Journée de réflexion et de maillage sur le thème de l'éducation et de la sensibilisation aux boissons énergisantes

To come.

Initiatives locales et lutte contre la pauvreté et l’exclusion (Local initiatives and the fight against poverty and exclusion) published by the Presses de l’Université du Québec

Although the social economy and community action work hard to counter the underlying causes of poverty and exclusion, they cannot bring about significant change on their own. In cooperation with the public and private economy, however, they can form the base of a multifaceted development strategy that can enhance the common assets of local communities. That is the conclusion of this in-depth analysis of 10 local intiatives aimed at combating poverty and exclusion in three regions of Quebec (Montreal, Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean and the Lower St. Lawrence) 

To find out more

On October 18, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation was awarded Outstanding Achievement for excellence in the design, development and implementation of the Naître et Grandir website.

The honor, granted by the Interactive Media Awards, recognizes that the project met and surpassed the standards of excellence that comprise the web's most professionnal work. The judging consisted of various criteria, including design, usabiliity, innovation in technical features, standards compliance and content. In order to win this award level, the site had to meet strict guidelines in each area - an achievement only a fraction of sites in the IMA competition earn each year.

Release of the Early Years Study 3

To mark the simultaneous release of the Canada-wide Early Years Study 3 (EYS3) in Montreal and Toronto on November 22nd, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, which has supported this study since its first edition en 1999, enlisted three Quebec early childhood  experts to give their opinions on it.

Press Release
earlyyearsstudy.ca

The 2es Rencontres interrégionales sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires conference in Quebec City on October 19 and 20, 2011

The 2es Rencontres interrégionales sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires (second inter-regional meetings on student retention and educational success) are a continuation of the first edition of the Journée interrégionales sur la persévérance scolaire et la réussite éducative held in 2008. Over 800 decision-makers are expected to attend this year's conference, including Line Beauchamp, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, and Yves Bolduc, Minister of Health and Social Services. This important meeting is part of the movement to bring the percentage of Quebecers under 20 who hold a diploma to 80% by 2020 by mobilizing civil society, communities and the educational milieu, and by encouraging initiatives aimed at promoting educational success. The meetings were made possible thanks to the support of Réunir Réussir.

Visit the website of the 2es Rencontres interrégionales sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires

With Famille Chagnon: pour l'enfance book launch, BNP Paribas (Canada) recognizes the social engagement of the Chagnon family

In recognition of the social commitment of the Chagnon family, which was awarded the BNP Paribas Wealth Management Grand Prix de la Philanthropie in 2010, BNP Paribas (Canada) presented the book Famille Chagnon: pour l'enfance to André Chagnon during a reception held in Montreal on September 29. This event brought together the executive members of BNP Paribas (Canada) and the Chagnon family. 

1, 2, 3... Géant starts September 12 on Télé-Québec

On September 12 , Télé-Québec launched 1, 2, 3... Géant, a 25-minute program for preschoolers that will air Monday through Thursday at 5:00 p.m. until April 4, 2012. Several representatives of the media (La Presse, Métro Montréal, Infopresse just to name a few) have been actively spreading the word about Télé-Québec's new season, which includes 1, 2, 3... Géant. The new children's show is the result of a collaboration between Télé-Québec, Téléfiction, the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, the ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, the Ministère de la Famille, le GroupeMédia TFO, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Avenir d'enfants and Québec en Forme.

Four young basketball stars at the Jeux de la francophonie canadienne

Éric Oupoh, Tachefin Nekaa, André Alexandre-Aimé and Samy Désir, four young athletes who participated in the Bien dans mes baskets program at École Jeanne-Mance in Montreal, were proud to represent Quebec at the Canadian Francophone Games that were held this past summer from July 20-24 in Sudbury, Ontario. The foursome turned in a brilliant performance, bringing home the first gold medal for Quebec in the history of the games in 3-on-3 boys basketball. The Foundation extends its warmest congratulations to these four young baketball stars, and is pleased to have been able to contribute to the Bien dans mes baskets program, which motivates teenagers to work hard and do what it takes to stay in school. 

Avenir d'enfants donates $11.5 million to assist 66 local communities and close to $12.5 million for knowledge transfer project

Avenir d'enfants is proud to announce its financial support of over $11.5 million for 66 local partner groups in as many local communities. These communities, in 16 regions of Quebec, are home to more than 160,000 children between the ages of 0 and 5. The organization has also pledged a total of close to $12.5 million in financial support to 13 knowledge transfer projects. The objective of these projects is to provide stakeholders with the tools they need to ensure that their initiatives in working with children, particularly those living in poverty, will help them get a good start in school.

