Provincial government

UPA federation demands Quebec drop carbon pricing for farmers

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie has launched a campaign against the province’s carbon trading system, saying the policy is hurting the agricultural sector. Dozens of producers gathered in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on May 1 to denounce the government’s current cap-and-trade emissions pricing system, the Système de Plafonnement et d’Échange des Droits d’Émission, which is commonly referred to as SPEDE.

Quebec is now the only province to tax carbon following the federal government’s recent decision to remove the consumer carbon price. The system is designed to reduce the province’s carbon footprint by requiring that large emitters such as fossil fuel distributors pay to pollute; however, this cost is often transferred directly to consumers at the time of sale.

“If all provinces and economic sectors participated fairly in this effort, this system would have real potential to change our practices in a structured and sustainable way, but this is not the case,” said Jérémy Letellier, president of the Montérégie UPA. He argued that as no viable alternatives exist to replace fossil fuels within the agriculture sector, the SPEDE unfairly penalizes producers who are already facing a very difficult economic situation.

The UPA acknowledged the greenhouse gas cap and trade system is not exactly a tax, and as a result it may be more difficult for the government to dismantle. “It is time to recognize that despite its administrative and legal complexity, the damage it causes fully justifies a serious review – or even the complete withdrawal of the system as it is currently being applied,” said Letellier.

“We are not asking for a free pass. We are just asking that our realities be taken into account,” added Letellier, noting the farming community is aware of the climate emergency. “We are already seeing the effects of climate change on our crops, our working conditions, and our livelihoods,” he continued, insisting that farmers have been at the forefront for years in searching for solutions to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

Quebec farmers are technically exempt from the provincial cap-and-trade system; however, they contribute to the Fonds d’Électrification et de Changements Climatiques in the form of costs billed by fossil fuel distributors. Sylvain Pilon, the president of the Producteurs de Grains du Québec, pointed out that over the last decade producers have contributed over $480 million to the electrification and climate change fund, which is fed by the money collected through SPEDE.

“We are not opposed to the idea of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But for the system to work, it must be fair, consistent, effective, and equitable. It is not up to our farms to pay for a system that does not work,” said David Phaneuf, an administrator representing the Producteurs d’Oeufs d’Incubation with the Federation. He estimated he loses around $25,000 per year in direct costs for propane, natural gas, and fuel to run his farm. He suggested the the average chicken farm pays around $4,150 to the electrification and climate change fund.

Phaneuf argued that farmers are always being challenged to become more competitive. “I feel like the coach is telling me to go out and play, but to leave my stick in the locker room,” he explained, saying these transferred costs represent net losses that are not recoverable.

Haut-Saint-Laurent producer Alain Primeau, who was present for the campaign launch, said the situation has reached a point where it no longer makes any sense. “We are being charged for fuels that are essential in agriculture. It prevents us from being more competitive, more efficient, and we can’t invest,” he explained, noting the additional charges cost him around $5,000 per year. “Even though we respect the environment, it is a roadblock,” he stated.

The UPA’s general president, Martin Caron, pointed out that while Quebec farmers are leaders in terms of their environmental efforts, they are shouldering too much. “Now, this injustice, where we pay these additional costs while not being able to pass them on, must stop. And it can’t stop in six months or a year. It has to stop now!” he exclaimed.

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Legault is resolute in support for supply management

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Quebec Premier François Legault met with representatives from the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA), as well as representatives from Agropur, the Solio Cooperative Group, and the Conseil de la Transformation Alimentaire du Québec during a visit to the Huntingdon riding on April 10.

Legault spoke with the different agricultural organizations about the potential impacts of tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration, and about the eventual renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement.

Following this, the premier toured the family-run Ferme P.Cécyre dairy farm in Sainte-Martine, where he talked with owners Pierre and Philippe Cécyre and their families about the farm and its history, their production, and the use of robotic milking technologies. “They work hard. It is seven days a week,” said Legault, after visiting the dairy barn. “We need to thank our farmers,” he added.

In an exclusive interview with The Gleaner, the premier spoke candidly about the importance of supply management and of defending the interests of farmers in trade negotiations.

Legault acknowledges there were concessions made in 2017 that impacted dairy farmers. “I made a commitment that there would be no de facto concessions on supply management,” he insisted, noting he was pleased to see federal leaders doubling down on this commitment during the election campaign.

“If we want to be able to continue to have small farms across all the regions of Quebec, we must protect supply management,” Legault maintained.

In Quebec, the supply management system regulates production through the allocation of quotas to match market demand. This provides financial stability to farms while ensuring a steady supply of local products, by establishing prices based on production costs and other factors and by controlling imports. Supply management affects the production of milk and dairy products, chicken, turkey, and eggs.

