Anglophones are partners, not problems: “We are not Quebecers by default. We have chosen to live as anglophones in a French Quebec and are proud of it. We want to be considered as a ‘partner’, not a ‘problem.’”

This is the thrust of the Outaouais Alliance’s brief which was presented to the Estates General on the French Language in Hull Dec. 6. Delivered by the Alliance’s John Trent in his summary, the statement caught the attention of at least one of the six panel members, headed by Gerald Larose. (Larose stated on Dec. 11 that English institutions, language and culture must be guaranteed while protecting the French language. He also said that the mass exodus of anglophones from the province since the 1970s — about 50 per cent — is a loss for Quebec and steps must be taken to stem the outflow of anglophones.)

The Alliance hoped to convince the estates-general commission that as partners in Quebec, the anglophone minority, and its language, culture, and rights would be respected, not viewed as a “problem” vis-à-vis the preservation of the French language and culture.

National Bank buys B of M branches: If the sale is approved by regulatory authorities, the National Bank of Canada will acquire 17 branches of the Bank of Montreal (B of M), including the branches in Shawville and Quyon.

The National Bank of Canada announced last week that it is making arrangements to purchase the mostly-rural branches across Quebec. Ownership of the branches will be transferred gradually between Jan. 19 and Feb. 16, 2001.

Early reports say employees of the B of M branches won’t have to worry about job security. The National Bank will be offering employment to all 89 employees of the 17 branches.

Fundraiser held to help local resident: A fundraiser was held on Dec. 9 for a local merchant whose garage recently burned down. The Ardern family of Ladysmith – Bruce, his wife, Louise and their son, Shandy – lost their garage to a fire, Thursday, November 30. They are in the landscaping business and lost over $25,000 worth of equipment and tools along with the building.

Local residents got together and organized a benefit at the TCRA in Ladysmith on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admission was $10, local musicians contributed their talents and there was a silent auction. As well, many Shawville merchants made cash donations towards the rebuilding.

With the help of local residents, the Arderns have started to rebuild a new garage. They have already finished the frame of the garage and now the roof is about to go on.