#Mathieu Lepointe

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – The terms and conditions of the Rural Areas Fund are now known, and the Table des préfets de la Gaspésie deplores the fact that the rules have been changed, which will ultimately harm the region’s development.

The most significant irritant is the limitation of resources dedicated to MRC staff who supported the community in developing projects. Previously, up to 20% of the budget could be used to pay salaries. The percentage is now limited to 5%.

“What this means is that we can no longer pay a large portion of our employees with these budgets. We will have to turn to municipalities for contributions,” said Mathieu Lapointe, president of the Table of préfects.

Another major change involves the funding disbursement schedule.

“The disbursement is now a three-year agreement. Initially, we will receive 30% of the amount and 70% at the end of the three years. The MRCs will have to advance the amounts through lines of credit or credit facilities. It will be the same for the projects we support. We will have to ask organizations to financially support the MRC’s contribution for the duration of the project,” explains Mr. Lapointe.

The impact will be significant, particularly for community organizations.

“We can provide up to $150,000 to support a project. If we tell the organization that we will give them $150,000 but that they will receive 30% of the funds upon signing and 70% when the project is completed, we are putting significant pressure on these organizations, which may not have the financial cushion to absorb these amounts. This will lead to several issues,” says the president.
The operation of organizations can no longer be supported through the Rural Areas Fund.

“This also limits our interventions in the community and weakens organizations,” continues Mr. Lapointe, who notes that the amounts have already been agreed upon, with each MRC receiving approximately $1 million per year.

Organizations that may no longer be eligible for support include Stratégie Vivre en Gaspésie, Place aux jeunes, and local chambers of commerce.

“With the new terms and conditions, based on the information we have, we will no longer be able to support them,” said Mr. Lapointe, who is also the prefect of the Avignon MRC.

He questioned the Quebec government’s decision to restrict the fund’s use, which had previously been praised for its agility and flexibility.

Mr. Lapointe believes that the Gaspésie is paying for other regions that have not managed their budgets well.

“That’s what we understand from these decisions, that there may have been abuse in certain regions. That is not the case for us. What we are saying to the ministry is that if regions or MRCs have not complied with the old criteria, enforce them and don’t crack down on those who did follow the rules,” says Mr. Lapointe, who remains hopeful that he can convince the Quebec government to change things.

The first signs of this change were received last December for this fund, which is the MRCs’ main development tool.

At the time, Mr. Lapointe even discussed the issue with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, demanding that the fund remain unchanged.