The Gleaner

Government delays leave nursing students waiting

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

As the shortage of nurses reaches a crisis point in the Montérégie, the New Frontiers School Board (NSFB) may be forced to push back the start of its Health, Assistance and Nursing course because of government delays in approving the program.

“We are still in a holding pattern,” says the NFSB’s director general, Mike Helm, who confirms that as of August 16 the board has not received authorization from the Education Ministry to continue offering the program at the Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre (CVCEC) in Ormstown.

“The information we have is that there are some delays, but this has been happening since the end of May, through June, through July, and now into August,” says Helm. “We are still confident we will get a favourable outcome, but we are more concerned than we have been in the past as to why it is taking so much longer for us to receive the authorization.”

Over the past few years, the government has renewed its authorization on an annual basis; however, the NFSB requested the program be granted permanent status, given the lack of trained nurses across the province and specifically the need for bilingual staff at local health care institutions.

“It would defy logic if this doesn’t come through,” says John Ryan, who chairs the NFSB’s council of commissioners. He acknowledges that there have been delays in the past, but suggests the current situation is very unusual.

“Normally we’re late in getting authorization, but we get it much earlier than in August,” Ryan explains. “It just makes no sense at all not to have it.”

An important program

“We have 100 per cent placement of our students,” says Helm, which demonstrates that there is a need for the program to continue. He points out that in most cases, graduates find employment at local institutions in Ormstown, Chateauguay, and Valleyfield.

The NFSB’s application to continue offering the program on a permanent basis was supported locally by the municipal, community, and health sectors. Helm shares that even the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO) is growing increasingly concerned over the delays.

Just last week the NFSB received a second letter of support signed by CISSSMO president and director general Philippe Gribeauval, citing the importance of the program to the regional health authority as one of only a handful of programs graduating bilingual health care workers.

Both Ryan and Helm confirm the board is working with local MNAs to address the delay.

Ryan says Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, Beauharnois MNA Claude Reid, and Chateauguay MNA Marie-Belle Gendron have demonstrated strong support for the program and the board’s efforts to ensure its continuation. According to Mallette, the request for authorization is still being analyzed by ministry officials. 

Going forward

The 18-month program normally accommodates 22 students per cohort. Helm says that those who were anticipating the start of classes this fall will be transferred temporarily to the Institutional and Home Care Assistance program where there is an overlap in terms of some of the required competencies. Once the nursing program has been authorized, these credits will be transferred, and students will be able to continue in their chosen program.

“We are working to accommodate these students as much as we possibly can,” says Helm, who remains hopeful the NFSB will receive its authorization before the start of the school year in under a week.

Government delays leave nursing students waiting Read More »

Ormstown council welcomes new Generations’ Chair

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The council room at the town hall in Ormstown has a new chair.

Three students from Ormstown Elementary School presented members of the municipal council with a colourful and highly symbolic Generations’ Chair during the regular meeting on July 8.

The chair, which was designed by Cassandra Bryson, Abby Sauvé, and Livia Banning, with help from teacher David Rosenbaum, will now permanently sit in the council room as a reminder to municipal leaders that decisions made today will impact future generations.

“We wanted this chair to capture the many parts of our community and share our vision for a better future,” explain the students, in a note addressed to council members that details the different elements of their design.

The chair features a rainbow to represent the LGBTQIA2S+ members of the community, while the addition of flowers and butterflies serves to remind leaders of their relationship with nature and their responsibility to make choices with this in mind. A nesting pair of hands was included to represent intergenerational links within families and the community, while the orange uprights recall that “Every Child Matters” and speak to the importance of recognition and reconciliation with First Nation neighbours. Lastly, the chair introduces the notion of “people over profits,” which promotes an interest in a culture of communal care and reciprocity over individualism.

Ormstown mayor Christine McAleer initiated the project after learning of the Generations’ Chair movement while watching an interview with Quebec City mayor Bruno Marchand, whose team came up with the concept in 2021. The idea was to symbolically add a place around the executive committee table to represent the expectations of future generations.

The project has since been promoted by the Mothers Step In movement, or Mères au front, that unites mothers and grandmothers across Canada to demand concrete government action to protect children from the impacts of climate change. Over 90 municipalities, mainly across Quebec, have been gifted Generations’ Chairs by children within their communities.

McAleer says the chair and all it symbolizes is in line with many of the council’s priorities. “When the council meets, they keep in mind that they are working for future generations, especially when decisions concern the environment,” she says.

“We have tried, especially when we redid all of our urban planning bylaws, to keep the environment in mind and to promote it in the future development of the town,” McAleer explains, noting the council aims to make changes in a rational way while keeping the environment and the quality of life for both current and future residents at the forefront.

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CPTAQ may nix Covey Hill asphalt factory after all

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) has reversed its preliminary orientation concerning the installation of an asphalt plant in the Carrières Ducharme quarry on Covey Hill in Havelock.

The initial assessment issued last September suggested the commission would allow the installation of the factory for a period of five years, with conditions. Following this, a request for the CPTAQ to reassess its orientation was submitted, and at least 33 individuals, groups, and organizations presented their observations either in writing or in person during a virtual meeting on May 18.

Among those presenting their opposition to Groupe Chenail Inc.’s application to install the factory was the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, which argued that the region’s water resources could be affected, and that discharge from the plant could impact CanadaGAP certification for agricultural producers.

The non-profit conservation organization Ambioterra further outlined the potential impacts of asphalt production on Covey Hill, citing the potential for fires, as well as groundwater contamination and air pollution. The organization also noted the risk to neighbouring maple syrup producers and market gardeners who could see their products contaminated by emissions from the plant.

The municipality of Havelock and the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, as well as several agricultural producers and concerned citizens, also presented their observations. Most argued that an asphalt plant was contrary to agricultural development, agritourism, and the homogeneity of the farming community, and that the precautionary principle should be applied in this case.

Those arguing in favour of the factory pointed out that such a facility would need authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), and must comply with emission standards for particulate matter in the atmosphere. Representatives for Groupe Chenail Inc. insisted the project will not impact the region and its agricultural activities any more than the existing quarry.

A notice of modification issued on July 5 concedes that the commission did not have all the facts that were subsequently brought to its attention when the preliminary orientation was drafted. The notice, which is signed by CPTAQ vice presidents Hélène Lupien and Gilles P. Bonneau, further states that “The representations heard during the meeting have led the commission to modify its assessment, and consequently to refuse the request.”

Citing article 12 and Section 62 of the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities, which allows for the consideration of regional characteristics in the preservation and promotion of agricultural enterprises and activities, the commission asserts that the addition of an asphalt factory would be detrimental to such practices.

The commission points out that “Authorization could lead to a loss of visitors and a reduction in production in a regional context where agricultural properties have had to adapt to the environment, and where farmers have managed to do well by developing local agriculture and agritourism.”

The notice also highlights consequences to the homogeneity of the farming community, as the factory would lead to increased traffic on Covey Hill Road.

A ten-day period for those interested in presenting new observations relating to the modified orientation expired on July 15, and the case has now been suspended to allow the CPTAQ to review any new facts brought forward before rendering a final decision.

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Boy is saved from drowning in Huntingdon

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Three trained firefighters rescued a boy caught in dangerous waters on the Chateauguay River in Huntingdon on July 11.

Remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which passed over the region the day before, saw just under 40 millimetres of torrential rain cause the normally tranquil river to rise by several feet. The following afternoon, a 10-year-old boy was playing by the river with three other unaccompanied children when he was suddenly swept away by the fast-moving current shortly after 4 p.m.

Godmanchester resident and retired firefighter Jon Vine was driving past Russell Island in Huntingdon on his way to the Vallée des Travailleurs garage where he works. He says it was by coincidence that he rolled down the window just in time to hear the boy’s cries for help. The three friends met him as he pulled onto the island, gesturing frantically toward the river.

Vine immediately called Johanne Myre at the garage and asked her to send help, and to call 911. When he reached the riverbank, he found the boy desperately clinging to a thin tree branch over the water about 20 feet from shore. “The water was rushing like crazy,” he says.

Steve Myatt and Brandon Gavin soon arrived from the garage. After a quick search, the men found nothing more than a cow halter and some transport straps in the vehicle and quickly came up with a plan.

Wearing the cow halter around his chest, Myatt waded into the water, which quickly reached up to his neck, and approached the boy. Vine and Gavin used the straps to hold him against the current. Myatt eventually wrapped a strap around the boy’s arm, which allowed Vine and Gavin to quickly tow him to shore.

At this point, first responders from Hinchinbrooke and the Huntingdon Fire Department were on scene, and they helped to safely pull the boy and the three men from the water. Huntingdon fire chief Marc Voyer confirmed that the minor, who cannot be identified, was unharmed during the rescue. The Sûreté du Québec was called, and the responding officers contacted the child’s parents.

“Those guys did an amazing job,” says Voyer, of the quick thinking and action by Vine, Myatt, and Gavin. “It was very, very dangerous,” he insists, referring to the treacherous water conditions that day. “They put their lives on the line.”

While looking out over the river the following day, Vine says he still gets shivers just thinking about the rescue. “We could be talking about something else today,” he says solemnly. “All the cards were there,” he says, referring to the series of fortunate coincidences that ultimately saved the boy’s life.

Both Vine and Voyer underline the importance of respecting waterways, pointing out how quickly local water conditions can become unpredictable and dangerous after heavy rain.

