nelson sergerie

Côte-de-Gaspé launches buy-local campaign 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

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 / / / , ,

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 »

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 »

Guy Bernatchez will leave his position as Haute-Gaspésie Prefect in November 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – Elected in November 2021, the prefect of the Haute-Gaspésie MRC, Guy Bernatchez, has already indicated that he will not seek a second term. He made the announcement to give those interested in the position enough time to prepare prior to the election, which is six months away. Before joining the MRC, Guy Bernatchez was the mayor of Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis from 2017 to 2021. He also ran for the Bloc Québécois in the riding of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine in 2019 and 2021. “I’ve been in politics for eight years. It’s a multi-faceted responsibility that I’ve really enjoyed over the years, but I think I’ve covered the gamut and I have other career aspirations for the future,” says Mr. Bernatchez, who is a forest manager by profession. 

At this time, with the caribou debate raging in Haute-Gaspésie, he doesn’t feel like he’s jumping ship in the middle of a storm. “Not really. My term isn’t over. Who’s to say I would have been re-elected? I don’t see it that way at all, quite the opposite.” I’ve worked hard to advance this issue in recent years. We’ve had this issue for decades. The person who gets my seat will continue to advance this issue,” emphasized Mr. Bernatchez. 

The administrative staff will remain, along with the Table’s elected officials from Haute-Gaspésie. “I thought it would be better to announce it well in advance so that people could take a position, and I will complete my term,” he said. 

The outgoing prefect would like to finalize the caribou file before leaving office. “I would like to continue working with local people and the Ministry of the Environment to find a scenario that would be most beneficial for the MRC and the users of the territory,” says Mr. Bernatchez. He will provide a more detailed assessment once his term is over. 

Guy Bernatchez won the November 2021 election with 47% of the vote, defeating his opponent, Allen Cormier, who had been in office for 12 years. Mr. Cormier, who received 38% of the vote, makes no secret of his interest in a possible return to active politics. 

“It deserves serious consideration. It’s a job I held with great pleasure and excellent results for 12 years. Unfortunately, I suffered defeat. I’m receiving a lot of requests from people. Many are requesting my presence for a future term. It deserves careful consideration before making such an important decision, but I won’t hide from you that I’m going to give it very serious thought,” admits Mr. Cormier. 

Guy Bernatchez will leave his position as Haute-Gaspésie Prefect in November  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 »

No leading idea for the vacant lots in downtown Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Approximately fifty citizens and twenty organizations participated in consultations on April 30 and May 1 to brainstorm the future of downtown Gaspé. However, during the consultations there weren’t any specific ideas that really stood out. 

With the help of the firm Raymond, Chabot, Grant, Thornton, the consultation provides everyone with a say in the repurposing of the lots following the closures of the 31,700 square metre Ministry of Transportation service centre and, eventually, the 10,500 square metre arena. 

“For now, all sorts of ideas are emerging. “There’s no idea that stands out from the crowd, or for example, 75% of people say what we should do,” says the Mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté. 

Some of the ideas included a community hub, a knowledge hub, a sports hub, green spaces, housing, and commercial development are emerging. “The possibilities are quite diverse. For now, we’re continuing the consultations,” adds the mayor. 

The zoning in the downtown core allows for many things: housing, a green space, commercial development, and even a knowledge hub for the one near the CEGEP. 

Citizens could submit their ideas until May 9. Additionally, an online survey on preliminary scenarios is scheduled from May 26 to June 15. 

“Once we’ve combined all these consultations, the town council’s task will be to find the point of convergence between the results of the consultation and the other plans we have, including strategic planning and the urban plan,” continues Mr. Côté. 

“It’s a complex undertaking, and when you add citizens, you add ideas and sometimes a layer of complexity, and it’s perfect. The council’s job will be to make a decision, and we didn’t want to make a decision with seven people or a few experts. This is a development opportunity that is quite unique,” comments the mayor. 

Regarding the former Ministry of Transportation property, decontamination remains to be completed. The site will be ready for redevelopment in 2026. 

Regardless of what is chosen, plans and specifications will need to be obtained based on the priorities expressed by citizens and the council’s guidelines. The redevelopment of the site should be completed by 2030. 

As for the arena, everything will depend on how quickly funding is obtained from the Quebec government to build the new sports complex. 

“The arena plans are already ready. Let’s say we have funding in 2026, the new construction in 2027-2028, and the demolition of the current arena in 2029, which puts us around 2030 in an optimistic scenario. After receiving often disappointing and incomprehensible refusals, it’s possible we could reach 2034 and the land won’t be available. We’ll do everything we can to get it as quickly as possible,” the mayor explains. 

The municipality’s vision for these developments is expected to be unveiled in September, just before the municipal elections. 

No leading idea for the vacant lots in downtown Gaspé Read More »

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

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

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 »

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Chandler is calling on the Minister of Municipal Affairs to force the resignation of councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who faces multiple serious criminal charges. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche has already publicly called for the Newport councillor’s resignation, but so far, nothing has happened. Mr. Daraîche is asking the Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Catherine Blouin, to intervene with Minister Andrée Laforest. 

“I have already spoken to Ms. (Catherine) Blouin’s political attaché, who is to send a message to Ms. Blouin so that she can intervene with the Minister of Municipal Affairs,” Mr. Daraîche emphasized. 

Beforehand, the mayor asked the councillor’s lawyer about his intentions. “He may not have access to his emails. I spoke to his lawyer, who needs to talk to him about it before I can send my message. We’d like this to happen as quickly as possible to take the burden off everyone’s shoulders, even him. At some point, we have to disassociate ourselves from Mr. Godbout,” the mayor stated. 

Furthermore, the municipal council filed a notice of motion at a special meeting in April to stop the remuneration of a councillor who is absent from the municipal council. “The gentleman is no longer being paid as of today’s meeting (May 5),” the mayor noted. In Chandler, a councillor receives $2,171 per month. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout was arrested on April 15 by the Sûreté du Québec. The 36-year-old faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée de Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the victims’ identities. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec alleged that Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact his victims. On April 25, the court ruled that the accused would remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings. After deliberating, Judge Denis Paradis ruled for the Crown, finding that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence, that he faces a sentence of between five and 10 years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

On April 29, his lawyer, Ariane Cayer, asked the court to postpone the case until May 13 due to the amount of evidence in the file. 

In addition to being a municipal councillor, Mr. Godbout was employed by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) as a physical rehabilitation therapist. 

The accused is charged with fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking of a document. The charges were filed following a UPAC investigapro-mayor of Chandler during the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the fraud at approximately $10,000. 

By mutual agreement with the Municipal Commission, he stepped down from council a year ago with pay while the case was being resolved in court. It was agreed that the councillor would reimburse the Town for the salary and legal expenses if found guilty. 

Another case involving an illegal lottery dating back to 2021 is also under review by the Office of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions. 

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case 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 »

CCIBDC asks federal politicians to work for the economy 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

BONAVENTURE – The Baie-des-Chaleurs Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIBDC) expects the Member of Parliaments elected on April 28 in a minority government in Ottawa to work constructively together to advance priority issues for the Canadian economy. 

The threat of additional tariffs from the United States still looms over Canada. 

“First and foremost, with a minority government, it’s about working together with a common goal to counter these tariffs and work towards economic development,” said CCIBDC Director Valentine Palma in a joint release with the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec. 

“As a first step, it would be important to have trade diplomacy with a chief negotiator to work hand in hand with our American neighbours. That would already be very important. Within Canada, we need to break down barriers and promote trade between provinces, and finally we need to promote a Canadian procurement policy and encourage local content in publicontracts,” adds Ms. Palma. 

The previous government had begun to implement such measures, but she stresses that more needs to be done. 

“We understand that Canada and Quebec are going to lose contracts with the United States, and there are certainly ways of replacing them within our own country,” she comments. 

The federal government created an economic trio with François-Philippe Champagne, Dominic Leblanc and Mélanie Joly when President Trump imposed his first rounds of tariffs. 

The director hopes that this trio will remain intact. “The decision rests with Mr Carney, but it’s true that having people who are already aware of the whole climate and who have had initial meetings with the Trump administration should help a great deal,” she noted. 

Business leaders are struggling with the lack of predictability from the US government, particularly with a president who frequently shifts positions on tariffs. 

“Having a chief negotiator for Canada with a Canadian negotiating team coordinating with this administration might help us know where we stand. To have a guarantee on future tariffs or how we could come to an agreement. It would be important to have a fairly solid team,” she concluded. 