Press Release

St-Mary's Hospital Centre gains Baby-Friendly accreditation

Obtaining Baby-Friendly accreditation is a demanding process that requires many years of work, setting up conditions that are favourable to breastfeeding and working with the many families that use the St-Mary's Hospital Centre. The Foundation is proud to have contributed to this achievement through its financial support.

Bien dans mes baskets honoured at the annual gala of the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec

At its annual recognition gala on June 10, the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) honoured a young participant in the Bien dans mes baskets program at École secondaire Jeanne-Mance  in Montreal. With 17,000 athletes active in Quebec student athletic, just having two students in the program nominated was a great achievement for Bien dans mes baskets. Our warmest congratulations go out to both students for their efforts and their determination. The Foundation is proud to have been able to contribute to the activities of this project that motivates young people to persevere and make the effort required to succeed in school.

Naître et grandir.net introduces a new section to its website!

Always looking for new ways to help out parents, Naître et grandir.net now offers a collection of over 100 recipes that are nutritious, economical... and delicious! The carefully selected recipes are presented in a colourful, clearly organized format. Every effort has been made to make it easy and fun to use the information provided: recipes are divided into useful categories, and each entry includes a  photo and nutritional information. The site also offers an A to Z index, a search engine by ingredient and a sort function to help users find the most popular recipes.

Find out what's for dinner !...

The Institut de la statistique du Québec has just published an article entitled "Hyperactivity and Inattention Symptoms in Children, from Preschool Years to Grade 2"

The article is based on data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD 1998-2010). It describes developmental trajectories of hyperactivity and inattention in chidren from 3 ½ to 8 years of age, and their association with various characteristics such as academic performance, taking a medication to treat these symptoms, and type of class attented in Grade 2.

Press Release
To access this article

The "Trousse famille" (family kit) was the prizewinning initiative in the Coups de coeur pour un Québec Famille 2011 contest during Quebec Family Week (Semaine québécoise des familles)

By distributing 800 "family kits" for expecting and new parents, the Beauce region of Quebec became the largest experimental environment for this provincial initiative. Offered free of charge by Avenir d'enfants, the kits are chock-full of useful material. Every object comes with a simple message designed to raise parents' awareness and help them better prepare for the arrival of their baby or to create a bond of trust between baby and parents to help them all to grow!

Press Release
Semaine québécoise des familles website

The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Avenir d'enfants and Québec en Forme: partners in a new Télé-Québec children's television series

On April 11, the creation of a brand new television series for toddlers and pre-schoolers was announced. The series, called 1, 2, 3... Géant, will be broadcast by Télé-Québec starting in the fall of 2011. The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation and the organizations Avenir d'enfants and Québec en Forme are playing an active role in this welcome initiative. Although the Foundation will not be involved in the actual production of the series, it wants to contribute, along with Avenir d'enfants and Québec en Forme, to the other elements that will complement the series : website, publications, presentations in schools and related community initiatives. As Claude Chagnon explained in his speech, "1, 2, 3...Géant is a perfect fit with the mission and objective of our Foundation, which is to promote the educational success of young Quebecers."

Press Release

Bien grandir celebrates five years of publication!

On the occasion of its fifth anniversary, the magazine Bien grandir, a French-language publication for parents and educators of young children, presents an exclusive dossier on families in Quebec. This extensive feature article covers a wide variety of topics, including reconciling work and family responsibilities, the baby boom, civil union vs. marriage, and aspects of cultural diversity. Testimonials from parents and specialists and detailed graphics help to illustrate this ever-changing demographic in the province of Quebec. 

Press Release
www.biengrandir.org

Avenir d'enfants supports three new knowledge transfer projects

At its last meeting on February 25, the Board of Directors of Avenir d'enfants decided to provide financial support for three new projects promoting the transfer of knowledge, representing a total of close to $2.4M over two years. Lyse Brunet, General Manager of Avenir d'enfants, explains: "these projects in the field of early childhood will have a multiplying effect as they are being headed up by highly credible organizations recognized for their expertise and excellent work." 

Press release (in French)

Québec en Forme and Sports Québec announce their partnership to promote healthy lifestyles during the finals of the Jeux du Québec

At the finals of the Quebec Winter Games, the general manager of Québec en Forme was pleased to announce a three-year agreement between his organization and Sports Québec to offer $525,000 in funding to participants and host cities/regions. In addition to providing financial support , Québec en Forme and Sports Québec will also work with the organizing committees to promote healthy living habits during the finals of the Games, and assist in follow-up activities in communities after the Games are over.

Press Release

Avenir d'enfants hosts the Tous pour eux forum

The Tous pour eux Forum organized by Avenir d'enfants was held on February 15-16, 2011. The event attracted over 200 community stakeholders committed to local mobilization and early childhood development, who came together to discuss various issues and share their experiences. Guests of honour at the opening of the Forum were Yolande James, Minister of Families, and Claude Chagnon, President of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation.

Speech by Claude Chagnon

Le projet 1,2,3 Go ! Place au dialogue. Quinze ans de mobilisation autour des tout-petits et de leur famille

Fifteen years ago, the 1,2,3, Go! project was created to actively support the commitment of members of local communities to the development of their children. In addition to documenting and evaluating their accomplishments, this publication presents various reflections that have emerged from the ongoing dialogue between research and practice. The result is a unique work that will be of great interest to anyone involved in early childhood development and community mobilization.

Presses de l'Université du Québec

Avenir d'enfants supports five new communities and seven new knowledge transfer projects

At its meeting on December 3 of last year, the Board of Directors of Avenir d'enfants voted to provide more than $625,000 in annual funding to five new local communities committed to the overall development of their young children, particularly those living in poverty. These new communities now join 36 others that have benefiting from the organization's support since last june.

Press Release
Avenir d'Enfants website

La Fondation communautaire du Grand Québec invites Claude Chagnon to be guest speaker

On October 28.2010, at the invitation of La Fondation communautaire du Grand Québec, Claude Chagnon gave a lecture. The topic of his speech was La philanthropie de demain sera-t-elle différente?

Lecture

The conference of the Association des centres jeunesse du Québec:"Looking After Children"

At this year's conference, two bursaries aimed at supporting and encouraging the next generation were awarded to students in partnership with the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. A $1,500 bursary was granted to a young college student in recognition of her academic results and her work with young people in difficulty. A second bursary of $3,500 was awarded to an undergraduate in the social work program at the Université du Québec en Outaouais in acknowledgement of her motivation and the professionalism she demonstrated during her first practicum at a youth centre.  

Press release

Merger of Québec en Forme and the Management Corporation of the Fund for the Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle

The organization resulting from the merger of the Management Corporation of the Fund for a Healthy Lifestyle and Québec en Forme will be known as Québec en Forme and it will continue its mission to promote healthy lifestyles for Québec youth  from birth to age 17. The governement of Québec and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation wanted this merger which will also simplify and harmonize the way of doing things.

Press Release

Phase 3 of the HelpThemGrow campaign is off and running!

The third phase of the Help Them Grow campaign was launched on October 6. To mark the occasion, new ads were aired and the campaign website - www.HelpThemGrow.com - was revamped  and improved. 

The Bien grandir campaign at the Fête de la Famille de Laval

This mega family day, held on September 5 at the Centre de la nature de Laval, gave thousands of families an opportunity to end the summer on a positive note! During the event, the Bien grandir playground offered a variety of activities. In addition, visitors were invited to have their picture taken at one of the three mini circus tents in campaign colours that were set up beside the waiting lines. Just one more way to show that parents are the real stars in the eyes of their children!

To find out more

Réunir Réussir launches funding platform aimed at keeping young Quebecers in school

On August 24, 2010, the organization Réunir Réussir, a joint initiative of the Quebec government Secrétariat à la jeunesse and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foudation, launched its funding platform to promote student retention in Quebec high schools. Over the next five years, the organization will focus on providing support for actions initiated through regional and local mobilization. Although there has already been some improvement, close to 30 % of young people under 20 are still dropping out of high school before they graduate ! To find out more about how Réunir Réussir can help, visit their microsite by clicking on the link below.

Réunir Réussir's microsite

The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation's Bien grandir campaign at the 2010 edition of the Fête des enfants de Montréal

The Bien grandir campaign played an active role in the festivities during the 12th edition of the Fête des enfants de Montréal that ran from August 13-15 at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île-Ste-Hélène. During the event, a variety of fun, entertaining shows were presented on the Biengrandir.com stage. Visitors could participate in a draw to meet personalities from Télé-Québec children's shows and have their picture taken with them.