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CVR inaugurates student-designed outdoor classrooms

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

In 2021, two groups of Grade 8 students came together to design outdoor classroom spaces as a project at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School. Public health measures at the time meant students were spending up to four periods per day in the same classroom, literally dreaming of going outside. Now, four years later and post-pandemic, two outdoor classrooms have officially been inaugurated and the students who were initially involved in the project have received their diplomas.

Teacher Marie-Ève Beaulieu-Demers recalls how her students gravitated toward the idea when it was first introduced, noting how the multidisciplinary project quickly became integrated into most subject areas. She admits it has been a long road, with a few bumps along the way, but is content her students have seen the project through and are leaving a legacy behind as a reminder of student effort and resilience.

“I wanted them to shine,” says Beaulieu-Demers of her students. “I knew it was hard during COVID, but I had such great groups of students, and they wanted to do something,” she explains. “They achieved so much in that year. Everyone got involved … The students were brilliant, and I saw it at graduation. I was so proud of them.”

The project also left its mark on the students, including Maurene O’Farrell, Téa Guérin Roy, and Odin Wania – they remember dividing the different tasks involved in the project, from fundraising, which involved organizing a silent auction and the creation of a recipe book, to the research and design process, making models, and documenting the whole process. “I remember doing that project more than I remember COVID,” says O’Farrell of that difficult time.

Following Grade 8, the project was met with delays as the prices for construction materials soared and the school saw a succession of administrative changes. “It was hard to solidify its place as a project in the school,” says O’Farrell, who admits they were a little disappointed when the buildings were first constructed, as they were not quite how they had imagined them.

The classrooms are both covered wooden structures with workspaces for students. One is located in a shaded area near the football field and track, while the other sits at the foot of one of the small hills bordering the parking lot on the other side of the campus.

A handful of students began working on the project again in earnest this year. They added some picnic tables, cleaned up the spaces, and planted some trees. “Before it was more theoretical, and now we actually got to complete it, which I don’t think we actually thought would happen,” says O’Farrell, noting the fact that the structures are in place and will be used is satisfying.

“We do see people using them, and when we do, I can see that I was part of something important. I did the sketch for that,” says Guérin Roy.

CVR’s principal, Lynn Harkness, says it was a priority to inaugurate the classrooms before the students graduated, and has promised to continue with the project.

The school purchased a set of camping chairs for students to use this year, as well as rolling whiteboards for teachers, and garbage cans. “The school is funding and supporting the project in different phases. As we move forward, ideally, we would like to put some funds into permanent tables that cannot be destroyed by our friends that visit during the summers and evenings,” she explains, noting the spaces also benefit the community.

“I think there will be a celebration of what this cohort, this class of 2024, has accomplished,” says Harkness. “And although both designs did not turn out exactly the way that everybody wanted, we are happy to have these outdoor spaces, and we are very excited to build on them as we move forward.”

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Local schools get creative as heat wave washes over the final week of classes

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

“It has been a very difficult few days,” says the New Frontiers School Board director general, Mike Helm, who admits the last week of school was challenging for school staff and their students. “They managed it, but at the same time, it was not easy,” he insists, of the conditions inside Valley schools and centres as a heat wave propelled daytime temperatures into the mid-thirties.

Helm says the school board issued an advisory to staff early in the week, implementing protocols that pertain to oppressive or extreme heat conditions based on Environment Canada recommendations. The soaring temperatures, high humidity, and little respite overnight meant staff and students would be walking into overheated buildings and then working in such an environment throughout the day.

“We put these into place so that schools and centres could mobilize in terms of looking at their cool or green zones, and then have students and staff filter through these while taking on other types of activities, as well to break up the day,” he explains, noting each school has mapped out pre-defined green, yellow, and red zones depending on air flow and ventilation. Elementary teachers were also tasked with ensuring students stayed well hydrated.

The timing of the heat wave meant the impacts at the high school level were slightly less significant. Regular classes were finished, and most of the exams at Chateauguay Valley Regional had already been written. CVR also benefits from a ventilation system that keeps air flowing through the building, which helped to somewhat lower the temperature.

Adult and vocational centres were also monitoring conditions, especially in certain environments such as mechanic or welding shops and greenhouses, and teachers were encouraged to pivot to classrooms.

Helm confirms that no additional funding kicks in when schools overheat. Some administrators used discretionary funds to purchase additional fans for classrooms, but simply installing air conditioning units in each classroom is not a valid option. He says the Education Ministry is also not showing any signs it is prepared to fund the installation of cooling systems in public schools. They are, however, prioritizing this type of capacity in new builds, renovations, and expansion projects.

Looking forward to the fall, Helm says the board is considering installing ceiling fans in some rooms and is working with the material resources department to strategically help schools manage extreme heat.

Despite the heat wave, Helm says the school year has ended on a positive note. “I think our schools have done an exceptional job in terms of trying to close some of the gaps that we have had this year with the negotiations, the lost days, and in terms of our catch-up plan,” he explains. Government funding to provide catch-up initiatives to students will continue into next year, and he confirms this funding will also be used to offset costs for students needing to attend summer school.

He says this year’s graduating classes have proven their resilience. After being forced to isolate for part of their Grade 7 year, they worked through the pandemic, and are the first graduating class since 2019 to write standard ministerial exams.

Having attended several graduation ceremonies, Helm says it has been wonderful to see so many students achieve these milestones. “I think that with these students, our community is in excellent hands as they take on their next challenges.”

Local schools get creative as heat wave washes over the final week of classes Read More »

The reality for over one million queer people

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Callan Forrester – LJI reporter

June is Pride Month: a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus) community, and to remember the fight it has taken the get to where we are, and how much fighting there is still left to do.

Statistics Canada has released some information about the realities of queer people in Canada. The wage gap between queer folks and straight folks is quite wide. Heterosexual men earn an average yearly salary of $61,400 compared to gay men ($51,400) and bisexual men ($39,400). Lesbian women and heterosexual women had a similar average income ($48,600 and $47,300 respectively); however, bisexual women only made an average of $38,500. This could partly be due to the fact that the average age of a bisexual person in the workplace is younger than that of straight people, gay men, and lesbians.

The queer community is a growing population in Canada. Data from 2019 to 2021 shows that approximately 4.4 per cent of Canadians (1.3 million people) identify as queer. That being said, one in ten youth aged 15 to 24 years (10.5 per cent) identified as queer, making them the demographic with the highest percentage of queer people. About one per cent of people in this same demographic identify as transgender or non-binary.

The Quebec government has also released some information about the mental health of the queer community. It says that queer folks are “at greater risk of having suicidal ideations or attempting suicide because of the isolation, stigmatization, discrimination, homophobia, or transphobia that they may face… Moreover, cases of mood disorders (in particular, depression) or anxiety disorders are more common in the LGBTQ+ population.”

Statistics Canada backs this up by sharing that “Transgender or non-binary people (54.7 per cent) were over five times as likely as cisgender people (9.9 per cent) to consider their mental health to be fair or poor. The likelihood of reporting fair or poor mental health was also higher for bisexual (36.8 per cent) and gay or lesbian (16.9 per cent) people than for heterosexual people (9.1 per cent).”

It should also be noted that folks who live at different intersections of marginalization (race, gender, socio-economic background, etc.) experience these realities at a much higher rate.

With the population of queer Canadians growing each year, it’s important to recognize the reality of how people’s lives are affected based on their sexuality and gender identity.

The reality for over one million queer people Read More »

Performer ‘plays with expression,’ flourishes on TV documentary stage

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

“Telling a story in drag is very different from telling a story out of drag,” says Callan Forrester, who stars as one of five artists featured in season four of the award-winning hybrid stage workshop/documentary series, Drag Heals.

As an actor and producer working in Toronto’s musical theatre scene, Forrester was already quite comfortable on the stage, but drag is relatively new to their performance repertoire. With just over a year of dabbling in drag as Ana Spiral (a self-confessed anxiety queen), Forrester was thrilled to join the cast of the acclaimed series.

“Over the four seasons, they have had people who have been doing drag for decades, and they have had people who have never done drag once in their lives,” says Forrester, who first auditioned for the show in May 2023. “I submitted a tape the day after I had been broken up with, my car was broken into, and my identity was stolen. It was one of the worst weeks of my life.” When the casting call came a few months later, the performer admits it was a huge surprise.

The program follows each artist as they work through a series of intensive workshops to craft a one-person stage show from deeply personal stories and transformative moments. In doing so, the drag artists work and interact with host Tracey Erin Smith as well as several guest coaches, including dancers/choreographers, other drag artists, costume designers, and writers. There are no eliminations; “The goal is to celebrate queer art and to give a platform to queer artists,” says Forrester.

The fourth season culminates in a showcase performance at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto, where the cast shared their one-person shows with a live audience.

For their performance, Forrester uses a lifelong comparison to Jo March, the boldly outspoken dreamer of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women, as a lens through which to tell their story. “I focus on a lot of different things, but I also talk a lot about grief, and how grief shifts your perspective.”

In a press release issued by series producer Border2Border Entertainment, director Charlie David refers to the cast of drag artists as being “fearless in their honesty and vulnerability,” which he says makes every episode captivating. He suggests viewers can expect “inspiring resilience, and a celebration of self-discovery unlike anything we’ve showcased before.”

