation is intended as an upstream step. 

Regionally, in addition to industry stakeholders and elected officials, Indigenous communities will also be consulted. 

The Gaspé is consulted on the province’s energy plans Read More »

Gaspé Peninsula will keep two ridings in the 2026 provincial election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Gaspé Peninsula will retain its two provincial ridings – Bonaventure and Gaspé – in the next election, scheduled for October 2026. 

Judge Alexander Pless dismissed the application by elected officials from the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions against the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec and the Attorney General of Quebec to revoke the Act to interrupt the process of delimitation of electoral districts, adopted unanimously by the National Assembly of Quebec on May 2, 2024. 

The Regroupement of Gaspesian MRCs argued during the hearings held from May 8 to 14 that the electoral map on the table was highly detrimental to the principle of effective representativeness, directly impacting the representation of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec’s democratic institutions. In his decision rendered on May 29, 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 consideration of other factors that conflict with the strict arithmetical equivalence of votes.” 

“I am of the opinion that the impugned law does indeed infringe the applicants’ right to vote, as guaranteed by Section 3 of the Charter. However, the Attorney General of Quebec demonstrates that the law is justified under Section 1 of the Charter. The application for a declaration of invalidity must be dismissed,” noted Justice Press. 

“This is a lengthy 43-page judgment that truly covers the state of the law on the issue of electoral districts. Its interpretation of the 1991 Carter decision on effective representativeness is exactly the same interpretation that we have,” responded Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté. The decision upholds Bonaventure and Gaspé, but the judge warns that for the subsequent election, the National Assembly must review the electoral law to protect the little democratic weight remaining in the regions. 

“That leaves a little time, but the process for reviewing the electoral law is long because the MNAs are both judge and jury. That said, there was a commitment from all political parties to ensure a certain lasting influence for the regions of Quebec whose populations are growing less rapidly than urban centres. If we want to avoid finding ourselves in 100 years with 100 MNAs (Members of the National Assembly) in the Montreal region and 25 for all regions of Quebec, there are principles that must be reviewed in the electoral law to ensure that the regions maintain a minimum weight,” states the mayor, who is also a lawyer by training. 

The elected officials of the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions still have the option of appealing the decision. “They have the right to appeal if they believe they have been wronged. This isn’t a decision made on the spur of the moment. The judge really delves into case law and cites decisions made by the Speaker of the National Assembly where he had to rule on principles,” notes Mr. Côté. 

The deadlines for achieving their goals are very tight, particularly for the Electoral Commission, which was told in November to continue its review work while keeping its report secret. 

“For now, that’s what the judge says because the 2017 map will prevail in 2026,” explains Mr. Côté. What the judge is saying is what is more damaging? Removing one of the two ridings in the Gaspé Peninsula or ensuring the principle of one voter, one vote for the regions surrounding Montreal? He concludes that what is more damaging is removing a riding in the Gaspé Peninsula,” the mayor quotes. 

Prior to the court’s decision, Quebec had indicated it was waiting for the ruling before taking a position, while elected officials in the region hoped the National Assembly would adopt a revision of the electoral law before the court’s decision. 

“The judgment that will be rendered will be important, crucial for the future. We will wait for the judgment to be rendered. Considering the nature of the judgment, we will see what options will be presented to us. Our intention remains the same: to impose the known framework for the next election and promote new inputs on regional representation. The process is underway; we are awaiting the judgment,” stated Gaspé Member of the National Assembly Stéphane Sainte-Croix on May 23. 

In December, Judge Annie Breault of the Superior Court of the District of Terrebonne partially granted the interlocutory injunction requested by elected officials from the Laurentides and Centre-du-Québec regions and ordered the Commission on Representation on the Electoral Map to continue its work, but maintained in force for the time being the Act that halted the revision of the electoral map. 

The court allowed the Director General of Elections, or Quebec’s Electoral Officer, to complete its work and eventually file a second report, as required by the electoral law, should the court rule that the Act adopted in May to suspend the electoral law was invalid. 

The MRC group pointed out that the electoral map on the table was highly detrimental to the principle of effective representation, directly impacting the representation of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec’s democratic institutions. 

The group made representations to the court on November 28, 2024, to become a stakeholder in the case. 

It should be mentioned 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 Lower St. Lawrence riding. As of April 30, 2023, Bonaventure had 35,898 voters and Gaspé 30,131, far from the minimum threshold. The gap was -29.2% and -40.6%, respectively. 

Gaspé ranked third among the least populous ridings, behind the Magdalen Islands, which has exceptional status, and Ungava. According to projections of the number of voters based on data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the gap compared to the average in Gaspé should soon surpass that of Ungava. 

