THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN AUGUST 29 AND SEPTEMBER 6, INCLUSIVELY.
Members and supporters,
Please join us at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 26th at 7:00 pm.
Aydelu Recreation Centre (94 Rue du Patrimoine, Gatineau, QC) or Zoom (limited spaces)
Ms. Caroline Murray, Municipal councillor of the Deschênes district (3), will join us as a guest speaker. As Aylmer celebrates its 175th Anniversary, Ms. Murray will reflect on its rich history and future.
For more information or if you experience difficulties with registration, please email: aco@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.
As part of Les Journées du patrimoine religieux and celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the incorporation of Aylmer and its first mayor, John Egan, the Aylmer Heritage Association is collaborating with Christ Church, Aylmer and the Regional Association of West Quebecers to invite you to join us:
Guided Tour “ Discovering Bellevue Cemetery the burial place of Aylmer's English-speaking pioneers ”
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 10 a.m. in English and 2 p.m. in French
Guide: Michel Prévost, D.U., President of the Société d'histoire de l'Outaouais
Departure: at the entrance to the cemetery, 1030 Aylmer Road, Gatineau
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes **in case of rain the tour is cancelled**
The Bellevue Protestant Cemetery, created in 1822, is, along with the St. James Cemetery, the oldest European cemetery in Gatineau. It is the burial place of the founder of Aylmer and his family, Charles Symmes, the English-speaking pioneers of the area and several mayors of Aylmer. It is also the burial place of prominent 19th-century figures such as the only wood baroness in the Outaouais, Mary McConnell, and one of the most controversial figures of his time, Peter Aylen, the "King of the Shiners. Come and learn about the history of the cemetery, cited heritage in 2021, its beautiful burial monuments in a bucolic setting and its connection to Christ Church Parish in Aylmer."
The RAWQ welcomes Mr. Paul Tonkin as Executive Director
The RAWQ is seeking one summer student to fill the role of:
-Website Assistant
The RAWQ is seeking three summer students to fill the roles of:
-Communications Assistant
-Outreach Assistant
-Website Assistant
On behalf of the members of the RAWQ and the Board of Directors, I am saddened to acknowledge the departure of our Executive Director, Jeanne Nivischiuk. Her hard work, dedication and diligence has strengthened the Association in the short time that we were privileged to operate under her guidance. Although Ms. Nivischiuk will be dearly missed, we look forward to witnessing her contributions to her other endeavours and wish her the best of luck and success.
Arthur Ayers,
President
--
Dear Members, Partners, Colleagues and Friends,
I am writing to inform you that I have stepped down from my position as Executive Director of the Regional Association of West Quebecers - my last day at RAWQ was April 1, 2022.
For the past three years, I have had a wonderful opportunity to work for RAWQ, helping it to continue its service to the English-speaking community of the Outaouais. This past year I was privileged to lead this excellent organization. It has been an honour to be part of such an excellent team and work with a committed Board of Directors. I have learned a great deal from their mentorship and have enjoyed the support of so many throughout Quebec, I am truly humbled.
To our members, funders and partners - I thank you for your guidance, support and trust in me. I look forward to working with you in other areas of the English-speaking community.
Hayley Campbell, our Community Outreach Officer will be continuing RAWQ operations and the process of recruitment of a new Executive Director has begun. RAWQ expects to continue to serve the community at full capacity and looks forward to continuing its work.
Stay tuned for more information and if you have any questions please contact RAWQ at aco@westquebecers.ca.
I wish you all the very best,
Jeanne Nivischiuk
The RAWQ is pleased to partner with YES Employment + Entrepreneurship to present: HR Strategies for Start-Ups and Small Businesses
Start off on the right foot with this informative workshop that will highlight the importance of articulating your company’s mission and vision to ensure you attract the right fit and talent to your business. Learn how to determine the best position to hire for, craft effective and engaging job descriptions, decide between full-time staff and contractors and understand the basic legalities required for each.
This free, online workshop is open to residents of the Outaouais region of Quebec only. Delivered as an online presentation, with real-life examples and practical exercises by Robert Therriault, a YES Business Coach.
Available as a live, online streaming webinar. Pre-registration is required. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the workshop.
Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, Municipal councillor for the Touraine district (11), will join us on Thursday, March 17th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent was born in Gatineau, where she currently lives. She always wanted to make a positive impact on her community. Coming from a family where community involvement is deeply rooted in their identity, she was always encouraged to help the people around her.
This early involvement also opened her eyes to many challenges and injustices throughout society, such as the low proportion of women in politics, the issues about racism and discrimination, and the growing cynicism of many people towards politics. Those are some of the issues that she wants to address during her political term.
Since November 2021, Ms. Norris Parent is the city councillor of the district of Touraine, for the city of Gatineau. While she exercises her duties as city councillor, she is also continuing her studies at Athabasca University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences. Following her election, Ms. Norris Parent was nominated to multiple positions across the committees and commissions of the City of Gatineau. She is President of the Living-Together and Immigration Consultation Table, Co-President of the Youth Commission, and member of the Recreation, Sports and, Community Development Commission.
A panel of youth working in local media will join us on Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation and hear from Zainab Al-Mehdar (The Equity), Stuart Benson (The Low Down to Hull and Back), and Caleb Nickerson (CHIP 101.9)!
More about our guests:
Zainab Al-Mehdar is a reporter at The Equity. She is a recent graduate of Algonquin College’s journalism program. She also completed a bachelor's degree in Communications at the University of Ottawa. She has tried her hand in the digital marketing and communications world but always gravitated towards writing. One of the things she loves about journalism is learning something new about people and places. And with a community paper, she gets to report on so many different issues and topics which have helped her grow her portfolio. One of her favourite memories from her undergrad was meeting Rosemary Barton while on a tour of CBC offices.
She currently has bylines in The Hill Times, Glue Magazine, Algonquin Times, The Fulcrum, Maclean's and Ottawa Show Box.
Originally from Barrie ON, Stuart Benson attended Barrie Central Collegiate High School. While attending, he was a member of the rugby program, Classics Club, theatre department, as well as first baritone saxophone for the Sr. Band and Jazz Band.
Stuart moved to Ottawa in 2010 to attend the University of Ottawa where he received a Bachelor of Arts focusing on classical literature and cultures. After graduating, he worked in a number of restaurants before returning to school to pursue journalism at Algonquin College.
During his journalism program at Algonquin, he was a reporter for the school's newspaper and wrote for its magazine Glue, serving as Entertainment editor for both, which gave him the opportunity to interview some of his favourite Canadian performers, including Kenny and Spenny, USS, and The Fast Romantics.
Stuart was also one of three contributing reporters who worked on a year-long investigative report examining Algonquin College’s failed Jazan campus in Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after graduating in 2020, he found his position as a reporter for The Low Down to Hull and Back newspaper, beginning work on Feb. 12, a month and a day before the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Stuart is interested in political, health, and human interest reporting, as well as breaking news and live reporting events.
Caleb Nickerson has been a community journalist in the Pontiac area for nearly six years. He is from the town of Brighton, Ontario, and moved to Ottawa for school, where he completed a four-year joint journalism program at the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College.
During his final semester of college, he completed a 6-week work placement at The Equity newspaper in Shawville and was offered a job following graduation. Caleb moved to Shawville in August 2016 and has lived there ever since.
While Caleb began as a reporter, he started taking on some editing duties about 2 months after he started, and fully took on the editor role in March 2019.
Caleb decided to move to radio journalism in the summer of 2021, nearly five years to the day that he started at The Equity and he started at CHIP 101.9, Pontiac's community radio station in Fort Coulonge in mid-July 2021. He had known the manager there for some time through his role at the paper and thought it was the right time in his career to learn some new skills and improve his French. Currently, he writes and translates news stories for their website, as well as conducts interviews for the air and records the local news bulletin for their afternoon programming. Caleb shared that it's quite a change of pace, but it's been a great experience thus far.
Jennifer McNeil, Community Development Agent and Inclusion Specialist at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School (PETES), will join us this Thursday, February 24th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Jennifer McNeil, M.Ed., has worked as a classroom teacher and special education consultant in the English educational network for the last 19 years. Currently, she is working as a Community Development Agent and Inclusion Specialist at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School (PETES) in Gatineau. She believes that community connection & collaboration are key to community vitality. She has a strong passion for education and is dedicated to supporting and enriching the academic experience of students and teachers alike.
