Quebec

Senior Wellness Initiative aids English-speaking seniors

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By Kendall Knowlton

Who knew aging in the Gatineau Hills could include dancing, health education and virtual stretching?

The English-Speaking Seniors’ Wellness Initiative has made these activities and many more a possibility for aging residents in the Gatineau Hills. 

According to Erica Botner, program manager for seniors at the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN), the initiative started about 20 years ago.

The CHSSN is an organization that supports English-speaking communities. They are funded by Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec, the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise, and Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. 

There are 34 organizations doing activities such as cognitive workshops and other types of education at 125 locations across Quebec, according to Botner. She said that seniors often have trouble accessing health and social services in the province, because of Bill 96, the province’s overhaul of the Charter of the French Language, which restricts certain demographics from receiving services in their first language. 

“They have a harder time accessing health and social services as a language minority, so we do have these centres all across the province,” said Botner, referring to seniors. Connexions also has a satellite office in Wakefield. 

CHSSN’s statistics show that English-speaking seniors aged 55+ take up 28.2 per cent of Quebec’s English-speaking population. Census Canada reports that there were 83,130 seniors in the Outaouais region as of 2021 and 353,085 in Quebec.

Locally, the stats are similar. According to data from La Table de Dévelopment des Collines-de-L’Outaouais (TDSCO) in 2021, there were just 162 private and social housing units for seniors in the region and close to 6,400 residents over the age of 65. There are now 174 units after Farm Point’s Résidence du Petit Bois opened earlier this year with 12 additional units. 

The initiative includes many educational programs that assist seniors as they age like financial abuse workshops. There are activities every week. 

The Know Your Rights and Filing Complaints within the Health and Social Services System workshop will happen in Shawville on May 15.

There is Yoga for Healthy Living in Chelsea on May 21. There is Spectrum Club, which offers games and activities for kids on the spectrum and their families in Wakefield  on May 18 and multiple june events throughout the region. 

“It is giving information in English to seniors about anything health related that is necessary to help them age in place, like stuff about strokes, diabetes, healthy nutrition, physical activity, safe driving, like anything fraud prevention, all of that,” said Botner to the Low Down about what the initiative can do. 

Among the 120 activities for seniors aged 55+ each year, some new ones are popping up. 

The seniors silver lounge, a meeting for seniors, will begin on May 20. It will be at the main Connexions office in Aylmer, according to Diane Wheatley, Seniors Program Regional Coordinator at Connexions Resource Centre. 

“It’s a get together for English-speaking seniors so they can get information,” said Wheatley. It will help English-speaking seniors understand things happening in their community as well as give them the chance to ask questions. 

Having access to the information in a language that seniors can understand matters for reasons such as reading their medications, navigating systems and even figuring out when their next doctor appointment is, according to Botner. 

Wheatley also spoke about a decluttering activity where seniors get some help with going through their belongings and cleaning their spaces. She said the change from winter to spring can be hard for seniors because of the clean up. They might need help clearing things inside and outside, and the initiative can help them with cleaning their homes.

Other activities give seniors a chance to get out of the house and learn more about themselves. 

These include health education presentations, physical activities like gentle stretching for balance and mobility, dancing, yoga, octoband, walk and talks, creative workshops like arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, sewing, social activities including intergenerational activities and outreach strategies (like phone check ins, and providing information and referrals) to reduce barriers to participation and finding the most vulnerable seniors, according to Botner. 

Botner said the point of this initiative and its activities is to help seniors foster connection, stay healthy, give them a sense of meaning, age in their communities, and reduce social isolation. 

About 12 to 35 seniors attend each activity. 

Wheatley added that there are first aid education sessions for seniors, where they learn CPR and how to treat things such as choking. These sessions are taught by McGill University medical students. 

“Sometimes as a senior they feel like they aren’t listened to, those activities are just to help them break the isolation and be heard,” said Wheatley to the Low Down. “It is extremely rich in regards to that population, and it makes a difference in so many peoples lives.”

The initiative is designed to run until 2027. Botner said that they do not know what will happen after that. 
You can find Connexions’ schedule at https://centreconnexions.org/events-activities/.

Senior Wellness Initiative aids English-speaking seniors Read More »

Andre Fortin

Local MNA silent on education cuts, but Liberals vocal

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By Trevor Greenway
Local Journalism Initiative

MNA for Gatineau Robert Bussière didn’t respond to this newspaper’s questions on the province’s plan to cut $200 million from the education sector by March 31, but his opposition didn’t mince words. 