In 2017, the commission maintained the negative exceptional status for Gaspé and granted the same status for Bonaventure. 

However, since the inequalities in representation in these ridings are increasing, the commission did not wish to renew this status. In addition to removing a riding in the Gaspésie, the commission suggested doing the same thing in Montreal to create a riding in the Laurentians and another in Central Quebec. 

Gaspé Peninsula will keep two ridings in the 2026 provincial election Read More »

MP says there’s nothing good for Quebec in the Speech from the Throne

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJi Journalist

OTTAWA – Alexis Deschênes, the Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj believes that the Speech from the Throne, read on May 27, by King Charles III, in Parliament, contains nothing for Quebec’s regions. 

In his first appearance in the House of Commons, Alexis Deschênes spoke on behalf of his party during an “Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.” 

“The Speech from the Throne gives no space to the interests of our regions. We are coming off an election campaign totally focused on the importance of protecting our economy from Donald Trump. Yet, the Speech from the Throne makes no mention of Quebec’s forestry industry and its needs in the softwood lumber dispute. It makes no mention of aluminum, one of the sectors hit by American tariffs. It makes no mention of fisheries, a sector as precious as it is fragile, whose exports are far too dependent on the Americans,” the MP asserted. 

According to him, the speech, read by a British monarch, could have been written in London, “It is so out of touch with the needs of Quebecers.” 

Meanwhile, moments before Mr. Deschênes’ first address to Parliament, members of the Bloc Québécois caucus welcomed his arrival in the House, and the MP also emphasized the trust placed in him by voters. 

“I will strive at every opportunity to live up to it and defend the interests of Quebec and its regions,” the MP promised. 

Furthermore, the MP has been named the Bloc Québécois critic for fisheries, oceans, the coast guard, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Bloc member sees this role as an additional role to that of Deputy House Leader. 

Mr. Deschênes said he has met with several fishermen, plant workers, and industry stakeholders in recent weeks and intends to remain attentive. Among his priorities, the elected official will seek funding for economic diversification missions, create an independent agency for the management of stocks, permits, and quotas, improve port infrastructure, and correct the injustices experienced by pelagic fishermen. 

MP says there’s nothing good for Quebec in the Speech from the Throne Read More »

Moose ticks are still present in the Gaspé Peninsula 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Despite a lower-than-expected hunter turnout, analyses carried out by the Ministry of Wildlife shows a marked presence of moose ticks during the 2024 moose hunting season. 

Wildlife technicians collected samples at the Grande-Vallée, Gaspé and Nouvelle stations in order to have a better picture of the presence of ticks. 

The Ministry had expected to see about 100 or so hunters at the region’s registration stations, however only about thirty moose were registered at the stations. Hunters now have the option to record their tagged large game online instead of physically going to a registration station. 

“We think we still have a good picture of the degree of (tick) infestation, which was high last fall, both in terms of the percentage of moose and the number of ticks that each of them carried. We expect there to be a lot of ticks on animals this winter,” says biologist Marie-Claude Richer from the Ministry of Wildlife’s Gaspé office. 

It’s difficult to compare data from the last decade, particularly because of the pandemic. 

“We can go back to 2013. Between 2013 and 2019, we had continuous data. Then, we had some. This year, we’re about at the same level as the highest years, from 2013 to 2016. It’s a year that seems important for the infestation rate,” she explains. 

The presence of the tick varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions, since the herd remains relatively stable. 

The Ministry is considering a different method for collecting data next fall. “We’re going to try to either go to the stations during the first weekend of hunting or do business with butchers used by hunters. This is an avenue that we will try to develop to see if it would not be easier to go to the butchers. Many hunters register online but still use butchers. We will try to change our way of doing things,” says the biologist. 

Long, rainy summers, an early spring and a late fall are factors that increase the survival of female ticks and eggs. 

Subsequently, the larvae can attach themselves to moose and cause damage at the end of winter when their physical condition is at its lowest. 

Moose ticks are still present in the Gaspé Peninsula  Read More »

CRE suggests mediation to find a way forward on the caribou issue 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

BONAVENTURE – The Gaspésie Regional Environmental Council (CRE) will act as a mediator in an attempt to bring all parties together following the meeting a month ago by stakeholders from Haute-Gaspésie on caribou protection. 

Approximately forty elected officials and socioeconomic leaders had called on Premier François Legault, the Minister responsible for Gaspésie, Maïté Blanchette-Vézina, the Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Benoît Charette, and the Member of the National Assembly for Gaspé, Stéphane Sainte-Croix, for rapid intervention since Haute-Gaspésie claims it is being economically suffocated. The stakeholders called for a suspension of interim caribou protection measures and the non-implementation of the measures contained in the pilot project announced in April 2024, considering it was never adopted. 