CCIBDC asks federal politicians to work for the economy  Read More »

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The mayor of Chandler is calling for the resignation of Newport ward councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who is facing charges related to violent crimes. 

The town council also tabled a notice of motion on April 24 to terminate his remuneration. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche says he learned of the allegations against Mr. Godbout at the same time as the public, on April 15. 

“We all agreed that we had to act and not let this drag on. In the minutes that followed, we spoke to our lawyers,” says the mayor, trying to find out how to proceed. 

“There are rules to follow. Some people are saying on social networks that the town needs to move, but you have to do things properly to avoid being prosecuted for acting in the wrong way,” explains Mr. Daraîche. 

In addition to working with the municipality’s prosecutors, the mayor consulted with the Ministère des Affaires municipales and the Commission municipale du Québec. 

“A few hours after learning of the events, I asked for Mr Godbout’s resignation,” continued the mayor. 

On April 24, at a special meeting, a notice of motion was tabled to amend the regulations governing the remuneration. of elected representatives. 

“To ensure that in order to be paid, you have to be seated at the council table for the monthly meeting. This is very important. We’re going to stop paying people who aren’t there,” says the mayor. Currently, councillors earn $2,171 per month. 

“That’s the only way we can avoid paying people who are absent,” explains Mr. Daraîche, even though the by-law makes no exception for justified absences. 

“We don’t have much room to manoeuvre. People have to understand. Asking for the resignation and amending the law on the remuneration of elected representatives are the only things that can be done. These are important actions,” maintains the mayor. 

The amended bylaw is expected to come into effect on May 1, although legal delays may push its adoption past the next council meeting on May 5. 

Regarding legal fees stemming from a separate 2021 travel expense lawsuit, when Mr Godbout was pro-mayor, the bill amounts to $9,500, according to the mayor. 

Mr Godbout had been absent from council since April 2024, following a voluntary withdrawal under an agreement reached with the Municipal Commission. That agreement allowed him to continue receiving his salary while awaiting further developments. 

Another agreement, between Mr. Godbout and the Town of Chandler stipulates that the town will be reimbursed for legal fees if he is acquitted of the charges. 

Mr. Godbout is facing charges of fraud, forgery and use, possession or trafficking of a document. UPAC has estimated the fraud at around $10,000. Reimbursement of legal costs is guaranteed. 

“At the Town of Chandler, there is a severance bonus. There are signed agreements,” points out the mayor. Even if Councillor Godbout no longer had any assets, the severance package would allow the Town to pay itself back. 

“At least for the legal fees. As for the salary, we’ll check with Municipal Affairs, because they’re the ones who came to an agreement. He did not sit on the council, but was recognised as a councillor of the Town of Chandler because he was temporarily withdrawn. We’re in touch with the Municipal Commission. If he had been completely withdrawn, we wouldn’t have had to pay his salary, but as he is temporarily withdrawn, we’re going to check with Municipal Affairs,”says Mr Daraîche. 

The mayor also clarified that any legal fees related to Mr. Godbout’s arrest on April 15 are not being paid by the town, as the alleged victims are not elected officials. 

As SPEC went to press on May 2, Bruno-Pierre Godbout had not submitted his resignation. 

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign Read More »

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI

PERCÉ – Chandler town councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout will remain in jail for the duration of legal proceedings. That was the verdict of Quebec Court Judge Denis Paradis during the bail hearing held on April 25 at the Percé Courthouse. 

The defence and the Crown presented their arguments in the morning during a hearing that lasted two-and-a-half hours. The defence requested that Godbout be released since he did not pose a danger to the victims or the public, and since he would be subject to numerous conditions if granted bail. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout testified, guaranteeing a $2,500 deposit and an equivalent amount without a deposit. A relative of the accused also promised a $2,500 deposit for his release. 

For its part, the criminal prosecution argued that the charges are very serious, including the aspect of violence and control toward the victims. It called a Sûreté du Québec investigator who indicated that the investigation is still ongoing. At the time of his arrest on April 15, police indicated that there may be additional victims. 

After taking the decision under advisement, the judge ruled at the end of the day on the side of the criminal prosecution, considering that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence in the justice system, that he faces a sentence of between five and ten years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

The 36-year-old man faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. 

The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the identities of the victims. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec stated that Mr. Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact the victims. 

In addition to being a municipal councilor, Mr. Godbout works as a physical rehabilitation therapist at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS). 

Being remanded in custody represents a new setback for the individual, who is already facing charges of fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking in a document. These charges were filed following an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) while the councillor was pro-mayor of Chandler following the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the amount of fraud at approximately $10,000. In addition, a case dating back to 2021 related to an illegal sports betting lottery remains under review by the Crown. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody Read More »

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

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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 »

Diane Lebouthillier 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A Liberal advertisement promoting the party’s team in Quebec City and the eastern part of the province forgot to include Diane Lebouthillier. 

The full-page ad, published on April 26 in the Journal de Québec – two days before the election – mentions the names of the candidates, including Alexander Reford in Rimouski-La Matapédia and Rémi Massé in Côte-du-Sud-Rivière-du-Loup-Kataskomiq-Témiscouata. However, it failed to mention the name of Diane Leboutihillier, the outgoing 

Liberal Member of the Parliament and former minister since 2015, who was running for re-election in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

The ad was bought by the official agent for Jean-Yves Duclos in Quebec City. When contacted for comment, Ms. Lebouthillier’s campaign team said they had contacted Mr. Duclos’s team, who 

acknowledged the omission and called it a mistake. 

Her Bloc Québécois opponent, Alexis Deschênes, reacted on the social media platform X writing: “What to make of this Liberal ad naming all the candidates in eastern Quebec except Diane Lebouthillier in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj?” He did not elaborate further. 

Diane Lebouthillier  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 »

Agreement between Quebec and Maria to replenish the beach 

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

place for beach replenishment work to begin in May to protect Maria’s shoreline from erosion and coastal submersion. 

On March 10, the municipal council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Transportation for part of the work aimed at protecting Highway 132 between the municipal beach and the post office. The project will also coordinate with beach replenishment for the commercial sector between the IGA supermarket and the Lady Maria residence. “The storm water outfall, manholes, and engineering work are included in the beach replenishment memorandum of understanding,” says Mayor of Maria Jean-Claude Landry. 

Furthermore, the mayor is confident that the final authorizations for the work will be obtained under the direction of the Ministry of Public Security for the commercial sector. 

“It’s coming in gradually, and we should have all the requests made before the work begins,” says the elected official.  The authorizations are expected before the scheduled start of construction in late May or early June, with work continuing through November. 

For the commercial component, the government of Quebec granted $9.3 million in June 2022, while the municipality will need to contribute $684,000 to complete the financial package.  “I won’t give any figures because we’re in a call for tenders, but it should be included in the budget,” noted the mayor. 

The construction zone will span approximately 2.4 kilometers. However, for the Rue des Tournepierres area, Civil Security has determined that any work would serve no purpose in protecting residents, since the long-term effects of a construction project would be non existent. 

“The municipality is ensuring the protection of property and will support people,” he said. It’s difficult to predict what will happen next, but public services will be provided up to a certain limit. 

“Services will be maintained over time until it’s reasonable to do so. With climate change, we can’t predict what will happen in 10 or 20 years. Climate change will affect local residents,” the mayor explained. 

Approximately 53 residents live in the vacinity. Property owners could receive a maximum compensation of $385,000 to vacate the street.  Protecting this area was estimated to cost $41 million.  Last winter, three major storms severely impacted Pointe Verte residents. 

Agreement between Quebec and Maria to replenish the beach  Read More »

Daycare workers move toward an unlimited strike

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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 »

Lack of daycare spots remain a problem 

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – The availability of daycare spaces in the Gaspé Peninsula remains a major issue, with two key challenges persisting. 

The Gaspé Peninsula Prefects Table recently had its annual meeting with the Ministerial Committee. Recommendations from the meeting will be given to the Minister of Families. 

“Two major concerns emerged. The first is that there have been several announcements in recent years. The challenge is getting these projects off the ground and getting construction underway, and the other is the lack of spots in the Avignon MRC, which has not received any new spots in the latest calls for projects,” notes the chair of the table, Mathieu Lapointe. 

According to the Quebec government, the region is expected to reach near balance in daycare spots by 2027.  “They always base their decisions on the demographic projections of the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ), and that’s where I have a major problem. We’ve always proven the statistics wrong. We’re always performing better than the ISQ forecasts. The ISQ predicts a population decrease, when in reality, it’s an increase,” says the president. 

