Protesters greet MP Robert Bertrand in Coulonge, express several concerns about free trade agreement: “Fair trade, not free trade” was the slogan repeated many times to MP Robert Bertrand in front of his office in Fort Coulonge Saturday.

About 20 protesters gathered in front of Bertrand’s office on Baume Street to protest and express their feelings about the 34-country Summit of the America’s in Quebec City and the expected Free Trade Area of the Americas pact.

The peaceful protest in Fort Coulonge was one of many demonstrations across the country standing in stark contrast to the oftimes violent protests in Quebec City.

“The purpose of the protest is to inform people about free trade and make them aware that the free trade agreement is not a good deal,” said Gretchen Schwarz, Pontiac representative of the Green Party.

“There is a lot of misinformation about free trade and people are not getting the truth.”

Schwarz said that the people were at the protest to express their concerns and have Bertrand carry their message to Ottawa.

Bertrand, who was at the protest and addressed the protesters, said that though he sympathizes with the protesters he said that he thinks that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the future FTAA deal will be good for Canada and this hemisphere.

Firefighters raise money for much-needed generator at annual firemen’s ball: A night of dinner and dancing was had by local firefighters at the annual Shawville-Clarendon Firemen’s Ball at the Lions Hall Saturday. About 100 people danced the night away to musical entertainment provided by the Andi G Band.

The purpose of the firemen’s ball is not only to thank the firefighters for their work in the community, but to raise money for needed equipment for the fire department. The SCFD is currently raising money to get a portable generator to replace the old one. A new one should cost the department about $3,000.