According to the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation, there were more than 5,360 quota-holding producers operating in Quebec under the supply management system in 2023. These farms produced 3.48 billion litres of milk, 409,000 metric tons of chicken and turkey meat, and 178.7 million dozen of eggs.

The province was entirely self-sufficient for chicken meat, fluid milk, and dairy products apart from cream. Quebec farmers produced almost 100 per cent of our turkey consumption and met around 80 per cent of the demand for eggs and cream.

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Ministry gives over $172,000 for cultural development in the Huntingdon riding

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Ministère de la Culture et des Communications is investing $172,499 in the cultural development of the Huntingdon riding.

Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette made the announcement on behalf of Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe on March 24, noting the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent will receive $78,354 while the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will see $94,145 in cultural investments.

The funds have been granted through the Ententes de Développement Culturel Municipales et Régionales, which will provide funding over a three-year period ending in March 2027.

“I am particularly pleased with our government’s support for the cultural initiatives led by our MRCs,” said Mallette, while pointing out that the development of cultural initiatives contributes to the region’s vitality.

The funds granted through the cultural development agreements are generally 50 per cent co-financed by the municipalities and MRCs, but this can reach as high as 60 per cent in devitalized regions.

In the Haut-Saint-Laurent, $18,000 will be used to create participative musical workshops for seniors living in long-term care residences. At least $42,549 will be used for cultural development initiatives including an update to the MRC’s cultural policy, as well as the creation of video capsules and workshops to promote the work of area artists. A cultural heritage project highlighting four cemeteries in Havelock with informative panels will receive $17,805 in funding as well through this agreement.

Nancy Brunelle, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s cultural coordinator, said she is pleased with the amounts accorded in the agreement. She confirms the MRC will contribute $58,000 towards the completion of these initiatives.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will dedicate $30,000 of this funding toward the development of cultural activities for seniors, while $42,549 will be used to for cultural development projects. At least $6,677 will be spent on cultural heritage initiatives, while $14,919 will be used to develop youth-oriented projects within the MRC.

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UPA requests more transparency from MRC over waterway management

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

As the annual spring flood waters receded from agricultural fields this past week, the subject of waterway management and the significance of well-maintained ditches and waterways was once again top of mind for some area producers.

Waterway management became a hot topic between the local syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) and the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent last September, when the local union passed a resolution calling for better management of the region’s waterways.

The resolution demanded better collaboration with the MRC, the municipalities, and the provincial government to ensure requests to clear waterways are addressed and the corresponding work is done according to a reasonable schedule. The union also asked that the MRC provide a complete overview of pending watercourse maintenance files.

The MRC, which is responsible for managing all assessments, as well as any work to maintain, clean, and develop the waterways flowing through its territory, has acknowledged there can be long delays, but suggests the process is bogged down by the administrative and technical complexity of government procedures.

An initial meeting took place between the MRC and representatives from the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate in early November. Unsatisfied with the information that was shared, the UPA resorted to submitting a formal access to information request to the MRC.

Following a decision by local union directors, a complaint was also filed with the Ministère des Affaires Municipales et de l’Habitation; however, this was later withdrawn.

The situation led to some friction between the two bodies, but the Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA’s president, Éric Leboeuf, noted at the February meeting that the union is working to rebuild the relationship. MRC director general Pierre Caza said the MRC is also “keen to maintain good relations with all its partners and collaborators.”

Catherine Turgeon, the UPA advisor for the local syndicate, confirms that the MRC has since produced a portrait of its ongoing waterway management files. “Now, it is a question of seeing how the MRC works with the engineering firms and the environment ministry so that the requests are unblocked and carried out within a reasonable timeframe,” she explained.

Turgeon noted that the MRC’s list of open maintenance requests contained around twenty files, some dating back to as early as 2018.

Caza has confirmed that the list of ongoing files will be made public, and that the regional government is currently developing a tool that will allow producers to follow the progress of their maintenance requests.

Caza said that in the meantime, questions regarding existing files should be addressed to the MRC’s waterways manager, David Rousseau. The MRC is also now suggesting that producers address new requests directly to Rousseau, who will then collaborate with the municipalities involved.

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NFSB reduces budget by $510,000 after province makes cuts to education

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The New Frontiers School Board (NFSB) has cut over $510,000 from its operating budget for the remainder of the year following a directive issued by the provincial government.

NFSB director general Mike Helm was called to a meeting on December 13 where administrators from across the province were informed that the Ministry of Education was clawing back $200 million from school boards and service centres by March 31.

This translated into a budget cut of just over $510,552 at the NFSB, with less than three months to recover the funds.

The Ministry of Education indicated that budget surpluses could not be used, and that cuts could not directly impact services. As a result, the NFSB council of commissioners adopted a revised budget providing for revenues of $93,655,481 and expenses totaling $93,579,463. The same surplus amount of $76,018 was maintained from the initial budget passed in September.