Jane Toller, Warden of MRC Pontiac, will join us this Thursday, February 17th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Jane has been the Warden of Pontiac since 2017. Other background includes:
Robert Therriault, YES Business Coach and Yoana Turnin, Provincial Projects Manager at YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, will join us this Thursday, February 10th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
More about our guests:
Robert Therriault (YES Business Coach) became involved with YES Montreal as a volunteer mentor and joined YES full-time as a business coach in 2014. As an experienced financial professional, he has been involved in a number of different companies from start-ups to publicly-traded. He has lived and worked in Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Washington DC, and Ottawa before settling in Montreal. Prior to joining YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, he was involved with a fund investing in new companies in Montreal. He was also involved with a green energy trading and transmission start-up. He was the CFO of a publicly listed junior mining company. He also co-founded an investment fund as well as being a corporate banker and has done some merchant banking. Bob has an MBA from McGill and a CPA CMA designation, as well as having successfully completed level 1 of the CFA program. Bob truly enjoys working with entrepreneurs of all stages, helping them tackle issues such as business plans, cash flow management, marketing, expansion plans and focusing on what are the important issues. Entrepreneurship is both challenging and rewarding, and he aims to find ways to help support individuals launching or managing their business.
Yoana Turnin (Provincial Projects Manager) joined YES Employment + Entrepreneurship in 2017 and is currently the Provincial Projects Manager. Originally from Bulgaria, she completed an Honors Communication Studies Degree at Ithaca College in Upstate New York. Yoana has worked in the non-profit, media, and labour sectors as an advocate, facilitator, and organizer. She continues to build upon these experiences and successfully completed her MBA in June 2020. Yoana draws energy and inspiration from working with YES’ Partners across Quebec and helping new and established entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
Paul Brown, Executive Director of the 100 Mile Arts Network will join us on Thursday, January 27th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Click here to register
Paul Brown, born in Ottawa, ON has been a resident of La Pêche since 2008. Paul has been a social justice advocate for many years and is dedicated to community development. Currently, as Executive Director of the 100 Mile Arts Network, Paul focuses his energy on supporting artists in the Outaouais.
Paul is a founder and President of Bearing Witness Canada a not-for-profit that he started in response to the TRC commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Paul joined the RAWQ Board in 2021. His other interests include gardening, studying nature, walking and knitting, a skill he learned as a child.
The Regional Association of West Quebecers presents a virtual Quiz Night on Friday, March 4th at 7:00 pm.
Form a team with your home bubble or take on the challenge solo. Gear up for a night full of fun, laughter, tricky questions, and prizes!
- -FREE EVENT- -
Zoom information will be circulated the week of the event. For more information, contact: oec@westquebecers.ca or 819-682-9602
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is pleased to partner with the Quebec Writers' Federation's StoryScaping project to offer a 3-part workshop series, Write Your Story With Comics!, with Kate Lavut.
This series is open to youth and seniors and will take place on Thursdays, February 10, 17, and 24, from 7:00-9:00 pm. Sessions will take place via Zoom and the meeting information will be shared leading up to the workshops.
You don't need to be an artist to enjoy this comic-making workshop for youth and seniors. All you need is a story you want to tell and the courage to put it down on paper. Drawings can be formal and detailed or simple and expressive.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have their own eight-page comic book!
Gloria Wright, a supporter of the Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ), is the lucky winner of our festive Basket of Good Cheer. It contains about $450. worth of premium spirits. Not bad for an 83-cent ticket! She was delighted to take delivery of the prize from Bob Valcov, Vice-President of RAWQ. The Basket of Good Cheer is an important fundraising initiative for us, netting about $6,000. Thank you so much to all of you who contributed and to the volunteers and staff who made it happen. Cheers!
