Author name: Nouvelles Parc-Extension News

Quebec’s Ambitious $300 Million Plan Faces Hurdles in Implementation

In the wake of a significant strike that left students academically behind including those from the borough of Park-Extension, the Quebec government, led by Education Minister Bernard Drainville, launched a $300 million catch-up plan. Aimed at mitigating the impact of up to five weeks of missed school, the initiative hinges on voluntary teacher participation. However, an internal survey reveals a startling lack of volunteers, casting doubts on the plan’s effectiveness.

Volunteer Shortage

Despite the incentive of overtime pay, the plan’s reliance on voluntary teacher participation is facing a critical challenge. A survey by the Fédération québécoise des directions d’establishment d’enseignement (FQDE) indicates a stark disparity in volunteer numbers across schools, with some having no volunteers at all. Nicolas Prévost, president of the FQDE, notes that the situation is “more negative than positive,” with many students unlikely to receive remedial services in the short term.

Alternatives and Challenges

The FQDE suggests that teaching students might assist post-university session, but the priority remains filling vacant positions. Moreover, the plan’s component of offering specialized services to struggling students is hampered by recruitment difficulties. Nicolas Prévost underscores the challenge: “It’s extremely difficult to find people to put the services in place,” despite the availability of funds.

Implementation During School Hours

Most catch-up activities are slated to occur during school hours, including class time and lunch breaks, due to the limited organization of recovery activities outside these times. The Montreal Association of School Directors acknowledges the “variable geometry” of the situation, with staff shortages in some areas requiring reliance on other staff members. Kathleen Legault, the association’s president, expresses uncertainty about finding resources for all needy students.

Mixed Reception Among Educators

The plan, while generally well-received for its flexibility, elicits mixed reactions from teachers. Some are eager to help and appreciate the opportunity for additional income, especially after unpaid strike weeks. However, others view additional efforts as inconsistent with the strike’s demands, highlighting the already high workload. Additionally, logistical issues like the lack of available premises due to daycare services pose further problems.

Awaiting a Fuller Picture

The Autonomous Education Federation has reserved comment, awaiting a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Minister Drainville’s office urges patience and avoids drawing hasty conclusions, anticipating a more detailed report from school service centers. They encourage exploring alternatives, like employing retired teachers and teaching students.

Plan Highlights

Despite these challenges, the plan’s key measures include:

Tutoring during class hours.

Specialized help for students in difficulty.

A two-week delay in the 2nd stage bulletin.

Lighter ministerial exams (reduced weighting and content).

Increased resources for community organizations.

Free summer courses.

Total Budget: $300 million.

As Quebec grapples with the aftermath of a prolonged strike, the ambitious catch-up plan confronts significant obstacles, chiefly the scarcity of volunteer teachers. Balancing the need for immediate remedial action with the realities of staff availability and logistical constraints poses a complex challenge for the education sector. The situation remains fluid, with the government and educational institutions seeking viable solutions to ensure that no student is left behind.

In a striking assessment of the elder care system, Joanne Castonguay, the Commissioner of Health and Welfare, has called for a significant shift in the government’s approach to caring for the elderly. In her pointed critique, Castonguay asserts that the current focus on CHSLD accommodations is unsustainable and inefficient, urging for a pivot towards more home care services to meet the challenges posed by the rapidly aging population including the seniors of our borough of Park-Extension.

Releasing her fourth and final evaluation on the performance of home care services today, Castonguay paints a concerning picture of the current state of elder care. Despite the growing needs of the elderly, the long-term care and service system managed to deliver only 116.7 million hours of care in 2023, barely over a third of the actual requirement. This shortfall is expected to widen in the near future, given the demographic trends.

A striking revelation in her report is the disproportionate spending on CHSLD accommodations. These facilities account for a staggering 62% of long-term care expenditures, yet cater to only 16% of the users. This mismatch highlights a misallocation of resources, underscoring the need for a strategic redirection of funds.

Castonguay also criticizes the lack of uniformity and coherence in the existing elder care programs. The varying criteria across programs create unnecessary barriers to access, making it difficult for seniors to receive the care they need. To address this, she recommends the establishment of regional offices, aiming to streamline and simplify the process of accessing services.

