NEW COVID-19 Directives Announced by the Quebec Government
Published Jan 7, 2021
“Supporting the English-speaking community in West Quebec”
Announcements
Basket of Good Cheer Update
Published Jan 4, 2021
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!
RAWQ Coffee Chats are back!
Published Jan 4, 2021
Happy New Year! RAWQ Coffee Chats will resume this week.
Join us on Thursday at 10:00am via Zoom. This week we want to hear about your holiday experience amid the pandemic.
To register, please fill out the following form to receive Zoom call instructions: Register for our weekly Coffee Chats
RAWQ Talk Series- Episode 3 now on YouTube
Published Dec 16, 2020
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
Registration is now open for our Virtual French-Second Language Classes
Published Dec 7, 2020
Register Here
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship Workshops- December 2020
Published Nov 26, 2020
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
Registration for Winter 2021 FSL Classes
Published Nov 24, 2020
Open registration for our virtual winter 2021 French-second language classes will take place from January 11th to March 18th, 2021.
Stay tuned!
Connecting Roots in the Pontiac and Beyond
Published Nov 23, 2020
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.
RAWQ Youth Needs Assessment
Published Nov 18, 2020
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.
FSL Update: Winter 2021 Session
Published Nov 17, 2020
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
RAWQ's Basket of Good Cheer Fundraiser
Published Nov 12, 2020
Did you hear about our Basket of Good Cheer fundraiser?
Tickets are $0.99 each or 6 for $5.00. Here is your chance to win over $400 in premium spirits!
You are invited to send your donation via electronic money transfer at info@westquebecers.ca for a touchless experience. Proof of your tickets will later be sent by email. No secret password is required.
RAWQ's Christmas Card Fundraiser
Published Nov 12, 2020
Spread some holiday cheer with your loved ones this season by sending them a card. Thank you to Debra Stephens, Anne-Marie Major, and Robert Valcov for capturing and submitting such lovely scenes across the Outaouais region!
Cards in packages of 10 are available at:
-Shawville: Café 349, 349 Main Street
-Shawville: Boutique Shawville Shooz, 387 Main Street
-Wakefield: Wakefield General Store, 804 Chemin Riverside
-Bristol: Coronation Hall Cider Mills, 206 River Road
Cards can also be purchased at our Aylmer and Shawville offices, where we will also offer the sale of individual cards for $3.00. For extra convenience, we can ship cards to you for $4.00. Electronic money transfer is accepted at info@westquebecers.ca
For more information, please email: oec@westquebecers.ca
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship Workshops- November 2020
Published Nov 2, 2020
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
YES Montreal Workshops- October 2020
Published Oct 5, 2020
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Link to access their Program Book, click here
Spoken word—Spoken Ancestries with Dona Nham
Published Oct 2, 2020
We are pleased to partner with the Quebec Writers' Federation's StoryScaping project to offer a 3-part workshop series, Spoken Word- Spoken Ancestries with Dona Nham.
This series is open to youth and seniors and will take place on October 13, 20, & 20 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Spaces are limited for this virtual series. Register by emailing oec@westquebecers.ca.
Workshop description: Spoken Ancestries is an online spoken word workshop that will take participants on an introspective journey of the Self. Where do we come from? Who do we come from? What stories do we hold? Our own personal histories and lineages will be the inspiration for building a deeper language to ourselves and relationship to our roots. Participants will be guided through a series of collective and individual activities that will investigate, explore, and celebrate the mysteries and truths that only they can tell. Elements of spoken word, performance, and play will be explored in the activities. At the end, participants will share their pieces as an intimate showcase.
Workshop leader bio: Xin chào! Dona Nham is a Vietnamese-Chinese femme born and raised in Treaty 6 (Edmonton) and has been living in Tio’tia:ke (Montreal) since 2009. She is a spoken-word artist, arts-based facilitator, community organizer and cultural worker. Her practice is inspired by regenerative patterns within nature, the exploration of her ancestry and liminality, stories of resilience and diaspora, and the expansive and evolving work of what it means to decolonize, to heal, to love, and to seek truth, even in the darkest of places.
Support Jeanne- Prix Femme d'Influence!
Published Oct 1, 2020
Our team at the Regional Association of West Quebecers is pleased to share that Jeanne Nivischiuk, French Second Language Coordinator was nominated as a candidate for the Prix Femme d'Influence through Accompagnement des femmes immigrantes de l'Outaouais - AFIO
We are pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Jeanne and value her dedication and leadership.
Please show your support for Jeanne, by filling out this survey before Monday, October 5th:
RAWQ Talk Series- Episode 2 now on Youtube
Published Sep 30, 2020
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
RAWQ Photo Contest
Published Sep 25, 2020
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.
Join the conversation at our weekly Coffee Chats
Published Sep 24, 2020
Join Executive Director, Linton Garner and other members of the community each Thursday at 10:00am for Coffee Chats.
Stay in touch during these challenging times and talk about the topics of the day. These chats will take place via Zoom. The first call is Thursday, October 1st!
Court Ruling on Bill 40
Published Sep 18, 2020
Read the statement issued by the Quebec English School Boards Association: click here
To access the English translation of the judgment: click here
RAWQ Talk Series on Youtube
Published Sep 16, 2020
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
Registration is now closed for our French Second Language Classes
Published Sep 11, 2020
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.
YES Montreal Workshops- September 2020
Published Sep 1, 2020
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
Cycling in the Outaouais
Published Aug 28, 2020
Click here for more information about cycling paths in the region!
