Latest news with #NorthernQuebec
CTV News
2 days ago
- Science
- CTV News
CTV National News: Journey to launch a rocket on Canadian soil
Concordia students launched a rocket from Northern Quebec, aiming to hit an exploration milestone in Canadian space. Genevieve Beauchemin reports.
CBC
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi breaks ground on long-awaited hotel
Social Sharing The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi has officially broken ground on its hotel, marking a milestone for the northern Quebec community after decades of anticipation. The community first dreamed up the project in the early 1990s during a time of growth for Waswanipi. The idea was to have a spot to host out-of-towners visiting for events like hockey tournaments, snowmobile races and fishing derbies. The groundbreaking ceremony on June 10 coincided with the 49th anniversary of Waswanipi. Marcel Happyjack, head of Waswanipi Development Corporation, said the project will fill a longstanding gap in the community. "At times people pass through and look for accommodations. So that will be an opportunity for us to showcase Waswanipi and what we can provide," said Happyjack. The project, costing about $12-million, had been continuously delayed due to limited funding but financial support from the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation Government, the Government of Quebec, and other partners — through grants and interest-free loans — made construction possible. Beyond meeting accommodation needs, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for local community members. "We're looking forward to providing employment opportunities for local people to be part of something that we built," said Happyjack. While the number of positions has not yet been finalized, he said priority will be given to community members. The hotel will be situated next to Highway 13, easily visible to travellers, particularly during winter storms when road conditions may force motorists to seek shelter, said Happyjack. Happyjack said the hotel's name is still under consideration, with a preference for a Cree translation of "the three rivers," reflecting the site's location at the confluence of the Opawica, Chibougamau, and Waswanipi rivers, within the community's cultural village. "Waswanipi is my hometown. I lived here most of my life. It's a very hospitable place," Happyjack said. "We host different events throughout the year. So many more visitors will come and see what we do and what we can be, and what we can do for others. That's what I'm most proud of," said Happyjack. The hotel will feature 20 guest rooms, a restaurant, a museum, and a laundromat.
CBC
09-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Nunavik school board and some staff ratify collective agreement
Nunavik's school board and some staff have ratified a collective agreement the school board is calling a landmark. In a news release Thursday, school board Kativik Ilisarniliriniq said the agreement with education professionals includes a housing allowance for locally hired staff, a $7,500 signing bonus for Nunavik-based professionals and a yearly $2,600 bonus for returning staff. The board said the new agreement allows criminal background checks on staff during employment to "complement" the ones conducted upon hiring. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq wrote that 95 per cent of union members voted in favour of the agreement. Meanwhile, the school board is still negotiating with a separate union representing teachers and support staff. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq's director general Harriet Keleutak said the board is focused on benefits to ensure it stays competitive in recruiting and retaining staff. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is Nunavik's only school board and has a mandate to put special focus on protecting and developing Inuit language and culture through the 18 schools and six adult education centres in the region. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq's staff are represented by a couple different unions and have different collective agreements, depending on whether they are teachers, support staff or education professionals. While this agreement is with education professionals, other negotiations are still ongoing. Last week, Radio-Canada reported the Association of Employees in Northern Quebec — the union for teachers — was frustrated by how slow negotiations have been, as talks surrounding their collective agreement entered their 30th month. Larry Imbeault, the association's president, told Radio-Canada at the time the major issue to be resolved was Kativik's plan to change the process for reporting employees' criminal records.