Mark these dates on your calendar:
-January 13 & 27
-February 10, 17, & 24
-March 3 & 17
André Fortin, Member of the National Assembly for Pontiac will join us on Thursday, December 16th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
André Fortin is married to Marlene Floyd and is the father of two wonderful girls Maëlle and Élodie. He obtained his Diploma of College Studies in Social Sciences at the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal and Bachelor's Degree in Commerce with the option in Public Management at the University of Ottawa. After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree, André became the Press Secretary at the office of the federal Minister of Transport before becoming the Media Relations Officer at the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. In 2006, André became the Press Secretary at the office of the Leader of the Official Opposition. In 2007, André went on to become the Director of Public Affairs at the Brewers Association of Canada. While working at the Brewers Association, André went back to university in order to obtain his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Ottawa. In 2013, he went on to become the Director of Government Relations at Telus and for a year until he was elected as the Member of National Assembly for Pontiac. During his first years as an MNA, André was a member of multiple committees and was a Parliamentary Assistant for the Minister of Finance. In 2017, André became Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification. Since 2020, André has been a member of the subcommittee on Parliamentary Reform, a member of the Committee on the National Assembly and an Official Opposition House Leader. This year, André was named the Official Opposition Critic for Transport and is now a member of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment.
The Aylmer Community Theatre Company is set to host a live radio play, "It's A Wonderful Life" on December 18th at 7:30 pm. The event will take place at the Aylmer United Church. Proof of vaccination is required.
It is a fundraiser for the Company and tickets are $20. ACT has teamed up with Broadway on Demand to be able to offer the option to view the performance ‘at home’.
For tickets and more information, please visit: www.actcompany.ca
Greg Graham, President of the Pontiac Community Players will join us on Thursday, December 2nd at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Greg is an apple farmer, the owner of Coronation Hall Cider Mills, and the manager of Continuing Education for Cégep Heritage College. He's also involved in his local community as a councillor for the municipality of Bristol and as a commissioner for the Western Quebec School Board. As the president of the Pontiac Community Players, he has been active as a playwright, director, and actor in the local community theatre group. Right now he's working on a live radio play for Christmas - a cherished tradition in the churches here in the Pontiac.
Krishnan Sundaram, Program Coordinator at Western Quebec Literacy Council will join us on Thursday, November 25th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Krishnan Sundaram began working as the Outreach Coordinator with WQLC in January, 2019. Presently he is doing outreach work as well as developing, coordinating, and delivering programs to the English speaking population of the Western Quebec Region. While coordinating and training volunteer tutors, and matching them with learners wanting to improve language and mathematics skills, he is runnung programs to help seniors and those who need it, help in improving digital literacy and computer skills. Periodically, he creates and leads activities for the whole family to participate in and learn together.
With specialization in leadership and facilitation, Krish uses his skills as a musician by incorporating music into language learning with activities such as songwriting, and hand drumming. “I believe that participating in activities that use creativity can inspire people to want to learn.” Krish has a diverse work history which includes working as an activity leader and coordinator for an international school in Ottawa, a daycare center cook, purchasing and logistics specialist, and a live sound technician.
Having lived for many years in Montreal and Vancouver, Krish has called Aylmer home since 2011.
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer will join us on Thursday, November 18th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation!
Greg is the Member of Parliament for Hull–Aylmer since October 2015. Founder and chair of the Canadian Caucus of Black Parliamentarians, Greg also serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government, and is vice-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association. He was previously Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and a member of the standing Committee on Finance.
Greg is very involved in his community. He encourages people to invest themselves in causes that are important to them, and to work together to fight isolation and create a sense of community. It’s why he organizes café croissant meetings, public forums and other public events in the Hull–Aylmer riding.
Greg has a strong background in politics. Previously, he worked as a policy advisor and senior policy advisor in a number of ministerial offices. He has also worked at all levels of the Liberal Party of Canada, including as National Director, where he introduced change and innovation that made the party more efficient, helping restore it to today’s modern appeal.
Greg has two bachelor’s degrees—one in social science and one in international relations. He has also studied international relations at the master’s level. Over the past 25 years, he has worked in the private and public sectors, with not-for-profit organizations and in the academic sector.
He is passionate about running, politics and jazz, and he is proud of his community and everything it has accomplished. He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult children and doting grandparents to one grandson.
Advanced Polls: October 30 & 31 from 9:30 am-8:00 pm Casting ballots at the office of the Returning Officer: November 3 from 9:30 am-8:00 pm Election Day: November 7 from 9:30 am-8:00 pm
The Regional Association of West Quebecers Announces 2021-2022 Board of Directors
Emily Bérard, Event & Project Coordinator at Youth for Youth Quebec (Y4Y Quebec) will join us on Thursday, October 7th at 10:00 am for our Coffee Chats. Join the conversation and learn more about the Priority-Setting Summit Project that will take place next month.
