Champlain Township to Host 17th Edition of Women’s March in L’Orignal

August 21, 2024, Township of Champlain – Champlain Township to Host 17th Edition of Women’s March in L’Orignal

At a press conference early this morning, Champlain Township officially announced that it will be hosting Centre Novas-Calacs Francophone de Prescott-Russell’s yearly Take Back the Night march this September in l’Orignal. Centre Novas is an organization run by and for women that offers specialized services to women and victims or survivors of sexual assault, as well as to their loved ones. Since 2008, Centre Novas has established a long-standing tradition of holding a yearly march in a different township throughout Prescott and Russell where all women, girls, and allies are invited to march to raise awareness of violence against women. This will be the second time that Champlain Township has hosted this event. The first was in 2013.

“As mayor and as an ally, I'd like to stress the importance of the Take Back the Night march organized by Centre Novas. This event is much more than just a march. It's a crucial moment when we will come together to affirm our commitment to creating a community where every woman and girl can feel safe and respected.” declared Champlain Township Mayor, Normand Riopel.

Councillor Ginette Clément from the Longueuil Ward was chosen last year at a regular council meeting as the official spokesperson of the march for Champlain Township and has been working with the organizing committee of the event:

“I am fully committed to this cause and to the women and girls of our community. Not only is my role as Councillor to represent you, but it also to work actively to create the healthy and supportive environment in our township that we all deserve. This march is a step in this ongoing journey, and I promise to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that protect and empower women. To all the women and girls in our community, I invite and encourage you to join us for the Women's March on September 18 in L'Orignal. Bring your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters and friends. This march is for you. Your presence is powerful. Together, we can make a difference and show that our community is united against violence and in favour of women's safety and rights.”

The Take Back the Night march will take place in L’Orignal on September 18 at 6 p.m. starting outside L’École élémentaire catholique Saint-Jean-Baptiste. A designated route spanning roughly two kilometers will be marched accompanied by Champlain Township Fire services.

Organizing committee members (from left to right): Audray Lizotte, Regional Director of United Way Est Ontario, Valérie Charbonneau, Executive Director of Centre Novas, Sydney Collard, Champlain Township Parks and Recreation Director, Ginette Clément, Champlain Township Councillor, Marie-Noëlle Lanthier, President of Leadership féminin Prescott et Russell, Normand Riopel, Champlain Township Mayor.