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If you tend to hibernate during the winter months, avoiding the cold at all costs, now is the perfect time to shake things up and embrace the outdoors. Think of it as a way to encourage your kids to be active and enjoy one of the most beautiful winter months—February! Getting outside, even in the cold, has great benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. If you’re curious about the importance of outdoor play for kids, check out this insightful article from CBC on Why kids should play outside.
If you’re concerned about the cold, ice or harsh winter weather, dressing properly is key. With the right gear, you’ll find your outdoor experience much more enjoyable. Check out these helpful tips for how to dress well in winter and also how should you dress your kids in winter.
Some parents worry that winter is not safe for their kids
Many parents worry that winter isn’t safe for outdoor play, but I say, give it a try! Kids generally love playing in the snow, and you might find yourself enjoying it too. For your first big family winter outing, pick a sunny day to make it even more enjoyable. Just make sure everyone is dressed appropriately—cold and wet clothing can quickly ruin the fun. As with most activities, there are some safety guidelines. Here are some tips to help you get set to safely enjoy the best this season has to offer: Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids.
If you’re new to winter activities, start small. Take a trip to a local park, play in the snow, or try sledding. The Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy and the Domaine de maizerets are great spots to introduce your family to winter fun. Both locations are perfect for a simple walk or snow play, and if you want to try something more adventurous, they offer affordable rentals for snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more! For additional ideas, check out Naître et grandir’s list of 26 ways to enjoy winter.
And, of course, no conversation about winter activities would be complete without mentioning Québec City’s famous Carnaval de Québec. It’s an incredible way to embrace the winter season and experience the vibrant energy of our city during the cold months.
Long or short winter?
February 2 is Groundhog Day. On this day, groundhogs (also known as woodchucks or marmots), the furry critters you see above, are awakened from their winter hibernation. During an official ceremony, they are observed as they emerge from their burrows to predict the weather for the coming weeks. Several US and Canadian communities celebrate this day, drawing tourists and media attention.
If you are not familiar with this tradition, legend has it that if it’s a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, it returns to sleep for six more weeks of winter. If it’s cloudy and the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, it stays outside, which signals that spring is on its way sooner. How accurate the varmint’s predictions are is debatable, but they sure are a lot of fun to share with our kiddos. Read more about it on CBC Kids or National Geographic Kids.
Wishing you all the best this February, early spring or not!
Jessica
I hope you are all doing well and that 2025 is off to a good start. With the launch of Santé Québec this past December and the ongoing challenges in our healthcare system, I wanted to discuss a critical topic: the importance of filing complaints. Most of us can recall a situation when the healthcare system’s operations or culture has affected the quality of care received, for ourselves or our loved ones. If this rings true to you, I encourage you to continue reading.
Your rights as a healthcare user
As a healthcare user in Queébec, you are entitled to a set of rights designed to protect your dignity and ensure the quality of care. These include:
- Right to services: You have the right to receive healthcare and social services when you need them, regardless of your financial situation or other factors.
- Right to be informed: Healthcare users have the right to clear and complete information about their condition, the available treatment options, and the associated risks and benefits.
- Right to participate: You are entitled to be actively involved in decisions regarding your care.
- Right to choose: Within the limits of the system, you can choose the professional or institution providing your care.
- Right to complain: If you are dissatisfied with the care or services you received, you have the right to file a complaint without fear of reprisal.
There is a formal system in place to ensure these rights are upheld and that issues are addressed transparently. To learn more, visit the Québec government’s official page about the complaints examination system.
Why it is crucial to complain
Filing a formal complaint is one of the most effective ways to drive change within the healthcare system. Here’s why:
- You’re not alone: Chances are, your experience reflects systemic issues that many others have encountered. By speaking up, you amplify the collective voice of patients.
- Supporting healthcare workers: While it might seem unexpected, filing a complaint can help healthcare workers. Many issues stem from a lack of resources rather than individual failures. Your complaint can highlight these gaps, justify calls for improvements and lead to positive changes.
- Driving accountability: Complaints serve as a formal record of dissatisfaction, pushing institutions to address shortcomings and improve their operations.
Where to start
If you are not satisfied with the care or services you’ve received, the first step is to address your concerns directly with someone in charge of the establishment. Sometimes, a simple conversation can resolve the issue on the spot.
If this approach doesn’t lead to results or is not possible, you can escalate your complaint. Contact the Commissaire aux plaintes et à la qualité des services (Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner) of the health and social services the establishment you visited. The Commissioner is responsible for examining complaints and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.
Where to get help
Navigating the complaint process can be intimidating, but there are organizations and people available to help with the process. Don’t hesistate to reach out for help to any of the following resources:
- Users’ committees: These committees exist to protect the rights of healthcare users and can provide guidance.
- Centres d’Aide et d’Accompagnement aux Plaintes (CAAP): These regional centres specialize in helping users file complaints and navigate the system. In the Greater Québec City region, ours is the CAAP Capitale-Nationale.
- Well 50+ Program Coordinator: I am here to help by answering questions, providing moral support or assisting with paperwork.
Making a formal complaint might feel like a daunting task, but it’s a vital step in ensuring that the healthcare system meets the needs of everyone who relies on it. Even if, in the end, it’s not you who benefits from the changes, someone else will. By standing up for your rights and advocating for change, you are contributing to a system that better serves both patients and healthcare workers.
Your voice matters!
Anaïs
Pre-order yours for only $10 before the end of the day on November 30 and save! Regular price is $12 per jar as of December 1 (until December 18 or when sold out). All proceeds go to the Hamper Campaign. Order yours before Thursday, December 18, then see below for instructions for picking up your jars. Chocolate Chip Cookie mix (makes 24 cookies) SOLD OUT!Thank you for your support! See the notes at the very bottom of the page about what happens after you click the Add to Cart button.
IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT PICKING UP YOUR JARS
All jars will be available for pickup at the Gatehouse at 1601, chemin Saint-Louis (at the entrance to St. Patrick’s Cemetery). Please bring a bag or an empty box to carry your jars (we will provide boxes for orders of 10 jars or more). Pick-up dates: Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 19, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you cannot come get your jars during the above times or if you have any other questions, please let us know by sending Emilie an email.About the R.I.S.E. Program At the R.I.S.E. Program for adults with special needs, we believe that no one should be defined by their limitations. We strive to enhance each person’s potential through creative and specialized activities and community projects that help develop life and social skills as well as vocational skills. General questions? Please use our contact form to drop us a line. NOTES The “Add to Cart” button will open a new window in PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account (or do not want to open one) hit the grey “Check Out” button and simply enter your credit card information. On your bank or credit card statement, the merchant name will appear as: JEFF WEJHCA or JEFF COMM PARTNERS.