Author name: The Laval News

Laval’s firefighters began 2025 with two fires and a dog rescue

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While many Laval residents were having a well-deserved break during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Laval Fire Dept. personnel were busy dealing with emergencies that included two house fires and a rescue operation on the Rivière-des-Prairies involving a couple of stranded dogs.

In the first of the fires, a home on 69th Ave. in Chomedey was seriously damaged by flames and smoke on the evening of December 31 following a blaze believed to have broken out as a result of incense embers spilling onto a carpet.

Flames spread quickly throughout the mostly-wooden structure of the building. One person ended up being taken to hospital.

Damage to the building was estimated at $200,000 (a possible insurance write-off), with an additional $50,000 in damages to interior furnishings.

in the second fire, this time around 1:30 am on January 2, a two-storey residential building on de Galais Ave., a few blocks east of 69th Ave., suffered around $50,000 in structural damages and $10,000 damages to furnishings, as a result of a fire that was set off by an overheated electrical connection.

Firefighters determined the source of the blaze to have been in the kitchen of the upstairs unit of the building.

Finally, on the afternoon of January 1, the Laval Fire Dept. was called in to rescue two dogs which had wandered out onto the half-frozen ice on the Rivière-des-Prairies and were unable to get back to safety without expert help.

They were “returned safe and sound to their owner,” the Association des Pompiers de Laval reported on their X feed.

SQ pursuit of inebriated man ends up a tree in Laval

An inebriated 53-year-old man from Saint-Paul near Joliette led Sûreté du Québec on a wild chase last week which culminated in Laval where SQ officers were forced to pull him out of a tree.

After the man was seen leaving his home visibly intoxicated around 7:45 am, the SQ issued a bulletin for officers to be on the lookout. Around 9 am, he hijacked a public works salt truck, but abandoned it later and continued on foot.

He then stole an SUV and made his way to Laval where he reportedly abandoned the vehicle around 10:30 am, after which he climbed into a tree where he remained for nearly three hours.

Following lengthy negotiations with the police, the man was persuaded around 1:30 pm to come down with the help of a ladder furnished by the Laval Fire Dept., after which he was placed under arrest by the SQ.

He faces several charges, which include fleeing the police, dangerous driving and vehicle theft. Additional charges might also follow, according to the SQ.

The suspect, who was reported to have had previous run-ins with the police, was remaindered in custody for an evaluation of his mental state and fitness to stand trial.

LPD seek info from victims of Laval teacher charged with sex crime

A Laval man who taught at two Laval-area schools has been charged by police in the North Shore community of Blainville with sexual assault against a minor.

The Blainville Police allege that François Durocher, age 60, assaulted a minor sometime between 2002 and 2005.

Arraigned at the Palais de Justice in Saint-Jérôme, Durocher taught at École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle in Laval’s Sainte Rose district, as well as at École primaire Villemaire also in Sainte-Rose.

The Blainville Police are inviting potential victims of the former teacher to come forward with additional information. Anyone with information is asked to call 450-434-5305, extension #7250.

Laval’s firefighters began 2025 with two fires and a dog rescue Read More »

A look back at May and June from the pages of last year’s Laval News

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval News continues its look back on 2024 with a review of leading stories in May and June.

May

Lanvac expanded with monitoring central and FindMyAlarm.com

Lanvac Surveillance, Canada’s leading third-party wholesaler of alarm monitoring, was foreseeing more milestone events in 2024 – ones that held the promise of expanding the Montreal-based company’s imprint from that of a respected wholesaler into a more instantly recognizable brand.

Members of the Lanvac team were on hand at their corporate booth during the Security Canada East trade show at the Laval Sheraton.

From the left, Lanvac Surveillance reps Jerry Korogiannis, Stephanos Georgoudes (Lanvac’s communications and technology manager), Jake Bosse and Yianni Fokas. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Laval topped list of Quebec’s cities most targeted by fraud

The City of Laval was one of two communities in Quebec that saw the sharpest increases in fraud last year, according to data compiled by the Quebec Association of Directors of Police (ADPQ).

Laval and Quebec’s Mauricie region saw the biggest increases in fraud at 20 per cent. The most frequent frauds in Quebec, according to the ADPQ, were those involving the fraudulent use of gift and credit cards, computers and identity theft.

Eiffel Ave. petition asked Laval to halt street narrowing

In April, homeowners on Eiffel Ave. in Chomedey rose up in protest over plans by the City of Laval to narrow their street while widening the sidewalks during a road reconstruction set to take place over the summer.

“They want to expand the sidewalks on each side,” said Yota Stamatopoulos who helped gather a petition. She said the sidewalks would be extended to 1.8 metres in width after being 1.4 metres for decades.

“That would shrink our already small street,” she said. In addition, she said the city wanted to eliminate all parking spaces on one side of the street.

Bâton Rouge dinner raised $132,000 for Giant Steps Autism Centre

A fundraising dinner for the Giant Steps School held at the Décarie Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar in Montreal on April 29 raised $132,000 for the Giant Steps Autism Centre.

Senator Leo Housakos (centre), Giant Steps School staff and board members, and Bâton Rouge Décarie partners Dimitra Frintzilas and Dimitrios Sotiropoulos (third and second from right) are seen here with an enlarged cheque representing the $132,000 raised during the benefit dinner held for the autism treatment centre in April last year. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

The event was hosted by Senator Leo Housakos. “We owe Senator Housakos a huge debt of gratitude,” said Nick Katalifos, vice-president of the Giant Steps School board of directors.

Jules Verne Elementary students raised more than $9,000 for Pink in the City

Students at Jules Verne Elementary School succeeded in raising more than $9,000 for the Pink in the City breast cancer cause during the second annual ‘Spring Raise Craze’ head shave event held at the school in Laval’s Pont-Viau district on May 24.

“We have a hairdresser for everybody,” Jules Verne Elementary principal Melissa Roux said in an interview with The Laval News. She was among the many staff members, parents and school children who wore pink as a sign of their solidarity with the cause.

June

Thousands attended Laval’s 2024 Firemen’s Festival

It was only the second time Laval’s annual Firemen’s Festival took place on the grounds outside Collège Montmorency in the city’s downtown core on June 1-2, after being held for many years previously at the Centropolis mall.

The ever-popular parade of fire trucks, with sirens and warning signals screaming, was on Saturday morning.

Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, the site hosted a range of activities, including educational kiosks on fire prevention and safety, a car accident simulation, firefighter museum artefacts, fire truck displays and more.

New social housing for low-income single moms and kids

Nearly two dozen young families from Laval headed by low-income single moms got a better sense of security and a permanent roof over their heads following the completion of a new subsidized housing project in central Laval made possible through the cooperative efforts of three levels of government.

The three-storey 23-unit building on Dumouchel Ave. in Laval-des-Rapides required an investment of more than $10.1 million.

“Every Quebecer deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of their situation,” said Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, parliamentary secretary to the minister responsible for Economic Development Agency of Canada’s Quebec region.

Trudeau stands by Liberal spending during fundraiser in Laval

Although Canadians weren’t expected to head to the polls until October 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave a preview in Laval in June of some of the rhetoric that might be expected.

“We have the lowest deficit in the G7,” he maintained, while noting that Canada is rated by international bankers as having one of the strongest-performing economies in the world.

Iacono stirs debate with comments on ‘officially bilingual’ Quebec

In a rare instance of unity, House of Commons MPs as well as National Assembly MNAs were outraged by comments by Alfred-Pellan backbench Liberal MP Angelo Iacono that Quebec would have a lot to gain from becoming officially bilingual, rather than having only French as an official language.

Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono. (Photo: Angelo Iacono, Facebook)

Iacono made the comments during a meeting of the Commons’ Permanent Committee on Official Languages. “I believe that Quebec, and I believe that Canada, should be a bilingual country, to be stronger and not just be a unilingual French-speaking province,” Iacono said.

Poilièvre accused Trudeau of sowing division, as Liberal PM’s poll standings dropped

In June last year, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre got a head-start campaigning in Quebec for an expected 2025 federal election, with a well-attended launch event at a Jewish community centre in Montreal.

Poilièvre laced into the Liberal Prime Minister – much to the delight of the highly partisan crowd.

After nine years of Trudeau, according to Poilièvre, “everything is broken” and “crime, chaos, drugs and disorder rage out of control on our streets. People can’t afford the basics of life. He [Trudeau] promised to help the middle class, but nine years later the middle class no longer exists.”

A look back at May and June from the pages of last year’s Laval News Read More »

The Laval News takes a look back at March and April last year

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In our first issue of 2025, The Laval News is taking a look at some of the most important newsmakers in our area last year. We continue with March and April.

March

Moderna starts making Covid vaccines in Laval

A new Covid vaccine manufacturing plant that was just completed last February in Laval’s Cité de la Biotech was expected to be up and running by the following fall, according to Moderna, the company that built the facility.

The $250-million plant, which officially opened with federal, provincial and municipal officials present, will eventually produce about 100 million doses of vaccines annually, which is enough for all of Canada.

“The arrival of a major player in life sciences and health technologies in the Laval economic ecosystem is a sign of a dynamic city in action,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

Moderna’s new mRNA facility opened in in Laval in March last year.

“Completing the construction of our mRNA facility marks a groundbreaking moment for Moderna and Canada as we progress towards delivering a domestic mRNA vaccine supply chain,” said Stefan Raos, general manager of Moderna Canada.

Laval takes back $60 million skimmed during Vaillancourt’s watch

Gilles Vaillancourt’s name was invoked repeatedly during a splashy press conference that officials with the City of Laval held at the interim city hall on Saint-Martin Blvd.

The purpose: to close the book on the sad legacy the former mayor left after he resigned from office in 2012, after nearly 40 years as mayor and as a city councillor before then.

Over the past 10 years, the City of Laval filed a string of lawsuits against outside contractors, to ultimately recover $60 million in funds which had been systematically overpaid to them during Vaillancourt’s time. It was a scheme that saw a percentage kicked back to Vaillancourt’s Parti PRO des Lavallois.

Ottawa acted against car thefts, said Treasury Board’s Anita Anand

In an exclusive interview with The Laval News, federal Treasury Board President Anita Anand said the Trudeau government was raising Canada Border Services Agency funding by $28 million for more stolen vehicle investigations – including some that would be using artificial intelligence (AI).

Anand was one of five Trudeau cabinet ministers who took part in Ottawa in the Liberal government’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft.

“Never before have we had a conference like this to convene a conversation about how we can each do better to combat auto theft,” said Anand.

Coach leads Riverains M15-AA to victory with a formula for success

The Ligue Hockey Laurentides-Lanaudière’s 2023-2024 season was a fruitful one for Hockey Laval Riverains M15-AA coach Tony Polito. And the last few years were extraordinary under coach Tony’s leadership.

In the last three years alone, the Riverains M15-AA team of promising 15-year-old players had succeeded in clinching as many as six championships. The Laval News profiled the team and the coaching staff in our March 20 issue.

April

Parents, pros share views at ‘Autism in the Early Years’

After several months and countless hours of preparation by an organizing committee assisted by a team of dedicated volunteers, more than 100 parents and professionals with an interest in autism had the opportunity to explore a wide range of autism-related topics during the Autism in the Early Years symposium.

Co-hosted by the Laval-based Youth and Parents Agape Association with the Giant Steps School in Montreal, the symposium drew caregivers, speakers, presenters, panelists and artists who contributed information, opinions and ideas.

Laval, Montreal officials observe Greek Independence Day

As reported in The Laval News’s April 3 issue, elected officials from three levels of government gathered at the Veterans’ Cenotaph near Laval city hall on March 23 to pay respects with residents of Hellenic origin to Greek veterans and soldiers on the occasion of the 203rd anniversary of Greece’s national independence.

Among those leaving commemorative wreaths were a representative from the Consulate General for Greece in Montreal, local and Montreal-area Liberal MPs, Laval-area MNAs, and city councillors from Laval and the City of Montreal.

Raid in Laval nets major haul of meth

As reported by Laval News, officers from the intra-police force Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) executed a search warrant at a Laval residence, resulting in the discovery of an estimated 1,750,000 tablets of suspected methamphetamine.

According to a statement issued by the RCMP, the tablets were found in an unoccupied house in Laval suspected of having been used for the sole purpose of storing drugs. Significant quantities of chemicals used in the production of illicit tablets, two pill presses and sophisticated equipment for large-scale drug production also were seized.

AS Laval unveiled electrifying, redesigned soccer uniforms

Proud parents, supporters and friends of AS Laval junior soccer gathered for a 5 to 7 get-together in the showroom of BMW Laval, one of the club’s lead sponsors, on April 4 for the unveiling of their latest uniforms.

The jerseys, shorts and socks, in a range of colors with a hint of silver, prominently featured a BMW Laval logo and crest at the centre of the jerseys. There was also an AS Laval crest just below the left shoulder, as well as various sponsors’ insignias and logos elsewhere on the socks, shorts and jerseys.

Storm erupted over ‘Mustang Mach-E’ police car purchase

Mayor Stéphane Boyer was apologizing in April last year for the Laval Police Dept.’s $1.5 million purchase of a small fleet of new electric police vehicles – including one for the police chief costing $94,000 – while publicly reprimanding LPD director Pierre Brochet.

A Mustang Mach-E all-electric police cruiser similar to the 13 cars purchased by the city last year. (Screenshot photo: YouTube)

“I had a good conversation with the chief of police so that this does not happen again,” Mayor Boyer said. “This is not the image we want to project.”

The Laval News takes a look back at March and April last year Read More »

The Laval News takes a look back at the year 2024

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Although the year 2024 had a relatively inauspicious beginning, there were hints part-way through the year of the political turmoil lying ahead.

While Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s popularity was steadily declining in the polls, Conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre was gaining traction.

In our first issue for 2025, The Laval News takes a look at these and other important newsmakers up to June last year. In our next issue, we will examine the following six months.

January

Weapons seized from man who was digging a bunker

Sent to assist a bailiff with an eviction, the Laval Police ended up arresting a 32-year-old male suspect after finding firearms and a bunker at his home in a rental building in Laval-des-Rapides.

Called in to support the bailiff who was in the process of evicting a tenant, police officers entered only to discover several firearms that had allegedly not been stored safely.

While immediately seizing the weapons, the police were also surprised to see that the tenant had dug a hole in his apartment to make a bunker. After evacuating all the occupants of the multiunit building, the police completed an initial investigation of the premises and arrested the suspect.

Tamil community celebrates Heritage Month

Elected officials from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressed support for the Tamil people during a major event for Tamil Heritage Month held at the Château Royal in Laval, drawing more than 1,000 persons of Tamil origin.

Justin Trudeau was on hand in Chomedey Laval in January last year to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month.

“Canada has one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world,” said Trudeau, noting that Liberal government under his father in 1983 welcomed more than 1,800 Tamils who came to settle in Canada, starting a wave of further immigration to this country by the Tamil community.

Man dies in house fire on Jarry Blvd. in Chomedey

The Laval Police opened an investigation after a fire that left a 71-year-old man dead on Jarry Blvd. in Chomedey.

According to the LPD, a 9-1-1 call was received, reporting flames at a residence on Jarry Blvd. Firefighters who entered found a man unconscious inside. Although attempts to resuscitate him were made and he was taken to hospital, he was later declared dead.

While a preliminary investigation suggested the fire was accidental, an on-site inspection of the residence’s kitchen found a smoke detector that had no battery.

February

$325,000 donated by Pink in the City to MUHC

Pink in the City’s latest annual contribution to the MUHC Foundation early last year was an astounding $325,000. It was presented to McGill University Health Centre officials during a rousing celebration, including a Pink in the City plaque unveiling, at the hospital in west-end Montreal.

Over nearly two decades, Pink in the City has raised well over $1 million for the MUHC’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program.

Guests at the celebration included Laval city councillor for l’Abord à Plouffe Vasilios Karidogiannis, Montreal city councillor for Parc Extension Mary Deros, Senator Tony Loffreda and a delegation of students from Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board schools, who helped with the fundraising.

Council decision opens development for future movie studio

Elected officials from both sides of the Laval city council floor enthusiastically greeted council’s decision to approve a zoning change in the Saint-François district that will allow the development of a sprawling film production complex to be known as Trudel Studios on a tract of land currently owned by Laval.

“After consulting the population twice rather than just once, we are giving the green light for the creation of this important cinema production complex in Laval,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement. “Should it be built, this project will enable the creation of hundreds of jobs, while also developing an altogether new industry on Laval’s territory.”

30 people pepper sprayed at Saint-Martin McDonald’s

As many as 30 people who were enjoying an early evening meal on Jan. 28 at a McDonald’s restaurant on Saint-Martin Blvd. near Le Corbusier Blvd. in downtown Laval suffered burning eyes as well as respiratory irritations after four individuals released pepper spray, while apparently targeting a specific 18-yearold male.

Some of those who were impacted had to be transported to hospital. It was also reported that a general panic broke out inside the restaurant for a few minutes after the suspects released the substance.

Mulcair denounces Legault’s ‘mean spiritedness’

“Values – fundamental values – cannot be withstanded away.”

With those words – echoing perhaps another politician’s assertion in the Quebec National Assembly 36 years earlier that “rights are rights are rights” – former NDP leader and Chomedey MNA Tom Mulcair denounced Quebec Premier François Legault’s endorsement of various pieces of nationalistic and protectionist legislation.

During a talk to followers of Concordia University’s Jurist-in-Residence Conference series, Mulcair described Legault as a cynical politician caving in to political pressures from Francophone nationalists, while suppressing other people’s rights.

The Laval News takes a look back at the year 2024 Read More »

There’ll be fun for the whole family at city’s 2025 ‘Laval en Blanc’

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Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thousands of moms, dads and kids will be turning out at the Centre de la Nature in Laval’s Duvernay district on the weekend of Jan. 24-25-26 for Laval en Blanc, a rejuvenating celebration of winter that serves as an annual counterpoint to the city’s popular Fête de la Famille during the summer.

Who would have thought that so much fun could be had during this dismal time of the year? For many parents, fun in the cold and snow is a discovery in itself – although they often learn it through their children, because the kids have known it all along.

Fun for everyone

For some, the idea of having fun outdoors during the winter, in temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius, is a novel concept and a discovery in itself – although it’s the very reason Laval en Blanc is organized each year by the city.

