Latest news with #UQO
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Researchers warn of persistent misconceptions around sexual violence and consent in Quebec
A new study suggests myths about sexual assault remain alarmingly common, particularly when it comes to who is believed, who is blamed, and what consent is. A new province-wide study suggests myths about sexual assault remain alarmingly common, particularly when it comes to who is believed, who is blamed, and what counts as consent. The study done in collaborations with researchers at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) was released Wednesday. The authors said it's the first of its kind to measure attitudes in Quebec about sexual violence, rape culture, and stereotypes that reinforce them. The findings show many in the province still hold beliefs that undermine victims and minimize abuse. Psychologist Dominique Trottier, a professor at UQO and one of the study's collaborators, said that despite years of social awareness campaigns, including the Me Too movement, progress has not been straightforward. 'These myths trivialize incidents of sexual abuse,' she said. 'They put into question the credibility of victims, minimize the responsibility of the abuser, and reframe the blame on the victim.' The survey, which polled around 1,200 people across the province using a sample designed to reflect Quebec's population, found that a significant portion of respondents endorsed false or harmful ideas about consent and sexual assault. Among the most striking results: 77 per cent of men and 53 per cent of women did not fully reject the idea that some people fabricate sexual assault accusations out of revenge. A quarter of all respondents—including 27 per cent of men and 20 per cent of women—expressed ambivalence about the need to always ask for consent before engaging in a sexual relationship. 'That is troubling,' said Sandrine Ricci, a sociology professor at UQAM and researcher of the study. 'There's no situation where it's okay not to ask, and that consent can take many forms—it's not like a notary has to be present for it to count.' Ricci stressed that beyond clear verbal agreement, people must consider enthusiasm, context, and social power dynamics when it comes to consent. 'We need to look at the conditions under which consent is given or not given. If there's a power relation—for instance, between a teacher and a student, a doctor and a patient, a man and a woman or a non-binary person, a white person and a racialized person—that affects how free someone is to say no,' Ricci said. Another question in the survey asked if a woman who initiates physical contact, like touching or kissing, should expect that a man might assume she wants sex. While responses varied, a majority of men did not entirely reject that suggestion. Researchers found that gender played a major role in how people responded across nearly every category. Trottier said men were more likely to endorse rape myths that question a victim's credibility, excuse the perpetrator, or shift blame onto the victim. 'That's one of the most concerning results we're getting,' she said. 'There are particular social groups more prone to accept these kinds of prejudice, and men tend to endorse them in all the categories we measured.' The study also pointed to age-based differences. People aged 15 to 25 and those 66 and older were more likely to express beliefs that undermine victims., especially those that cast doubt on the credibility of someone reporting an assault. Trottier said that partly reflects how social change often comes with resistance. 'When we push forward on an issue, there's more than often a backlash,' she said. 'In our current political and social climate, we're seeing a resurgence in discourse about traditional values, and with that, more intolerance toward marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.' Ricci emphasized that they remain widespread across demographics and that institutions like education systems, media, legal systems, and government agencies all need to respond. 'We live in a profoundly gendered society,' she said. 'And the results show strong differences between men and women on these issues in proportions that are really disturbing.' Until now, Ricci said, there was no large-scale public study in Quebec that focused specifically on attitudes around sexual violence, consent, and related myths. 'Now, we have facts,' she said. 'We don't have to base our education programs or prevention strategies on studies from the U.S. or from other provinces. We have local, contextualized data.' Ricci and Trottier both said they hope the research will lead to change, not just in public understanding, but in policy. 'Any actor or institution responsible for prevention and education can use this data,' Ricci said. 'And we need to intensify efforts that focus specifically on men, because if they hold these beliefs, we have to assume some practices reflect them, too.'
