The record, 6 février 2007, mardi 6 février 2007

THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#0040007682 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Officer testifies he smelled alcohol Hearing continues into death By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke A Sherbrooke police officer testified Monday he could smell alcohol on Evans Bouchard’s breath hours after the accident that killed 20-year-old university student Carinthe Boulanger.Bouchard, who is charged with dangerous driving causing death, was back at the Sherbrooke courthouse yesterday for the continuation of a trial that began last summer.Sherbrooke police detective André Tardif, one of the officers who interrogated Bouchard about six hours after the fatal collision, said he could smell alcohol while in Bouchard’s company.Please see Bouchard on Page 4 Short-term rental ban now enforced Or ford residents incensed Staff Sherbrooke Council in Orford Township was anticipating a raucous debate last night as dozens of cottage and condominium owners, and members of the local chamber of commerce, planned to oppose the enforcement of a bylaw that forbids short-term rentals in certain residential areas.The town’s zoning bylaw only allows rentals lasting longer than one month in many areas, including lakeside cottages and the condominiums beside the Manoir des Sables and Chéribourg resorts.Dozens of cottage and condo own-Please see Orford on Page 4 Who Will Be Crowned Queen?Saint-Michel).And its free to get in, although some extras cost.Call 819421-7274.^ % ‘Monde (at Temll and page 2 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 ; ¦ i—THE RECORD Election rumours heat up in Quebec Premier jokes, but no promises By Kevin Dougherty CanWest News Service Quebec Premier Jean Charest could hold a provincial election as early as March 26.But the premier wasn't saying Monday whether he intends to move that quickly.Ending an exchange with a reporter, Charest said: “You can’t wait for an election?” adding, “And you are not alone.” Charest would not comment more on a possible snap election, recalling that similar scenarios were floated last fall.He did not call a vote at that time and he noted his maximum term is five years.He could call the election as late as spring 2008.The trigger for speculation the election would be March 26 was a decision on the weekend by the Quebec Liberal Party’s executive committee that a planned three-day convention March 23-25 has been postponed.Instead, 2,250 delegates to an enlarged general council meeting will decide the party’s election platform Feb.17 in Quebec City.According to Quebec’s Election Act, at the earliest, voting day is the fifth Monday after a premier calls for a general election.If Charest wants to move immediately, and wants to have a budget to present election goodies, he would have to recall the National Assembly on Feb.20, calling an election for March 26 the following day.But Marie-Josee Duhamel, spokesperson for Government House leader Jacques Dupuis, said Monday the government has no plans to recall the assembly before the scheduled March 13 resumption.“Nothing is planned,” Duhamel said.Pierre Choquette, spokesperson for Finance Minister Michel Audet, would not say Monday when the government plans to announce its budget.“It’s business as usual,” Choquette said.Audet is holding pre-budget consultations and usually only gives a few days notice of his plans to present a budget.If Audet presents his budget March 13, the election could be April 16.The Charest government took a nosedive in the polls in its first year in office because of its style of adopting controversial measures with little consultation.In the last year, the government has been making good-news announcements and voters have detected shortcomings in Andre Boisclair, the new Parti Québécois leader.Recent polls suggest Charest and his Liberals are gaining popularity, but still do not hold a commanding lead.In Paris on the weekend Charest explained he does not comment on polls “because the margin of error, especially in Quebec, can be very important.” A CROP poll last week gave his Liberals a three percentage-point lead.A Leger Marketing poll indicated the Liberals were two percentage points ahead.But the margin of error in both polls is about three per cent, 19 times out of 20.The CROP poll also noted that 56 per cent of Quebecers wanted a change of government, not good news for Charest, the incumbent.Boisclair, who appears to have successfully beaten off attacks on his leadership by party hardliners and his predecessor Bernard Landry, said Monday he is ready for an election.“I can’t wait to meet Jean Charest face to face on his record and on his platform,” Boisclair said.“I think Quebecers want somebody who can lead.“(With Charest) there is a lack of leadership.” Charest indicated before Christmas that he wanted to see the federal budget before calling an election.Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has said he will present his proposal to resolve the fiscal imbalance, which could send billions more federal dollars to the province in the form of added equalization payments and more money for post-secondary education.Flaherty has not announced the date of his budget, but March 20 is the date that has been circulating in the media.Cue The Music PERRY BEATON V ?|| : — !-f Cathédrale de Sherbrooke organist Chantal Boulanger showed off the pipes while the Ensemble Musica Nova invited Quebec composers to write for the organ for its composition contest.The work must be recent (written between 2005 and ’07) and not performed in concert nor broadcast.The deadline is Sept.1; the rules can be had by contacting oreillymarc@hotmail.ca (and the fee to partie-pate is $50).First prize is $1,000; the second-place winner gets $500.Correction In the story “New discussions about old high school” (Jan.30 Record) it was stated that former teacher Ella Hoy was present at the meeting.She was not.Weather Today: Sunny with cloudy periods.Wind 20 km/h becoming light late in the day.High minus 16.Cold wind chill minus 33.Wednesday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of flurries.Low minus 19.High minus 13.Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud.Low minus 21.High minus 12.Friday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of flurries.Low minus 16.High minus 6.Ben by Daniel Shelton ;TSK-TYP1CAL MAN/ r a uove^ ^ MV && RECORD Tuesday, February 6, 2007 page 3 BRP boasts it will redefine roadsters Consultant The Spyder flies Staff Sherbrooke W-ith a little help from Quebec taxpayers, Bom-hardier Recreational Products is launching its new Spyder — the company’s first on-road vehicle, described as a cross between a motorcycle and a convertible sports car.“Our Can-Am Spyder roadster is the next dimension in open-road riding,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO of BRP, noting the first Spyders will hit the road at the end of 2007.