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Announcements

NEW Cercle des écrivaines/écrivains de l'Outaouais Writer's Circle

Published Sep 9, 2021

B Outaouais Literary Circle 2021

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.

Come and discover your writing style while receiving feedback about your fiction or non-fiction story, share your short stories and poetry while exploring a wide range of subjects in a friendly atmosphere. Various genres of writing will be explored. All you have to do is put your thoughts down on paper and register for FREE by using your Accès Gatineau card, which is required to register for one writing circle during the week from the three time slots available. The writing circles will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm and Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-4:30pm. For more information and to register, please contact: writerscircle@westquebecers.ca or visit the City of Gatineau website - Sports and Loisir page.
 
The in-person writing circles will start on September 29th and run until December 8th. There will be ten weeks of creative writing and sharing. Please join us! We all want to hear your stories come alive!
 
*Please note that the writing circles will not meet on November 10th and December 1st and will be rescheduled for December 8th and 15th respectively.

4-part workshop series, 'In Your Own Voice, In Your Own Words'

Published Sep 8, 2021

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Unleashing the imagination – Are we trained to use our imagination…or is it neglected?
Join us for a 4-part workshop series, 'In Your Own Voice, In Your Own Words', on September 21& 28 and October 5 & 12 from 3:30-5:30 pm.
Whether recounting a love story or an adventure, a true-life story or one that’s totally imagined, the participants will be free to improvise and adapt as they are guided through the creative process of bringing a story to life and telling it in their Own Voice and their Own Words.
Patti Warnock will lead the series. Her repertoire (for the young at heart of all ages) consists not only of traditional style tales, but also of her own creations, where reality and fiction walk hand in hand, and which are based on the reality of everyday life events, and on her own childhood in rural Quebec and in northern Canada.
Space is limited! To register, email oec@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.

Office Closure- Holidays

Published Aug 30, 2021

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN AUGUST 31 AND SEPTEMBER 7, INCLUSIVELY.

Now on YouTube

Published Aug 27, 2021

The recording of the Virtual Community Information Session that took place on August 26th, is now available on our YouTube channel.

Click here to watch

RAWQ Virtual Community Information Session

Published Aug 19, 2021

Info Session v2

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

Click here to register

For more information or if you experience difficulties with registration, please email: oec@westquebecers.ca or call 819-682-9602.

RAWQ Community Information Session

Published Jul 7, 2021

 RAWQ Info Session

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)

Click here to register

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.

PRESS RELEASE

Published Jul 2, 2021

RAWQ Statement on the Official Languages of Quebec and Canada / Communiqué de presse à propos des Langues officielles du Québec et du Canada

Click here to read

Eating Well in the Summer on a Budget Workshop

Published Jun 28, 2021

Eating Well in the summer
Wednesday, July 21st from 2:00-3:30 pm 
 
The session will take place on Zoom. Everyone is welcome!
 
Jennifer Brennan, Food Skills Manager with The Depot Community Food Centre, conducts an interactive information session with recipe sharing. Compare tips and tricks for making the most of seasonal produce and for coping with the heat of summer. In partnership with the Atwater Library and Computer Centre- Financial Literacy Program.

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

Published Jun 3, 2021

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.

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Bishop's Forum 2021

Published Jun 1, 2021

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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:

  • Identify as members of the English-speaking community
  • Want to deepen their understanding of how Quebec society works
  • Are passionate about working with their peers to bring about positive change

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?

  • Meet fellow young Quebecers who will positively challenge you
  • Expand your network and engage with inspiring guest speakers
  • Become empowered to lead change in your community

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.

Invitation to Student Presentation on Black Canadian History

Published Mar 3, 2021

You are cordially invited to a Meeting of the Committee for the Enhancement of the Curriculum of the History of Quebec (ComECH-QC) this Thursday evening, March 4th, 2021 commencing @ 7:00 p. m.
Special Invited Guest Presenter will be:
Ms. Furaha-Safi Karubara, is a Secondary IV student, who regularly attends Philomen Wright High School in Hull, Gatineau, and is attending the Western Quebec School Board Online Academy this year. Ms. Furaha-Safi Karubara will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation about the importance of Black History being taught as a part of Canadian History. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
Please RSVP by writing to ComECH-QC Secretary, Carol Meindl at: carolmeindl@qfhsa.org

Opportunity for youth!

Published Feb 12, 2021

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Y4Y Quebec is hosting a virtual Priority-Setting Summit Project that will be taking place on March 20-21, 2021.
 
This event will provide Québec’s English-speaking youth with a platform to articulate their diverse communities’ needs.
 
Youth will have the opportunity to attend workshops, a virtual tour of Parliament, and be inspired by a host of guest speakers!
 

'Your 2020 Tax Return' Information Session

Published Jan 18, 2021

Join us on Monday, February 22nd from 4-5:30pm for a virtual information session on your 2020 tax return. All are welcome!
 
Lynn Bennett, Certified Financial Planner, gives an overview of 2020 provisions of federal and provincial income tax.
 
Thank you to the Atwater Library and Computer Centre for partnering with us.
 
For more information or to register, please email Hayley at oec@westquebecers.ca or fill out this form:
Click here to register
  
NEW 2021 Tax Info Session Shawville v2

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!

 

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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

Registration for Winter 2021 FSL Classes

Published Nov 24, 2020

November 2020 Flyer ENG
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

You are Here Project FINAL

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.


Click Here To Register

RAWQ Youth Needs Assessment

Published Nov 18, 2020

YNA Flyer

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.

Access the Youth Needs Assessment

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

Basket of Good Cheer
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

NEW RAWQ
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

Spoken word—Spoken Ancestries with Dona Nham

Published Oct 2, 2020

Spoken Ancestries
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 Photo Contest

Published Sep 25, 2020

Xmas card photos

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.

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

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!

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

SHOP LOCAL

Click here for a listing of Farmers Markets throughout the Outaouais region.

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.

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

 

RAWQ's COVID-19 Resource Page 

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!

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! Basketball

Heritage

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.*

Your 2019 Tax Return Information Session

Published Mar 5, 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.

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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!

surveymonkey.com/r/SymbolismSurvey

Resumption of French second-language courses in the Outaouais!

Published Jan 30, 2020

January 2020 CC
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.

 

January 2020 Conversation Club

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.

Waitlist

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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!

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Christmas Choral Concert

Published Dec 3, 2019

Join us on Friday, December 13th for our second annual Christmas Choral Concert!

 

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Annual General Meeting

Published Jun 26, 2019

This is an invitation to the Regional Association of West Quebecers' 2019 Annual General Meeting.