The Government of Québec and Concordia University form a partnership to support the vitality of English-Speaking communities across Quebec

MONTREAL, April 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, Ms Kathleen Weil announced an important agreement of $ 950,000, over two years with Concordia University in collaboration with five organizations to support the vitality of the English-speaking community throughout Quebec.

This grant stems from consultations that the Minister, with her Secretariat, held with community stakeholders throughout the province this past winter where the different challenges facing the community were discussed.

As part of this agreement, Concordia University, through its expertise, can count on the Quebec English-speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN) – an organization committed to acquiring and disseminating knowledge in support of the vitality of English-speaking communities and to strengthening the link between educational and cultural actors. QUESCREN will work simultaneously with four community organizations to implement this initiative: Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), the English-Language Arts Network (ELAN), the Eastern Townships Resource Centre (ETRC) from Bishop's University and the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders (CAMI).

Quotes:

"I am delighted we can rely on the expertise of Concordia University and its Communities Research Network better known as QUESCREN which will act as a hub for the projects announced today bringing to the table both the strength of a major Quebec educational institution and regional and urban community know-how."

Kathleen Weil, Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers

"As Director of the School of Community and Public Affairs (SCPA), I find that this research opportunity will enable QUESCREN to develop research projects in collaboration with community partners in Quebec and this is in line with the approach of community engagement advocated by the SCPA."

Chedly Belkhodja, co-director, Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network 

"As always, the QCGN's main goal is to strengthen the institutional, political and service infrastructures supporting English-speaking Quebec to build the capacity of our Network and Community organizations to work effectively on the issues affecting the development and vitality of our Community of Communities. After years of relying almost entirely on federal support to accomplish these important goals we are thrilled the Quebec government is stepping up to the plate to support its English-speaking minority communities."

Sylvia Martin-Laforge, Director General of the Quebec Community Groups Network

"Culture and education are both provincial jurisdictions, and the benefits for students of linking arts and education are well documented.  Yet it has been difficult in Quebec for English-speaking artists to connect with educators and vice versa, despite valiant efforts on both sides. The government through its new Secretariat has rapidly erected a bridge that will enable scores of students, educators and artists to bring creativity into the classroom in new and stimulating ways.  Each project will expand a sustainable network that will enrich the entire English-speaking community for years to come."

Guy Rodgers, Executive Director English-Language Arts Network

"This initiative is a watershed moment for the English-speaking community across Quebec as it signals that we belong to this diverse, inclusive and dynamic province."

Fabian Will, executive director, Eastern Township Resource Centre

"Our hope is that this organizational model will be the driving force in stimulating community economic development for English-speaking Magdalen Islanders, ultimately leading to job creation, youth retention and community vitality. With the support of the Secretariat for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers, CAMI will be able to develop and implement plans in the areas of agri-tourism, cultural tourism and product development, ensuring an active contribution to the regional economic development of the entire Magdalen Islands."

Helena Burke, Executive Director, Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders

Quick facts:

The Secretariat, in consultation with the departments and agencies concerned, is responsible for ensuring that the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers are taken into consideration with regards to government orientations and decisions.

The Secretariat works closely with departments and agencies providing direct services to the public and with organizations representing English-speaking communities.

In addition to the responsibilities of various government ministries and bodies towards English-speaking Quebecers, the Secretariat for relations with English-speaking Quebecers has a mandate to:

• Ensure liaisons with sectoral, regional and provincial groups that represent English speaking Quebecers.
• Ensure that the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers are taken into consideration in the development of government policy direction and decisions, and in matters of access to government programmes and their application in conjunction with the concerned ministries and agencies.
• Make available relevant statistics to document issues facing English-speaking Quebecers.
• Interact with the federal government on issues, agreements, programs or policies that may have a direct or indirect impact on English-speaking Quebecers in collaboration with the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes and other ministries and bodies concerned.
• Advise the government, ministries and bodies on relations with English-speaking Quebecers regarding the provision of services and issues, agreements, programs and policies that may have a direct or indirect impact on the community.

Concordia University is committed to innovation and excellence through education, research, creativity and community partnerships. It dares to be different and utilizes its diversity to transform the individual, strengthen society and enrich the world. Although this institution is officially bilingual, Concordia is one of the two English-language universities in Montreal. The University has nearly 40,000 students.

• Founded in 2008, the Quebec English-speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN) is a collaborative network of researchers, stakeholders, educational institutions and other organizations working to improve the understanding of English-speaking communities in Quebec and strengthen their vitality. QUESCREN's mission is to provide opportunities to promote the understanding of English-speaking minority communities in Quebec and to strengthen their vitality through research, training, knowledge mobilization, networking and raising awareness.

Related links :

• Concordia University, http://www.concordia.ca/
• Secretariat responsible for English speaking Quebecers http://www.mce.gouv.qc.ca/secretariats/srqea/index-en.htm

SOURCE Secrétariat des relations avec les Québécois d'expression anglaise (SRQEA)

For further information: Laurence Tôth, Press Secretary, Minister responsible for Access to Information and the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, 418 473-8154