Outaouais Adventures
Published Aug 21, 2020
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!
Aylmer Office Closed on Friday, August 21st
Published Aug 19, 2020
The Aylmer office will be closed this Friday. If you require assistance, please email oec@westquebecers.ca or send us a private message on Facebook.
Thank you!
Visit a local museum!
Published Aug 14, 2020
Looking for something to do in the region? Visit a local museum! Click here for the listing.
Back-to-school Plan
Published Aug 11, 2020
Yesterday the Quebec Government shared the updated back-to-school plan for preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. As well as procedures to be followed in these institutions.
To view English graphics with information outlining plans and procedures:
Shop Local!
Published Aug 6, 2020
Click here for a listing of Farmers Markets throughout the Outaouais region.
Pontiac Scholarship Fund
Published Jul 31, 2020
If you know a young person from the Pontiac who will be pursuing post-secondary studies in the fall, please encourage them to apply for the Pontiac Scholarship Fund.
For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.pontiacscholarshipfund.ca/
Virtual Bishop's Forum
Published Jul 31, 2020
Did you know that this year's Bishop's Forum is virtual
Are you a leader between the ages of 17 and 26?
Are you a member of the English-speaking community of Quebec?
Do you want to have a better idea of how Quebec society works?
Do you want an “Inside Look” at how major Quebec institutions do business?
Do you want to make your career here?
Do you want to influence public policy?
If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions, then the Virtual Bishop’s Forum is for you! Register by August 5, 2020 to join the fun.
YES Montreal Workshops- August 2020
Published Jul 29, 2020
For more information, visit: www.yesmontreal.ca or call 1-888-614-9788
RAWQ Reopening Message
Published Jul 28, 2020
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
RAWQ's COVID-19 Resource Page
Published Mar 19, 2020
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
Quiz Night 2020
Published Mar 17, 2020
--POSTPONED--
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!
CANCELLED: One-on-One Business Coaching with YES Montreal
Published Mar 16, 2020
--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!
Recognition of Quiz Night 2020 Sponsors
Published Mar 11, 2020
We would like to thank our sponsors for their contributions to Quiz Night 2020:
Au Jardin de Sylvie (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Audrey Bureau, conseillère municipale d'Aylmer
Bambou Restaurant (rue Principale)
Ben & Florentine (Chemin Vanier)
Café Mulligan (rue Principale)
Casa Grecque (rue Principale)
Chocolats Favoris (Galeries Aylmer)
Cinéma Aylmer (Galeries Aylmer)
Coco Frutti (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Coiffure Moda Elysa (Galeries Aylmer)
Dinty’s (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Dr Jean R. Amyotte – Chiropractor (Avenue Frank-Robinson)
Galeries Aylmer
Garage Grande-Rivière (rue Principale)
Gateau Neo (rue Principale)
Home Hardware (Galeries Aylmer)
IGA (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Jean Coutu (Galeries Aylmer)
Judith O’Rourke
M&M Meat Shop (rue Principale)
MacEwan’s (Chemin Vanier)
Marché Laflamme (rue Principale)
Michabou Libraire (Galeries Aylmer)
National Arts Centre
Ottawa Senators
Pat Cassidy
Pat Graham
Patisserie aux Vieux Alliance (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Provigo- Ecole Culinaire PC (Chemin d’Aylmer)
Réparation Aylmer (Chemin Eardley)
St.Hubert (rue Principale)
Subway (Boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne)
Super C (rue Principale)
Super Pop Star Confectionery (Galeries Aylmer)
Suprême Pizzeria (Chemin Vanier)
Valcov’s Apiary
Zigazoom (Galeries Aylmer)
Regional Championship
Published Mar 10, 2020
Cheer on the Heritage Hurricanes Men's Basketball team from March 20-22 at the Regional Championship! 
Spring Session of French Second Language Courses
Published Mar 9, 2020
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.*
Public Meeting of the CISSS de l'Outaouais Board of Directors
Published Feb 20, 2020
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.
Y4Y Quebec Symbolism Project
Published Feb 18, 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!
Resumption of French second-language courses in the Outaouais!
Published Jan 30, 2020
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is pleased to announce the resumption of the French second-language courses in the Outaouais! These classes will be $70, which will cover the cost of instruction. Depending on location, either Aylmer or Wakefield, classes will take place from February 4th to April 7th, 2020, for a total of eight weeks. Classes are 1.5 hours each and held in the evenings between 6-9pm. We are currently offering three language levels, A1 (beginner), A2 (high beginner) and B1 (intermediate).
If you are interested in joining our classes, now or in the future, please contact Jeanne Nivischiuk at fsl@westquebecers.ca or 819-682-9602.
Our free FSL classes will be returning in Fall 2020, and we will be informing members regarding upcoming registration periods!
French Conversation Classes in Aylmer
Published Jan 27, 2020
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.
Suspension of French Second-language Courses
Published Dec 29, 2019
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
Registration is now closed for our French Second Language Classes
Published Dec 18, 2019
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.
Closed for the Holidays
Published Dec 17, 2019
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!
Christmas Choral Concert
Published Dec 3, 2019
Join us on Friday, December 13th for our second annual Christmas Choral Concert!
Registration for FREE French Classes begins December 9th!
Published Dec 3, 2019
Annual General Meeting
Published Jun 26, 2019
This is an invitation to the Regional Association of West Quebecers' 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Thank you for your interest in our Free French Classes.
Published May 20, 2019
Due to an overwhelming response, registration is now closed.