“It was extremely difficult, because the majority of our budget is human resources,” says Helm. “So being told halfway through the school year that you have to make these reductions, you’re actually working with a very small amount of money,” he explains, noting that some of the flexibility within the budget had already been spent.

“In order for us to not hit the classroom, we really had to look at it from several different pockets as opposed to just trying to take it from one area,” he says.

With only three months to react, the NFSB moved to reduce or restrict travel, professional development, and overtime. Funds will be strategically managed moving forward, and purchasing will be limited to the essentials.

“One of the biggest areas in terms of us finding the monies was, in essence, not replacing people who went on a leave of absence,” says Helm. He acknowledges that keeping some vacancies open will save some money, but “It comes at a cost, as those duties and responsibilities now have fallen onto the shoulders of a number of people.”

The NFSB Council of Commissioners chair, John Ryan, admits the government directive came as a surprise and quite a shock. “The professionals took the time to look at it and run the numbers. They came up with a series of steps that added up to the right amount,” he says.

“We were able to do it, and I have to give a tremendous amount of credit to the people that worked on it and made those decisions with the lens of protecting our students and our clientele as much as possible,” Ryan says, while suggesting it has amounted to extra stress on everyone.

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard has been holding pre-budget consultations in preparation for the 2025-2026 provincial budget. Helm says that all indications are pointing toward uncertainties regarding the 2025-2026 school year. “I believe we are going to see a reduction, and then that will be proportioned out through all of the school boards and school service centres,” he says.

In the meantime, the rest of the school year will play out within very slim margins.

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Walker Bridge in Huntingdon remains closed

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable closed the Walker Bridge in Huntingdon on October 29 immediately following an accident involving a cube truck.

The century-old structure, which spans the Chateauguay River, was closed as a precaution after a cube truck collided with the clearance gauge as it approached the bridge.

The Walker Bridge in Huntingdon has been closed since October 29 following a collision between a cube truck and a clearance gauge. (PHOTO Sarah Rennie)

The clearance structure was damaged due to the collision. Marie-Michelle Pilon, the communications advisor and regional spokesperson for Montérégie, says the gauge needs to be repaired, particularly the bases and anchors that support the structure.

Pilon confirms the work will take place “over the next few weeks,” and that this will allow the bridge to be safely reopened.

Walker Bridge in Huntingdon remains closed Read More »

New wave of family doctors is on the horizon

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Up to 36 new family doctors could set up practice in the region in the next year as part of the provincial government’s Plan regionaux d’effectifs médicaux (PREM).

The plan, which was recently released by the Ministère de la Santé, allocates the distribution of 458 new family doctors geographically and equitably across the province for 2025.

Up to 91 new doctors could become established in the Montérégie region, including six in the Haut-Saint-Laurent local service network (RLS), seven to the Suroît RLS, 11 to the Vaudreuil-Soulanges RLS, and 12 in the Jardins-Roussillon RLS. At least seven of these positions have already been filled by practising physicians.

The PREM authorizes an annual recruitment target for each administrative region or service network while considering the mobility of existing doctors, anticipated retirements, and the expected number of new physicians.

The number of positions allocated to the region in 2025 is significantly higher than those established for 2024, which allowed for the recruitment of just ten new positions between the four local service networks.

“Our goal is to better meet the needs of each region by making the practice of family medicine more attractive to future family physicians,” said health minister Christian Dubé. “These changes are important and will have tangible benefits for both health-care staff and patients in the various regions of Quebec. We’re adapting, for patients and staff alike,” he said, noting it was the right thing to do.

Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette is especially appreciative of the potential increase in the number of doctors. “This is excellent news, because the number of patients without a family doctor is considerable, especially in the Jardins-de-Napierville region,” she explained.

“Since doctors are self-employed and choose where they practice, we’re very keen to see them choose our region. Our recruitment experts, Fabienne Djandji and Félix Le-Phat-Ho, have our full confidence in not only attracting these doctors, but also convincing them to stay and invest in our community,” added Mallette.

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Public Services in Quebec Under Scrutiny: Ombudsperson’s 2023-2024 Report Highlights Systemic Failures and Calls for Change

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Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

Last month, the Protecteur du citoyen, Marc-André Dowd, released his highly anticipated 2023-2024 Annual Report, shedding light on widespread challenges in Quebec’s public services. The report emphasizes systemic failures in various sectors, ranging from public health and social services to corrections and public integrity, calling on government bodies to prioritize citizen needs and restore accountability.

Long Waits and Service Disruptions Plague Government Agencies

The report reveals that government departments and agencies often fail to prioritize citizens, leading to delayed services and long wait times. Problems with reaching the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), and delays in issuing crucial civil documents, such as birth and death certificates, have been flagged. The Protecteur also raised concerns about the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), where the transition to a new platform led to issues like wrongful license suspensions. While labor shortages were acknowledged, Dowd stressed that they should not serve as an excuse for consistent service disruptions. The Ombudsperson called for an urgent reevaluation of how public services manage their responsibilities, putting citizens’ needs at the forefront. 

