MINUTES – PUBLIC – COMMISSION ON LIVING TOGETHER – 2nd meeting – March 20, 2025 – 9:03 a.m. to 12:12 p.m.
Read full translation
9. Management of hateful signs and symbols in Gatineau – Information and discussion
The management of hateful signs and symbols in Gatineau is presented by Florina Gaborean, coordinator for social and cultural diversity at the SLSDC. This is a presentation of the issues and recommendations of the Social Inclusion working committee of the CVE to the members of the Commission for information and discussion. The adjusted presentation as well as links will be sent following the meeting. Olivia Gninhi joins the meeting at 10:57 a.m. gatineau.ca Louis Sabourin leaves the meeting at 11:12 a.m., quorum is maintained – return at 11:13 a.m. A conceptual clarification is presented (hate crime, incident, and symbol). The significant increase in hate crimes is a major issue in Canada. Calculations for statistical purposes vary since it is difficult to list unreported crimes. Hate incidents are included by some. Many hateful acts and micro-aggressions escape statistics. Victims do not always dare to report. Three initiatives in Canada are presented. The exchanges will allow for continuing the reflections initiated by the working committee which has formulated certain proposals to the Commission. Josée Cousineau leaves the meeting at 11:26 a.m., quorum is maintained - return at 11:31 a.m. Isabelle Miron leaves the meeting at 11:28 a.m., quorum is maintained.
Discussion period:
General comments
A thank you is addressed to the presenter. The Chair emphasizes that the Social Inclusion committee of the CVE has analyzed this question to address a first observation and avenues for recommendations, with the goal of discussing it at the Commission, together. The implementation of a possible public awareness campaign seems to be a tool to consider.
Best practices – complaint process
The bond of trust, knowledge, and access to the process seem to be part of the determinants for reporting. It is mentioned that it is important that communications be intended for victims, but also for perpetrators. In some other files, such as that of domestic violence, good progress is perceived and it is mentioned that it would be good to be inspired by their best practice in terms of actions, management, and awareness. The framework and follow-up during the complaint process are important. For example, we question the number of hateful gestures, signs, or symbols that must take place before the complaint is admissible. The awareness and training of the Police Service teams are also to be taken into consideration to properly welcome the person making a complaint and understand the situation to properly support them. The presenter specifies that the SPVG teams receive awareness on this issue. In connection with an existing communication tool in Montreal (leaflet), we ask if there is the same equivalent in Gatineau. The Service explains that no, not for the moment, but the question of an awareness campaign is a subject of discussion at the working committee and the means will eventually be discussed. It is mentioned that it would be important to include the non-emergency call center attendants to properly respond to requests that are reported in connection with hateful signs and symbols in Gatineau in order to guide them and that a transfer to the Police Service be agreed upon. This element had been identified by the committee as well.
Awareness and preparation of the environment
We wonder if it is possible to add initiatives to better prepare the environment to properly welcome diversity. Actions that will target good neighborliness, the call to tolerance, and the understanding of difference are to be prioritized. Partners must direct actions together and play a collective role. We mention the importance of teaming up with marginalized people. Prevention and awareness messages are important. A member emphasizes that it would be interesting to also give a voice to the people who are victims of this situation to contribute to the identification of orientation or initiatives. Sébastien Vallée leaves the meeting at 11:44 a.m. – return 11:48 a.m.
Role of the CVE
We raise the fact that the proposed recommendations are interesting, but that we should continue the reflection on this subject in committee to specify them in connection with the role of the Commission. The Chair explains that the Commission already acts as a leader of a consultation of partners and that this is one of its current and possible roles. Internal or external resource persons can be invited depending on the subjects treated. We mention that indeed, this is a shared responsibility and that as organizations, everyone has a responsibility and can make a difference. A member explains that it is important that all partners can contribute and implement a communication campaign together and that the City cannot be the only carrier of such a large initiative. We must go to meet people, in different environments. We must clearly explain what the roles of the partners are, those of the City, and the role of the Commission. We explain that the CVE, through its advisory role with community partners, can contribute to it. For some, the CVE can also serve as a lever for the start-up or support of collective initiatives. A member raises the fact that it is still difficult to achieve all the cohabitation objectives in Gatineau.
