Cathy Fox
Local Journalism Initiative
SHAWVILLE – The Pontiac Users Committee (PUC) held its annual general meeting on October 21 at the CLSC in Shawville, drawing a strong turnout from representatives and the public.
The PUC includes volunteer representatives from three seniors’ residences and trained members of the public (“users”) who promote awareness of available services.
Nicole Boucher-Larivière, Pontiac Director of Local Services (RLS), provided an update on healthcare developments, new initiatives, and partnerships from the past year. She emphasized the PUC’s essential role in connecting with the region’s 20,000 residents across 14,000 square kilometres—about 11 times the size of Montreal.
“I can’t be everywhere, so you are my eyes and ears,” said Boucher-Larivière. “You let me know what’s missing, what’s happening, and sometimes just share good news—many people still don’t know how to access services.”
Outreach and collaboration
Over the past year, the PUC held 11 educational activities, many with Connexions Resource Centre. Highlights included a seniors’ gathering in Campbell’s Bay, where more than 200 participants shared feedback on local services.
The committee plans to work with school boards to improve transition supports for youth and ensure students have needed materials. Volunteers also partnered with community organizations to staff booths at the Shawville Fair, promoting services and the “Alo” yellow ID badges identifying bilingual healthcare workers.
Health services and facility updates
A new palliative care committee was created to recruit volunteers and improve the Shawville Hospital unit. A territorial committee now meets every six weeks to improve health outcomes, supported by subcommittees on new arrivals, housing, and recruitment.
The Pontiac region has welcomed two new surgeons, with a doctor couple set to begin practice in Fort-Coulonge in December. A new Tele-santé room enables remote
imaging and psychiatry consultations, while the Shawville lab acquired a $60,000 AI-assisted slide reader to prioritize results.
Other improvements include new electric chairs in oncology, a kitchen project at the Fort-Coulonge manor, and a provincial award for the Pontiac Reception Centre’s murals and redesign.
Community engagement
Audience questions focused on population needs and healthcare coordination. Boucher-Larivière said census data guides improvements. Doctors need patient consent to access results from other facilities, and complaints go through the ombudsman, though the PUC assists with paperwork and travel arrangements.
The PUC also joined La Dame de Coeur, a Santé Outaouais fundraiser that directs proceeds to Pontiac health services when buyers use the code 1009.
