Contract 400119680 VOLUME 44 / NO 50 / DECEMBER 19, 2018 $1.50 (Tax included) SPDS students spread cheer Christmas NEW CARLISLE: -Shigawake Port Daniel School is known for its elaborate Christmas concerts. However, this year the school is under construction due to a new gymnasium being built and their stage is cur- rently unavailable for use. Staff had the option of holding their annual concert at a different location or choosing to do something completely new and cre- ative this year. As a result, instead of having a con- cert, the students decided to spread some Christmas cheer to local seniors. On December 10, students from grade 3 to grade 6 visited the Gilker Residence in New Carlisle. They sang to the seniors and the Gilker Residence organ- ized games for the children and seniors to play after- wards. The seniors enjoyed the performance and great fun was had by all. The next day, on December 11, grades pre-k to grade 3 visited the Three Star Golden Age Club in Port Daniel and sang to the seniors there. The stu- dents practiced their songs in advance and were quite proud to sing them for an audience. Recruiting in the health sector is a major challenge
Thierry Haroun campaign was a success. students. Currently, there are tween regions to hire them!” debriefing with the CISSS The campaign was organ- close to 200 jobs available. states Christine Blanchette, authorities, we realized how GASPÉ PENINSULA: With ized by Vivre en Gaspésie, “There are so many jobs recruiting agent for Vivre en much this mission was a so many available jobs in the which specializes in promot- available that we decided to Gaspésie. great way to promote the health sector that Gaspesians ing the Peninsula to major reach out where future gradu- Gaspé Peninsula, its way of are not filling, the Gaspésie cities, such as Quebec and ated students are. We have Positive outcome life and the many job oppor- Health and Social Services Montreal. The campaign, nursing jobs available, as tunities.” Christine Center (CISSS) has no choice called “Open Heart Surgery,” well as psychology, ergother- “The high point of our Blanchette also confirmed but to look for specialized was presented to university apy, social work and so forth. mission was at Rimouski that this type of initiative workforce elsewhere in the students in Montreal, Trois- Our region is faced with an University. We had the could be repeated in the fu- province. Organizers of the Rivières and Rimouski from important challenge given chance to meet four groups ture. latest recruiting initiative December 4 to 7. The cam- also that 18% of the 3500 that are soon completing their “In terms of media cover- have confirmed that their paign reached a total of 130 employees of the CISSS are (Bachelor Degree) in Social age, this mission was a suc- aged 55 and over. We decided Work and seven of those stu- cess because the Gaspé that it was better to go out dents have confirmed their Peninsula was promoted News there and reach out for these intention to come and work through the reports,” said future specialists rather than here!” adds Christine Lucie Lamarre, Personnel briefs wait here and hope for the Blanchette. It’s a step in the Management Agent at the best. The other reason why right direction she empha- CISSS, who also sees this we did this is because there is sized. “'Yes, it’s a very good outcome as a positive in the The Annual a serious competition be- start and when we had our long-term. Dwayne Chicoyne Quadoree Silven Normandin BARACHOIS: - It is hard to believe that ten years of the Quadoree has come and gone. It has been a great experience and we hope you have enjoyed it too. The organizers are very appreciative of the support the Quadoree has garnered. On July 28, 30 ATVs took part in the ride and many more people met at the Barachois Legion (branch #261) at the end of the day. Like all the previous years, it was an amazing day of 4- wheeling, great stories and many laughs. This year, with your support, $1800 was collected. Due to your generosity over the last ten years a total of $18,500 was raised. All of the proceeds have been donated to Ethan’s trust fund.
The end of religious signs Thierry Haroun The new CAQ Québec Government has announced that it will hold its promise that will forbid all civil servants that hold a job of authority, such as judges and policemen, to wear a religious sign on the job. This new law will also include teachers. A Photo: Maïté Événements/communications teacher could lose his or her job if they don’t follow the new The “Open Heart Surgery” recruitment campaign was held at various Quebec Universities in ruling. “It’s really not a subject of debate for us currently. We hopes of recruiting future health professional graduates. think that there are other priorities and challenges that this government should tackle such as making sure that there are enough teachers, administrative personnel and other youth spe- Happy Re rement cialists in our schools. We will of course look into the question Dear Pauline when the Bill on the matter will be made public,” stated Anne You were a colleague who was very much Bernier, President of the Eastern Quebec Teachers Associa- appreciated, and to see you leave a er 28 tion (STEEQ-CSQ). “Why create a problem when there is no years, is not easy. We will have to take double problem!,” says Sylvain Mallette, President of the Féderation au- shi s to be able to do as much as you did. You had a tonome de l’enseignment. He confirmed to Spec that if needed, his mul tasking ability that helped our lile economic union will not hesitate to defend its members before the courts development team to be very efficient. in the case of a firing. You sat on the selec on commiee to choose your successor and said that you are leaving in peace, which we all hope. Knowing New Richmond to receive you, we know that you will benefit from this new period in your life additional CPE spots to reorganize your me between family (now that you are a grandmother), trips, leisure ac vi es and certainly a few other things. Pauline, happy Thierry Haroun re rement and drop in to see us from me to me. NEW RICHMOND: - The Quebec Government recently an- nounced that it is allocating 21 new places for the Centre de la Nomina on petite enfance (CPE) Pousse-Pousse in New Richmond. This LisaAnn Clark CPE (for children under five) is the only one on the Gaspé Peninsula that has received new places out of the 1,207 an- We are proud to announce your nomina on to the posi on of administra ve support at nounced by the Quebec Government for the province. For the our SADC RocherPercé. New Richmond CPE, these places will generate an investment Lisa Ann worked for more than 10 years in the domain of accoun ng, of $500,000 and create four new jobs. The CPE has three years in the private sector. She studied Professional Accoun ng at to complete the construction work that will need to be done. Montréal school ; l’École des mé ers de l'informa que, du Currently, this CPE has 99 places in two installations and em- commerce et de l'administra on de Montréal (EMICA). ploys 35 people. The cost for the Quebec Government for She was looking for a s mula ng work environment that will allow these 21 new places is valued at $280,000 annually under the her to contribute to her career development and success. In our form of a subsidy. “We are very happy of course with this im- organiza on she also found a way to contribute to economic portant announcement because it will respond to a growing development of MRC RocherPercé. demand from parents in our area,” Rémi Lavoie, Chairman of the CPE, told Spec. Congratula ons and welcome to our team.