“A true paradigm shift, the Spyder roadster offers a balance of performance and peace of mind with features like the Vehicle Stability System (VSS), engineered in conjunction with Bosch, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems,” said Boisjoli in a communiqué.The three-wheeler, which resembles a futuristic three-way cross between a snowmobile, an all-terrrain vehicle, and a backwards tricycle, was launched in Valcourt on Monday in front of the company’s 2,500 employees as well as the media and a who’s who of local and provincial politics.Premier Jean Charest, Richmond MNA Yvon Vallières and Raymond Bac-hand, Quebec’s minister of economic development, innovation and exports, were on hand to confirm some $17.8 million in grants to support the development of the new vehicle — a prototype of which received its world premier in San Diego last week.“BRP creates major economic spinoffs for Quebec and is the pride of Quebecers,” commented Charest, noting The three-wheeled Spyder looks like a futuristic three-way cross between a snowmobile, an all-terrrain vehicle, and a backwards tricycle.the company is the largest employer in the Valcourt region.“Once again, BRP is innovation, which will contribute even more to the reputation of Quebec throughout the world.” Charest confirmed a reimbursable contribution of $17.8 million from the province, through its financing arm Investissement Québec.The money will help continue the development of the Spyder, which will need some $226 million over 11 years, pointed out a government press release.Through its association with the Spyder project, the government is favouring the diversification of the regional economy, added Bachand.“Once again, we are gambling on innovation to create wealth and to develop Quebec knowhow that is exportable throughout the planet,” he said.“The ingenuity and enthusiasm of our people combined with Violent Boisvert sentenced the expertise and knowledge of BRP are, without a doubt, a guarantee of success.” The 2008 Can-Am Spyder roadster, which will be assembled in Valcourt, is powered by a 990-cc V Twin engine designed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax, an Austrian subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products.“This is a historic event for BRP, particularly for our Valcourt and Austrian employees, as it confirms the strategic role of BRP's Quebec manufacturing facilities for assembling complex and sophisticated vehicles, and BRP-Rotax’s leadership in engine development,” company CEO Boisjoli said in a press release.“With Can-Am Spyder, we are redefining the roadster category by bringing the powersports experience to the road through this new generation of vehicles,” he contin- entering a new era that will provide growth opportunities for our company worldwide and potentially create new jobs.” The company notes its reputation was built on its ability to innovate and design products for powersports enthusiasts.“After more than five years of research, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is now delivering on the company’s promise to offer a complete line of recreational motorized products in four segments: on snow, on water, as well as both off- and onroad.” “This event also marks BRP’s first truly global launch,” said Chris Dawson, BRP’s vice-president of strategic planning and head of the Spyder program.It will be available this year in 12 selected American states and four Canadian provinces, followed by France and Spain in early 2008.The Spyder should be available worldwide within three to four years, Dawson said.In the era of globalization, recreational vehicles require a constant effort in research and development (so as not to be left behind), the company noted, adding that it is counting on its partnership with the University of Sherbrooke to innovate further.BRP and the university announced in December they are joining efforts to create a $36 million advanced technology research center.The Centre de technologies avancées Inc., which will link more than two dozen engineers from BRP with researchers and graduate students to create a centre focusing on the development of leading-edge technologies for the recreational vehicle industry, is slated to be the first tenant of the soon-to-be-created Parc Innovation de l’Université de Sherbrooke.WEB PHOTO ued.4BRP is to close to seven years Will serve three By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke Jean Boisvert, the 53-year-old Townships man found guilty of attempted murder, sexual and aggravated assault, kidnapping, forcible confinement and issuing death threats, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.Crown prosecutor Hélène Fabi, who was seeking an eight-year jail term, said she was satisfied with the punishment handed down at the Sherbrooke courthouse Monday morning.“The crown and victims are satisfied with the sentence,” Fabi said.Quebec Court judge Guy Lecompte sentenced Boisvert to almost seven years, but because time served awaiting trial and sentencing counts as double, Boisvert is only facing an additional three years.He committed his violent acts in August 2005.After ignoring a court order to stay out of Richmond, he showed up at his ex-spouse’s apartment.While there, he confronted his ex-spouse, Louise Leclerc, and her new boyfriend.Leclerc’s boyfriend tried to protect her, but Boisvert stabbed him with a knife several times.Witnesses said Boisvert dragged Leclerc to his pickup truck by the hair, stabbing her at least once as he did so.Boisvert held her captive for almost two days during which time he threatened and sexually assaulted her.Boisvert eventually turned himself in, ending an intensive manhunt by police.“We hope Boisvert will seek help for his condition,” Fabi said, noting Boisvert’s victims were traumatized by his actions and continue to suffer.The defence, which was asking for four years, wasn’t available for comment.Sherbrooke • Magog • Stanstead \ Ijjj email : production@sherbrookerecord.com L, Tel.: 819-569-9525 » 800-463-9525 Individual - Couple — Family Counselling Lies Ouwerkerk M.Ed., MFT (819) 842-3179 North Hatley, QC page 4 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 ! — THE h RECORD Bouchard: Mother says she understands delay Cont’d from Page 1 “When he was brought in it reeked of alcohol,” Tardif said, explaining he he met with Bouchard around 3 a.m.Bouchard had been arrested around 8:50 p.m.Bouchard sat calmly in the front row of the courtroom with his legs and arms crossed, observing Tardifs testimony.Across the room, the victim’s mother, Lilian, and sister, Ariane, sat side-by-side listening to every detail.On March 14, 2004, Bouchard was driving on St-François Blvd.North in Sherbrooke when car veered into Boulanger’s lane.The vehicles collided head on, and Boulanger was killed.Upon cross-examination, defence lawyer Philippe Gilbert pointed out that Tardif didn't state he smelled alcohol on Bouchard’s breath in his official report.Tardif testified he was there to record what had been said during the interrogation.Gilbert also questioned if Tardifs recollection of the interrogation — almost three years ago — was accurate.Tardif said he was sure of what he smelled that night in the police station.During earlier testimony in June, another Sherbrooke police officer testified Bouchard took and failed a breathalyzer test.About an hour later, at the police station, Bouchard was asked to take another breathalyzer, which he calmly refused.Witnesses have testified that Bouchard had been drinking at two bars that fateful day.They told the court Bouchard drank two half-pitchers and two large beers at the Le Shooter Bar.Bouchard then went to the Hotel Robert where another witness testified the man consumed at least one more large bottle of beer.On Monday, Sherbrooke police officer Yves Lemay, who was among the first officers to arrive at the scene of the accident, told the court that Bouchard’s passenger, his girlfriend Colette Beaudoin, was also inebriated.