The importance of "relational"
A discussion follows on the subject of the reflection surrounding the problem to promote living together. We mention that the technical or administrative solutions presented must be discussed and reflected upon since the problem requires adaptation, "relational," etc. Living together is being able to include difference; this is done among other things in the meeting with others. The Chair emphasizes that indeed the relational is important. Moreover, she explains that several actions of the work plan target the meeting, inclusion, and initiatives for living together. In the context of today's discussion, it is a question of awareness and administrative and concrete initiatives to allow for remedying certain current situations. The example of the removal of hateful graffiti more quickly is named. The Chair indicates that awareness or communication initiatives are also political and that the implementation of a communication sub-committee to see to the development of an awareness campaign or related initiatives is necessary. An invitation is launched to members to join the initial working committee in place to discuss it. A member proposes to add the terms "with community partners" to the last recommendation presented by the committee concerning the awareness of the population to hate incidents and crimes with the goal of being a better host society (prevention and inclusion). This will be discussed in the working committee. gatineau.ca The management of the SLSDC specifies that the first parts of the recommendation of the working committee are more administrative and simpler to deploy. An internal discussion with the Service de l’interaction citoyenne can take place. The management reminds that this is a presentation of the recommendations of the working committee to the Commission and not a recommendation of the CVE to the Municipal Council. The part concerning awareness and communication will require other analysis and committee meetings. Among other things to discuss the form, the scope of it, the budgets, and the efforts invested by the City, the Commission, and the partners, etc. The Chair specifies that the working committee will meet again to deal with these questions. Three members will be added to it: Josée Cousineau, Marquis Bureau, and Esther Beaudry. A follow-up will be done at the next CVE meeting scheduled for this fall.
Read full translation
6. Roundtable of CVE partners
Members are invited to share news regarding living together (vivre-ensemble).
- The City of Gatineau has signed a new 2025-2028 agreement with the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). An announcement will follow. gatineau.ca
- AGIR Outaouais has developed panels and training in preparation for municipal elections and on various subjects, including GBA+ (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) training. Links will be shared.
- The Week of Action Against Racism will take place from March 21 to 31. Accueil-Parrainage Outaouais will organize a roundtable on April 1 to discuss challenges and potential solutions.
Some issues are raised during the discussions:
- The importance of supporting socio-professional integration initiatives such as the Rendez-vous de l’emploi. Nearly 80% of participants are newcomers (little work experience, linguistic issues...);
- The importance of diversity training such as that offered at the CISSSO shortly;
- The reduction of certain immigration programs and categories in line with the desire of Quebec and Canada to target permanent integration more. Several social issues are noted in connection with the reduction, freezing, or modification of programs;
- The border reality of Gatineau-Ottawa and the need to support francization.
A request is made to know if there is a document to facilitate the understanding of the types of statuses discussed in connection with immigration. The MIFI explains that a presentation to the Commission in September is planned regarding the Accompagnement Québec program. In the meantime, the MIFI will look into developing an informative summary document that can be sent to CVE members. The partners wish for this summary to be shared widely, particularly with employers. This summary could be sent to the members of the Economic Development Commission for their information. It is specified that, if necessary, regional immigration advisors can accompany employers on this subject. AGIR-Outaouais proposes to also send a link to an explanatory document that the organization has developed regarding existing statuses.
Read full translation
7. English-language services for ethnocultural communities, translation and interpretation services offered at the CISSSO - Information
The presentation is provided by Joanne Dubois, Assistant to the Directorate at RLS Pontiac, for the CISSSO, also a member organization of the CVE. This is a presentation of the various programs offered by the CISSSO to promote access to health services. Ms. Dubois informs members of certain projects in more detail, including the "Hello, do you speak English?" campaign. A clarification is provided regarding bilingual signage. It is permitted only if the installation is recognized by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and designated by the Ministry. As part of the "Hello, do you speak English?" campaign, bilingual employees who voluntarily wish to be part of the program can identify themselves by using a yellow identification pouch, making them easier to locate. The modified presentation will be sent to members.
Discussion period
The Chair thanks the presenter for this information. "Hello, do you speak English?" posters will be given to the City of Gatineau to participate in raising awareness of this campaign, their display, and distribution. It is possible to send a certain quantity of posters to organizations that request them. gatineau.ca
We wish to verify if these posters are currently installed in establishments in the Gatineau and Hull sectors. The presenter explains that the posters installed in the establishments in the Gatineau and Hull sectors are in French. A collaboration is underway with the Centre Connexion, among others, to support the promotion of the project to English-speaking people. Following a question on this subject, the presenter specifies that people with disabilities are among the user partners in the project.
Meaning of the yellow "badges"
An elected member wonders if the meaning of the yellow "badges" is known and understood by English-speaking people and by the teams. The presenter specifies that this is increasingly the case, due to the signage and the knowledge of this project by employees and partners in the community. We also wonder if employees speaking other languages are called upon when a need for punctual and rapid translation is noted. Ms. Dubois specifies that this is done naturally, when possible, all informally. There is no registry of employees speaking other languages. She specifies that although virtual access is in place, users want to have access to a person in their presence. The need to have access to "navigator aids" is raised by users. Partner services are appreciated for supporting the provision of translation and interpretation services.
Impact of the implementation of these projects
The Chair wonders if a difference has been noted since the implementation of this campaign? The presenter specifies that there is evolution in the measured indicators. The number of complaints has decreased and the type of comments received has changed and improved. It is suggested that it would be good to include in the presentation, in the governance section, the name of the respondent for English-language and other languages. Séléna leaves the meeting at 9:56 a.m. Break from 9:56 a.m. to 10:11 a.m.