Page 2, December 19, 2018 - Spec Police report
Dominyck Terry Beaudin, 23, from Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in a federal penitentiary following the decision by Quebec Court Judge Denis Paradis, rendered on December 13 for a case of assault on his son, a three-month-old baby.
The accused is charged with assault with a weapon causing bod- ily harm. The offence was committed on February 24, 2018 against his son, a three-month-old baby. He is also charged with assault causing bodily harm that put the baby’s life in jeopardy for an offence that was committed two days later. Domonyck Terry Beaudin had entered a plea of guilty earlier in the proce- dure. He was also charged with breach of probation.
Photo: G. Gagné On February 26, the baby was immediately transferred from Chandler hospital to the Sainte-Justine hospital in Montreal due Residents of downtown Gaspé can now count on a new drinking water system. to the state of his injuries. He was suffering from a brain hemor- rhage, multiple fractures including his scapula, ribs and ankle, as A new drinking water well as major shoulder and hip trauma. Judge Paradis pointed out, based on a report from the Sainte-Justine hospital, that the state of the baby can be compared to the case of someone suf- system for downtown Gaspé fering from cerebral palsy. Geneviève Gélinas south shore of the St. John but “even if the expenses are River. The total capacity is not complete and unexpected Judge Paradis emphasized in his sentence decision that the GASPÉ: – Since November 8, 9,504 cubic metres per day. costs are still possible, we’re trauma caused to the baby will prevent him from having a nor- approximately 4,600 residents The users of the drinking water still under the initial estimate of mal life. The baby will never go to school, he will never ride a of downtown Gaspé have been network utilize an average of the Town, which was $8.7 mil- bike, never play with his friends, he will never talk and he is al- provided with drinking water 3,750 cubic metres of water lion,” writes Mr. Tardif. most blind. from groundwater wells. The daily. The contract awarded to new system, which costs more The underground water Construction LFG was $5.94 Considering the fact that Dominyck Terry Beaudin has already than $8 million, should make doesn’t need to be filtered but million. Several costs are not served 345 days of prison, the remaining sentence amounts to the boil water advisories it’s still chlorinated. Some res- included in that contract, such seven years, six months and 20 days. Defence attorney Claudie scarcer. idents found a difference in the as professional fees, the land Gallant-Bergeron of Amqui and crown prosecutor Richard Hot- Before November, down- taste of the water. “The water is purchase cost and finance ton had already agreed on a common sentence prior to the deci- town Gaspé homes were sup- similar, its hardness is the same charges. sion rendered by Judge Paradis. plied with water taken from the and it shows similar parame- In 2017, Ottawa and Que- St. John River. Whenever the ters. The water will be more bec committed to paying a part river flooded, the water would stable in the long term, there of the cost, which is approxi- become cloudy and the treat- will be no increase in its tur- mately $3.83 million from the ment system wouldn’t work as bidity after heavy rains or snow federal government and $2.09 efficient as usual, forcing the thaw, for example,” wrote million from the provincial VILLAGE Town to ask residents to boil Jérôme Tardif, the spokesper- government. The Town is sup- Real Estate Agency their water before drinking it. son for Gaspé, in an email sent posed to pay the difference. Last spring, the boil water to the SPEC. A disagreement persists be- Suzanne Landry CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE BROKER AEO advisory lasted for 25 days, A two-week running-in pe- tween the Town of Gaspé and 418-752-0792 from April 27 to May 22. In the riod took place between No- the Quebec Municipal Affairs [email protected] spring of 2016, the residents vember 8 to 22, during which Ministry about the unexpected www.suzannelandry.ca had to boil their water for close the residents had to boil their costs and the amount to be paid Friendly bilingual service water. by that level of government. to 50 days in April, May and from Matapedia to Port Daniel June. It’s too early to know the The amount at stake is about 19 years experience The new system was built exact cost of the new system, $500,000. between the summer of 2017 to the fall of 2018. The Carleton- based company, Construction LFG, drilled three wells on the
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Page 3, December 19, 2018 - Spec Editorial page
tially because its provincial administration has During that same decade, the Western Commentary decided to keep its income tax very low, and has Provinces were able to convince the Canadian refused to impose a provincial sales tax for government to count only 50% of their natural re- Gilles Gagné decades. So the Alberta government is waiving source revenues, a situation that caused them to important sources of revenues that would lead to greatly underestimate their contribution to equal- a balanced budget or surpluses. ization payments. Again, the leader of the United Jason Kenney and his supporters also affirm Conservative Party was silent on that issue. that Quebecers refused to help Alberta when It was not mentioned at all over recent weeks they opposed the Energy East pipeline project. that Quebec is now buying most of its crude oil Equalization payment Apparently, they have not been informed that from Western Canada, instead of importing it TransCanada, the promoter of that venture, from overseas. This is the result of the inversion discussions could spice pulled out of it essentially for business reasons, of the