“She was glassy-eyed,” Lemay said, noting he could smell alcohol on her breath.Lemay said he recognized Beaudoin because he used to play hockey with her son.He said she didn’t recognize him, but it had been years since they had seen each other.Lemay, who informed Beaudoin about Boulanger’s death, said he was surprised by her calm reaction.“She had no reaction and showed no remorse," Lemay said.“I found that to be odd.” Defence lawyer Gilbert asked why he didn’t mention the state of the woman’s eyes in his police report, or the fact that he knew her.Lemay replied he was sure about what he saw.“I remember very clearly what happened," he said, noting he has come across many drunk people and knew the signs.The trial continues today.Case began in June By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke After months of delay into the trial of Evans Bouchard, the Magog man who is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of 20-year-old Carinthe Boulanger, the victim’s mother says she’s still satisfied with the judicial process.“It’s not easy to live with,” said Lilian Boulanger.“But we think it should be done properly.” The trial, which started in June 2006, had been scheduled to continue last fall.But it didn’t restart until yesterday.Sutton native Carinthe Boulanger died March 14, 2004.The University of Sherbrooke medical student was on her way back to Sherbrooke after visiting her family in Sutton when a black Caprice swerved into her lane on Saint Francois Boulevard and smashed head-on into the car she was driving.The young woman, who loved ballet, nature and helping others, succumbed to her injuries shortly after.Passing through The Caprice’s driver, Magog resident Evans Bouchard, was passing through Sherbrooke after leaving the Hotel Albert.According to testimony, he had been drinking there with his girlfriend, who was also in the car.Following the accident, officers said they administered a breathalyzer test which Bouchard failed, and he refused to take a second test at the Sherbrooke police station.Witnesses who testified last summer said Bouchard drank several litres of beer before he got behind the wheel.Sitting side by side yesterday, Lilian Boulanger and her youngest daughter, Ariane, heard the testimony of one police officer who interrogated Bouchard the night of the accident and another who spoke with his girlfriend at the police station.Bouchard, who has allegedly not touched a drop of alcohol in over two years, has been undergoing therapy.He sat across the court room from the Boulangers and calmly watched the police officers’ testimony.Lilian Boulanger, who has been in regular contact with the anti-drinking and driving advocacy group, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said the whole family is still learning to deal with the loss of Carinthe.The trial continues today.brobinson@sherbrookerecord.com Lafleur sent to Sherbrooke Psychiatric evaluation Staff Sherbrooke ¦ ¦ 4ie youngest son of hockey great Guy Lafleur is undergoing a 30-day psychiatric evalu-JL ation at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke.Quebec Court judge Louise Bourdeau ordered that Mark Lafleur be sent to the psychiatric wing of the Hotel Dieu site of the CHUS where an evaluation by forensic psychiatrist Pierre Gagné will help determine if he is fit to stand trail on charges of sexual assàult, kidnapping, and uttering death threats.Lafleur, 22, is alleged to have committed the crimes against a 17-year-old girl in Berthierville, east of Montreal, where the accused works part time at a Mike’s Submarine franchise owned by his famous father.The charges stem from a variety of incidents between the summer of 2005 and last month.Lafleur’s lawyer Jean-Pierre Ran-court said his client, who suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome, has major psychological issues coupled with a drug problem.He requested a psychi- atric examination before a bail hearing which had originally been scheduled for Monday.Tourette’s is an inherited neurological disorder characterized by physical and verbal tics and, on rare occasions, the exclamation of obscene words or insults.The disorder, which caused Lafleur to be teased as a child, contributed to his client’s behavioral problems, said Rancourt, who noted his client knows he needs psychiatric help and wants to resolve his problems.Outside the courtroom, Rancourt told reporters that Guy Lafleur and his wife Lise, who were not on hand for the hearing, were prepared to come and testify on their son’s behalf.In his column in the weekend’s Journal de Montréal, the hockey legend asked the population not to judge his son too quickly before hearing the facts of the case.Lafleur said his family had a tough week due to his celebrity status.He wrote that he could not comment the accusations that are before the courts and asked the public to respect his privacy.Mark Lafleur will be back in court on Mkrch 8, where a judge will determine if a bail hearing will be held.Orford: Cont’d from Page 1 ers met at Chéribourg this weekend to denounce the new severity in enforcing bylaws, but the town’s director of urban planning said Orford Township has no choice.Luc Castonguay said it all began with a citizen’s complaint about a neighbour who had rented out his lakeside cottage.When the town told the cottage owner he was not permitted to lease the cottage for short-term stays, the citizen protested and insisted the town apply the regulation evenly to everyone.Castonguay said the indignant citizen researched local real estate agencies and websites and filed a complaint about 142 cottages and condos that were being rented for short periods.