The Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) has parted ways with its executive director Alina Holmes, for reasons that are currently unclear.
The non-profit organization, which is primarily funded by the federal heritage department, has a mission statement to support and connect the English-speaking community of the Outaouais.
In a statement shared to the RAWQ’s Facebook page last week that has since been deleted, Holmes wrote that she did not initiate the move, but was proud of the work she’d accomplished in her time as leader.
“As is sometimes the case in non-profit leadership, the board and I ultimately had differing views on the organization’s direction and governance at this stage of its evolution,” she wrote. “I respect that transitions are part of organizational life, even when they are unexpected.”
RAWQ president Chad Bean did not respond to THE EQUITY’s request for comment in time for print.
Holmes was initially hired to the position in Dec. 2024. She told THE EQUITY that though her initial contract expired in Nov. 2025, she had continued with the organization under an informal verbal agreement made during the summer.
She said that there wasn’t much she could share at this point, saying she received a letter from the board last Monday terminating her position without cause, effective that day.
“Unfortunately they decided to make this decision and not divulge why they were doing it or that they were doing it, so I really have no information to share as far as their reasoning,” she said, adding that she’s had no contact with the board since her termination.
“I’m still incredibly dumbfounded by the thing.”
