Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence Hosts Milestone Event for English-Speaking Community
March 19 saw the launch of the first comprehensive report on the English-speaking community of the region, produced by HLSL’s Dr. Alexandra Rao and her team, which delved into the specifics of life as an English-speaker in our region.
According to Rao, “understanding the experiences, challenges, and contributions of the English-speaking minority is crucial for effective advocacy. The more knowledge we gather, the better equipped we are to communicate our needs to local governments, public institutions, and community organizations.”
Rao’s presentation seamlessly set the stage for the introduction of the innovative Circonflexe mentorship program, an initiative of the PERT (Provincial Employment Roundtable). Geneviève Major, Program Coordinator at HLSL, and Chad Walcott, Communications Director at PERT, delivered an engaging presentation, complemented by testimonials from community participants.The well-attended event, coordinated by HLSL, was held at La Station, a coworking space in downtown Rimouski.
Both English- and French-speaking attendees, including representatives from various organizations and government bodies, expressed keen interest in learning about the challenges faced by the English-speaking community. Their engagement highlights a growing commitment to fostering inclusion, strengthening collaboration, and addressing regional workforce shortages by empowering all residents to contribute effectively to the local economy.
With ongoing initiatives like the Circonflexe mentorship program, and the spearheading of a comprehensive report on the needs of the English-speakers of the region, HLSL continues to play a vital role in fostering a thriving and engaged community.