Are you looking for a place this fall to let your creative energy flow and to be inspired in a warm and safe environment?
Then it's time to sign up for the Cercle des écrivaines/écrivains de l'Outaouais Writer's Circle in partnership with the Regional Association of West Quebecers and the City of Gatineau. The city has in place Public Health guidelines and government directives regarding distancing, mask wearing and other public safety measures for both staff and participants of the Donalda-Charron library in the Plateau sector.
Mark these dates on your calendar:
-October 7 & 21
-November 4, 18, & 25
-December 2 & 16
-January 13 & 27
-February 3, 17, & 24
-March 3 & 17
Are you looking for a place this fall to let your creative energy flow and to be inspired in a warm and safe environment?
Then it's time to sign up for the Cercle des écrivaines/écrivains de l'Outaouais Writer's Circle in partnership with the Regional Association of West Quebecers and the City of Gatineau. The city has in place Public Health guidelines and government directives regarding distancing, mask wearing and other public safety measures for both staff and participants of the Donalda-Charron library in the Plateau sector.
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN AUGUST 31 AND SEPTEMBER 7, INCLUSIVELY.
The recording of the Virtual Community Information Session that took place on August 26th, is now available on our YouTube channel.
Members and supporters,
Please join us at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 23rd at 6:30 pm.
For more information or if you experience difficulties with registration, please email: aco@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.
What is the fate of English-Speaking Quebecers? Join us at our Virtual Community Information Session to find out what Bill 96 will mean if you are an English speaker in Quebec.
Thursday, August 26th at 7:00 pm
Via Zoom
For more information or if you experience difficulties with registration, please email: oec@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.
What is the fate of English-Speaking Quebecers? Join us at our Community Information Session to find out what Bill 96 and Bill C-32 will mean if you are an English speaker in Quebec.
Tuesday, August 3rd- Doors open at: 6:30 pm | Meeting starts at 7:00 pm
Shawville Fair Grounds- Homecraft Hall (215 Lang Street Shawville, QC)
Please note that the RAWQ will adhere to public health guidelines to ensure a safe event. More details to follow on how to possibly engage virtually. Everyone is welcome.
For more information or if you experience difficulties with registration, please email: oec@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.
RAWQ Statement on the Official Languages of Quebec and Canada / Communiqué de presse à propos des Langues officielles du Québec et du Canada
The RAWQ is looking to engage new volunteers
It's not too late! If you have not yet completed your #2021Census, complete it today. If not, you will be contacted by Statistics Canada for a non-response follow-up via mail, telephone or in-person visits. https://bit.ly/3oDyY2h
Click here to complete the survey: www.chssnsurvey.ca
The RAWQ is seeking two summer students to fill the roles of Communications Assistant and Outreach Assistant
As of Monday, June 7th, you may move up your appointment for your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Find your age and corresponding date on the calendar below.
Bishop’s Forum 2021 Director Yolande James invites English-speaking Quebec youth to take advantage of a unique and transformative learning opportunity this summer
WHO: Young English-speaking Quebecers aged 18-26 who:
WHAT: The Forum’s discussions are driven by youth interests and passions! Past Forums have featured panel discussions, guest presentations and workshops on topics such as engaged citizenship, Indigenous rights, anti-racism, allyship, social sustainability, mental health and healthcare, education, linguistic rights and much more.
WHEN: Friday evening, August 13th through Tuesday afternoon, August 17th
WHERE: On the campus of Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec*
What will your Bishop’s Forum experience be?
If you're interested in Quebec society, how our province works and how you can make a difference, don't miss the Bishop’s Forum!
Register online: https://bishopsforum.ubishops.ca/registration/
Visit the Bishop’s Forum Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/1ijebn4qX
There is no cost to participate. Transportation to and from Bishop’s University as well as room and board on campus during the Forum are covered. This initiative is supported by the Government of Québec’s Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise.
*The Bishop's Forum will adhere to public health guidelines to ensure a safe event. Consequently, we may offer a mix of in-person and virtual activities.