“He insisted (we] apply the rules everywhere," Castonguay said, estimating the zoning bylaw would relate to between 300 and 400 properties.Castonguay said the regulation, which has been in place since the 1990s, authorizes cottage and condo rentals in limited areas.Despite that, many condominium owners in the restricted zones have permits from the provincial tourism ministry that allow them to rent their condominiums as time shares.Cottage and condo owners, who attended the weekend meeting organized by Tourisme Cantons de l’Est, plan to ask the town council to continue showing tolerance to those who contravene the bylaw — at least until a permanent solution can be found.The chamber of commerce intends to add its voice, noting that applying the bylaw will hurt the local tourism industry.Opponents are also asking that a committee be set up to study the issue and propose solutions.“Council doesn’t want to kill the local tourism industry, but wants to ensure tranquility of local property owners,” Castonguay told The Record, noting the municipality has little choice in the matter.But he remarked that property owners could seek amendments to the zoning regulations that would extend short-term rentals to additional zones.That, he said, would be the subject of a debate, and quite possibly a referendum, because property owners have the ultimate say when amendments to zoning regulations are proposed. : ¦¦¦¦¦THE n RECORD Tuesday, February 6, 2007 page 5 Register for referendum rebuked Downtown Sutton work to begin in May By Maurice Crossfield Knowlton Quite a few people turned out, but not enough to force a referendum on $5.5 million worth of borrowing bylaws in ^Sutton.“I’m pretty happy because the whole population from the area will benefit,” said Sutton Mayor Ken Hill.“It’s positioning ourselves, like other towns are doing, by making things much better looking for all of us.” Hill said the beautification of the downtown, while at the same time improving the water system to meet new norms, will help with its future development.In all 493 signatures were needed to force referendums on each borrowing bylaw concerning burying utility wires, installing new lighting and building new sidewalks.During the Friday register they received 433, 413 and 395 signatures, respectively.The borrowing bylaw for the construction of a new aqueduct system required 160 signatures from residents using the municipal water system, but only got 82.Said Hill: “More and more Sutton is not just a winter destination anymore, we’re becoming a four season destination.“This just adds to it to attract small businesses and small enterprises to the area.I think it’s just fantastic.We’ve been working on it since 2000, and it has finally come to be.” The downtown project was the subject of some opposition, most notably from a citizens committee that included four members of the previous municipal council, including former mayor Winston Bresee.“I find it ironic that the previous administration took the ball running, signed all the contracts with the government, and then decided after that it wasn’t good enough, it was too much money,” Hill said.“These are the same people that approved it.” (The originally passed bylaws needed to be updated, thus the renewed debate.) The municipality was in a bit of a corner on the issue: If the project went ahead it would be eligible for about $3.2 million in grants, but would still have to pay out $2.3 million.Scrapping the project would have cost the town $591,000 in penalties.Bids for the various construction contracts related to the project are being received, and will likely be opened in the coming week.A recommendation will be made to council, which will then have to officially award the contracts.Preliminary work will begin shortly afterwards.“We want to make sure the shovel starts digging by the first of May and be finished by September,” Hill said.Suicide among Quebec’s aging baby boomers is growing and a group representing the province’s retired public workers wants to curb the trend.The Association des retraité(e)s des secteurs public et parapublic (AQRP), plans to spread awareness about seniors who take their own lives during suicide prevention week, which began Monday.The association noted in a release that a recent study from the Quebec public health institute showed that people 55 years and older are at the greatest risk of killing themselves.The study also noted that between 60 and'80 per cent of the elderly who commit suicide suffer from depression, and that chronic sickness and physical handicaps are linked to suicide.“Now this part is over, let’s bring the community together.It’s a project that is needed.” mcrossfield@sherbrookerecord.com In addition, it stated factors such as work loss can also lead to suicide.Other grim details show that one out of every four American baby boomers who attempts to commit suicide succeeds, suggesting the older generation uses more lethal means to end their own lives.The AQRP’s December news bulletin Reflets presented four themes on suicide.They include solitude, euthanasia, youth suicide and older people who take their own lives.The AQRP wants people to take a proactive approach to reducing suicide among Quebecers.It suggests people should be better informed about the suicide symptoms and how to deal with them.For more information contact 1-866-277-3553.Suicide numbers are rising for seniors Winter Fun pfFlF I*:»** £»ovv Lennoxville hosted a family fun day on the weekend.For more borough news, please see our weekly Lennoxville Link pages (starting on page 9).JEN YOUNG page 6 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 I «THK» - RECORD Community Forum When was the last stoning in Quebec?On reasonable accommodation My first reaction to the newly minted regulations passed by the municipal council of Herouxville was a mixture of incredulity and bemusement.Surely they can’t be serious about the new “laws” passed by the council?Laws against female circumcision?Laws against stoning of women?When was the last stoning in Quebec?Has there ever been a stoning?Doesn’t Canadian criminal law deal with such -'4'' Letter to the Editor Using laptops wisely Dear editor The article on laptops printed in your newspaper on Feb.2 (“Laptops in class not necessarily helping study”) further clarifies and supports what the research on laptops in education is reporting.Poor integration and superficial usage by students and teachers results in no or poor results and distractions.Effective, supported integration of laptops in the class- room produces impressive academic and positive behavioural/motivational results for students.As this research clearly indicates, the learning expectations of our youth are shifting and we must pay close attention to this.Going backwards doesn’t address this emerging reality.Thank you for alerting the reader-ship to this very important information.Ronald Canuel Director general Eastern Townships School Board Magog ¦ THE i RECORD P.0.Bra 1200 SberbrookeJIH 516 or 1195 Gill E, SherbrookeJIG 1Y7 Fax: 819-S69394S e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.coin Website: www.sheitrookerecord.com Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Eleanor Brown Editor .(819) 569*345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 ADVERTISING .(819)569-9525 Circulation.(819)5699528 Newsroom .