Category: Press Release

The MRC is proud to announce significant improvements to the accessibility of Council of Mayors meetings.

Starting with the February meeting, citizens will be able to attend the meeting via videoconference and interact with elected officials during the question period provided for this purpose.

The Council meeting will then be available on the MRC website for viewing at any time.

The first meeting to take place in this format will be on February 18, 2026.

Chevery, January 27, 2026 – Message from Mr Daren Jones, MRC Warden

Hello everyone,

After conducting an analysis following known issues with postal delivery in the eastern part of the Lower North Shore, Canada Post decided to review its delivery method.

Here are the changes announced by Canada Post:

Effective Friday, January 30, all product lines will once again be routed through Québec using the previously established process. Mail and parcels will be transported by air to Blanc-Sablon.

Canada Post has acknowledged that recent service failures related to land transportation were largely caused by persistent and severe weather conditions, resulting in multiple ferry cancellations.

Going forward, the plan is as follows:
• All products will be transported by air from December to April.
• Land transportation will resume from April to December, when ferry operations are generally more stable.

This approach is intended to improve reliability and reduce delivery delays for communities on the Lower North Shore.

Canada Post’s decision follows advocacy efforts carried out by the MRC du Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent on behalf of residents of the Lower North Shore.

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Chevery, January 12, 2026 – Message from Mr Daren Jones, MRC Warden

Hello everyone,

We wanted to provide an update on the ongoing Canada Post issues affecting Blanc-Sablon and Bonne-Espérance.

We know this has been a serious problem since October 2025, and both the previous and current MRC administration and leadership have been working to get this situation properly acknowledged by Canada Post. The first and most difficult step has been getting them to recognize that there is a fundamental breakdown in the current system and that it is not serving our communities effectively.

Over the past three months, we have had repeated correspondence with Canada Post, and we continue to be told that the issue is being escalated internally. As part of this process, and in my role as warden, we have now formally requested that this file be addressed by senior officials, including the Minister or Deputy Minister responsible.

We have also involved our federal MP and have completed two media interviews so far — one with Radio-Canada ICI Côte-Nord (French) and one with CBC Québec (English). Our next step is to continue raising this issue with provincial and national media, because we believe that our communities are not the only ones affected by these service problems.

Prior to one of these interviews, the journalist requested a statement from Canada Post so that we could respond to their position. This is the statement they provided:

Canada Post Statement:

Canada Post takes its responsibility to serve all Canadians very seriously. We are aware of the service issues in the Lower North Shore area and are working to stabilize service there.

Although our local teams are working hard to provide reliable postal service, the difficult winter weather conditions have affected all of our operations, including both air and ground transportation. For example, we have experienced several ferry crossing cancellations between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland due to weather. When there are delays related to the ferry—such as 17 cancellations over 12 days in December—mail remains stuck at the Nova Scotia port waiting to cross. Once the crossing is completed, we must implement contingency measures to transport the mail to the communities, which can take a few days. Canada Post closely monitors schedules to plan transportation accordingly.

Our commitment to serving the people of the Lower North Shore region is strong, and we thank them for their patience and understanding. To report a problem with postal services, anyone can contact Canada Post Customer Service online at canadapost.ca/support  (https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tjPvCjnkkIjr9YVxIWf2HmVF39?domain=canadapost.ca) or by phone at 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797).

While weather-related transportation challenges are real, the service problems experienced by residents since October suggest that the current delivery model is not resilient enough for the realities of our region. That is why we continue to push for senior-level review of how service is structured for the Lower North Shore, not only how delays are managed once they occur.
We know this is affecting people’s access to important mail, medications, and personal deliveries, and we recognize how disruptive and stressful that can be.

We have also been in contact with elected officials in Labrador, and they are experiencing very similar challenges, which confirms that this is not an isolated situation.

Many residents have shared their experiences with us, and these have been carefully documented as part of the broader file we are building to demonstrate the real impacts on daily life, businesses, and essential services in our region.

One of the realities we are navigating is the time it takes to move through large organizations and government systems. That does not make the situation any less frustrating, but it does mean that persistent and continuous follow-up is required, and that is exactly what is being done.
Our federal MP is returning shortly from the parliamentary break and has been kept fully informed of all communications with Canada Post. Last week, we also sent a formal request to our regional Canada Post representative asking that this matter be escalated to senior leadership immediately.

This week, we will also be sending our concerns to multiple media outlets across Québec, including national platforms. We do not know which outlets will choose to cover this story, but we believe it is important that the situation facing our communities continues to be made visible.

We know how frustrating this situation is, and we want residents to know that this issue is being taken seriously. Mayors, municipal administrations, and the MRC are all aware of the impact this is having, and we are continuing to work together to push for meaningful solutions.

Thank you for your patience, and thank you for continuing to raise this issue with us. We will continue to provide updates as this file progresses.

