FAQ

RAWQ is a not-for-profit association dedicated to serving and supporting the minority English-speaking community and enhancing its vitality in West Quebec.

We do this through programs, community outreach, networking and other activities centred on promoting the many interests of the ESC in our institutions, our community and our organization.

We have two staff members and a volunteer Board of Directors.

RAWQ is located at the unit A-11 in Galleries Aylmer on 181 Principale Street in the City of Gatineau's Aylmer sector. Feel free to drop in anytime and get to know us!

According to the 2016 census, in the Outaouais, there are 70,880 English-speakers, representing 18.7% of the total population. More information about this can be found in "Our Community"*.

We meet with the political and other representatives of all levels of government to ensure that the concerns of the English-speaking community are neither forgotten nor overlooked.

We network with other local community-based organizations as well as regional associations and sector groups from across Quebec in order to share information and resources as well as provide opportunities for consultation and joint action.

We help facilitate or carry out projects that are of benefit to the English-speaking community of West Quebec.

We provide assistance for individuals and groups who are having difficulty accessing government services in English.

We provide a strong, recognized and representative voice for the concerns of our members, our affiliated organizations and the whole ESC of the Outaouais.

We create opportunities for dialogue among citizens about issues that are of concern to the community as a whole.

RAWQ's activity touches on virtually every aspect of community life. However, Education, Youth, Economic Development, Culture, Heritage and Language issues are the mainstay.

We perform a continuous role of advocacy on behalf of our constituents and offer such services as media relations, information and referral and public education.

We also frequently organize and promote both cultural and non-partisan political events for the benefit of the community.

The volunteer Board of directors is responsible for all of RAWQ's activity.

The Board relies upon the standing committees to supply data and recommendations for action in various spheres of activity including Fundraising and Membership, youth, Cultural Affairs, New Residents, Research and Finance.

The President, who is elected annually by the general membership, and the Executive Committee direct the day-to-day activity of the permanent staff members of the association.

RAWQ is a federally funded organization, under the Quebec-Communities Agreement, sponsored mostly by the Department of Canadian Heritage (Official Languages Support Program).

It also receives support from its fundraising initiatives.

Finally, when RAWQ becomes involved in projects, it generally (but not always) receives funds to manage and implement them.

Become a member, serve on a committee, volunteer for a short-term project or activity, and make your voice heard! Let us know what is going on in your life as an English speaker in the Outaouais. Your commitment through membership, financial support and/or committee involvement is what makes the Regional Association of West Quebecers an effective resource and a credible voice for our community.

• Individual membership
• Couple (2 memberships)
• Family (3 or more)
• Seniors (65+)
• Youth (Under 18)
• Business

Yes, for a fee that is established from time to time by the Board of Directors. Call the RAWQ staff for more information.