Fete des enfants de Montreal's website

La Foundation of Greater Montreal celebrates its 10th anniversary and honours five personalities of the philanthropy world

During the celebration of its 10th anniversary held on June 22nd, 2010, the Foundation of Greater Montreal took the opportunity to honour the work and the personal commitment of five personalities of the philanthropy world: Pierre Brunet (Montréal International),  Tim Brodhead (J.W. McConnell Family Foundation), Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire (Centraide Montréal), Kathleen Weil (Minister of Justice) and André Chagnon (Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation). They have all been highly implicated in the creation of the Foundation of Greater Montreal and they also all actively participated in its development and in its influence.

Foundation of Greater Montreal's website

715 partners in 36 communities to receive $5 million in funding for early childhood development projects

On June 10, 2010, the organization Avenir d'enfants announced its decision to finance 36 projects submitted by 36 separate communities. A total of $5million will therefore be going to support the overall development of young children, particularly those living in poverty. "The fact that no fewer than 715 partners in 36 different communities have joined forces to propose action plans is a great start ", said Line Bérubé, Chair of the Board of Directors of Avenir d'enfants. "We are especially encouraged to see that, in half of the cases, there are many parents actively participating in the groups and helping to define the projects."     

Press Release
Avenir d'Enfants website

More than $100 million over two years to promote healthy living habits among children and youth from 0 to 17

At its first Annual Meeting on June 17, 2010, the Société de gestion du Fonds pour la promotion des saines habitudes de vie presented an activity report for its first two years of operation. To date, over $100 million has been committed to various organizations to set up national, regional and local projects aimed at promoting healthy leaving habits.

Press Release
Société de gestion du Fonds pour la promotion des saines habitudes de vie website

Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation receives the BNP Paribas Prize for Personal Philanthropy

On June 17, 2010, Claude Chagnon, President of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, was in Paris to receive the BNP Paribas Prize for Personal Philanthropy. Awarded during the second edition of the Philanthropy and Sustainable Development meetings by a jury of international experts from the university, artistic, cultural, entrepreneurial and community milieus, the Prize for Personal Philanthropy was originally created to promote dialogue between the business community and its environment. It is conferred by BNP Paribas, the leading bank in the Euro zone and one of the ten largest banks in the world. Claude Chagnon accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation"with gratitude and humility, dedicating it to all the men and women who work to improve childhood development in every region of Quebec". 

Press Release

BIEN GRANDIR magazine and journalist Marie Charbonniaud are award-winners!

At the 2010 National Magazine Awards gala held on June 4 in Toronto, BIEN GRANDIR and journalist Marie Charbonniaud received awards in recognition of their excellent work: two honourable mentions for the following articles :

- In the "How to" category: Parents seuls: trouver l'équilibre, c'est possible (Single parents: finding a balance is possible)(May 2009)

- In the "Service: Health & Family" category: Gérer les situations de crise (Managing crisis situations) (October 2009) 

The National Magazine Awards recognizes excellence in the content of Canadian magazines. As 2010 was BIEN GRANDIR's first year participating, this official recognition by the magazine industry is a real feather in its cap! 

www.biengrandir.org

Launching of new guide for child care workers: Relations avec les parents - Agir dès la petite enfance

On June 1st, the Conseil québécois des services de garde éducatifs à l'enfance (CQSGEE) launched a new guide entitled Relations avec les parents : agir dès la plus petite enfance. The aim of this document, which was prepared as part of the Foundation's Grandir ensemble project, is to promote the relationship between child care workers and parents to ensure that they work together to give every child the education he or she needs.

The guidebook will be on sale this coming fall within the framework of a provincial training tour intended for the educative staff.

Conseil québécois des services de garde éducatifs à l’enfance (CQSGEE)

Avenir d’enfants off to a great start!

On April 16, 2010, Avenir d'enfants officially launched its activities. Created through an initiative of the Québec ministère de la Famille et des Aînés and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Avenir d'enfants is the non-profit organization entrusted with the administration of the 400-million contribution over ten years made by the Québec government and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. This new agency has been mandated to provide guidance and support for local communities involved in projects that promote the overall development of children under five living in poverty in order to ensure that every child receives a good start in life. 