Forrester says there are several aspects about the series that make it unique. “It has become a really cool space where you have drag queens, drag kings, drag things, and monarchs, clowns, and all sorts of drag creatures!” they exclaim. “I think often when people think of drag, they only think of queens, or men dressing as women; whereas I was raised as a girl, but I do hyper-femme drag. That causes people to raise eyebrows, sometimes,” they admit. “For me, it is a place to play with gender, and play with expression.”

The reality series is also one of very few that offers participants final approval in the editing room. Forrester says some programs in this genre exist in a moral or ethical grey zone where people have no creative say over how they are being portrayed. “It felt like an environment where we could take risks and be honest and open and vulnerable in a lot of ways, because we knew that at the end of the day, we got to say what went and what didn’t.”

The series has been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards including Best Lifestyle Program or Series. Forrester notes their participation has been cheered by family and friends, but also by complete strangers who have reached out.

As a burgeoning drag artist, Forrester says they hope to move into the cabaret drag scene and plans to transform the 15-minute solo performance created during the series into a one-hour routine.

As for the potential for a documentary like Drag Heals to dispel some of the beliefs that are often unfairly projected onto drag artists, Forrester says the show is open to everyone. Whether you are part of the queer community, whether you are a fierce ally, or just curious, “Drag can be for you.”

The series is currently being streamed around the world and can be viewed on Apple TV and Amazon Prime platforms.

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Appeals court rules English boards are exempt from parts of Bill 101

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A Quebec Superior Court judgement that suspended parts of the Charter of the French Language still stands, after a Quebec appeals court judge rejected challenges to the ruling by the Quebec government on May 31. As a result, school boards may continue to communicate in English with other anglophone organizations until the courts officially rule on a legal challenge to Bill 96.

According to a report in the Montreal Gazette, Judge Geneviève Marcotte dismissed an application to appeal by Quebec’s attorney general and the Office québécoais de la langue française in a nine-page ruling. This means English boards remain exempt from six articles of Bill 101 relating to communication, contracts, and the provision of services, for the time being.

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is behind the challenge to Bill 96 and the request for a stay. The New Frontiers School Board (NFSB) holds intervenor status in this case, along with the Quebec English School Boards Association and the province’s six other English school boards. “The judge said there’s no urgency in the situation that can’t wait,” explains John Ryan, the chair of the council of commissioners for the NFSB. He suggests the ruling is another positive sign the courts are recognizing the English community’s right to govern and manage its education system.

The judge also ruled that the EMSB may challenge a part of the Superior Court ruling that equates English school boards to school service centres. “There is no comparison at all,” says Ryan, who points out school boards are run by a council that is democratically elected, while service centres are governed by a board with much less influence and a government-appointed director general.

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Sainte-Barbe launches new municipal website

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Callan Forrester – LJI reporter

At the end of May, the municipality of Sainte-Barbe launched its new website: ste-barbe.com, with the goal of improving communication with residents, visitors, and partners. It has also made it more user-friendly, with a streamlined design, so that users have easier access to information like news, activities, bylaws, recreational facilities, and more.

At the website’s launch, the mayor of the town, Louise Lebrun, shared that “We’re proud to launch this new communications tool, which is in line with our 2023-2030 strategic plan and inspired by our new, streamlined, avant-garde brand image. Our old website had reached the end of its useful life. With this new tool, we are affirming our desire to modernize our services, while confirming our commitment to the community.”

One of the main updates involves permit applications to the Service de l’urbanisme, de l’environnement et du développement: these can now be done online. 

“Many hours of work went into the creation of this new website, with its intuitive structure and enriched content. In addition to buttons leading to the most frequently consulted pages, a powerful search engine makes it easy to get straight to the point. We are convinced that this new site will quickly become an indispensable resource for all those who deal with Sainte-Barbe,” said the municipal councilor responsible for communications, Johanne Béliveau.

The municipality also encourages residents to subscribe to its online newsletter to make sure they aren’t missing important details about the town. This will help to reduce paper consumption, as the news is usually printed in the municipal newsletter, Le Barberivain.

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Province funds compost bins in three Haut-Saint-Laurent municipalities

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The provincial government is investing over $83,000 in the municipalities of Howick, Saint-Anicet, and Sainte-Barbe for the purchase of residential organic waste collection equipment.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville and the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry will also benefit from significant funding through the Programme de traitement des matières organiques par biométhanisation et compostage (PTMOBC), which is part of Quebec’s Stratégie de valorisation de la matière organique (SVMO).

A section of the PTMOBC program was designed to provide financial support to municipalities, Aboriginal communities, and the private sector for the acquisition of collection equipment to recover organic matter through composting or biomethanization. To date, the government has provided financial backing for 82 projects, bringing the total contribution to nearly $13.3 million.

The municipality of Saint-Anicet received $40,403 to help provide 1,800 organic waste or compost collection bins to residents. The financing covers almost half of the projected cost of $88,494. The municipality of Howick will receive up to $17,654 to acquire 354 bins. The municipality of Sainte-Barbe will now be able to offer residential organic waste collection to 959 households throughout its territory, thanks to an investment of $25,045.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will receive $77,048 towards the acquisition of 11,366 bins, of which the total cost is estimated at $395,186. A funding request by the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry was approved for $575,241; this will go towards the purchase of 23,635 bins at an estimated total cost of $2,047,300.

When combined, this new equipment will allow for the collection of an estimated 13,888 tonnes of organic material or compost per year, which includes 578 tonnes between the three municipalities in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.

“Today, we know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill sites is an effective way of combatting climate change,” said Benoit Charette, minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. In a press release issued by the government confirming the investment in Sainte-Barbe, the minister noted the positive impact of municipal compost programs, and the keen interest expressed by many Quebecers to be helping to find solutions to environmental issues.

Organic waste accounts for around 55 per cent of the 5.8 million tonnes of residual materials disposed of each year in Quebec. The waste sector, which produces some 4.55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, is the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the province. The government has set an objective of providing collection services for organic matter across the province by 2025.

“This project is another fine example of the commitment of local people to protecting the environment and playing an active part in the fight against climate change in Quebec,” said Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, in reference to the initiative in Sainte-Barbe.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge we must all take up together, for our own good and that of future generations,” she added.

Province funds compost bins in three Haut-Saint-Laurent municipalities Read More »

CISSSMO closes beds, asks the public to avoid emergency rooms

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The management of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO) has closed hospital beds and is asking the public to avoid hospital emergency rooms whenever possible over the coming weeks as it copes with severe labour shortages.

The precarious situation in the hospitals has to do with government legislation aimed at phasing out the use of private health agencies.

“As the measures set out in the Act limiting the use of personnel placement agencies and independent workers in the health and social services sector takes effect, the new agency contracts that came into force this week are more restrictive,” explained a communications representative for the CISSSMO. This led directly to a reduction in the number of agency workers available to work in CISSSMO facilities.

As a result, the CISSSMO has been forced to temporarily reorganise its service offering, particularly in hospitals, to prioritize patient care and services. At least 20 beds were closed at the Suroît hospital after activities in the temporary complex located next to the emergency department were reduced. The CISSSMO says that several intensive steps have been implemented to limit the impact on patients, and there are no imminent plans to close additional beds. However, they are monitoring the situation very closely as it evolves.

A vast campaign to hire agency employees was carried out, and nearly 100 workers have joined the public health organization, but the situation remains quite tenuous.

According to the CISSSMO, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, as well as neighbouring health and social service centres and university health and social service centres, have agreed to provide support during this transition period.

The CISSSMO has confirmed that it is redistributing the territories for ambulances, where vehicles carrying residents from certain municipalities will be directed to nearby hospitals, including the Barrie Memorial in Ormstown, to ease the pressure at the Suroît hospital and Anna Laberge Hospital in Chateauguay.

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Three municipalities join network to help victims of domestic violence

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The municipalities of Dundee, Howick and Très-Saint-Sacrement are taking a stand against domestic violence.

All three have partnered with Commerces-Secours to join the network of local businesses and organizations offering a welcoming haven where victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse can go to access support.

Dundee’s mayor, Linda Gagnon, says the initiative started with a suggestion by director general Marc Michot that the municipality do something about violence against women. “We were looking for something that was already organized and structured,” she explains. Fortunately, the two soon found themselves in a meeting that included a presentation on the Commerces-Secours program. “We jumped at the chance!” she exclaims.

A Commerces-Secours sticker is now displayed in the front window of the town hall, and all municipal employees have received awareness training so they can welcome and reassure victims while directing them to a designated space in the building equipped with a telephone and appropriate resources. Those working in the post office housed in the same building have received the same training.

“It is important,” says the mayor, who notes the municipality has previously dealt with incidences related to domestic violence. “We are very isolated,” she admits, while suggesting that because the town hall, post office, and municipal park are all located in the same space, victims will be able to come without raising suspicion. “Citizens have been reacting very, very positively,” she confirms.

Sonia Viau, a support worker with Résidence-Elle du Haut-Saint-Laurent, which is a partner organization with Commerces-Secours, says their goal is to have an affiliated location in each municipality. She says strategic locations such as the town hall in Dundee, as well as those in Howick and Très-Saint-Sacrement, are very important. “If a victim goes to ask for help and is turned away, she won’t seek help again,” she explains, highlighting the importance of the awareness training provided by Commerce-Secours partner organizations.