“The reaction of the Haute-Gaspésie community to the Quebec government’s proposal is legitimate. We’re at an impasse here,” notes CRE senior advisor Michel Chouinard. 

The pilot project for caribou protection, would set aside a vast territory of 5,000 square kilometres for caribou conservation. However, the recent closure of the Damabois sawmill in Cap-Chat and the loss of 18 direct jobs, as well as indirectly impacting dozens more, was the final straw, as recreational tourism projects could no longer be developed. 

“The idea is to get back to working together and finding acceptable solutions for both caribou protection and ensuring that local economic activities can continue,” notes Mr. Chouinard. 

The CRE points out that Canada’s federal Ministry of the Environment had proposed financial compensation to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of certain protection measures. 

“But the initial idea is to implement joint action between Haute-Gaspésie and the Gaspésie to see how we can organize ourselves to maintain the population. It’s important to remember that this is an obligation under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, which takes precedence over any other law,” continues Mr. Chouinard. 

Failing to find a solution is no longer an option. “The idea isn’t just to save 11 caribou. We must aim to reestablish a population and be able to live within a few decades on a territory that allows them to roam. Conditions are no longer what they were, particularly in old-growth forests, but let’s look together at what we can do,” he explains. 

“We have to get out of the current impasse. We can’t operate in opposition. The community is opposed to Quebec’s proposal. There’s a way to look at things differently and say this doesn’t suit us and how we can find solutions,” explains Mr. Chouinard. 

A project manager has been hired to become a facilitator to find a way to move forward on the various available measures. 

Gaspé Member of the National Assembly Stéphane Sainte-Croix suggested that the 5,000-square-kilometre zone could be revised. He mentioned expanding the protected perimeter around Parc de la Gaspésie and the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve instead. 

“It’s as if we had imposed drastic restrictions from the start. The idea is to take it step by step. We’ll take care of the current population, provide the best conditions for survival and reproduction, and from there, build for the coming years with a plan for two, five, or ten years in the future. We can’t take it all at once,” Mr. Chouinard said, to reduce the impact on the environment. 

As of now, no timetable has been set for reaching a consensus of implementing a final plan. 

CRE suggests mediation to find a way forward on the caribou issue  Read More »

A third candidate in the PLQ leadership race visits the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPE: – Late contender in the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership race, Karl Blackburn, presents himself as a proud regionalist and maintains that Quebec will be as strong as its regions. 

The former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Roberval under Jean Charest from 2003 to 2007, Mr. Blackburn is the son of former Liberal minister Gaston Blackburn. He has remained active within the party over the years and also as director of public affairs and government relations at Produits forestier Résolu. Since 2020, he has been president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec. 

Having recently overcome prostate cancer, Mr. Blackburn says he now feels ready to tackle Quebec’s challenges. 

“I had one of the best jobs in Quebec. I had a general and peripheral vision of the Quebec economy. When my doctor told me on March 9 that there was no longer any trace of cancer and no longer any work restrictions, that’s when I decided that it might be late, but not too late, to run for the top job,” says Mr Blackburn. 

Within 36 hours, he had fulfilled all the conditions required to become a candidate in the race. 

Karl Blackburn describes himself as a regionalist and says he is in a position to remobilise activists and reconnect the regions and Francophones. 

“I’m a proud regionalist. For me, Quebec must be a strong Quebec if all its regions are strong. If Baie-Comeau is strong, if Gaspé is strong, if Rivière-du-Loup is strong, if Roberval is strong, if all the regions of Quebec are strong, Quebec will emerge bigger and stronger,” explains the candidate. 

“I bring a detailed knowledge of the regions of Quebec, a detailed knowledge of the Quebec economy and above all of the interconnections between the regions and Montreal and Quebec City, and above all I bring a unifying vision. I don’t want to do what Mr. Legault did, for example, divide the population into good Quebecers and not-so-good Quebecers. Instead, I want leadership that brings people together,” continued Mr. Blackburn. 

A third candidate in the PLQ leadership race visits the Gaspé Peninsula Read More »

Court considers revising the provincial electoral map 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The hearing on the merits of the revision of Quebec’s electoral map was heard on May 8, 9, 12, and 13 before the Superior Court at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse. 

In December, Judge Annie Breault of the Superior Court for the District of Terrebonne, partially granted the interlocutory injunction requested by elected officials from the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions and ordered the Commission on Representation on the Electoral Map to continue its work, but maintained for the time being the Act that halted the revision of the electoral map. The court allowed the Chief Electoral Officer to complete his work and eventually file his second report, as required by the electoral law, if the court ruled that the law adopted in May to suspend the electoral law was invalid. 