Press Release
Avenir d'Enfants website

Centraide Québec Chaudière-Appalaches invites Claude Chagnon to be guest speaker

At the invitation of Centraide Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches, Claude Chagnon recently addressed a group of over 250 people. The topic of his speech was La Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon: une philanthropie différente (The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation - a different kind of philanthropy). Mr. Chagnon took the opportunity to present the Foundation's mission, intervention strategies and achievements. He also described his vision for the future of the Foundation and its potential impact on society. 

More...

The Fondation du CHUQ and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation toast the perfect infant food

On March 17, 2010, the mother and child centre of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) welcomed representatives of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation on the occasion of their official presentation of a $500,000 donation to the Fondation du CHUQ to promote breastfeeding. In recognition of this contribution, the CHUQ has made a formal commitment to respect the objectives of the Baby-Friendly Initiative, a program developed by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in communities around the world.  

Press Release

Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation supports breastfeedings at CHU Sainte-Justine

With the birthrate in Quebec currently on the rise, the CHU Sainte-Justine and its foundation officially recognized the support provided by the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation to the Initiative Ami des bébés (Baby Friendly Initiative) in the presence of Foundation president Claude Chagnon on February 8. The purpose of this project is to promote and support breastfeeding by educating mothers and training hospital personnel.

Québec en Forme teams up with the Montreal Canadiens' children's Foundation to build a second community skating rink

Québec en Forme and the Montreal Canadiens' Children's Foundation joined forces once again to build a second multipurpose rink, this time at parc Le Carignan in the borough of Montréal-Nord. This project was made possible through partnerships with key actors in the Montréal-Nord community.

Press Release
Montreal Canadiens' Children's Foundation

The Foundation launches the second phase of its Help them grow.com campaign

The new campaign publicity continues to underline the crucial role that parents have to play in the development of their children from birth to age 3. The campaign slogan Your child is your most important audience invites parents to visit the helpthemgrow.com microsite for advice and tips. This initiative is supported by many organizations and advocates working in the area of early childhood, as well as by several media partners throughout Quebec.

Help them grow.com

Supporting regional efforts to keep students in school

The Board of Directors of the NPO resulting from the partnership agreement to support student retention and educational success between the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du gouvernement du Québec and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation held its first meeting on December 4, 2009. The Board is chaired by Richard Desjardins, executive director of Carrefour jeunesse-emploi d’Autray-Joliette.

$400 million for the Early Childhood Development Fund

On the occasion of the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Société de gestion du Fonds pour le développement des jeunes enfants on November 30, 2009, Minister of Families Tony Tomassi announced the names of the directors of the fund management company.

Press Release

Grandir, s'unir et agir: The Grandir ensemble and Odyssée projects review their activities over the past three years

On November 12, 13 and 14, representatives of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, the Ministère de la Famille et des Aînés and the Association québécoise des centres de la petite enfance (AQCPE) will be coming together at the “Grandir, s’unir et agir” conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Montreal to discuss the projects they have been working on together over the past three years. As everyone who has participated in or collaborated on the Odyssée and Grandir ensemble projects across Quebec is invited to attend, this three-day event will give participants an opportunity to exchange impressions and ideas that reflect the expertise of a province-wide network.

Press Release
To find out more

Maximizing a child’s potential for success: The importance of the first five years

On October 7, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation launched a broad-reaching outreach campaign to make people aware that providing the right environment for children under the age of 5 is of the utmost importance in ensuring their success in school. The campaign, entitled Help them grow, puts parents back in the spotlight, valuing their essential role in helping children develop the maturity they need to successfully begin their school years.

Press Release
www.helpthemgrow.com

MUHC breastfeeding resources get pumped up

As the birth rate in Quebec continues to rise steadily for the sixth year in a row, Mr. Claude Chagnon has some good news for Montrealers and it could not have come at a better time.  As President and Chief Operating Officer of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Mr. Claude Chagnon announces a $350,000 donation to support breastfeeding at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).

Press Release

Bill 7 passed: $400 million to promote the development of young children living in poverty in Quebec

On September 24, 2009, Bill 7, tabled by Quebec Family Minister Tony Tomassi, was passed in the National Assembly. The Minister took the opportunity to remind MNAs that this legislation will result in an investment of $400 million aimed at giving young children living in poverty the chance they need to successfully enter the school system and pursue their education.