The committee serves, in particular, to provide qualitative information on economic and residential development projects, information that the ministry doesn’t have.  “They look at the needs in the 0-5 space, and we, with the committee, are there to inform them about issues in the territory,” says Mr. Lapointe. 

Determining the exact number of daycare spaces currently needed in the Gaspé remains difficult.  Similar committees exist in every region of Quebec. “What will happen to the recommendations we made? We’ll find out in the coming months,” he says. The other major challenge is the lack of educators to fill available positions. 

“The workforce challenge is significant. We see that at the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, there have been no recent enrollments. It’s a big challenge,” Mr. Lapointe agrees. 

The ministry reports a 96% daycare coverage rate across Quebec.  “We would like to have this figure for the region, but we think we’re a little below the Quebec average,” the president concludes. 

Lack of daycare spots remain a problem  Read More »

Agreement to address the deficit at the Carleton-sur-Mer campus sports centre 

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – An agreement has been reached between Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and various partners to address the operating deficit at the Carleton-sur-Mer campus sports centre. 

Built in 2012, the centre includes a gymnasium, a training room, and a golf simulator. 

The facility operates on an annual budget of approximately $70,000 but faces a deficit of around $40,000. According to a CEGEP analysis, only about 25% of the available time slots are dedicated to teaching and student use. Additionally, demand for the gym exceeds its capacity during 50% of the available slots. On weekends, families and the general public can rent the gym. 

In the fall of 2021, an agreement was reached with the organization Bouge pour que ça Bouge. The CEGEP reports that this collaboration has significantly boosted the sports centre by optimizing the use of space and improving the range of sports activities. 

Since the service is available to the entire population, the CEGEP entered into discussions with nearby municipalities and Service Secours to finance part of the deficit. This was followed by agreements with the Ministry of Higher Education, which is contributing $13,740, the sports centre’s portion of revenue under the agreement with Bouge pour que ça bouge, which is contributing $18,000, and the Emergency Services, which is contributing $15,000. 

The municipalities of Carleton-sur-Mer and Maria were also contacted. “The Town was in favour of supporting the maintenance of this infrastructure to keep it open to the public. It’s $6,000 per year for three years,” explains Carleton-sur-Mer Mayor Mathieu Lapointe. The municipality of Maria will contribute $4,000. 

Other potential partners have been approached, and the CEGEP is awaiting confirmation of additional funding. 

Agreement to address the deficit at the Carleton-sur-Mer campus sports centre  Read More »

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

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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 

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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 »

Federal election: Jean-Pierre Pigeon tries his luck for the fourth time

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – Defeated in his first three attempts, longtime Conservative activist Jean-Pierre Pigeon will once again be a candidate for the party in the next election in Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj. 

“I don’t know if this time will be the right one. It will be up to the people of our riding to decide. I’ve been ready since 2015,” says the man who lost each time to Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Diane Lebouthillier. The man who served under Dr. Charles-Eugène Marin between 1984 and 1993 notes that it will be necessary to focus on the challenges in the riding at a time when a tariff war triggered by the United States is raging. 

“People are worried. But it’s not just this economic crisis that’s likely to happen. We need to talk about the needs of our population versus what Ottawa will do for our riding. That requires someone who will be in power,” says Mr. Pigeon. 

However, the Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine MP has been in power since 2015, and Mr. Pigeon maintains that the Liberal representative “has done her job.” 

Jean-Pierre Pigeon believes he has the necessary connections to move the riding forward if the Conservatives take power. “With the contacts I’ve had in the Conservative Party for nearly five decades, people in Ottawa know me. I know the vast majority of the people in the shadow cabinets.” I know how to do politics. I had a mentor named Charles-Eugène Marin who showed me how to do politics,” recalls the man who has been involved in politics at the school, municipal, and sports levels. 

Public finances, with the significant deficits left by the Liberals for the past 10 years, will be a major issue.  “When Stephen Harper left power in 2015, there was no credit card for everyday needs. There is a way to do things, and I am confident that the people who will form the government will be able to reconcile the elements to strike a balance between paying off the credit card, which has been staggering for the past 10 years, and meeting people’s needs. But we will have to make some sacrifices,” warns Mr. Pigeon.  “But we will have to help the Gaspé,” he adds. 

The Liberals have a renewed energy with the arrival of Mark Carney. 

“We remember that in the United States, there was a certain Mr. Biden who took his time leaving. “It’s similar to what Mr. Trudeau did. Ms. Harris came in and boosted the polls, and what happened? The polls collapsed because the Republicans had done the long-term work. We might see the same scenario in Canada. Mr. Carney is the flavour of the month, but it won’t last,” says Mr. Pigeon, who has supported the Conservatives since Joe Clark in the late 1970s. 

Given the size of the newly redrawn riding. Mr. Pigeon plans to focus on technological tools to connect voters rather than relying solely on traditional in-person visits. 

Federal election: Jean-Pierre Pigeon tries his luck for the fourth time Read More »

FEDERAL ELECTION: Diane Lebouthillier confirms her candidacy 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GRANDE-RIVIÈRE – Despite already confirming her candidacy on March 13, following her exclusion from Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney’s cabinet, Diane Lebouthillier reiterated on March 17 that she will be running in the next election under the Liberal banner in a virtual press briefing. 

Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes was quick to respond. 

“I know that since last week’s announcement, many have been speculating about my political future. I’m not going anywhere.” “I remain the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and I am more motivated than ever to seek the confidence of the people of Gaspésie and the Magdalen Islands for the fourth time in the next federal election,” says Ms. Lebouthillier, who wants to continue fighting for her people and has been questioned several times since March 13 by voters. 

She wanted to reassure her constituents, who have repeatedly asked her about her political future.  “I intend to put all my expertise, my knowledge of government mechanisms, and my network of contacts in the Cabinet to work because a Liberal member of Parliament in government will always be 100 times more effective than a Bloc Québécois member condemned to opposition,” she asserts. 

Ms. Lebouthillier points out that she has spoken to nearly a dozen ministers since March 13. “In all the election campaigns I’ve run, I’ve never negotiated a seat on the cabinet. It’s never been part of my way of working. It’s the Prime Minister’s prerogative to choose who will sit at the table,” says Ms. Lebouthillier who didn’t see Mark Carney’s gesture as a disavowal. 

She’s going against all odds, regardless of the polls.  “In 2015, we were the third horse. No one thought we could win the 2015 campaign, and we did. I’m not running because we’re sure or not sure we’ll win. I’m running because it’s important for the riding to have an elected official who will be part of a government that can and will be in power. A government that will make decisions,” analyzes the outgoing MP. 

But Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Deschênes has a completely different view. “This shows that Ms. Lebouthillier is a little confused and quite bothered because her main argument was to say, ‘Vote for me and I’ll be a strong voice in government.’ However, she has been excluded from the Cabinet. Mr. Carney has withdrawn his confidence in her,” comments Mr. Deschênes. 

The Bloc member even challenges her.  “She tells us she’s motivated? We’re going to test her motivation. I invite her to debate in all the riding’s MRCs during the election campaign, and we’ll see who has the best plan to defend the region at this important moment in our history,” he maintains. 

FEDERAL ELECTION: Diane Lebouthillier confirms her candidacy  Read More »

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER: – A grassroots fundraising campaign for the 32-unit affordable housing project for people with disabilities was launched on March 18 in Chandler. 

The developer, Han Logements, must raise $400,000 from the community to complete the financial package for the project,which is estimated at approximately $10 million and will be located on Rue des Micmacs.  “We have an innovative model that involves a multitude of partners, including small and large donors from the community,” said Han Logements President and CEO Anik Roy Trudel. 

The project will consist of four eight-unit buildings, for each complex the community will need to raise $100,000.  Desjardins has already announced a contribution of $64,000, and a private contributor from Percé has contributed an undisclosed amount.  The total is already approaching $100,000, nearly a quarter of the fundraising goal.  The Town of Chandler donated the land, valued at approximately $100,000. 

“Once we have the community’s contribution, it’s the basis that allows us to go knocking on the doors of foundations and major donors, and  we tell them that the project is already supported by the Chandler community and the surrounding area; they want “We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a secthe project, and that puts their shoulder to the wheel,” notes Ms. Roy Trudel. 

“We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a second phase,” adds Ms. Roy Trudel.  The goal is to begin construction this year once the financial package is complete. Initial studies had detected contamination on the chosen site, but further studies resolved the problem. 