The network now includes at least nine businesses and organizations across the Vaudreuil-Soulages region, as well as Beauharnois-Salaberry, and the Haut-Saint-Laurent. According to Viau, Commerces-Secours has seen a spike in new member organizations following the March 14 launch of its new website and branding. She says they have received around ten new requests from businesses and organizations in the Vaudreuil area, and at least five located in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Gagnon says she is hopeful that more municipalities in the Haut-Saint-Laurent will follow Dundee’s lead and join the network.

For more information on the Commerces-Secours network, contact Sonia Viau at rellesensibilisation@hotmail.com.

Three municipalities join network to help victims of domestic violence Read More »

Havelock mayor resigns over toxic work environment

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

For the second time in less than three years, the mayor of the municipality of Havelock has resigned.

Havelock’s director general, Mylène Vincent, tabled Gerald Beaudoin’s official resignation at the start of the May 6 regular council meeting, along with the resignation of councillor number six, Christopher Sherrington. Both positions were subsequently declared vacant.

Beaudoin was elected to the position of mayor during the byelection on November 20, 2022, following the sudden resignation of Stephane Gingras who had won the 2021 municipal election a year earlier.

Beaudoin had previously served as mayor between 1987 and 1992 and he was approached to run again by community members. There were rumblings of some problems at the council table, and he says he thought he could be of some help.

“Last September, I flagged a problem, and suggested several ways to solve this, and unfortunately no progress was made,” says Beaudoin. “I decided skills other than mine were required to rectify the situation,” he adds.

The former mayor admits he was reluctant to resign at this point because he knew it would trigger an election. “At my age, I don’t need to be working in a toxic environment,” he says, referring to the reported atmosphere around the council table. “I thought the sooner we get on with this, the better.”

Beaudoin says he was privileged to have worked with Vincent at the municipality, and he thanks the members of the community for their support during his time as mayor. “I hope there are better days ahead for Havelock,” he concludes.

A byelection for both the position of mayor and councillor seat number six will take place simultaneously in the coming weeks; however, an official date has not been announced. Vincent says the date will be confirmed as early as possible, either during the regular council meeting scheduled to take place on June 3 or during a special meeting later in the month.

In the meantime, the role of acting mayor has been filled by councillor number one, Hélène Lavallée, who was appointed to the position of deputy mayor by resolution during a special meeting on December 19, 2023.

Havelock mayor resigns over toxic work environment Read More »

Wind energy project pulls turbines from Hemmingford

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Over 70 people attended a public consultation on April 29 organized by Kruger Energy, the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke about the Les Jardins wind-energy project. The meeting was held at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre.

The 147-megawatt project will see the construction of a network of 21 wind turbines in the municipalities of Saint-Patrice-de-Sherrington, Saint-Édouard, and Saint-Michel.

Locals were surprised to learn that Kruger Energy no longer expects to build two turbines in the Township of Hemmingford, though the municipality is still involved as electricity will be transmitted via a new substation to be built there.

Jean-Robert Poulin, project development director for Kruger Energy, emphasized that the project is still in the planning phase and could evolve based on impact studies, regulatory requirements, and consultations with local stakeholders and communities.

Poulin confirmed that an environmental impact assessment – including several sound studies and models, a shadow analysis, a landscape study including a visibility analysis and visual simulations, an archaeological assessment, and biological inventories – will be finalized before the end of the year.

Initial presentations will also be submitted to the Bureau d’audiences publique sur l’environnement (BAPE) and the Commission de protection du territoire agricole (CPTAQ) by December. The ensuing approval and permitting process is expected to take up much of 2026. Construction will begin in 2027 and Kruger Energy anticipates the wind farm will be operational by December 2028.

Many concerns were voiced regarding costs, the assessment process, turbine placement, whether follow-ups would take place, and the eventual dismantling of the turbines. Several participants mentioned the meeting could have been better publicized.

The next consultation is expected to take place before the impact assessment is finalized in November, with another happening before the start of construction in April 2027.

Wind energy project pulls turbines from Hemmingford Read More »

Franklin audit recommends improving access to information  

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The final report on an audit of the municipality of Franklin, which was requested by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ) following an investigation, was tabled during the May 6 regular municipal council meeting.

The original investigation expressed concerns about the budgetary process undertaken by the municipality. The final version of the audit report on Franklin’s financial reporting, which focused on activities from 2021 to 2023, was published on April 23.

The audit concluded that “The municipality’s financial reporting does not provide citizens with all of the information they need to fully understand the municipality’s finances.” The audit also found that while the council had access to numerous documents during the budget preparation and adoption process, these documents did not contain all the information required to make informed decisions.

The report, which was produced by the Vice-présidence à la verification, recommended the municipality ensure all the information required for citizens to understand the municipality’s finances are produced and made available in a timely manner. The report also recommended the municipality review and improve the documents presented to the council during the preparation and adoption of the budget, including information on the status of debt and accumulated operating surpluses, and information to help the council understand the choices made and variations in budget forecasts.

The commission has asked the municipality to create an action plan to address the recommendations within three months and will follow up on the recommendations after three years.

In a response included with the final report, the municipality stated that several changes have already been made and that the necessary measures to communicate the municipality’s financial information adequately and effectively will be put in place.

Franklin audit recommends improving access to information   Read More »

MAPAQ asks dairy producers to watch for avian flu symptoms in cattle

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A rare spillover infection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza to a cow has resulted in an outbreak of the disease on dairy farms in nine U.S. states. In response, Quebec has developed a strategy to prevent, monitor, and protect against the spread of the disease.

The United States Department of Agriculture informed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that a case of pathogenic avian influenza had been confirmed in dairy cattle on March 25. As of May 12, at least 42 cases were confirmed in the United States. Currently, no cases have been detected in Canada.

According to Dr. Luc Bergeron, the head veterinarian at the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ), avian flu does not cause mortality in cattle, but it can produce negative economic impacts on a farm. There is a possibility that transmission could occur between dairy and poultry farms, where the consequences are much more catastrophic. He cautions there is also a concern the virus could mutate and become more virulent, or more easily transmissible to humans.

The disease impacts older dairy cows and those that have been in milk for over 150 days. In all cases milk production will drop in an infected cow. The milk will also be thicker in consistency, becoming like colostrum. The animal will also have a decreased appetite. Morbidity is around 10 per cent, and clinical signs usually last from 10 to 14 days.

Bergeron said biosecurity measures should now be implemented on farms and the introduction of new cattle should be limited. Any symptoms should be reported to the CFIA and the MAPAQ, which will conduct an epidemiological investigation. Bergeron confirmed that in the event a positive case is identified, the farm will be required to self-quarantine.

MAPAQ asks dairy producers to watch for avian flu symptoms in cattle Read More »

CISSSMO is now screening for deafness in infants

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Recently, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO) introduced an early hearing detection program to screen newborn babies for hearing issues.

The service was introduced at the Hôpital du Suroît’s Centre mère-enfant birthing centre in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield on March 18, and the hospital had already screened 80 babies as of April 19.

PHOTO CISSSMO
Only hours old, newborn Jackie James Fenlon was the first baby to benefit from the new early hearing detection program at the Hôpital du Suroît’s Centre mère-enfant birthing centre in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

“Nursing assistants are specially trained to detect early deafness from the very first days of life. In this way, early interventions can be undertaken to reduce the impact of deafness on the child’s development,” shares Catherine Brousseau, a communications representative for the CISSSMO.

Babies born at the Hôpital du Suroît can now be screened free of charge before being discharged. However, in the event a new family is not seen before being discharged, they are welcome to make an appointment for their infant as an outpatient and return for the screening.

The CISSSMO says that four in 1000 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss. These tests are a quick way to see if a baby may be affected. Participation in the program is offered to all parents for their infants; however, it is voluntary, and a consent form must be signed in order to participate.

The service will also be available starting this spring at the Hôpital Anna-Laberge birth pavilion in Chateauguay. The process is a simple one, and Brousseau assures parents that “The screening test is rapid, painless, and harmless for the baby. The tests can be carried out on a newborn as early as 24 hours old to the age of one month old.”

CISSSMO is now screening for deafness in infants Read More »

The Complices Alimentaires adds more fruit and vegetable freezers to its network

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The Complices Alimentaires inaugurated the latest addition to its network of fruit and vegetable freezers at the Huntingdon Medical Centre on April 18.

The “smart” or self-serve freezer is now stocked with low-cost frozen fruits and vegetables from local farms that was processed and packaged as part of an employability program at Huntingdon’s École Arthur-Pigeon high school. The affordable products are now available for purchase through a social pricing system, where clients pay what they can afford.

New freezers were also recently installed in Mercier and Chateauguay, bringing the total number of service points to ten locations, including the Hemmingford post office, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, the town hall in Dundee, and La Bouffe Additionnelle. The organization, which reduces food waste by recuperating locally harvested fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go bad, also has plans to install a freezer in the library at the Valleyfield CEGEP.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
Nathalie Collin of the Complices Alimentaires inaugurated the new ‘smart’ freezer at the Huntingdon Medical Centre on April 18 with Dr. Fabienne Djandij, who co-owns the building.

Project manager Nathalie Collin says the collective is now receiving requests from different organizations to install more freezers. She says the challenge for this year will be its employability program, which now includes 15 employees. “We believe that if we are going to improve the lives of those working for us, we need to pay them,” she explains, noting there are no volunteers.

