2015 Spring Newsletter - Regional Association of West Quebecers

2015
Spring
Newsletter
"A healthy English-speaking community in a
secure French-speaking Quebec .
A strong Quebec in a united Canada."
President's Message
As a founding member and
partner with the Quebec
Community Groups Network (QCGN), we have
been vigilant and successful in getting changes in
the Quebec Government’s
Bill 10 regarding the reorganized structure and
governance of health and
James Shea
social services in our community. While we have succeeded in realizing a
commitment for English representation on the
governing bodies, we should not become complacent regarding the delivery of health and
social services to our broader population. It is
evident that our Quebec Government is intent on
balancing its budget at the expense of health and
education services. As a community, we should
continue to be vigilant in our advocacy for continued quality services. RAWQ is well
positioned to advocate on your behalf.
Growth in membership is critical to our advocacy. I would encourage you to renew your
membership and to assist in our membership
campaign which was launched at our very
successful Quiz Night. Our AGM is scheduled
for June 3rd and we expect to have a record
turnout. Dan Lamoureux, President of QCGN
will be our guest speaker and will talk about
QCGN and what it means for West Quebecers to
be a member of QCGN.
I want to share accolades to Brian Rock, Chair of
our Education, Youth, Culture and Sports
Committee, who successfully executed a very impressive
Youth Leadership Conference on Saturday March 27 at
Place des Pionniers in the Aylmer Sector.
It is our expectation to see the formation of a Youth
Committee that is governed by youth and for youth in
our greater community. This is a great start.
Alone we can go faster, but together we can go farther.
Jim Shea
President, RAWQ
Board of Directors
James Shea President
Arthur Ayres V ice-President
Clinton McCrank Treasurer Michael James Secretary
Directors:
Patricia Cassidy
Mary Tessier
Elaine Plummer
Heather Stronach
Aldo Jauregui
Bryan Daly
Noel Gates
Brian Rock
Staff
Executive Director
Administration and Communications
Officer
President’s Message
Executive Director ‘s Message
Quiz Night
Membership Drive
Youth Conference
311 Feedback
AGM Invitation
Book and Bake Sale
Seniors Action Quebec
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We are moving, see page 5 for more info...
Executive Director’s Message
West Quebecers is ON THE MOVE AGAIN. April 24th, RAWQ will move to new
quarters in Galeries d’Aylmer. We will be located just inside the back entrance, across from
the movie theatre. Our other coordinates remain the same. It will take approximately one
week to settle into the new location. We would be delighted to have you drop by after that.
Heather Stronach
Not a member of West Quebecers? Our MEMBERSHIP DRIVE was launched at Quiz
Night on March 20th and will wrap up at our AGM on June 3rd. Anyone who has joined
West Quebecers or has renewed their membership in that time period is eligible for a prize
drawn at the AGM.
Our QUIZ NIGHT AND SILENT AUCTION was a sell out! People who had never attended before said they
had so much fun they would be back again next year. This event would not have been such a success without
the leadership of RAWQ’s FROM Committee under Chairperson Mary Tessier with Nancy Peppy, Pat Cassidy, Aldo Jauregui and volunteers Rose and Elizabeth. We appreciated the very generous support of local
businesses, members and friends who donated items for the silent auction and all the prizes.1
On March 28th, West Quebecers held a very successful REGIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE at Place des
Pionniers in Aylmer; the exchange between students and panelists was energetic and at a high level of discussion. Read all the details on page 4.
On Saturday May 9th, RAWQ will hold a BAKE AND BOOK SALE at the Galeries d’Aylmer kiosk just
down the corridor from our new office. As a member, we hope you will support this event by donating baked
goods and/or books in good condition. Would you kindly bring your items to the Kiosk in Galeries d’Aylmer
anytime after 8:30 am on May 9th.
RAWQ’s ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be Wednesday, June 3rd, at the Western Quebec Career
Centre, at 6:30 pm. We are excited to announce QCGN President, Dan Lamoureux as our Guest Speaker.
The AGM is your opportunity to meet with other members of the Association, ask questions and have your say
about issues of concern. Come and learn more about how RAWQ and QCGN advocate for you as a
member of the English-speaking community.
We will also be electing the RAWQ Board of Directors for 2015-16. If you, or someone you know, is
interested in serving your Association as a member of the Board, please let us know as soon as possible.
I look forward to seeing you at our new office in the Galeries d’Aylmer.
Regards,
Heather Stronach
Executive Director
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Au Jardin de Sylvie, Au Vieux Duluth, Bistro Ambrosia, Bostaurus, Café British, Café Mulligan’s, Casa
Grecque, CÉGEP Heritage College,
Château Symmes Retirement Residence, Cinéma Aylmer,
CONNEXIONS/OHSSN, Dinty’s Restaurant, Dr. Jean R. Amyotte, East Side Mario’s (Hull), Encadrement
Art 2000, Fleuriste Aylmer, Gateau Néo, Lavender Ridge Farm, La Vieille Alliance, Le Matinal,
Marta Argueta, Ongles Angel, Ottawa Little Theatre, Patricia Cassidy Photography, St. Hubert Bar-B-Q
(Aylmer), SOL Épicerie Santé, Tim Horton’s (rue Principale, Aylmer), Tutti Frutti.
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Silent Auction and Quiz Night
The Pictures
The Silent Auction was very successful. Music, prizes and laughter made it obvious that everyone was having
a good time! Patricia Cassidy took the photos between games.
Page 3
Regional Youth Conference
West Quebecers' Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Committee organized a Regional Youth Conference on
Saturday, March 28th at Place des Pionniers in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau.
The morning opened with a political panel discussion moderated by Brian Rock, the Chairman of the EYCS
Committee. The panelists were Mathieu Ravignat, Member of Parliament for the riding of Pontiac, Caryl
Green, Mayor of Chelsea, Sylvie Goneau, Gatineau Municipal Councillor and James Shea, Chairman of the
Western Quebec School Board and President of RAWQ. The panelists explained the responsibilities and
duties of their political positions and how and why it was so important for the youth to become more involved
in political action. The morning ended with a lively question and answer forum that raised many interesting
issues and concerns.
Lunch was provided by Mike
Duggan, Municipal Councillor of the
city of Gatineau, and enjoyed by the
conference participants and panelists
alike.
The afternoon began with a Panel
discussion on community involvement moderated by Brian Rock. The
panelists were Mara McCallum,
Regional Co-ordinator of the Young
Quebecers Leading the Way, who
talked about the Quebec Community
Groups Network youth project;
Audrey Bureau, Vice-President of the
Forêt Boucher Foundation; Mike
Duggan speaking about the Commission Jeunesse Gatineau; Dan Curley, a
Secondary Teacher from D’Arcy
McGee High School speaking about
digital citizenship; Chloé Bureau of
Enviro Educ-Action and Robin
McNeill of Generate U.
The afternoon forum allowed for
many dynamic exchanges between
participants and panelists.
L to R: Caitlin Grady (CÉGEP de l’Outaouais), Elizabeth "Dale" Graham
Richardson (Heritage College, Pontiac Campus), Caroline Zamor (Philemon
Wright High School), Gabriel Kim (Heritage College), Paulo Guedes (Heritage
College), Erin Rousseau (Pontiac High School), Adrielle Richer (Heritage College), Ashlie Leclair (Pontiac High School), Lucie Lengpin, Brian Rock
(RAWQ, Conference Chair), James Shea (President of RAWQ). Crystal
Gleason of Saint Michael’s High School was not present to receive her award.
The Conference closed with the presentation of Outstanding Youth Leadership Awards to Paulo Guedes,
Gabriel Kim, and Arielle Richer of Heritage College, Caitlin Grady of CÉGEP de l’Outaouais, Ashlie Leclair
and Erin Rousseau of Pontiac High School and Caroline Zamor of Philemon Wright High School. Crystal
Gleason of Saint Michael’s High School was also a recipient. A Special Outstanding Community Leadership Award was presented to Elizabeth ‘Dale’ Graham Richards of Heritage College, Pontiac Campus.
Thank yous are in order to André Fortin, Liberal Member of the National Assembly for the Riding of Pontiac
for his generous contribution towards the Outstanding Leadership Awards, Patrimoine Canadian Heritage and
la Ville de Gatineau for their sponsorships, and Patricia Cassidy for her excellent work as Regional Youth
Conference official photographer.
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Seeking for your Feedback

