Catherine is originally from New Richmond and represents Québec Solidaire. She is a young mother, works with women’s organizations and accepted the chance to talk to us on the vos alliés- your allies podcast.

Juliet Gemore Laliberté moved to St-Jules Cascapedia in the Baie des Chaleurs, Gaspé Peninsula. She is originally from the Philippines and because the stars aligned to bring her here she supports other new arrivals. Let’s meet Juliet.

Nous Parlons de la vie d’Ahlem, les différences des cultures et l’avenir possible.

Marie-Laure tells me about her life in Guadeloupe, her move to come to Quebec and her last 11 years in the Gaspé Peninsula.

In this episode we look at anti-racism education and Prof. Tim Stanley’s work in B.C. and across Canada. His research is enlightening and allows us to take a step back and look at racism on a larger national level. At a time when Joyce Echaquan’s death allowed the province to take a look at systemic racism, these discussions are imperative.

Conversation with two Philippine women living in Paspébiac, Elvira Bernabé and Raquel Québec Lebrasseur. We talk about what brought them to Quebec…. a lesson in destiny.

Darlene and I talk about First Nations spirituality, PTSD, family and her singing among other things. To integrate into the Baie des Chaleurs culture you need to get know the people and understand their lives.

First social with three young Philippine workers with dreams of a Canadian future.

In this inaugural episode, I have the chance to talk to Josh Philbrick, my longest standing friendship in the Gaspe Peninsula. We talk about Mi’gmaq culture, ceremonies and self-awareness. My goals are to understand my neighbors better, shed light on integration, unveil racism, explore introspection, while striving for humility and civility in tough conversations. Josh is a Mi’gmaq-Irish member of the Gesgapegiag community living in New Richmond. He is a steward of the Cascapedia River in the summer and an artist, painter, carver, drummer, singer, father and friend.

Discussions with our First Nations friends, francophones, anglophones, new arrivals and established immigrants can offer insight and compassion to living in harmony. This podcast will not avoid the tough conversations on racism, discrimination and isolation. We will talk to Human Resources experts on how race affects hiring and the concept of blind hiring. We will chat with social workers and psychologists on the effects of discrimination and how people can navigate these circumstances. We will offer insight on how the CNESST and Human Rights Commission supports employees. We will offer book reviews to explore these concepts in more depth. Our goal is to support you and facilitate your integration. We want to be your allies. This podcast will be in English, French, occasionally in Mi’gmaq, and perhaps in other languages because we want to reach out to those who hope to immigrate to Canada and give them insight to life in bucolic Québec. Join us in the conversation. We look forward to understanding these concepts with your input.