“We have been able to help numerous young people gain access to the job market,” says Collin, but, she admits, this involves an investment in time and energy to ensure the employees are well supported. This is the first year since the project started that the Complices have maintained their employees throughout the year.

The “smart” freezer in the Huntingdon Medical Centre was installed thanks to funding from the Table de concertation en sécurité alimentaire du Haut-Saint-Laurent. “When they approached us, we jumped at the opportunity,” says Marie-Josée Fournier, who co-owns the medical centre with Dr. Fabienne Djandji. “We are very happy with the freezer and with what it brings to the population. Everyone can eat, and it doesn’t cost very much.”

The Complices Alimentaires adds more fruit and vegetable freezers to its network Read More »

Huntingdon BMO closes its doors

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Clients of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) in Huntingdon will now have to do their banking at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield location or switch their accounts to one of the two remaining banking institutions in the town.

The Huntingdon BMO was closed on April 26. Shortly before 5 p.m. security professionals in a Garda truck pulled up to the Chateauguay Street location to empty the ATM. White coverings were installed over the Bank of Montreal signs, and the doors were locked.

All bank accounts, loans, and investments with the Huntingdon branch have automatically been transferred to the location on rue Nicholson in Valleyfield.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
The Bank of Montreal in Huntingdon was permanently closed on April 26. All accounts have been transferred to the nearest branch in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

The decision to close the Huntingdon branch was made public last September when signs announcing the change and thanking customers for their loyalty were posted inside the bank. A public meeting took place on November 21, where clients were told the decision to close was final and the full-service ATM would be removed.

“The transition is going well,” said Jeff Roman, the director of Enterprise Media Relations with BMO. In an email, he confirmed that the “BMO team at our Valleyfield branch is welcoming customers from Huntingdon.”

According to Roman, the four employees from the Huntingdon branch have transitioned to the Valleyfield location or to other opportunities within the BMO network. He did not comment on the future of the now-empty building in Huntingdon, though it was previously revealed it would be put up for sale.

Huntingdon BMO closes its doors Read More »

Historic O’Connor Building gets a second life

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Work has begun to restore the historic O’Connor Building in Huntingdon.

The century-old structure, which was listed as a heritage building by the town of Huntingdon in 2009, had been abandoned for several years before a fire last April resulted in significant damage.

Built in 1915, the building included a restaurant, a post office, movie theatre, and several other businesses and organizations over the years. Now, owner Howard Greenspoon of the Montreal-based holding company Greenvest Enterprises, Inc. plans to restore the building for residential purposes.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
The historic O’Connor Building is being restored in Huntingdon.

Work began months ago to stabilize the structure from the inside. The annex at the rear of the building where the fire originated was recently demolished and is currently being rebuilt. According to Huntingdon mayor André Brunette, an engineer reported that most of the damage caused by fire was limited to the annex; however, the front section was badly affected by smoke and water damage. Water had also been infiltrating the building from holes in the roof for years.

“We had no choice but to demolish the interior of the building, including the entire roof and upper floor,” says Greenspoon, who admits the structure was in jeopardy of collapsing following the fire. He says the town agreed to issue a building permit, provided the original façade was maintained along with the look or character of the building.

“What was important for the town was to preserve the building,” says Huntingdon director general Johanne Hébert, who confirms the town has been working closely with Greenspoon on the project.

During the April 2 regular meeting of the municipal council, the town introduced a revitalization program for the restoration of historic buildings in the downtown area.

The main objectives of the program will be to provide support to the owners of buildings of particular interest for restorative work, to rehabilitate the built environment, and to preserve historic buildings within the town. As part of the program, financial assistance for a maximum period of ten years, including in the form of a tax credit, can be offered to property owners.

Brunette confirms the project to restore the O’Connor Building corresponds with the criteria set out in the program. “It is a $2.5 million investment,” he says, of the work being done by Greenspoon, while pointing out that to benefit from the program, the exterior structure of the building, including the façade and the lettering, must remain the same.

“We are doing our best to try to salvage this important heritage property which will hopefully be enjoyed once again by the people of Huntingdon,” says Greenspoon.

The town is also working on a zoning bylaw that will convert the commercial space to residential and allow for the creation of 20 apartments in the building. Parking for the residents will be underground. Brunette says there is already some interest in the apartments.

Historic O’Connor Building gets a second life Read More »

Judge stays parts of Bill 96 to allow the use of English in school board communications

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A ruling issued by a Quebec Superior Court judge on April 10 has suspended certain provisions of the province’s language charter that required English school board written communications be issued exclusively in French.

In a 38-page decision, Justice Suzanne Courchesne stayed six articles of Bill 96 relating to communication, contracts, and the provision of services. These provisions required, among other things, that English School Boards communicate only in French when interacting with English-speaking groups and community organizations, including the Quebec English School Boards Association and the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec.

The English Montreal School Board, which requested the stay of proceedings last November, is also behind a legal challenge to the constitutionality of Bill 96. The board argued that the suspension of several provisions would prevent the organization from undergoing irreparable harm while the court weighs the legal challenge to the language legislation.

Courchesne states in her decision that, “Clearly, the prohibition on English school boards using English in their written communications, contracts, and services with partners from the minority language community, in the majority of situations, causes them serious and irreparable harm.”

The ruling does include an exception for situations where the partner or co-contractor of the school board requires the use of the official French language.

The stay extends to all English school boards and will remain in place until a judgement is issued by the court on Bill 96.

John Ryan, the chair of the New Frontiers School Board Council of Commissioners, says those involved with the constitutionality lawsuit expect the legal battle may drag on. The NFSB was granted intervenor status in the EMSB’s request for the stay, along with the Quebec English School Boards Association and six other English school boards.

“It appears to be a common-sense judgement,” says Ryan, who suggests the ruling is “another piece that supports the arguments we have been putting forward all along” regarding the constitutionality of the law.

“Had this stay not come through it would have certainly made things more challenging,” Ryan acknowledges. He says there is little doubt that requiring school boards to divert resources to accommodate unnecessary rules would have resulted in negative consequences.

“We don’t restrict ourselves to English when French is required,” Ryan maintains. He points out that school boards like the NFSB have traditionally operated bilingually. “We communicate in French in many instances,” he says, suggesting this is something they have been doing all along.

Ryan says he recognizes the stay represents good news for the English-speaking community. “There is a little hope,” he admits, while hesitating to suggest whether this ruling might be a precursor to something bigger.

“Bill 96 is a serious case and a fundamental case, so we will just have to wait.”

Judge stays parts of Bill 96 to allow the use of English in school board communications Read More »

Volunteers make a very big difference for CHSLD residents

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Everyone who knows Huntingdon resident Shirley Stark knows not to organize anything with her on Tuesday afternoons.

For the past 35 years, Stark has been volunteering every Tuesday afternoon at the Huntingdon Residential and Long-term Care Centre (CHSLD), where she leads a team of volunteers in organizing small concerts by local musicians as part of the Tender Loving Care program. She first learned of the musical therapy program while visiting her father when he was a resident of the care centre. She began volunteering right away and has never looked back.

At 91 years old, Stark says her work with the residents over the years has played a very important part in her life. “When you see their smiles and how they are enjoying themselves, you enjoy coming,” she says, while adding that her volunteer experience has been very rewarding.

Along with Stark, the team of volunteers behind the Tender Loving Care program includes Dawn Fleming, Mary Shewchuk, Denise Brown, Diane Hayvren, Mary Savage, Muguette Quenneville, and Vicky Krajcar. “We have all stuck together and developed friendships out of it all,” says Stark, who is careful to include the musicians as volunteers as well.

“We are so fortunate the musicians all like to come. They give us a lovely afternoon of music,” says Stark, of the different bands and groups who happily play free of charge for the residents each week.

Around 85 per cent of the 60 residents at the CHSLD take part regularly in the TLC afternoons. Many have limited mobility and are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but this does not matter to the TLC team. Stark says they work to create a festive atmosphere, where the volunteers dance and interact with residents. “They know we are going to look after them for the afternoon,” says Stark of the trusting bond the volunteers develop with the residents.

Stark says she is often struck by the way music reaches the residents. When the bands play certain songs, they can sing along to every word. There are often requests for specific songs as well. She remembers one woman who was always agitated during the musical afternoons. When the volunteers discovered she was a former music teacher, they wheeled her up to the piano. “When she put her hands on it, she just played beautifully,” recalls Stark. “We remember them all fondly,” she says, with a smile.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
Volunteers with the CISSSMO were able to enjoy a recent performance by Elvis tribute artist Sylvain Leduc. Events such as this would not be possible without these dedicated volunteers. 

The staff are also very aware of the importance of these afternoons, as are the families of residents, who sometimes join in on the fun. Véronique Blais, a communications and public affairs representative with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO), says volunteers make a significant contribution to improving and maintaining the quality of life of residents and their families. Their work complements that of the healthcare teams and provides a more human care experience for residents, she explains.

There are 52 active volunteers with the Huntingdon CHSLD, which is significant considering there has been a significant decrease in the number of people donating their time throughout the CISSSMO since the start of the pandemic. “We currently estimate that there are 300 volunteers across all our facilities,” says Blais, who notes there were upwards of 600 volunteers prior to 2020. She says the CISSSMO is now recruiting new volunteers in the hope of matching their pre-COVID numbers by 2025.

