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Executive Director’s
Parting Message
Autumn Newsletter, November 2004
Five and a half years ago, the largest attendance ever seen at an Annual General meeting of Outaouais Alliance - two hundred people - occurred in the Heritage College auditorium to elect a new Board of Directors.
During that election, the members gave a clear message: OA had to change if it was to remain relevant as the support group for the English-speaking community. At the first meeting of the new Board, one week later, I was narrowly elected president after two ballots. The Board seemed to be divided; the task ahead appeared daunting.
The year before that AGM, hard-line activists had overtaken the association with no clear program of activity. The membership, itself, dwindled to two hundred members. The committees were completely inactive. There was no youth involvement. There were no newsletters or any real, significant communication to members and media. It was impossible for a representative of the association to get a meeting with anyone of note to push forward any of the many concerns of the community.
On the provincial and federal scenes, there was no voice for the English-speaking community of the Outaouais. There was a fledgling committee for economic development created – a promising new provincial initiative - but it was put in danger of losing its direction and relevancy.
Then, after that first Board meeting, there began a complete turnaround that happened surprisingly fast. The late Graham Greig provided a wise, firm and steady hand as Chair of that new Board. John Trent provided his experience for guidance. A strong staff and amazingly cooperative Board members provided the work, the input and the good will that completed the transformation of Outaouais Alliance into a true community association with a solid program and a strong voice. The transformation was affirmed at the 2002 AGM when OA took on its new name, the Regional Association of West Quebecers.
Looking back, I can say, with a degree of pride, that we accomplished an amazing thing. It was great teamwork that made the future so bright for the association and its members.
That being said, there is still one lesson that shouldn’t be forgotten, and that is that West Quebecers will always be vulnerable. When the community stops participating in its affairs, the organization can become dormant or worse yet, it can be hijacked by narrow agendas, as it once was. West Quebecers’ Board and committees need continuous replenishment by committed and intelligent people. I trust that you, as members, will hear this and be vigilant; to see that others step in to fill the vacancies as the old guard inevitably retires.
As I leave my present role as executive director, I consider myself most fortunate to have been on this amazing journey; a journey that has taken me to some incredible corners of Quebec’s territory and politics; a journey that has allowed me to speak with premiers and Prime Ministers; a journey that has given me a thousand new insights into community life in West Quebec; a journey that has brought me to meet a hundred new friends; a journey shared with the best of them.
Over the years, I have been graced by the opportunity to serve and I have been humbled by the support so many have given to me.
Thanks to all … et merci.