(819)569*345 Knowlton office 88-A Lakeside.Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 120.00 7.20 9.54 $136.74 6 MONTHS 63.00 3.78 5.01 $71.79 3 MONTHS 32.00 1.92 2.54 $36.46 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 7,1897.and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record.1195 Galt East.Sherbrooke.QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA r* ^ HA! IN SPITE OF THE GROWING LACK OF RESPECT FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT least THE military CHAIN OF COMMAND STILL ESTEEMS No- things?(It does.) Equality for women may still be a work in progress, but we surely have a handle on it, as reflected in Saturday’s front page headline in the Montreal Gazette: “60 per cent of Canada’s university students are women.” A few journalists have had some fun with the Herouxville story.Josh Freed, for example, hopes that the outlawing of masks will not apply during Quebec winters when we wrap scarves over our mouths and noses, and when faces may almost completely disappear into parkas.Indeed, it is easy to satirize Herouxville.Think of the consternation a production ofThe Phantom of the Opera could unleash.And you can be sure neither Batman nor Spiderman would ever venture into the area.Years ago we Catholics during Lent prepared for Easter by making sacrifices such as giving up on chocolates, movies, or desserts.Back then friends would make occasional jokes like, “I’m giving up elephant hunting for Lent.” The Herouxville story reminds me for all the world of those nonsensical elephant hunting exaggerations of my youth.Yet apparently the councillors north of Three Rivers are completely serious, and have even received effusive praise in letters to the editors in French and English newspapers.The matter of “reasonable accommodation” to the expectations (and sometimes demands) of recent arrivals from different cultures, societies and religions touches on serious, difficult issues.They cannot simply be brushed aside with attempts at humour or condemnation; nor would I welcome automatic concessions.But “reasonable accommodation” will not be resolved through provocative and legally meaningless resolutions passed in isolated villages, towns or cities.Not all readers will be enamoured by what follows, but the best place to discuss and resolve issues of reasonable accommodation is in the courts.That is why they exist; that is why we have Please see Reasonable Accommodation on Page 7 Tom Cavanagh ; This look is seemingly illegal in Herouxville.CANWEST NEWS PHOTO ; ¦¦rut: — RECORD Tuesday, February 6, 2007 page 7 A range of opinion on fertilizing agents FILE PHOTO ' • « K# f#§ Smeil one cow.Discuss.Reasonable Accommodation: Cont’d from Page 6 them.If for example there is a challenge of school regulations forbidding weapons (including knives) in schools, the challenge goes to the courts.In point of fact the courts have addressed this issue and given permission to Sikhs to bring kirpans [for those who consider it an essential symbol of the faith] into the school.More than a year ago I wrote an article expressing disapproval of the kir-pan decision — and it still bothers me.But this brings us to the essence of living in a democracy.If my fellow citizens elect a party I dislike, I accept it.(Think Brian Mulroney.Think Stephen Harper.) If the courts issue regulations of which I disapprove, I accept them.That is what it means to live under the best system of government in the world.So the best way to settle the reasonable accommodation questions is case by case.In the process we keep our fundamental core Canadian values front and centre — fairness, tolerance, acceptance of the other, justice for neighbours whomever they may be — and always with respect for our governmental institutions.I have a daughter living in an area where there have been two murders; one of a wife, the other of a live-in companion.In both instances the accused was a white male.Where I live there was also a death where the accused is a white male.It would be intolerance bordering on insanity to put up signs on the outskirts here or in my daughter’s region stating: “No white men are allowed to murder their wives in this area.” Immigrants have had problems in the past.At one time there were signs which read: “No Irish need apply.” Do the two situations outlined above provide a fair comparison of what has occurred in Herouxville?I think so.Consider again the stoning of wives.Herouxville has never had anyone living near them who would ever think of such a thing.It has happened in isolated areas on other continents.But Herouxville has no immigrants.The media is partially responsible for whipping up alarm about immigration, but we can and should make our own judgments.Conclusion: The Herouxville municipal council merits criticism.Let it be done fairly and with tolerance.The Canadian way.We could simply call it acting in harmony with our best selves.And a rating thereof “There’s nothing like the fresh smell of manure!” enthusiastically exclaimed CBC Radio’s Stuart McLean on last Sunday’s Vinyl Café program.He said it as though absorbing the scent in the stable was a good thing, a whiff to be sniffed appreciatively — as a connoisseur would slowly inhale the bouquet in the cork from a freshly opened bottle of wine.Which made me think: he hasn’t spent time in a pig barn or a hen house, or driven by a field freshly spread with cow poo.Or visited a home where the aroma of the stable lingers on clothes and adds a je-ne-sais-quoi edge to the air in the house.I guess it’s all a matter of taste, and by that I mean preference.This became obvious to me at a conference on the use of municipal and industrial sludge as fertilizing agents.Over lunch, two fieldworkers from the provincial department of agriculture shared their attitudes on various types of doo-doo.One could not stand the smell of horse manure: the other found it quite acceptable.The second man detested the scent of dog doo; the first didn’t mind it.If someone hasn’t yet conducted a study on the range of opinion on aromas from various mammal and fowl excrement, the day will come, I have no doubt.Someday there’ll be a headline, “Poll reveals 69 per cent prefer horse droppings.” In the meantime, here are my manure ratings.Rabbit: OK.Horse: OK.Cattle: Barely acceptable.Sheep: OK.Poultry: Double yuck.Pigs: Innumerable yucks.Hedgehogs: Lots of yucks.Dog: Yuck.Cat: Ditto.