There will be snow sledding, ice skating, zip line rides, fireworks obstacle course racing, snow sculpting. There’ll even be some musical performances to be enjoyed by kids and their families safe and warm inside a pavilion.

Friday’s program highlights.

Via ferrata: Come scale simulated mountain peaks. For the whole family, although children (around 7 years old) must be at least 48 inches tall.

Obstacle course: Alone or as a small team, challenge your stamina and balance by racing an obstacle course against time. Eight obstacles in all. Children must be at least three feet tall (around age 3).

And, of course, the ever-popular Zip-Line, taking young and old on a a fast and thrilling trip above snow and ice, will be back at the Centre de la Nature. Minimum recommended height for this is 32 inches (appropriate for kids 2 to 6 years in age).

Winter fun all day

Saturday’s programming is similar, with many other activities that include an outdoor snow sculpting workshop, archery, a snow fort building challenge, strolling entertainers, and snow sledding under the stars for those who wish to linger a little later in the day.

Laval en Blanc will be taking place from January 24 to 26 at the Centre de la nature 901 avenue du Parc in Duvernay. Schedule:

  • Friday, from 6 pm to 9 pm
  • Saturday, from 10 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm

There’ll be fun for the whole family at city’s 2025 ‘Laval en Blanc’ Read More »

Trudeau ‘did the right thing,’ says Koutrakis, after Liberal PM throws in the towel

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Reaction from at least one of the Laval-area’s Liberal MPs was quick earlier this week following news of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign the Liberal Party leadership, to step aside as prime minister, and to prorogue Parliament until a new party leader is chosen.

Parliament prorogued

“This morning I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of Parliament,” Trudeau said last Monday morning from the steps of the PM’s temporary official residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. “She has granted this request and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.”

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau added, noting he had asked the president of the Liberal Party of Canada to initiate measures leading towards the next election. Trudeau said it had become clear to him that if he had to fight internal battles, he could not be the best option in an election.

‘Right thing,’ says Koutrakis

“The prime minister did the right thing,” Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis said in a phone interview with The Laval News minutes after the announcement.

She said she advised her constituency association caucus members last week of her decision to join other elected Liberal MPs in publicly recommending to the prime minister that he should step aside.

“And many of my colleagues agreed with me,” she continued. “So, even though today is a bittersweet day for me, it was the right thing for the prime minister to do.

“My hope was that he would have come to that conclusion earlier,” said Koutrakis. “But at the same time, we needed to respect the fact that it was his decision to make and he chose to do it today, and we look forward to what comes next.”

‘Good of our country’

“It wasn’t easy for me to come out and ask for him to step down,” added Koutrakis. “But for the good of our country, for the good of our party, not any one person is bigger than the country and the party. He had to do the right thing.”

She said a meeting held last Monday afternoon by the Liberal Party of Canada’s national caucus would set off the internal mechanisms for the eventual choice of new party leader.

She was non-committal in terms of who she might be favoring at this early stage as the Liberals’ new leader. “I think there are many people within government who would make good leadership candidates, and I believe there are also quite a few from outside the caucus that would be interested,” she said.

Seeks a healthy debate

In the meantime, she suggested the process for choosing a new party leader should be positive. “I think that it’s healthy to have that kind of conversation and debate. I think it will allow Canadians to see what the choices are.”

As for Justin Trudeau’s legacy as prime minister, she said Trudeau “will be viewed kindly by history as a very consequential prime minister. But every leader has an expiry date. And unfortunately what we heard from Canadians is that the expiry date came maybe even a year ago. But, like I said, it was his decision to make and his alone and he made it today.”

While saying she hadn’t yet been formally approached by any potential leadership candidates seeking her support, Koutrakis acknowledged she had recently had “conversations with leadership hopefuls, but they have not openly asked me to support or to endorse any of them.”

Koutrakis’ election concerns

With an election call now just a matter of time, Koutrakis, who will be seeking her third term, said she has already begun putting her campaign team into place. “I am actively looking for my campaign office. We want to make sure that my constituents can continue to have faith in me and my ability to serve them.

“And I hope that they recognize that I’m a hard worker, and that I ran not because of status or status but that I ran because I’m not afraid of work and to roll up my sleeves to work for them. I hope that my constituents feel and recognize that and hopefully whenever the next election comes, they will allow me to continue serving them.”

No response from El-KhouryThe Laval News also reached out to Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury for his reaction to the announcement last Monday.

El-Khoury was unable to respond to us be deadline as he was about to board an airline flight in Florida early last Monday afternoon.

Trudeau ‘did the right thing,’ says Koutrakis, after Liberal PM throws in the towel Read More »

LPD seeks help ID’ing sex assault on minors suspect

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect recently arrested for alleged sexual assaults committed against minors.

According to the LPD, Steve Haddad, age 35, was taken into custody to be processed following allegations of sex crimes committed over the past year.

The charges include child luring, sexual contact, incitement to sexual contact and sexual assault. The LPD believe there may be additional victims.

According to a statement issued last week by the LPD, Haddad, who was arraigned at the Laval Palais de Justice, made initial contact with adolescents through social media.

After gaining their trust, he allegedly would ask them to send him cell phone photos of themselves in sexual poses. The victims were in various regions of Quebec.

Anyone who believes they may have been one of the victims is being by the LPD to call the police Info-Line at 450 662-INFO (4636), or 9-1-1. The file number is LVL 240903-049.

Man sentenced to 30 months for smuggling fake citizen and resident IDs into Canada

A Terrebonne man charged nearly three years ago with attempted forgery and smuggling of counterfeit IDs from China into Canada was sentenced to 30 months in jail last month following a guilty plea at the Palais de Justice in Laval.

Jonghun Lee, 38, was attempting to smuggle more than 1,000 counterfeit pieces, including Canadian citizenship and resident status cards, as well as Alberta and British Columbia driver’s licenses.

The Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a courier parcel he was due to receive from China in January 2022, according to the CBSA.

The CBSA said that once opened at their Montréal–Mirabel International Airport office, the package was seen to contain 509 counterfeit blank Canada permanent residency cards and 506 counterfeit blank Alberta driver’s licences.

A later search of his home by CBSA agents led to the discovery of document-forging equipment, partly finished counterfeit IDs, and close to $140,000 in Canada and U.S. currency.

Also seized during the CBSA’s search operation were printing presses used to counterfeit money, as well as computers and cellphones.

The CBSA said Lee was also convicted of forging documents, including work permits, with the intention they would be used or acted upon by users as genuine.

In a published report Dec. 3 on alleged child-labour violations at a meat processing facility in the U.S. state of Iowa, the New York Times cited a former U.S. Labor Dept. division head who suggested the rising prevalence of false IDs is symptomatic of an underlying problem faced by employers.

“Individuals, including minors, obtaining jobs through their use of fraudulent identification documents,” said Paul DeCamp.

Laval man arrested near Trois-Rivières as suspect in banking card fraud scheme

A 44-year-old man from Laval is one of two individuals arrested in Louiseville 30 kilometres west of Trois Rivières on suspicion of perpetrating a banking card fraud scheme.

The Sûreté du Québec were tipped off by victims who said the man, identified as Pierre Lefebvre by the Trois-Rivières daily Le Nouvelliste, was making the rounds in villages and towns with an unidentified 62-year-old female accomplice from Saint-Jérôme.

It is alleged that up to 15 acts of fraud were committed by the pair since November 30.

Lefebvre was arraigned at the Trois-Rivières courthouse on a charge of fraud of less than $5,000, as well as theft less than $5,000.

He is also accused of being in possession of a counterfeit driver’s license.

Two Laval business owners convicted of tax evasion

Two business owners from Laval were recently sentenced to pay more than a half-million dollars in fines after being found guilty of evading payment of taxes owed to Revenu Québec, the province’s tax collection agency.

Fadi Khoury and Maria Poroshina were found liable for more than $500,641 in unpaid tax, with Khoury receiving an additional 12-month prison sentence.

Both ran an employment agency for factory workers. Each will have to pay more than $250,000.

The court found that Poroshina was acting as a front for Khoury who ran a business under a numbered company name.

She acknowledged having taken steps to avoid paying federal and provincial sales tax on products and services, while he admitted filing tax forms containing false or misleading information with federal and provincial tax authorities.

LPD seeks help ID’ing sex assault on minors suspect Read More »

Hellenics pay their respects to Greek-Canadian veterans at National Field of Honour

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A dozen or so families from the Montreal Hellenic community paid homage on Saturday Dec. 7 to more than 40 Greek-Canadian veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces whose remains lay buried at the National Field of Honour on Montreal’s West Island.

Hosted by Lac-Saint-Louis Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia and Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, the traditional Greek Orthodox “Trisagion” service honored the memory of 44 Greek-Canadian heroes.

First time, but not the last

Although it was the first time a ceremony was held for Greek-Canadian veterans of Canada’s military at the National Field of Honour, the organizers have pledged to turn it into an annual event.

“Before today, we’ve never done a ceremony to recognize Greek veterans buried here,” Koutrakis said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia.

“And being of the Greek community, I thought what a wonderful way to pay our respects and let people know that there are 44 Greek veterans and family members buried here,” she added.

“I know that the families we reached out to are thrilled to be here,” said Koutrakis, noting that students from the Socrates-Demosthenes School were among those who turned up to pay their respects.

Upkeeping the cemetery

Koutrakis and Scarpaleggia have been working closely with The Last Post Fund. a non-profit dedicated to ensuring no veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial. It was while focusing on this task that the two MPs became aware of the Greek-Canadian veterans buried at the Field of Honour.

They want to help smooth the way for the federal government to take on more of the Last Post foundation’s responsibilities for upkeeping the military cemetery in Pointe Claire.

The National Field of Honour isn’t owned by the federal government, even though it is the largest military cemetery in Canada and the remains of thousands of Canadian war veterans are buried there.

Canada’s largest vets’ cemetery

Since 1930, the Last Post Fund has been the exclusive operator of the National Field of Honour, although the federal government provides subsidies.

The Last Post Fund’s primary mandate is to deliver Veterans Affairs Canada’s Funeral and Burial Program which provides funeral, burial and grave marking benefits for eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans.

The Last Post Fund is supported financially by Veterans Affairs Canada and by private donations. The LPF’s Unmarked Grave Program provides military markers for unmarked Veterans’ graves.

Hellenics pay their respects to Greek-Canadian veterans at National Field of Honour Read More »

Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal by Chomedey MNA

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier paid tribute recently to Joanna Tsoublekas, founder of the Filia Seniors’ Association, for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the elderly.

During the celebration of the association’s 41st anniversary, Lakhoyan Olivier deemed it important to highlight the profound impact Tsoublekas has had on her community and beyond.

Outstanding merits

She presented Tsoublekas with a Quebec National Assembly Medal, an honorary distinction that signifies official recognition for the exceptional work done by outstanding and committed citizens.

In awarding the medal, Lakhoyan Olivier said her aim was to highlight the positive influence and lasting impact of Tsoublekas, “who, through her vision, dedication, and leadership, has made the Filia Seniors’ Association a pillar of support and solidarity for the elderly,” the MNA’s office said in a statement.

Service to community

Since its founding in February 1984, the Filia Seniors’ Association has established itself as a symbol of support and hope, helping to combat isolation and promote the independence of seniors.

From its modest beginnings in the Parc Extension neighborhood of Montreal to its current location in Chomedey, the association embodies social commitment and the desire to create an environment where seniors feel heard, supported and valued.

Through Tsoublekas’s work, and with the support of the board of directors, volunteers, and members of the Filia Seniors’ Association, a support network has developed to combat social isolation, encourage active participation, and provide assistance to seniors.

High praise from MNA

“The 41st anniversary of the Filia Seniors’ Association honors its essential role in the lives of seniors,” Sona Lakhoyan Olivier said in the statement her office issued.

The medal presented “underscores the remarkable impact Mrs. Tsoublekas has had on the seniors of her community,” she continued.

“The exceptional dedication of Mrs. Joanna Tsoublekas is an example to follow, illustrating the power of altruism and devotion to one’s community.”

Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal by Chomedey MNA Read More »

Another safe haven in Laval for battered women and their children

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Abused women and children from the Laval region will soon have another place to turn for help with the announcement of a more than $8 million project to transform a building in Laval into a shelter with enough living space for 20 victims of domestic violence.

The project, led by the non-profit Maison Marie-Marguerite, is being carried out in conjunction with the governments of Canada and Quebec, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the City of Laval, Groupe Desjardins and Fondation J.A. DeSève.

The project’s financing includes investments from the federal government through the third Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement ($4.3 million), from the provincial government in the form of a grant provided through the Fonds de solidarité FTQ-Québec agreement ($2 million), and from the City of Laval ($813,000), the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins ($483,000) and the Fondation J.A. DeSève ($100,000).

Targeted help for needs

The project aims to serve the needs of women, with or without children, who have been the victims of various forms of violence against women (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic or economic violence) and who are experiencing multiple difficulties. In addition to being provided with a safe place to live, the women will benefit from support services related to their situation.

Persons who move into 10 of the planned units and are eligible may also benefit from the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, which would ensure that they don’t spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. This financial assistance is covered by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City of Laval (10 per cent).

Project has wide support

Present for the announcement at Laval’s interim city hall were Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-des-Rapides MNA Céline Haytayan (on behalf of Quebec Minister for Housing France-Élaine Duranceau, Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle Sandra El-Helou (representing Mayor Stéphane Boyer), Isabelle Garon of Groupe Desjardins, and Marianne Duguay of Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.

Founded in 2021, Maison Marie-Marguerite is one of fewer than a dozen resources in Laval providing services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. However, it is the only resource with services specifically for women, with or without children, and whose multiple problems include substance abuse, mental health challenges and homelessness.

“There is no place for violence in Laval, and it is our duty to take care of the victims by providing them with all the support they need,” said El-Helou who is responsible for dossiers involving vulnerable persons, seniors, youth and the status of women on city council.

Hope and a safe space

“This new shelter for vulnerable women is a concrete example of our common resolve to take action for the well-being of all Laval women, regardless of their origin,” she said. “Maison Marie-Marguerite will provide women with a safe space, as well as hope and an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a caring environment.”

“Our government is extremely proud to contribute to the construction of Laval’s first shelter for women who are victims of various types of violence,” said Haytayan.

“Every woman in Quebec deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of their situation,” said Koutrakis. “The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the creation of 20 new shelter spaces for women fleeing violence here in Laval. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Violence against women

“Violence toward women is unfortunately constantly on the rise, and there’s a lack of affordable housing,” noted Claudianne Monette, who chairs the board of Maison Marie-Marguerite. “We are therefore proud to have the official groundbreaking for this project, which meets a real need in Laval.”

“After several years of hard work in Laval, we are now very pleased to have reached this milestone, which is the beginning of work on Maison Marie-Marguerite,” said Lise Beaudoin, executive-director of Maison Marie-Marguerite.

Another safe haven in Laval for battered women and their children Read More »

Two of Laval’s federal Liberals speculate on prospects for an early election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Laval-area Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis (Vimy) and Fayçal El-Khoury (Laval-les-Îles) were in an upbeat mood late last week as they welcomed guests to a Christmas season gathering at El-Khoury’s riding office in Sainte-Dorothée.

While the two expressed their best wishes to constituents between nibbles of snacks and sips of liquid refreshments, they shared some of their thoughts on the events of the past year with The Laval News, as well as some of the political developments likely to materialize in 2025.

El-Khoury said in an interview that he is anticipating the possibility of a federal election being called shortly after the next budget is tabled next March.

Election predictions

“If not, it’s going to go until October,” he added, noting that the Liberal government has a mandate to govern up to the latter date.

Although critics of the Liberal government have raised red flags over the record amount of debt the Liberals have accumulated in the nearly 10 years since Justin Trudeau first became Prime Minister, El-Khoury noted that programs launched by the government – including pharmacare, dental care and access to low-cost child daycare services – were opposed by Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilièvre.

“Every single thing we do good for Canadians, Pierre Polièvre voted against,” said El-Khoury.

Doubts about Poilièvre

And while acknowledging that he’s become aware while speaking with constituents that they’re unhappy with the current Liberal leadership and style of government, he said many also expressed a dislike for Poilièvre, saying they would not vote for him.

El-Khoury is anticipating the possibility of a federal election being called shortly after the next budget in March, failing which the Liberals would continue to govern until October. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

El-Khoury didn’t rule out the possibility that a re-elected Liberal government could choose to institute austerity measures to deal with budget deficits. “I am not against the idea of cuts, but you have to cut in a logical way,” he said, noting that Poilièvre would likely make far more radical changes.

Koutrakis said she didn’t expect an election to be called before the next budget in the spring, while qualifying what could happen after that. “Should the budget not pass, then obviously we would go into an earlier election,” she said.

Koutrakis says Liberals can win

Beyond that, Koutrakis said she feels confident the Liberals ultimately will prevail whenever Canadians go to the polls.

“Personally, I think we’re going to win the next election,” she said, suggesting the Conservatives are overconfident. “If I was Mr. Poilièvre and his colleagues, I would not count my chicks before they hatch,” she added.

She defended the Liberal government and the Prime Minister, despite both being up against the ropes. “There’s a silent majority out there that almost feels intimidated a little bit or bullied, who are not coming out and saying they still have faith in the Prime Minister and the Liberal government,” she said.

Dismisses spillover from U.S.

Koutrakis said she doubted the type of government recently elected in the U.S. – heavy on rhetoric, platitudes and slogans – could also come to power in Canada. “Canadians are not Americans,” she said.

While noting that the number of women actively involved in politics has diminished as the political climate has grown more intense and uglier, Koutrakis said that she and employees at her riding office had to deal with threats posted on social media.

She said it reached a climax in the summer of 2022 when her team was contacted by government security officials who advised them not to attend Hellenic summer festival events in Montreal’s Parc Extension district unless accompanied by police protection.

Two of Laval’s federal Liberals speculate on prospects for an early election Read More »

Laval’s new Aquatics Complex officially opens in city centre

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer was among the very first people to take a high-dive into the waters of the Olympic-size pool at the city’s new Aquatics Complex last Saturday afternoon.

Although it was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting by dignitaries, residents will have to wait until December 21 when the pool and other facilities become fully accessible to the general public.

The opening of the modernistic building on Terry Fox Ave. next to the Cosmodôme brings to a close a chapter in the development of the City of Laval’s sports and recreation facilities dating back to the time when Gilles Vaillancourt was still mayor.

Demers got it started

According to Laval News files, the controversial former mayor, who resigned from office in November 2012, was setting the wheels in motion for the construction of Place Bell, but even then was beginning to hint that the city’s next big project would be a comprehensive aquatics complex.

While a new administration under newly-elected mayor Marc Demers decided to proceed with the Aquatics Complex, the going was slow and an initial completion date in 2020 was not respected, while the estimated $61.1 million cost grew to $125 million in 2024 dollars.

From the left, Eau Laval director Olivier Bertrand, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Mayor Stéphane Boyer, Vimont CAQ MNA Valérie Schmaltz, and City of Laval director-general Benoit Collette preside at the cutting of the opening ribbon for the new Aquatics Complex on Saturday December 14. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Missed the Jeux du Québec

Controversially, the building wasn’t ready as had been planned when the City of Laval hosted finals for the summer games for the 55th Jeux du Québec in 2022.

Among other things, delays in getting the work underway raised questions about the soundness of the building’s foundations which were exposed for a few years to the winter elements. Laval also cancelled an initial call for tenders after the lowest bids came in 46 per cent higher than the city wanted to pay.

Regardless, that was all history last Saturday when Mayor Boyer, Vimont MNA Valérie Schmaltz and Olivier Bertrand, executive-director of the non-profit Eau Laval water sports promotion group, decided they were going to be the pool complex’s first official users.

A multipurpose complex

The Aquatics Complex has been built to accommodate 875 people, though not all as pool users. In addition to the pools, which are equipped with Olympic-class diving towers and are amenable to holding world-class watersport events, the building also has facilities for recreational swimming, as well as workout rooms and multipurpose activity and meeting areas.

The project was completed with significant financial assistance from the federal and provincial governments. Ottawa contributed $10 million, while Quebec contributed an equal amount. Mouvement Desjardins contributed $500,000 from a foundation operated by the Quebec-based financial services corporation for community projects.

Adapted to many needs

“The opening of this aquatic complex is an important step for our city,” said Boyer. “Not only does this project answer to the growing needs of our community, but it also is part of our vision of an inclusive and accessible society for all. Laval deserves modern, sustainable and adapted installations. And this complex is a great example.”

“Quality sports and recreational meeting spaces are essential to building strong and healthy communities where it’s great to live,” said Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Minister Responsible for Economic Development Canada Quebec in the Trudeau cabinet.

“That is why today I am proud to celebrate the official inauguration of the new Laval Aquatic Complex,” she continued. “This modern and accessible infrastructure will encourage a healthy and active lifestyle within the community.”

The opening was marred by the noisy presence outside of unionized City of Laval public works employees unhappy about the slowness of recent contract negotiations. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

A world-class facility

“On behalf of the current and future members of Eau Laval, I would like to underscore my deep gratitude to the parties concerned who made the CAL possible,” said Eau Laval’s Olivier Bertrand.

“This new aquatic infrastructure of international calibre will be indispensable for supporting our mission to develop aquatic sports on Laval’s territory,” he added.

“This high-level installation will allow the development of aquatic disciplines and athletes to be pursued from initiation to excellence.”

Laval’s new Aquatics Complex officially opens in city centre Read More »

Action Laval concerned city will be weighed down by growing debt

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two of the Action Laval city council opposition party’s members reacted negatively to the city’s latest budget, claiming it’s a tactic typical of elections years, while also maintaining the Boyer administration is leading the city into a state of indebtedness with lasting impact.

City councillors Achille Cifelli (Val-des-Arbres) and David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno) called the city’s budget situation “critical” and “a direct consequence of the bad choices by the mayor since the beginning of his mandate” nearly four years ago.

They also drew attention to their claim that for years Action Laval has been calling for the creation of a bi-lateral finance commission to oversee the city’s finances.

Local budget cuts

“Hiding behind this electoral budget is a worrisome situation,” said Cifelli, maintaining that the Boyer administration is responsible for increasing the city’s debt by 66 per cent for megaprojects, while now “they are cutting into local services to balance their budget.”

He claims the Boyer team will be cutting widely into services, including library branches, arenas and outdoor skating rinks, as well as STL bus service.

Action Laval says the 2025 budget is “a façade that leaves the impression that the mayor is taking care of sound financial management, although numerous costs don’t make it into this budget.” They said the city failed to say that the credit note issued by S&P Global placed Laval on a watch list.

Rating the credit rating

The opposition party said the credit rating agency didn’t take into consideration $620 million the city will need to bring its water infrastructure up to grade, nor the funding necessary to restore the lustre to aging municipal buildings, as well as numerous collective agreements with municipal employees now being negotiated.

“The mayor is announcing 42,000 new housing units, but when you look at this budget there is no expense showing for new infrastructures,” De Cotis said.

As 2025 will be an election year, Action Laval says that, once elected, it will immediately institute measures to reduce the City of Laval’s debt by cancelling projects deemed to be unnecessary to the city’s mission towards its citizens.

They also say that projects paid in cash will be prioritized.

Action Laval concerned city will be weighed down by growing debt Read More »

City of Laval tables a $1.23 billion operating budget for next year

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The average household property owner in Laval will be paying 1.9 per cent more in taxes next year, which is significantly less than the 4.8 per cent hike Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s administration imposed around this time last year.

The 2025 budget includes $1.23 billion in projected expenses. Around $1.17 billion was allotted by the city last year. This year’s tax increase is less than the anticipated 2025 rate of inflation.

The city says this year’s increase is among the lowest among major cities in the province and was achieved partly by decreeing a freeze in the hiring of non-essential workers.

Economy slowed in 2024

In a summary providing context and background information for the new budget, the city notes that economic growth in Laval slowed down in 2024, although the outlook for renewed investment is positive with inflation receding and employment prospects rising.

However, the City of Laval’s economic analysts are concerned about the potential fallout resulting from the recent election in the U.S. that returned Donald Trump to power, as well as the Canadian federal election set to take place before the end of next year.

Quoting economics experts at Desjardins, the city maintains that Laval’s economy will grow by 3.5 per cent in 2025, after reaching 4.8 per cent in 2024. These levels of growth are being attributed to the fact that Laval’s population is increasing faster than had been expected, even though employment isn’t keeping up to the same pace.

Financial pressures

“Faced with the financial pressures that the people of Laval have to contend with daily, we dealt with this in a responsible and efficient manner,” Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement issued when the budget was released.

“This budgetary exercise was worked out with a specific goal in mind, which was to limit the financial impact on all Laval residents, while also making sure every dollar would be used properly,” he added.

“This was a real challenge that we are proud to have been able to meet with success. It’s also thanks to our disciplined management of finances that the city remains in an excellent financial position, as attested by the AA+ credit score accorded by Standard and Poor’s, which is the highest for a Quebec municipality.”

Savings made on expenses

According to the city, an overall increase in costs for goods and services forced the administration to rationalize some expenses, resulting in $9.6 million in savings.

Savings were also achieved on employee salaries by capping the number of new hirings. The city also decided to pay $43.3 million in cash up front for some expenses to reduce the impact of interest owed on long-term debts.

The city says it obtained $13 million in additional savings through the application of innovative taxation methods. These included:

  • Increased tax rates on vacant and un-serviced lots;
  • Indexing of tariffs for the disposal of snow in the non-residential sector.

More facts on Budget 2025

$245.2 million of the budget has been allocated for public security, while $130.1 million is set aside for culture and leisure.

As well, according to the city, sums will be invested to improve administrative conditions which contributed in the past to delays in the granting of construction and renovation permits by the urban planning department.

The city has also set aside $2.4 million for the startup of the new Aquatic Complex and one other major infrastructure project that opened recently.

City of Laval tables a $1.23 billion operating budget for next year Read More »

Man sentenced to 30 months at Laval courthouse for smuggling fake citizen and resident IDs into Canada

Local Journalism Initiative / /

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Terrebonne man charged nearly three years ago with attempted forgery and smuggling of counterfeit IDs from China into Canada was sentenced to 30 months of jail last month following a guilty plea at the Palais de Justice in Laval.

Jonghun Lee, 38, was attempting to smuggle more than 1,000 counterfeit pieces, including Canadian citizenship and resident status cards, as well as Alberta and British Columbia driver’s licenses.

The Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a courier parcel he was due to receive from China in January 2022, according to the CBSA.

The CBSA said that once opened at their Montréal–Mirabel International Airport office, the package was seen to contain 509 counterfeit blank Canada permanent residency cards and 506 counterfeit blank Alberta driver’s licences.

A later search of his home by CBSA agents led to the discovery of document-forging equipment, partly finished counterfeit IDs, and close to $140,000 in Canada and U.S. currency.

Also seized during the CBSA’s search operation were printing presses used to counterfeit money, as well as computers and cellphones.

The CBSA said Lee was also convicted of forging documents, including work permits, with the intention they would be used or acted upon as genuine by their end-users.

In a published report Dec. 3 on alleged child-labour violations at a meat processing facility in the U.S. state of Iowa, the New York Times cited a former U.S. Labor Dept. division head who suggested the rising prevalence of false IDs is symptomatic of an underlying problem faced by employers.

“Individuals, including minors, obtaining jobs through their use of fraudulent identification documents,” said Paul DeCamp.

Man sentenced to 30 months at Laval courthouse for smuggling fake citizen and resident IDs into Canada Read More »

Overnight crash leaves Mercedes sprawled on Notre Dame Blvd. in Chomedey

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Accident investigators with the Laval Police were trying to piece together the circumstances following a serious car accident overnight last Saturday when the driver of a Mercedes SUV lost control while travelling at high speed along Notre Dame Blvd. near 101st Ave. in Chomedey.

The accident, which left the Mercedes in the middle of Notre Dame toppled on its side, also left behind a field of debris, possibly the result of striking several parked cars at high speed.

According to a resident who was on the scene several hours later, part of Notre Dame was closed during part of the day Saturday as investigators analyzed the situation before filing an accident report.

“One car was hit so badly that it was moved from its parking spot on the street and was shoved into the parking driveway of a private house,” said the resident.

House fire leaves four homeless in St-Vincent-de-Paul

A fire on the morning of November 27 at a residence on Alfred-Laliberté St. in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul left four persons temporarily homeless while causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.

Overheated electric wiring within the walls is believed to have been the cause of the blaze which started just before 8 am.

Firefighters were on scene at the home near Laval’s Centre de la nature. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the sight of thick smoke pouring from a sloping mansard roof.

Following a damage inspection later, they concluded that a smoke detector was in place, although it didn’t go off after the blaze started.

In all, the firefighters had to sound a second alarm to call for reinforcements. They had the outbreak under control by around 10:40 that morning.

Damages were estimated at $200,000 for the building, along with $50,000 for its contents.

Laval Police investigating Ste-Dorothée car torching

The Laval Fire Dept. has turned over a file of information regarding a suspected case of arson involving a residence and four vehicles in Sainte-Dorothée to the Laval Police for criminal investigation.

The incident around 3:30 am on Nov. 21 at the home on Bord-de-l’Eau Rd. near Fabert and Larivière streets caused extensive damage to the four vehicles, as well more limited damage to the dwelling.

While just one vehicle was initially on fire, it soon spread to the three others and eventually also to the dwelling. Damage was initially estimated at $50,000 for the house and $1,500 for its contents.

As investigators with the Laval Fire Dept. found evidence of arson on the scene, they transferred responsibility for a criminal investigation to the Laval Police Dept.

Vimont children’s daycare workers face charges of assault

The Laval Police say they have arrested two workers at a daycare centre on des Laurentides Blvd. in Vimont, who face allegations that they assaulted children less than five years old.

The two accused, ages 54 and 60 respectively, were until recently employees at the Garderie Paradis des Laurentides. A summary of the accusations filed by the LPD maintains the assaults happened this past September and October. The LPD said an arrest warrant was also issued for a third suspect to face similar charges.

Overnight crash leaves Mercedes sprawled on Notre Dame Blvd. in Chomedey Read More »

Marquise VIII offers a opportunity for stylish living to empty nesters

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The climax of an exciting and ambitious chapter in the history of residential development in Laval got underway earlier this month when a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction for the eighth and final tower of the Marquise on Jean-Béraud Ave. in Chomedey.

For Michel Guilbault, executive vice-president of development at Dév Méta which was a key player in the rental condo project, it was the approaching conclusion of a long journey that began in 2012 when he first guided efforts to raise the first towers of the Marquise project.

‘A leap forward,’ says mayor’s rep

Doing the honors on behalf of Mayor Stéphane Boyer during the groundbreaking, Laval city councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian said Marquis VIII was doing its part to help the City of Laval take “a leap forward into the future,” while helping to define the values and direction of the city in the years ahead.

The final phase of an elegant project situated in the heart of Laval, Marquise VIII might also be a last chance for some to reserve one of the 137 high-end units in a tastefully landscaped setting near autoroutes 15 and 440, around the Centropolis, the Carrefour Laval and many fashionable shops and restaurants.

‘Jewel in an urban oasis’

Billed by its developers as “a gorgeous jewel set in an urban oasis” within a vast and exclusive complex, Marquise VIII is sure also to attract many of the same type of former local homeowners who chose to invest in the earlier phases of the project.

A large portion of the Marquise’s previous clientele included a mix of professionals and retirees looking for luxurious, maintenance-free living in a neighbourhood they know and trust – but that clearly has undergone a transformation for the better in a new incarnation.

Marquise’s lofty towers are surrounded by lush pathways, with spectacular fountains standing out as pièces de résistance on grounds worthy of an elite residence.

Adapted to an evolving market

As Marquise director of sales Geneviève Lussier explained during an interview with The Laval News, the development team succeeded in meeting the needs of condo purchasers, as well as those of rental clients, in spite of changing conditions in the housing market.

“The project had initially been conceived as a co-ownership,” she said. “With the evolution of the market, we were able to adapt and to listen to the needs of our clients who expressed a need for rental, and not just co-ownership.”

However, added Lussier, the majority of Marquise’s clients remain local downsizers, who want to transition to a new way of living after retiring and selling the home – while maintaining the same quality of life.

According to Guilbault, it’s part of a growing trend being seen increasingly by Quebec condo and housing developers.

A new home at Marquise

“We’re seeing more and more empty nesters who are leaving their homes and they’re looking for something with an equal amount of comfort and sufficient space,” he said. “That’s what we are delivering with Marquise, since our units are larger than average.”

“Everything you leave behind at home you will find at Marquise all over again,” said Lusssier. “And more,” Guilbault added.

Among the Marquise VIII’s amenities are an outdoor pool complemented by a grassy terrace, as well as common spaces for gym workouts, for cooking, gatherings and other types of activity – all of which are designed to encourage a sense of community and belonging.

Marquise VIII offers a opportunity for stylish living to empty nesters Read More »

‘Lilac Benefit’ brings Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nearly 200 supporters of emergency shelters for women and children fleeing abusive households were guests on Saturday Nov. 23 at Shield of Athena’s annual “Lilac” Benefit Gala, raising as much as $150,000 for the cause during the non-profit’s gourmet dinner and art auction event at the Embassy Plaza in Chomedey.

For more than 30 years, many women and children who have been facing domestic crises in the greater Montreal region have turned to the Shield of Athena for help.

Though it’s been around for three decades, Shield of Athena’s biggest expansion to date is the Second Step Shelter in Laval. Shield of Athena’s goal is to ultimately raise $5 million over the next few years for its emergency shelters.

Power generator needed

The purpose of the event was to raise money to expand Shield of Athena’s first emergency shelter which is in Montreal. At the same time, funds would also go towards the purchase of an emergency power generator for the shelter in Laval, said executive-director Melpa Kamateros.

“If the shelter freezes, what are you going to do: are you going to put vulnerable women and children out?” Kamateros said in an interview with The Laval News regarding the latter need.

Since the pandemic and the ensuing constraints placed on Shield of Athena’s services because of a rise in demand, the organization has been navigating “uncharted financial waters,” said Kamateros.

Laval shelter nearly finished

“What we hope is that with events like this, as well as the generosity of people and companies and businesses that keep on giving, we’ll be able to keep on providing our services.”

According to Kamateros, the Laval shelter is now 85 per cent completed, although its location will always be kept confidential in order to safeguard the women and children who will be sheltered there.

Hosted by CJAD Radio weekend morning show host Joanne Vrakas along with Global TV’s Eramalinda Boquer, the evening featured gourmet dining and live music, including performances by musicians from the Montreal Classical Orchestra and Michelle Sweeney with her singers and band.

Raffle and art auction

Guests were also invited to take part in an auction of artworks by some very talented Montreal-area artists, as well as a raffle for luxurious prizes. In addition to helping double the capacity of Shield of Athena’s first shelter, funds raised will help finish building the 17-unit Second Step shelter in Laval.

Among the major sponsors for Shield of Athena’s work are the Azrieli Foundation, Schwartz’s, the Papadimitriou Family, Scotia Bank, the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth, the Montreal Classical Orchestra, Direct Travel, CJAD Radio and Global TV.

‘Lilac Benefit’ brings Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal Read More »

Made in Quebec, produced in Laval

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Working closely with the Legault government, as well as the City of Laval and a lobby of producers and retailers across Quebec, the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIL) has launched a campaign to encourage consumers to “buy local” as they contemplate their purchases for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

A $1.4 million campaign

Held at Laval branch of the Oberson Sports chain on des Laurentides Blvd., the launch attracted some notable stakeholding officials, including Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete who is a Delegated Minister for the Economy in the Legault cabinet, Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer and several local MNAs.

According to the CCIL, the goal of the $1.4 million promotion is to provide a boost to the local economy, while drawing attention to local businesses that cast Laval in a positive light.

The campaign will be implemented through various visual channels, including billboards located along Laval’s autoroutes, in buses and bus shelters, on social media and through in-store customer-contact and visual displays.

Made in Quebec

Among other things, store customers are invited to become actively involved by awarding “stars” to their favourite merchants and businesses, lighting up a virtual Christmas tree in the process.

Skeete, who was born and raised in Laval and is the Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, noted that buying local is increasingly a trend.

“The tendency towards local purchasing continues to grow, which is why it’s all the more relevant for businesses to obtain a meaningful and reliable certification like that offered by LPDQ,” he said, referring to Les Produits du Québec, a lobby group representing manufacturers and retailers who are based in Quebec.

