Remi Poliquin
Counsel
English Network Event 2026: Staying on Track Together
submitted by Patricia Ogé
On June 5, members of the English RAC (Recognition of Acquired Competencies) community from across Quebec came together for the annual English Network Event (ENE)—a day filled with learning, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to supporting candidates on their journey.
This year’s theme, “Staying on Track,” was a reminder that achieving a goal is not always a straight path. Along the way, candidates may face moments of uncertainty, challenges, and self-doubt. The event focused on how RAC practitioners and partners can help candidates continue moving forward with confidence, while recognizing the personal experiences that shape their journey.
I had the pleasure of organizing and facilitating this year’s event, bringing together RAC practitioners and partners from across the province for an opportunity to connect, share practices, and explore new approaches to strengthening support for RAC candidates.
The day’s workshops, led by psychology professors Holly Recchia from Concordia University and Marie-Hélène Véronneau from UQAM, with the support of four interns, invited participants to look at the RAC experience through the lens of emotional competence. Through engaging activities, discussions, and reflection, participants explored common challenges candidates may encounter, including balancing multiple responsibilities, navigating uncertainty, and building confidence along the way.
At the heart of the conversations was a simple but powerful idea: every candidate brings a unique story, and understanding that story matters. Emotional competence, defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in ourselves and in our interactions with others, helps counsellors create the trust and connection that allow candidates to feel supported throughout their RAC journey.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the psychology professors from UQAM and Concordia University, as well as their interns, for sharing their expertise, energy, and passion with the RAC community.
The English Network Event 2026 was a wonderful reminder that staying on track is something we do together. Through collaboration, reflection, and a shared commitment to learning, the RAC network continues to grow stronger, helping candidates move forward and achieve their goals.
