Who we are
We are TALQ – a living, breathing conversation shaped by our shared Quebec experience. A place where every voice matters and every idea fuels collective action.
Rooted in 30 years of advocacy, we don’t just represent the English-speaking community of Quebec, we amplify it. We connect individuals and groups who believe in progress, equity, and the power of dialogue to shape a more inclusive future.
Our History
Past. Present.
TALQ.
Born in 1995 as the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), we began as a coalition of 15 community organizations advocating for the vitality of the English-speaking community under the federal Official Language Communities Program through Heritage Canada.
Over the past 30 years, societal, political, and regulatory shifts have challenged our community’s access to services in our own language. Throughout, we have always listened, proudly advocated, and never wavered.
As the world has changed, so have we. In 2025, we became TALQ, a bold, modern voice for a new generation of English-speaking Quebecers with the same commitment, stronger momentum, and a clearer voice that reflects the diversity, vibrancy, and resilience of our proud community.
What We Stand For
We talk the talk,
Because we walk
it – every day.
TALQ exists to amplify the voices of Quebec’s English-speaking community and inspire action through dialogue, because change begins when we talk, listen, and show up together.
Community
We are a community of communities. Our strength lies in connection – between individuals, across generations, and throughout the regions.
Advocacy
Whether through policy, media or mobilization, we engage, we influence, and we act.
Dialogue
We speak up… But we also listen. At TALQ, conversation is the catalyst to understanding, solidarity, and change.
Identity
We are not les autres. We are proudly Québécois – with an English voice, a bilingual soul, and a deep respect for where we live.
Accountability
We earn trust by being transparent, credible, and consistent with our members, our partners, and the public.
Our Team
The people
sparking
conversations.
Board of Directors
Gerald Cutting, Maria Kyres, Rob Braide, Grant Myers (Treasurer), Peter Starr, Eva Ludvig (President), Alix Adrien, Eleni Bakopanos (Secretary), Joe Ortona, Chelsea Craig, Eric Maldoff, Chad Bean, Leslie Roberts.
Missing from photo:Katherine Korakakis
Our Team
Sylvia Martin-Laforge
Director General
Rita Legault
Director, Special Projects
Riley Dalys-Fine
Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Alliances
Trevor Ham
Interim Director of Communications
Gerry Sklavounos, Jr.
Senior Advisor, Legal Affairs
Jeshini Soobaroyen
Finance and Operations Manager
Maggie Severs
Manager, Member Relations and Community Mobilization
Genevieve Grenier
Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Elena Kennedy
Access to Justice Project Manager and Senior Legal Researcher
Sophie Boulos
Lead, Government Relations and Social Media
Chaymae Bellaka
Executive Coordinator
Alix Wong-Min
Project Coordinator
Annual Report
Because success
should be acknowledged.
And shared.
Every year, we take a clear-eyed look at what we’ve done…and what still needs doing.
Our annual report is proof of our purpose – the policies we’ve influenced, the communities we’ve mobilized, and the voices we’ve helped carry further. It’s how we stay accountable to our members, our mission, and the people who trust us to lead the charge.
