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Canadian Rural Partnership
Rural Dialogue
Rural Dialogue Session Report
Haut-Saint-François
Cookshire, Québec - March 4, 2002
Publication 2139/E
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2002
Cat. No. A22-267/2002E-IN
ISBN 0-662-32678-4
This summary report is available on the following Web site:
www.rural.gc.ca/dialogue/reports_e.phtml.
For further information on the Rural Dialogue,
please call
1-888-781-2222 (toll free number).
This report is a summary of discussions that took place at the Haut-Saint-François Rural Dialogue session held in Cookshire, Quebec, March 4, 2002. Many of the discussions took place in brainstorming sessions at which no limits were placed on the participants. Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Government of Canada. In order to present a true report of the free-ranging discussions, recommendations made by participants that fall outside federal jurisdiction are also included.
On March 4, 2002, the municipality of Cookshire welcomed the members of the Estrie Rural Team and representatives of numerous organizations active in development within the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Haut-Saint-François, who were attending a Rural Dialogue session.
The event, the objective of which was to bring the Government of Canada and the local population closer together, made it possible to further define the real issues in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François. The Estrie Rural Team was also able to assess the local area's ability to mobilize and work together.
The Estrie Rural Team was very satisfied with the participation of the various organizations. During the Rural Dialogue, their representatives demonstrated a remarkable degree of interest. The statements made by the stakeholders fuelled some positive, inspiring and enriching discussions.
Background
In March 2002, the Estrie Rural Team met with local leaders and the representatives of community organizations of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François. During the meeting, leaders and representatives discussed a variety of topics of particular concern to them with the members of the Team. A number of questions were put before the participants. These questions, among other things, sparked discussion and led participants to talk about the needs of the RCM's rural community. The event thus gave rise to the first "Rural Dialogue" in the Quebec region.
The RCM of Haut-Saint-François
Located in southeastern Quebec, the RCM of Haut-Saint-François covers an area of nearly 2,300 square kilometres. It includes 15 municipalities, the most well-known being Cookshire, East Angus and Weedon. Agriculture, forestry and manufacturing are the main sectors of the economy. The population is comprised of a French-speaking community and an English-speaking community; the former being the larger of the two.
The population density has increased very little in recent years. The 2001 Census set the population of the RCM at 21,394. Five years earlier, the population was 21,400. According to that same Census, 28.4% of the population has some postsecondary education. In 1995, the total average income was $18,540 ($22,835 for men, $13,397 for women). In 2001, there were 905 employment insurance recipients, more than half of whom were between 35 and 54 years of age - Statistics Canada, 2001 and 1996 Censuses.
4. OVERVIEW OF MAIN TOPICS |
(A) Access to federal government programs and services
The Rural Dialogue participants explained that they are not entirely familiar with the programs and services offered by the various federal departments. They know that programs and services that are more specifically adapted to their needs exist, but they do not know who to contact in the various departments to obtain more information on such programs. Several participants noted that the means of communication used by federal departments were not adequate; in this regard, it was mentioned that the Government of Canada's Web site was not the easiest to consult.
Proposed action: Diversifying the means used to communicate information (e.g., establishment of a local service point, distribution of a directory, etc.).
(B) Local services
For participants, access to adequate financing is undoubtedly essential to local communities. In the RCM of Haut-Saint-François, one of the priorities is the consolidation of local services. This is especially a priority for remote municipalities. There are definite gaps in the financing of services. Financing problems exist and could cause the disappearance of the few services that are available in local communities.
(C) Youth
Of particular concern to the Rural Dialogue participants was the exodus of youth to urban areas. They therefore proposed that efforts be made to increase young people's sense of belonging to the RCM in general and to their local area in particular, as a means of counteracting this trend.
Proposed actions: To this end, it was suggested that young people be involved in defining the Haut-Saint-François population's identity and vision for the future. It was also recommended that efforts be made to promote the quality of life in the RCM.