“It’s preposterous,” said Liberal MNA for Pontiac André Fortin, also the official critic on health. He was referring to the notion that the CAQ government can force health and education ministries to make significant budget cuts by this spring: $200 million in education and a staggering $1.5 billion for the health sector –  without those cuts affecting services. He said that is impossible. 

“[The government] is saying the exact same thing in healthcare: ‘You’ve got to cut without affecting patients.’ And already we are seeing the tremendous impact that these cuts are having on students and patients,” Fortin told the Low Down. He referenced Quebec Premier François Legault’s promise in April to “prioritize health and education,” suggesting that Legault has gone back on his word to constituents. 

“That’s the first two places where we’re seeing cuts, in healthcare and education, and it is preposterous to think that these cuts can happen without patient and student services being affected,” added Fortin. “We’re seeing additional wait times at the hospitals already. When you cut staff, it means that you’re cutting services, so, it’s a ridiculous thing to think that you can have cuts of that magnitude without affecting services.”

Fortin criticized the CAQ government’s financial decisions to subsidize the North Volt battery plant, the millions it spent on bringing the Los Angeles Kings to Quebec City for an exhibition game, and the over $600 million it gave to the Office québécois de la langue française to protect the French language. Fortin pointed out that when Legault took office in 2018, he was sitting on a $7 billion surplus and has wracked up a historic $11 billion deficit with his spending in just seven years. 

“[Legault] has made some horrible financial decisions with Quebecers’ tax money,” said Fortin. “He has invested in things that, from the start, were doomed, and now Quebecers – patients, students, those who need the basic government services – are paying the price for this. It’s government mismanagement at its worst.”

Bussière did not respond to numerous requests for an interview with this newspaper. 

Local MNA silent on education cuts, but Liberals vocal Read More »

The Great Recycling Revolution in Quebec: Ending Waste, Starting Sustainability!

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Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

January 1 marks the beginning of a groundbreaking reform in Quebec’s recycling system, as Eco Entreprises Quebec (EQ) takes over the management of selective collection. This bold change shifts responsibility for product life cycles—from production to recycling—to the companies themselves.
In Montreal’s Park Extension neighborhood, the reform holds significant promise. Park Extension residents, many of whom live in multi-family buildings, often face challenges with waste management due to limited space and infrastructure. This new system—with clear guidelines and expanded recyclables—could bring much-needed clarity and convenience to a community eager to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Local community organizations are already stepping up to educate residents about the changes, emphasizing the importance of proper sorting and participation.
With this reform, municipalities no longer oversee or finance recycling. Instead, EQ will manage the process across the province, a move the government under Premier François Legault hopes will reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. As part of this effort, the list of recyclable items has been expanded and standardized, making it easier for citizens to participate.
Under the new guidelines, all containers, packaging, and printed materials must now go into the recycling bin, even if they are currently not recyclable, such as chip bags and yogurt tubs. This expanded list aims to simplify recycling and boost participation. According to EQ, the inclusion of these items is a step toward creating a more circular economy.
EQ’s CEO, Maryse Vermette, is optimistic about the reform’s impact. “Our goal is to recycle as much as possible within Quebec, establishing a circular economy for containers, packaging, and printed materials,” she said. Vermette emphasized that while some materials will still be exported—particularly mixed fibers and paper—efforts are underway to develop local markets for all recyclable goods by 2025. “This is a crucial part of our responsibility, and we’re working hard to make it happen,” she added.
Environmental groups have welcomed the change. Karel Ménard, director of the Front Quebecois for Ecological Waste Management, noted that municipalities lacked control over many of these materials, making the reform a logical shift. “Residents will notice a decrease in their garbage volume because most of the waste consists of packaging that will now be recycled,” he said.
The reform also simplifies the logistics of recycling. Previously, individual sorting centers had to find buyers for small quantities of recyclables. Now, EQ’s centralized management allows for better resource allocation and efficiency. Vermette explained, “Having a single owner for all recyclables streamlines the process and creates new opportunities.”
Collaboration with municipalities is central to the reform’s success. EQ has launched action plans with local governments to improve the quality of materials placed in recycling bins. Some municipalities have even introduced quality control teams to ensure compliance. While EQ had advocated for penalties for non-compliant residents, this measure did not pass.
Education and awareness campaigns are another key component of the initiative. EQ aims to help residents understand what can and cannot be recycled, promoting correct use of recycling bins and increasing participation rates. For neighborhoods like Park Extension, these campaigns could foster a greater sense of community and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.
While challenges remain—particularly in finding local markets for certain materials—this reform is a major step toward sustainability. Quebec’s bold approach demonstrates its commitment to tackling global environmental challenges through innovative waste management practices. As Vermette puts it, “We’re paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