“It took time, but we had the Town’s support. We conducted additional studies and, with the ministry, were able to determine that it was natural contamination. We can move forward,” explains Ms. Roy Trudel, who points out that this constraint has added minor delays. 

The units will accommodate people with physical or intellectual disabilities, those living with autism spectrum disorders, as well as seniors with certain physical limitations.  “We’re targeting people living with disabilities,” she says. The units are designed to make life easier for tenants, such as the absence of a door step for people with reduced mobility. 

For the mayor of Chandler, this project represents the culmination of a long process.  “We’ve been waiting for this day. Work should begin in April or May, with delivery within a year. We’re very happy,” says Mayor Gilles Daraîche. “We donated $100,000 worth of land, and that was our starting point for the project. We were very happy to contribute to it so our residents could benefit from it,” added the mayor. 

Phase 2 of the project will be built on the same lot. 

Boosting construction in Chandler 

This initiative is driving increased construction activity in the town of Chandler. “We see that people are starting to come. It’s just one start, and it’ll get the others going,” believes the elected official, who estimates that some 80 housing units will be built in his municipality by 2025. 

Another priority is expanding daycare spaces. 

A 71-spot daycare centre was built and opened last year, and a project for a 12-spot community daycare is currently being developed in the former printing plant. 

However, demand remains high. “We can never have enough (daycare spots). We hope that more people will settle in Chandler. We always need more daycare spaces, we always need more housing. We hope to have another mandate to do it,” notes the mayor who will be running for mayor next November. 

Other projects are progressing 

Construction of 32 housing units in Gaspé is progressing. “We’re aiming for early August, August 1, to welcome the first tenants,” emphasizes Ms. Roy Trudel. Construction on the Forest Street extension began in June 2024. “There’s also potential for a phase 2 there. The mayor would like us to start quickly. There’s space on the same lot. It’s being evaluated,” she says. 

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the municipality has donated land, and the project is now in the financing phase and in Haute-Gaspésie, plans are underway for a 48-unit, housing project valued at $15 million. 

New Richmond has been mentioned as the next development site. “I don’t want to comment, but it’s something we’re evaluating very seriously. We’re working with the municipality, but we’ll see about the timeline. There’s a lot of interest in the Gaspé Peninsula. Han Logements is continuing its momentum, and it’s important to meet the needs of the population,” says Ms. Roy Trudel. 

In Avignon, no projects are under development. “We’re always open. We go wherever there’s a community or a municipality that wants a project,” says the president and CEO. 

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign Read More »

MTQ unveils two traffic studies in Gaspé 

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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 »

Marc Bélanger promotes his PLQ leadership bid 

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Marc Bélanger, a candidate for the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership, became the first contender to visit Gaspé in the race leading up to the June 14 leadership election.. 

A lawyer and tax expert, Mr. Bélanger says he is running out of conviction and wants to put the regions back at the forefront of Quebec politics. 

Originally from Matane, Marc Bélanger worked for 25 years in international trade. On the political level, he was a candidate in Matapédia-Matane in 2000, a campaign that caught the attention of former Liberal leader Paul Martin. 

He later worked with Michael Ignatieff, but much of his political career has been behind the scenes. Now, with the mounting economic challenges and the “unfortunate” situation of the Quebec economy, he feels like it is the time to step into the spotlight. 

“I look at the leaflets I made in 2000 and I find that what I was saying about the regions is the same reality today. Yet, there have been major changes. Quebec hasn’t exploited its natural resources properly and hasn’t made the international shift,” says the man who has traveled to 70 countries. 

“We’re afraid to invest. We’re cutting back everywhere, especially in the regions, but people aren’t looking at the revenue. No one talks about enriching Quebec. That’s where I stand out,” says Mr. Bélanger, who visited Gaspé and Grande-Rivière during his tour on March 15 and 16. 

He’s not afraid to reignite the debate on Quebec’s oil and gas industry.  “I say: there is a way to enrich Quebec.” This can be done in two ways. We’re going to stop leaving billions of dollars in our underground resources, for example, with natural gas. We’re going to exploit these resources and generate revenue for Quebec. The second thing is international trade. Everyone’s talking about diversifying markets. In 2002, I talked about market diversification. I explained how to change our relationship with the United States to move towards emerging markets

“We have golden opportunities in Africa, but the government doesn’t support them. No one knows how to achieve market diversification,” explains Mr. Bélanger. 

Regarding oil, particularly in the Gaspé Peninsula, social acceptability is a challenge.  The Quebec government even put a lid on exploration.  “Social acceptability must be regional because sometimes you have interest groups that come from Montreal and impose themselves in the sector. There’s one thing we have to explain: if we develop our natural resources, we’ll do it on our terms.” If we let the Americans come and exploit our natural resources, because they’ll have needs, they’ll come and exert economic pressure, they won’t do it in a context as environmentally friendly as ours. Let’s do it according to our own standards,” Mr. Bélanger said. 

He cites the example that Quebec isn’t obligated to go to Anticosti (for oil drillings), suggesting it can go to places where it will be easier. 

Like the government, the Liberal candidate believes that we can protect the caribou and our economic interests. “It’s important to protect the caribou, but I’m not ready to suffocate them economically. Currently, the measures we’re taking are too drastic. We’re capable of striking a better balance. I don’t want to kill the regional economy because of the caribou. I want to protect the environment to a certain extent. It’s a question of balance,” Mr. Bélanger said. 

He doesn’t believe in his lack of visibility, particularly compared to Pablo Rodriguez or Charles Milliard. “What’s important is not to have a content deficit. I stand out from my opponents in terms of content. It’s in June, and it’s the members who vote. The question is, am I known to the members? That’s the work to be done, and there will be debates,” he says. 

Mr. Bélanger points out that he was second in the polls when Denis Coderre was sidelined in the race. “When members see who has the best chance of convincing people in the regions to turn to the Liberal Party, it will have an impact,” says Mr. Bélanger. 

The deadline to submit a nomination is April 11. Following that, four debates will be held between now and June 8. The vote will be held from June 9 to 14. The leader will be chosen on June 14. 

Marc Bélanger promotes his PLQ leadership bid  Read More »

FACING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Economic Uncertainty in Gaspésie’s Timber Industry

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Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist

ST-ELZEAR – The Gaspé Peninsula’s timber industry, a cornerstone of the region’s economy, finds itself navigating a period of significant economic uncertainty. With a heavy reliance on export markets, particularly the United States, the industry is acutely vulnerable to Trump’s shifts in trade policies and global market fluctuations. 

The volatile nature of the current U.S administration, under President Trump, casts a long shadow over the timber sector in the Gaspé Peninsula. Past trade disputes and policy changes have demonstrated the profound impact that external decisions can have on local businesses. The unpredictability of these factors creates a climate of anxiety, making long-term planning and investment a risky proposition. As Alexandre Lepage, a seasoned forest engineer, observed, “You just don’t know what’s coming next. One day, everything’s fine, the next, a new tariff, and you’re scrambling.” 

The region’s timber industry’s economic health is inextricably linked to exports, with a significant majority, 84%, destined for the United States. This heavy reliance underscores the vulnerability of the region to fluctuations in the American market. Any changes in U.S. trade policy, tariffs, or economic conditions can have immediate and substantial repercussions for Gaspésie’s producers. 

Adding to this external pressure are the internal challenges of modernization. Many of the region’s sawmills and processing facilities are grappling with aging infrastructure. “It’s a common sight,” Lepage noted, “to see brand-new, state-of-the-art machines sitting right next to equipment that’s decades old. That’s the reality of this industry.” The cost of upgrading these facilities, coupled with the uncertainty of future market conditions, makes significant capital investments a daunting prospect. “We’re living on tight margins,” he explained. “Every dollar counts, and with the way things are, it’s hard to justify taking on more debt.” 

The labour force also presents a complex set of uncertainties. Skills gaps within the workforce, particularly in relation to new technologies, are a growing concern. There are also disparities in compensation, which can create instability and affect workforce morale. The lack of unionization in specific sectors further contributes to a sense of uncertainty among workers, who may feel they have limited recourse in the face of changing industry dynamics. 

Furthermore, the significant financial burden of acquiring and maintaining modern machinery is a primary source of anxiety for many in the sector. “We’re not like the big companies in the States,” Lepage pointed out. “We’re tightly regulated here, to preserve the forests. That’s a good thing, but it also means we don’t have the same financial flexibility. We might not have the resilience to endure a long, drawn-out tariff war.” The difficulty in predicting future revenue streams makes it challenging to justify large expenditures, leading to a reluctance to invest in necessary upgrades. 