(D) Local leadership
It was clear from the discussions that residents of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François are able to mobilize, gather together, organize and become involved. Associations, groups and organizations are present throughout the RCM. Also, leaders are emerging from all walks of life, including municipal government. The volunteer movement in the area is significant. All in all, the human resources are there, sensitive to the needs and interests of local communities.
These people, however, claim to be lacking one essential thing: adequate financing. Numerous associations and groups are operating with inadequate financing.
Proposed action: The participants felt that federal departments could recognize the efforts made by these organizations and support their activities by providing adequate funding.
(E) Infrastructure and technology
With regard to infrastructure, the Rural Dialogue participants were primarily concerned about all means of communication, including roads (which are deteriorating), the telephone system and Internet access. Participants felt that the various means of communication, if they were in better condition or more accessible, would stimulate economic development.
Proposed action: Participants recommended that the Government of Canada intervene in this area by first investing in infrastructure through which services are provided to remote municipalities.
(F) Economic diversification
The participants noted that one of the characteristics of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François is the diversified nature of its economic activity. To this effect, the presence of a variety of industrial and agricultural facilities was noted. Specialized jobs are also available in the RCM. The participants stated that improving transportation infrastructures and installing modern telecommunications equipment would help increase economic diversification.
Proposed action: Government of Canada intervention was suggested.
(G) Local development
All of the Rural Dialogue participants agreed on the need for the population of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François to define a vision for its future. This exercise must involve all partners, development organizations and governments, as well as local leaders and silent players. This vision must bring together and promote the individual features of local communities as well as the characteristics of Estrie's rural environment.
Proposed action: Improved networking of the organizations and institutions that participate in local development in the RCM would undoubtedly facilitate the development of such a vision, as well as its implementation.
(H) Immigration
With regard to immigration, participants stated that they were pleased to see immigrant families settling in their region. The feeling is that immigrants enhance and enrich the local culture. Participants also noted that immigrants help stimulate the local economy (through their investments, purchases, etc.).
Proposed action: It was recommended that steps be taken to make it easier for immigrants to settle in the municipalities of the RCM.
Conclusion
Discussions during the Rural Dialogue revealed the interest that the leaders of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François have in developing the local area and supporting the population.
Proposed actions: Two main recommendations for the Government of Canada emerged from the discussions:
- that federal departments develop more effective ways of informing local organizations and rural residents about Government of Canada programs and services; and
- that federal departments provide adequate support to the activities of local organizations and rural residents.
The ability of the various organizations and the residents of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François to mobilize was noted. The community knows how to take the necessary steps to support local development.
The Estrie Rural Team will assess the proposed actions that emerged from the Rural Dialogue to determine whether this activity achieved the following goals:
- give the representatives of associations, organizations and groups of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François the opportunity to inform the Team about their community's issues and priorities;
- enhance the Government of Canada's visibility in this rural area; and
- establish partnerships that will make it possible to effectively support sustainable development in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François.
The Estrie Rural Team wishes to thank the representatives for their participation in this Rural Dialogue session. Their comments will be analysed by the members of the Team, who will then forward appropriate recommendations in support of local development in rural areas to the proper authorities.
(1) What characterizes your community? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
From the start, the participants identified diversity as one of the most remarkable strengths of the community. This diversity is expressed in several areas of activity, including the economy (industrial activities, agriculture, etc.), politics (mobilization of local leaders, elected municipal officials, etc.) and culture (artistic originality, heritage, tourism, etc.). It is also characterized by powerful and inspiring values and community awareness.
The community awareness of residents of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François is another of the strengths mentioned by the participants. It was noted that this characteristic finds expression in the number of volunteers in the community; in fact, volunteer work is one of the distinguishing features of the services that are available in the region. It was also noted that community awareness was a key component of many popular local institutions (e.g. various associations, local historical society, local newspaper).
Many participants identified the environment of the RCM, with its wide variety of landscapes, as its third key strength. The natural resources, particularly forest resources, were also mentioned.