Buy in Laval, Boyer urges

Mayor Boyer suggested it’s no coincidence the campaign is getting underway just as the Christmas season is also about to start. “Our city is filled with entrepreneurs, artisans and business operators who drive the dynamic in Laval, so that our city has become a choice destination for making purchases, be they for small or major occasions,” he said.

“By throwing our support behind this campaign, we are inviting each and every Laval resident to make a choice which can end up making a real difference,” he added.

Elfi Morin, general manager of the LPDQ, said that certifying products as having been produced in Quebec has advantages for businesses as well as for consumers. “Quebecers want to know where the products they are consuming come from,” she said.

Guaranteed by certification

“These certification marks – Product of Quebec, Made in Quebec and Designed in Quebec – guarantee the Quebec origin of non-food items, showcasing the talent and the innovation of our entrepreneurs, while underlining the positive impact that buying local has on our economy and our environment.

“By choosing certified products, we are doing much more than buying: we are investing in the future of our community,” added Morin.

Caroline De Guire, president of the CCIL, was more than pleased that the chamber had decided to partner with strategic players on the campaign rather than doing it alone.

“A campaign of this magnitude can’t be done alone,” she said. “We acknowledge the exemplary mobilization undertaken by our partners, all of whom answered the call with enthusiasm.”

Protectionism worries

But at the same time, De Guire noted that the campaign is being launched as new concerns have arisen among business owners in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada over protectionism, including access to materials and products coming from other regions and countries.

“This initiative is our way of responding meaningfully on behalf of our manufacturers and retailers, who are confronted by unprecedented disruptions in their supply chains, amplified by the rise of protectionism and a geopolitical context which is evolving constantly,” she said.

Part of the campaign distinguishes itself through the use of a new in-store advertising technology furnished by Laval-based AddAd Média. The company is providing animated light screens set up inside participating stores, featuring key messages and information about the importance of buying local.

Covid economic impact

The CCIL notes that although the effects of the Covid pandemic are for the most part over, the long-term economic after-effects stand to continue being felt for some time to come.

“In a context where the repercussions of the pandemic are still being felt, buying local more than ever is a key economic and social issue,” the chamber’s leadership said in a statement.

“The crisis revealed the vulnerability of global supply chains, underscoring the essential importance for having a local economy that is resilient.

“By choosing to consume locally, people from Laval are contributing towards strengthening the resilience of their community, while supporting the creation of jobs and reducing the ecological imprint.”

Made in Quebec, produced in Laval Read More »

City-Watch: Laval donates a record $418,408 to Centraide Montréal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While non-profit organizations report a drop in donations lately, employees as well as retirees formerly employed by the City of Laval have shown themselves to be the exception to the rule through a record-breaking donation to Centraide Montreal.

In their annual contribution to the Montreal region’s centralized charitable services organization, the city’s current staff along with retirees contributed a total of $418,408.

This will in turn be going to 26 non-profit charities in the greater Montreal region which provide services to combat poverty and social exclusion.

“Taking into account the extreme nature of the needs, the solidarity of the members of the city’s teams makes a real difference,” said Laval city councillor for the district of Marigot Cecilia Macedo, who is the official speaker of Laval city council and who was honorary co-chair of city’s fundraiser for Centraide Montréal.

“Their exceptional commitment bears witness to their generosity towards supporting all those who need it the most,” she added. “For this, I am profoundly grateful.”

Photo: Benoit Collette, director-general City of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, mayor, Claude Pinard, president and CEO of Centraide du Grand Montréal, Tania Fonrose, director of Laval’s citizen relations department and Cecilia Macedo, official speaker for city council and city councillor for Marigot. (Photo: Martin Alarie)

A business model at the service of the Laval community

As part of Social Economy Month, the City of Laval, in close cooperation with its economic development service, as well as Laval économique and the Pôle régional d’économie sociale de Laval (PRESL), recently announced the adoption by city council of the first official policy for social economy in Laval.

According to a statement issued by the city, Laval hopes to gain recognition for its leadership in collective entrepreneurialism. The policy would allow a contribution of collective entrepreneurialism to economic development on the territory to be maximized, while encouraging citizen commitment.

“I am extremely proud to see that our first policy for social economy in Laval has been launched,” said Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo, president of city council, who is also responsible for the social economy dossier.

“This policy dedicated exclusively to collective entrepreneurialism equips us with precise orientations that will allow us to be distinguished across Quebec,” she added.

“Our investments already are greatly significant, but we hope that the policy and the action plan that will follow will incite greater interest for the creation and the development of collective enterprises, in addition to facilitating the development of productive and distinctive projects to benefit all residents of Laval,” said Macedo.

Laval has more than 270 businesses on its territory which operate on the social economy model. Employing more than 5,000 persons, the businesses are estimated to generate $548 million in revenue.

“At Laval économique, the businesses in Laval are at the heart of the preoccupations of our team of experts,” says Lidia Divry, Laval économique’s director.

“While it remains still largely unknown, collective entrepreneurship as a business model answers to the values and ambitions of many dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs,” she adds.

“Our ultimate goal is to motivate new and impactful projects, while allowing Laval to be able to position itself as a leader in the use of this entrepreneurial model.”

Laval observes World Children’s Day with renewed commitment

On Wednesday Nov. 20, more than 1,000 persons, many of them grade- and high-school students, took part in an outdoor walk to mark World Children’s Day.

The initiative, drawing attention to the City of Laval’s status as a child-friendly municipality, brought together students, parents, teachers and members of several community groups, along with members of Laval city council.

Among the schools and organizations participating were the Maison des enfants Le Dauphin de Laval, École primaire les Quatre-Vents and École secondaire Saint-Maxime.

“Laval places families at the centre of its priorities with a strong commitment in favour of the rights of children,” said Laval city councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian, who is responsible for dossiers involving children.

“It is with great pride that we work closely with the community organizations in Laval who work constantly on offering a healthy and diverse environment to our youths,” she said. She noted that 2024 marks the 10th year since Laval obtained its statute as a Municipalité amie des enfants.

City-Watch: Laval donates a record $418,408 to Centraide Montréal Read More »

Another victory for the opposition in Ottawa?

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite the NDP’s refusal to support the Trudeau government’s $250 cheque program, three of the Laval region’s Liberal MPs didn’t disagree last week with a Trudeau cabinet minister’s assertion that it was right for the government not to include senior citizens already benefiting from federal subsidy programs.

Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury and Alfred-Pellan MP Angelo Iacono held a press conference at Supermarché PA in Chomedey with Hochelaga Liberal MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who is Canada Economic Development Quebec minister in the Trudeau cabinet.

NDP support lost

At that time, before the government was forced to postpone the $250 one-time payments because of the NDP’s refusal to back it up, the Laval MPs expressed support for the $250 cheques, as well as for the GST exemption.

(Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Yves Robillard, who has maintained a low profile since first being elected in 2015, was notably absent.)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced the $6.28-billion plan that included $4.68-billion to send most working Canadians $250 cheques by spring.

$1.6 billion GST cut

At the same time, Trudeau announced a $1.6-billion proposal to drop the GST over the Christmas season on a wide range of products, including children’s toys and restaurant meals, over a period of two months.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who initially supported the cheques and the sales tax cut, later took a more critical view, saying that while he supported the GST measure, the plan for the cheques left out retirees, students and people with disabilities.

But up until last week, Laval’s MPs seemed unanimous in their support for both.

“As I knock on doors in my riding, my constituents tell me they are worried about the cost of food, gifts and clothes this holiday season,” said Koutrakis, maintaining this was the main reason the Trudeau government decided to provide financial assistance at this time.

“And though inflation is coming down, they need more help,” she added.

Already helped seniors, says Minister

Responding to questions that arose about the Liberal government’s failure to include seniors and others in the cheque program, Martinez Ferrada said last week, “We have in the past helped a lot of seniors … We put in place a dental care program directly at the beginning for seniors.”

As well, she added, the government helped a lot of seniors during the pandemic, noting that the Trudeau government increased the pension supplement for retirees more than 75 years old. “So, we have done an admirable job and will continue to do so,” the Minister said.

She said that during the upcoming Christmas season, seniors will be among the millions of Canadians who will have access to the GST tax exemption – “and I think it’s a measure that touches everybody.”

Not buying votes, says Ferrada

Another criticism which was lobbed at the Liberal government – especially by the official opposition Conservatives – was that the $250 cheque program was an example of the Trudeau government’s “buying votes” through subsidies paid out, especially during the Covid pandemic.

“We’re not in an election right now,” argued Ferrada, maintaining that the next federal election is only officially scheduled to take place in October 2025. “But we will continue with this work,” she continued.

“During the pandemic the government was there to support Canadians. And now even though the economy is in a good place, people don’t feel it in their pockets. So, we have to make sure we give them that support now during Christmas which is the highest and most costly time of year.”

PA says it’s ready for GST cut

At Supermarché PA on Samson Blvd. in Chomedey last week, the food store chain’s general manager of operations said they were confident they could implement changes to their GST tax calculation system in a timely and efficient manner.

“We have everything in place and we are coordinating everything to have everything ready for December 14,” said Patricia Chouinard. The chain currently has five stores in the greater Montreal region, including the one on Samson Blvd. in Laval.

Last week, the Bloc Québécois raised the issues to another level of debate by inviting representatives from organizations representing seniors and pensioners to speak out.

Exclusion angers seniors

“Two hundred and fifty dollars for someone making a net $150,000 is a drop in the ocean, but two hundred and fifty dollars for someone making $22,000 a year is a lot,” said Pierre Lynch of the Quebec Association for the Defense of Pensioners’ Rights. “It is not normal that the elderly were not taken into account from the beginning, for a measure aimed at giving air to those who need it,” he added.

The 5% exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) will come into effect on December 15 and will affect a range of consumer products, from food at restaurants to Christmas gifts, books and alcohol.

Restaurant lobby group Restaurants Canada said it was pleased with the federal government’s announcement of a two-month GST holiday for restaurant meals. The restaurant industry is doing worse today than at any time in recent history, including the pandemic.

More than half (53%) of restaurant companies operate at a loss or simply make a loss. Canadians are cutting back on discretionary spending due to the economic crisis. At the same time, restaurants have large debt loads and their operating expenses have increased by at least 20%.

Impact on restaurants

When the GST was introduced in 1991, it led to an immediate reduction in meals eaten in restaurants. The food services sector suffered an 11% decline in actual sales, 7% of which was attributed to GST.

The GST tax holiday could lead to a 5% increase in sales for the average restaurant. For a restaurant with $1.5 million in sales, that would result in an additional $5,700 in sales per month.

Another victory for the opposition in Ottawa? Read More »

Family of three from Laval perish in Highway 401 collision

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three Laval residents, including a baby, were reported dead, with a child seriously injured, following a Remembrance Day weekend collision on Ontario’s Highway 401 near Quinte West east of Belleville.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police, OPP officers, paramedics and firefighters responded to the scene of the crash in the westbound lanes of one of Canada’s busiest highways at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 10.

The OPP said a 25-year-old male and a 22-year-old female died on the scene, while an eight-month-old child was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to the police, a four-year-old child was evacuated by an air ambulance to a hospital in Toronto with serious injuries. The OPP said the crash happened when a minivan collided into the rear of a tractor trailer, whose driver wasn’t injured.

Although the police said all the victims were from Laval, they were not immediately identified, pending notification of next-of-kin. An accident investigation, led by the OPP and with the Office of Ontario’s Chief Coroner, has been launched.

70-year-old man arrested following attack on two women in Laval

A 70-year-old male suspect was arrested on Nov. 7 after he allegedly attacked two women residing at at a mobile home on Dagenais Blvd. in Laval.

The Laval Police said they received a call around 9 p.m. reporting a fight that had broken out between a man and two females at the home in the city’s Laval-Ouest district.

An LPD spokesperson said when the LPD arrived on the scene, they found two victims who had been stabbed and sustained minor injuries. However, neither of the two women needed to be taken to hospital.

The suspect, who is known to police, appeared in court the following morning and was charged with breaking and entering, armed assault and uttering threats. At the time, police did not reveal the connection between the three people.

Several media in Montreal later identified the suspect as Burt Laird Crawford, age 70. According to those reports, he faces 12 charges, including forced entry while armed with an axe. The media identified one of the women as his ex-spouse or partner.

The reports also stated that he had serious previous convictions, and was being sought by law enforcement officials to face charges in Ontario related to alleged disturbances and violence-related offences in September.

Arrests made in Laval for child exploitation and pornography

The Sûreté du Québec says four days of raids conducted in various areas of the province in recent weeks targeting the distribution and possession of child pornography resulted in 17 arrests – including some in Laval.

The SQ, in collaboration with the Laval Police Dept., as well as police in Montreal, Longueuil, Quebec City and Gatineau, executed more than 20 warrants from November 4 to 7 in an operation involving more than 200 police and civilian operatives.

In all, 17 men between the ages of 38 and 80 were placed under arrest and taken into custody. They appeared in court to face charges of possession, distribution and accessing child pornography. The public is urged to report any incident of sexual exploitation of children to cybertip.ca.

Recent Laval Fires:

The Association des pompiers de Laval (APL) reports that a fire in Chomedey on Nov. 12 that was apparently caused  by an electric short left a family temporarily homeless.

The blaze in the two-storey multiplex broke out around 4:45 pm on 66th Ave. near Saint Norbert Park.

Fire department investigators later uncovered the source of the outbreak: wiring for a ceiling lighting unit.

Damages were estimated at $50,000 for the building, with a further $15,000 for interior furnishings.

Family of three from Laval perish in Highway 401 collision Read More »

New library/community centre opens in Laval’s Saint-François – Duvernay-Est districts

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The residents of Saint-François and Duvernay-Est, two of Laval’s largest and most isolated districts, will be able to boast from now that they have one of the city’s newest multi-purpose pieces of infrastructure.

The Espace citoyen des Confluents (ECC), which is located on a soon to be developed green patch in Laval’s sprawling but rapidly-expanding east-end, was officially opened by Mayor Stéphane Boyer last Friday evening, along with a few city councillors and members of the Quebec National Assembly.

The Marius-Barbeau branch of the City of Laval’s library network, as well as a community centre and offices for the Laval Police Dept.’s Azimut public safety unit, are now all located in the ECC building at 1000 Marie-Uguay St.

Fulfilling a need

The ECC is around four kilometres east of Autoroute 25 and nearly two kilometres south of Marcel-Villeneuve Ave. The city says the project was largely the result of a public consultation in which residents from the sectors said they needed a comprehensive point-of-service like this.

According to a press release issued by the city, the library branch now has three times more room with 1,800 square metres. The community centre has several multi-purpose rooms, and there are plans to eventually create a small auditorium with a 180-person seating capacity.

“Today is a big day for the population of the east end of Laval,” Mayor Boyer said before proceeding along with some of the leading figures in the project with a formal red ribbon cutting. He said Espace citoyen des Confluents was a project the city and its partners had been working on since 2017.

‘A major addition,’ says Boyer

“I am extremely proud of its realization,” he added. “With one of the largest libraries on the island and a multitude of close-by services, this is a major addition to our cultural and community offerings in the districts of Saint-François and Duvernay-Est. I invite the citizens of the sector to take full advantage and to make this new space their own.”

The $41 million cost was shared by the City of Laval and the provincial government. The Legault government was represented at the opening by Vimont CAQ MNA Valérie Schmaltz, with Mille-Îles Liberal MNA Virginie Dufour also among the guests.

In a statement issued by the city, they acknowledge that the eastern portion of Laval is undergoing a period of protracted growth. In addition to the other facilities, the ECC complex has games rooms, a kitchen, an outdoor community garden and terraces, and bicycle and skateboard locking racks, with options to carry out maintenance and repairs.

The city notes that with the additional space, the library branch has added to its book and documents collections, which now include 55,000 items. The branch also has new digital equipment, a video games section for teens, and three times as many self-service computer terminals.

LEED Gold for ECC

The city succeeded in obtaining a LEED Gold certification for the building, based on its construction according to internationally-recognized environmentally-sustainable standards. The city points out that it carefully chose the location of the ECC, taking into account that a grid of future nearby streets has already been laid out, along with cycling paths, public green spaces and other features.

The city commissioned Quebec-based sculptor Ludovic Boney to create a special work to hang over the entrance lobby of the ECC. Suspended from the ceiling, Système d’assemblage is a mix of sculpture and architecture, composed of 597 colorful, triangular plaques and modules symbolizing the ECC’s multidimensional purpose.

Ludovic Boney previously created more than 20 works of public art for organizations such as the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, as well as for the municipalities of Trois Rivières and Quebec City.

New library/community centre opens in Laval’s Saint-François – Duvernay-Est districts Read More »

Action Laval activists gathered for annual policy congress

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Action Laval’s interim-leader, Val-des-Arbres city councillor Achille Cifelli, thanked the opposition party’s many supporters who turned up at Collège Letendre on Saturday Nov. 9 for an annual policy congress, during which a platform for the next municipal elections was discussed openly.

A show of enthusiasm

In all, according to a statement issued by the party, 30 resolutions were brought forward and adopted over the course of the day. “I am pleased to see the enthusiasm shown by our activists a year from the elections,” said Cifelli.

“Action Laval is a party which plans to consult the population even more,” he continued. “Therefore it is only normal for our team to allow its members to openly express their views on our platform in view of the next elections.”

A focus on local

Among other things, party members voted for motions to have the city reinvest in infrastructures in Laval’s districts, rather than in the downtown core. They also voted to increase and diversify services offered by public transit, and to increase a subsidy for the support at home of persons age 65 and over.

“I am very proud of the work and the serious attitude of our activists, who, like myself, have in their hearts to be able to offer the citizens of Laval a city that respects their priorities,” said Cifelli.

Confident of winning

Action Laval’s leadership says they feel confident of being able to win the mayoralty race next year (although a candidate hasn’t yet been chosen), with a correspondingly high number of city council seats when municipal voters go to the polls on Nov. 2, 2025.

The party’s two main platform issues for the time being are fiscal responsibility and consulting residents so as to accurately represent their interests.

Action Laval activists gathered for annual policy congress Read More »

Canada Post strike creates uncertainty for small business before holidays, CFIB says

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More than a week into the Canada Post strike, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says it is disappointed by the work stoppage’s impact on small businesses and it is urging Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to quickly come to an agreement to avoid further disruption as the country heads into the holiday shopping season.

According to CFIB spokesperson Dariya Baiguzhiyeva, three quarters of Canada’s small firms say they stand to be negatively affected by the work stoppage, particularly with challenges to cash flow due to delayed invoices and cheques and higher cost delivery alternatives.

Small business suffering

The CFIB is urging Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to quickly come to an agreement.

“While many Canadians may not depend on Canada Post as much as they once did, small businesses often rely on the postal system to ship goods, send marketing materials to consumers, send invoices and receive payments from suppliers and business customers,” the CFIB said in a statement.

“With the critical holiday shopping season around the corner and limited alternatives in many parts of Canada, avoiding a postal disruption is important,” the federation said.

They depend on Canada Post

According to a recent CFIB Flash Survey (Impact of Work Stoppages), a strong majority (79%) of small businesses rely on Canada Post services to do business.

Three quarters (75%) of small firms said they will be negatively affected by a work stoppage, particularly with challenges to cash flow due to delayed invoices and cheques and higher cost delivery alternatives.

The federation points out that small firms depend on a reliable postal service, and they need mail and parcel delivery service provided by Canada Post to remain fully operational.

“We’re asking both parties to negotiate in good faith and reach a quick resolution for the sake of Canadian small businesses and consumers,” the CFIB statement continued.

Back-to-work legislation

“And as the federal government has ignored almost every attempt by Canada Post to deal with its unwieldy cost structures, CFIB will call on government to use all its powers (including binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation) to keep the postal system working if negotiations are unsuccessful.”

In the online survey, which has been active since November 13, the number of respondents was 1,461. The CFIB says that for comparison purposes, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of at most +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20.

Canada Post strike creates uncertainty for small business before holidays, CFIB says Read More »

Con U’s Stingers pitch in for breast cancer research with ‘Pink in the Rink’

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A growing army of supporters for Pink in the City’s fundraising efforts on behalf of women’s breast cancer research now includes hockey enthusiasts at Montreal’s Concordia University.

Pink in the City partnered with the Concordia Stingers women’s and men’s hockey teams last weekend for a “Pink in the Rink” campaign event to support Pink in the City’s breast cancer fundraising journey.

The Stingers are now a valued part of the Pink in the City family, says Pink in the City co-founder Denise Vourtzoumis, a longtime Chomedey resident and business owner.

A common cause

“The collaboration highlights the importance of giving back and promoting community involvement, something that both Pink in the City and the Stingers are deeply passionate about,” she said in a social media post prior to the Pink in the Rink event.

She said that together with a shared love for sport and commitment to making a difference, “we aim to raise awareness and funds to benefit the wellness program at the breast clinic of the Royal Victoria Hospital.”

Con U’s Stingers pitch in for breast cancer research with ‘Pink in the Rink’ Read More »

Dignitaries pay their respects at Laval War Cenotaph for Remembrance Day

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of the Canadian Forces, including soldiers from the Royal 22nd Regiment’s Fourth Bataillon, as well as Air, Sea and Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Legion members, joined dignitaries and citizens paying their respects on Nov. 9 at a Remembrance Day commemoration at the newly-located Laval War Cenotaph.

Monument relocated

In a change from tradition this year, the Cenotaph was relocated to a place outside a City of Laval administrative building on Chomedey Blvd., from its usual spot on Souvenir Blvd. a short distance from Laval City Hall, because of excavation work taking place there in recent months.

Among the dignitaries depositing wreaths at the base of the monument were Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Angelo Iacono, as well as CAQ MNAs Céline Haytayan, Valérie Schmaltz and Christopher Skeete.

Mayor and councillor pay respects

Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer deposited a wreath on behalf of the municipality. Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle Sandra El-Helou was also among the dignitaries attending the ceremony.

Representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, the 4th Bataillon Royal 22nd, Legion Branch 251, the Navy/Army/Aviation Cadets, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) and the Centre de services scolaire de Laval (CSDL) deposited wreaths to pay their respects to soldiers who died or were maimed while defending their country.

Dignitaries pay their respects at Laval War Cenotaph for Remembrance Day Read More »

Résidence l’Oasis honors six former Canadian Armed Forces soldiers

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Six Canadian Forces veterans ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years were the focus of a special homage during a Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony held at the Résidence l’Oasis de Laval on November 11.

Veterans Lucien Gravel, age 90, Jean-Jacques Lavergne, 99, Jean-Pierre Bureau, 70, Jean Poirier, 89, Daniel Legault, 73, and Ernest Robert, 100, all served with the Canadian Forces in a variety of capacities – including defence and combat operations during World War II.

Every year, the seniors’ retirement residence holds a Remembrance Day ceremony.

During a video presentation, several of the veterans recounted their World War II combat experiences.

These included close brushes with death, but sometimes also regrets over the hardships and trauma they endured and saw inflicted on others as a result of warfare.

Résidence l’Oasis honors six former Canadian Armed Forces soldiers Read More »

Laval unveils new agricultural zone development strategy for 2024-2030

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With a history closely connected to farming for hundreds of years – although urban development now takes up 70 per cent of Laval’s territory – the city is hoping to strike a reasonable balance between the two with a new agricultural zone development policy to be implemented over the next five years.

Safeguarding farmlands

The new policy, known within Laval’s urban planning department as PDZA 2024-2030, was formally launched at a splashy media event held appropriately at the campus of one of Laval’s remaining agri-businesses: the Château Taillefer Lafon cidery/winery on Montée Champagne between Sainte-Dorothée and Laval-Ouest.

The plan was also tabled and approved by Laval city council three days earlier. Laval has some of the richest agricultural land in eastern Canada and it is still renowned for its market gardening.

You have only to take a Sunday afternoon drive during the summer or autumn around areas such as Laval-Ouest, the vast Saint-François district or Sainte-Dorothée to see the vegetable stalls and just how present farming still is on Laval’s territory.

Farming versus development

But over the past 60 years since the City of Laval’s creation from a patchwork of rural towns and villages, the amount of farmland used for cultivation purposes has been steadily eroded by an ongoing stream of urbanization.

Although this may be far more lucrative in the short term for landowners – who pocket lump sums from developers while often giving up their ancestral land heritage – and the city, who earn a lot more in tax revenue on properties after they are developed – for some it’s a policy that’s more short-sighted in the long run.

From time to time in Laval city council, amidst the regular complaints from home owners and businesses, representatives of the ever-diminishing number of farmers still working in Laval turn up to complain about how they feel squeezed out of the picture. Hopefully, PDZA 2024-1030 will be the answer.

Rejuvenating local farming

According to a summary of the new plan issued by the city, the goal is to make agriculture a sustainable (i.e. self-supporting) activity, while identifying related projects and orientations for the next five years. In all, 30 per cent of Laval’s territory (7,000 hectares) is still used for farming and the city wants to keep it that way – partly by strengthening farming’s local economic importance.

In addition to its still considerable economic impact, what remains of farming in Laval is also seen as a fundamental part of the overall strategy for providing food security in the greater Montreal region.

The city notes that in spite of agriculture’s diminished importance in Laval’s development scheme, there are still 119 farms left operating, which employ 1,500 people. More significantly, farming in Laval is worth $92 million in revenue annually.

‘An essential element,’ Boyer says

Another apparent aim of the new policy, according to a statement issued by Mayor Stéphane Boyer, is to bring agricultural lands which have been inactive for years or even decades back into cultivation so they can serve a sustainably useful purpose.

“Agriculture is an essential element in the identity of Laval, and PDZA 2024-2030 will be putting flesh on this vision,” Mayor Boyer said in the statement.

Key elements of PDZA 2024-2030 include:

  • Improved access to farmland through the consolidation and recultivation of agricultural fields in order the expand the amount of available farming space in Laval.
  • Encouraging local agriculture and agrotourism, by promoting local production and consumption of farm products along with the economic development of local agricultural enterprises.
  • Development of diversified and innovative agricultural businesses, including those that produce using sheltered and enclosed cultivation methods, which (according to the city) is a sector in full expansion and in which Laval is a leader on a national scale.

A suburban dilemma

Among suburban Canadian municipalities, the City of Laval is by no means unique in having had to develop a policy to strike a balance between its earlier rural roots and rapidly accelerated urban growth, while existing on the fringe of a major metropolis.

In Ontario, the City of Mississauga, which was once a relatively small and largely rural suburb of Toronto, grew exponentially since the late 1960s from 107,000 to more than 720,000 inhabitants now.

Like their counterparts in Laval (pop. 443,000 and growing), officials with the City of Mississauga decided to implement an Urban Agricultural Strategy to increase access to healthy food, diversify food sources and build community relationships.

City of Mississauga’s plan

The strategy includes actions such as:

  • Encouraging urban agriculture
  • Removing barriers to urban agriculture
  • Enabling urban agriculture

As well, the Regional Municipality of Peel (which includes Mississauga) decided to implement policies that support agriculture, including:

  • Protecting agricultural land
  • Supporting the agri-food network

Enhancing support for urban agriculture

Laval unveils new agricultural zone development strategy for 2024-2030 Read More »

Laval-des-Rapides MNA Haytayan named president of CAQ’s Laval caucus

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Since the beginning of this month, the Coalition Avenir Québec’s four-member Laval-area caucus has had a new president: Laval-des-Rapides MNA Céline Haytayan.

Haytayan takes over a role most recently filled by Vimont CAQ MNA Valérie Schmaltz.

Will help support Skeete

Traditionally, members of the Quebec National Assembly from Laval form a caucus, based on their party allegiance, to better coordinate local efforts.

The CAQ currently holds four of Laval’s six National Assembly seats (Sainte-Rose, Fabre, Vimont and Laval-des-Rapides), while the Liberals (who used to dominate the region) have two (Chomedey and Mille-Îles).

According to a statement issued by Mathieu Machabée, a political attaché at Haytayan’s constituency office, Haytayan’s role will include providing strong support to Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete, who is delegated Minister for the Economy and minister responsible for the Laval region in the Legault cabinet, as well as to regional attaché Dominique Talbot.

‘To answer the needs’

“It’s noteworthy that madam Haytayan will be called upon to represent the caucus during consultations and public events,” said the statement.

“As she is up to date on numerous dossiers since her election in October 2022, the new president is anxious to deal along with her colleagues on regional priorities, while coordinating governmental actions with one goal in mind: to answer the needs of the citizens of Laval.”

Skeete said, “The nomination of madam Céline Haytayan as president of the caucus of MNAs from Laval is excellent news for our region. Her leadership and her devotion towards all men and women in Laval will be major assets to ensure efficient representation of local issues.

A large and dynamic region

“I am greatly pleased to be working with her in order to continue to answer to the needs of our citizens, while pushing forward regional projects,” he added.

“I am very taken up with the idea of presiding the caucus of CAQ MNAs from Laval,” Haytayan responded. “We represent a large and dynamic region where there are many projects, lots of talent and expertise.

“I have agreed with my energetic colleagues to revalidate our priorities while encouraging even more exchanges with local decision-makers from all domains in order to continue to improve the lives of everyone in Laval,” said Haytayan.

Laval-des-Rapides MNA Haytayan named president of CAQ’s Laval caucus Read More »

Laval hikes spending for water and floods in 2025-2027 PTI budget

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In tabling their latest triennial investment plan (PTI) for the years 2025-2027, officials with the City of Laval emphasized that they remain aware of the impact of climate change, while saying they plan to vigilantly make sure that taxpayer’ money is spent in a targeted and appropriate fashion.

$1.72 billion PTI budget

According to a summary of the PTI issued by the city late last week, Laval will spend $1.72 billion on capital works investment projects over the next three years, with $100 million set aside for projects to deal specifically with flood water management issues.

“We are presenting a plan that is responsible, to better be able to face the future,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer, alluding to the major floods that assailed Laval earlier this year.

“We lived it: the climate disruptions have a real cost for our citizens, but also for the municipal administration. It is for that reason that we are substantially accelerating our investments in prevention and resilience from floods, with an envelope of an additional $100 million.

Current and future needs

“Even if it is impossible to protect ourselves from all the consequences from natural catastrophes, the goal is to accelerate the works allowing for the reduction of risks linked to overflowing sewers and floods. This follows an increase in investments in the repair and maintenance of our infrastructures since 2021. The goal is to reduce the risks for our citizens.”

He said the City of Laval’s PTI 2025-2027 investment budget was planned following a rigorous analysis of current as well as future needs, along with a vision of future development that was “realistic and lucid,” Boyer added.

The mayor said that the city’s plan is to pursue major projects now underway, without taking on any new ones, “to allow us to allot a growing amount of our investments to the maintenance of our streets and our water management networks.”

Some of the measures

Among the Boyer administration’s targeted plans for better water management and flood control:

  • Fast-tracking sewer and waterworks rehabilitation, while prioritizing more vulnerable sectors of the city;
  • Adding more power generators to pumping stations;
  • Construction of more flood-control dikes
  • Construction of more retention basins, drainage ponds, “sponge” streets, and rain drainage gardens;
  • Reduction of the impact of floods on riversides, by stabilizing 9 km along the edge of the Rivière des Mille-Îles;

Other PTI projects

The overall three-year PTI budget will be spent in segments of $594 million in 2025, $611 million in 2026 and $510 in 2027. Apart from water management and flood protection, the budget will also be spent on the following:

  • $85.9 million for reconstruction of streets and sidewalks;
  • $54.5 million for the purchase of lands;
  • $50.5 million for maintenance of parks and public spaces;

$38.1 to support and improve sustainable modes of transportation.

Laval hikes spending for water and floods in 2025-2027 PTI budget Read More »

Leadership torch passes on to James Di Sano at Laurier School Board

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Renata Isopo, The Laval News

Today, we stand on the brink of change. Recent events have cast a shadow over our board, challenging our values. But make no mistake—our resolve has never been stronger. This moment calls for courage, accountability, equity, and a renewed commitment to our mission.”

With these words, former commissioner James Di Sano launched Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board on paths of renewal, resurgence, reform and change in his new role of Board Chairman, elected November 3, 2024 and sworn into office this past week as family, friends, and the 12-member Council of Commissioners looked on approvingly.

Russell Copeman, SWLSB Director-General, officiated for Chairman Di Sano and the 12 commissioners, seven of whom were acclaimed, two elected, and three designated as parent-representatives. He congratulated the Council, acknowledging the importance of its work towards moving forward to new chapters of school-board-governance.

In his address to Council, to on-line observers, and audience present, Di Sano underscored a need for action and transformation, in view of concerns emerging from recent controversial incidents revolving around the outgoing administration, pledging to confront the challenges head-on.

Listening, learning, leading

“We will not shy away from issues that demand attention. I am committed to leading a board that listens, learns, and leads by example. This is the dawn of a new chapter for Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, defined by integrity, resilience, equity, and deep dedication to students.”

The Board, Di Sano emphasized, is more than the sum of its challenges. In his view, it’s a community rooted in strength-and-resilience, driven by passionate educators, dedication of parents, and the promise made to each child. “This administration is here to serve with honesty, uphold democratic values, advance equity, and protect our students’ right to quality English education.”

To parents, staff, students, and supporters, he promised positive change toward a stronger future, pointing to better days are ahead. “Together, we will turn this moment into a movement for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.

“As we embark on this path, remember we do not walk alone. We are supported by a community that values education, by parents who dream of a better future for their children, by teachers dedicated to igniting young minds, and by students who look to us for guidance and inspiration. This is a new generation and a new page for much needed change. While we may not always agree on how to move forward, we must be committed to moving forward.”

Adding to his acknowledgement of what lies ahead, Di Sano spared no energy in thanking everyone for their trust. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. I’ll do my best for everyone. To my supporters, I am so very grateful. To those who challenge me, I’ll do all I can to hear their voices and address their concerns.”

Road map to change

Regarding his take on some immediate needs that must be addressed, Di Sano outlined a road map to the next three months. “In the first 100 days of service, I will study, analyze, and assess the structure that currently handcuffs the delivery of the best education possible for children whose families depend on us for good governance.

“Our school board and other English-schoolboards are top heavy in administrative numbers and cost. I will seek advice from educational experts who will contribute to new structures where human resources redundancy is abolished and responsibilities are streamlined to where they will make the delivery of education substantially more cost-effective.

“The Board will implement a Policy for Substitute Teachers possessing Bachelor’s degrees who have been providing many years of loyal, professional service to students, often under difficult circumstances. This mandatory policy for all schools, will ensure fairness and eliminate questionable practices brought to our attention by substitute teachers.”

Revealing that he’s learned of families in Laurier Board territory home-schooling their children, for many reasons – pedagogical, religious, or health challenges, Di Sano specified that he’s personally concerned about this development. “I am committed to enhancing and improving relations with these families so that we can provide quality services to home-schoolers in cooperative efforts to do what’s best for the children involved and for all stakeholders, especially taxpayers.”

Gladly accepting the mantle of leadership, Chairman Di Sano proposed an action plan of stronger learning foundations and solid frameworks that will promote educational success, self-confidence, and high-self-esteem for all students, in an environment of transparent and accountable financial practices.

Honour, humour, and humility

Former SWLSB principal Cliff Buckland told TLN that he attended the ceremony in honour of “this new generation – one which will bring important changes, new-and-better ways of doing things at the Board.” In concluding light moments, TLN tested the Chairman’s knowledge and sense of humour.

”Mr. Chairman, would you know who’s the youngest active Chairperson in Québec and Canada?” Response, “I hope I am.” Correct! “Can you tell us what size is the SWLSB territory in comparison to Canadian provinces?” Pausing with effect, he answered “I didn’t know that, thanks for telling me,” when told, it’s Prince Edward Island. Ah yes, humility and humour are fine qualities in a leader.

Leadership torch passes on to James Di Sano at Laurier School Board Read More »

Pedestrian dies after being hit by car on Autoroute 13

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man in his 80s died late last week after being hit head-on by a car as he was trying to cross Autoroute 13.

For reasons not understood by the Sûreté du Québec, the 82-year-old was walking along the A-13 near the 9-kilometre mark, when a car travelling south struck him.

Taken by ambulance to hospital, he was declared dead there later in the evening, according to a Sûreté du Québec spokesperson.

While drivers involved in collisions with persons frequently require treatment for shock, an ambulance wasn’t necessary for the driver in this case, according to the SQ.

Accident forensics experts were sent to the scene to try to shed light on the circumstances leading to the collision. The investigators especially want to know why the victim was walking on the A-13.