Enbridge 9B pipeline. because it wouldn’t have been profitable. Jason Kenney and his supporters have re- things up Mr. Kenney’s supporters also seem to ignore peatedly forgotten to mention that the exploita- that Justin Trudeau did a big favour to their tion of Alberta’s tar sands will increase the province through buying the Trans Mountain country’s greenhouse gases effects significantly The last couple of weeks have been interesting pipeline from Kinder Morgan, a company that and that as time passes, a potentially high num- in Quebec with remarks and talks about the rel- abandoned the expansion project of that pipeline ber of Canadian exporters of manufactured evance of continuing to pay equalization pay- for a number of reasons, legal and also busi- goods will either have to make up for that ments to la Belle province. Especially after a ness-related. through reducing their own emissions or those statement made by Premier François Legault to Between 2002 and 2011, when the oil mar- manufacturers will be submitted to a boycott from the effect that it makes more sense to build new kets were going well, the Canadian dollar went countries that take environmental issues seri- power dams in Quebec to feed neighbouring from $0.64 American dollar to US$1.01. Alber- ously. provinces rather than accept dirty oil from Al- tans forget that during that period, the revenues Currently, the gas emission reduction of Que- berta. associated to petroleum products artificially bec is countered by sky-rocketing emission in- Former federal government minister Jason maintained the Canadian dollar way higher than creases in Alberta and Saskatchewan. For each Kenney, now the leader of Alberta’s United Con- it should have been, thus depriving the manu- ton cut in Quebec, ten tons of additional polluting servative Party, couldn’t have hoped for better facturers of Quebec and Ontario of billions of dol- emissions are generated in the Western timing on François Legault’s part, because the lars in export revenues annually. We haven’t Provinces. One must wonder if Jason Kenney dirty oil statement provided him with a great heard Jason Kenney on that point at all. believes that pollution exists. weapon in the middle of a pre-electoral cam- paign. Now only months away from an election, he will likely win against current premier Rachel Notley. THANK YOU! Mr. Kenney had quickly replied to the Quebec premier, saying that if he is elected, he will hold We take this opportunity to say thank you to all our loyal supporters, a referendum about a renegotiation of the equal- subscribers, advertisers, volunteers and contributors. We wish each and ization payment program. everyone of you a peaceful holiday season. We thank you for your support Quebec will get $13 billion in equalization and look forward to a new year of publishing news on the Coast. payments from the federal government in 2019, out of a total envelope of $20 billion. This is the last issue of The envelope used by the federal government to pay equalization payments is funded by the The Gaspé Spec for 2018. taxpayers of the whole country, not by the provin- The office will be closed on cial governments. The federal government and Friday, December 21, 2018 the provinces established equalization payments and will reopen on to reduce the fiscal imbalance between the Friday, January 4, 2019 provinces. When the Quebec government will receive Because of the printing schedule, please take $13 billion in equalization payments, part of that note that the first issue of money will come from Albertans paying taxes to The Gaspé Spec in the new year Ottawa, but close to $3 billion will come from … will be January 9, 2019. Quebecers paying federal taxes. Jason Kenney and many other Albertans also emphasize that Quebec should not receive equalization payments because its provincial budget is characterized by surpluses while Al- berta’s budget bears a significant deficit. Preferring to use petty politics and bash Que- bec, Mr. Kenney forgets to mention that Alberta has been losing money in recent years essen-
JOURNALISTS: Geneviève Gélinas, Thierry Haroun CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Dow, 208-B Gérard D. Levesque Wendy Dawson, Jeanie LeLacheur New Carlisle, Que. Publisher: News Editor: Office Manager Diane Skinner G0C 1Z0 Penny MacWhirter Gilles Gagné Joan Imhoff Tel: 418-752-5400 [email protected] SPEC welcomes letters to the editor on subjects relevant to topics covered by the paper. Letters must be kept within 300 words or less and may be edited for clarity or to remove any slanderous, sexist, BOARD OF DIRECTORS: thegaspéspec.com racist or homophobic statements. We reserve the right to reject any letters. Opinions or letters pub- President: Roger Wise lished do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of this newspaper. All letters must bear Vice-President: Elaine Sexton SPEC OFFICE HOURS: the handwritten signature of the writer and include the address and number(s) for verification purposes. Treasurer: Ray Venables Mon. to Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Address & phone number will not be printed.). The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes Secretary: Maria Chatterton or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher's liability Directors: Hayden Sams, (Taxes included) for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publica- 1-year (paper or digital): $46 tion of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the adver- Bonita Annett, Bethany Paetkau, 6-months (paper or digital): $25 tisement. Patricia Ste-Croix Annett Outside Canada: Published every Wednesday by: 1-year paper $165 digital: $46 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. We acknowledge special funding from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications. Les Publications de la Côte Inc. (Sea-Coast Publications Inc.)