(Apparently, elephant plops have very little odour.This is because of the relatively low amount of protein in the grasses they eat.) Of course, the intensity of the smell to which one has been exposed has a bearing on such ratings — the amount of crap in relation to the space in which it is located; how recently it was released; if the area is closed in; whether it’s cold or hot in the said space.Here is the beginning of a sentence: “There’s nothing like the fresh smell of.” Under normal circumstances, one would expect the sentence to end with “clean clothes from the line”.The clothes can also be tinged with less-than-pleasant odours on days when the neighbours are spreading their fields.Stuart, you sure got my attention when you added the word “manure”! P.S.Stuart had been about to describe his visit to a dairy farm when he made that comment.He later shared the farmer’s analysis of his regular beforebed visit to the barn, his favourite time of day.It went something like this: It’s the best part of the day.Everything’s quiet.The animals are all lying down.I turn on the lights.And they all get on their feet.Then you hear plop, plop, plop, plop.It almost sounds like applause — a standing ovation.Wow, what wonderful imagery! Susan Mastine Quebecers grapple with immigrant influence By Aaron Derfel CanWest News Service A group of Quebecers debated Saturday how far their society should bend to accommodate the special needs of immigrants or religious minorities.The issue came to a head when the small town of Herouxville posted a controversial code of conduct expected from new immigrants — warning them not to stone women to death in public, or to burn them alive.“It’s sad,” said Asmaa Ibnouzahir of Herouxville’s code of conduct.“But it’s understandable given the media attention on reasonable accommodation.These people live very far away from other cultural communities.” She was one of more than 100 people who attended a conference in Montreal on the future of Quebec culture.Ibnouzahir grew up in Quebec, speaks fluent French and has earned a master’s degree in nutrition.Yet sometimes, she said, she doesn’t feel welcome in her home province.“In public, certainly the image that people have of me is of someone who is not necessarily a Québécoise,” said Ibnouzahir, who wears a hijab, a Muslim head scarf.“I share the culture here, but the image that they have of me is of my Moroccan heritage and my origins.” Organized months ago by the nonpartisan Institut du Nouveau Monde, the delegates found themselves unexpectedly in the middle of the current media-fuelled debate over “reasonable accommodation.” In addition to the Herouxville incident, the Quebec media has reported stories that suggest some health-care institutions have been bending over backwards to accommodate Muslims and Orthodox Jews at the expense of other Quebecers.During a workshop, Ibnouzahir emphasized that Muslim and Hasidic Quebecers should be able to wear religious clothing in public without feeling as though they are imposing their views on Quebec society.Celine Saint-Pierre, a sociologist and conference co-president, said the Herouxville incident shows “a certain fragility in the Québécois identity.“But it’s not reflective of xenophobia.” The goal of the conference is to develop recommendations on how to build a common Québécois culture “so that newly arrived immigrants who join Quebec society know which society they are arriving in,” she said. 9& ** •*; ’ as1 page 8 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 RECORD Pope Memorial Elementary Celebration Day On Friday, Dec.14 students and teachers of Pope Memorial Elementary School had a Celebration Day.Some students went to the Bury Catholic Church where M.le Curé Bégin told the Christmas story.Others went to the Anglican Church where they were welcomed by Sister Mary Florence Liew who led a wonderful discussion on the meaning of Christmas.At St.Paul’s Rest Home students took hand-made cards to the residents and visited with them.Following these visits, the students enjoyed caroling around town in the balmy weather.They visited the Rest Homes, the Post Office, the Caisse Populaire, as well as many residents of the town who welcomed them.They even stopped to sing carols to some Hydro workers who were working on Main Street.Students returned to the school for lunch and a movie.Public Speaking Public Speaking was held on Dec.20.Congratulations to all the students who participated.Many parents, grandparents, and friends attended.All the students put a great effort into their speeches.Thanks to the Bury Women’s Institute for providing the prizes for the winners.A special thank you to Women’s Institute members Mrs.Olson, Mrs.MacAuley and Mrs.Chapman who judged the students’ speeches.During intermissions the students entertained the audience with Christmas songs.Christmas Dinner On December 21st students enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings provided by the Parent Support Group.Thanks to Knight George Robert Hodge and Penny Thompson who donated the turkeys.Also our thanks to the volunteers, who cooked the turkeys, and made rolls and cupcakes.Thank you also to parent volunteers, Penny and Peggy Thompson, Megan Coleman.Mary Leboureau, and Melanie and Karen Blouin who served the dinner to the students, staff and guests.Student Teachers Along with students and staff returning to Pope for the New Year we are happy to welcome four Bishop’s University fourth year students: Emily Grey in Cycle 2, Kathryn Rothney in Cycle 1, Amy McComb in Kindergarten and Margaret Arsenault in Mme.Carbonneau’s French class.They are here for a 13-week practicum.We appreciate their help and enthusiasm in our classes.Healthy School As part of our success plan we are working towards becoming a Healthy School.Bishop’s student, Annie Benoit, who is doing an Honour’s thesis project on children’s food choices, conducted a nutrition survey with cycles 2 and 3 on January 25.Students from Kindergarten and cycles 1, 2, and 3 will be participating in nutrition units in their classes as well as taste-testing healthy foods in Phys.Ed.class.A nutritionist will be visiting the school to give workshops to the students.COURTESY Lennoxville Link Serving the greater Lennoxville area Also See: Hockey tourney to raise money to fight breast cancer .see Page 11 NEWSROOM@SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Page 9 High school students keeping others safe Medical Response Team stress Ail, but rewards are great ByJen Young Record correspondent Alexander Galt Regional High School is now that much mort prepared to deal with injuries and medical crises — all be cause of a 17-year-old’s passion to help others.For the first time in the school’s history, or at least in the recollection of the present principal, a student-run Medical Response Team has been created, thanks to a conversation in passing between students Derek Loach and Daniel Ramage.“Last year, myself and Daniel were saying how there was not much available at the school in the way of first aid.The nurse is at school one day a week and on the other days we will be there,” said student council president Loach.“Now with the team we can administer oxygen, conduct CPR, deal with trauma, and deal with serious sports injuries that could be spinal.The only thing I can’t do is administering medication.It’s a stressful job, but there are great rewards that come with it.” Loach and Ramage approached the council with the idea at the beginning of the school year and everyone agreed the initiative was viable and needed, including school principal Gilles Ribaux.