The Great Recycling Revolution in Quebec: Ending Waste, Starting Sustainability! Read More »

Legault to seek limit on number of international students

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By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Premier François Legault announced that his government will introduce a bill this fall placing a limit on the amount of international students who can come to the province to study.

There are currently 120,000 international students in Quebec.

Legault cited what he called “abuses” by certain educational institutions in terms of charging higher tuition fees, although he added that McGill and Concordia are not doing so. Asked about the proposed bill’s effect on English universities, the Premier said more details will be forthcoming. He also said CEGEPs do not have to worry about closing.

McGill released a statement to local media, saying “we trust that institutions which have consistently engaged in ethical and sustainable recruitment practices, will not be the focus of the proposed legislation” and that international students, 30 percent of its students, are beneficial for research and Quebec’s economy.

Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Graham Carr, whose university is already affected by the increase in tuition fees for out-of-province students, said he is waiting for more detail before commenting fully. n

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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 »

Quebec Expands Private Surgeries Covered by RAMQ to Address Healthcare Delays

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Dimitris Ilias, LJI Journalist

Quebec is preparing to entrust more surgeries to private clinics, with the government set to add around twenty new procedures to the list of those reimbursed by the province’s public healthcare system. This decision, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, aims to accelerate the reduction of the surgery backlog that has lingered since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to information from Quebec’s parliamentary sources, a new regulation is expected to be announced, which will include procedures related to the feet, face, digestive system, gynecology, and urology. These surgeries, currently performed in the public sector, will soon be available at specialized medical centers free of charge for patients. The new initiative expands on an existing framework where private clinics have been performing a variety of surgeries since 2016, including hip, knee, and cataract procedures. Now, additional surgeries will be shifted to the private sector to alleviate pressure on Quebec’s overstretched public healthcare system.

In neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where many residents rely on public healthcare, the news has sparked conversations about the accessibility of quality care. For many, the expansion of private clinics’ roles in providing surgeries raises concerns about the long-standing gaps in the public system, which have been further exposed since the pandemic. Between 2021 and 2023, roughly 115,000 operations were directed to private clinics. One example is the DIX30 Surgery Clinic, which, at the height of the pandemic, received $51 million to help Quebec’s government offload some of the public sector’s burden.

If the new regulation goes into effect, private clinics will be authorized to perform additional surgeries. These include procedures to remove kidney stones and joint replacements for the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Other newly eligible operations involve nasal realignments (septoplasty), ear surgeries to relieve pressure, and the removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), among others. These additions were developed in consultation with Quebec’s Federation of Medical Specialists and the College of Physicians, with the goal of streamlining services and relieving the overtaxed public system.

The government hopes this shift will help manage the overwhelming demand for surgeries. However, the exact number of operations that can be moved to private clinics is still unclear, as the medical centers will need to determine which procedures are financially viable for them to offer. Health Minister Christian Dubé has been working to address the surgery backlog, which has persisted for over a year. As of February, 12,221 operations had been waiting beyond the targeted timeline, with the goal to reduce that number to 2,500 by the end of the year. By late August, 10,900 patients were still on the waiting list.

The expansion of the private sector’s role includes surgeries like orthopedic procedures, nasal realignments, digestive system treatments, gynecological surgeries, and urological operations, such as prostate and bladder tumor resections and kidney stone removal. For areas like Parc-Extension, where access to timely healthcare is critical for its diverse population, this change raises hopes of shorter wait times for essential surgeries. However, concerns remain about whether the public health system can fully recover and meet the needs of all communities.

As Quebec continues to balance its healthcare strategy, the integration of private clinics into a broader system could offer relief to some, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges facing the public sector, particularly in areas with high demand for services like Parc-Extension.

