The Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) has a new president who hails from L'Isle-aux-Allumettes, Dave Gillespie. The RAWQ is a non-profit organization that supports the English-speaking community in the Outaouais.

Gillespie is a farmer who is involved in many community organizations and initiatives, from documenting the shoddy electrical service in the upper Pontiac to promoting agri-tourism. He is also the vice-president of CHIP 101.9's board of directors.

He said that he originally joined the RAWQ board several years ago and served as treasurer, helping dig the group out of a financial hole.

Gillespie said that while the organization had previously taken on an advocacy role on legislation such as Bill 96, Quebec's overhaul of its language laws, he would be focusing his efforts on delivering services and supports for the region's anglophones. He said that the RAWQ operates under the umbrella of the Quebec Community Groups Network, an organization that is much better suited to advocacy work on the provincial level.

The full interview with Gillespie is available below: