Truth and Reconciliation Week: September 27 to October 1

September 27, 2021 — Diane Skinner

Truth and Reconciliation Week is a 5-day national event that will continue and highlight the conversations around “Every Child Matters.” These conversations focus on Indigenous treaties, land claims and the legacy of residential schools.

In 2021, we have all gained a deeper understanding of the historic tragedy of residential schools in Canada. The discovery of the unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools has opened the wounds that Indigenous Survivors their families and communities have endured. These discoveries have enlightened every culture: we are all learning and reflecting. Truth and Reconciliation Week, highlighted on Truth and Reconciliation Day, Thursday, September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to honour the children who attended residential schools and those who never returned to their families. The Survivors, their families and Indigenous Elders play a special role in telling the Truths and helping all of us to learn from those painful Truths.

“Truth and Reconciliation is important because it’s time that we hold Canada accountable for past actions taken against First Nations people. It brings a light to the terrible realities that First Nations people faced and were clearly not treated in Canadian history. To move forward as allies and equals, we must acknowledge and understand the past. There are still many injustices happening with First Nations people today and they will continue to happen unless we learn from our history.” Aaron Condo, Counsellor Gesgapegiag

Regional update: have you downloaded your digital passport?

August 25, 2021 — Penny MacWhirter

Current Situation:

There are currently no active cases in the region.

Digital Vaccination Passport:

The Government of Quebec has announced that starting September 1, Quebecers will have to provide proof of vaccination in order to gain access to certain non-essential sites and activities including bars, restaurants and festivals.

As of August 25, Quebecers can download the VaxiCode app from the Apple appstore. The app will soon be available for android users as well. Once installed, you will be asked to allow the app to scan the QR code that you were provided as proof of vaccination with your cellphone. You are able to add your family members’ QR codes to your app as well (ex. spouse and children). If you haven’t already received your QR code, simply go to this website and enter your information. Once the form is complete you will be provided with a download link. Note: you will need your medicare number and the date of your first vaccination in order to complete the form.

The following are some of the activities that will require proof of vaccination for those who are 13 years old or more. Note: The complete list is currently only available in French.

• Festivals and events (including but not limited to sporting events, concerts, fairs, art exhibits and golf tournaments) held outside with more than 50 attendees
• Theatres, concert halls and sports centres
• Bars and restaurants, including on the veranda (excluding takeout)
• Bingo halls
• Arcades, pool halls, bowling
• Amusement parks, rec centres, zoos (interior and exterior)
• Cruises and convention centres
• Team sports and physical activities with frequent contact (exterior)
• All sports and physical activities (interior)

Vaccination Situation:

The most recent CISSS numbers estimate the following percentages regarding vaccination coverage for the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands:

Estimated vaccine coverage (%) according to the number of doses received and the territory of the CLSC of residence, as of August 14, 2021.

People who would like to make an appointment can do so at clicsanté.ca or by phone at 1 877-644-4545. For all questions relating to your proof of vaccination, the vaccination operation in general, or appointments for the second dose, call 1-877-725-2515.

Schedule for vaccinations with or without an appointment: