QCGN Welcomes Nomination of Kathleen Weil as Minister Responsible for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers

MONTREAL, Oct. 11, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network is very pleased that Kathleen Weil has been named Minister Responsible for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers. She will be leading the charge to create a Secretariat that will respond to the policy and program needs of Quebec's English-speaking community.

"She is an experienced and capable minister who will be strong advocate for our community with her cabinet colleagues," said QCGN President James Shea, noting that he is satisfied that Premier Philippe Couillard has opened a meaningful channel for the community to interact with the provincial government. "This is an indication that the Premier is listening to us and our concerns."

"It's important for our community to have someone that we can talk to who really understands the needs and priorities of our community," commented Vice-President Geoffrey Chambers, adding that the QCGN has an excellent relationship with Weil. "We all face serious policy issues in a wide range of areas, including health, education, employment, youth, as well as regional challenges. Having a minister directly responsible for the community, and a Secretariat to back them up, will allow the government to avoid making mistakes of the past in areas like health and education reforms."

"Our community has been asking for an interlocutor in government for many years," said QCGN Director General Sylvia Martin-Laforge, noting the Secretariat will be an important mechanism to get serious and sorely needed policy input from our community. "Minister Weil bring with her deep knowledge of the community and she will be able to get right to work."

The Quebec Community Groups Network is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 53 English-language community organizations across Quebec. As a centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action it identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec and encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders. 

SOURCE Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)

Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations | [email protected], Telephone: [phone], ext. 223, cellular: 514-912-6555