Stark says the pandemic stopped the TLC Tuesdays for a while, and there have been a couple of afternoons where the activity has been cancelled due to an outbreak of illness or COVID in the building. Her group of dedicated volunteers doesn’t hesitate to get back to work once visitors are allowed to return. “We have to rock the boat and keep going,” she says of their devotion to the residents and the program.

“Shirley is a role model,” says Lisa de Repentigny, who works as a leisure technician at the CHSLD. “She likes music, she likes people, and it is very easy for her to come,” she explains, while highlighting how important the work of volunteers like Stark and her TLC crew are to the residents.

“We see a big change in our residents,” de Repentigny says. “[The volunteers] bring a little bit of normalcy,” she adds. “We are very lucky to have them.”

Volunteers make a very big difference for CHSLD residents Read More »

Cuts to Canada Summer Jobs program will impact employers, young people

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The budget allocated to the Canada Summer Jobs program for the Salaberry-Suroît region has once again been cut by the federal government.

“It was with great disappointment that I noted another three-per-cent cut in funding for the program compared with 2023,” wrote local MP Claude DeBellefeuille, in a communication to area employers who had applied for funding to hire young workers over the summer.

The drop in funding amounts to nearly $24,000 less in wage subsidies compared to last year. This, when added to considerable cuts made in 2023, represents about 40 per cent of the 2022 budget for the riding. In 2022, the region benefitted from $1,262,598 in funding. The 2023 budget was cut back to $830,771, and the 2024 budget is currently $806,791.

In 2023, the program financed at least 219 employment opportunities, while the same program provided funding for over 365 jobs in 2022.

“It is the region’s young people who will suffer, as they will be deprived of many job opportunities,” said DeBellefeuille, while noting many employers who applied to the program for this summer will receive no funding or an amount that will fall short of their needs.

The MP said she disagrees with the decision to restrict funding, and she is currently working to ensure that the Ministry of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth, and Minister Marci Ien, are aware of the impact these cuts will have on the community.

DeBellefeuille noted she would be keeping a close eye on any developments with the program.

Cuts to Canada Summer Jobs program will impact employers, young people Read More »

Farmers stage protest, demand government support

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A convoy of more than 105 tractors left Saint-Clet for Vaudreuil on April 10, as part of a demonstration staged by more than 250 frustrated producers over the looming crisis in agriculture and government inaction.

Several Valley producers made the trek, most by car or pickup, to add their voices to what became a resounding cry for the government to put a stop to the pressure mounting on farmers.

Protesting producers called on the government for better support, regulatory relief, a reduction in red tape and bureaucracy, a review of agricultural financing, and the introduction of fair environmental, health, and economic standards that will allow farmers to remain competitive in international markets.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie

Jérémie Letellier, the president of the Fédération de l’Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) de la Montérégie, admitted to the crowd that he was taken aback by the number of tractors, while suggesting he had underestimated the level of frustration farmers were experiencing and their support for the growing protest movement.

“Our current governments take us for granted,” said Letellier. “If agriculture were important to our governments, there would be no foreign products on our shelves at a fraction of the cost of production for our producers. There would be true reciprocity of standards. If agriculture were important to our governments, there wouldn’t be a mountain of red tape and bureaucracy, there would be regulatory relief!” he exclaimed, to rousing applause and cheers from the crowd.

Letellier was joined by the presidents from local UPA syndicates, including Beauharnois-Salaberry, the Haut-Saint-Laurent, the Jardins-de-Napierville, Roussillon, and Vaudreuil-Soulanges. He was also flanked by Martin Caron, the general president of the UPA, as well as representatives from the Association de la relève agricole de la Montérégie, and several producers who spoke on behalf of their respective agricultural sectors.

The protest in Vaudreuil was the second in a trio of demonstrations that took place last week. A convoy of over 220 tractors rolled through the streets of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on April 5, where over 400 producers gathered in front of the office Louis Lemieux, the MNA for Saint-Jean. Another 160 tractors made their way through the city of Saint-Hyacinthe on April 12, passing by the office of Chantal Soucy, the MNA for Saint-Hyacinthe, before joining a rally staged by over 300 producers and young farmers.

“It is the local unions who are building this movement,” said Éric Leboeuf, the president of the Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA syndicate. “The important thing is to have more recognition from the government. It’s not normal for people to eat three times a day but less than one percent of the budget is allocated to agriculture,” he pointed out.

“We are being asked to be more and more accountable. The administrative tasks are heavy, and they take up a lot of our time and resources when we already know how to feed people,” he said. “We do it well. We take care of the environment. We have ways of doing things that are getting better and better. We are the solution!” he exclaimed, insisting it is not the government putting action into place. 

Leboeuf’s words were echoed by Ange-Marie Delforge, the president of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges UPA syndicate, who said she was moved but concerned to see so many producers gathered in protest. “We are professionals in agriculture, but the government does not recognize us as such!” she exclaimed, lamenting, “We are far from a priority.”

Hinchinbrooke-based dairy producer Noel Erskine was among the crowd waving a rally sign demanding more support for young farmers. Having taken over his family’s farm two years ago, he said things are going well, but it’s hard work balancing increased expenses with productivity.

“We are a dairy farm, and as a collective we’ve decided that consumers want us to go in a certain direction in terms of animal welfare and how their food is produced. That doesn’t come without a cost. It requires investment, and with investment comes interest rates,” he sighed. “We are just looking for the government to make sure they have our back, because it feels like they haven’t been helping as much as they should,” Erskine added.

Also waving a sign was Josée Lajeunesse, an outspoken advocate for mental health services for farmers and co-owner of the Domaine du Paysan nursery and garden centre in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka. “We’ve come to the point where we spend more time in the office than in the field or greenhouses,” she said. “At some point, well, it’s exhausting!” she exclaimed. “And if the farmer is not doing well, their mental health takes a mean hit. And that’s what needs saving too. We must save our farmers,” she added.

Farmers stage protest, demand government support Read More »

Pet therapy benefits NFSB students and staff

Local Journalism Initiative / / / ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Chateauguay Valley Regional High School’s vice-principal, Sandra Grant, first began working with pet therapist Chantal Pion during the pandemic.

“We were noticing anxiety levels were rising, and we were worried about the students coming back,” says Grant, who was working at Howard S. Billings high school in Chateauguay at the time. “When I came to CVR as vice-principal, I said there was no way I was coming without my dogs!” she exclaims, referring to Pion and her team of professionally trained therapy animals.

Grant had previously worked at CVR, but shortly after returning last fall, she says she noticed a change. “There was a different kind of stress including past anxieties from COVID that needed to be dealt with,” she explains. “I wanted to do something and having had such great success with pet therapy at Billings, I knew it really worked.”

PHOTOS Sarah Rennie
A Grade 8 student bonds with Monsieur Emile during a recent pet therapy session at CVR.

Grant turned to Megan L’Heureux, a community development agent with the New Frontiers School Board, who was tasked with finding a way to fund the project. L’Heureux reached out to the Montérégie West Community Network, a long-time partner with the NFSB, which was able to finance the pet therapy visits with a grant received through the Youth and mental health initiative offered by the Community Health and Social Services Network.

Once the funding was secured, Grant says they began to look at which students might benefit the most from this service. Results from a school survey indicated girls in Grade 8 were suffering from higher levels of anxiety, so the administration decided to focus their efforts on a core group of around 12 students from this grade level. “It is the end of a cycle. They are just on the cusp of senior school, when anxiety levels can rise even higher,” explains Grant.

The program, which started officially on March 14, includes 30-minute visits with the animals every two weeks, for a total of eight weeks. Pion has now been to CVR twice with her animal companions, including Happy the turtle dove, bunnies Choupette and Luna, dogs Beatrice, Rosalie, and Monsieur Emile, as well as a fluffy guinea pig. The students enter the room one-at-a-time and Pion observes them as they naturally gravitate toward one of the animals. Pion is provided with some background details on each student, and she works closely with Donna Roberts of CVR’s Mediation Station, who follows up with the girls after each session.

Pion says she has already noticed a difference in the participants from the first to second session. “We work on the students’ emotions,” she explains. “For some kids it is hard just to come into the school, and now they have a good reason,” she says. “We are not here to try to fix the problem, but to help them to live with this problem,” she adds. Spending time with the animals is calming, and bonding activities help to improve self-esteem and boost confidence.

“There are so many benefits. As a dog owner, I know,” says CVR principal Lynn Harkness, who admits they wish the program could be extended to the entire school. She says they are hoping to develop the program for next year. “We are very blessed to have this opportunity,” she continues, noting the animals are beneficial for her staff as well.

NFSB community development agent Megan L’Heureux worked with CVR vice-principal Sandra Grant and staff member Donna Roberts, as well as Joanne Basilières of the MWCN, to bring pet therapist Chantal Pion and her team of therapy animals to CVR.

HAECC students get in some pets

Pion also visited students at HAECC with her animals on March 18. The visit was organized by NFSB community learning technician Mckenzie Hooker in partnership with the MWCN. All six groups within the school, including the social integration classes, horticulture, and landscaping students, and those in the academic program, spent some time with the animal companions. Staff members were also able to enjoy some time with the animals before the end of the day.

“I wanted to bring a bit of happy into the school,” says Hooker, who admits the purpose of Pion’s visit was not the same as her work at CVR. “The students just melted toward the animals,” she says, confirming the initiative was a success.