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Ray Junior Courtemanche Receives the Gérard-Lesage Medal from UQO: A Prestigious Recognition for a Visionary Builder Français
MIRABEL, QC, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - It is with immense pride that Ray Junior Courtemanche, a well-known entrepreneur and real estate developer in Quebec, was awarded the Gérard-Lesage Medal, one of the highest honorary distinctions bestowed by the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). This prestigious recognition pays tribute to an extraordinary journey shaped by boldness, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the community. The Gérard-Lesage Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development and influence of their regional environment, while embodying the university's core values: leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. "This medal is more than just a symbol. It's a recognition of the path I've traveled, from youthful dreams to major accomplishments. It's also a celebration of all those who are building, together, a stronger, bolder, and more human Quebec." — Ray Junior Courtemanche A Key Player in Regional Transformation Ray Junior Courtemanche is the visionary behind several major projects that have shaped the Laurentians region, including the vast Cité Mirabel development, the Skyblu Condos, Espace W, 7 Sens, and the much-anticipated Mōrea Water Park—a one-of-a-kind project that combines entertainment, tourism, and sustainable development. These forward-looking projects have created thousands of jobs, attracted millions in private investments, and helped establish Mirabel as a major economic and residential hub in Quebec. A Heart Committed Beyond Business Beyond concrete, blueprints, and numbers, Ray Junior is a man deeply committed to his community. He actively supports several charitable causes, backs local organizations and youth initiatives, and contributes to foundations helping vulnerable families. He firmly believes that sustainable success stems from solidarity and generosity. A Distinction That Inspires a New Generation The Gérard-Lesage Medal celebrates not only years of hard work but also resilience and vision. It honors the man and the example he sets for new generations of entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders in Quebec. About the Gérard-Lesage Medal The Gérard-Lesage Medal is an institutional distinction awarded by UQO to individuals in the community who significantly contribute to the development and influence of their regional environment, while reflecting the institutional values of the Université du Québec en Outaouais. A self-taught entrepreneur, real estate investor, race car driver, and dedicated philanthropist, Ray Junior Courtemanche is known for his bold vision, disciplined execution, and ability to rally people around meaningful projects. His mission: to build a modern, prosperous, and united Quebec.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ray Junior Courtemanche Receives the Gérard-Lesage Medal from UQO: A Prestigious Recognition for a Visionary Builder
MIRABEL, QC, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - It is with immense pride that Ray Junior Courtemanche, a well-known entrepreneur and real estate developer in Quebec, was awarded the Gérard-Lesage Medal, one of the highest honorary distinctions bestowed by the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). This prestigious recognition pays tribute to an extraordinary journey shaped by boldness, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the community. The Gérard-Lesage Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development and influence of their regional environment, while embodying the university's core values: leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. "This medal is more than just a symbol. It's a recognition of the path I've traveled, from youthful dreams to major accomplishments. It's also a celebration of all those who are building, together, a stronger, bolder, and more human Quebec." — Ray Junior Courtemanche A Key Player in Regional Transformation Ray Junior Courtemanche is the visionary behind several major projects that have shaped the Laurentians region, including the vast Cité Mirabel development, the Skyblu Condos, Espace W, 7 Sens, and the much-anticipated Mōrea Water Park—a one-of-a-kind project that combines entertainment, tourism, and sustainable development. These forward-looking projects have created thousands of jobs, attracted millions in private investments, and helped establish Mirabel as a major economic and residential hub in Quebec. A Heart Committed Beyond Business Beyond concrete, blueprints, and numbers, Ray Junior is a man deeply committed to his community. He actively supports several charitable causes, backs local organizations and youth initiatives, and contributes to foundations helping vulnerable families. He firmly believes that sustainable success stems from solidarity and generosity. A Distinction That Inspires a New Generation The Gérard-Lesage Medal celebrates not only years of hard work but also resilience and vision. It honors the man and the example he sets for new generations of entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders in Quebec. About the Gérard-Lesage Medal The Gérard-Lesage Medal is an institutional distinction awarded by UQO to individuals in the community who significantly contribute to the development and influence of their regional environment, while reflecting the institutional values of the Université du Québec en Outaouais. About Ray Junior Courtemanche A self-taught entrepreneur, real estate investor, race car driver, and dedicated philanthropist, Ray Junior Courtemanche is known for his bold vision, disciplined execution, and ability to rally people around meaningful projects. His mission: to build a modern, prosperous, and united Quebec. Website: SOURCE Investissement Ray Junior View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