Even the growing trend of ing potential benefits, adds an element of uncertainty. While wood construction is presented as a sustainable and efficient alternative, the long-term market demand and the necessary infrastructure to support this growth remain unclear. 

The Gaspé Peninsula’s timber industry is facing a confluence of challenges. From the unpredictable nature of international trade to the internal pressures of modernization and workforce development, the sector is grappling with a high degree of economic uncertainty. Navigating these turbulent times will require careful planning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change, even as the path forward remains shrouded in doubt. 

This is the first in a journalistic series based on an interview with Engineer Alexandre Lepage, offering his insights on the sector’s current state.” 

FACING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Economic Uncertainty in Gaspésie’s Timber Industry Read More »

Kristina Michaud’s final political miles 

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament (MP) for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, Kristina Michaud, will leave her position with a sense of accomplishment. 

The elected official and her team have begun the process of closing their riding offices as a federal election seems imminent. 

“It’s going well because I know it’s not an end in itself. I’m sure I’ll continue to be politically active. I’ll follow the election campaign,” says Ms. Michaud, who is preparing to welcome her first child in the coming weeks. She had previously announced her decision to step away from politics to fully embrace this new chapter of motherhood. 

While she intends to remain connected to political life, Ms. Michaud is undecided about a future return to elected office. “That’s a good question. I don’t think I can say for sure at this point. I know I’m going to enjoy spending time with my little one. Will I love it so much that I’ll want to put politics aside for good? Or will I want to get back into it quickly because I’m going to find the time long, being used to a fast-paced life? I was elected at 26, I’m 32 today. If I want to go back to politics one day, I know it’s possible because I’m at the beginning of my career,” says Ms. Michaud, who hasn’t considered a transitional career. 

Ms. Michaud was first elected in 2019 and defeated Liberal MP Rémi Massé. She assures that the current files will be passed on to her successors, as her riding is disappearing and will be divided into the new ridings of Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Listuguj and Rimouski-La Matapédia. 

“No matter who is there, for me, it’s important to have a smooth transition. I didn’t have that opportunity in 2019. Everything was torn up when I arrived in the office, and I didn’t have a meeting with the outgoing MP to discuss the files. I find that disappointing because it’s the population who loses out,” says Ms. Michaud. 

In her riding, the outgoing MP says she is satisfied to have contributed to millions of dollars in investments. 

She doesn’t want to name a specific file, but notes one important element. 

“It’s hard to choose, but the thing that makes me most proud is the number of people we’ve been able to help on a daily basis.” “We’ve helped nearly 2,000 people in the riding on various federal issues,” comments the elected official. 

Kristina Michaud was also presented as a rising star in Parliament in Ottawa and was highly regarded by her leader, Yves-François Blanchet, who entrusted her with important missions, including that of public safety critic. 

“I also created my own opportunities a little. I was immediately given a great position, which I seized without hesitation. I found myself the first woman vice-chair of the National Public Safety Committee in Parliament. I was surrounded by experienced men who dealt with thorny issues like firearms. I can say that I contributed to improving public safety,” says Ms. Michaud. 

The environment remains close to her heart and she is concerned about the current situation where the United States is defunding green investments. 

What’s happening in both Canada and the United States concerns her. “Priorities always take precedence. The climate crisis is here, omnipresent, but we feel like we don’t have to talk about it all the time. It’s a shame to see Mr. Carney backtrack on carbon pricing or support long-shelved projects. I’ll be following this closely, and so will the Bloc Québécois MPs. We can’t afford to put the climate crisis aside,” notes the elected official. 

“In Chaleur Bay, we’re starting to feel the effects. We’re no longer even talking about fighting climate change, but about mitigating its effects. We’ll need people there to remind Mr. Carney or his successor how important this is and to take action,” she adds. 

Kristina Michaud’s final political miles  Read More »

Gaspé Firefighters: Hidden report includes 15 recommendations

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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 »

CMQ observer satisfied with progress in Percé

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The Town of Percé is demonstrating a clear commitment to improving its governance. This is the key take away from the report published on February 20 by Minister of Municipal Affairs Andrée Laforest. The report was prepared by observer Mélanie Robert, who was appointed following last July’s damning finding by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ). 

Mélanie Robert’s mandate was to verify whether the measures put in place by the town, in response to the CMQ’s recommendations were effectively addressing the identified issues. 

The final report was presented to council members and the general management team on February 19. 

Throughout her mandate, Ms. Robert noted a clear desire to rectify the situation, both on the part of the town’s employees and the members of the council. 

She notes that the town has already taken serious and significant steps to remedy certain problems, including the active participation of its staff and council members in information sessions, and the invitation extended by senior management to various bidders to carry out an organizational diagnosis. 

The council ensures that it has all the information necessary for decision-making, in particular by introducing decision summaries for more complex or extensive files. 

Ms. Robert also notes that the town is in good financial health and the main internal control and monitoring mechanisms are in place. 

However, she recommends that the Regulation decreeing the rules for budgetary control and monitoring be updated, in particular to specify the areas of jurisdiction for which each delegation applies and to update the amounts thus authorized. The undersigned also recommends that these mechanisms be accompanied by work tools that promote a better understanding of the budget management process among teams while ensuring sustainability in the transmission of best practices in this area. 

It should be noted that this recommendation could also be enhanced by those, where applicable, of the human resources representative who will issue an organizational diagnosis. 

The observer reiterates the importance for the town to ensure complete management and appropriate monitoring of sensitive or difficult labour relations files. She points out that specific training in conflict management exists and that specialized support resources are available. 

She suggests that the town update its Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Incivility and Violence in the Workplace. 

The administration must continue its efforts to ensure sound management of the town. 

The Minister of Municipal Affairs is confident that other actions will be deployed to this end, in the interest of the entire community. 

The ministry is also closely monitoring the situation and remains available, particularly through the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regional Directorate, to help and support the town in carrying out its duties. 

“The seven recommendations of the Commission’s investigation department have almost been completed. We still have a few small tasks to complete before the rest of the year,” says Mayor Daniel Leboeuf. 

One of these is the organizational diagnosis ordered in February and which will be completed in the spring. 

In July 2024, the CMQ report concluded that wrongdoing had been committed in the Town of Percé. 

The Commission’s president, Jean-Philippe Marois, noted a worrying culture regarding compliance with applicable rules within the town. 

This culture is reflected in a flagrant lack of internal control measures and monitoring mechanisms. This is the main problem identified by the investigation. 

Thus, the situation in which the town is currently immersed is caused by numerous dysfunctions, which are only the symptoms of this serious case of mismanagement and for which the responsibility cannot be attributed solely to the general management. The commission noted that significant disagreements persist within the administration and have led to the resignation of several employees. As for the town council, it does not seem to realize the extent of the situation or show any desire to rectify it. 

CMQ observer satisfied with progress in Percé Read More »

CABs temporarily suspend Volunteer Transportation Service

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 MARIA – The eight Volunteer Action Centres (CABs) in the Gaspé Peninsula are temporarily suspending their Volunteer Transportation Service for seniors aged 65 due to a shortage of funding. However the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) says it has offered $80,000 to maintain the service. 

“This temporary service cut is necessary due to a lack of funding. Requests continue to increase and this year, the CISSS de la Gaspésie has cut financial assistance to maintain it,” says CAB spokesperson and director of the Saint-Alphonse-Nouvelle Volunteer  MARIA – The eight Volunteer Action Centres (CABs) in the Gaspé Peninsula are temporarily suspending their Volunteer Transportation Service for seniors aged 65 due to a shortage of funding. However the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) says it has offered $80,000 to maintain the service. 

“This temporary service cut is necessary due to a lack of funding. Requests continue to increase and this year, the CISSS de la Gaspésie has cut financial assistance to maintain it,” 

Exceptionally last year, an additional emergency amount of $200,000 was offered to them to support their service, adding that the overall funding for the Community Organizations Support Program was even increased for the year 2024-2025. The situation has evolved over the past few months and the current financial situation does not allow for the same to be done this year. 

If the decision to suspend the service is maintained, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS will do everything possible to mitigate the effects of this decision on the population. 

The CISSS invites users affected by the measure and who cannot find an alternative to contact the clinical worker responsible for their file. says CAB spokesperson and director of the Saint-Alphonse-Nouvelle VolunAction Centre, Nancy Val

In 2024-2025, CAB volunteers covered 477,000 kilometres, to accompany seniors to 4,871 medical appointments. 