“I think this is a great initiative on the part of the kids,” said Ribaux.“The team will play a helping role.They are there to offer an extra pair of trained hands and it will be very helpful during school events, like carnival this week.” The student council agreed to provide the team with $3,000 from its budget, which was procured through fundraisers and other such events, and was used to purchase all the equipment needed.Loach set out to form a team.“I took my First Responder course at Bishop’s and seven other students took the First Aid course,” he said.“We purchased a backboard and bindings, two fully stocked first responder bags, four fully stocked first aid kits, and oxygen tanks.” Loach says his yearning to help others came from the community.“I have an uncle who is a police officer, but that’s not what really made me Alexander Team with want to do this,” he said.“I’ve always been interested in fire fighting and saving lives.A year and a half ago I volunteered with the Lennoxville firefighters and I met Gerry McNab (president of the Lennoxville Volunteer Fire fighters Association) and that’s when I realized that this type of work really interested me.” Members of the team, all sporting special medical team patches designed by Ramage (and wearing a red and black uniform; Ramage and Loach sport blue blazers and dress shirts), now take turns attending special events and sports matches in teams of two.But that’s not where it ends for Loach.“After I took my course my guidance counsellor set up a day for me to visit and volunteer with the Stanstead Ambulance Service.I liked it and they asked me to continue so I also work with them every second weekend and on planning days.This is something I want to continue with and make a career out of.I’m hoping to go to Montreal and get my DEC in paramedics and hopefully someday come back and work with the Stanstead Ambulance full time.” Loach still volunteers with the Lennoxville Fire Department when he can.Since the creation of the school unit the team meets every second week for practice, and they are present at sport games and available to their peers in the case of an emergency.Loach plans to make sure that the high school unit survives, even after he graduates this year.“I really hope that teachers will help keep it going," he said.“I’m going to start recruiting for next year and I plan on staying involved to continue scheduling no matter where I am.I want to see this continue.The first aiders from this year are only in Level 4 so they will definitely be there for next year.” Loach also hopes to help other schools create their own Medical Response Teams.PERRY BEATON Galt is now safer than ever thanks to a student-created and -maintained Medical Response professionally trained teens.How to keep the name of Lennoxville alive?Council talks signs and sums By Jen Young Record correspondent At the last borough council meeting, held Jan.29, topics from financial assistance to a referendum were discussed, as well as how to keep the name of Lennoxville alive and well.In previous meetings residents have attended to voice their fears concerning the 2002 merger with Sherbrooke and their worries that the name of Lennoxville would eventually become extinct, but this month council resolved to bring the name back into the public eye.For years Lennoxville was marked, at its main entrance and exit roads, with embossed signs, but after the merger everything was replaced with the “City of Sherbrooke” name.Residents have expressed their concerns on different occasions (as did the person who spray painted “Lennoxville” over “Sherbrooke” on one sign a few weeks ago), and council hopes to have the words “Borough of Lennoxville” put onto signs.They resolved to ask the City of Sherbrooke for the addition at all Lennoxville’s main road entrances.Bown Lumber fate up in the air Last May, resident Paul McLean announced that he, his brothers, and his father were hoping to build retirement condos on the piece of land known as the former Bown Lumber Company, but neighbours want to know if that will still happen.Robert and Please see Council Notes on Page 10 page 10 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Lennoxville LINK A poetic museum of sacred cows Quirky humour “And on the twentieth day, the Brown Cow thrice did cry, saying unto the Creator, A soul would have been nice.To which the Creator did instantly reply, Okay, who’s been talking to the cow?” Excerpts from The Golden Book of Bovinities, the sacred book of cows, in Museum Absconditum, by Robert Moore On Wednesday, Feb.7 at 7:30 p.m., the library is pleased to host Canadian poet and playwright Robert Moore who will read from his most recent book of poetry, Museum Absconditum.The book's title refers to Sir Thomas Browne and a guide he left to an invisible library purported to contain things rarely seen by Man.Accordingly Moore presents us with a poetic museum peopled with characters ranging from Lazarus to Joan of Arc, to Odysseus and Telemachus — and, of course, sacred cows.It’s not possible in such a short space to do these poems justice, so I will concentrate on my favourites (but even so will miss countless gems).Moore’s quirky sense of humour is evident in ‘Among many false starts and other dead ends’, which involves a conversation between a man and his heart, which he loses to a woman.The heart eventually returns, and the man comes upon it standing be fore the fridge, drinking milk out of the carton.“‘Well, what was it like?’ I asked my heart.She inquired after you, he said, wiping his mouth.‘Why can’t you ever use a glass,’ I said, ‘like an actual human being?’” Here is an excerpt from ‘The Dead,’ a clever and poignant poem: “Maybe when they [the dead) hear us crying they lose a little more heart, dig their heels just that much further in, adjust ever so slightly the weight of their limbs, trim the ends of that shadow stopped at the top of the stairs.” One of the most moving moments, evoked so deftly in a brief scene, comes from ‘Visitation’ in which the narrator’s dying father no longer recognizes his children, but when asleep is taken back to a summer afternoon long ago: “The goddamn lawnmower dead at his feet.Even his shadow giving off heat.And in that moment’s stillness, the taste of fresh-cut grass is life itself.” This promises to be a wonderful evening of poetry and discussion.The author will also speak about the process of writing plays and he will answer questions.Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.Other Upcoming Literary Evenings Come to the library on Tuesday, Feb.20 at 7 p.m.to hear author Ginette Bu- reau speak (in French) about how she became a writer.On Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m., Pam MacLean will speak at the library about playwriting.Book Ends • Congratulations to Kaylee Dead-man, winner of the Literacy Day draw.• The next Books and Brown Bag Lunches meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb.7 from noon to 1 p.m.Everyone is welcome.Bring à book you have enjoyed and, of course, your lunch.