Other strengths mentioned in the discussions included the creativity of local residents and their ability to mobilize, as well as the uniqueness and variety of the activities and services that are available.
As to weaknesses, the participants discussed the constantly changing socio-demographic characteristics of the population. Among other things, the following were noted: local population aging, the migration of young people towards regional and provincial urban centres, the exodus of specialized workers, the difficulty of integrating new residents (migrant Quebeckers and international immigrants), the slow decline of the illiteracy rate, the stabilization of the rather high level of the school dropout rate.
Other weaknesses identified by the participants include deficiencies of the means of communication, such as the road system, the telephone system, and the Internet. Public transit in rural municipalities was also considered an important problem. A number of participants felt that upgrading communication systems would help develop a greater sense of belonging among residents.
The last weakness mentioned was the unfavourable employment situation, characterized in particular by a lack of specialized jobs and rather uninteresting working conditions. It was felt that this situation contributes to increasing poverty.
In the RCM of Haut-Saint-François, there are undoubtedly important weaknesses; however, many participants felt that the potential for development far outweighed the weaknesses that were identified.
(2) What are the most important social, economic and community issues in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François?
The participants identified three social issues. The first: the evolution of the socio-demographic situation. Of primary concern to the participants are population aging and the exodus of young people towards urban centres. The second: the focus on remote municipalities by the RCM of Haut-Saint-François' management. In this regard, the representatives of the municipalities of Chartierville, La Patrie and Scottstown expressed their disappointment at what they consider a centralizing trend. The third: the level of representation of the various social groups, particularly women and youth, in regional decision-making. Participants argued that the voices of several groups are not always heard by decision makers. All of the issues presented clearly demonstrate how important it is for institutions in the RCM to be sensitive to the interests of the groups which comprises the local population.
One economic issue was considered predominant: support for the development of economic activities. A number of deficiencies not conducive to economic expansion were noted in the discussions. The primary deficiency identified was the condition of transportation infrastructure; another was the lack of municipal support. Some participants suggested that municipalities should become more involved in economic development. They should not compete against each other, but rather rely on the complementary nature of the activities within their boundaries. The general opinion was that dynamic economic activity throughout the region would help improve the social situation. Another of the economic issues mentioned concerns the improvement of working conditions.
Two community issues were discussed: maintaining local services and developing a sense of belonging. Concerning the former, several participants expressed concern about the possible disappearance of some services, such as primary schools and other specific services (e.g. convenience store, garage). It was recommended that efforts be made to strengthen such services before it was too late. Some services simply seemed to be missing, e.g., public transportation. Concerning the issue of a sense of belonging, it was pointed out that the Haut-Saint-François community is currently shaping its own unique identity and defining its facets and characteristics. The participants felt it was necessary to develop a shared vision of the future of the community, so that everyone – individuals, organizations and groups – can move in the same direction.
In conclusion, the priority issue arising out of the various elements discussed here is the need to enhance the networking of the organizations and institutions that are (or wish to be) involved in local development within the RCM of Haut-Saint-François, in order to ensure that their respective actions flow in the same (social, economic and community) direction and are consistent with the overall framework that has been adopted for the RCM.
(3) If you had to identify two or three issues that might mobilize your community in the coming year, what would they be and what might your organization's involvement be?
The main issues identified, in order, by the participants were: promoting quality of life, maintaining local services, and developing an enabling future perspective.
Several participants considered quality of life in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François to be the key element in bringing the members of the community together. It was suggested that this unique quality be properly understood and that its components be clearly defined in order to better promote it to both past and new members of the community. Promoting the region must be an integral part of this exercise.
After quality of life, the maintenance of local services was considered a particularly important issue. Participants were extremely concerned by the fact that some local services – in some municipalities, the last such services currently available – could disappear or be relocated farther away from the local community. Local service availability has a structuring effect on the community. In addition to meeting specific needs, local services contribute to the vitality of the community.