“To maintain the expensive service, the CABs have had to restrict the offer in recent years, by limiting the number of transports to beneficiaries or refusing transportation outside the region. Our seniors do not have the means to absorb the bill 100%. We are asking the CISSS de la Gaspésie and Santé-Québec to have adequate funding. This is a more than essential service,” adds Ms. Valois. 

In 2023-2024, the CISSS provided $200,000 in funding. For 2024-2025, no funding has been granted, despite a request for $350,000, according to the CABs. The total cost of the service for the region’s CABs is $485,000. 

“During the meetings, one of their arguments was that. They are in budget cuts. They have $40.7 million to cut. We deduce that we are in these cuts,” says Ms. Valois. 

The decision specifically affects those aged 65 and over. “Because there are agreements with those 65 and under and there are reimbursements made with the local employment centre,” says Ms. Valois. 

“The aftermath will be renegotiated. But to ensure the service, we have restricted it. Maybe we will have to sit down together, the eight CABs, to see what we can do to keep it viable and offer the service to the community,” she says. 

“It is vital. Our population is aging. Caregivers do a lot. This support service, with transportation and a volunteer, is a valuable support. It is reassuring and they have no other means. We do it with a heavy heart,” says Ms. Valois. 

“We are asking for adequate funding to maintain the transportation escort service,” concludes Ms. Valois. 

The service was created in the late 1980s, with users paying between 30% and 50% of the pre-established rates. 

In response, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS acknowledges the CABs’ decision, which they estimate will directly impact about sixty users. 

The CISSS would like to make it clear that the financial aid has not been cut. 

A responsible proposal from the CISSS was made to the CABs, offering $80,000 to help maintain the service. This offer remains on the table. ois. 

CABs temporarily suspend Volunteer Transportation Service Read More »

Gaspé approves 84-unit housing project

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Les Habitations de la montagne’s 86-unit affordable housing project has received final approval from the Gaspé municipal council, allowing the project to move forward. 

The approval was given during a special council meeting on February 24. “The last stumbling block in the file was a resident of the sector who opposed the project. There were discussions between him and the developers to mitigate the impacts of the project,” said Mayor Daniel Côté. 

The units will be located near the MAPAQ (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ) offices in the Sandy Beach sector of Gaspé. 

Modifications were made to address concerns, including traffic management during construction with a fenced-off area and reduced visual impacts. 

The developer has until 2029 to complete construction. While not speaking on behalf of the developers, the mayor estimates that the units could be ready by late 2027, with construction set to begin in 2026. 

“According to the latest available statistics, we went from a vacancy rate of 0% to 1%. It’s still a good improvement, but we’re still far from the equilibrium threshold. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in housing,” says Mr. Côté. 

Over the past five years, 533 residential units have been built in Gaspé. “The shortage is getting less and less severe. At one time, we never saw any housing listed. Now, there are some. It’s a sign that we’re on a positive trend in the housing shortage,” believes the mayor, who is maintaining the pace to bring in construction. 

The elected official also highlighted Gaspé’s population growth, with 490 new residents added in the past year. 

“In my humble opinion, the growth is far from over.” As long as we can build housing, I think there will be people to occupy them and contribute to our development,” continued the mayor. 

With new residents comes an increase demand for daycare spaces. 

The project for 100 new spaces at the Voyage de mon enfance Centre petit enfance (CPE) is also taking a step forward as the Town has agreed to sell part of the land it owns near Carrefour Gaspé. 

However, the project for the 144 units that was supposed to be built on the adjoining land will not see the light of day, according to the mayor. 

“The project was aborted because of the elements already mentioned. There are legal proceedings in the file. I won’t go too far in my remarks. The project has not been working for some time. We want to take back the land to do something else, whether it be housing or something else,” said the mayor. In February 2024, the Town threatened to use its termination clause, granting it the right to take back the land, since the deadlines had become too long for the project to be completed. A warning was applied in September. 

Logements CVP had purchased the municipal land in September 2021 for $300,000, though it was valued at $566,000 at the time, with plans to develop Le Domaine de la Baie. 

The investors had also deposited a $266,000 security deposit, repayable in four installments each time a complex was built. 

The project included four buildings of 36 units each, with one to be constructed per year until 2026. CVP had committed to breaking ground by December 31, 2023. 

Gaspé approves 84-unit housing project Read More »

Percé: No permanent director general before 2026

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The Town of Percé does not intend to fill the position of director general of the municipality before 2026. Instead, the town will rely on an interim director due to the number of files that need to be resolved quickly. 

“The council contacted the municipal associations of Quebec – the Fédération québécoise des municipalités and the Association des directeurs municipalités du Québec – which have banks of experienced candidates who could come in the interim to manage all the upcoming files in Percé in 2025,” emphasizes the mayor, Daniel Leboeuf. 

Among these files, the mayor cites the negotiation of the collective agreement, the organizational diagnosis, the recruitment of new people and the municipal elections in November. 

“(We have to) take advantage of the experience of a director general for the municipality to help us set this up and then recruit a permanent resource,” says the mayor. 

The organizational diagnosis will contain recommendations. “We must continue the recovery and once advanced, perhaps in 2026, we will recruit permanently. We will find someone who wants to make a career in our beautiful town with a municipality that functions well and that has all its directors,” says Mr. Leboeuf. 

Now four months into his term, the mayor believes harmony has returned to the Town Hall. “The discussions are much more cordial during public meetings. I avoid controversy. It reflects the climate at the town hall. It’s friendlier,” says the mayor, who emphasizes the work of the civil service to keep the town up and running. 

Recruitment continues to fill vacant positions. The position of director general will become vacant on March 6. The incumbent, Michel Fréchette, resigned on February 4, a few moments before the start of the public council meeting. He had only been in the role for seven months. 

Percé: No permanent director general before 2026 Read More »

Milk dumped after February 17 blizzard

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – As a result of the blizzard that hit the Gaspé Peninsula on February 16 and 17, the region’s dairy producers had to dispose of their milk, as milk trucks were unable to collect and transport the production to processing plants in Victoriaville and Plessisville, in Centre-du-Québec, on February 17. 

“The road closures meant that we had to dispose of the milk. This is the first time in my life. I had never experienced disposing of milk in relation to a snowstorm,” said Normand Barriault, regional spokesperson for the Dairy Producers of Québec. 

Trucks were unable to travel between the region and major processing centres due to the closure of Highway 132 in the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower Saint Lawrence during the height of the blizzard. 

The regional spokesperson did not have an exact report on the quantities discarded in the Gaspé Peninsula. 

“Given that we are rationalizing as much as possible, we organize ourselves so that the trucks are very active. The next day, they have to pick up other producers. It really hurt my heart,” notes the producer. 

Milk can only be stored on the farm for up to 48 hours and must be processed within 72 hours. 

According to preliminary calculations, approximately 600,000 litres of milk were discarded out of a daily provincial production of 10 million litres. 

The loss will be collectively absorbed by all dairy producers in Quebec. 

“It’s poor compensation, but the producer will be paid for his work. But working so hard, and being forced to dispose of it because of a storm, that’s what hurts the most,” says Mr. Barriault. 

The processors are not involved in this compensation process. 

The year 2024 was a good year for producers. While the cost of inputs has decreased, interest rates have risen. The price paid for dairy calves has reached record levels. 

“I don’t understand how the consumer is going to pay for this meat in the long term. But financially, producers are doing relatively well,” comments the producer. 

Like other sectors of the Canadian economy, farmers are concerned about the situation in the United States, as President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on several Canadian products. 

“I hope that this will awaken some consumers to the trend of eating Canadian. I hope that this trend will bear fruit, to demonstrate that we have the right to our food self-sufficiency. Let’s stop looking at the United States as an outlet and go to other countries,” says Mr. Barriault. 

The upward trend in dairy product consumption continues, driven largely but the growing number of immigrants. 

Milk dumped after February 17 blizzard Read More »

CSN protests against the private sector health care

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – On February 26, the CSN protested against the privatization of the health care and social services network, outside the Chandler office of the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Bonaventure, Catherine Blouin. The protest was part of the CSN’s “For a Truly Public Network” campaign. 

Serge Saint-Pierre, president of the Centrale des syndicats nationaux (CSN) regional council for Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, points out that the network has undergone numerous reforms for over 30 years, the last one being the one that led to the creation of Santé Québec last year. 

