The Research Project

2007-06-11: Rouyn-Noranda, QC

First stop in Quebec

11 June 2007

It was here that I realised that my knowledge of spoken French is bad to the point of being totally useless. I suppose I have an excuse: I spent the first half of my life in the US, at a time when there was no need for a second language (now one needs Spanish there). However, I have spent the second half of my life here in Canada - some if it in Quebec (albeit working in an English community). This is simply to point out that you will have to wait for Lynne’s report on our visit to Rouyn Noranda.

A few observations, however.

Homelessness in this small city is unlike that in a bigger one. It is invisible, because people couch-surf - at least the younger ones do. Homeless youth are not served by hostels or food banks and have to rely more on their wits and the kindness of friends, it seems. The local youth program, Arrimage Jeunesse - which we visited and where we held our focus group - provides food for its young clients every other week, along with a variety of support, health and advocacy services. The age range of its clients is between 12 and 30.

The focus group was lively and intense. More than that I cannot say at the moment.

Sorry.

– Walter