VEQ is comprised of a small but dedicated staff that carries out the day-to-day operations of the office and ensures the overall success of projects and activities.

Jean-Sébastien J. Gignac
Executive Director / Directeur général

After completing his Master’s degree in the History of International Relations at Université Laval and working as a research assistant, Jean Sébastien began to make his mark on the English-speaking community in Québec City by joining the Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) in 2005. He began his career as a coordinator and quickly moved through the ranks to become executive director.

As executive director of VEQ, Jean Sébastien ensures the goals and objectives of the organization are met. He manages all aspects of VEQ’s operations, including applying for and managing funds from contributing agencies. He also works hard to develop relationships with the English-speaking community in order to support and promote its interests.

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi

Heather McRae
Project Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des projets

A native Torontonian, Heather studied at Glendon College, York University’s bilingual campus. There, she was able to study both her passions: theatre and French. After completing her degree, she moved to Quebec City to continue learning and living in a completly Francophone setting. A year and a half and many French courses later, she joined the team at VEQ and is happy to call Quebec City home.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

Ellie Fleming
Community Events & Administrative Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des événements et adjointe administrative

Having benefitted personally from VEQ services as a newcomer, Ellie is thrilled to join the team and become more involved in the English-speaking community.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
– Winston Churchill

Kayress dela Cruz
Newcomers Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des nouveaux arrivants

Born and raised in Southern Alberta, Kayress moved to Québec in May 2011. During her studies at the University of Lethbridge, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Kayress became immensely fascinated about other cultures and people from different parts of the world. As a result, she began a wonderful career at Lethbridge Family Services-Immigrant Services, helping immigrants and refugees to settle and integrate in their new environment and community. However, that “love” came to a close, when she decided to follow her other love (a wonderful francophone man), who brought their life and with it new and exciting adventures to Québec City. Armed with her passion for helping people and her love for life, Kayress sees every challenge as a way to learn and grow.

Kayress is more than thrilled to be a newcomer to Québec, and she hopes that as Newcomers Coordinator, she can radiate that positive outlook onto newcomers here. In addition, she hopes to learn the ropes from seasoned newcomers and long-term residents of the English-speaking communities in this beautiful and vibrant city.

“Walk the Earth in awareness of your inner wisdom and light” – Unknown

Ayla Foers
Project Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des projets

Originally from rural Ontario, Ayla has been living in Quebec City for the past three and a half years. With a prominent artist as a father, Ayla’s introduction into the arts started at a very young age. Being surrounded by art quickly grew into a passion for working in the arts. This has since lead Ayla to Quebec City and now to VEQ, as a project coordinator where she will enthusiastically take on our photography project “Through the Lens” .