Elected officials from the Laurentians and Central Quebec regions had filed a legal action against the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec and the Attorney General of seeking to have the law overturned and the revision process resumed. 

On May 2, 2023, the National Assembly of Quebec, unanimously adopted the Act to Interrupt the Electoral Boundaries Process. 

The Gaspé Peninsula MRCs group pointed out that the electoral map on the table was then highly detrimental to the principle of effective representativeness, directly affecting the representation of the region in Quebec’s democratic institutions. 

The group made representations to the court on November 28, 2024, asking to become a stakeholder in the case. “Effective representativeness is at the heart of the debate, but how do we define it? It was defined in a Supreme Court ruling, the Carter Decision of 1991, which stated that beyond the principle of one voter, one vote, we must take into account the factor of belonging and geographic scope. In short, several factors must be taken into account, not just one voter, one vote,” comments Daniel Côté, mayor of Gaspé and spokesperson for the Gaspé Peninsula Prefects Table. He is listed as a respondent in the motion filed to have the table intervene in the debate. 

According to him, this definition will be the subject of the debate before the court. “We have nothing against reviewing the electoral map, but we must take into account regional specificities. We can’t move a piece of Matanie with a piece of Gaspésie.” We can’t cut an MRC or town in two in the case of a region like ours. It doesn’t work on the ground,” says Mr. Côté. 

“Also, from a legal standpoint, is the law adopted by the Quebec National Assembly that suspended the overhaul of the Election Act legal or not? I think that once 125 members vote on the same side, it seems to me that it should have some force. Saying no to a Cabinet decree invoked by a premier is fine. But saying no to a unanimous will and saying that this decision is unfounded—I would be cautious if I were the court, and I think the court has clearly grasped the magnitude of the matter,” suggests Mr. Côté, who is also a trained lawyer. 

The mayor of Gaspé hopes that the National Assembly will move forward with a reform of the Election Act before a court decision. 

However, nothing is on the National Assembly’s agenda. “The criteria need to be clearer. To my knowledge, not much has moved forward. We weren’t involved or consulted But there was a clear promise from François Legault’s government, with support in principle from the opposition, that the legislation needed to be reviewed. Let’s hope we won’t leave the Gaspé ridings to a court or a commission based on insufficiently precise criteria,” Mr. Côté demanded. 

Recall that the commission suggested merging the Gaspé and Bonaventure ridings, 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 Matane-Matapédia riding, a Lower St. Lawrence riding. As of April 30, 2023, Bonaventure had 35,898 voters and Gaspé 30,131, far from the minimum threshold. The gap was -29.2% and -40.6%, respectively. Gaspé thus ranked third among the least populous ridings, behind the Magdalen Islands, which has exceptional status, along with Ungava. 

Based on projections of the number of voters from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the gap in Gaspé’s average should soon surpass that of Ungava. 

In 2017, the Commission maintained Gaspé’s negative exception status and granted the same status to Bonaventure. However, since the inequalities in representation in these ridings are increasing, the commission did not wish to renew this status. 

In addition to removing a riding in the Gaspésie, the Commission suggested doing the same thing in Montreal to create a riding in the Laurentians and another in the Centre-du-Québec region. 

Court considers revising the provincial electoral map  Read More »

Diane Lebouthillier’s political career

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-THÉRÈSE-DE-GASPÉ – Turning the page on 15 years of active politics, outgoing Liberal Member of Parliament and former Trudeau government minister, Diane Lebouthillier leaves with the satisfaction of a job well done. 

“I walk around with my head held high everywhere in our riding. More than a billion dollars have been invested in the riding, and I don’t know when that will be done again,” commented Ms. Lebouthillier in an exclusive interview with SPEC reflecting on her political career. A social worker by training who worked in mental health for 25 years, Ms. Lebouthillier worked from 2008 to 2010 for the former provincial Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé, Georges Mamelonet, before entering active politics in 2010 as prefect of the Rocher-Percé MRC and a Liberal MP since 2015. 

One of the criticisms levelled at the incumbent is that she carried Ottawa’s message into the riding instead of representing the riding in Ottawa. 

“We did both! Yes, we brought programs, but we also brought things from home to Ottawa. The Fisheries Fund. If I hadn’t sat around the table and had discussions with my colleague Dominic Leblanc, who was Minister of Fisheries, this fund would have been created initially for the Atlantic region. It was the efforts made with Dominic that ensured we were able to bring this money back,” she maintains. Ms. Lebouthillier hasn’t performed a complete analysis of her defeat. “But maybe people wanted change. Honestly, I don’t know,” she begins by replying. 