The third issue identified was the development of an inspiring and enabling community vision. This issue refers back to the need to make consultation a normal practice in the organizations and institutions involved in local development, because alliances and partnerships are vital initiatives for the development of a common vision.
A few participants stressed one final issue: youth in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François. These participants felt that youth was still the number one issue, the priority that confers real meaning to the other issues noted above. Without youth, quality of life cannot be maintained, local service availability cannot continue to exist and a common vision cannot pave the way for future generations. Therefore, every effort should be made to avoid the exodus of young people.
(4) What contribution might the various federal departments make in regard to these issues?
Participants felt that the various federal departments' contribution in regard to the issues facing the RCM of Haut-Saint-François should be comprised of three elements: disseminating, recognizing and sustaining.
"Disseminating" refers to communicating information. Several participants explained that they did not know much about the services, programs and grants and subsidies available from federal departments. It was recommended that means of communication be diversified, innovative approaches be taken and different forms (e.g. local office) and formats (e.g. directory) be used.
"Recognizing" refers to federal departments paying particular attention to the interests and concerns of the local community (i.e., local associations, groups and organizations). "Recognizing" means being sensitive to local needs and priorities, and being flexible enough to ensure that programs respond specifically to these needs. In this sense, flexibility goes hand in hand with the adaptability of programs.
"Sustaining" refers to continued recognition. To achieve this, federal departments must support local development, allocate funds to the organizations implementing such development and encourage management autonomy. Proper "sustaining" requires decentralization and support, through adequate funding, of local management of local issues and projects.
(5) Do you consider the arrival of immigrants beneficial to the community?
It was generally felt that immigrants are beneficial to the Haut-Saint-François community and that they make a positive contribution to enriching the culture and economy of the community. Little concern was expressed about immigrants. The participants mainly discussed three topics.
A first point was the immigrants' contribution to local culture. The presence of immigrants in the Haut-Saint-François region was considered to have an enriching and revitalizing effect on local culture. This contribution was unanimously recognized. Several participants stated that they appreciated the fact that immigrant families chose to settle in the region rather than in an urban centre. It was noted that children definitely play a key role in the integration of immigrant populations. Some participants added that authorities in Estrie should encourage more immigrants to settle in the region – enough to elevate the region to the third or even second rank in the province as a destination for immigrant settlement. It was noted that cultural diversity was beneficial to the community.
The other two topics of discussion centred on the economic contribution made by immigrants who choose to settle in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François. The first of these topics: immigrants invest in the region. Their investments stimulate economic activity and help create jobs; the benefits of these investments are felt by the entire community. They contribute to local economic development. The second of these topics: immigrants enhance the skill level of the local workforce. Well-educated immigrants get specialized, high-paying jobs. This makes it possible to enhance the economic position of the RCM of Haut-Saint-François.
(6) Does the Government of Canada use adequate means to publicize its programs and services?
The participants did not address this question to a great degree. Rather, discussions drifted onto other issues. Six recommendations (below) were made to improve communicating information by the various federal departments.
Recommendation one: To enhance their communication of information, federal departments should focus first on meeting with local leaders and representatives of local organizations. They would be able to better explain their needs and suggest how federal departments might help them address those needs.
Recommendation two: To reach the population more effectively, federal departments should place advertisements, in local, municipal and regional newspapers, to better publicize the availability of federal services.
Recommendation three: The Government of Canada's official Web site should be simplified to make it easier to consult. The participants stated that they often found it hard to navigate.
Recommendation four: It was suggested that a directory of all services available from federal departments, including appropriate telephone numbers, be developed. The participants wanted to know who they should contact to obtain answers to their questions or information requests.
Recommendation five: It was suggested that an Internet access program be set up especially for rural communities.
Recommendation six: The Government of Canada should provide more support to outlying municipalities and propose financing programs for road and telecommunications infrastructure that meet the specific needs of people living in remote areas.
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Date Modified: 2002-11-28
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