Member of: Gaspé’s Home Page: QCNA , CARD www.gogaspé.com Page 4 - December 19, 2018 - Spec Fishermen try to get senators to support Bill C-68 Ariane Aubert Bonn
PERCÉ: - On November 21, the Association of Independent Captains, a Canada-wide group, met with a number of senators in Ottawa to raise awareness about the impor- tance of adopting Bill C-68. Photo: G. Gagné The bill deals with the impor- tance of independence for fish- Repairs have been made to the 3rd range bridge. ermen. O’Neil Cloutier, director of Third range bridge the Southern Gaspé Profes- reopens two weeks late sional Fishermen Group, was among the captains who took Gilles Gagné the opportunity to increase NEW RICHMOND: – The 3rd range bridge was recently repaired awareness of the importance of by Quebec’s department of Transportation. The western pillar had Photo: G. Gagné this bill for the future of fish- been slowly shifting inwards. The repairs were initially supposed to ing communities. This lobby- O’Neil Cloutier is confident that the independent fishermen finish on November 23 but they were postponed due to a delay in ing activity took the form of a were able to catch the attention of senators. the delivery of parts. gourmet dinner consisting of The bridge reopening was re-scheduled for December 4 but was seafood. permits. “The communities delayed once more as the parts were still not in place. It finally re- “The bill is currently in the have emptied. People do not A favourable reception opened on December 10. hands of senators. We wanted live there anymore,” he says. Rumour had it that the bridge was being raised to increase the to make them understand that Diane Lebouthillier, Minis- O’Neil Cloutier says that clearance for windmill blades but that scenario was ruled out by it is very important that fishing ter of National Revenue, was the claims of the independent Stéphane Cyr, director general of the Town of New Richmond. licenses are granted only to asked to comment on the issue. captains have been well re- “The problem had nothing to do with windmill blades. The work owner captains if we want to She says that selling licenses to ceived. “There were people was necessary to solidify a pillar and there is no bridge lifting,” maintain the vitality of our factories would be dangerous from different political colours points out Mr. Cyr. communities,” says Mr. for the economy. “If the factory during the meeting of course, The work was not signified by any means along Highway 132, Cloutier. is sold to foreigners, for exam- but everyone understood the which became a source of frustration for a number of users going To explain his train of ple, we could see factory boats message. They understand that east, as the detour sign was only placed well into the third range. It thoughts, he cites British Co- appear or (we could) lose con- it’s about the vitality of the meant returning to Highway 132 and using the westward access. lumbia as an example where trol over our fisheries,” she economy of coastal communi- Stéphane Cyr mentions that Transport Quebec’s answer to that factories hold a majority of the says. ties, a way of life.” remark was that the sign location respected the norms.
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Page 5, December 19, 2018 - Spec Mental health and wellness initiative for English-speaking communities receives important funding
Gilles Gagné ple experiencing a drinking problem. “H as in hungry. If NEW RICHMOND: – The you are hungry, eat. A as in Gaspé Peninsula Mental angry; if you are angry, talk. L Health and Wellness Task as in lonely; if you are lonely, Force will receive significant call someone and T as in tired. funding from the Government If you are tired, take care of of Canada and the Bell com- yourself first,” he says. munity fund called Let’s Talk. The Mental Health and The two amounts total Wellness Task Force members $70,416 and will be used to are glad to count on partners support a new mental health including CASA, CISSS- and wellness initiative starting GIM, Eastern Shores School in 2019. Board, Family Ties, FNAREC The initiative will help in- (First Nations Regional Adult crease awareness about men- Some of the task force members are Bruce Wafer, Barbara Flowers, Kim Harrison, Tammy Education Centre – Gesgpe- tal health services for people Martin, Cynthia Dow, Nancy Gédéon, Brenda Ross-Jerome and Tom Payette. Vanessa giag campus), and Vision living in the region. The grants Guyader, third from the right, represents Bell. Missing were Sandy Astles for Eastern Shores Gaspé-Percé Now. Consider- will be used to create partner- School Board, Heather MacWhirter for Family Ties, as well as Jessica Synnott and Cheryl able support has also been re- ships with regional organiza- Henry-Leggo for Vision Gaspé-Percé Now, as well as representatives from the Magdalen Is- ceived from AMI-Québec, lands. tions in the mental health Nouveau Regard, the RCSSS sector, develop a resource Photo: G. Gagné and the Canadian Mental guide highlighting services lish.” workshops will be offered to fected by mental illness,” says Health Association. available in English regions, The Mental Health and the parents and the youths. We Mary Deacon, chairperson of Taking advantage of the and offer a series of commu- Wellness Task Force was es- must keep in mind that one- Bell Let’s Talk. up-coming holidays to focus nity awareness events. tablished in the fall of 2015 fifth of the population will “Mental health is like on seasonal mental health is- The events will include with three main goals: initiate deal with mental health issues physical health. You must take sues, Cynthia Dow mentions two one-day forums about a conversation in the region at one point,” emphasizes care of it. The sooner we in- that the joy of the holidays is mental health and wellness, (in English) about mental Heather MacWhirter, of Fam- tervene when people experi- often over-shadowed for some one in the Bay of Chaleur area health and wellness, identify ily Ties. ence mental health problems, people by loneliness, isolation and one in the Gaspé area. the needs and barriers with in “Bell will help cover costs the higher the chances of com- and resurgent grief. “We are very pleased to re- the English-speaking commu- related to these events; travel plete healing,” insists Nancy “This can be a difficult ceive this significant financial nity and empower them by costs for coordinator, volun- Jérome, of the Integrated time of year for many, so we support from Canadian Her- providing information. teers, and speakers, the cost of Health and Social Service ask everyone to consider those itage and the Bell Let’s Talk In the fall of 2016, a forum room rentals, refreshments Centre of the Gaspé Penin- who may be alone this holiday Community Fund to help organized in Chandler and materials for the series of sula, often referred to as season. Reach out to those launch our new mental health strengthened the links be- awareness sessions,” adds Ms. CISSS. who may be missing a loved and wellness initiative in tween the partners of the task MacWhirter. Ms. Jerome and Tom one who has died or is far Gaspésie,” says Cynthia Dow, force and was instrumental in “Having doubled the an- Payette therefore put empha- away. Always have non-alco- chairperson of the Mental accurately pinpointing the nual Bell Let’s Talk Commu- sis on the necessity to com- holic drinks at your parties to Health and Wellness Task needs of the community. “In nity Fund to $2 million this municate early with people support those who are strug- Force. 2017, we looked for money year, we are helping some 47 who are or look vulnerable. gling with substance use. “Mental health affects all and that’s how we were able to organizations across Quebec Mr. Payette often applies the Spread the joy of the season of us and it is important to en- get Canadian Heritage and improve access to mental HALT principle in his inter- where it is most needed,” she sure that people living in Eng- Bell’s Let’s Talk involved,” health services for those af- ventions, especially with peo- says. lish-speaking communities in says Cynthia Dow. the Gaspésie region have ac- The task force brings to- cess to mental health services gether community members, Christmas Greetings in English. Providing infor- health care providers and mation, support, understand- community organizations to from Bishop Gaétan Proulx, O.S.M. ing and compassion are work collaboratively on these crucial in helping to reduce goals. To live in peace, to propose peace, to be an the suffering for people living As part of the department instrument of justice and peace, is the message that with mental illness,” she adds. of Canadian Heritage pro- our Catholic Church in Gaspésie and Magdalen The Government of grams, the Development of Islands wants to reaffirm for Christmas and the New Canada is providing funding Official Language Communi- Year. in the amount of $60,416 over ties component is designed to two years, to be administered foster the vitality of Canada’s Coming into our world, Jesus tells us about God. by the Committee for Anglo- French and English-speaking This is an opportunity for Christians to rediscover phone Social Action (CASA) minority communities. how much God loves humanity with tenderness, for through the Official Lan- Through partnerships and he has given us his Son. He calls us to be witnesses guages Funding Program. agreements with organiza- of his love and instruments of peace. Bell’s Let’s Talk is contribut- tions, provinces, territories, ing $10,000 and it will be ad- municipalities, federal depart- On the occasion of this