“We have always advocated public health care rather than private health care,” Mr. Saint-Pierre points out. 

In the Gaspé Peninsula, the union representative notes that some doctors have left the public network for the private sector. “We are afraid that with the reform that has begun, there will be more and more. When we talk about the private sector, we are talking about profit and people have to pay. The government says it won’t cost anything, we will pay the bill. Everywhere the private sector has set up shop, costs have increased and users have had to pay,” notes the president, who wants to raise awareness among users. 

“At some point, they will be forced to take money out of their pockets if we make more and more room for the private sector,” adds Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

“In the private sector, when cases are too heavy, we return them to the public sector. They only take cases with the possibility of making money, that is to say, cases that are not too heavy,” maintains the union representative. 

The CSN criticized the lack of access to local MNAs Catherine Blouin (Bonaventure) and Stéphane Sainte-Croix (Gaspé). 

“We wanted to talk to the Members of the National Assembly and it was never possible,” he says. 

With the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre facing a $40 million budget cut, Mr. Saint-Pierre says essential services will be affected. 

“Cutting $40 million in the Gaspésie makes no sense. There are people who will not be able to afford to get treatment, who will not receive services at the local level,” says Mr. Saint-Pierre. 

CSN protests against the private sector health care 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 »

Return of the Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud office project

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud Community Social Pediatrics Centre is relaunching its project to develop the basement of its head office in Chandler. 

The goal is to expand the services offered by the organization, which serves the area between Barachois and the Plateaux de la Matapédia. 

The idea first emerged last summer, but a change in administration put the project on hold. 

“It’s a need. We have our house in Chandler with our offices and premises upstairs, but we have a large basement that is available. There are facilities required to properly accommodate people and workshops. We’re even thinking about a music garage. We could have lots of possible projects with work in the basement,” explains the general director, Liane Roy-Castonguay. 

The organization is currently in the process of hiring a project manager. 

“To identify needs and develop workshops throughout the territory. We need space and the needs are there,” mentions the director. 

The Town of Chandler has already funded the plans and specifications for the basement renovations. 

“We will still have to put together the financial package and ask our partners and locals to help us do this work,” says Ms. Roy-Castonguay. 

The estimated cost of the redevelopment is $148,000, with an additional $52,000 required for accessibility improvements in the basement. “It will be in the coming weeks to submit funding requests,” she adds. 

The centre currently has 223 active files. 

In addition to its offices, the centre operates a mobile clinic, called Mobilicoeur, which travels throughout the region, especially during the summer. 

There are two other social pediatrics centres in the Gaspé Peninsula, one in Cap-Chat and another in Rivière-au-Renard. 

Return of the Accroche-Coeur Gaspésie-Sud office project Read More »

Petition urges Quebec to address the needs of Maria Hospital 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MARIA – A petition launched on February 12 on the National Assembly website is once again demanding the reconstruction of the emergency and intensive care units at the Maria hospital. 

Elected officials are adopting resolutions to urge the Quebec government to move forward once and for all on this issue. 

The wording of the petition states that in 2012, a clinical and real estate master plan had noted the major functional deficiencies in the facilities, particularly those of the emergency and intensive care units, and that the Gaspésie Integrated Health and Social Services Centre had prioritized the construction of the emergency and intensive care units at the Maria hospital; that the dilapidated state of the premises does not allow for the confidentiality of user files to be respected and that infection prevention is difficult and that the prefects of Avignon and Bonaventure recognize the importance and urgency of carrying out this construction project. 

The conclusion of the electronic document asks the Government of Quebec to register, on the Quebec Infrastructure Plan 2025-2035, the construction of the emergency and intensive care unit at the Maria hospital. 

The municipality of Maria adopted a resolution on February 10 in support of the petition. 

“We are hopeful that this is the right one. The premier confirmed to us in November 2023 that it would be registered and it was not done. We are hopeful that this time, it will be done,” says Maria mayor, Jean-Claude Landry. 

On February 12, the MRCs of Avignon and Bonaventure added their support by each adopting a resolution in favour of the project. 

“The MRC adopted a resolution in support to invite the population to sign the petition. It is a major infrastructure. It is a priority for the CISSS, a priority for the MRC d’Avignon,” mentions Prefect Mathieu Lapointe. 

“This is a file that we have been following for several years. The Premier, the Minister of Health, everyone is aware. We expected it to be included in the PQI last year. We were very disappointed as a region. We know that the government is in the budget process. It was obvious that we give our support and invite the population to sign to remind them of the importance for the Baie-des-Chaleurs to upgrade the infrastructure,” mentions his colleague from Bonaventure, Éric Dubé. 

The prefect is aware that Maria is in competition with other establishments “while things are cracking everywhere,” illustrates Mr. Dubé. 

According to him, it could cost between $150 million and $200 million to rebuild the emergency and intensive care units, a structure that could be recovered in the future if a new hospital were to be built. 

The current emergency department was inaugurated in 1972. 

This debate has been ongoing for quite some time, not only for this component, but to rebuild the entire hospital which has been in operation since 1952. 

The latest evaluations suggested that a renovation of the current hospital would cost $330 million and the work would be spread over 15 years. On the other hand, a new hospital centre would take half as long to build, but it is estimated at $390 million. 

In 2021, it was mentioned that the new hospital would have more beds in order to eventually repatriate patients from Avignon-Ouest who are treated in Campbellton, New Brunswick. Premier François Legault was informed of the situation during a visit to Carleton-sur-Mer in July 2021. 

In June 2018, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS Board of Directors adopted a resolution for a new centre, an idea that dates back to before the entity was even created, at the time of the CSSS de la Baie-des-Chaleurs. 

Petition urges Quebec to address the needs of Maria Hospital  Read More »

Dredging is needed again at the Percé wharf 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – A new dredging session is planned this year at the Percé wharf. The Quebec Ministry of Transport says the work should take place towards the end of April to avoid delaying the start of the fishing season and the arrival of tourism activities. 

Since the plans and specifications are still being finalized, the exact quantities to be dredged remain to be confirmed. Unlike in previous years, the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie Port Corporation will coordinate this operation in 2025. 

Regarding long-term solutions to prevent the fishing harbour from silting up, the ministry indicates that the hydro-sedimentary surveys, including raw bathymetry and topography data, will be analyzed by the engineering firm responsible for studies to design a sustainable solution for the Percé wharf. 

The ministry continues to actively seek a sustainable resolution to the erosion and silting problems. “The first step will consist of conducting specialized studies, such as a coastal marine hydraulic study, a coastal sediment transport study, an agitation and navigability study, as well as a comparison of scenarios based on a multi-criteria analysis,” the ministry wrote in an email. 

These studies are scheduled to begin in the winter of 2025. For the moment, there is no precise timetable for their duration due to the need for government authorizations. 

Dredging work at the Percé wharf costs between $350,000 and $450,000 annually. They have been necessary since 2021, following the completion of the wharf reconstruction in 2020, which was transferred by the federal government to the Government of Quebec. 

Furthermore, on the protective wall inside the fishing harbour that protects a SÉPAQ building and, to a certain extent, nearby rue du Mont-Joli, the ministry notes that the facilities do not belong to it. However, the ministry conducted emergency work in 2024 to protect the wall’s integrity. Rock was thus added behind the wall, in sections particularly exposed to the impact of waves and at risk for its stability. The ministry also plans to consolidate the front of the wall to prevent any subsidence. 

Since this work will take place in a coastal zone and a historic area, environmental authorizations, as well as from the Ministry of Culture and Communications will be required. 

According to the ministry, taking into account the time needed to obtain these authorizations and to finalize the plans and specifications, the stabilization work should be completed in 2026. 

“It is important to note that despite this work, one of the SÉPAQ buildings remains at risk during storms. Also, the loss of boardwalk equipment caused by waves during storms is a phenomenon that is likely to recur. However, it is not within the MTSM’s (Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility) mandate to ensure the maintenance of the boardwalk,” states the ministry’s note. 

The emergency work carried out behind the retaining wall cost approximately $240,000. Mayor Daniel Leboeuf expressed concern on the sidelines of the January town council meeting about the integrity of the structure. “The end of this promenade has been affected. Even the emergency work is starting to fail. We are losing large sections of it,” says the mayor. “We will have to see if we will not have to find another solution,” he suggested. 

Dredging is needed again at the Percé wharf  Read More »

Gaspé Strategic Development Plan has four major components 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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 »

Maria unsuccessful on two attempts at the MRC level

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MARIA – The municipality of Maria suffered two setbacks at the MRC of Avignon Council of Mayors on February 12, regarding the election of a prefect by universal vote and the regionalization of the Carleton-sur-Mer arena. 