Have you tried the City’s 311
information number recently?

Were you able to find the services
you were looking for? Or, was it a
challenge?

Do you think the service has
improved over the last year?
Please tell us your experience:
aco@westquebecers.ca
819 682-9602
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On Monday, April 27, 2015, Seniors Action Quebec, a
non-profit organization working on behalf of English-speaking
seniors in Quebec, will host a family Conference on the new
Provincial Legislation Bill 52: End of Life Choices.
The conference is an opportunity for individuals, (family
members, caregivers and health care professionals) to become informed regarding the new legislation and the services available when facing terminal illness. The
intent is to begin discussions to ensure that seniors’ decisions are understood and respected.
Please note everyone MUST register in advance
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Topics covered include:
Final deadline to register is April 17, 2015.
The Conference will be held at
La Plaza
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Bill 52: Overview
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Depression and Terminal Illness
(former Holiday Inn Midtown),
420 Sherbrooke Street West,
Montreal, QC., H3A 1B4
Registration forms available at:
www.seniorsactionquebec.ca.
Contact:
Ruth Pelletier, President, ruthpelletier613@gmail.com
Religious Perspectives
Front Line medical situations and
services
Ethics
Legal and Funeral Arrangements
Palliative Care: Comfort and Support
What We Do
Who We Are
The Regional Association of West Quebecers
plays a significant role in
initiatives that support the minority
English-speaking community
in the Outaouais by means of advocacy, networking, information and support for youth
& Seniors
The Regional Association of West
Quebecers is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to serving and
supporting the minority English-speaking
Community (ESC) in the
Outaouais.
Our Coordinates :
Membership has its Privileges
(as of April 27th)
181, rue Principale, Unit A-11
Gatineau (Aylmer) QC J9H 6A6
819 682-9602 or 1 877-733-0177
Fax: 819 682-4033
aco@westquebecers.ca
or ed@westquebecers.ca
www.westquebecers.ca
Through emails you can receive the quarterly
Newsletter and bi-weekly
eBulletins .
With a membership to West Quebecers,
you can subscribe to the West Quebec Post
(WQP) for an additional $20 per year, a saving
of almost $14 annually with this special offer.
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