“Supporting the English-speaking community in West Quebec”

About RAWQ

First established in 1982, RAWQ is a not-for-profit association dedicated to serving and supporting the minority English-speaking community (ESC) in the Outaouais. It plays a significant role in initiatives that support the ESC in the Outaouais by means of advocacy, networking, information and programs for youth, seniors and more.

Advocacy
  • Identifying needed improvements to accessing services in English
  • Making representations to government and public agencies on improving access in English to these services
  • Supporting new residents in the region by providing a comprehensive package outlining services available in English

Networking
  • Seeking opportunities to build bridges with the Francophone community through information sharing and dialogue
  • Publicly recognizing outstanding contributions by individuals to the ESC through our Community Awards Banquet
  • Partnering with other community groups and networks with shared interests in community projects

Support for Youth
  • Participating in initiatives that enhance youth employment
  • Working with community groups across the province to address the needs of English-speaking youth in Quebec
  • Developing initiatives that enhance language skills of English-speaking youth by building relationships with Francophone youth

Information
  • A website geared to the needs of the English-speaking community
  • Directories that list community services and local businesses providing services in English
  • eBulletin and a newsletter that inform members about news, upcoming events
  • Workshops and learning opportunities
  • Referral centre for information on available municipal and community services
  • Support for community initiatives

Mission Statement

To serve and support the English-speaking population of the Outaouais

  • Encourage the creation and implementation of health, social, educational and cultural programs
  • Improve access to English services and information, and to instruction in French as a second language
  • Support cultural and artistic activities in the English-speaking population
  • Provide the means for youth to exercise influence within the Organisation and the community at large
  • Nurture relations with the French-speaking majority
  • Serve as an information and resource center for the community
  • Encourage the participation of English-speaking people in the region's decision-making bodies
  • Promote the rights of minority official language communities across the country
  • Advocate to political authorities for the interests of the English-speaking community of West Quebec.

Motto

Supporting the English-speaking community in West Quebec.

A healthy English-speaking community in a secure French-speaking Quebec.
A strong Quebec in a united Canada.

Annual Reports

Funding Recognition

The Regional Association of West Quebecers is funded by the Federal Government, under the Collaboration Agreement, and sponsored, primarily, through the Department of Canadian Heritage under their Official Languages Support Program.

In addition, RAWQ undertakes individual projects which may be funded, or partially funded, by various levels of government - municipal, provincial, federal - or by fundraising activities initiated by RAWQ and its members.

Furthermore, there are times when RAWQ may participate in a province-wide project initiated and funded by another organization.

Finally, and by no means least, RAWQ receives financial support from its membership, in the form of membership fees and donations.

The Regional Association of West Quebecers is a member of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)