However, when asked about the fact that she had promised in 2015 not to play things over and over again, she reflects by saying,”I’ve always remained outspoken. For me, having integrity and telling people the truth, even if they don’t want to hear it, remained important. Perhaps that’s also why I lost my election. No one can say I lied to them. If there are efforts to be made, I will make them, but if we can’t go any further, I’ll let you know, but if I can open doors for you, I will open them,” she believes, adding that in the cabinet, the work had to be seen as a whole across Canada. The past two years, since her appointment as Minister of Fisheries, Ms. Leboutillier admits that it hasn’t been easy, as she doesn’t like to travel. 

“For the Department of Fisheries, I’ve been to British Columbia, the Arctic, and inland fisheries, and then there’s the riding. It’s already a challenge to come back to the riding. Every time I flew home, it was incredibly stressful. After 21 days in Ottawa, I would go to bed at night and cry because I couldn’t wait to get home,” she confides. 

Her personal life has brought its share of worries. “On the family front, my partner almost died. My father passed away. We had construction work. A lot of things happened. I have children and I’m a grandmother, and we’re trying to juggle everything. People also want to see us everywhere,” she adds. 

Without completely closing the door, a transition with the new MP will be very simple. “When I arrived as an MP in 2015, what I received didn’t even fit in a shoebox. Mr. Deschênes will do what I did. He will learn his files and will do his thing. As a minister, I had too many files from the business community, and when we talk about private companies, the word “private” is excessively important. The files concerning constituents that had been settled were destroyed, and the constituents who had follow-ups were advised to work with the new elected official who will represent them,” Ms. Lebouthillier clearly explains. 

She concludes by recalling that politics can be thankless and recalls a statement from an elected official in Parliament. “There was already an MP who told us in Parliament, if you want recognition in politics, you’d better get a dog. It was a Bloc Québécois MP who said that, Louis Plamondon, and he was absolutely right,” says the former MP. 

Diane Lebouthillier’s political career Read More »

A minister’s astonishing statement about his Caquist colleagues in the Gaspé region 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

QUEBEC CITY – The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Members of the National Assembly representing the Gaspésie may not be deemed qualified enough to serve as regional ministers, at least that is the impression left by Christopher Skeete, Minister responsible for Regional Development, during a budget session on April 29. 

The comment came in response to a question from Parti Québécois Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Matane-Matapédia Pascal Bérubé, during the study of the 2025-2026 budget in the parliamentary committee. 

“I want to talk about the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions. Does the minister think it would be a good idea for these two regions to have regional ministers who are MNAs for that territory?” asked Pascal Bérubé. 

“I think it’s on a case-by-case basis,” replied Mr. Skeete. “Does he think it would be desirable?” asked Mr. Bérubé again. 

“I don’t make the connection between the idea and the conclusion as to whether or not it’s a good thing. You can have a minister responsible for your region who is from your region and that doesn’t mean that he or she would be good,” said Mr. Skeete. 

Questioned on the sidelines of a press conference, the mayor of Gaspé preferred to be cautious in his comments. 

“That’s the Premier’s prerogative. I still think it’s unfortunate that we don’t have a regional minister among our regional deputies, but I can’t say that we’re badly served by Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina, who is doing the necessary representational work as regional minister. But it has always been an advantage to have a regional minister among our deputies. I won’t say any more,” says Daniel Côté. 

He points out that in the past, ministers representing the region have been in Quebec City and Montreal.  Currently the Regional minister is the MNA for Rimouski.  The Gaspé Peninsula is represented by CAQ MNA Catherine Blouin in Bonaventure and CAQ MNA Stéphane Sainte-Croix in Gaspé. 

The last regional minister actually elected within the Gaspé region was Gaétan Lelièvre, Parti Québécois MNA for Gaspé, who served as Minister of the Regions between 2012 and 2014. 

A minister’s astonishing statement about his Caquist colleagues in the Gaspé region  Read More »

Defeated, Lebouthillier announces her retirement

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER – The victory of Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes over incumbent Member of Parliament Diane Lebouthillier wasn’t nearly as close as a lot of people had expected. 

Mr. Deschênes was elected with 45.8% of the vote, compared to 38.3% for Ms. Lebouthillier. Conservative Party candidate Jean-Pierre Pigeon managed to secure 12.4%. Although she didn’t campaign, New Democrat Denise Giroux received 1.8%, Shawn Grenier of the Rhinoceros Party 1.0%, and People’s Party of Canada candidate Christian Rioux garnered a meager 0.8%. Voter turnout reached only 59.59%. 