Police arrest 13-year-old for school threats

The Laval Police arrested a 13-year-old boy last week after he allegedly made threatening comments against a school.

On Oct. 21, the LPD received calls about comments that were circulating on social media about threatening remarks towards a school.

“The immediate care and mobilization between different squads allowed for a quick identification and consequently the arrest of a suspect within hours of the complaint being received,” the LPD said in a press release.

This came after a 14-year-old was arrested Oct. 17 in connection to threatening calls that led to several Laval schools going into lockdown.

Anyone who calls 9-1-1 or triggers a false police investigation is subject to criminal charges, starting at the age of 12.

Anyone with information regarding these or other similar incidents can contact the LPD at 450 662-INFO (4636) or at 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-241021-090.

Convicted armed robber on the run is known to stay in Laval

A convicted armed robber who is on the run after breaching his statutory release conditions in Ontario is known to hang around Laval and several Ontario communities.

According to a release from the Ontario Provincial Police Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement or “ROPE” Squad, Kevin Okrah, 26, is unlawfully at large.

Okrah was in the midst of serving a nearly six-year sentence for a variety of offences when he was reported as missing.

His offences include:

  • Two counts of armed robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Committing an offence while disguised
  • Possession of a restricted firearm
  • Possession of a firearm against a court order
  • Two counts of failure to comply with release orders
  • Attempting indictable offences and
  • Robbery

Okrah was eventually granted statutory release, a transition process wherein a convict is released back into the community, but remains closely monitored to serve the end of their sentence.

On Oct. 28, the ROPE Squad announced Okrah was missing. He is described as a Black male, 6’ 1” in height, weighing 186 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

He has been known to dwell in Laval, as well as in Ontario in the Durham Region, Orillia, Ottawa and Toronto.

Anyone with information about Okrah’s whereabouts can call the ROPE Squad at 1-866-870-7673, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or 9-1-1.

SQ and LPD warn of sextortion fraud attempts

The Sûreté du Québec and the Laval Police Dept. are warning about a new type of e-mail fraud in which victims are threatened with being publicly exposed after alleged visits to explicit websites.

Victims receive messages containing personal information, including names, phone numbers, and addresses, along with claims that a compromising video will be shared unless payment is made.

Police say fraudsters often send along images of the victim’s home, found online or through social media.

The scammers then tell victims they will send a compromising video to their personal contacts.

The LPD say they received multiple reports of this type of fraud recently, and they are urging residents to not be taken in. Anyone with information about the scheme is urged to call the LPD’s Info Line at 450 622-INFO (4636) or 9-1-1.

Pedestrian dies after being hit by car on Autoroute 13 Read More »

New musical ‘The Adventures of Eva the Louse’ enchants children as well as parents

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Since most parents and school-age children these days can easily relate to something like an annoying infestation of head lice, it was only a matter of time before someone developed the idea into a musical production, with a symphony orchestra and an enchanting chorus of children’s voices.

After eighteen months of auditions, rehearsals, recording and production, The Adventures of Eva Louse is the culmination of those efforts.

Unique musical journey

“It has been a unique educational journey, showing how literature and music can inspire and educate our children in remarkable ways,” said Dimitris Ilias, who, along with his wife, Maria Diamantis, led the project from beginning to end as artistic directors.

“Our ultimate goal is to inspire these young participants to fall in love with singing and music,” he said.

Under their guidance (their previous credits on the Chroma Musika label include The Golden Touch and Time for Flowers Time for Snow), The Adventures of Eva Louse is a labour of love, involving international orchestral recording sessions with the Sofia Session Orchestra in Bulgaria.

Red carpet treatment

Development of the massive, multi-level, educational and artistic project culminated in style on Oct. 30 at The Palace convention centre in Laval with a performance of highlights, as well as the official release of a children’s picture/audio book.

The evening wasn’t just a chance to see a performance – it was the culmination of a year and a half of dedication, teamwork and learning, highlighting the power of creativity in conjunction with community. The red-carpet affair was an event the young participants are sure to remember all their lives.

The Adventures of Eva the Louse follows the humorous and heartwarming journey of Eva, a tiny louse living on nine-year-old protagonist Paul’s head. When Paul’s aversion to soap and scissors reaches a crisis stage, Eva and her louse village must face reality: dreaded soap and a terrifying haircut.

A formula for success

The project, developed using a winning formula that contributed to Chroma Musika’s previous successes, brought together the talents of 175 young choristers from 13 English Montreal School Board schools, as well as the imagination of illustrator Philippe Béha, and the musical brilliance of composer Giannis Georgantelis (both of whom collaborated on the earlier projects).

The EMSB Chorale, under the direction of Pat Abbott and Marie-Eve Arsenault, made a stunning contribution in their recording of Sanctuary, the finale of Eva the Louse, which guests had the chance to enjoy during the première.

A real group effort

Helping teach the choral parts was associate music director Kerry Roebuck, who was not only the rehearsal director of a Tuesday night group at the EMSB’s Royal Vale Elementary School in Montreal, but was also the orchestra conductor at the première.

Also providing musical direction were Veronica Graniero, a music teacher at Honoré Mercier School (she had a starring role as Paul’s mother, Mrs. Goober), as well as Maria Alongi who teaches music at Pierre de Coubertin Elementary, and Yee Kit Lo, a music teacher at Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary.

EMSB director-general Nick Katalifos, one of several dignitaries present as guests, called The Adventures of Eva the Louse “not just a musical performance; it represents a harmonious blend of our community’s values –creativity, education, and resilience.”

A shared musical vision

“I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Dimitris Ilias and Maria Diamantis, whose dedication and artistry have transformed a simple idea into this magnificent celebration,” said Katalifos. “Dimitri and Maria, we have journeyed through many musical endeavors together, and each time, I am reminded of the power of collaborative spirit and shared vision.”

The evening was marked by the dramatic arrival of the 175 young choristers, making a grand entrance while arriving in stretch limousines. They walked the red carpet alongside Philippe Béha and Giannis Georgantelis.

After the performance, the young stars signed copies of the book, again alongside the illustrator and composer, bringing the magic of Eva’s world to life.

New musical ‘The Adventures of Eva the Louse’ enchants children as well as parents Read More »

Laval’s Conservatives place their bets on Konstantinos Merakos in upcoming election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the first of what is likely to become a series of electoral pitches in Laval before the next federal election, Conservative Party organizers claimed last week that the Trudeau government has been “buying votes” in recent years through an extensive program of subsidies – including Covid-era CERB payments.

Purchasing votes

“A hundred percent,” Quebec Conservative Senator Leo Housakos said while answering journalists’ questions during a Sunday-morning press conference in Laval organized by the Conservatives. He said he agreed the Trudeau government has effectively been purchasing votes.

“What’s the first thing that many corporations do when taxes go up?” Conservative MP for King-Vaughan Anna Roberts, who was also in Laval to take part, asked while making a point about subsidies provided by the government to create employment.

No revenue, no jobs, MP says

“They lower their costs,” added Roberts, who worked for more than 30 years in the banking industry before first being elected in 2021. “And where does that come from? The biggest cost of any company is HR, right? Human resources.

“If you look at a balance sheet, how can we add more employment when the revenue’s not there? We don’t have the revenue to pay for it … Would you hire more staff if the company wasn’t making money? You couldn’t.”

So, why is the Liberal government providing subsidies to hire individuals, she asked. “They’re buying votes. That’s what they’re doing,” she said, answering her own question.

‘Vote buying,’ says Housakos

When asked whether he felt the Trudeau government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – doled out by Ottawa to millions of Canadians in $2,000 per month payments during the Covid crisis – also amounted to an attempt by the government to buy votes, Housakos again said he agreed “a hundred per cent.”

“They’re going to say CERB was necessary – we went through an existential crisis – but they went overboard,” he maintained. He suggested that in the heat of the moment, the Liberal government gave every student $2,000 a month, regardless of whether they needed it or not.

“I know students in my neighborhood who were working for $1,200 a month, $1,400 a month, living at home with their parents. And all of a sudden Trudeau is sending them $2,000 cheques. So that wasn’t aid to compensate for lack of work: that was vote buying before the 2021 election.”

‘Compensation’ over CERB

Asked how a Conservative government would have dealt with the Covid crisis, which came close to shutting the Canadian economy for more than two years, Housakos said, “When you give out CERB and aid you make sure it’s compensatory. You make sure if somebody lost a job at $1,100, then they’re getting $1,100.”

He said that around the same time as the crisis, the government also “went on a spending spree,” giving away millions to non-profit organizations “that didn’t need it.” He said hard evidence also emerged after the crisis “that we had a lot of fraud because of mismanagement during the Covid crisis. People receiving three and four payments of CERB every month. And Revenue Canada’s still having difficulty getting this money back.”

Merakos in Laval-les-Îles

Konstantinos Merakos, who is running for the Conservatives in the riding of Laval-les-Îles, said that as a constitutional lawyer and as the son of a Greek immigrant, he decided to run because he felt it was his duty “to give back to Canadian society and do my part for democracy,” while also helping enact legislation “to build homes, to stop crime, fix the budget and axe the taxes.”

Housakos, noting that Anna Roberts managed to win her riding – a former Liberal stronghold – after losing in her first attempt in 2019, maintained, “We think we can win here” with “young brilliant candidates like Konstantin Merakos that we have here carrying our torch.”

Laval’s Conservatives place their bets on Konstantinos Merakos in upcoming election Read More »

James Di Sano elected new chairman of Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) elections held on November 3, 2024, were a significant event for the community, marking a pivotal moment in the governance of the English-language school board in Quebec.

This election was part of a broader initiative to ensure that the voices of parents, students, and community members are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their educational environment.

Background and Importance

The SWLSB is one of the nine Englishlanguage school boards in Quebec, serving a diverse population across several regions. The school board elections are crucial as they determine the leadership that will guide the board’s policies and initiatives for the coming years. These elections are governed by the Act respecting school elections, which ensures a democratic process for selecting commissioners and the chairperson.

Election Process

The election period officially began on September 20, 2024, with the submission of candidacies taking place from September 24 to September 291. The advance poll was held on October 27, 2024, allowing voters who could not participate on the main election day to cast their ballots early1. The main election day on November 3 saw a significant turnout, reflecting the community’s engagement and interest in the governance of their schools.

Election Day and Results

On November 3, 2024, voters headed to the polls to cast their votes for the remaining contested positions. The election day was marked by a well-organized process, with polling stations set up across the regions served by the SWLSB. Voters were required to be registered on the SWLSB list of electors to participate.

Newly-elected SWLSB chair James Di Sano.

The results of the election were eagerly awaited, with the community keen to see who would lead the school board. The elected chairperson and commissioners will play a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of the SWLSB over the next term. The election results were announced shortly after the polls closed, with the successful candidates being congratulated by the community and their peers.

The SWLSB elections on November 3, 2024, were a testament to the community’s commitment to democratic governance and the importance of education. The elected officials now have the responsibility to lead the school board with integrity and vision, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their success will depend on their ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to make decisions that prioritize the well-being and success of the students they serve.

The community will be watching closely as the new leadership begins its term, hopeful that their elected representatives will fulfill their promises and drive positive change within the SWLSB. The next few years will be critical in shaping the future of education in the region, and the outcomes of this election will undoubtedly have a lasting impact.

The polling results for the November 3, 2024 school elections have been announced for the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board’s new Council of Commissioners. These results have been confirmed in Rosemère, by Ms. Lorraine Sperano Gauthier, Returning Officer for the 2024 school elections at the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board.

The election results are as follows:

Board’s new Council of Commissioners (and % of support):
Chairperson
James Di Sano 62% United for Success
Elected
Commissioners elected:
Ward 2 Desiree Ramacieri 53% United for Success
Ward 4 Heather Appleby 57% Independent
Commissioners previously acclaimed:
Ward 1 Donna Anber United for Success
Ward 3 Melissa Wall United for Success
Ward 5 Bob Pellerin United for Success
Ward 6 Barbara Barrasso United for Success
Ward 7 Benny Catania United for Success
Ward 8 Noemia Onofre DeLima United for Success
Ward 9 Anick Brunet United for Success

James Di Sano elected new chairman of Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board Read More »

City Watch: Laval shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of its volunteers

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Until November 10, the City of Laval’s public library branches are inviting families to drop by and have fun with the art of digital technologies as part of the sixth Festival NUM.

The series of free events is taking place at the city’s nine local library branches, culminating on Saturday and Sunday November 9 and 10 at the Multicultural Library.

The events offer an opportunity to explore digital technologies, including virtual reality, musical creation, coding, art projection, robot-building and similar activities for children ages 6 and older, as well as adolescent and their parents.

“This festival offers a unique chance for families from Laval to dive into the digital universe while learning more about the technologies shaping our future,” says Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac who is responsible for cultural dossiers on council.

“This will be a great learning opportunity, as well as for creativity and for intergenerational sharing that will allow our youths and those not as young to be initiated to the innovations that are transforming our daily lives, and all 100 per cent free.”

In all, there’ll be about 30 unique activities. They will include:

·      Escape games | Try to escape in real-time, within a virtual reality universe. (For 8 year and older.)

·      Robot building | Use LEGO blocks to assemble working mechanical creations, using motors, batteries and electrical wiring. (For 6 to 14 years, depending on the workshop.)

·     Chromatic echoes | Move blocks to compose tunes, while admiring visual projections. (All ages.)

·     Buzz Wall | Have fun with the illuminated Buzz Wall, behind which lurks the intelligent force of AI. (Six years and more.) Some of the activities may require advance registration at: https://www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/Activites/festival-num.aspx#programmation.

Laval shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of its volunteers

In order to pay homage to the commitment and devotion of the thousands of volunteers who live in Laval, the City of Laval has launched a special campaign that will be taking place throughout the month of November, up to December 5.

International Volunteer Day, which takes place on December 5, was mandated by the United National General Assembly in 1985.

The city’s campaign, leading up to the UN’s volunteer recognition day, celebrates the valuable contributions of all persons who donate their time and energy to support hundreds of local organizations.

On Wednesday November 6, the City of Laval will be presenting its latest volunteer-recognition evening at the Salle André-Mathieu. The event will include musical entertainment, as well as dancing and humor.

Some facts about volunteerism in Laval:

  • The city works in partnership with more than 450 organizations. More than 5,000 volunteers contribute their time and efforts on the territory.
  • Every hour of volunteer work given by volunteers helps make Laval a better place to live.
  • In Laval, an average 9.3 hours per month is donated by individual volunteers.

Audrey Charpentier: leadership and commitment

Last October 25, Audrey Charpentier, a devoted supporter of the sport of ringuette, was honored at the Quebec National Assembly for her exemplary commitment to ringuette.

Involved on several levels with the Association régionale de Ringuette Laval, Charpentier is vice-president of the organization’s board. She is also a coach, a manager for recruitment, and is involved in organizing ringuette tournaments.

This year, the City of Laval cited Charpentier as a perfect example of the values of volunteerism, serving as she does as a source of inspiration for the community.

“Her enthusiasm, her devotion and her vision to promote the sport while enriching the lives of young athletes in Laval contribute to her being an exemplary winner,” the city said in a statement.

“Ms. Charpentier is dedicated to the development of her players, while advocating for ethical values and leadership which encourage an atmosphere of confidence and progress,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

“She is passionate about the determination to succeed of the young athletes, by the leadership of her organization and the growth of her sport,” he added. I would like to congratulate her warmly for this honor. She is an inspiring volunteer.”

City Watch: Laval shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of its volunteers Read More »

Laval Police Dept.’s 2025 dog-handler calendars now on sale for $5 each

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In Laval, it’s that time of year again – when members of the Laval Police Dept. channel their strengths and energies behind a cause they’ve embraced for the past 16 years: the annual K9 unit calendar for the benefit of the Fondation Martin-Matte.

Cute dogs turn heads

While some police and fire departments in Canada and the U.S. have raised money for causes through calendars – often featuring provocative “cheesecake” photos of police and firemen – the LPD has always taken the high road, in the belief that in Laval a picture of a cute dog will always turn more heads.

The proceeds of the sale of the 2025 calendars, all going to the foundation, will help persons who’ve suffered head traumas.

It has been 15 years since the LPD first published the first calendar, which features photos for all the months with police dogs posing with their human handlers.

More than $600K raised

Since 2009, sales of the calendars have managed to raise $612,569 for the foundation. The money pays for respite and leisure activities for persons who’ve been diagnosed with head trauma resulting from accidents or other causes.

The LPD has been promoting the calendar since the untimely death of Constable Éric Lavoie, who was a dog handler with the police force. He died of a head trauma following a road accident which happened when he was on duty and responding to an emergency call.

During a recent 2025 dog calendar launch at LPD headquarters, a cheque for $37,237 was handed over to officials with the Fondation Martin-Matte, representing the proceeds from the sale of the 2024 calendar.

Improving quality of life

“For the past 16 years, our police service has had the honor to be able to contribute to the quality of life of the numerous victims,” Julien Kicinski, assistant-director of the Laval Police, said at LPD headquarters on Chomedey Blvd.

“Each year in Quebec, close to 2,000 people are victims of a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI),” he added. “It’s a shock that can sometimes leave behind severe long-term consequences. Offered at the reasonable price of $5, each calendar sold makes a real difference for persons in need and their families. We encourage everyone to buy a large number.”

Where to buy them?

The Laval Police Dept.’s 2025 Dog Calendar is available for $5 at the LPD’s Duvernay district station (Édifice Valérie-Gignac) at 3225 Saint-Martin Blvd. East, at the central Laval station (2785 avenue Francis-Hughes), as well as at LPD headquarters at 2911 Chomedey Blvd. in Chomedey.

They can also be purchased online at the Fondation Martin-Matte’s website, using the following browser address: https://bit.ly/CalendrierMC2025. The calendars can be delivered to your home address for an additional fee of $3 per calendar.

Laval Police Dept.’s 2025 dog-handler calendars now on sale for $5 each Read More »

Laval’s Legion Branch 251 launches poppy campaign before Remembrance Day

Local Journalism Initiative / /

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members and guests of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251 met on Thursday evening last week for the official launch of the 2024 Poppy Campaign, leading up to Remembrance Day.

In accordance with a longstanding tradition, the first poppy was presented by RCL Branch 251’s president Dean McKay to an honored guest.