• The next children’s activity will be on Saturday, Feb.24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.at the library.This month's theme is inventions.• Just a reminder: members, please come in and pick up your new library cards for 2007.Library membership is free for all residents of Sherbrooke and its boroughs.For information on all library events, call us at 819-562-4949 or visit our website, www.lennoxvillelibrary.ca You can also reach us by e-mail at bibliolen@ne-trevolution.com.- Michelle Barker Good Reads Michelle Barker Financial ASSISTANCE Student Spotlight: Eleanor Louson COURTESY Not only does 22-year-old Bishop's University philosophy student Eleanor Louson devote numerous hours maintaining her academic honours, she also finds time to devote to the campus Golden Key Society.The International Golden Key Club, created at Bishop s in 2002, is comprised of honour students, and its mission involves outreach to the community.“I saw that the club was doing a lot of good on campus and in the community,” said the executive president.Louson says she is proud to be a part of the society, as well as of how much good the club does.The Golden Key organizes a food drive every year for the Lennoxville and Distria Women's Centre and we can really see the benefits.” equal instalments over the course of 12 months.Financial assistance to the library has been forwarded annually.The Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society was also granted financial assistance for 2007 in the amount of $8,000.This is to help the society with regular maintenance.Council also agreed to pay the society $600 to do research towards phase 2 of the walking tour project.This project consists of a detailed map of the borough which residents can use as a reference.Special Thanks Council, on behalf of Lennoxville residents, took the opportunity to publicly thank George Beaulieu for his 43 years spent on the Lennoxville Fire Department.Chief Beaulieu, who retired in June, was not at the council meeting.The next borough council meeting is slated for Monday, Feb.26 at 5 p.m.at the borough office.Council has once again authorized financial assistance in the amount of $41,500 to the Lennoxville Library.This amount, from the borough budget, will be paid in four The old Bown lumberyard.PERKY BEATON Council Notes: Cont’d from Page 9 Paulette Salesse, who live on Conley Street, have repeatedly voiced their discontent with the idea of more student dwellings being constructed on their street.They are hoping that McLean, who did not return The Record’s phone call, still plans on retirement dwellings.When McLean purchased the property a by-law, at the time, restricted him from building anything with more than nine dwellings, which he considered a waste of riverfront property.But a new by-law would allow McLean to build something with nine or more dwellings.The new by-law is to be adopted this winter, giving McLean the go-ahead, unless a referendum is held.In the case of a referendum, borough president Douglas MacAulay said that the by-law giving McLean a green light could be converted back, at which time McLean would have to once again apply for a by-law change and this process could take much longer than originally anticipated. Lennoxville LINK Tuesday, February 6, 2007 page 11 “I don’t know what the other teams are like but we have trained really hard,” Fontaine said.“We’ll do our best.” Laberee said: “We’re really prepared and we have a really good team.” The girls, and their team, will take to the water on March 3.Local skaters bring home medals Local Club Patinage Artistique figure skaters came home with medals from the provincial championships held last month at Sherbrooke’s Palais des Sports.The pre-juvenile team faced some heavy competition.Though they skated hard, the team came in last of 14, but that was not the case with the Novice team, which is where Lennoxville’s Courtney Broadhurst, Shelby Evans and Kelly-Ann Neeley gave their all and skated away with a silver medal.An unfortunate fall cost the team precious points.If fundraising is successful the team is hoping to go to Chatham, Ontario to compete in March.The Junior team, where Lennoxville’s Tamara Neeley gave an impressive skate, also brags a silver medal.That team left for Newfoundland last week for the Divisional Competition in order to qualify for the Canadian Competition at the end of February.The Senior team came in 7th of 14 and the Masters team, comprised of adult skaters like Lennoxville’s Christine Rousseau, received a standing ovation after a silver medal performance.COURTESY REJEAN DAIGLE, SYNCHRO SHERBROOKE Lem teens come home with silver medals Teens swim their way to Quebec Games Calling all knitters Women’s Institutes across the country are working on helping to keep Nunavut and North West Territories children warm, and local units are no different.However, they could use some help.“It’s sad because they are people that sometimes get forgotten about.They need many things, but we are focusing on keeping them warm,” said Lennoxville resident and long time WI member Marjorie White.“We need to show them that someone cares.” The 10 or so members of White’s institute have already begun knitting gloves, tuques and socks, but they say they could use some help.“Our group is like many others.We are down in numbers,” White said.“I just don’t have the energy that I used to.I know that some members have already finished many items, but the faster we can fill up a box, the sooner everything can be sent over.” She said that you don’t have to be an Institute member to get involved.“Anyone can help and if they want to help but don’t have the wool.I’ll give it to them.” To donate items, wool, or for more information on the Institute, call White at 819-823-8626.- By Jen Young Hockey tourney for breast cancer What started as a whim has turned into a huge hockey tournament with eight teams coming from as far away as Ottawa, big-name sponsors, and much community support to raise funds for breast cancer research this weekend at Bishop’s.“It’s been a lot of fun planning this event so far,” said co-organizer Matthew Venick.“It has turned into something huge.This will be a real community booster for the university.I like to think that it is going to be a kick in the pants to the university’s bad reputation.” Trying to knock negative publicity out of the park was not the main objective when the large-scale tournament was planned.In fact, it is just a perk as the main objective is to help fight breast cancer.The idea for the event came about when Venick, a business and economics student, and Shane Tyrell, who loves hockey and had a personal connection to breast cancer, sat down to try and organize a fundraiser.From there, Venick said things started rolling rapidly.“We have some pretty big name sponsors,” he said.“TPS Louisville Hock- ey (from Toronto) will be supplying th