Quebec Expands Private Surgeries Covered by RAMQ to Address Healthcare Delays Read More »

Doctor shortage impact felt locally

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By Trevor Greenway
Local Journalism Initiative

Bruce Langer is 75 years old. 

He’s suffered two heart attacks and does not have a family doctor in Quebec. 

“Dr. Sarah Olive at the University of Ottawa medical clinic was my doctor for over 20 years, so she had a lot of history with me,” said Langer, sitting in a garden in front of the St. Stephen’s Church in Chelsea. “In that 20-year span, I’ve had two heart attacks and two stent procedures. And so she was my family doctor and connected me to a lot of Ontario specialists…for follow up.”

Langer was told three years ago that the clinic would no longer be taking patients from across the river, unless they were university alumni or current students. With no family doctor, Langer now relies on the health ministry’s Primary Care Access Point, or GAP, and while he said he doesn’t have issues booking an appointment, he’s completely lost his patient-to-doctor relationship. 

No follow-ups with the same doctor and nobody following his medical history. Every time he goes to see a new doctor, he said he has to retell his entire medical story. 

“You definitely don’t get any of the kind of follow-up that you would with a consistent doctor or family doctor care,” said Langer. “They’re so overwhelmed with not being able to see you on a regular basis because there’s not enough doctors that they can’t maintain that consistency that you would normally have with the family doctor.”

According to the CISSS de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), there are currently 75,326 people in the Outaouais without a family doctor and 7,073 in the MRC des Collines region. 

That number is set to rise by several hundred next year as Wakefield MD Dr. Jacques Ménard announced last week that he will be retiring from the Wakefield Family Medical Clinic next June. 

Ménard will be the third Wakefield doctor to leave the clinic in the past two years, as the clinic lost both Dr. Folkerson and Dr. Sattenstein this past summer. The two village doctors left behind close to 1,500 local patients. 

To help ease this crunch, the Regional Department of General Medicine (DRMG) has created a new “gateway” for the GAP and keeps more than 62,000 open appointments per year for “orphan patients requiring a medical visit.”

Wakefield didn’t lose techs

The Outaouais was facing a major crisis this summer after several imaging technicians left the Hull and Gatineau hospitals for Ontario, where they could earn $30,000 more in salary. To combat this, the CISSSO added bonuses for medical techs to stay in the region. 

While the first round of funding was not equal among rural hospitals, the ministry eventually increased the bonuses to $22,000 for those working in Shawville, Maniwaki and Wakefield. CISSSO spokesperson Patricia Rhéaume told the Low Down that the Wakefield Hospital did not lose any medical technicians. 

“The three technician positions are filled at Wakefield [hospital]. 

No movement of this staff to other hospitals in the territory is currently planned,” said Rhéaume, adding that the health authority took a number of measures to avoid a major crisis this summer – one that Gatineau MD Dr. Peter Bonneville warned would end in more deaths. 

“In those sectors with greater challenges, for instance the operating room and the imaging department, action plans were applied to ensure continuity of care and avoid interruption in services,” added Rhéaume. “We are continuously working on ensuring the right patient is at the right place at the right time. Examples of this are the efforts made to re-orient patients presenting to the [emergency department] not needing emergency care and daily reevaluation of alternatives to hospitalizations for patients in need of care.”

Quebec patients ‘uninsured’

More and more Ontario clinics are saying no to Quebec patients – or doubling the rates for their out-of-province patients. Wakefield resident Andrea Rowe told the Low Down that her Ottawa doctor recently sent a letter stating that she – and other Quebec patients – are considered “uninsured.” The letter came with a list of updated fees that Rowe said are double what she used to pay. 

“They don’t consider us covered at all, even though we’re covered by Quebec,” said Rowe. 

She said she used to pay $50 for an appointment and Quebec would pay $40 of it. But now, with the fee increase – $102 for a short appointment or $232 for a long appointment – Rowe said she worries that she will still only get the $40 reimbursed and going to see her doctor of over 15 years will cost her greatly. 

“It’s such a big increase; it’s huge,” she said. “So, it’s gonna be over $60 that I have to pay just for a 10-minute visit.”

Other fees from the Ontario clinic include $30 for a referral note, $25 for a sick note and $225 for a driver’s medical examination and form. 

Doctor shortage impact felt locally Read More »

New provisions of Bill 96 demands more French on signs

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Quebec government has announced that new sign law provisions of Bill 96 will take effect next June 1, and it focuses on the size and prominence of French on outdoor commercial signs, including in relation to store names trademarked only in English.

On the other hand, the aspect of Bill 96 requiring more French content on engraved markings on appliances has been delayed.

“In Quebec, when Quebecers and tourists stroll through the streets, it must be clear, Quebec is a French-speaking nation,” French language minister Jean-Francois Roberge said last week.

The legislation says French on signs must have a greater impact “in the visual field” than English, and take up two-thirds of the space on the sign.

More specifically, the law says, “where texts both in French and in another language appear on the same sign or poster, the text in French is deemed to have a much greater visual impact if the following conditions are met —the space allotted to the text in French is at least twice as large as the space allotted to the text in the other language; the characters used in the text in French are at least twice as large as those used in the text in the other language; and “the other characteristics of the sign or poster do not have the effect of reducing the visual impact of the text in French.”

The new regulations also tighten up the pre-Bill 96 requirement that a French descriptor accompany a trademark that is only registered in English, such as Best Buy, Winners and Subway, amongst many others. The Quebec government has complained that not all businesses with English trademarked names are respecting the existing regulations. Bill 96 is now requiring that the French aspects of these signs have a greater visual impact, rather than just a “sufficient presence” under the current rules.

Currently, many descriptors, such as “Électroniques” for Best Buy” and “Mode” for Winners, are less prominent than the English-language business name. For instance, the Best Buy descriptor is smaller in font size and is white, while the Best Buy logo is more prominent — not only larger in size but in more visible colours, yellow and black. The “Mode” descriptor is much smaller than the trademark name “Winners” and is below the store name.

Now, the French presence on such signs has to be twice that of the English. A graphic provided by the Quebec government provides two ways the law applies — one is that the descriptor of the store, such as “clothing”, is twice as large as the store name; and the other is that there is more French content, not only a general descriptor, but further descriptions of what the store sells, such as “shoes” and “fashion for everyone.” These do not have to be larger than the English-trademarked name.

Michel Rochette of the Retail Council of Canada has contended that the sign changes will cost businesses between $20 million and $25 million to comply with the law 11 months from now, as opposed to the Quebec government’s estimate of $7 million to $15 million.The Retail Council had called for the law to take effect three years after its publication, as originally promised, and the organization is also calling for financial aid for its members. n

New provisions of Bill 96 demands more French on signs Read More »

Montreal leads country in renters at 63%

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By Joel Ceausu
The Suburban

Canada’s housing crisis has occupied national and local headlines for more than a year, influenced policy and debate at every government level, and raised fingers towards immigration, student populations, inflation, pandemic, over-regulation and more.

While remedies are debated, one thing is not: The share of people renting their homes in Quebec is larger than ever before, and Montreal reigns with more than 63%, leading among Canada’s 50 biggest cities at almost twice the national average of 33%.

In fact, eight of Quebec’s 10 largest cities have a percentage of renters higher than 33%, and it’s not just young people — from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, renting has become widespread across all age groups according to a Point2Homes.com report based on 2021 Census data from Statistics Canada. In five Quebec cities — including Longueuil, Quebec City, and Trois-Rivières — more than 90% of residents under 24 are tenants, and three others have the highest percentages of seniors renting out of Canada’s major cities – about half of the population 65 and over. Lévis had Quebec’s biggest growth in renter share, from 30.7% to 34.1%. Terrebonne and Laval follow with similar increases. Despite Montreal’s smallest spike, it nevertheless tops the country’s list.

Leading this evolution are ongoing demographic shifts: immigration, aging population, and people relocating closer to employment hubs. But there are also practical reasons, like the financial benefits of renting in a high-priced housing market as well as preference for a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Canada has nearly one million more renter households since a decade ago, according to the Point2Homes.com report: “Whether it’s about having the flexibility to move whenever, pinching pennies or just freedom from fixing leaky faucets,” one thing’s for sure: Canada has reached unprecedented levels of renters — and Montreal is leading the charge. (Toronto has more renter households (551,290) but ranks fifth in percentage.) That same demand also leads to a significant portion of recently built stock becoming renter-occupied: More than 40% of dwellings built from 2016 to 2021 are being rented, the highest rate in decades.