Press Release

The Deux-Montagnes region focuses on children and their families

A press conference in Saint-Eustache on August 26 marked the official launching of Québec en Forme Deux-Montagnes and the Comité d’action local Québec-Enfants Deux-Montagnes/ Sud de Mirabel. The complementary missions of these two groups, created by local community partners, are focussed on the needs of youth and families in the region.

Press Release

Préparer son enfant à l’école

The new Questions/Réponses pour les parents collection was created to provide information for busy parents caught up in a hectic lifestyle. Attractively produced in full colour, Questions/Réponses pour les parents looks at issues related to the lives of children, the family and maternity from a health-promotion perspective. Préparer son enfant à l’école was produced in cooperation with Bien grandir. What do children need to be ready to start school? How can I get my child interested in reading and writing? How can I help my child with his or her social skill? How can I encourage independence? Those questions—and many others—are answered in this practical publication.

To buy

La Ribambelle : New beginnings for Portage's youngest

On June 23, Portage's Mother and Child Program hosted an event to celebrate the expansion of La Ribambelle daycare. After three months of construction, a larger, remodeled day care opened above the program centre. The locale is divided into three sections, based on the ages of the children, with easy access in between. The facility has expanded to be able to accommodate more than 30 children.

Press Release

Unprecedented joint action for children's development in Des Sources MRC

On June 9, 2009, 22 children and family organizations in des Sources MRC announced the creation of the Partenaires pour la Petite Enfance de la MRC des Sources group, an unprecedented joint action structure for children's development. As part of the 2009 action plan, Québec Enfants-an initiative of the Foundation-is supporting this initiative aimed at fostering an optimal family and social environment for children's overall development from conception to age 5.

Press Release

Major support for breastfeeding

The Centre de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS) du Sud de Lanaudière has been working for several years to foster an environment conducive to breastfeeding and to standardize approaches, information and support for families that opt to breastfeed their infants. Over the next three years, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation will contribute a total of $350,000 to enable the CSSS to update its breastfeeding policy and meet the goals of the World Health Organization's Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative program.

Press Release

A new initiative aimed at supporting student retention

On March 27, Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec and Minister responsible for youth issues, officially launched the government's Stratégie d'action jeunesse 2009-2014. Mr. Charest presented the major orientations of the strategy, stressing the importance of some of the challenges it addresses, particularly the issue of student retention. As part of the Stratégie d'action jeunesse, the Quebec government, represented by the Secrétariat à la jeunesse, and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation recently concluded an innovative long-term agreement to support the efforts of stakeholders in children's educational success—not only schools and parents, but municipalities, the business community, the health sector and community organizations as well. Since the administrative structure of this initiative has not yet been finalized, applications for financing cannot be processed at present. We will publish all new information on this initiative as soon as it becomes available.

Press Release

A $400 million-dollar fund for projects promoting the development of young children living in poverty

On March 11, Quebec Minister of Families Tony Tomassi introduced Bill 7 – An Act to establish an early childhood development fund. This innovative partnership between the government and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation is one of the important measures aimed at giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunities and support they need to succeed and stay in school. “Our foundation feels that taking action early on in children's lives is crucial. That is why we are interested in participating in the Quebec government's initiatives that focus on early childhood development,” explained André Chagnon.

Press Release

Working together for the children of Quebec

After several months of reflection and exchange fuelled by a determination to come to the aid of young children in Quebec, the 1, 2, 3, Go! Centre and Québec Enfants have confirmed their intention to officially join forces. Financially supported (respectively) by Centraide of Greater Montreal and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, these two organizations will be devoting their complementary skills, knowledge and experience to childhood development and community mobilization.

Press Release

The Foundation and PasseportSanté.net launch a new website to help Quebec parents

The St-Henri family library was the perfect spot to launch the new website www.naitreetgrandir.net (in French only). This Quebec site provides parents with objective, practical, clear and reliable information, validated by experts in early childhood health and development. Sleeping behaviour, autonomy, nutrition, language development, temper tantrums, education and family life are just some of the many topics covered.

Press Release

Québec en Forme joins the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation to inaugurate a new multipurpose community rink

A large number of municipal, business and political stakeholders attended the January 20 inauguration of the first of a series of refrigerated outdoor rinks that the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation plans to build in the city’s underprivileged neighbourhoods. Forwards Georges Laraque and Alex Tanguay, along with defenseman Mathieu Dandenault, gave a demo to the many spectators. Québec en Forme was involved in the project from the get-go, helping the Canadiens Children’s Foundation select communities and developing partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the rink.

Press Release
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MONTREAL CANADIENS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

The Société de gestion du Fonds pour la promotion de saines habitudes de vie gets a clean bill of health

On Universal Children’s Day, November 20, Dr. Alain Poirier, President of the Société de gestion du Fonds pour la promotion de saines habitudes de vie, announced the first projects to receive support from the Fund. The joint fund of $400 million over 10 years was created through a partnership between the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation and the Quebec government. Jean-Marc Chouinard, Chairman of the Board of Québec en Forme, commented that "less than one year after our call for project proposals, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success. The growing number of communities mobilized around children fully justifies the creation of the Fund and confirms its relevance."

Press Release

New: health-promoting vending machines!

The new government campaign on healthy lifestyles was launched on October 11 by Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Yves Bolduc. Under the theme “Quebecers love life!”, the dynamic campaign aims to get people interested in healthy eating and physical activity. A series of TV and print ads invite Quebecers to reinforce their healthy habits. Complementary activities targeting specific groups will be carried out in certain areas.

Press Release

Minister Bolduc kicks off government campaign on healthy lifestyles

The new government campaign on healthy lifestyles was launched on October 11 by Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Yves Bolduc. Under the theme “Quebecers love life!”, the dynamic campaign aims to get people interested in healthy eating and physical activity. A series of TV and print ads invite Quebecers to reinforce their healthy habits. Complementary activities targeting specific groups will be carried out in certain areas.

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$350,000 to support breastfeeding at the CHUM Centre des naissances

On a visit to the CHUM Centre des naissances (birthing centre) at Hôpital Saint-Luc in early October, André Chagnon, Chairman and CEO of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, announced a donation of $350,000 to support nursing mothers. This announcement was made during World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), which focused this year on the importance of supporting mothers who are breastfeeding or who want to breastfeed their babies.

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Lyse Brunet joins the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation

On September 24, André Chagnon, Chairman and CEO of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, was delighted to announce the appointment of Lyse Brunet as Executive Director of Québec Enfants, an organization devoted to early childhood development.

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Early intervention to prevent youth violence

On September 17, nearly 200 people attended an important conference on preventing violence among children, held at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre. Young children who frequently resort to physical violence are more prone to become violent teenagers and adults. Current preventive actions are taken too late and can even aggravate the problem. The conference was organized by the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development (CEECD), with the participation of the Early Childhood Learning Knowledge Centre (ECLKC), the Sainte-Justine UHC Research Centre, and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation.

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Official opening of the Parc de la Traite-des-Fourrures

On a sunny July 2, Jacqueline Montpetit, Mayor of the South-West Borough, and André Chagnon, Chairman and CEO of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, inaugurated the Parc de la Traite-des-Fourrures, in the company of a few 4- and 5-year-olds. Located beside a primary school on Notre-Dame Street West in Saint-Henri, the park provides a shady playing area for neighbourhood children between the ages of 2 and 6, as well as a reading corner for older kids.

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Introduction of a bill to establish an early childhood development fund

The bill, introduced on June 17, was a follow-up to the budget speech delivered in March 2008 by.Monique Jérôme Forget, Minister of Finance. It establishes a fund to support the overall development of children aged five years and under who are living in poverty. The fund will be used to finance activities, projects and initiatives that foster—as early as possible and with the involvement of parents—the children’s physical, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development. The Quebec government will allocate $150 million to the Fund over 10 years, and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation has pledged $250 million.

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Conseil du Patronat du Québec pays tribute to André Chagnon

During its annual general meeting, held June 13, 2008, the Conseil du patronat awarded its Prix de carrière 2008 to André Chagnon. This award, now in its 26th year, recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to Quebec society. The CPQ bestowed the honour on Mr. Chagnon for his career and achievements as a businessman and philanthropist.

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Launch of the "Parcours sur les droits de l’enfant"

Located in the heart of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, this route draws attention to the efforts of organizations devoted to promoting children’s rights. The unifying project, carried out by the Petits bonheurs festival, marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and is part of the festivities surrounding the 125th anniversary of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. The initiative, supported by the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, is the first of its kind in Quebec.

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André Chagnon receives an honorary doctorate from HEC Montréal

At its annual convocation ceremony on June 1 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts, HEC Montréal paid tribute to André Chagnon. In his speech, Mr Chagnon reminded the young graduates of the importance of giving back to society and getting involved in the community.

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