Unveiling of New Exhibits and Opening of Museum for 2011 Season

Islanders Vote in Federal Elections

On Monday, May 2, 2011 Islanders returned to the polls to vote in federal elections.  The Gaspé-Magdalen Islands riding went to the NDP, with Philippe Toone taking office.

The majority of votes on the Island went to the Bloc Quebecois, with the NDP only gaining majority in one-tenth of the 70 voting stations on the Islands.  The two Anglophone communities of the Islands mainly voted Conservative.

David Suzuki and George Stroumboulopoulos Visit the Islands

Friday, April 29, 2011 marked the arrival of David Suzuki and George Stroumboulopoulos to the Magdalen Islands as part of the attempt to stop oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Suzuki, a Canadian Environmentalist and host of CBC’s The Nature of Things and George Stroumboulopoulos, host of CBC’s the Hour, came to the Islands after a request from the St. Lawrence Coalition and the Quebec Chapter and the David Suzuki Foundation.

The weekend began with a 5 à 7 at the Galleries Bar Spectacle les Pas Perdus, where Suzuki addressed the audience about the importance of protecting their environment.  Oil and Gas exploration could potentially pollute the St. Lawrence Gulf and destroy the fishing industry of the Magdalen Islands.  When a member of the audience approached Dr. Suzuki for help in fighting the oil companies, Suzuki made it clear that we must help ourselves.  The Gulf is our home and it is very important that the people mobilize themselves.

On Saturday, David Suzuki and George Stroumboulopoulos toured the Island to speak to fishermen, the direct stakeholders in the Gulf.  The pair then arrived at Old Harry Beach, where a flag representing the five provinces of the Gulf was raised as a symbol of the importance of a gulf coalition to stop oil and gas exploration and exploitation in the Gulf.    

Les Iles en Forme Host Workshops in Grosse-Ile

Les Iles en Forme et en Santé, an initiative of Quebec en Forme, are currently targeting youth aged 0-17 to promote healthy eating and active living.  Sharla Goodwin, Registered Dietician, was contracted to do a series of workshops in Grosse-Ile to help reach the Anglophone youth. 

The first workshop was a nutritional presentation in Grosse-Ile School.  Sharla Goodwin educated the students on healthy eating habits and healthy alternatives to traditional “junk” food.  Following this presentation, a healthy lunch was provided for students and their parents, in order to also incorporate parents into the promotion of healthy eating.

The final workshop was held on Friday, April 29^th in the community conference room to provide healthy eating information to community event providers.  It was stressed that offering healthy alternatives on traditional canteen menus could allow people to make healthier choices.  A chicken wrap, instead of a cheeseburger, significantly lowered caloric intake, fat intake and salt intake. 

Sharla Goodwin pointed out that if we want our children to eat healthier and be at a healthy weight, then we should offer them healthy food at community events.

Blessing of the Boats 2011

The Blessing of the Fleet by Revd's Brian and Wilma will take place at Grosse-Ile North Harbour on May 6th at 10:00 am.  and at Grand Entree Harbour along with Fr. Chester at 2:00pm .  There is a Mass at Grande Entree at 7:00 pm and all are invited. 

SADC in Partnership with CEDEC Magdalen Islands Office Host Youth Focus Group

A youth focus group targeting youth aged 16 to 30 was held in the Grosse-Ile community conference room on Wednesday, April 27, to better understand the current employment issues facing youth in the region.  The Société d`aide au développement de la collectivité des Iles-de-la-Madeleine (SADC) is currently conducting a study in order to identify and understand the needs and challenges of youth with regards to employment and labour market integration on the Magdalen Islands.  In partnership with CEDEC Magdalen Islands, the SADC conducted an Anglophone youth focus group to better understand the local youth situation.

A round table discussion took place with ten Anglophone youth voicing their present concerns regarding employment and integrating in the Magdalen Islands job market.  Issues concerning education, language training, gender, employment insurance, the fishing industry and entrepreneurship were discussed in order to collect information based on the feelings and opinions of youth. 

The data collected from a survey and from the youth focus group will be compiled into a report in the up-coming months.  The report will then be forwarded to various organizations and government departments, in hopes of ameliorating the current situation.

Hello From CAMI

In an attempt to keep our English-speaking community (ESC) informed, CAMI will begin publishing a blog for our community to visit, enjoy, and take part in.  If you have anything you wish to publish on our blog, please e-mail any information and photos to mcgillretention@gmail.com
Lets use the internet, the perfect tool to keep ourselves informed!