Montreal is known for some of the lowest average rent prices among the country’s largest markets. “In fact, according to Numbeo, rents in the city centre (about $3,000) are significantly lower compared to average rents in other major downtowns like Toronto, Vancouver, and nearby Burnaby.” Over 54% of Vancouver households opt to rent in the city, where home prices go for nearly $1.3 million. Alongside Trois-Rivières and Saguenay, Sherbrooke is one of the three major cities where rent is less than $1,500, even in the city centre. “Meanwhile, given its vast student population attending Queen’s University, nearly 93% of Kingston’s under-24-year-olds rent, and true to its vocation as a Gen-Z-attractive city, Montreal displays an equally huge share of young tenants.”

Read more: https://www.point2homes.com/news/canada-real-estate/rentership-on-the-rise-montreal-canada-renter-capital.html n

Montreal leads country in renters at 63% Read More »

Quebec’s “Inadequate” Funding Forces Halt to Shelter Projects

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Quebec’s “Inadequate” Funding Forces Halt to Shelter Projects

In a passionate appeal, Louise Riendeau, representing the Coalition of Shelters for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, alongside Maud Pontel from the Alliance of Shelters for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence — an alliance that includes the Parc-Extension organization, Shield of Athena, as a member — are urging for immediate action. Confronted with significant financial hurdles that have brought to a standstill projects aimed at increasing shelter capacities, they are making a plea to Quebec Premier François Legault to organize a gathering of all governmental stakeholders responsible for funding their projects. The ultimate aim of this request is to create a specialized program tailored to meet their unique requirements comprehensively and conclusively.

Associations of shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence are seeking François Legault’s intervention to resolve a financial deadlock and create a new, more suitable program. They criticize the current funding program for failing to consider several critical needs, which has led to the halt of projects that would add hundreds of shelter spaces. There is also a fear that funding provided by Ottawa could be withdrawn if the issues are not resolved promptly.

The representatives from the Alliance MH2, the Coalition, and the Federation of Women’s Shelters have labeled the financing for the addition of new spaces, which is part of the social housing program in partnership with the Société d’habitation du Québec, as “inadequate, illogical, and incomprehensible.”

These associations had already voiced their concerns last December about the funding program partly excluding the calculation of costs associated with essential space arrangements in the shelters. This includes private intervention rooms, shared kitchens, and extensive security measures. They warned that over 200 spaces for women and children at high risk of being killed in a domestic violence context might never be created due to these oversights.

Three months later, they believe the inadequately adapted program now endangers the creation of 68 new places in first-stage shelters (addressing emergency needs) and 568 new places in second-stage shelters (for women still facing significant security issues upon leaving an emergency refuge), totaling 630 new places at risk.

Louise Riendeau describes the current situation as a “vicious circle,” where the health network’s anticipated projects to meet the needs of women and children victims of domestic violence cannot progress due to financing issues. Maud Pontel also highlights the concern over financial arrangements for halted projects, especially as the demand for these shelters remains high, with occupancy rates exceeding 100% in some regions.

The precarious situation is further compounded by private donors withdrawing their support, discouraged by the prolonged wait and lack of progress on the projects. This, in turn, jeopardizes the very existence of the aid and shelter houses that have embarked on these projects, some of which are now burdened with mortgage interest payments, architectural fees, and land decontamination costs without any advancement in their projects.

The representatives remind that the government had previously shown support by voting in favor of a motion to resolve administrative difficulties and expedite the creation of these spaces. They also recall the government’s acknowledgment of the necessity for these new places, evidenced by the allocation of $220 million in 2021 to combat domestic violence.

With the International Women’s Day and the upcoming Quebec budget announcement around the corner, these shelter associations hold onto hope that Premier Legault will heed their call for action and support.

Quebec’s “Inadequate” Funding Forces Halt to Shelter Projects Read More »

Quebec’s Red Tape Reduction: A Boon for Park-Extension’s Aging Population

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Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

In a move that promises to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, the Quebec government, under the leadership of Health Minister Christian Dubé, is cutting down on medical paperwork. This initiative, particularly beneficial for the aging population of Park-Extension, is expected to free up 138,000 medical appointments annually.

The Changes at a Glance

Empowering Physicians: The first major change allows family doctors to decide the frequency and necessity of follow-ups for patients compensated by the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail). This move is set to recover around 120,000 medical follow-up appointments deemed unnecessary, freeing up more time for doctors to attend to other patients.

