Change and momentum at RAWQ AGM

Tashi Farmilo

The Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) held its Annual General Meeting on September 25 at The British in Aylmer, marking both a year of transition and optimism for the future. The meeting saw outgoing president and treasurer David Gillespie step down after seven years of service, leaving the organization in strong financial health and with renewed community energy.

A new executive team was elected to guide RAWQ into its next phase: Chad Bean as president, Alexander Hays as vice-president, Nikki Buelcher as secretary, and Jacqueline Busby as treasurer. Chris Judd and Cat Doyle will return to the board, joined by new members Emma Judd, JoAnna McGrath, and Russell Alexander Scott Boswick.

Executive Director Alina Holmes outlined plans to expand RAWQ’s reach across the region, including new social programming, language exchanges, and information sessions to strengthen the English-speaking community of western Quebec. Holmes also highlighted the launch of RAWQ’s new website, westquebecers.ca, which will serve as a hub for community events, resources, and news.

Guest speaker Sylvia Martin-Laforge, Executive Director of TALQ (formerly the Quebec Community Groups Network), spoke about the organization’s rebranding and the importance of advocacy for English-speaking Quebecers. She encouraged members to engage in the upcoming municipal elections to ensure continued access to bilingual services and representation. “We all have to raise our voices municipally, provincially, and federally,” she said, emphasizing the value of collaboration between TALQ and local organizations such as RAWQ.

Financially, RAWQ remains stable. Gillespie reported that the organization, once in debt, now maintains a healthy reserve thanks to careful management and federal grants. The meeting concluded on a note of gratitude, with members acknowledging Gillespie’s steady leadership and the dedicated staff team, including bookkeeper and office manager Jeanine Vistic, whose work supports RAWQ’s ongoing success.

The evening closed with optimism and cake, as members looked forward to another year of growth, community connection, and advocacy for English-speaking West Quebecers.