Ms. Lebouthillier could not pinpoint what tipped the scales, noting that she campaigned across the riding, speaking of her record and her game plan for a possible term. She has no regrets though, particularly her decisions in the fisheries sector. “All the decisions I’ve made, I would make the same decisions again,” she said after learning that she had been defeated. 

Losing her ministerial seat didn’t work against her. “Not at all, because when you look at the cabinet level, Mr. Carney had decisions to make. With a large riding like we had—because it’s a huge territory—there are all the issues: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, industry, trade, six airports, a mountain range, two time zones. We have Canada in one riding. The challenges are immense,” she said. 

For Diane Lebouthillier, this defeat marks the end of her political career. “I’m going back to my property, where I can enjoy myself and stop travelling. Surprisingly, I hate travelling. I’ve had my travel experiences since 2015. Now I’m packing my bags. I’m going to take care of my family, spend time with my grandchildren, my mother, and my partner. I’m going to enjoy life,” the outgoing MP concluded. 

Conservative candidate Jean-Pierre Pigeon was satisfied with the result, finishing third with his best result ever, even though he was running for the fourth time. Although he received just 12.4%, his election expenses will be reimbursed for the first time. 

“I think it’s the team I had, it was my fourth time running, people knew me,” said Mr. Pigeon, who confirmed this would be his last time as a candidate. However, he plans to continue campaigning for the Conservatives, something he has done since 1977. 

People’s Party of Canada candidate Christian Rioux was disappointed with his result. He laments that the Donald Trump effect took up too much space in the election campaign. 

“The media and the other parties used Trump a lot as a distraction rather than talking about their platforms. They capitalized on the fear of Trump,” said Mr. Rioux, who was running for the second time. He isn’t ruling out running again. 

Defeated, Lebouthillier announces her retirement Read More »

Federal map: Gaspesian politicians are disappointed

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Elected officials in the Gaspé Peninsula are disappointed with the Federal Court’s decision on February 21 to reject the judicial review of the decision of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the province of Quebec, which eliminated the riding of Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia on April 24, 2024. 

“It hurts the heart. It hurts the region. All we want is to be represented like the other regions. If our territory is too large, which does not respect the characteristics, the administrative boundaries, the natural borders, it means that our region cannot be well represented,” says Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté. 

“What the court has just rendered as a decision is that we will apply the purely mathematical accounting principle and the effective representativeness recognized by the Carter Decision of the Supreme Court, we will put that aside and that will end there. I respect the courts. I hope that this decision will be appealed,” adds the mayor. 

The parties have 30 days to file an appeal. 

Mathieu Lepointe, the president of the Gaspé Peninsula Table of Prefects, shares the disappointment. 

“It is disappointing for the Gaspésie but also for all the regions of the country. It is always a challenge to properly represent our issues and our realities within Parliament in Ottawa, it requires a decent number of MPs,” says Mathieu Lapointe. 

“We saw it recently with the announcement of Kristina Michaud’s departure. We see that it will have concrete impacts on the ground. It will be an even greater challenge for the people who will have to represent these territories that will be immense,” notes the president. 

As a result of the decision, the Matanie and Avignon MRCs have been merged into the Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj riding, while Matapédia and La Mitis have been incorporated into the Rimouski-La Matapédia riding. 

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Diane Lebouthillier, said she was reserving her comments for the moment. 

Provincial boundaries 

also in question 

The situation is happening again at the provincial level. “We see the same kind of situation happening again. That is why the Table of prefects is very present, even at the legal level, to make our concerns heard and ensure that the Gaspésie does not lose another riding at the provincial level. With two MNAs, it is not too many for the Gaspésie,” says Mr. Lapointe. 

Meanwhile, elected officials of the Laurentides and Centre-du-Québec are contesting the Act that suspended the revision of the map. 

The Quebec Electoral Representation Commission has proposed merging the ridings of Gaspé and Bonaventure, combining the MRCs of Côte-de-Gaspé, Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure and Avignon, into a new Gaspé-Bonaventure riding, while Haute-Gaspésie would be transferred to the riding of Matane-Matapédia, a Lower St. Lawrence riding. 

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

Gaspé ranked as the third least populous riding, behind the Magdalen Islands, which has exceptional status, and Ungava. 

According to projections of the number of voters based on data from the Quebec Institute of Statistics, the gap with respect to the average for Gaspé should soon surpass that of Ungava. 

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

Federal map: Gaspesian politicians are disappointed Read More »

Court rejects bid to restore riding 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – On February 21, the Federal Court rejected the request by lawyer Alexis Deschênes and Droits collectifs Québec for judicial review of the decision of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for the province of Quebec that eliminated the riding of Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia on April 24, 2024. 

