Meeting with Members of Parliament On January 20, 2025, we participated in the annual meeting bringing together several provincial and federal representatives from constituencies surrounding the Haut-Richelieu region. Organized by the CDC Haut-Richelieu-Rouville, this event took the form of interactive panels. Discussions focused on major issues such as violence, homelessness, immigration, and mental health. | | Monthly Column in Les Versants Newspaper The Les Versants newspaper offers us the opportunity to publish 12 monthly columns on the rights of tenants in private seniors' residences (PSR). The first column was published on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, followed by the second on February 5, titled “Rent Increases”. | | These columns aim to inform readers about the rights and responsibilities of tenants in RPAs. Simplifying, demystifying, and making information accessible is part of the daily work of the Montérégie Complaint Assistance and Support Center. | The topics covered can raise many questions for RPA residents and their families. For those who have always been homeowners, adjusting to the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant can be complex. Understanding the lease agreement, regulations, and annexes is far from an easy task. | | To assert one’s rights, it is essential to be well-informed. It is also important to note that the regulations applicable to RPA leases also apply to other tenants, with some exceptions. | Studio Saint-Jean Interview On February 5, we had the opportunity to participate in an interview with Madame Lucie Crevier from the Studio Saint-Jean channel, hosted by Louis Lemieux. This short report about our services is being broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. We would like to thank MP Louis Lemieux for this wonderful visibility. We look forward to keeping you informed! | Mayor’s Luncheon On Thursday, February 13, the annual Mayor’s Luncheon with Madame Andrée Bouchard took place. The event was organized by the Haut-Richelieu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHR) at the Royal Military College of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Madame Bouchard took this opportunity to provide an overview of her three years in office. She also reported on the actions taken and the projects completed since her election. | | The room was packed despite the winter storm raging outside. The event was a great success! | Training on Housing Human Rights in Collaboration with the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission As part of our assistance and support mandate for seniors in private seniors’ residences (PSR), we organized a training day for our advisors and selected users of CAAP Montérégie. Given our limited capacity, we were able to invite a few residents who play a significant role in advocating for tenants in their respective PSRs. We collaborated with the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission to provide a training session on housing-related human rights. On February 10, our caseworkers and users came together to deepen their understanding of the subject, enabling them to share the knowledge gained with others. | Information Session At CAAP Montérégie, we believe that access to our rights begins with access to the right information. That’s why we regularly offer conferences on the rights and obligations of tenants in private seniors' residences (PSR). The growing number of refusals to accept rent increases shows that seniors are increasingly standing up to fight financial abuse and fully exercise their rights. According to tenants in a private seniors' residence, it was after attending an information session offered by our advisors that a group of about 50 residents decided to refuse their rent increase notices this year. This is a great example of how this valuable tool can help empower seniors, strengthen their ability to defend their interests, and push back against excessive rent increases that could impact their financial stability and even their long-term living plans. Contact us to offer an information session to your members | Transfer of Government Employees to Santé Québec On January 22, 2025, approximately 894 government employees were transferred from the Ministry of Health and Social Services to Santé Québec. This transfer aims to centralize and optimize human resource management within the healthcare network. | Regulations on Mandatory Content in Lease Modification Notices Many people were unaware that three responses are possible when a tenant receives a lease modification notice during the renewal period. From now on, these options must be clearly stated in the notice. Indeed, the Tribunal administratif du logement announced that since December 26, 2024, lease modification notices must clearly specify the rights and obligations of both parties. | The new Regulation on Mandatory Content in Lease Modification Notices now requires that the following tenant options be included: 1° I accept the lease renewal with its modifications; 2° I refuse the proposed modifications and renew my lease; 3° I do not renew my lease and will vacate the unit at the end of the lease. | | Did You Know…? You Have the Right to Access Your Medical Record? In Québec, you have the right to access your medical record under the Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services and the Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information. | | Here are three ways to proceed: 1. Accessing Your Medical Record from a Healthcare Facility If your medical record is kept at a healthcare facility (hospital, CLSC, etc.), you must: - Submit a written request to the facility. This request is usually handled by the medical records department.
- Specify the information you wish to access (a full copy of the record or specific sections such as test results, imaging reports, prescriptions, etc.).
- Provide an identification document to confirm your identity.
2. Accessing Your Record from a Doctor or Healthcare Professional If you consulted a doctor at a private clinic, you must contact that clinic directly to request a copy of your medical record. 3. Online Access – Carnet Santé Québec You can also access certain medical information online via the Carnet Santé Québec portal, including: : - Your lab test results (e.g., blood tests)
- Your medical imaging reports
- Your medical history and vaccinations
To log in to Carnet Santé Québec, you need a Government Authentication Service account or a clicSÉQUR account for verification. Processing Time & Fees - Healthcare facilities have 30 days to respond to your request.
- Fees may apply for document reproduction, but on-site consultation is generally free.
Does this process seem complicated? We can help you draft a request letter to access your medical record. Our advisors are here to assist you every step of the way! Contact Us to Learn More | Did You Know…? Rent Increases Depend on the Expenses and Revenue of Each Building The 5.9% suggested rent increase for non-heated units by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) has sparked many reactions. | | To establish this percentage, the TAL primarily relies on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and, more recently, the Health Care Services Price Index established by Statistics Canada for certain expenses in private seniors’ residences (PSR). However, this 5.9% rate does not mean that all rent increases will automatically match this figure. Since it is an average adjustment estimate, the actual increase can be higher or lower, depending on the revenues and expenses of each building (school taxes, municipal taxes, insurance premiums, energy costs, service fees, management fees, etc.). There is no difference between a private seniors’ residence and a regular rental unit in terms of lease renewal procedures. The landlord sends a renewal notice once a year within the required timeframe. The tenant has one month to respond to the notice. One of the three available options allows them to refuse the proposed changes or rent increase while renewing their lease. The tenant must notify the landlord in writing within one month of receiving the notice and keep proof of receipt. It is then the residence manager/landlord’s responsibility to try to negotiate with the tenant or apply to the TAL within one month to request a rent adjustment decision. Contact Us to Learn More | CAAP Montérégie Annual General Meeting We are pleased to invite you to save the date: June 18, 2025, for our Annual General Meeting in Beloeil in the afternoon. More details will be provided in the next newsletter… Stay tuned! | | Discover Our Monthly Column in Les Versants du Mont-Bruno Each month, we cover key topics relevant to seniors. Our articles address common issues faced by users, providing concrete examples to guide you through your processes. Read our columns now Check out Les Versants online here > | | | | | |