Indigenous Communities Still Waiting for Action on Viens Commission Recommendations

The report also included the first progress update on the Viens Commission, which investigates the treatment of Indigenous peoples by public services. While some improvements were noted, such as safety initiatives for Indigenous women, the Ombudsperson criticized the pace of reform, including the failure to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Quebec’s legal framework. 

Depersonalization in Healthcare: A Call for Humanized Services

Health and social services are struggling with a lack of resources, leading to what Dowd describes as “depersonalization.” Staff shortages and high turnover have forced many care providers to focus solely on essential services, often reducing patients to their clinical profiles rather than treating them as individuals. The Protecteur du citoyen’s investigations revealed inadequately trained staff in care facilities, leading to improper use of control measures and insufficient care for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those in youth protection. As Quebec introduces new health reforms, the Ombudsperson warned that real progress would only be made if these initiatives ensure more personalized and accessible care. Concerns remain, particularly regarding the treatment of those in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serious Failures in Correctional Facilities

Dowd’s report uncovered alarming issues within Quebec’s detention centers, where chronic staff shortages have compromised basic human rights. Incarcerated individuals have faced extended periods of confinement, lacked access to clean clothing, and been subjected to restrictive measures, such as the unnecessary use of handcuffs, due to infrastructure inadequacies. Despite a new training center for correctional officers, 20.5% of regular positions remain vacant. The report also highlighted procedural failures during disciplinary hearings, which risked denying prisoners a fair process, and flagged ongoing problems with the transition of healthcare management from public security to health authorities. 

Public Integrity: Ending Corruption and Irregularities

Investigations into public integrity revealed numerous cases of favoritism, cost overruns, and misuse of public funds. Examples include a school director bypassing hiring protocols to appoint an ex-colleague, and private expenses being wrongly charged to public funds in CHSLDs (long-term care homes). Dowd noted that while exposing misconduct is crucial, the priority is to end these practices and prevent recurrence. With new legislative changes set to expand the Protecteur du citoyen’s role in managing ethics within government bodies, Dowd expressed his commitment to promoting transparency and ethical governance. 

Record Number of Complaints Filed 

The Protecteur du citoyen processed a record 24,867 requests this year, an increase from 2022-2023. The agency found nearly 45% of complaints about health and social services to be justified, with the rate rising to 61% for long-term care facilities and 50.3% for hospitals. Complaints also surged in correctional services and public integrity, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with government oversight.

A Call for Change

Despite the significant challenges, Dowd concluded that public services are generally cooperative in addressing their shortcomings. However, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure that citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, are not left behind. The full 2023-2024 report is available on the Protecteur du citoyen’s website.

Public Services in Quebec Under Scrutiny: Ombudsperson’s 2023-2024 Report Highlights Systemic Failures and Calls for Change Read More »

Huntingdon wants control of in-town section of Route 202

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Huntingdon wants control over the section of Route 202 that runs through the town, which is known locally as François-Cleyn Street.

The busy road is currently maintained by the Ministère du Transport (MTQ), but the town alleges the provincial transport authority is slowing development along the road and refusing the installation of sidewalks.

Huntingdon mayor André Brunette says the town has been in talks with the MTQ for the past several months to acquire the right to manage the one-kilometre strip of highway running from Chateauguay Street to Ridge Road. During the October 7 regular municipal meeting, the council unanimously passed a resolution formally requesting authority over François-Cleyn Street.

Brunette says that along with holding back permits or permissions for future businesses to access the road, the transport ministry has also refused to allow the municipality to add safety features for pedestrians.

“Since 2021, the Ministry of Transport has not accepted out requests to build a sidewalk,” explains Brunette, who suggests other municipalities have faced similar issues when it comes to collaborating with the provincial government. He says in some cases, the MTQ has agreed to relinquish control over sections of numbered highways.

There is a sidewalk along one side of François-Cleyn Street off of Chateauguay Street, but it ends about halfway up the road. Significant commercial and residential buildings have now been built along this stretch, and the absence of a sidewalk is becoming a safety concern.

“We know that the medical centre is very important. We’re happy that it went up. We’re happy about the daycare, but we must have a sidewalk that goes there,” says Brunette, who insists the town is prepared to manage the roadway.

“This will enable us to proceed faster with giving out permits to future businesses that are going to establish on François-Cleyn Street. It will also give us the right to build a sidewalk that will go all the way to the Tim Horton’s,” says the mayor.

“It’s the best way to go, if we want to continue advancing what we have and what we want for the town.”

Brunette says he is hoping to receive a response from the MTQ in the next 60 days. 

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