South Shore English Network

Local English-speaking community comes together at Fall Fest

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

Photos by Cassandra Kerwin

cassandra@qctonline.com

Several hundred members of the greater Quebec City English-speaking community and friends gathered for Fall Fest at Quebec High School on Sept. 21. The annual fair, organized by Voice of English-speaking Québec, featured dozens of kiosks where people could learn about English-language and bilingual community organizations, churches and hobby groups; a bilingual health and social services job fair in the school library hosted by the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and Jeffery Hale-Saint Brigid’s (JHSB); an arts-and-crafts market; hot dog and bake sale stands; a small farmers’ market; and a range of fun activities for kids and kids- at-heart including bouncy castles, a Lego tent and a bubble cannon.

The 78th Fraser Highlanders, the cast of the Quebec Art Company’s production of Cabaret, and talented and creative student musicians from Quebec High School and Dollard-des-Ormeaux School performed on the outdoor stage.

Representatives from JHSB, the Wellness Centre and the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale told attendees how to access health and social services in English. Although patients or their family members have the right to request service in English or request an interpreter at any health facility, JHSB is the only facility in the region expressly mandated to offer service in both languages.

Volunteers Patricia Odgers and Christy Ruggiero spoke with passersby about their rights within the health system and the importance of getting involved with the governance of their health facility. “People are aware that they have the option of [getting care] in both languages, but we are helping to educate people on how to make themselves heard if they have an issue,” Odgers said. “We’re concerned about people not knowing their rights, not raising their concerns, so they don’t filter down to the users’ committee.”

Deputy Mayor Catherine Vallières-Roland and Coun. David Weiser, member of the city executive committee responsible for immigration and vivre-ensemble, took the opportunity to meet with constituents.

“It’s really interesting to see the evolution of the English- speaking community, from families who have been here for generations to people from everywhere who have chosen to make Quebec City their home,” Weiser said. “It’s a big annual event where you get to see everybody. I’m also a Quebec High graduate, so it’s always interesting to come back here.”

Olena Peleshok moved from British Columbia to Lévis less than a year ago. At Fall Fest, she was busy running the South Shore English Network (SSEN) kiosk and meeting new people.

“My biggest challenges [after moving to Quebec] were not only learning French, but also just understanding how things worked here, things like the health system and applying for jobs. Everything in B.C. is different, even if we’re still in the same country.” Peleshok is now the SSEN community development co-ordinator, helping new arrivals find their feet on the South Shore. “As a newcomer, you’re always looking for connection, for opportunities, for ways to learn new skills and do things for other people,” she said, speaking from experience. She and her SSEN colleagues are busy helping people create those connections, with a range of activities for families, seniors and newcomers.

“Fall Fest was a huge suc- cess! We had close to 50 community groups and businesses in the gym, showcasing the amazing things they do and the services they offer,” VEQ executive director Brigitte Wellens said. “There was a wildly successful mini job fair by the CIUSSS-CN. This was a first at Fall Fest and some- thing that we hope to repeat at future editions. In terms of attendance, we estimate that 1,000 community members enjoyed the day’s activities – a record in attendance in the nine years that I’ve been at VEQ.”

For more information about upcoming activities with VEQ, visit veq.ca. For more about upcoming events on the South Shore, visit mcdc.info/en/events/events-ssen-levis.