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Source : Daren Jones
418 787-2020 | prefet@mrcgsl.ca

COURTESY TRANSLATION

SEPT-ÎLES, DECEMBER 8, 2025 – After more than 20 years of promises and waiting, a large-scale mobilization is underway to ensure that the Quebec government prioritizes the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital modernization project in its next budget. A first group of stakeholders expressed their intentions regarding this strategic issue at a press conference held Monday in Sept-Îles.

The mayor of Sept-Îles, Benoit Méthot, and the chief of the community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Jonathan Sethush, have joined forces to encourage all municipal authorities and Innu communities in the county of Duplessis—the territory served by the Sept-Îles hospital—to publicly rally behind the project under the theme: ENSEMBLE MAMU TOGETHER, ON LA VEUT!

“This project is vital for our communities,” said Messrs. Méthot and Shetush, before inviting “all elected officials to support this mobilization; all businesses and organizations in the region to do the same and encourage their members and staff to participate in this great movement of solidarity.”

Working and welcoming users in suitable, modern, and secure spaces

Two representatives of the medical profession, Dr. Nathalie Michaud, a surgeon, and Dr. Mathieu Maltais, a family physician working in the emergency room, testified to the essential nature of this project, both in terms of their professional practice and for users. “The modernization project is necessary in many ways, but above all, it will allow us to practice in modern, functional, and safe spaces that ensure patient confidentiality,” the two doctors emphasized.

And what about user rights?

The chair of the users’ committee, Jean-Pierre Porlier, pointed out that among the 12 rights of users are the right to receive safe, high-quality services, the right to confidentiality of their files, and the right to be treated with dignity. In his view: “the current project to expand and modernize the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital is the most promising ever proposed. It stands out for the scope of the changes and improvements it proposes. It is an exciting project that meets the needs of staff, doctors, and health professionals, and more specifically, users throughout the entire territory served.”

A long-awaited project

“When I arrived in Sept-Îles in 2003, there was already talk of a new emergency room,” says Dr. Nathalie Michaud, assistant head of the surgery department. “Over the years, I witnessed the presentation of two architectural plans for a new operating room. I gave tours of the operating room to three ministers, a deputy minister, and a hospital board chair, each time hoping to see the project come to fruition.”

For Mayor Benoit Méthot: “Everything has been said about the need for this modernization. Various ministers, and even the Prime Minister, have, over the past few years, noted, lamented, and even publicly expressed the urgent need for action… It is now time to move from words to deeds and launch this strategic and vital project for our region!”

About the Sept-Îles Hospital expansion and modernization project

This large-scale project involves expanding the Sept-Îles Hospital by constructing a new building that will house: the emergency room and intensive care unit, the operating room, including same-day surgery and endoscopy, as well as the medical device and endoscopy reprocessing unit.

According to the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, these facilities are outdated, obsolete, and cramped. They no longer meet the needs of clients and staff. Their layout makes it harder for staff to do their jobs and reduces safety.

Regional mobilization: Join the wave of support!

The entire population of the large county of Duplessis, as well as members of First Nations, are invited to show their support for the Sept-Îles Hospital modernization project by signing the online petition on the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital Foundation website at: fondationsept-iles.qc.ca

You can also follow the wave on the Foundation’s Facebook page.

Sources :

Amélie Robillard

Conseillère en communication – Ville de Sept-Îles

Tél. : 418 964-3344

Jean-Pierre Porlier

Président du comité des usagers – CISSS de la Côte-Nord (Sept-Îles)

Tél. : 418 965-1845

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Quebec, December 3, 2025 – The Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord (AMRCCN) announces the appointment of Meggie Richard as President for a two-year term.

The decision was made unanimously during the first official meeting of the new members of the The Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord, held today in Quebec City.

The Warden of the MRC de Minganie will serve as President for the next two years, while Micheline Anctil, Warden of the MRC de Haute-Côte-Nord and Mayor of Forestville, will assume the role of Vice-President.

This is the first time that the presidential term is set at two years and that a vice-presidency has been established.

Ms. Richard was elected Warden of the MRC de Minganie in June 2023 and quickly distinguished herself through her dynamism and commitment to regional collaboration. She previously served as President of the Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord in 2024, marking her term with a focus on sustainable and harmonious regional development.

“I am honored by this trust. My goal is to work with all my fellow Nord-Côtiers to highlight the region and reverse the demographic decline in our area. We share the same priorities in economic, demographic, and environmental development,” said Ms. Richard.

Micheline Anctil, on her part, brings extensive experience in municipal governance, having been Mayor of Forestville since 2009 and beginning her 7th term as Warden. With recognized leadership, she will continue to play a key role in regional governance.

“Collaboration among our MRCs is essential to building a strong and attractive region. I am proud to support the next generation and contribute to the continuity of structuring projects,” she stated.

The Assembly also wishes to thank Marcel Furlong for his work in regional collaboration over the past months, who served as President of the Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord from February 2025 to November 2025.

About Meggie Richard

A native of Havre-Saint-Pierre, Meggie Richard has served as Warden of the MRC de Minganie since June 2023. She holds a university degree in Leisure, Culture, and Tourism and has solid experience in local development and project management related to land development. Prior to her election, she was notably involved in establishing international cruises in Minganie, a structuring project that contributed to increasing the tourism visibility of Côte-Nord. Ms. Richard is also a member of the Board of Directors of the FQM.