Pet therapy benefits NFSB students and staff Read More »

NFSB welcomes new education dashboard

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Quebec government has launched a new education dashboard to publicly track and transparently report information about the sector.

The platform provides access to relevant and reliable information on nine indicators, including graduation rates at different levels, the results of ministerial examinations at the secondary level, job vacancies, and air quality in schools. Some of the statistics are available at the provincial level, while others are searchable and provide data on specific school boards or service centres.

“Having access to data is essential to making informed decisions and providing better support for our students,” said Education minister Bernard Drainville, in a post to social media.

The New Frontiers School Board is on the same page. “Our feeling is that it is good. The more information we have, the better,” says John Ryan, who chairs the NFSB’s Council of Commissioners. He admits however, that the way the new tool was announced by the Education Ministry was perhaps less appreciated. “It caught everyone off guard,” he says, suggesting there was absolutely no advance warning given to school boards or service centres that this information would be made so public.

For example, the dashboard shows general statistics such as the total number of students registered with the NFSB, but also detailed information on success rates for each ministerial exam. According to the platform, there were 3,164 jobs available within the public education sector as of last January, including two teaching and three support staff positions at the NFSB, and 21 positions within the Centre de services scolaire de la Vallée-des-Tisserands. It is also possible to compare between service centres or school boards.

Some within the sector have criticized the dashboard because it could pit boards or service centres against one another. Ryan says concerns over competition are real but may not be the best way to approach the dashboard and its usage. “There is such variety in schools from one region or community to another, including their social portraits,” he says, suggesting the tool works well to provide a more complete picture of what is going on within each board or service centre. 

“Having access to more data and more tools that we can work with is an immediate plus,” he says.

NFSB welcomes new education dashboard Read More »

Gault Institute creates opportunities while managing overcrowding

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Gault Institute principal Anick Leclerc started the school year in a scramble to find enough desks and furniture, after enough children to fill a separate classroom were registered at the last minute. Leclerc says the fact the school population is booming is a good thing, but it has meant thinking creatively and reaching out to new partners.

“Space is an issue,” says Leclerc, noting they were forced to close the cafeteria to create two additional teaching spaces. The school serves 180 hot lunches per day, and while some students are eating in classrooms, others are now dining on the stage in the gym. “It is not ideal,” she admits, acknowledging she has put plans to launch a breakfast program at the school on hold because of space constraints.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie
The front yard at Gault Institute in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield now includes several elements that make up the Kinder Garden, including an outdoor teaching space, a gazebo, and plenty of opportunities for creative learning.

The growing number of students has motivated Leclerc to reconsider almost everything, from class sizes, to creating outdoor teaching spaces, and adding additional recess periods to reduce the number of students on the playground and consequently the number of incidents and accidents.

“We really need to think,” Leclerc says. The school is currently renting the basement of a neighbouring church to use as a gym. “They are beautiful partners,” she exclaims, noting the school rents out its gym facilities to the church on Saturdays in return. “We share many things,” she says, including the playground.

The school has built what is referred to as a ‘Kinder Garden’ in the front yard, which includes a teaching space with tree stump seating, a play area, gazebo, and garden. The project cost $26,000 to put in place and included $10,000 in additional equipment. The idea behind the space is to inspire loose parts play, where students can learn from using natural or everyday objects in an unstructured environment.

Leclerc says she is focused on making the school feel safer and more homelike for her students and for the staff. She admits there is work to be done, and the space constraints make it tough at times. “We have never had this high of numbers at Gault,” she says, while pointing out the need for space is nothing new. The school has undergone three expansions since opening its doors in 1895. The latest addition, on the south side facing Dufferin Street, was completed in 2002. Now the New Frontiers School Board (NFSB) is hoping to expand again by adding a second floor to a section of the school to ease crowding.

“It is not easy on the staff, and we appreciate the effort they are making,” says John Ryan, the chair of the NFSB Council of Commissioners. He notes the board is also managing ballooning populations at the four Chateauguay elementary schools (Centennial Park, Harmony, Mary Gardner, and St. Willibrord) and at the Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre (CVCEC) in Ormstown.

Ryan says resolutions to apply for expansion have been approved and sent on to the Education Ministry. The board is hoping to hear back as early as this June as to whether the government will fund feasibility studies, which constitute the next stage in the expansion process.

Gault Institute creates opportunities while managing overcrowding Read More »

Local UPA elects new president

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles has selected a new president, following the retirement of long-time president and director Michel Hébert. Hinchinbrooke producer Éric Leboeuf will step into this role after he was formally elected during a gathering for the semi-annual general assembly on February 15 at Le Mangeoir in Saint-Anicet.

All the producers on the 20-member board of directors up for election retained their roles, while Guillaume Asselin, the co-owner of Le Mangeoir, was elected to replace incoming president Éric Leboeuf as the administrator representing direct-to-market farms. The election was presided over by Jérémie Letellier, the president of the UPA federation for the Montérégie, who later spoke about the many issues facing agricultural producers across the region.

At the conclusion of the election period, Hébert received a standing ovation for his dedication to the union which has spanned over 45 years. Vice-president Josiane Carrière spoke about his impact on local agriculture through the local union as well as his work at the provincial level. She also noted the achievements of the local syndicate under his presidency, which has been recognized for its bilingual status, as well as the number of women who sit on the board of directors, and numerous innovative initiatives that have taken place since the Saint-Anicet, Ormstown, and Chateauguay Valley syndicates officially merged in 2012.

Over 40 producers participated in the general assembly, which saw several resolutions pass on subjects relating to the Commission de protection du territoire Agricole du Québec (CPTAQ), the Financière Agricole du Québec and its programs for young farmers and successors, and the amount of administration and paperwork imposed on farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPAQ). Discussions also took place about fragmentation or dismantling of agricultural land, and the availability of mental health resources for anglophone farmers.

Producers were also informed of the work being done by the local syndicate. Following a resolution passed last February regarding the increase in backfill operations in the Haut-Saint-Laurent, the local UPA’s agri-environment committee has been very active on this file. Correspondences were sent to producers to clarify permitted practices, meetings took place with the regional council of mayors to request better supervision of backfill work at the municipal level, and directors consulted on an MRC interim control bylaw to ensure compatibility between regional land use planning and the regional wetland and water management plan.

Local directors have also consulted on several other key issues. For example, the regional federation recently worked with the union before transmitting its opinion to the CPTAQ about the installation of an asphalt factory on Covey Hill in Havelock. Members also consulted with Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette on the drafting of a white paper about farming in the Haut-Saint-Laurent and the financial situation facing agricultural producers. Finally, the union demanded the MRC hold more regular meetings of the waterways and agricultural advisory committees to better address issues specific to agricultural businesses.

Along with Letellier, the keynote speaker for the gathering was Ian Ward, who represents other plant producers and sits on the agri-environment committee. He spoke about a zero-carbon farming future and adapting agricultural practices to climate change. UPA president Martin Caron then spoke about union priorities at the provincial level before answering questions from producers in attendance.

Local UPA elects new president Read More »

Switch error caused Godmanchester train derailment

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has concluded its investigation into the 2022 derailment of a Canadian National Railway Company train, just outside Huntingdon in the municipality of Godmanchester. A report on the investigation, which was released on February 8, attributes the accident to an incorrectly positioned switch.

The conclusion is the result of an in-depth analysis of the incident which took place just after 7 p.m. on December 11, 2022, when two head-end locomotives and six intermodal platforms left the track while travelling over a “switch point derail” linked to a radio-controlled switch system.

The train was being operated by a CSX crew in the Carr siding of the CSX Transportation Montreal Subdivision when it left the track. There were no injuries, and no cars carrying dangerous goods were involved in the incident; however, around 400 litres of diesel fuel were spilled from the locomotives. There was some damage to part of the siding and the main track at the derailment point.

A statement issued by the TSB clarifies that a “derail” switch prevents unauthorized movements or movements of unattended rolling stock from entering the main track. Once in position, the device is designed to derail any equipment that rolls over it.

The investigation determined that the locomotive engineer was distracted when he entered the code for the radio-controlled switch. As a result, the power-operated derail was not set in the correct position to allow the train to enter the main track.

The report alleges that the crew then misinterpreted visual and radio signals confirming the switch position, stating: “The train crew concluded that the auditory and visual confirmations issued by the power-assisted switch system corresponded to the required route for the train to leave the siding.”

The report notes that “Most radio-controlled, power-assisted derail switches linked to railway signals in Canada are equipped with a separate position indicator light and a reflectorized sign,” before pointing out the Carr siding was not equipped with either of these. The report also alleges the crew was unable to visually confirm the switch’s position due to the time of day and their distance from its position.

Data recorded by locomotive voice and video recorders (LVVRs) suggests the train was travelling at 22 miles per hour and accelerating before it left the track. There was no recorded effort on the part of the locomotive engineer to engage the emergency brakes. Train-initiated emergency brakes were engaged after the lead locomotive derailed.

In this case, the investigation discovered that data recorded by the lead locomotives voice and video recorders (LVVRs) did not include any voice recording from inside the cab, making it impossible to determine the verbal communications between the train crew members before the accident.

The lack of audio was related to the georeferencing system, which deactivates cab voice recording while the train is operating in the United States in compliance with U.S. regulations. The accident occurred so close to the Canada-U.S. border that the system prevented the activation of the cab’s microphones.