In a further recommendation, Castonguay urges policymakers to reevaluate the tax credit system for home care maintenance. The current system, she argues, is biased towards senior residences (RPA), inadvertently disadvantaging those who opt for home care. This recommendation is part of a broader call to reorient the elder care system towards more personalized and home-based solutions.

In summary, the Commissioner’s report serves as a wake-up call for a systemic overhaul of elder care. Prioritizing home care and addressing inefficiencies in the current system are essential steps towards a more sustainable and effective care model for the aging population.

As Downtown Montreal embarks on a major transformation to enhance its city center, the neighboring community of Parc-Extension is also poised to play a key role in this urban revitalization. Reflecting the city’s commitment to strengthening vitality and attractiveness, the comprehensive City Center Strategy is a blueprint not only for Downtown but also for its surrounding areas, including Parc-Extension.

A United Front in Urban Development

The City Center Strategy lays out concrete initiatives focusing on neighborhood highlights, winter season attractions, public safety, cleanliness, and the acceleration of structural projects. These initiatives are crucial for Downtown Montreal, which, like many major cities, faces challenges such as the digitalization of the economy, the rise of virtual activities, climate change, evolving consumption habits, and the vulnerabilities of diverse populations.

Addressing the Impact of Hybrid Work Models

A significant challenge identified is the decrease in city center traffic due to the adoption of hybrid work modes. This shift has reduced demand for office space and decreased foot traffic in businesses, posing risks to the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Montreal. Immediate action is deemed essential to ensure the long-term economic, social, and cultural resilience of these areas.

Three Priorities, Nine Projects: A Roadmap for Revitalization

The City Center Strategy is ambitious, with three core priorities and nine projects aimed at shaping the future of the city center. These include:

Highlighting Neighborhood Identities: Strengthening and promoting the unique characteristics of neighborhoods like Parc-Extension.

Deploying Winter Entertainment and Urban Attraction Strategies: This includes propelling areas such as the Latin Quarter and integrating vibrant urban mixes into the city’s fabric.

Creating Sustainable and Inhabited Neighborhoods: The plan envisions new residential areas in the Faubourgs and Bridge-Bonaventure sectors, consolidating the city center’s position in key sectors like life sciences, health, technology, and creative industries.

A Focus on Sustainability and Livability

Investments are prioritized in existing buildings, with an emphasis on creating green, pleasant, and safe routes. The development of the International District’s third phase and the deployment of new active mobility zones are also on the agenda, alongside efforts to enhance the cleanliness and maintenance of public spaces.

Living the City Center Experience

The strategy underscores Downtown Montreal’s vast offerings, encouraging people to choose it as a place to live, work, study, innovate, shop, and enjoy leisure activities. Inspired by discussions with key stakeholders and aligning with flagship documents like Montréal 2030, the City Center Strategy is a testament to integrated urban planning. Its implementation, in consultation with downtown partners, government bodies, and communities like Parc-Extension, will be marked by public announcements as the projects progress, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive approach to urban development.

In an exciting initiative to foster youth engagement and empower the voices of young people, the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough is hosting a unique event titled “À toi la parole!” on Monday, November 27. This event is specially designed for youth aged 12 to 17 and offers them a platform to discuss issues that matter to them while sharing their visionary ideas for the future of the Villeray neighborhood.

The main objective of “À toi la parole!” is to create a welcoming and dynamic space for young individuals to connect with their elected officials and understand the workings of the municipal process. This initiative aims to demystify the complexities of local governance and provide an opportunity for open dialogue between young residents and the members of the borough council.

The event is scheduled for Monday, November 27 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Le Prévost Library, located at 7355 Christophe-Colomb Avenue. Registration is easy, either in person at the library or by calling 514-872-1526. The event includes a diverse range of activities throughout the evening, starting with a warm welcome at 4:15 PM, followed by an icebreaker activity, a presentation on borough council operations, interactive workshops, an opportunity to meet elected officials, a dinner activity, and closing remarks by council members, all designed to engage and empower young voices. As an added incentive, attendees will enjoy complimentary meals, and two STM public transportation tickets will be provided for each participant. There will also be a thrilling prize draw at the end of the evening.

“À toi la parole!” represents an important milestone as the first youth consultation space project in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough. It demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to involve young voices in shaping the future of their community.

Furthermore, this exciting initiative is just the beginning. In 2024, the project is set to expand its reach to include the Saint-Michel Library and the Parc-Extension Library, promising even more opportunities for young residents to have their say in the development of their neighborhoods.

In a significant development that promises to ease strained ties between Canada and India, the Indian government announced the reinstatement of electronic visa services for Canadian nationals. This move, reported by the Associated Press, comes at a crucial juncture in the bilateral relations of the two nations, particularly resonating with the Indian-Canadian population in Montreal’s Parc-Extension.

Parc-Extension is home to a substantial number of Indian-Canadians, has been closely monitoring the escalating tensions. These were primarily fueled by Canada’s allegations against the Indian government regarding the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader in British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s endorsement of these allegations added to the growing unease within the community, concerned about the impact on familial and business ties with India.

Nijjar’s death in Surrey, involving masked gunmen, intensified these tensions. India’s longstanding accusation of Nijjar’s terror links, which he denied, and Canada’s subsequent claim of India’s involvement in his assassination, marked a low point in diplomatic relations. The situation worsened when Canada recalled a significant number of its diplomats from India following threats to their diplomatic immunity.

The Indian-Canadian community in Parc-Extension, which maintains deep-rooted connections with India through family, culture, and commerce, found themselves caught in the crossfire of these diplomatic exchanges. The resumption of electronic visa services by India is thus a welcome relief, signaling a potential thaw in relations and easing travel for family visits, business trips, and cultural exchanges.

While the core issues at the heart of the diplomatic rift remain unresolved, the latest development is a step towards normalizing relations. It offers a glimmer of hope to the Indian-Canadian residents of Parc-Extension, who yearn for harmonious and stable ties between their adopted and ancestral homelands.

In recent weeks, Montreal has witnessed a series of events related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that have targeted both Arab-Muslim and Jewish communities. As tensions escalated, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) swiftly mobilized to prioritize the safety and peace of the entire population, including the diverse community in Parc-Extension.

From the beginning of the conflict, the SPVM implemented various measures to maintain peace and security. These measures include increasing visibility around places of significance to the affected communities, such as places of worship and schools. In addition to local neighborhood police stations, specialized and investigative teams have been deployed to provide support.

In response to recent events, the SPVM has further intensified its visibility plan. Moreover, the police force has established close contact with representatives from the Arab-Muslim and Jewish communities. Regular meetings are held to exchange information, perspectives, and to assess the ongoing situation.

Assistant Director Vincent Richer emphasized the SPVM’s commitment to maintaining calm and ensuring the safety of all residents. He stated, “The SPVM reiterates its call for calm and wishes to reassure the population: we are redoubling our vigilance and we have all the necessary personnel, at the operational level, to carry out our mission. All communities have the right to live in safety. Hate crimes are unacceptable, we take them very seriously, and we spare no effort in tackling them.”

For those who feel threatened, unsafe, or believe they are experiencing harassment, threats, or hate discrimination, the SPVM encourages immediate contact. Residents can reach out to the police by calling 911 or their local neighborhood police station. Each report is treated promptly, ensuring that every individual’s concerns are addressed with care and urgency.

The SPVM’s proactive measures, coupled with ongoing collaboration with affected communities, reflect a commitment to fostering peace, security, and harmony in Montreal, including neighborhoods like Parc-Extension. In these challenging times, it is essential for all residents to stand united against hate and discrimination, and to work together to build a safer and more inclusive city for everyone.

Support Urgently Needed for Parc-Extension Independent Businesses in Light of Federal Fall Economic Statement

Parc-Extension, is home to a diverse array of independent businesses, from cozy cafes to family-run shops. These small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been the backbone of our community, offering unique products and services while fostering a sense of connection. However, recent challenges have left many Parc-Extension SMEs struggling to keep their doors open.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the Federal Fall Economic Statement 2023 provides an opportunity for the government to announce measures aimed at supporting SMEs. Rising costs, driven by factors such as high-interest rates, pandemic-related debts, declining consumer demand, and labor shortages, have created an uncertain future for many Parc-Extension businesses. It is crucial that the government steps in to assist and protect these local enterprises, which have not seen normal sales for over three years.

Jasmin Guénette, Vice-President of National Affairs at CFIB, highlights the urgency of the situation. He states, “The government needs to do more to help and protect [SMEs].” Parc-Extension businesses are eagerly awaiting support measures that can alleviate their financial burden and help them weather these challenging times.

Key Measures Hoped for in the Fall Economic Statement 2023:

Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Loans: CFIB is advocating for an extension of the CEBA loan repayment deadline to December 31, 2024. This extension would allow businesses to keep the subsidy portion and provide much-needed relief. Guénette emphasizes that the recent 18-day extension announced by Ottawa is insufficient for SMEs, many of whom are still far from recovering their normal revenues.

Assisting SMEs with Rising Operating Costs: To support these businesses, CFIB proposes the cancellation of the planned increase in Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates in 2024 and a reduction in EI premiums for smaller businesses. Additionally, CFIB suggests postponing the gradual phase-out of accelerated depreciation deductions and making immediate expensing permanent. These measures would encourage Parc-Extension SMEs to invest in automation and cope with labor shortages.

Carbon Tax: CFIB recommends expanding the exemption for heating oil to all other types of heating fuels used by Canadian SMEs, including natural gas. Furthermore, they call for a freeze on all future carbon tax increases, including the one scheduled for April 1, 2024. Immediate reimbursement of funds promised to Parc-Extension SMEs that have paid the carbon tax since 2019 is also crucial. CFIB estimates that businesses in the neighborhood have received only a meager 0.17% of the revenues from the carbon tax, despite the initial promises.

Christina Santini, Director of National Affairs at CFIB, stresses the importance of these measures for SMEs, stating, “The federal carbon tax is unfair to SMEs. SMEs contribute a significant share of the revenues generated by the carbon tax but do not receive the same rebates as households. SME owners want the government to freeze future carbon tax increases and return the promised amounts to them.”

The Exodus of Skilled Professionals in Quebec’s Public Schools: A Growing Concern

In the borough of Parc-Extension as well as all over Quebec, public schools are facing a silent yet significant crisis. This issue extends beyond the realm of teachers to encompass a range of professionals crucial to the educational framework. According to recent local media reports, there is a troubling trend: a growing number of specialized professionals, such as special education technicians, psychologists, and speech therapists, are departing the public school system. This exodus is not merely about unfilled positions; it’s causing a domino effect that jeopardizes the academic achievement of students, especially those requiring special educational support.

As of October 2022, the number of positions waiting to be filled in these specialized roles surged from 1076 to 1996 within a year, highlighting a growing crisis. The Ministry of Education cautions that these figures are subject to change and advises careful interpretation. However, the upward trend is unmistakable and worrying.

Jacques Landry, president of the Federation of Quebec Education Professionals (FPPE-CSQ), points out the vicious cycle at play: fewer professionals on the ground make the work less appealing, accelerating the shortage. He criticizes the Legault government’s approach, describing it as “willful blindness” to a system in continuous decline. According to Landry, the lack of adequate tools and support is forcing many to abandon the public sector.

This problem isn’t confined to a few schools; it’s a province-wide issue. Kathleen, the president of the Montreal Association of School Establishment Directors (AMDES), echoes the concern. These professionals, essential in classrooms and playgrounds, are increasingly difficult to retain. She points out that the annual reevaluation of budget allocations by Quebec prevents schools from offering many permanent positions, leading to a sense of instability among the professionals.

Nicolas Prévost, president of the Quebec Federation of Educational Establishment Directors (FQDE), observes a trend of these skilled workers turning to the private sector, attracted by better employment conditions. He highlights that the most immediate victims of this professional desertion are students with special needs, who face longer waiting times for essential evaluations and services.

The Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission (CDPDJ) in 2018 reported that students with disabilities or learning difficulties represent a significant portion of the public school network. Yet, there’s a glaring mismatch between the number of students and the available specialized staff. The situation has reached a point where even the Ombudsman, in 2022, recommended establishing a minimum threshold of services for students.

Professional bodies are raising alarms too. Dr. Christine Grou, president of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec, and Paul-André Gallant, president of the Order of Speech Therapists and Audiologists of Quebec, emphasize the critical shortage of professionals in their respective fields. They note that the scarcity of such professionals is hindering the provision of adequate support and mental health services to students.

The numbers paint a stark picture: in 2013, there were 966 psychologists for 864,491 students in Quebec’s public schools. Ten years later, despite an increase in student numbers, the psychologist count has dropped to 787. This decline in professional support staff is not just about numbers; it’s about a generation of students at risk of being underserved, potentially impacting their future prospects.

The city of Montreal has made significant strides in tackling gun violence with its “Montreal Model for a Safe City,” which was the centerpiece of the second Montreal Forum for the Fight Against Armed Violence. This new safety model, affecting positively our borough of Parc-Extension, is built on four pillars: preventing and reducing insecurity, fostering quality living environments, mobilizing community engagement, and promoting co-responsibility among all partners. The model encapsulates a united approach, emphasizing the role of every stakeholder in maintaining security and a high standard of living for residents, particularly the vulnerable.

Mayor Valérie Plante stressed the importance of partnership and community involvement in the success of Montreal’s safety initiatives. The city has earmarked $10 million for youth infrastructure projects and is revamping programs aimed at youth-led projects. Additionally, the city will introduce a mobile social mediation team to address violence in northeast districts and implement an equitable and inclusive neighborhood strategy.

The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) plans to reactivate their vigilance structure and enhance management committee interactions with local communities. They will continue the ARRÊT project for community safety, increase foot patrols, and improve collaborative strategies across investigation and constabulary units.

The Ministry of Public Security is ramping up its fight against crime by backing prevention programs and launching a second Action Plan to address gun and gang violence. Their funding will support strategies like the CENTAURE initiative, focusing on creating youth spaces in Montreal.

Health agencies, including Montreal’s Regional Public Health Department and local health networks (CIUSSS), are actively engaged in preventing gun violence. This includes outreach to at-risk youth and launching new projects within hospitals and the community. Dr. Mylène Drouin emphasized the time-intensive nature of these efforts and the necessity for collective participation.

The Institute for Troubled Youth is enhancing methods for addressing armed violence, through efforts like evaluating the PIVOT project and supporting street-peer initiatives. Their new Living Lab project aims to explore and mitigate factors contributing to armed violence.

The collective efforts of these entities have already shown progress, with a 30% drop in firearm incidents over the past year. Police Service Director Fady Dagher highlighted the central role of youth and prevention in these initiatives, calling for continued community care and resource provision for young people’s safe development.

Alain Vaillancourt of the Montreal Executive Committee pointed out the work done to better understand and impact armed violence and pledged ongoing cooperation with all forum participants for continued success in prevention and intervention.

The second forum was notable for the unprecedented partnership across various sectors, with Josefina Blanco of the Executive Committee underscoring the collaborative work that marks a pivotal moment for Montreal’s safety and supportive environment. The city’s approach, as showcased by the Montreal Model, signifies a collaborative, informed, and proactive method to ensure a safe and inclusive city for all its residents.

Left to Right | Graham Carr President and Vice-Chancellor, Concordia University, Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Bishop’s University, Deep Saini, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. McGill University

The strategic discussion involving the leaders of Concordia, McGill, and Bishop’s universities with Quebec’s Premier and the Higher Education Minister carries particular resonance for the student population of Park-Extension, a neighborhood known for its economic diversity and strong immigrant presence. The government’s contemplation of increased tuition and altered financing for international students presents a critical issue for Park-Extension students, many of whom may already face financial challenges in accessing higher education.

The area’s young population, aspiring to join universities such as Concordia and McGill, is therefore deeply invested in the outcomes of such high-level negotiations. The decisions made will directly impact their educational prospects, the affordability of their studies, and their future careers. As the student body of Park-Extension navigates these proposed changes, they join a broader dialogue within Quebec’s academic community about the balance between educational funding, language preservation, and the inclusive access to education that many in their community rely on.

The meeting, held in downtown Montreal, was an opportunity for the university leaders to present a united front and to propose constructive alternatives to the government’s plans. Recognizing the importance of protecting and promoting the French language in Quebec, the institutions offered a set of innovative solutions designed to fortify the presence of French language and culture within their universities while also upholding their global educational missions.

Central to the university presidents’ proposal is the introduction of mandatory French courses for Canadian students from other provinces, a move aimed at enhancing linguistic competencies in Quebec’s official language. To further deepen language acquisition, more immersive internships in Francophone regions were suggested, along with a significant integration of French language and cultural courses into the existing academic programs, in partnership with Francisation Québec.

Cultural engagement forms a vital part of the proposal with plans to increase activities that celebrate French and Quebec culture on campus and beyond. These initiatives will not only enrich the student experience but will also build stronger connections between students and the Quebec community.

The universities have also proposed the development of programs in collaboration with cultural and business organizations to facilitate the integration of students into Quebec society, which would continue both during their studies and post-graduation, ensuring that they become active, French-speaking members of the community.

In a bid to keep education accessible to all Canadian students, the presidents requested to maintain the current tuition levels – adjusted for inflation – for those coming from outside Quebec. Furthermore, they advocated for a cooperative effort with other Quebec universities to devise a more sustainable and equitable financing model for international students, countering the government’s current propositions.

The meeting concluded on a note of cautious optimism, with Premier Legault committing to review the proposal and respond in due course. Carr extended his gratitude to Premier Legault for his willingness to engage directly with the universities on these pressing issues.

The borough of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension (VSP) was honored with a prestigious award at the recent Gala Podium Montréal, which took place on November 3. The borough received accolades in the category of ‘Borough or linked city of the island of Montreal’ for the sports component of its Youth Strategy in Crime Prevention (Stratégie jeunesse en prévention de la criminalité – SJPC).

VSP was among three finalists in the category and stood out for its initiatives to make sports more accessible to youth facing various vulnerabilities and at risk of engaging in or experiencing violence. Through the SJPC and funding programs, the borough supports community partners to deploy sports activities that are accessible to young people.

“It’s truly an honor we can be proud of and one that we share with all our partners and collaborators. There’s a lot of work behind this, but above all, many people involved and mobilized around our youth. This is the strength of our Youth Strategy: a strong and shared desire to offer young people positive opportunities that are designed with their needs in mind. The strategy is broad and impacts several areas, but here, it’s about access to sports as a space for play, self-improvement, and socializing,” said Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, the mayor of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension.

Among the supported sports initiatives, the ‘Midnight sports’ program, developed by the Corporation de gestion des loisirs du parc, offers free basketball activities for youth during the evening until 1 am in the Parc-Extension neighborhood. In Saint-Michel, the Monarques provide free basketball practice sessions for young people in the evenings as well.

The Gala Podium Montréal is an event organized by the Conseil du sport de Montréal, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the community’s contributions to the sports sector on the island of Montreal. The event serves to acknowledge the achievements of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizations within the city’s sports community.

With the VSP’s commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment through sports, the borough’s recognition at the Gala Podium Montreal showcases the positive impact of collaborative community efforts on youth development and crime prevention. The success of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension’s approach is a testament to the power of sports as a transformative tool for social good.

On November 7, Quebec’s Finance Minister, Eric Girard, detailed plans for economic revitalization that bear significant relevance to the diverse borough of Park-Extension in Montreal. The update brought forth by Girard unveiled a commitment to additional funding worth $4.3 billion over the next five years, addressing critical concerns shared by Park-Extension residents. This financial initiative aims to improve living conditions and opportunities within the borough through various targeted measures.

A substantial portion of the investment is set to bolster housing access—an acute issue in Park-Extension, where many face housing insecurity and high rental costs.

Key Investments Announced

A significant aspect of the update is the introduction of a $2 billion annual indexation starting January 1, 2024, for personal tax systems and social assistance benefits. Taxpayers will see a 5.08% increase in various deductions, tax credits, and individual fiscal aids, surpassing the anticipated inflation rate for the period. This measure translates to an average of $282 per taxpayer for 2024.

For better housing accessibility amid scarcity, $1.8 billion will be channeled into constructing 8,000 new social and affordable housing units to assist low-income households. This includes the creation of 7,500 housing through the Affordable Housing Program and partnerships with tax-aided funds, plus 500 units designated for the homeless.

To tackle the rising concern of homelessness, the government pledges $145 million over five years to boost emergency aid, support culturally safe services for Indigenous people facing homelessness, and promote social reintegration to prevent homelessness.

Additionally, $329 million is earmarked to counter labor shortages by supporting training in prioritized sectors. The funding is poised to enhance the construction workforce and attract more workers into the public health and social services sector by backing expedited training programs for caregiving staff.

In climate action, $961 million is allocated to support climate transition and community initiatives over five years, with investments to adapt to climate change and mitigate wildfire risks, bolstering communities and the forestry sector affected by the fires of summer 2023.

Business investments will see a boost with $995 million over five years, reflecting government action to close the wealth gap with Ontario, which has narrowed significantly from 16.1% to 13.5% between 2018 and 2022.

Economic Growth and Fiscal Balance

Despite the economic downturn, Quebec maintains its commitment to a balanced budget by 2027-2028. The financial framework anticipates a $1 billion annual impact from targeted measures, using a portion of the contingency provision to meet set objectives. Thus, the deficit is capped at $4 billion for 2023-2024 with gradual reductions until balance is achieved.

The debt burden reduction goal is steadfast, with a net debt-to-GDP ratio expected to fall to 37.9% by March 2024, below pre-pandemic levels, aiming for a 30% ratio by 2037-2038.

Minister Girard asserts that prudent public finance management allows for targeted action addressing Quebecer priorities and enhancing Quebec’s economic potential while achieving fiscal balance and reducing debt load.

The city of Montreal has made significant strides in tackling gun violence with its “Montreal Model for a Safe City,” which was the centerpiece of the second Montreal Forum for the Fight Against Armed Violence. This new safety model, affecting positively our borough of Parc-Extension, is built on four pillars: preventing and reducing insecurity, fostering quality living environments, mobilizing community engagement, and promoting co-responsibility among all partners. The model encapsulates a united approach, emphasizing the role of every stakeholder in maintaining security and a high standard of living for residents, particularly the vulnerable.

Mayor Valérie Plante stressed the importance of partnership and community involvement in the success of Montreal’s safety initiatives. The city has earmarked $10 million for youth infrastructure projects and is revamping programs aimed at youth-led projects. Additionally, the city will introduce a mobile social mediation team to address violence in northeast districts and implement an equitable and inclusive neighborhood strategy.

The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) plans to reactivate their vigilance structure and enhance management committee interactions with local communities. They will continue the ARRÊT project for community safety, increase foot patrols, and improve collaborative strategies across investigation and constabulary units.

The Ministry of Public Security is ramping up its fight against crime by backing prevention programs and launching a second Action Plan to address gun and gang violence. Their funding will support strategies like the CENTAURE initiative, focusing on creating youth spaces in Montreal.

Health agencies, including Montreal’s Regional Public Health Department and local health networks (CIUSSS), are actively engaged in preventing gun violence. This includes outreach to at-risk youth and launching new projects within hospitals and the community. Dr. Mylène Drouin emphasized the time-intensive nature of these efforts and the necessity for collective participation.

The Institute for Troubled Youth is enhancing methods for addressing armed violence, through efforts like evaluating the PIVOT project and supporting street-peer initiatives. Their new Living Lab project aims to explore and mitigate factors contributing to armed violence.

The collective efforts of these entities have already shown progress, with a 30% drop in firearm incidents over the past year. Police Service Director Fady Dagher highlighted the central role of youth and prevention in these initiatives, calling for continued community care and resource provision for young people’s safe development.

Alain Vaillancourt of the Montreal Executive Committee pointed out the work done to better understand and impact armed violence and pledged ongoing cooperation with all forum participants for continued success in prevention and intervention.

The second forum was notable for the unprecedented partnership across various sectors, with Josefina Blanco of the Executive Committee underscoring the collaborative work that marks a pivotal moment for Montreal’s safety and supportive environment. The city’s approach, as showcased by the Montreal Model, signifies a collaborative, informed, and proactive method to ensure a safe and inclusive city for all its residents.

Photo: Left to Right | Graham Carr President and Vice-Chancellor, Concordia University, Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Bishop’s University, Deep Saini, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. McGill University

The strategic discussion involving the leaders of Concordia, McGill, and Bishop’s universities with Quebec’s Premier and the Higher Education Minister carries particular resonance for the student population of Park-Extension, a neighborhood known for its economic diversity and strong immigrant presence. The government’s contemplation of increased tuition and altered financing for international students presents a critical issue for Park-Extension students, many of whom may already face financial challenges in accessing higher education.

The area’s young population, aspiring to join universities such as Concordia and McGill, is therefore deeply invested in the outcomes of such high-level negotiations. The decisions made will directly impact their educational prospects, the affordability of their studies, and their future careers. As the student body of Park-Extension navigates these proposed changes, they join a broader dialogue within Quebec’s academic community about the balance between educational funding, language preservation, and the inclusive access to education that many in their community rely on.

The meeting, held in downtown Montreal, was an opportunity for the university leaders to present a united front and to propose constructive alternatives to the government’s plans. Recognizing the importance of protecting and promoting the French language in Quebec, the institutions offered a set of innovative solutions designed to fortify the presence of French language and culture within their universities while also upholding their global educational missions.

Central to the university presidents’ proposal is the introduction of mandatory French courses for Canadian students from other provinces, a move aimed at enhancing linguistic competencies in Quebec’s official language. To further deepen language acquisition, more immersive internships in Francophone regions were suggested, along with a significant integration of French language and cultural courses into the existing academic programs, in partnership with Francisation Québec.

Cultural engagement forms a vital part of the proposal with plans to increase activities that celebrate French and Quebec culture on campus and beyond. These initiatives will not only enrich the student experience but will also build stronger connections between students and the Quebec community.

The universities have also proposed the development of programs in collaboration with cultural and business organizations to facilitate the integration of students into Quebec society, which would continue both during their studies and post-graduation, ensuring that they become active, French-speaking members of the community.

In a bid to keep education accessible to all Canadian students, the presidents requested to maintain the current tuition levels – adjusted for inflation – for those coming from outside Quebec. Furthermore, they advocated for a cooperative effort with other Quebec universities to devise a more sustainable and equitable financing model for international students, countering the government’s current propositions.

The meeting concluded on a note of cautious optimism, with Premier Legault committing to review the proposal and respond in due course. Carr extended his gratitude to Premier Legault for his willingness to engage directly with the universities on these pressing issues.

Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension Wins Prestigious Award at Montreal’s Gala Podium

The borough of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension (VSP) was honored with a prestigious award at the recent Gala Podium Montréal, which took place on November 3. The borough received accolades in the category of ‘Borough or linked city of the island of Montreal’ for the sports component of its Youth Strategy in Crime Prevention (Stratégie jeunesse en prévention de la criminalité – SJPC).

VSP was among three finalists in the category and stood out for its initiatives to make sports more accessible to youth facing various vulnerabilities and at risk of engaging in or experiencing violence. Through the SJPC and funding programs, the borough supports community partners to deploy sports activities that are accessible to young people.

“It’s truly an honor we can be proud of and one that we share with all our partners and collaborators. There’s a lot of work behind this, but above all, many people involved and mobilized around our youth. This is the strength of our Youth Strategy: a strong and shared desire to offer young people positive opportunities that are designed with their needs in mind. The strategy is broad and impacts several areas, but here, it’s about access to sports as a space for play, self-improvement, and socializing,” said Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, the mayor of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension.

Among the supported sports initiatives, the ‘Midnight sports’ program, developed by the Corporation de gestion des loisirs du parc, offers free basketball activities for youth during the evening until 1 am in the Parc-Extension neighborhood. In Saint-Michel, the Monarques provide free basketball practice sessions for young people in the evenings as well.

The Gala Podium Montréal is an event organized by the Conseil du sport de Montréal, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the community’s contributions to the sports sector on the island of Montreal. The event serves to acknowledge the achievements of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizations within the city’s sports community.

With the VSP’s commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment through sports, the borough’s recognition at the Gala Podium Montreal showcases the positive impact of collaborative community efforts on youth development and crime prevention. The success of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension’s approach is a testament to the power of sports as a transformative tool for social good.