In his 32-page ruling, Judge Sébastien Grammond stated that “The reasons given by the Commission to justify the elimination of the riding of Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia were reasonable and consistent with the principle of effective representation developed by the Supreme Court. Indeed, the relative parity of electoral power is the essential component. The Commission was aware of the issues related to the size of the constituencies in rural or remote regions, but it was reasonable to conclude that these issues no longer justified the existence of a constituency whose population was nearly 36% lower than the average population of Quebec constituencies.” 

The judge recalled the entire procedure that led the commission to develop its conclusions. 

In his analysis, he added that “The Commission clearly understood the legal principles that governed its mission. It took into consideration the arguments presented to it during the public hearings. It retained certain suggestions that were made to it and it modified the boundary between the proposed constituencies of Rimouski–La Matapédia and Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine–Listuguj in order to respect the boundaries of the MRCs. However, it maintained its recommendation to eliminate the constituency of Avignon–La Mitis Matane–Matapédia. Although the applicants disagree, this is a reasonable decision. I was not convinced that the Commission made the errors that the applicants accuse it of,” continued Justice Grammond. He also ordered the applicants to pay $6,000 to the Attorney General and $2,000 to Elections Canada for costs, including taxes and expenses. 

“When you file a judicial review, you analyze the decision made by the commission and conclude that the decision is unreasonable. It is always a very difficult remedy to obtain because the judge could be of the opinion that the decision is not the best, but the burden is higher. The judge had to decide whether the decision was reasonable. And that is what he concluded,” responded Mr. Deschênes after reading the decision. 

An appeal is not out of the question. “The fight is not over and we will continue to fight for the political weight of our regions. We will analyze the possibility of appealing the judgment. We have 30 days to do it. And if I am elected, I promise to bring this battle to the political stage and, as an MP, to introduce a bill that will aim to protect Quebec’s political weight and ensure better representation of the regions in Ottawa,” says the Bloc candidate for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj in preparation for the next election. 

Even if an election is held under the new electoral map, it could still be reversed. “It’s an outcome that is possible. Of course it takes a little time, but it’s not impossible,” says Mr. Deschênes. 

The hearing took place on February 5. The judge had indicated that a decision would be made quickly due to the potential for an imminent federal election. 

Court rejects bid to restore riding  Read More »

Caribou: Environnement vert plus is hopeful

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Environnement vert plus believes the recovery of the caribou population offers a glimmer of hope for the species, even though the battle for its survival is far from over. 

The Ministry of Wildlife reports that the herd has grown by eight animals over the past year. This brings the total population to 30, including both wild and captive caribou. 

“It is presented to us as an increase compared to 2023, but in the general trend, we are still in decline. If we look at it compared to 2022, we had only 30 caribou. We are below this figure of 35-36, which is a concern because this is the second year in a row where we have a decrease compared to the three previous years, even though we are in a plan of supplanting in enclosures,” says Pascal Bergeron, spokesperson Environment vert plus. “We may have won a small battle, but we are far from having won the war,” he adds. 

While the Commission on the survival of the caribou emphasizes the importance of maintaining its habitat, the ecologist deplores that we continue to disrupt its habitat. 

“We are still planning cuts in the caribou habitat in the Gaspésie. There was a special development plan to cut wood damaged by the spruce budworm. We are going to further increase the cut area, and the roads, and it is counterproductive,” says Mr. Bergeron. The management plan would increase the caribou disturbance rate from 88% to 89%. 

“To succeed in having an autonomous herd, which would be stable and which we would not need to supplant in enclosures, we are talking about more than 35% disturbance rate. We must stop allowing the industry to go and get wood under the pretext that it has been damaged by an epidemic. These trees provide lichen, serving as a natural habitat that would not be conducive to predators. That is the most important thing,” says Mr. Bergeron. 

“Now is the time to make the right decision. The right decision is to stop cutting down the habitat. All the experts say so. When the budworm passes, there is light that enters the forest cover, the arboreal lichen develops more, and the trees lose branches throughout the winter. It becomes a pantry for the caribou. Leave them there,” maintains the environmentalist. 

Despite these concerns, Mr. Bergeron remains cautiously optimistic. 

“If we actively pursue the reproduction and release scenario and restore habitat and stop destroying it, there is a chance of caribou survival,” he concludes.

Caribou: Environnement vert plus is hopeful Read More »

Caribou are doing better in the Gaspé Peninsula 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The caribou herd in the Gaspé Peninsula has grown by eight animals over the past year, according to data from the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. 