About the Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord

Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord brings together the six regional county municipalities (MRCs) in the region. Its role is to collaborate on common issues such as economic development, the environment, and infrastructure. Since 2015, it has worked to promote and support the interests and concerns of north shore residents.

The 12 members of the Assemblée des MRC de la Côte-Nord are:

• Meggie Richard – President of the Assembly, Warden of the Minganie RCM

• Micheline Anctil – Vice-President of the Assembly, Mayor of Forestville and Warden of the MRC de la Haute-Côte-Nord

• Daren Jones – Warden of the MRC du Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent

• Patrick Lacerte – Mayor of Fermont and Warden of the MRC de Caniapiscau

• Benoit Méthot – Mayor of Sept-Îles and Warden of the MRC de Sept-Rivières

• Guillaume Tremblay – Warden of the MRC de Manicouagan

• Danielle Beaupré – Mayor of Port-Cartier

• Michel Desbiens – Mayor of Baie-Comeau

• André Desrosiers – Mayor of Les Escoumins

• Jean Dionne – Administrator of Schefferville

• André Thériault – Mayor of Havre-Saint-Pierre

• Marco Wellman – Mayor of Gros-Mécatina

For information or interview requests: Benjamin Ducornait, (418) 350-4569

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COURTESY TRANSLATION

Alma, October 22, 2025 – The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CREDD), Environnement Côte-Nord, and the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies (Centre TERRE) at Cégep de Jonquière announce that they have secured nearly $300,000 in funding to carry out a major research, outreach, and training project to reduce the use of non-renewable energy on public land north of the 49th parallel.

Public land occupies a very important place in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, North Shore, and Northern Quebec regions and includes tens of thousands of cottages with leases. Since most buildings are not connected to Hydro-Québec’s grid, generators (gasoline or diesel) and propane are often used to supply buildings with electricity and heating. In addition, the use of existing equipment, such as solar panels, is not optimal.

This project has two components, both of which aim to contribute to reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources:

1. Developing a portrait of the energy situation north of the 49th parallel

Using the online tool monchaletvert.com, the data collected will be used to flesh out the energy portrait of small installations north of the 49th parallel.

2. Information and outreach to users of public land north of the 49th parallel

2.1. Creation of a practical guide

In order to optimize daily consumption, a practical guide focused on the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems will be developed with the following objectives:

To provide a reminder of the different photovoltaic systems and their components;
To use a renewable energy system more efficiently in order to reduce generator use;
To maintain the photovoltaic system in order to extend its life (photovoltaic panel, battery, interconnection, etc.) and optimize its performance.

2.2 Training on renewable energy

Appropriate training will be provided in the various regions by June 2026. The theoretical component will be made available online, and a one-day in-person session will be scheduled in each of the three regions: Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord, and Nord-du-Québec.

2.3 Activities to disseminate results

The planned activities are:

A webinar for anyone who wants to use a simple method to size a new photovoltaic system based on the user’s daily consumption and period of operation.
Two webinars aimed at the general public and businesses interested in learning more about renewable energy and this project.
A conference on the results of this project, including the profiles created. The event will be finalized in the coming months and will be held in 2026.
Other activities may be added as opportunities arise.

This project would not have been possible without the financial support of the Société du Plan Nord through the Fonds d’initiatives nordiques, the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE) through the – Research and Innovation Organization Support Program – Support for Research and Innovation Infrastructure Funding (PSO, Component 4), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Cégep de Jonquière, MRC de Maria-Chapdelaine, MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay, MRC de Manicouagan, MRC de Sept-Rivières, MRC de Caniapiscau, MRC de la Haute-Côte-Nord, and MRC du Golfe-du-St-Laurent.

Quotes:
I am proud of this project, which allows us to continue our efforts to reduce GHGs north of the 49th parallel and thus contribute to a smaller ecological footprint in this sensitive territory.

– Tommy Tremblay, Executive Director, CREDD Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

The Centre TERRE at Cégep de Jonquière is proud to contribute to advancing knowledge acquisition and transfer in the field of renewable energy in isolated areas. This is a concrete example of how research can lead to solutions to real problems.

– Mr. Martin Bourbonnais, Head of the TERRE Center at Cégep de Jonquière

We are pleased to be participating in this project, as the North Shore region has many facilities on public land. I would like to thank all of our partners, especially the Société du Plan Nord for their financial support.

– Mr. Sébastien Caron, Executive Director of Environnement Côte-Nord

For more information:
Mr. Luc Chiasson
Director of Operations
CREDD Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
luc.chiasson@creddsaglac.com
418-480-8765

Ms. Samuelle Durocher
Project Manager
Environnement Côte-Nord
sdurocher@crecn.org
418-962-6362, ext. 8410

Mr. Louis-Michel Tremblay
Director of Communications
Cégep de Jonquière
louis-micheltremblay@cegepjonquiere.ca
418-540-8556

Update : September 30, 8:20 AM