Call: 1-877-644-4545 (toll free)
Today, the Outaouais returned to a red zone. Gatineau and the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais have specific measures in place and have returned to the 8:00pm-5:00am curfew. For more information: quebec.ca/en/health/heal
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the second episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 6: Linton Garner, Co-creator of the ABCs of Canadian Black History Kit
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the second episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 5: Émily Bérard, Project & Event Coordinator of Youth for Youth Quebec
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the second episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 4: Merling Sapene, Founder & CEO of M-Transition
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
Happy New Year! We would like to thank everyone for their support towards our Basket of Good Cheer fundraising initiative.
The draw took place on December 30th. We are pleased to announce that Elisabeth H. was the lucky winner!
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the second episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 3: Lemali Pathirana, Certified Health Coach
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
Register Here
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
On Friday, November 27th at 1:00pm enjoy the virtual session ‘Connecting Roots in the Pontiac and Beyond’. Be enlightened by the dedicated group of volunteers at the Pontiac Archives.
This workshop is part of Y4Y Quebec’s ‘You Are Here’ project, organized by the Outaouais Youth Cultural Ambassador, Holly Campbell.
Calling all youth! We have created a new needs assessment for youth and we need your input. With the information received, we will generate a report on the needs of the youth in our region. We are hoping to gain a better sense of how to reach you amid the pandemic. Please share this with local youth in your network.
French Second Language Classes will be returning for a Winter session in January 2021! RAWQ will hold a 10-week session from January 11th to March 18th, 2021. Classes will be held virtually due to COVID-19 precautions and will take place in the evening at either 6:30 pm-7:30 pm or 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. Instruction is offered at the beginner, high beginner, intermediate and conversation-focused levels. Open registration will be from December 7th through to December 15th. Current students eligible for pre-registration or those on the waitlist will be contacted directly by the FSL coordinator.
For more information, contact: fsl@westquebecers.ca
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the second episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 2: Western Quebec Literacy Council
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
The Regional Association of West Quebecers invites you to send your photos of scenic Outaouais to oec@westquebecers.ca. RAWQ is pursuing a project of assembling greetings cards which will be for sale to support the Association’s projects. Please send your submissions no later than October 14th. We are particularly interested in winter scenes, which may be more appropriate for the holiday season.
Read the statement issued by the Quebec English School Boards Association: click here
To access the English translation of the judgment: click here
The Regional Association of West Quebecers just launched the first episode of the RAWQ Talk series. This series is made by the community, for the community. Follow along with us!
Episode 1: Youth for Youth Quebec's Flag Project
We want to hear from you, the community! If you have a topic that you would like to see featured in this series, please write to us at aco@westquebecers.ca
We are not currently registering students for our Virtual French Second Language Classes. You can register as a member of the Regional Association of West Quebecers to keep up to date on when the next registration period will open.
Membership is free, by clicking on the button below.
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Click here for more information about cycling paths in the region!
Need another COVID-friendly activity??
Explore the beautiful outdoors! You can find all sorts of nature trails across the Outaouais!
Click here for more information!
Looking for something to do in the region? Visit a local museum! Click here for the listing.
Click here for a listing of Farmers Markets throughout the Outaouais region.
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Dear Members and Constituents,
The past few months has been a tumultuous time for all, including the Regional Association of West Quebecers. The majority of our activities requiring some degree of personal interaction, the Association decided to suspend operations and lay off all staff on April 1st.
We are relieved and proud to announce the recommencement of operations effective July 27th. Rest assured, significant health and safety precautions will be undertaken to ensure control of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in congruence with public health and safety measures. Among others, the Association offices will be reconfigured to maximize social distancing and our celebrated French Second Language courses will be run online.
Please stay tuned for more announcements. We look forward to serving you once again in the very near future.
Arthur Ayers,
President, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Regional Association of West Quebecers
Our team at the RAWQ would like to share as many relevant resources as possible with the community. If you have any ideas of activities that families can do from home, home remedies that you might like to share, information about businesses that are still operating, etc. we would love to add to what we currently have to offer. Please share any updates with Hayley at aco@westquebecers.ca
The Quiz Night event that was to take place on Friday, March 20th has been postponed. If you purchased tickets in advance, we will honour them at a later date.