feast of Christmas, I invite you to ministered by Family Ties. ments and agencies, this pro- take all the personal initiatives necessary that could help to Bruce Wafer, CASA board gram enhances access to bring peace in our various living environments: at school, member and the president of quality education and services at work, in our families, our social and Christian Centre l’Acalmie (a Pointe-à- in the language of these mi- communities. In doing so, we will be signs of the Kingdom la-Croix organization that pro- nority communities. of God among us. vides services to people The $10,000 Bell Let’s experiencing psychological Talk Community Fund grant, † Gaétan Proulx, O.S.M. distress), says that “it is still sponsored by Family Ties, Évêque de Gaspé often a challenge to serve the will support a series of six to (Crédit, photographie Dachowski) anglophones and members of ten mental health and wellness the Native communities in community awareness ses- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2019! English. It is not easy to find sions in 2019 between Mata- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018! people who can work in Eng- pedia and Gaspé. “Those
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Page 7, December 19, 2018 - Spec Mobile unit to provide health services for children
Geneviève Gélinas offer their services to children. L’Équipage coordinator, GASPÉ: – Children residing Mona Sirois, estimates that in the Bay of Chaleur and there are about 155 vulnerable Percé Rock MRCs might have children in the Val-Rosiers access medical and psychoso- area. The challenge is to make cial services in a mobile unit, them visit their social pedi- effective next summer. The atrics centre. “We’re going to social pediatrics centre Ac- make a round of visits to croche-Cœur Gaspésie-Sud schools, nurseries and partners wants to set up in Chandler such as family houses, to meet and offer a mobile clinic in with their staff and discuss three MRCs. about how they could refer us The social pediatrics centre children.” is a non-profit organization L’Équipage will also start which offers medical, psy- doing garage music, where chosocial and legal services in children can get training on the same place. It is intended the instrument of their choice. for vulnerable children, in For that project, the social pe- order to detect, reduce or diatrics centre will hire a mu- Photo: G. Gélinas sician who has a diploma in eliminate the stress that could The Côte-de-Gaspé social pediatrics center was given toys and furniture to equip its premises in special education or psy- affect their development. Rivière-au-Renard, shows coordinator Mona Sirois. Elsa Cyr, who is in charge chosocial work, and rely on of the project at the Percé the involvement of volunteers. Rock MRC, believes that the atrician and a lawyer. They other centre will soon start in social pediatrics centre is also The social pediatrics centre social pediatrics centre will will meet children and their the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. progressing well. L’Équipage is entitled to a $50,000 grant fill a gap. “We want to create a families at their main prem- “The stats prove that the wants to open its doors to chil- from the Quebec government services corridor by using all ises, to be established in (social pediatrics centre) inter- dren and their families in Jan- and the Doctor Julien Founda- resources: public, private and Chandler, and will visit vention works well. It in- uary. The organization will tion. In addition to that community resources. We them in their communities, creases the protection factors settle in a low-rental housing amount, it needs $100,000 to want to reach people who in a recreational vehicle and decreases the risk factors. facility located at 15, des start, but its management has don’t use the traditional serv- (RV). We analyze the needs and Cordiers Street in Rivière-au- already raised $70,000. ices because they’re reluctant The services will also be strengths of children and we Renard, to serve the Val- “We have to join forces or because it’s too far from offered in English. “That’s work on them,” explains Elsa Rosiers area, that is to say and help those children. (…) A their home.” planned, we’re aware of that Cyr. from Cap-des-Rosiers to lot of children of the Youth There are between 1,000 need,” says Ms. Cyr. The southern Gaspé social L’Anse-à-Valleau. Protection Centre now have and 2,000 vulnerable children The first social pediatrics pediatrics centre will hold its A social worker and a co- children themselves. People in the Avignon, Bonaventure centre in Quebec opened at constitutive general meeting ordinator were hired. A spe- know that we must help them, and Percé Rock MRCs , esti- the end of the 1990s, in on December 19, at 5:30 p.m., cialized nurse practitioner, a if we want things to get better mates Ms. Cyr. L’Accroche- Montreal, an initiative of at Bonaventure’s Loco Local, doctor and a lawyer will also in 20 years,” Ms. Sirois says. Cœur wants to provide Doctor Gilles Julien, a pedi- 193A, Grand-Pré Street. services to at least 75 people atrician. There are now in its first year. more than 30 centres in Soon in The social pediatrics centre Quebec. The oldest on the Rivière-au-Renard will have two part-time social Gaspé has been operating in workers, a coordinator, a pedi- Cap-Chat since 2011. An- The Côte-de-Gaspé project of
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Tel.: 418-368-0288 28 St-Patrick, Douglastown, Quebec Email: [email protected] DOUGLASTOWN.NET Page 8, December 19, 2018 - Spec Entrepreneurs successful at Christmas Market
Gilles Gagné
NEW RICHMOND: – Hundreds of shoppers attended the Christmas market on De- cember 1 and 2 at the Carrefour Baie des Chaleurs in New Richmond. The activity was part of the Noël en Gaspésie (Christmas in the Gaspé Peninsula) series of events or- ganized yearly to highlight the holiday period in the New Richmond area. Darlene Milligan, who sold maple products from Hillbilly Ranch’s sugar camp, Jolene Starnes, Caitlin Barter of Tipsy Canoe Designs, and a number of other craft makers were also on hand to sell local Christmas gifts. All the people approached by SPEC were quite happy with the results of their sales, the feedback they received and the interactions they made with the public. Darlene Milligan mentioned that the turnout was beyond her expectations.