Read full translation
8. Recognizing and supporting caregivers – Information
The subject of the recognition and support of caregivers is presented by Marie-Ève Larouche, territorial coordinator specialized in caregiving at the CISSSO. Ms. Larouche is accompanied by Sara Boivin, Assistant to the Director of Quality at the Direction de la qualité, de l’évaluation, performance et éthique (DQEPE) at the CISSSO. This is a presentation of the resources available in caregiving for communities. The goal is to inform, raise awareness, and present these resources. A video presentation is projected; the link is included in the document previously given to CVE members. The link to the Observatoire québécois de la proche aidance will be sent to members. It is explained that training is also available online. More awareness will take place during Caregiver Week in November. Eric Bisson leaves the meeting at 10:36 a.m., quorum is maintained – return 10:38 a.m. gatineau.ca Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent leaves the meeting at 10:37 a.m., quorum is maintained – return 10:39 a.m.
Discussion period
General comments
A thank you is addressed to Ms. Larouche and Ms. Boivin for their presentation. This was very enlightening for the members. Many know caregiving closely or from afar, others do not. People still need to confirm that the support they offer in the daily life of the person being cared for is caregiving. The links to the available resources are accessible in the presentation and others will be sent shortly.
Recognition of the caregiver role
This role should be more recognized according to some members, because it requires a lot of time, commitment, and energy in addition to a financial commitment. Members highlight the importance of the bodies that advocate for these elements and rights to support caregivers. It is suggested that community workers or community organizers think about asking people who use community services if they are caregivers. This question would be important to recognize their role and raise awareness among these people. Better referral to appropriate resources and services could be done afterwards. Statistics show that a majority of caregivers do not know they are, and another majority of them die before the person being cared for.
Caregiving among youth
A member explains that 20% of young people are already caregivers at home. Some do not recognize themselves as such, others fear asking for help for fear of the consequences for their family. More services and support will be developed for young people. Links with the school environment will be made. A member explains that the situation is also experienced at the level of refugees, as stakeholders observe. Members have an interest in knowing the procedures at the school level and collaborating on them. The presenter explains that a study is currently available. It documents caregiving at the post-secondary level.
Access to resources:
There are many more resources than one thinks, among others in terms of tax credits and grants. These resources are available and little known even if they are not necessarily up to the needs. Awareness remains to be done in order to know them well. We all have a role to play and a collective responsibility. It is mentioned that the government has made progress regarding the recognition of a caregiver.
Read full translation
10. Information item: Bill 84
Ester Beaudry, regional director of the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, presents the information item concerning Bill 84. On January 30, 2025, the Bill on National Integration was presented by Mr. Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language, at the National Assembly. The purpose of this bill is to establish the Quebec model of national integration, which promotes the vitality and sustainability of Quebec culture as a common culture and vector of social cohesion. A reference document will be sent for information and an update may be made this fall.
Read full translation
11. Varia
An item is discussed under Varia concerning the following subject: Symbolic support from the CVE to reiterate the importance of initiatives and actions in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Gatineau. The request comes from the Chair and her colleague, Councillor Ms. Craig St-Louis. The current rise in hate is observed, notably in schools. Ms. Norris Parent and Ms. Craig St-Louis wish to submit a resolution to the municipal council in April to reiterate the importance of initiatives and actions in EDI in Gatineau. They wish to receive symbolic support from the CVE on this subject. Symbolic support from the members of the Commission du vivre-ensemble for this approach and resolution is granted, unanimously.
Read full translation
1. Quorum check and opening of the meeting
The Chair confirms the quorum and opens the meeting in a hybrid and public mode at 9:03 a.m. The meeting is recorded. From now on, service presentations will be posted online at gatineau.ca. This approach facilitates access to information and encourages citizen participation. It is recalled that it is always possible to consult the webcasts of the meetings on the City's website.
Read full translation
2. Adoption of the agenda
The addition of an item is proposed under Varia by the Chair: Symbolic support from the Commission du vivre-ensemble (CVE) to reiterate the importance of initiatives and actions in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Gatineau.
It is proposed by Joanne Dubois Supported by Louis Sabourin And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda of this meeting as amended.
Adopted
Read full translation
3. Declaration of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest is declared during the reading of this item.
Read full translation
4. Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the January 23, 2025 meeting
[The minutes], previously reviewed by the members, are filed and are available on the City's website. No follow-up is required.
Read full translation
5. Public question period
No questions from the public are addressed to the Commission during this meeting.
Read full translation
12. Next meeting: September 25, 2025
Inter-commission: May 30, 2025
Members were notified of the schedule for the next meetings. An inter-commission meeting will take place on May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. This is organized by the SLSDC, with members of the Commission des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés (CLSDC), the Commission Gatineau, Ville en santé (CGVS), the Commission du vivre-ensemble, and the Commission des aînés (CA), and members of the Commission des arts, de la culture, des lettres et du patrimoine (CACLP). The meeting will focus on the following subjects: the revision of accessibility programs and the white paper concerning the integration of SLSDC policies. gatineau.ca
Read full translation
13. Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by Josée Cousineau Supported by Joanne Dubois And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 12:12 p.m.
Adopted