This brings the total number of caribou to 30, including both wild and captive animals. The ministry conducted an aerial survey on October 4 over the usual inventory zones, which include the bare summits of the Albert, McGerrigle and Logan mountains. These areas cover 250 kilometres across the Parc de la Gaspésie, as well as the Chic-Chocs and Matane wildlife reserves. 

A total of 11 caribou were observed during the survey: five males, five females and one calf. 

On Mount Jacques-Cartier, a calf, four female and three male caribou were spotted. One male caribou was observed on Mount Albert, and one female caribou was spotted by telemetry south of Mount Logan and south of Mount Saint-Pierre. Additionally, another male caribou was spotted by telemetry. 

In comparison, 22 caribou were confirmed during the aerial inventory in the fall of 2023. Thirteen of those animals were captured and placed in a captive holding facility in the winter of 2024. 

Following the births that occurred during the summer, 19 caribou are now in a captive holding facility, including 10 female caribou, three male caribou and six calves. This brings the population to a minimum of 30 caribou. 

The department encourages citizens to share their caribou sightings. These observations provide valuable data on the caribou’s movements, habitats, behaviour and health status. 

Caribou are doing better in the Gaspé Peninsula  Read More »

Analysis of the caribou pilot project still underway 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MURDOCHVILLE – Québec remains convinced that it is possible to protect caribou while maintaining economic activities. 

The Ministry of the Environment is still analyzing the comments from stakeholders that were gathered during the consultation on the pilot project filed last April in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. 

One of the key concerns raised by Osisko Metals, a company aiming to relaunch Mines Gaspé in Murdochville, is that the caribou protection territory extends to the area where the company holds claims and certain exploration sectors. 

Despite the doubts repeatedly raised about the combination of species protection and economic development by stakeholders in the ecology community, the minister responsible maintains that it is possible to achieve harmony. 

“We are in discussion on the pilot project submitted. Osisko Metals has commented on the pilot project. We are in analysis on the Ministry of the Environment side on the impacts on economic development. We have always said that it was important to do both. I am convinced that we can do both,” stated the Minister of Natural Resources, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, questioned on the subject during her January 13 visit to Murdochville. 

Meanwhile, 19 caribou are in captivity in an enclosure specifically built for them in the Parc de la Gaspésie. According to the Ministry of Wildlife, the caribou are doing well. Analyses to determine the gestation of the females begin in February. 

However, the Ministry of Wildlife is not disclosing data on the nine caribou presumed to have remained in the wild following a capture operation last year, indicating that they will be published shortly. 

An inventory was conducted last fall to determine the total number of caribou. 

Another capture operation is planned for the winter of 2025, to continue deploying telemetric collars. 

Regarding the potential release of the caribou in captivity in 2025, the ministry indicates that sporadic releases are planned depending on the health of the caribou in captivity, the annual birth report and the monitoring of the caribou population in the wild. 

Analysis of the caribou pilot project still underway  Read More »

CPE workers strike again

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Approximately 300 educators in Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands, affiliated with the CSN, striked again on February 6 to activate the renewal of the collective labour agreement that expired on March 31, 2023. 

Parents whose children attend one of the 12 Early Childhood Centres (CPEs) once again needed to make alternative arrangements. 

This marks the second day of strike action out of five adopted last fall. “Unfortunately, the discussions have not progressed enough for the strike movement across Quebec to be put on hold,” commented Serge Saint-Pierre, President of the CSN’s Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Central Council. 

“We’re a little fed up with the government’s refusal to respond to our demands,” continued Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

The workers are pushing for a lighter workload, higher pay to improve attraction and retention, regional disparity bonuses for employees in certain remote regions, and measures to improve the quality of services for children, including clearly defined and respected ratios between the number of educators and children, as well as better support for children with special needs. 

The other unions representing educators have settled with the Quebec government. “The demands between the other unions and the government and the CSN and the government are completely different. We’re asking for even more. I remind you that the ultimate goal of our demands is to retain and attract workers in the province’s early childhood centres. We consider our demands to be essential elements in attracting and retaining workers in CPEs,” explains Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

The next step has not yet been determined. “It will always be about what happens at the negotiating table. If after Thursday’s strike, things get moving, we will see if it satisfies the negotiating committee. The committee has a mandate to demand certain things. If the committee judges that it is not enough to stop the mobilization or to delay it or put it on hold, the committee may decide whether or not to continue the strike,” specifies Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

It is too early to discuss the possibility of an indefinite general strike. 

In total 13,000 educators across Quebec, affiliated with the CSN will be participating in the strike. 

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Gaspesian musicians perform to a full crowd at Homegrown 3

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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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