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Page 9, December 19, 2018 - Spec Extreme skating comes to Percé
Geneviève Gélinas one of the first training tracks for extreme skating in North PERCÉ: – Between January 31 America. “For the whole and February 2, the first ever month of January, I expect vis- extreme skating race on the itors from the Gaspé, New coast will take place in Percé. Brunswick and even from Skaters will start training on urban centres,” says Mr. Shee- the track located behind the han. Percé town hall as soon as Jan- The track will be well-lo- uary 1. Jerry Sheehan, who cated. “There will be a good came up with the event, wants slope and a nice view of Percé people to try a sport he enjoys, Rock,” Mr. Sheehan points out. as well as visit Percé in the The track is built directly on winter. the ground. “We blow the Mr. Sheehan participated in snow, we shape it, we let it his first extreme skating race in harden and then we hose it. We 2016. “It’s fast, you have set up rink boards in the tight Photo: Mark Roe adrenaline and there’s a healthy turns,” Mr. Sheehan explains. Jerry Sheehan, organizer of the Percé extreme skating race, practices that sport himself. On the competition. We offer each He and his co-organizers in- picture, we see him at the Riders Cup in La Sarre, Abitibi. other skating tips; nobody tend to start building the track wants the other one to get after Christmas. Mr. Sheehan Sheehan. For now, the La Sarre male and female participants. “I’m going to house a few peo- hurt.” has some experience. Last race in Abitibi is the only The individual qualifications ple at friends’ homes. Or we’ll “It will be a good show,” year, he built an 80-metre-long Canadian race listed on the will take place on January 31 send them to Grand River or Mr. Sheehan promises. The extreme skating track with his All-Terrain Skate Cross circuit. and February 1. The finals will Gaspé. It’s a shame that we’re participants, dressed in their friends in his backyard, in Cap- Mr. Sheehan wants the consist of four skaters de- inviting people, and then send- protective hockey gear, are d’Espoir. “I made a nice one at Percé race to be more than a scending at the same time and ing them to the neighbors.” going to race on a 300-metre home with a garden hose. With one time deal. “This year is a will take place on the evening The extreme skating race is long track, with a drop of 15 the firefighters’ hoses, I should test year, but I want the event of February 2. As for recruiting only one of several activities metres. There will be obstacles build something nice!” to become recurrent.” racers, it is going very well. being organized in Percé this such as jumps, tight turns and Mr. Sheehan will be sup- Most Quebecers have heard The registration period began winter. There will be an out- successive small bumps. ported by Bruno Richard, co- of the Red Bull Crashed Ice on December 3. As of Decem- door rink, sliding, dog sled- “The aim of the race this president of the Bathurst and race which used to take place ber 4, approximately a quarter ding, a drag trail for year is to attract the public in Memramcook races in New in Quebec City. The Percé race of the 100 spots had already snowmobiles and snowshoe general and people who say Brunswick. Mr. Richard has isn’t in the same category, Mr. been filled. trails, Mr. Sheehan enumerates. that they’ve always wanted to also participated in the Red Sheehan explains. “Our track is Mr. Sheehan, who is a mu- “We have a nice playground try that,” states Mr. Sheehan. Bull Crashed Ice world cup for less steep, the obstacles are nicipal councillor in Percé, also which wasn’t exploited in the The track will be a beginner-in- a dozen years. smaller. That’s less dangerous wants to attract winter tourists. winter,” he says. termediate one. “It will be a “We’re negotiating with the and less expensive.” To organ- Mr. Sheehan expects that An antique snowmobile good challenge but without All-Terrain Skate Cross Feder- ize the race will cost approxi- there won’t be enough accom- race will take place in mid-Jan- hurting anyone.” ation, to see if we remain an mately $15,000. modation for everybody in uary. The winter activities will The Percé track will be amateur race or if we’ll be part There will be prizes ranging Percé, where several hotels culminate with Festi-Neige, open for a month and will be of the racing circuit,” says Mr. from $75 to $ 500 for the best close their doors in the winter. from February 14 to 17.