Thank you!
--POSTPONED--
The business coach will be reaching out to her clients to let them know the next appointment will be done online/over the phone.
Thank you for understanding!
Cheer on the Heritage Hurricanes Men's Basketball team from March 20-22 at the Regional Championship! 
Back by popular demand, RAWQ will be organizing FSL classes for the Spring. The classes will take place in Aylmer and Wakefield from April 14th to June 16th, a total of 10 weeks for a cost of $110. Classes are currently being offered at the Beginner, Advanced Beginner and Intermediate levels. If you are interested in participating in the Spring session, please contact Jeanne at fsl@westquebecers.ca or at 819-682-9602.
*Please note that classes in Shawville will return in Fall 2020.*
Join us on Tuesday, March 24th from 4-6pm at the Shawville-Clarendon Library (356 Main St.) for a information session on your 2019 tax return.
Lynn Bennett, Certified Financial Planner, gives an overview of 2019 provisions of federal and provincial income tax, particularly pertaining to seniors, and much more.
We have partnered with the Municipality of Shawville and Atwater Library and Computer Centre.
Free workshop and all are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Hayley at oec@westquebecers.ca or by calling the Shawville-Clarendon Library at 819-647-3732.
Members of the community are invited to attend the public meeting of the CISSS de l'Outaouais Board of Directors, on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
Our friends at Y4Y Quebec need your help!
The Y4Y Quebec Symbolism Project was inspired by the flags of the Canadian Francophonie to create the first official flag to represent the English-speaking community of Quebec! We are looking for you to get involved in the project by telling us the symbols that represent you and the English-speaking community of Quebec. Have your say today!
RAWQ hosts a conversation club, in partnership with Residence L’Initial, on Monday nights in Aylmer.
The club focuses on improving listening comprehension and oral communication in French. We invite guest speakers from around the region to speak about topics of interest or conduct a group conversation. We have hosted such figures as Rick Henderson, Micheline Lemeiux, MNA Andre Fortin, Gatineau Councilwoman Audrey Bureau and others. This club has a $65 fee and will run from January 20th to around May 25th. If you are interested in participating or require more information, please contact Jeanne Nivischiuk at fsl@westquebecers or by calling 819-682-9602.
Dear Students of the RAWQ FSL Courses,
It is with great regret that I inform you that the Regional Association of West Quebecers is postponing the next session of our French second-language courses, which was to take place this winter. Due to unforeseen budgetary constraints, we are unable to hold the session.
We will resume the courses as soon as possible; however we do not anticipate that that will be before the autumn of 2020. Student information will be kept, including the information of those who had registered for the cancelled session. We will ensure that they have priority when the courses resume. Should there be any further change in the status of the Program, the Association will notify you all.
Thank you for your participation thus far, and for your patience and understanding going forward. We look forward to seeing you in the fall of 2020.
Sincerely,
Linton Garner
Executive Director
Regional Association of West Quebecers
We are not currently registering students for our French Second Language Classes. You can join the waitlist by registering as a member of the Regional Association of West Quebecers (for FREE!) by clicking on the button below. Registration for the French Conversation Club is ongoing and open to the general public, if you are looking to participate in a French activity immediately. For more information you can contact the program coordinator at fsl@westquebecers.ca.
Our offices will be closed from December 19, 2019 to January 5, 2019
Wishing you and your family a lovely Holiday season! All the best in 2020!
Join us on Friday, December 13th for our second annual Christmas Choral Concert!
This is an invitation to the Regional Association of West Quebecers' 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Due to an overwhelming response, registration is now closed.
Outaouais Live! is a 12-part, English-language, arts magazine format series to be filmed at various locations throughout the Outaouais. It will showcase musicians, artists of various practice, galleries, and cultural and performance spaces, all with a somewhat uptown vibe. Produced with the 100 Mile Arts Network.
Cooking Adventures Outaouais is an English language cooking show that presents food preparation from skilled Cooks and Chefs that call the Outaouais their home. It features restaurant-quality recipes, as well as family recipes, prepared for our viewers.
A series of programs at the storied British Pub a landmark institution in Aylmer. Tune in as Linton and Stephany introduce us to local musical and highlight the cultural history of English-speaking community.