Simplifying Long-Term Care Admissions: The second change eliminates the need for doctors to fill out long-term care accommodation request forms, a task that previously took up to 50 minutes per form. This step is expected to add another 18,000 appointments to the annual tally and speed up the admission process into CHSLD (long-term care homes).

Impact on Park-Extension’s Elderly

The aging community in Park-Extension often faces challenges in accessing timely medical care and long-term care facilities. These reforms are a breath of fresh air, promising quicker and more efficient healthcare services. For many seniors, especially those without a family doctor, these changes could mean easier access to necessary medical services and faster admissions into long-term care facilities.

Streamlining for a Better Tomorrow

This initiative is part of Health Minister Christian Dubé’s broader Health Plan, aimed at reducing the administrative burden on clinical staff. By allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork, the Quebec government is taking a significant step towards improving the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

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Anglophone Montrealers rally against Bill 96

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Task Force president Andrew Caddell speaks to the crowd at Sunday’s rally. Photo Russell Tellier

Russell Tellier
Local Journalism Initiative

On the afternoon of Nov. 19, 300 people assembled in Trenholme Park in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to protest Bill 96. The protest was organized by the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, which launched a lawsuit against said bill in May. 

“Today we are obliged to take the Quebec government to court to ensure our constitutional rights are protected,” said Marc Perez, a member of the Task Force’s board of directors. Task Force secretary-treasurer Dale Weber, meanwhile, described Bill 96 as both “illegal” and “mean-spirited.” 

The Task Force, which does not receive financial assistance from the government, is funding its lawsuit through individual donations.

In addition to other changes, Bill 96 further restricts access to English services in Quebec, increases French-language instruction in English CEGEPs, and imposes francization requirements on businesses with 25 to 49 employees. The bill was implemented by Minister François Legault’s government in May 2022 ostensibly to protect French throughout the province. 

“What we see also is that the percentage of people, especially on the island of Montreal, speaking French is decreasing. So, French will always be vulnerable in North America,” Legault said in September.

“French is not in decline in Quebec, no matter what the Premier may say,” said Geoffrey Chambers, the former president of the Quebec Community Groups Network, while addressing the crowd at Sunday’s rally. “The story of French in Quebec is a massive victory, a success. And we fully support and applaud that fact. This new piece of legislation does not protect the French language; it attacks the English-speaking community.”

Likewise, protesters Danielle Carter, Irwin Rapoport and Sharon Schmerer rejected the argument that French is in danger. 

“I think there are 1,000 or 2,000, at most, fluent Mohawk speakers. That’s a language that’s in danger,” said Rapoport. “There are about 6.9 million French speakers in Quebec. The language is not in danger. They’ve got thriving media and entertainment and publishing.”

According to Statistics Canada, 237,420 Indigenous people in Canada reported in 2021 that they could speak an Indigenous language well-enough to conduct a conversation. This constituted  a 4.3 per cent decline from 2016, and the first decline since this specific data collection started in 1991.  

Schmerer said: “The first language anywhere in the world is English. What’s wrong with two languages?” 

Both Chambers and Carter said that the Quebec government is trying to get rid of Quebec’s anglophones. “[Bill 96] has a devastating effect on the education system,” Carter said. 

“People are losing their jobs because they don’t speak French. Already we know that anglophone Quebecers are the poorest demographic in Quebec,” Weber said.

A recent study conducted by the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) found that the provincial poverty rate for anglophone Quebecers (10 per cent) is almost twice as high as it is for francophone Quebecers (5.8 per cent). PERT also said that anglophone Quebecers are more likely than their francophone counterparts to be unemployed. 

Whilst Perez predicted that Bill 96 will eventually be overturned, Rapoport also expressed optimism, predicting that most of the legal challenges against the law will succeed.

Concordia student Robert Toto described the fight against Bill 96 as “a long uphill battle.” “I think the best thing to do is just continue fighting and keep going at it and simply not give up,” he said. 

The rally, which drew a small police presence, occurred between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. amidst cold weather. Cars that drove by honked in support of the protesters, many of whom were holding anti-Bill 96 signs. 

The Task Force organized a car procession that started at the Walmart on Decarie Boulevard before the rally and ended at Trenholme Park. 

Task Force president Andrew Caddell said that more anti-Bill 96 demonstrations will be held.

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