Manager of the Year

Jocelyne Gauvin

Jocelyne Gauvin is the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group’s (GDDPC) coordinator and has been since 2000.  The Group’s primary objective is to ensure the viability of all the communities in Cocagne’s watershed by means of sustainable development.  Their primary concerns and responsibilities include both the Cocagne River and Cocagne Bay watersheds.  This consists of 350 square kilometers, 3,500 permanent residences, as well as many seasonal residences.  The communities in their territory are Cocagne, a section of Grande-Digue, Greater Saint-Antoine, Notre-Dame, a section of Irishtown and MacDougall, as well as a little section of Moncton.

This organization, established in 1999, wants to create situations and mechanisms that will encourage citizens to take responsibility for the sustainability of their environment and their quality of their life. One of the organization’s priorities is to maintain water quality, be it fresh or salt water.

Among the many services offered by this group, there is the diffusion of information on environmental issues.  This is mostly done through the distribution of newsletters and the organization of information sessions.  For example, last spring, Mrs. Gauvin had organized a session addressing the hot topic in the Kent region:  prospecting for uranium.  Many concerned citizens had called her to learn more about this subject.  As there was a demand, the coordinator didn’t waste any time in scheduling a public meeting with government officials on this topic.

There are also other programs available through the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group, such as financial assistance to repair defective septic systems.  Since 2003, the group has contributed to the improvement of more than 110 septic systems within the Kent-South region.  This initiative’s investment of more than $500,000 prevented the pouring of more than 30 million liters of waste water directly into nature.  In the past seven years, the group has spent and received more than a million dollars for various projects in our area.  This money is from both government and private sources.

There are always from one to two full-time and part-time permanent employees on staff.  However, since 2000, at least 56 employees and 26 students, 95% of them Kent County residents, as well as over 40 interns, worked for the cause. Jocelyne points out that it is the dedicated volunteers who make all the difference.  The group’s volunteers have worked over 10,000 hours on various projects and rely on the support of the 12 individuals on the board of directors.

As for Jocelyne, she is originally from Moncton, but has resided in Grande-Digue and Cocagne for more than 30 years.  She is married to Jean and is the mother of three children, Maxime, Zoé and Tobi.  In terms of her implication within the community, she is involved in many school committees and she also volunteers for literacy programs. Her favorite leisure-time activities are primarily walking, reading, sailing, swimming and gardening.  She also enjoys attending her children’s sports activities.

As manager, Jocelyne Gauvin admits that the finances are always the most demanding part of her job.  The Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group has an excellent tema of volunteers, but in order to proceed with its projects, it needs to constantly secure financing.  Managing volunteer employees can be a delicate matter because it is not the same as with payroll employees, but Jocelyne loves this challenge.  She is truly passionate about her work and considers herself very fortunate to be able to count on a team who not only supports her vision but also her passion.

Jocelyne remains modest as to the attributes one really needs to manage a group of this nature.  She does mention that is it very important to be open-minded and attentive to others’ needs.  Her work is satisfying and she perseveres because she believes in the cause.  Its flexible schedule, the variety of files, being close to nature and responding to the community’s needs are just an additional bonus.

As for accomplishments, Jocelyne praises the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group for being so vibrant, dynamic, and for persevering, even after seven years.  “I often tell the public servants that they’ll never be able to get rid of us”, stated the coordinator who is aware that budget cuts are always imminent.

A major project that is currently underway, amongst all the others, is a land-use plan.  Her long-term objectives are to ensure the continuity of the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group and the completion of a land-use plan for the Cocagne watershed.  This would serve as a road map for a sustainable and viable development in this marvelous “Pays de Cocagne”.

Mme Gauvin was surprised to receive this award but appreciates the recognition even though she prefers staying in the background.  “I didn’t expect this honor but I appreciate receiving recognition from my peers. I certainly hope that this award will have a positive impact on the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group!”, says Jocelyne.

Congratulations to the Manager of the Year, Jocelyne Gauvin!