Published in the Pontiac Journal on January 14, 2026.
Mélissa Gélinas
MRC PONTIAC – Two researchers from the University of Sherbrooke, in partnership with the MRC Pontiac, the Maison de la famille du Pontiac and the Western Quebec Literacy Council, have launched a family literacy research project aimed at families from vulnerable backgrounds in the Pontiac.
More specifically, the initiative seeks to support, guide and encourage parents to foster their children’s language development in order to improve their chances of academic success. According to Lisa Danis, executive director of the Maison de la famille du Pontiac, school failure rates remain high in the region.
To assess local needs, several studies will need to be carried out. Danis explained that both the Maison de la famille du Pontiac and the MRC Pontiac plan to take part in provincial and regional study days to identify potential participants for the project’s development committee and to present relevant statistical data.
At this stage, the project remains in its preliminary phase. “We have signed an agreement and will soon be holding our first meetings to assess the situation, develop a tailored support model and then move forward with planning,” Danis said. The project has also been submitted to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, where additional evaluations will be required. According to Marie Gionet, economic development commissioner for the culture portfolio at the MRC Pontiac, a decision on whether the project will proceed is expected in May 2026.
While details have yet to be finalized, the initiative is expected to target children aged 0 to 8, with support likely to take place in the home. “One of the goals is to place greater emphasis on parental involvement,” Danis said.
Project partners would also be required to contribute financially, particularly toward materials such as books and tablets. The MRC has been asked to provide funding of up to $2,500 per organization, for a potential total of up to $5,000, depending on the number of participating families.
Danis said the project is intended to provide additional support and is expected to be well received in the community.
“The need is there,” she said, adding that she is proud to be involved and hopeful the initiative will move forward successfully.