Archive for category: Feature

The Directorate of Public Security has three departments: Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, and Listuguj Rangers.

In the event of an emergency, individuals can call 911.  A lateral call with take place to Listuguj’s emergency phone line and will automatically contact the appropriate department. Based on the nature of the emergency, the Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, Listuguj Rangers, and/or the Paraxion Ambulance Services in Pointe-à-La-Croix are then dispatched.

If it is a medical emergency and the Paraxion Ambulance Services respond, the first responders will assess the severity of the situation and determine if the patient(s) will be transported to Campbellton Regional Hospital or Maria Hospital.

The Directorate of Public Security would like to remind community members to ensure they have clear and visible house numbers to help emergency responders efficiently find homes in Listuguj.

For additional contact information see below:

Listuguj Police Department
3 Lnu Street, Listuguj, Quebec
Emergency: (418) 788-2003
Office Phone: (418) 788-2334
Fax: (418) 788-2330

Listuguj Fire Department
17A Riverside West, Listuguj, Quebec

Emergency: (418) 788-2003

Office Phone: (418) 788-2222

Listuguj Rangers
Office Phone: (418)-788-3157

By Ann Marie Jacques

There are many options for waste management in the community of Listuguj – regular garbage pickup, recycling, the eco-center, the transfer site, and as of 2022, composting.

Marie-Christine Roussel Gray was working for the Sustainable Development Institute in Wendake, QC in 2017, when the idea of starting a composting project in Listuguj was brought to her attention. The company did its research and developed a waste management plan based on how much waste is being produced in Listuguj.  After this study was completed, the plan went into effect. “It was the start of the composting program and all the projects we’ve had to improve waste and environment in general,” said Roussel Gray. Roussel Gray then moved to Listuguj and became the Environmental and Sustainable Development Coordinator at Capital and Infrastructure, taking on the composting project in the community.  After receiving the funds from Indigenous Services Canada in 2019, the compost project officially began in July, 2022.

Even though there were enough composting bins for every house in Listuguj, Capital and Infrastructure did a voluntary approach initially for community members.  The research found that quite a few households were already practicing composting, but the bin just took it to the next level. There were a lot of participants at first, but Capital and Infrastructure are aware of the challenges that may come with composting in the cold winter months.

Composting is also offered at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, and eventually, the program will include all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government buildings – at first, primarily focusing on buildings that produce more food, or that house a cafeteria (schools, Gignu, Waqatasg Elders Home, etc.)

When asked why composting is important in the community, Roussel Gray said, “There is always the environmental argument when it comes to composting, but there’s also the financial reasons. Waste costs a lot.” Having the community compost in their everyday lives will lower the cost of waste transportation.  Currently, waste goes to St. Alphonse de Caplan which is roughly 110 KM away. “Compost is wet and heavy, so that is something that we have to pay to carry. Now, we just keep it here. The more people who compost, the easier it will be to manage and maintain. The more people who participate, the more money we’ll save in the community,” said Roussel Gray.  

There are other methods of waste management in the community. There is regular curbside garbage pickup that occurs Thursdays between 8 AM and 5 PM. The garbage is collected and taken to a landfill.  Recycling is done bi-weekly, and the company is subcontracted by Listuguj and taken to a sorting centre. The Eco-Center is located at the Public Works Garage where community members can dispose of their household hazardous waste, such as used oils, propane cylinders, etc.  This is a monitored site and is locked at night. Lastly, the transfer site is where community members can dispose of bulkier items such as household appliances and furniture.

There are many waste management options in Listuguj and Capital and Infrastructure have developed many tools to help the community navigate which items go where. At this time, a sorting guide is available for pickup at the Capital and Infrastructure building or online at listuguj.ca. There is a Listuguj Environment Facebook page that frequently posts calendars and reminders. A new tool is in the words as well – an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. “You will be able to put your address in, and it will show you a calendar for pickup. You can set up notifications on when to put out your bins,” said Roussel Gray.

If you are interested in composting, please visit Public Works weekdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to pick up your bin. If you have any questions regarding waste management in Listuguj, feel free to message the Listuguj Environment Facebook page, or email them at environment@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Community Health Services has several programs and resources available to community members. One program is the Smoking Cessation program, which is coordinated by Wanda Metallic. Metallic is well-known in the community for her work in programs such as the Opioid program, as well as the Brighter Futures program that has been in effect for the last 30 years.

The Smoking Cessation program began roughly five or six years ago. It is offered to people who would like assistance in quitting smoking. In the beginning, Metallic would determine how many cigarettes the person consumes and then release a starter kit that consists of various Nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, and vaporizers. People can try these products out to see which they prefer and can return to the Health Centre to receive more. Each product contains a number of milligrams pertaining to how many cigarettes are consumed. For example, Step 1 has the highest dose of nicotine which would typically be what a person who is just starting to quit, would use. Metallic will offer a two-week supply of these products at a time. The starter pack also consists of a journal for people to keep track of the journey so far, and to write about their experience.

When asked why a program like this is important for the community, Metallic simply said, “Smoking is bad for you. Eventually, smokers are going to quit smoking because they have no choice.  It’s too bad that it gets that far.”

If you are looking to quit smoking or would like some information, walk-ins are available, or you can contact the Listuguj Health Centre at 418-788-2155.

In closing, Metallic had a piece of advice for community members who wish to quit smoking. She said, “Don’t quit quitting! Don’t give up. Keep going. We’re here all the time, if I’m not, there’s someone here who can serve you.”

By Ann Marie Jacques