This year it was Captain Nathan Kendall, Zone Training Officer (Laval), Regional Cadet Support Unit (Eastern).

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251 Chomedey proudly contributes to many of the local cadet corps and squadrons who participate in the annual Poppy Campaigns.

As such, cheques for a total amount of $4,000 were presented this year to cadet unit representatives by Barbara Vezina, Branch 251’s Poppy Campaign Chair.

Wear a poppy, show you care

A reminder to all Laval residents that this year’s Poppy Campaign is now underway.

The best way to show support for Canada’s commitment to its veterans is to wear a poppy leading up to the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day.

If you can’t find a poppy, some Branch 251 reps will be stationed at the entrance/exit doors of Wal-Mart stores (including the Wal-Mart Supercentre at 2075 Chomedey Blvd.).

As well, you are invited to drop by Branch 251 (2000 Curé-Labelle Blvd.) between 2-8 pm daily where poppies are available.

Branch 251 also reminds you that RCL membership is open to any Canadian citizen, or citizen of an allied nation, who is 18 years of age or older.

Laval’s Remembrance Day ceremony

The City of Laval will be holding its Remembrance Day observances on Saturday Nov. 9.

The ceremony is being held exceptionally at 1333 Chomedey Blvd. (rather than on at the War Cenotaph on Souvenir Blvd.), as the cenotaph has been relocated at least temporarily due to construction.

Those planning to attend are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the 11 am moment of silence.

Laval’s Legion Branch 251 launches poppy campaign before Remembrance Day Read More »

Laval police arrest teen after threats and school lockdowns

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval Police arrested a 14-year-old boy last week as part of their investigation into threatening calls that led to several preventive school lockdowns. The LPD said the teenager was arrested last Thursday at his family home.

After meeting with investigators, he appeared before the Court of Quebec’s youth division, where he was charged with threats, public mischief and breach of conditions. He was back in court last Monday.

Several preventive lockdowns had to be carried out at Laval schools due to “threatening” calls, which all proved unfounded.

Both L’Odyssée-des-Jeunes and Georges-Vanier high schools had lockdowns. The same thing happened at École Poly-Jeunesse and École des métiers spécialisés de Laval.

LPD arrest jewellery store robber, wanted for six heists

The Laval Police confirm that an appeal to members of the public in September to help identify a suspect being sought following a Chomedey jewellery store robbery last summer led to his arrest this month.

Alain Bernecky Jr., age 45, faces two charges of theft over $5,000. He was still being detained by police last week when they issued a statement. He is scheduled to stand before a judge in Quebec Court on Oct. 28.

In addition to confirming his role in the Laval robbery, the LPD also were able to confirm the Bernecky’s involvement in several more jewellery store heists over the last few months in Montreal, the Eastern Townships and the Centre-du-Québec region.

In the robbery committed in Laval, he made off with a rack of 20 gold chains with a value of $800 – $1,000 each. He did this after asking the store clerk whether he could have an up-close look at the chains.

In all, the LPD was able to determine (after consulting with several other police departments) that Bernecky had committed six robberies between July and September. It was determined that he managed to steal nearly $100,000 in jewellery during this period.

Laval Police seek female suspect for ‘misrepresentation’ fraud

The Laval Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a female suspect being sought on a charge of “misrepresentation” fraud allegedly committed on City of Laval territory.

Since last April, according to a statement issued by the LPD, nearly a dozen new complaint files have been opened about a woman who’s been going around targeting senior citizens in particular.

In the scheme, someone calls a vulnerable senior by phone at home. The names most often used by the caller, according to the police, are Simon Blais and Simon Cloutier.

The caller claims to be an investigator with a financial institution or from the federal Anti Fraud Centre, saying that the targeted senior has been the victim of a fraud on their bank transaction card.

Once the perpetrator has won the victim’s confidence, they tell the victim to place the banking card in an envelope and to put it in the household mailbox so that an accomplice (often called Jessica Blais) can later pick it up for the purposes of a supposed investigation.

The phone caller then obtains the card’s PIN number from the victim. An accomplice later shows up at the victim’s home to pick up the envelope. Fraudulent transactions are then made with the card only a few minutes later.

The suspect the LPD has in mind is described this way:

  • Caucasian woman, age 20 to 25;
  • Speaks French;
  • Long blonde hair, combed into a bun;
  • Was wearing a white sweater, black slacks and « Nike » sneakers.

Anyone with information on her is asked to get in touch with the LPD’s Info-Line at 450 662-INFO (4636) or at 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-240416-053.

AMP scolds Héma-Québec for lack of clarity in awarding contract

Quebec’s Autorité des marchés publics (AMP), which regulates the governance of public organizations, is making some recommendations to Héma-Québec after the provincial blood donation agency was found to have lacked transparency and clarity in the awarding of a recent contract for an advertising campaign.

The two-year $294,000 contract was awarded following a call for tenders. A selection committee decided the winning contract.

Falling short

According to the AMP, Héma-Québec fell short of normal standards by failing to specify in call-for-tender documents the elements defining the minimum quality level it was seeking.

As well, according to the AMP, the blood donation agency failed in its duties when it rejected one of two offers received, although Héma-Québec later claimed it rejected the offer on the basis that it didn’t meet quality levels, which were never stated in the call-for-tender documents.

Bidder rejected

The AMP said that even though Héma-Québec failed to state whether it was shopping for an ad campaign on a monthly or annual basis, it rejected one of the tendering bids because it wasn’t for an annual campaign.

Héma-Québec also rejected the bid, saying the bidder’s team had an insufficient number of years experience in the advertising domain, although this was never stated as a requirement in the tendering documents.

The AMP recommended that the AMP’s administrators familiarize themselves more thoroughly with the procedures to follow when calling for tenders, so that all the relevant details are spelled out clearly and transparently.

Laval police arrest teen after threats and school lockdowns Read More »

Pink in the City’s ‘Magic of Hope’ raises $325,000 for breast cancer

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

How do you keep hope alive?

For 600 supporters of the Pink in the City breast cancer foundation, this year’s Magic of Hope gala was all about creating and maintaining hope – even in the face of cancer.

Nearly 600 guests turned out at the Château Royal in Chomedey last Friday evening to have a little fun, enjoy a gourmet meal, listen and dance to some exciting music, and answer the call to help raise an anticipated $325,000 for the benefit of patients at the McGill University Health Centre’s Breast Center.

Inspired to help

Pink in the City was founded in 2006 when an 11-year-old Lawrence Vourtzoumis, while driving to school with his mother Denise, heard an ad on the radio requesting volunteers to shave their heads as a demonstration of solidarity for those who had lost their hair due to chemo treatments for breast cancer.

He was captivated by the idea and asked his mother if he could participate. He wanted to shave his head to show support, which was a pretty brave thing for a pre-teen to do. Denise agreed and helped Lawrence raise the required amount of money to be able to participate.

Millions raised for MUHC

Nearly two decades and many fundraising gala evenings later, Pink in the City has raised millions for the MUHC Foundation, which remits funds to the McGill University Health Centre’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program.

Pink in the City started as a single event. This heightened an already existing awareness about breast cancer in the community and the need to support those who had been touched by the disease. It also embedded the idea that every selfless gesture of support makes a difference.

Support from the community

Over time, volunteers, sponsors, partners and medical advisors allowed Pink in the City to attain and exceed its goals. Community partners have also played a key role by supporting and attending Pink in the City’s various functions and events. Partnerships have extended to leadership programs at Laval-area high schools through the Model the Way program.

At last Friday evening’s Magic of Hope gala, longtime Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board educator and administrator Daniel Johnson, who was a key player in implementing Model the Way, was among the honored guests who were presented with plaques commemorating their important contributions to Pink in the City.

Pink in the City’s ‘Magic of Hope’ raises $325,000 for breast cancer Read More »

Federal officials touch base with English-speaking communities

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a bid to expand the federal government’s understanding of issues and challenges relating to the entrepreneurship and economic development of official language minority communities, officials with the government met online on Oct. 8 with the leaders of several Quebec English-language organizations with a related stake.

Dialogue Days

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) hosts bi-annual stakeholder consultations with official language minority communities (Francophones outside Quebec and Anglophones in Quebec), known as Dialogue Days.

This year, the consultation focused on social economy, the goal being to explore the Quebec economic ecosystem and complement other federal initiatives.

ID’ing the priorities

Discussion questions during the meeting dealt with identifying what are the top priority needs of the Quebec English-speaking communities that the social economy model could address, and what strategies/actions or other mechanisms could improve social and economic development change.

Other objectives included bringing together different stakeholders of the English-speaking communities of Quebec and actors of the social economy ecosystem, and deepening the government’s understanding of the social economy as a means for social and economic development for the ESCQ and exchange on the needs and priorities of the community.

Views on English-speaking Quebec

One of the community group representatives, John Buck, president and CEO of the Montreal-based Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC), said the CEDEC is now actively promoting two Quebec English-speaking community economic development objectives and four related targets for the next ten years.

He said the English-speaking community of Quebec “must increase its participation in and contribution to growing Quebec’s economy and reap the tangible economic benefits derived from this contribution.”

As well, he said Quebec’s economy should be leveraged to address the economic disparities and disadvantages the English-speaking community of Quebec is experiencing.

He said that over the next ten years, the English-speaking community of Quebec should seek to create or expand 250 businesses or social enterprises, create or fill 1,000 jobs, attract $5 million in investment, and reduce by 50 per cent the economic disparities and experiences that the English-speaking community in Quebec is subjected to.

Promoting social economy

Canada Economic Development for Quebec says it would like to pay particular attention to the role of the social economy in the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec, in complementarity with other federal programs, and considering the Quebec ecosystem.

In that context, the ministry would like to deepen its knowledge of the sector and its players, gain a better understanding of how the social economy can contribute to regional economic development, and identify official language minority communities’ needs.

CED says it supports the economic development of official language minority communities with its regular programs and through the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Official languages.

Nationwide program

The nationwide initiative has been implemented since 2008 by the regional development agencies (RDAs) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). The initiative was also renewed under the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.

ISED coordinates the EDI at the national level for reporting, consultation, evaluation activities and conducts research and policy analysis on official language minority communities.

The research aims to expand the federal government’s understanding of the issues and challenges relating to official language minority communities’ entrepreneurship and economic development and to build capacity and partnerships in this area.

Discussing opportunities

CED says events like the Oct. 8 online meeting allow participants to discuss opportunities and challenges that impact the economic development of OLMCs and can help inform the implementation of the EDI and other federal programs.

CED says its mission is to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec by giving special attention to those where a low economic growth is prevalent or opportunities for productive employment are lacking.

Federal officials touch base with English-speaking communities Read More »

James Di Sano seeks SWLSB chairmanship under ‘United for Success’ banner

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Current Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board Ward 7 commissioner James Di Sano who is running for the SWLSB’s chairmanship in the Nov. 3 election describes himself as “a dedicated and experienced” member of the board, where he has been serving with a commitment to enhancing education and fostering student success.

Passion for quality

Throughout his six years in office as a commissioner, Di Sano states in a biographical account submitted to The Laval News, he has shown “a strong passion for ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment.”

He says his leadership and decision-making skills have been instrumental in guiding SWLSB policies that prioritize student achievement, teacher support, and community engagement.

“As a long-standing advocate for our students, educators, and community, Di Sano says he he has witnessed first-hand how a collaborative and forward-thinking approach can make a significant difference in the lives of the SWLSB’s learners.

Resources to succeed

He says he will continue building on this momentum to ensure that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Di Sano also says he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, having a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Quebec, particularly in addressing the needs of the English-speaking community.

He says his ability to work collaboratively with fellow commissioners, administrators, teachers and parents has earned him a reputation as someone “who listens, responds and acts in the best interests of the students and the school board.”

Responsible governance

Saying that he is committed to transparency and accountability, Di Sano says he advocates for responsible governance and effective use of resources to enhance student programs and facilities. He says his dedication to continuous improvement and innovation will ensure that the SWLSB remains a leader in education, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

He says hi involvement in various committees demonstrates his “hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to education excellence,” and that as chairperson, and as a former graduate of the SWLSB, he “will work tirelessly to ensure schools are not only well-resourced but also thriving as safe, welcoming spaces for all.”

He says he is passionate about “creating a future where every student is empowered to reach their full potential, and is ready to lead with integrity, experience, and a clear vision for progress.”

‘Get out and vote,’ Di Sano says

During an interview with The Laval News, Di Sano was asked whether he agreed with the view expressed by some candidates running in simultaneous elections at other English-language school boards in Quebec that this election is more important than previous ones.

“It’s important in any election, it’s important that people go and vote,” he said. “You know, whether you, it’s not about supporting one candidate over another, it’s a question of exercising your democratic right to vote.

“And it’s a positive for us and our community that we still have that right to exercise our right to vote in our local government, in our local governance there at the school board level. And that’s that’s something the French sector, as you know, lost in recent years, but we’ve retained that as a minority in this province, and it’s something that, you know, is a positive factor for us.

Quebec watching closely

“That being said, I mean, the government, we all know, is looking at this election very closely,” he continued. “And it is important and it is imperative that everyone exercises their right to go and vote in this election, be it for the commissioners that are being contested, the chairs that are being contested. It is very important that people exercise their right to vote so that we can keep our school boards, our local governance.

“And you know, at the end of the day – and you visited many of our schools, so you know – that sense of community belonging, that sense of family, that sense of closeness that we retain at school boards, rather than becoming government service centers, right? So, there’s what we want to protect, essentially. We want to protect our home and our family. This is the scope of this election, to really protect our home and our family.”

James Di Sano seeks SWLSB chairmanship under ‘United for Success’ banner Read More »

Laval pilot project seeks to improve local feedback with new ‘district assemblies’

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an ongoing effort to improve democratic traditions in the City of Laval, while also encouraging greater participation and involvement by residents in the affairs of their city, Laval officials launched a new phase of a pilot project earlier this month, designed to establish more focus on local issues in individual districts.

District assemblies

Laval city councillor for Duvernay–Pont-Viau Christine Poirier welcomed 70 residents of Duvernay at the Pavillon du Bois-Papineau on Saint-Martin Blvd. East on Oct. 10. She was there to help brief them on the shape that two planned district assemblies will take in the pilot project.

The first assembly, for residents of Duvernay, with another planned for the district of Auteuil, is taking place on Oct. 29 at the Pavillon du Bois-Papineau beginning at 7 pm.

The current city administration under Mayor Stéphane Boyer (as well as the previous under former mayor Marc Demers) has often found itself the target of criticism from the city council opposition.

Decentralizing locally

Opposition councillors, including those with Action Laval, have claimed (at election time especially) that the mayor and his team of Mouvement lavallois councillors neglect district interests while concentrating on major development projects – often in the centre of the city.

With that in mind, the new district assemblies are perhaps being created in response to the criticism, as well as to silence the opposition critics – for a while at least.

In a brief outline of the nascent assemblies, Poirier, who sits on the city’s executive-committee, referred to the councils as “a major innovation in terms of participatory democracy,” while saying they’re designed to bring residents closer to the centre of power, effectively decentralizing the process of decision-making.

Budgets for assemblies

According to Poirier, the administration is initially allotting each local assembly an operating budget of $2,500, as well as additional funding of $15,000 for innovative projects to be conceived by the district assemblies.

“I encourage you to take part in great numbers,” she said. “I invite you all to become hard-working players. I also encourage you to speak to your neighbors.

“This a great opportunity to have your voice heard,” Poirier added. “This is an opportunity to express your needs regarding everyday projects, while carrying out projects that will improve neighborhood life, start conversations, but mostly to allow you to become agents of change in Duvernay.”

Helping boost democracy

Malorie Flon, executive-director of the Montreal-based non-profit Institut du Nouveau Monde which promotes local democracy and citizen participation, cited the decline of democracy in recent years in a growing number of nations around the globe as a good reason to help boost democracy by becoming involved on a local assembly of like-minded people.

The initial response from some residents at the meeting was suspicion as to the city’s motive, but also cynicism with regards to the paltry budget amounts that the city decided to allot the district assemblies.

Others pointed out that assemblies like this, although indicative of Laval City Hall’s good intentions, have no decision-making authority and therefore haven’t any autonomy.

Laval pilot project seeks to improve local feedback with new ‘district assemblies’ Read More »

City of Laval aims to upgrade and max the efficiency of its operations

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Laval says it has now become a leader among Quebec’s municipalities for efficiency and transparency with a new vision to maximize the convenience and speed of its services for residents.

‘Growing needs’

“Like many other municipalities, Laval is faced with a situation involving growing needs but limited resources,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said during a press conference last week to announce new technologies and systems the city will be using to help meet its goals.

“That is why for the past two years, we have been working towards reforming the culture of our organization,” he added.

“I am among those who believe that an efficient municipal administration is a guarantee of greater quality for services to residents, for raising of working conditions and for a true capacity to deliver expected projects to citizens within a reasonable time at reasonable cost.”

‘A responsibility,’ says Boyer

“However, more than just believing, I am also of the opinion that we are talking about a responsibility, a necessity even, which is to make sure that each dollar paid by taxpayers goes the furthest possible,” said Boyer. “And why shouldn’t we pursue the goal of being the best city in Quebec in this matter.”

Beginning in November, according to city officials, Laval will be upgrading the quality of its response time with residents who contact the city’s client relations agents by phone at 3-1-1 or by other means.

The city says that from now on, and in keeping with a commitment to transparency, Laval residents will be told how many days have elapsed between the time a resident makes a request and when it finally is resolved.

Improving transparency

“For the sake of transparency and commitment, the delays have been defined in order to guarantee an adequate, realistic and satisfactory response for each request sent to the city,” said Benoît Collette, the City of Laval’s director-general. “With clear, measurable and shared standards, the city will offer better visibility as regards the length of time for processing requests.”

According to the city, information regarding delays in processing requests will be made available for all phone contacts, as well as in person at the city’s multiservice client offices, and online through the “Mon Dossier” web site. The city says that performance indicators will be in place to make sure the results meet customer satisfaction targets.

The city says that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be playing a more prominent role in the near future in plans to increase the municipality’s overall efficiency. For example, beginning this fall the public works department is using mobile pothole detection units to seek out and identify breaks or imperfections on the pavement of Laval’s many streets and roadways before they deteriorate further.

Hamza A. Rehab, assistant-director of the City of Laval’s public works department, is seen here with one of the new self-driving lawn mowers the city is testing, hoping to achieve a 30 per cent savings on its grass-cutting costs. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Bill-paying efficiency

AI has also been deployed since March this year to increase the efficiency of the City of Laval’s bill-paying abilities. The city currently does business with some 10,000 providers of services and products and needs to process more than 120,000 payment invoices annually. Laval has started using an automation tool with AI built in.

The goal is to minimize the amount of processing time and related costs, to pay providers faster and to simplify procedures as much as possible for city employees. The city’s 3-1-1 call centre, which has come in for a fair degree of criticism by users over the years, is also about to be improved through the addition of Artificial Intelligence.

The city says that AI, supplemented by cloud computing technology, will provide call centre employees with text-based readouts, such as transcripts of calls and other information, making the job easier for personnel and the overall customer service experience more pleasant for Laval residents.

AI-powered lawn mowers

The City of Laval’s public works department, normally a labour-intensive environment, is also starting to be taken over by Artificial Intelligence. As part of a pilot project, the city has started to purchase self-driving, electrically-powered lawn mowers as “an eco-responsible, practical, silent and safe solution for the management” of two green spaces, the city says in a press release.

The city foresees a 30 per cent savings from the move, coming from lower energy, maintenance and repair costs, as well as from fewer outsourced contracts to landscaping firms which did that work for decades.

City of Laval aims to upgrade and max the efficiency of its operations Read More »

Three out of four Laval Liberal MPs say they will run in the next federal election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Saying they have every intention of running in the next federal election, which ordinarily would be scheduled for October next year, two of the Laval region’s four Liberal Members of Parliament said in an interview with The Laval News earlier this week that Canadians could actually be heading back to the polls much sooner – as early as January possibly.

Early election ‘possible’

“For me, my answer is it’s possible,” Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury replied when the question of an early election was put to him. “I think so, too,” Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis responded, although she was more nuanced in her response.

“Personally, I don’t think it’ll happen before Christmas,” said Koutrakis. “But I would not think that it would be beyond the realm of possibility that it could be by the end of January. I suspect that it will probably even before spring.”

Growing caucus split

Those who follow the news from the nation’s capital lately couldn’t possibly have missed the growing turmoil in the Liberal ranks over the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His popularity among Canadians is at an all-time low, leading to a growing rift within the Liberal caucus, between MPs who want him to go and others who remain loyal.

On that issue, Koutrakis and El-Khoury left no doubt as to their feelings. Asked where they stand on Justin Trudeau’s future, El-Khoury made the following statement. “Me, I could tell you he is the Prime Minister of Canada,” he said.

“He is concentrating on doing a job for the benefit of Canadians. That’s his main mission right now. I’m supporting the Prime Minister and I think, I believe and I’m convinced he should stay as the leader to lead us for the next election.”

Trudeau’s choice, Koutrakis says

Koutrakis said: “I think only he [Trudeau] has the answer. I mean, there’s no question he knows … there’s a lot of malaise within the caucus. I’m not going to, you know, sugarcoat it.

“There are a lot of people who are sharing with the media and with us as colleagues what they hear at the door,” she continued.

“I have to tell you, when I do door-to-door, and I’ve been honest with you face out, yes, a lot of the comments at the door say that, you know, it’s time for the Prime Minister to move on. But when you push them and you ask them, you know, what does that change look like for you? You’re telling me you want change after nine years and I get it, I’m an elector, as well.”

Iacono in, Robillard out?

Laval’s two other federal ridings are currently held by Liberal MPs. According to the Montreal daily Le Devoir, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Yves Robillard is one of several Liberal caucus members from Quebec who have expressed doubts in recent months about running in the next federal election.

Late last week in an interview during a fundraising event in Chomedey, Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono confirmed he will be running and has obtained official candidate status to run for the Liberals in Alfred-Pellan.

That said, both El-Khoury and Koutrakis stand steadfastly by the Liberals’ achievements since 2015 when Justin Trudeau formed his first government. They emphasized the government’s handling of the more than three-year-long Covid-19 crisis, with generous amounts of subsidized relief to financially-challenged individuals and businesses.

Defending the Liberal record

“Thank god it was this government in place, thank god it was this Prime Minister,” said Koutrakis, maintaining that Canadians stand to live four years longer than their counterparts in the United States, because of the generous pandemic relief provided in Canada compared to the U.S.

She also suggested that a Conservative government would have acted with a great deal more austerity and restraint, to the detriment of needy Canadians. She and El-Khoury cited the federal dental care and pharmacare programs introduced in more recent years as examples of positive government spending.

“It’s covering medicine for diabetic people,” Koutrakis said of pharmacare. “If you look at our population, and I have the number here because I wanted to make sure that I got it right, diabetes affects 9.4 % of Canadians or around 3.7 million people across Canada.

“Most medications for people who suffer with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is $1,000 a month. I mean, that is money that people can now take out of their monthly budget and can send their children to summer camp if they wanted to. Or they can buy that bicycle that they wanted to buy to their children that they couldn’t.”

The Trudeau government’s generous spending has also led the Liberals into previously unexplored territory for record-setting deficits. However, in El-Khoury’s view, spending is necessary in order to succeed.

Spending necessary, El-Khoury says

“I was a businessman and my mind is still on business,” he said. “In order to succeed in any business or to reach your goal, you have to invest. For us, when we put money in this system, we’re investing for a better future for us and for generations to come.

“If we had not invested during Covid, and had the possibility of our economy collapsing, our health system also would be collapsing, losing lives and losing jobs,” he added.

“You know what the consequences would be? It would take years and years to recover. We protected that. It was a great investment. People have to understand the difference between throwing money on the street or investing money for a better future. And that’s exactly what we did.”

Three out of four Laval Liberal MPs say they will run in the next federal election Read More »

Public Services in Quebec Under Scrutiny: Ombudsperson’s 2023-2024 Report Highlights Systemic Failures and Calls for Change

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

Last month, the Protecteur du citoyen, Marc-André Dowd, released his highly anticipated 2023-2024 Annual Report, shedding light on widespread challenges in Quebec’s public services. The report emphasizes systemic failures in various sectors, ranging from public health and social services to corrections and public integrity, calling on government bodies to prioritize citizen needs and restore accountability.

Long Waits and Service Disruptions Plague Government Agencies

The report reveals that government departments and agencies often fail to prioritize citizens, leading to delayed services and long wait times. Problems with reaching the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), and delays in issuing crucial civil documents, such as birth and death certificates, have been flagged. The Protecteur also raised concerns about the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), where the transition to a new platform led to issues like wrongful license suspensions. While labor shortages were acknowledged, Dowd stressed that they should not serve as an excuse for consistent service disruptions. The Ombudsperson called for an urgent reevaluation of how public services manage their responsibilities, putting citizens’ needs at the forefront. 

Indigenous Communities Still Waiting for Action on Viens Commission Recommendations

The report also included the first progress update on the Viens Commission, which investigates the treatment of Indigenous peoples by public services. While some improvements were noted, such as safety initiatives for Indigenous women, the Ombudsperson criticized the pace of reform, including the failure to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Quebec’s legal framework. 

Depersonalization in Healthcare: A Call for Humanized Services

Health and social services are struggling with a lack of resources, leading to what Dowd describes as “depersonalization.” Staff shortages and high turnover have forced many care providers to focus solely on essential services, often reducing patients to their clinical profiles rather than treating them as individuals. The Protecteur du citoyen’s investigations revealed inadequately trained staff in care facilities, leading to improper use of control measures and insufficient care for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those in youth protection. As Quebec introduces new health reforms, the Ombudsperson warned that real progress would only be made if these initiatives ensure more personalized and accessible care. Concerns remain, particularly regarding the treatment of those in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serious Failures in Correctional Facilities

Dowd’s report uncovered alarming issues within Quebec’s detention centers, where chronic staff shortages have compromised basic human rights. Incarcerated individuals have faced extended periods of confinement, lacked access to clean clothing, and been subjected to restrictive measures, such as the unnecessary use of handcuffs, due to infrastructure inadequacies. Despite a new training center for correctional officers, 20.5% of regular positions remain vacant. The report also highlighted procedural failures during disciplinary hearings, which risked denying prisoners a fair process, and flagged ongoing problems with the transition of healthcare management from public security to health authorities. 

Public Integrity: Ending Corruption and Irregularities

Investigations into public integrity revealed numerous cases of favoritism, cost overruns, and misuse of public funds. Examples include a school director bypassing hiring protocols to appoint an ex-colleague, and private expenses being wrongly charged to public funds in CHSLDs (long-term care homes). Dowd noted that while exposing misconduct is crucial, the priority is to end these practices and prevent recurrence. With new legislative changes set to expand the Protecteur du citoyen’s role in managing ethics within government bodies, Dowd expressed his commitment to promoting transparency and ethical governance. 

Record Number of Complaints Filed 

The Protecteur du citoyen processed a record 24,867 requests this year, an increase from 2022-2023. The agency found nearly 45% of complaints about health and social services to be justified, with the rate rising to 61% for long-term care facilities and 50.3% for hospitals. Complaints also surged in correctional services and public integrity, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with government oversight.

A Call for Change

Despite the significant challenges, Dowd concluded that public services are generally cooperative in addressing their shortcomings. However, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure that citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, are not left behind. The full 2023-2024 report is available on the Protecteur du citoyen’s website.

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Laval among cities where raids lead to arrest of fraud artists

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Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Laval was among six municipalities in Quebec and Ontario where police executed warrants and led concerted raids last week in order to arrest suspects in a fraud ring that targeted senior citizens.

In all, five people were taken into custody in the operation involving 22 warrants executed in Laval, Sherbrooke, Brossard, St-Lin-des-Laurentides, Sainte-Thérèse and Toronto.

According to police, the suspects made up to 140,000 phone calls to set up seniors for scams which finally became the subject of a police investigation beginning in November 2023.

Suspect from Laval among three arrested for alleged firearms trafficking

A suspect from Laval was one of three individuals arrested last week by the Montreal Police in conjunction with alleged firearms trafficking and illegal firearms possession.

The three, who are 18, 20 and 23 years of age respectively, were arraigned at the Palais de Justice in Montreal.

According to a statement issued by the Montreal Police, warrants were executed in Laval, the Montreal borough of Mercier-Hochelaga and in Saint-Colomban in the lower Laurentians.

Six handguns were confiscated, as were an unspecified amount of ammunition and other incriminating evidence, according to the Montreal Police.

Former Laval department manager guilty of raping sleeping woman

A former Laval city department manager was found guilty of sexual assault recently after failing to obtain the consent of a woman with whom he had just engaged in sexual activity, but who was unable to consent again after she fell asleep.

According to testimony rendered during the trial at the Palais de Justice de Laval, the two met through the online social media website Tinder.

Judge Serge Cimon ruled that Julien Leclerc, 39, who no longer works for the City of Laval’s tree maintenance division, failed to obtain the woman’s consent as she was asleep when Leclerc tried to have sex with her in the fall of 2022 as she slumbered at his home.

Although Leclerc and the woman, whose identity can’t be revealed, initially appeared to get along well, and she agreed to go to his home where she willingly had sex, she testified that when he tried a second time, she refused and he relented.

However, later in the evening, according to her testimony, he tried again. On awaking, she maintained, he was raping her because she didn’t give her consent.

She reported the incident to a friend who works with the Sûreté du Québec and later filed a formal criminal complaint. Leclerc hasn’t worked for the City of Laval since late 2022 after he resigned.

Recent Laval fire calls

Although it’s been empty for nearly a year following an arson attack, the remains of the Al Sultan Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. in Chomedey went up in flames again on Oct. 4, with arson again suspected. The Laval Police have opened yet another investigation.

A few weeks earlier, on Saturday Sept. 28, a house in the upscale Île Roussin neighbourhood in Laval-sur-le-Lac also went up in flames, with Laval Fire Dept. firefighters calling in a code 10-13, signifying a third necessary alarm.

The Laval Police were called in to open an investigation as the LFD initially suspected arson. The home’s fire alarm system alerted 9-1-1.

Upon arrival, LFD firefighters could see flames shooting out of windows on the first floor, although they also determined that no one was home.

Damage has been estimated at $500,000 on a residential building valued at $2,630,000, with an additional $300,000 in damages to property and materials inside the dwelling. Two firefighters sustained injuries which were relatively minor.

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Indian-Canadians celebrate their country’s 78th year of independence

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More than fifty guests – including many Laval and Montreal residents of Indian-Canadian heritage – were joined by elected officials from the City of Montreal on the evening of Sept. 29 for a celebration in Laval of the 78th anniversary of the Republic of India’s independence.

India’s economic strength

While the current Indian government’s leadership continues to get high approval ratings – largely on the basis of its development strategies which have greatly expanded India’s economy – the tone of the gathering sponsored by the India-Canada Association of Montreal (ICAM) was a mostly apolitical salute to India’s cultural strength.

Several guests who delivered addresses during the reception held at the Mehfil Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. noted that India is currently the world’s largest democratically-governed nation.

This is in spite of an autocratic shift taken in recent years by the current Indian government.

Ram Mandir inaugurated

C.B. Singh, longtime president of ICAM, noted in a foreword to the evening’s published program that the beginning of 2024 was auspicious for India, as it marked the inauguration in January of the Ram Mandir (the temple honoring the Hindu deity Rama), following centuries of cultural tension.

“Mr. Narendra Modi is the second Prime Minister to ever win a third term after Jawar Lal Nehru,” Singh pointed out, referring to India’s current leader.

He added that “Mr. Modi humbly took the election winnings with the help of Chandra Babu Naidu of Andra Pradesh and Nitesh Kumar of Bihar who was a huge critic of Narendra Modi, but clearly saw he was the best suited for the responsibilities that come with running the largest democratic country in the world with the fastest growing economy.”

World’s 5th largest economy

In a message also published in the program, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Republic of India’s High Commissioner to Canada, wrote that “India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy is a testament to our collective efforts and aspirations.”

He said that with a consistent average growth rate of eight per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, “India is on track to become one of the top three global economies in the near future.”

He said the country’s strategic roadmap envisions India evolving in global status from an economically developing nation into a developed one by the year 2047.

Port of entry for immigration

Although a significant percentage of the Montreal region’s Indian community has traditionally first settled in Park Extension (a popular “port of entry”), many have subsequently relocated to suburbs such as Laval, as well as the West Island, Saint-Laurent and the South Shore, where the presence of Indian Canadians has grown exponentially.

A trio of elected officials from the City of Montreal (Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, St. Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and St. Laurent councillor Aref Salem, who is interim-leader of the Montreal city council opposition Ensemble Montréal party) were among the evening’s guests.

“India Independence is always something special because this is one of the largest democracies in the world,” DeSousa said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia.

An active diaspora, DeSousa says

“This is not only a celebration of India’s independence, but also a sign that democracy is alive and well,” he continued.

“There’s also an important Indian diaspora in Quebec and Canada which is very active economically and culturally. It’s good to see that the diaspora is doing well here, while maintaining good ties with the mother country.”

Deros summed up how she feels close to members of the Indian-Canadian community who reside in her district when she said, “I feel like part of the family.”

She noted that in Park Extension alone, there are three temples where Indian-Canadians attend services regularly. She said she has cherished their friendship and support since she came to live in Park Extension more than 50 years ago.

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Trudeau’s hawkish stance on Russia/Ukraine ‘unthinking’ and ‘dangerous,’ says Mulcair

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Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tom Mulcair, who came closer in 2015 than most Canadians ever will to becoming Canada’s Prime Minister, lashed out at the country’s embattled current PM when he told a gathering of lawyers and law students last month at Concordia University that Justin Trudeau’s suggestion to world leaders – that they arm Ukraine with missiles to penetrate deep into Russia – was “as unthinking as it is dangerous.”

In an address on Canada’s Role on the World Stage as part of the Jurist-in-Residence program at Concordia’s downtown campus, the former NDP leader, former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister and ex-MNA for Chomedey raised questions about Trudeau’s understanding of diplomacy and international relations.

Trudeau ‘incredibly irresponsible’

While Mulcair suggested that “there are times when a more thoughtful, independent Canadian foreign policy could be very helpful,” he said that Justin Trudeau instead repeated the statements he made a few days later.

“What does it mean for Mr. Trudeau to be saying that Ukraine should be using weapons supplied by NATO to fire deep into Russia? If not, then he’s inviting NATO to join the war into Russia. Is that responsible?”

Answering questions, Mulcair added, “I don’t take it seriously when Mr. Trudeau says he doesn’t see any problem with Ukraine using NATO weapons to fire deep into Russia. I just find it so incredibly irresponsible.”

Sees Canada as peacemaker

Alluding to “NATO’s behavior since the fall of the Soviet Union,” while adding that “Russia today has its own security concerns that we chose to ignore and in fact dismiss,” Mulcair insisted nonetheless that Canada “has correctly chosen to support Ukraine since the [Russian] invasion… But Canada could play a significant role in helping shape the rules that would govern the peace that will inevitably follow the end of that tragic war.”

Clarifying his position on this point, he said later, “I think if there were cooler heads out there saying ‘can we just look at our own behavior here,’ and if we create a system where a wounded Russian bear continues to sense that on its own it doesn’t have security and NATO is not only dismissing it, but just completely just completely ignoring it, I think we’re paying a heavy price … without in any way trying to justify it or soft-pedal with the horrors that Putin and his regime have brought since then.”

Trudeau’s immigration policy

Addressing Canada’s growing immigration concerns, Mulcair said he thought it was wrong for Trudeau to seize upon a plan initially promoted by former McKinsey and Co. managing partner Dominic Barton (who became Canada’s ambassador to China) to have a population of 100 million Canadians by the end of this century, “without at the same time doing his basic leg work,” added Mulcair.

“You know, it’s the basic work of government to plan these things. And the backlash that you’re feeling now, that a lot of immigrants are feeling especially in Quebec, is the result of that lack of proper execution of a plan.”

Rules of peace, not war

Referring to a lengthy U.S. Department of Defense publication known as the Law of War Manual, Mulcair said that in light of the many current conflicts around the world, it serves as a reminder that legal rules aren’t enough to safeguard the world from the impacts of war.

He concluded by suggesting that rather than have rules for the conduct of war, we should have an equivalent code that aims for peace.

“Peace has to be the ultimate purpose of international law, and Canada can and should be playing a much larger and more positive role,” said Mulcair.

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