Patrick Sirois, a senior regional investigator with the TSB Rail/Pipeline Investigations Branch, was responsible for the investigation into the incident, which included work in the field to examine the derailment site and the wreckage, as well as interviews with witnesses.

The TSB does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability; the objective of the report is to advance transportation safety. As a result of the investigation, the TSB sent a letter to Transport Canada suggesting the functionality of voice and video recorders used by railway companies be verified to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.

The Gleaner reached out to CSX for a comment on the investigation findings but did not receive a response by press time.  According to the report, CSX confirmed to the TSB that as a result of the 2022 incident, the precise location of derail switches have been added to its Montreal Subdivision timetable, while also specifying the normal position of each one. 

Switch error caused Godmanchester train derailment Read More »

Education professionals, blue-collar and healthcare workers approve contracts

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Quebecers should soon learn whether public sector workers have accepted the Front commun-negotiated agreement in principle made with the provincial government that was announced last December. Final results are expected to be out later this week, after a five-week voting period by CSN, CSQ, APTS and FTQ-affiliated union members came to an end on February 19.  

The intersectoral agreement provides for a 17.4 per cent wage increase over five years for all workers in all sectors. The tentative deal also includes improvements to the collective agreement in terms of vacation leave, retirement, group insurance, parental rights, and other issues. 

As previously reported, the Chateauguay Valley Teachers Association and the support staff members of Syndicat des employées et employés professionnels et de bureau (SEPB 576) endorsed the agreement in principle.  

New Frontiers School Board blue-collar workers, who are members of the Service Union Employees local 800 which is affiliated with the FTQ, voted 64 per cent in favour of the contract. A total of 25 employees participated in the vote, which took place on January 27. Overall, 57 per cent of the blue-collar workers within Quebec’s English school board system have approved of the agreement. 

According to Daniel Wormeli, the president of the New Frontiers Association of Professionals (NFAP) and unit delegate for the Syndicat des professionnelles et professionnels de l’Ouest de Québec Anglophone which is affiliated with the CSQ, the NFAP voted 92 per cent in favour of the agreement. The overall result for the SPPOQA, which represents English-speaking education professionals in western Quebec, was 89.8 per cent in agreement with the contract offer.  

In the health sector, workers with the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) employed by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-ouest voted 75.3 per cent in favour of the agreement in principle. The results were compiled following six special general assemblies, including two held in person on January 25 in Saint-Hyacinthe and February 1 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, and four virtual meetings on January 17 and February 15.  

Education professionals, blue-collar and healthcare workers approve contracts Read More »

A new voice emerges in defense of the environment

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Organizations and citizens in the Haut-Saint-Laurent have come together to form a new round table focused specifically on protecting and prioritizing the environment.

“There was a need,” says Rémi Pelletier, the director general of the Corporation de développement Communautaire (CDC) du Haut-Saint-Laurent, which is one of the organizations spearheading the creation of the Table de concertation pour l’environnement dans le Haut-Saint-Laurent (TCEHSL). A first meeting took place last June in Huntingdon, and regular meetings have followed.

The organizations around the table include the CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, the conservation group Ambioterra, the Mouvement d’action régionale en environnement (MARE), the 1st Ormstown Scouts, the Ormstown Butterflyway Project, the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des producteurs agricoles, the Société de conservation et d’aménagement des bassins versants de la zone Châteauguay (SCABRIC), the Association pour la défense des droits sociaux (AADS) de Huntingdon, the Comité Zip Haut-Saint-Laurent, the ecological group Crivert, the Genie in a Bottle project, the Comité de rehabilitation de la Rivière Châteauguay, as well as citizens Don Rosenbaum and Lorelei Muller. The Amis de la Réserve nationale de faune du Lac-Saint-François and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are also associated with the initiative.

Pelletier says that while the TCEHSL already brings together a significant number of local groups and associations, there is always room around the table for organizations or citizens interested in joining the growing movement.

The impetus to organize a formal round table was sparked during last year’s Earth Day Forum in Ormstown. Organizer Lorelei Muller says she had often wondered whether such a table existed in the region. When she began to ask questions, it became obvious others had been thinking along the same lines. Pelletier collected names and contact info during the Forum last April and later called a first meeting. Alain Gaulin, who represents the MARE at the table, has volunteered to chair the new group.

The members of the TCEHSL hope that a unified voice in defense of the environment will resonate more strongly with political players so they begin to integrate environmental protection more broadly into their priorities. The group’s objectives will focus on serving as a watchdog for laws that are not being applied or that need to be developed, while collaborating with different levels of government to amend or pass regulations and bills aimed at improving environmental protection. The round table also aims to set priorities in terms of responding to threats to water quality, habitat loss, deforestation, etc.

Muller suggests that while different organizations had been collaborating on certain initiatives, the round table has helped to tear down some of these silos and has strengthened partnerships between members. She now chairs the events sub-committee, which is responsible for organizing the area’s Earth Day activities including a one-day forum set to take place this year on April 20 at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School.

She says momentum has continued to build from last year’s successful event which brought together over 20 regional environmental groups and social organizations. She confirms that most organizations that have been approached about participating in this year’s event have shown interest and registrations are starting to come in. 

Along with kiosks promoting the activities of the different organizations, the forum will once again feature a series of guest speakers including Hemmingford-based architect and passive house specialist Evelyne Bouchard, who will address the role of buildings in climate change. Stephanie Leduc of Nature Conservancy Canada, who is a member of the TCEHSL, will also be presenting on local conservation efforts with a focus on agricultural land. The presentations will conclude with a screening of the documentary film Humus, which focuses on regenerative farming practices in use at the Ferme les Bontés de la Vallée market garden in Havelock.

A new voice emerges in defense of the environment Read More »

Keen tappers see early start to the maple season

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Sugar shacks were spouting steam and evaporators were boiling across the Valley on February 10, as producers who were already tapped and ready to go took advantage of a significant sap run.

“It is the earliest we have ever started here,” said Céline Ouimet, who runs the Cabane à Sucre L’Hermine sugar shack in Havelock with her sister Chantal and brother-in-law François Benny. “The conditions were ideal,” she said, referring not only to the above-average temperatures for early February, but also to the sparse snow cover that made tapping and preparing for the season a little easier.

At L’Hermine, the sap ran for over three days without stopping overnight. Normally, the seasoned sugar-makers average one to two barrels of finished syrup during the first boil. As of last Monday, they had already filled over 11. When asked whether the early start to the season is cause for concern, Benny shrugged. “Not really. It can change fast. If it freezes now, it will start to run again when it warms up. But it is possible that the season will be shorter.”

Last year, the boiler at L’Hermine was brought to life on February 18, which seemed early at the time. The owners noted that despite being a full week earlier, this year’s sugar content was surprisingly high from the start. Benny said the region’s producers should now be prepared for a first run around Valentine’s Day, and Ouimet agreed, suggesting the variation in winter temperatures is forcing producers to adapt their practices.

According to the Plan d’adaptation de l’agriculture de la Montérégie aux changements climatiques, winter temperatures will continue to rise, leading to a shortened season with alternating episodes of rain and snow. This could mean less snow cover, leaving soils more vulnerable come spring. “We can’t complain about making syrup in February when the quality is there,” said Ouimet, noting the risk is greater for producers further north, who are facing shortened seasons as temperatures rise more rapidly and over longer periods.

New uses for syrup

Down the road in Rockburn, Denis Rousseau was feeding his boiler every 15 minutes to keep his evaporator rolling. He explained that while his older setup involves more work cutting wood and a has longer boil time, the syrup he produces has a creamier texture. As the owner of Ferme Black Creek, Rousseau is especially interested in the taste, texture, and colour of the syrup he uses to concoct his artisanal acers, or alcoholic beverages made from the fermentation of concentrated maple water or diluted syrup. “I want to have more of a toffee flavour,” he noted, suggesting this involves starting with a darker syrup.

Rousseau tapped early this year, after having missed the first run during the past two seasons. “It’s a nice start,” he said, adding that by the end of this first run, he will already have processed around 10 per cent of his average annual yield. “Now everything has to be emptied and cleaned, and we’ll start from scratch in ten days,” he laughed.

Rousseau is one of around 25 producers who came together late last year to form the Association des producteurs d’acers du Quebec. “When people taste my products, they are always surprised,” he said, while pointing out how customers tend to expect something sweet and are often taken aback by how dry his products can taste.

Reason to celebrate

Alcoholic beverages made from sap or syrup were featured when the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) officially toasted the start of the 2024 syrup season, during an event at the National Assembly in Quebec on February 7. The QMSP were also celebrating the allocation of seven million new taps designated for start-up and expansion projects across the province. These additional taps could see Quebec’s annual production of maple syrup increase by 21 million pounds.

“Maple production is the driving force of Quebec agriculture. We’re really proud to be behind the increase in the number of farms,” said QMSP president Luc Goulet following the January 24 lottery. “We are taking steps to produce more syrup. Together, we’re striving to achieve our goals of replenishing the reserve within five years, while continuing to meet the demand for maple syrup here at home and in more than 70 countries around the world,” he declared.

Over one million of those new taps were awarded in the Montérégie, which will eventually bring the total number of taps in the region to 4.8 million by 2026. These numbers include 108 successful applications from the Montérégie-Ouest region, which will see 32 new syrup businesses and 76 existing producers share a total of 280,691 new taps.

Keen tappers see early start to the maple season Read More »

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