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Verne Walker, Freda Lederhose, Nora Wand, Mary Zenaitis, Brantford, Ontario Chateauguay, Quebec Ile Perrot, Quebec Montreal, Quebec Selwyn J. Dumaresq, Mary Drummond, Donna Bisson, John Gerald Walker, Nepean, Ontario Peterborough, Ontario New Richmond, Quebec Edmonton, Alberta Robert Skene, Reta Bollen, Marjorie Patterson, Alanna Dow, Ste-Genevieve, Quebec Oakville, Ontario Barachois, Quebec Montreal, Quebec Ruth Watt, Ivan Thomas Devouge, Jean Walker, Sherman McRae, Hope Town, Quebec Brantford, Ontario Pointe Claire, Quebec Hamilton, Ontario Luc Jiona, Mae Bulgar, G. M. Flowers, York River Seniors, New Carlisle, Quebec Conception, Newfoundland Trenton, Ontario York, Quebec Evelyn White, Carl Garrett, Dennis Mullin Ross Smith, New Castle, Ontario Port Daniel, Quebec London, Ontario Bonaventure, Quebec Doreen S. Girard, Pansy Walker Carol McDonald, James Assels, Scarborough, Ontario Pointe Claire, Quebec Gaspé, Quebec New Carlisle, Quebec Stella Mary Kingston, Marilyn Whaley, Sheila Baird, Margaret Bernard, Pointe Claire, Quebec Fonthill, Ontario Fredericton, New Brunswick Bonaventure, Quebec Kevin O’Connor, Betty Watt Sinclair, Ivan & Norma McKoy, Lorna Devouge, Gaspé, Quebec Ingleside, Ontario St. Georges de Malbaie, Quebec Brantford, Ontario Bob Chisholm, Wilson G. Dow, Nelson MacWhirter, Eileen Joyce Ross Cyr North York, Ontario Roseneath, Ontario Hope Town, Quebec New Carlisle, Quebec James Assels, John Miller, Carl & Lorraine Fallow, Sarah MacKenzie, Kleinburg, Ontario Kemptville, Ontario New Richmond, Quebec Shigawake, Quebec Lowell Dow, Lorraine Lawlis, Kenneth Legrand, Heather Watt Giannakos, Pointe Claire, Quebec London, Ontario Saint Bruno, Quebec Ottawa, Ontario
Page 10, December 19, 2018 - Spec Coroner determines that the doctor shortage did not cause death Geneviève Gélinas GASPÉ: – The fact that there was no doctor present at the Paspébiac CLSC after midnight did not contribute to the death of Gérald Cyr. The coroner’s report concluded that the man passed away from a heart-attack last year during the night of No- vember 23/November 24. The 74-year-old man, in cardiac arrest, “was most probably al- ready dead when the paramedics arrived, and if not, shortly after,” wrote coroner Renée Roussel. Her conclusions are in line with those of the internal investi- gation made by the Gaspésie Integrated Health and Social Serv- ice Centre in the weeks after Mr. Cyr’s death. Photo: A. Bonn The decision was made at a December 12 special meeting. When the paramedics were called at 11:45 p.m., the medical staff at the Paspebiac CLSC sent them to Maria hospital instead of to the Paspebiac CLSC. That change in itinerary requires 30 Town of Chandler wants to know more additional minutes to reach. The CLSC was about to close its about the SQ raid that took place in Newport emergency service because there was no doctor on duty after mid- night. Ariane Aubert Bonn The coroner didn’t look at the response time of the ambulance service. Mr. Cyr was at his home, in Bonaventure. The paramedics CHANDLER: - Chandler’s elected officials are asking for a meeting with the regional manage- were on-call at their home, not in the ambulance, because of the ment of the Sûreté du Québec in order to understand the methods used during the December 7 type of schedule and remuneration system they were on. raid at a tribute event for Newport volunteers. The 12-minute delay between the call and their arrival could According to town councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, 14 police officers aboard seven patrol have been shortened, they argued, if they had been waiting for cars intervened with a search warrant in hand, a method deemed excessive by Chandler’s elected the call in their ambulance. officials. Since Mr. Cyr died, the CISSS committed to having a doctor on In a special meeting, four out of six councillors voted to mandate the articling firm Morency duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the Paspebiac CLSC. to obtain more information, a resolution that Mayor Louisette Langlois is opposed to, for reasons Furthermore, the Bonaventure paramedics now have full-time of cost and lack of a clear mandate. schedules and wait for calls in the ambulance. However, a majority of councillors endorsed the decision, since the legal firm is already ac- In her report, the coroner mentions the reanimation technique companying the town administration in other files and the elected officials are satisfied with its used on Mr. Cyr. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation “done be- performance. fore the arrival of the paramedics was conducted on the bed, The four councillors want more details on the circumstances surrounding the raid. “The in- which made it much less efficient,” the coroner wrote. vestigation, reports, complaints, the population wants to know,” says councillor Bruno-Pierre “Under those circumstances, the chances to resuscitate Mr. Cyr Godbout. after, by paramedics or medical care, were almost impossible,” she During the meeting, councillor Denis Pelchat wanted to dismiss any rumuor of political re- adds. To practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation, one must lay the venge in connection with the police intervention. Mayor Langlois adds that there would have victim on a hard surface, like the ground. been no reason for an elected official to oppose a municipal activity.
Le Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise vous souhaite ses meilleurs vœux pour la saison des fêtes et pour la nouvelle année! The Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise extends its best wishes for the holiday season and the new year!
Christo Skeetepher AdjointA jp parlementaire du premier ministre pourp lesl relationsl avvelations ec leslQ Québécois d’ede ession angxpr laise eet ddéputé de Sainte-Rose P liamentarar y assistant to the ppremier ffoor relations with English-speakinghkiQpg Quebecersb aandd memberbf ffoor SSiainte-R ose
Page 11, December 19, 2018 - Spec Wishing you all the creature comforts for a perfect Thank you for your holiday season. kindness and business We couldn’t this past year. have asked for better friends Season’s Greetings! than you.
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Page 12, December 19, 2018 - Spec