The mayor of Maria, Jean-Claude Landry, considered it relevant to get a new start on a prefect elected by the population, considering the responsibilities devolved to the MRCs at the end of the years have become important. Prefect Mathieu Lapointe, recalls that discussions have taken place five or six times since 2021. 

The issue was settled in June 2024. “After much thought, everyone was unanimously in favour of the current elective method, i.e. the prefect elected by his peers. What we did was simply adopt it by resolution, so that the position would be clear. We went back over the arguments that had been discussed. In the end, the elected officials wanted to maintain the current method,” says Mr. Lapointe. 

According to the prefect, everyone is playing their part well. “Things are going well. We are developing. We are on a good run. Avignon is doing better than ever. We wanted to maintain the current ways of doing things. What will it be like in a year, two years, five years? We will see,” he says. 

The other debate ended with Avignon elected officials refusing to regionalize the Carleton-sur-Mer arena. 

On February 10, Carleton adopted a resolution imposing a $1,200 fee on minor hockey and figure skating users residing outside of Carleton-sur-Mer to help cover the arena’s operating deficit. 

Maria wanted to see the infrastructure taken over by the MRC. “The MRC council quickly closed the door. The MRC does not want to interfere in the management of sports and leisure infrastructure and does not want to interfere in issues between municipalities. The debate does not concern the municipalities of the West,” said the prefect. 

“It’s disappointing. I admit it. However, it is a decision made by the MRC representatives,” said Maria Mayor Jean-Claude Landry. “There will be discussions at the Municipality of Maria on the follow-up to the responses received by the MRC,” the elected official mentioned following the meeting with his colleagues. 

Further discussions on all municipal infrastructure may take place. 

“The response was negative. Is there a need to come back to the charge? We will discuss it again at the municipality,” continued Mr. Landry. 

Maria unsuccessful on two attempts at the MRC level Read More »

Budget reductions: No positions cut at the CISSS 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – According to the three main unions representing healthcare workers in the Gaspé Peninsula, contrary to what is happening in other Integrated Health and Social Services Centres (CISSS) and Integrated University Health and Social Services Centres (CIUSSS) across the province, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS has not cut any jobs as of yet. 

“Currently, the CISSS is not there yet. We are keeping our eyes open, but we are having discussions to see how we can be effective in managing the workforce, in compliance with the applicable collective agreements,” says Pier-Luc Bujold, President of the Eastern Quebec Nurses, Auxiliary Nurses and Respiratory Therapists Union. 

While no jobs have been cut, staffing shortages remain a significant issue, particularly in obstetrics. “This is not due to budgetary restrictions or directives from Santé Québec. This existed before Santé Québec,” notes the union representative. 

The challenge is to have enough staff to maintain activities in the emergency rooms and the use of external workers is necessary to keep all user services operational. 

“We are talking with the CISSS to see how to gradually reduce while respecting the teams in place. Our goal has always been to eradicate the independent workforce while avoiding service reductions,” emphasizes Mr. Bujold. 

A few nurses have left the agencies to join the CISSS workforce. The Gaspé network must free itself from the independent workforce by October 2026 at the latest. 

The Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), which represents laboratory technicians, radiology technicians, public health workers and the Youth Protection Department, has also reported no job losses within its members 

“There has been no announcement of job cuts by the CISSS management. We have requested a meeting with the CEO and the director of human resources to inform us,” says the union’s regional spokesperson, Jenny Tardif. 

However, many departments represented by the APTS are also experiencing staff shortages. “We are already overdrawn. When we talk about youth centres, psychologists, nuclear medicine that is on life support, it is extremely difficult to cut people when we are already in a restricted position to offer service to the population,” notes Ms. Tardif. 

The APTS is monitoring what is happening in Lower Saint Lawrence while there is talk of closing the emergency rooms in Mont-Joli and Trois-Pistoles during the evenings and weekends. Discussions have already been held for the emergency services of the CLSCs of Paspébiac, Grande-Vallée and Murdochville. 

“We will monitor what is happening. It is essential that the population has access to these services. The population must be aware and monitor new developments because they are the ones who will suffer service cuts if necessary,” warns the union spokesperson. 

On the CSN side, which mainly represents support and administrative staff, union representatives, no job cuts have been reported either. 

For the current fiscal year, the use of independent labour to maintain services alone represents 400,000 hours of work and costs between $25 million and $30 million. 

So far, the CISSS has successfully hired 28 agency workers into permanent positions. 

Budget reductions: No positions cut at the CISSS  Read More »

International nurses arrive against a backdrop of racism 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Over the weekend of February 15-16, twenty new international nurses arrived in the Gaspé Peninsula to lend a hand at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), which is facing issues of a significant shortage of healthcare workers. 

Before practicing their trade, the nurses must complete a one-year refresher program at the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles. 

This third cohort of international nurses is assigned to healthcare facilities in Gaspé and Maria. “With manpower needs everywhere, but more so in these two sectors. The accessibility of our modular accommodations facilitated the arrival and integration of these people are the factors that were taken into account,” says Jean-François Cassivi, Assistant to the Director of Human Resources at CISSS. 

The nurses come from Morocco, the Congo and Haiti. “It’s very diverse,” notes Mr. Cassivi. 

This cohort was recruited before the moratorium that no longer allows nurses to be recruited from certain African countries. 

About forty nurses were recruited in the first two cohorts. “The vast majority of people stayed with the CISSS de la Gaspésie. We’re very happy,” says Mr. Cassivi. 

These 60 or so caregivers have had a major impact on healthcare services offered in the Gaspé Peninsula. 

“These are resources that complement our work team. Since the student pool is not sufficient, we lack human resources at this level. It has become essential to seek this help,” explains the administrator. 

For the moment, there are no plans for a fourth cohort. “The work is being done with the Ministry of Immigration and Francisation. We are waiting for instructions for the next steps,” he says. 

On February 14, the daily newspaper Le Devoir reported cases of racism at the hospital involving some of these international nurses. 

“Without going into details, we have raised awareness. We are taking the situation seriously. We will have to intervene, have discussions with the people involved. For us, as an institution, racism in any form has a zero tolerance,” says Mr. Cassivi. 

He clarified that, while concerns have been raised, no concrete wrongdoing was found. “We did not have any clear evidence that would have led to reprimands. We do not want to remain on perceptions. We want to intervene so that there are no racist behaviours or actions,” says Mr. Cassivi. 

At the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, officials emphasize that such alleged incidents are rare 

The coordinating teacher at the CISSS has denounced the situation. “There were interventions that were made. The students also changed shifts. The situation has improved,” emphasized Éric Couillard, the coordinator of continuing education at the CEGEP, in an interview with CHNC. “The students have been very well received in the other internships in recent years. The staff is attentive,” he adds. 

International nurses arrive against a backdrop of racism  Read More »

Stay alert when sharing the road with snow plows 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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 »

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 »

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

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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 »

110,000 metres of drilling in Murdochville’s underground

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MURDOCHVILLE – Osisko Metals recently launched its 2025 drilling campaign, which will be larger than was originally planned at the Gaspé Mines site in Murdochville. 

In January, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ware, was planning 100,000 metres of drilling. However, the plan has since been expanded to 110,000 metres. 

Osisko has four objectives: to convert existing inferred resources into indicated or measured resource categories; to test the potential extent of current resources at a depth of 250 metres below the E Zone horizon and further south towards Needle Mountain; further characterize higher-grade skarn zones (0.5% to 3.0% Cu) and validate new geological models. 

In addition, the company plans 10,000 metres of drilling outside the main mining concession to test regional exploration targets on surrounding claims. The first drill rig has begun operation and drilling is expected to be completed in November 2025. A second drill rig will arrive later this month, followed by additional drills in the spring. 

The company says this intensive drilling program will lead to an updated mineral resource estimate, which is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2026. 

In November, Osisko said the mine site would contain 824 million tonnes grading 0.34% copper and 670 million tonnes grading 0.38%. There would be 4.91 billion pounds of copper, which would make it the largest undeveloped deposit in Eastern North America. 

The preliminary economic study should be published in 2026 and the feasibility study in late 2027. The decision for exploitation will be made in late 2029, with the permits obtained. 

The company estimates that the construction and start-up of the mine could cost approximately $2 billion. 

110,000 metres of drilling in Murdochville’s underground Read More »

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