Author name: The Suburban

Pierrefonds group steps up to help job-seekers amid Quebec service cuts

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In the wake of recent funding cuts to YES Employment + Entrepreneurship by Quebec’s Ministry of Employment, a West Island organization is emerging as a crucial resource for Montreal’s English-speaking job seekers.

Inicio, a Montreal-based employment services organization, is expanding its reach to support anglophone and allophone communities facing increasing challenges in the job market. The organization offers comprehensive employment preparation programs designed specifically for English speakers trying to establish themselves in Quebec’s workforce.

“Our mission is to empower first and second-language English speakers with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” President and CEO of Inicio Alistair Price stated. “We’re particularly focused on helping them overcome the barriers to employment that are unique to Quebec’s job market.”

The organization has developed four distinct programs to address various needs in the community. Their flagship PPE Program (Projet de préparation à l’emploi), funded by Services Québec, provides full-time, in-person job readiness training. The program includes practical workshops on job search strategies, CV writing, and interview techniques.

Michael Leclair, Executive Director of Projet Communautaire de Pierrefonds and Inicio board member, emphasizes the critical timing of these services. “With recent changes in the employment services landscape, organizations like Inicio are becoming increasingly important for our community,” Leclair, whose work focuses on helping immigrant families transition to life in Montreal, wrote to The Suburban.

Inicio’s comprehensive approach includes their Momentum Program, which focuses on modern job search essentials such as LinkedIn optimization and personal branding. Understanding the unique linguistic challenges of Montreal’s job market, the organization also offers dedicated French and English-language programs designed specifically for professional development. n

Pierrefonds group steps up to help job-seekers amid Quebec service cuts Read More »

Massive sinkhole on Somerled will take weeks to repair

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

In the evening of last Sunday, May 4 a rather sizable sinkhole opened up at the corner of Somerled and Mariette in the the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.

The hole has been described as “car-sized” by some. It’s not quite that big, but is deep.

Deep enough, in fact, that the watermain well below street level is visible, with water still gushing out of it by Monday afternoon.

And that, workers on the scene explained, was the problem. The sinkhole was caused by a broken watermain that nobody knew about because it was underground, and had not, as yet, caused any problems at street level. But over time the leaking water eroded what lay beneath the asphalt until that section of road collapsed.

The sinkhole has been fenced off, and the intersection is closed to traffic, with the 102 bus being diverted to Monkland eastbound, and to Fielding for the westbound bus.

Residents in the area did notice a slight drop in water pressure, but by Monday afternoon the city decided that there was no reason to close off water in the area completely.

The repair work should take a couple of weeks. n

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Minimum wage earners get a raise

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

The Quebec government’s announced rise in the minimum wage took effect last Thursday.

Labour Minister Jean Boulet announced the raise last January. Bringing the minimum wage up, he said at the time, will respect “businesses’ ability to pay, while allowing workers to increase their income and preserve their purchasing power.”

The wage went up from $15.75 to $16.10, a raise of 35 cents. It amounts to 2.22 percent, and will mean, Boulet said, that “workers will see an increase in their disposable income of up to $484 per year.”

Tip earners’ minimum will go up just 30 cents to an hourly rate of $12.90, an increase of 2.38 percent. That same percentage increase, the government said in January, will also apply “to workers assigned exclusively, during a pay period, to picking raspberries or strawberries. Thus, the minimum wage payable will increase to $4.78 per kilogram for raspberry picking and to $1.28 per kilogram for strawberry picking.”

This will bring Quebec’s minimum wage above some provinces, like the maritime provinces where, as of April 1 – according to the Retail Council of Canada – minimum wage is between $15.65 and $16. Ontario’s minimum wage is at $17.20, but it’s not the highest; Yukon’s minimum wage is $17.94, and Nunavut’s is $19.

Boulet noted, that “the minimum wage increases made by our government since 2019 is higher than inflation.” That’s “despite the inflationary economic context that followed the pandemic years.” n

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Drainville blames teachers union for CDN Bedford scandal

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Education Minister Bernard Drainville is putting at least some of the blame for the École Bedford scandal at the feet of the Alliance des professeures et professeurs de Montréal, the teachers’ union that is a part of the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement.

Drainville intimated last week that the union’s “attitude and behaviour” have contributed to the abuses at École Bedford that brought it and other schools to the attention of the National Assembly last fall providing justification, as far as the Coalition Avenir Québec government is concerned, for strengthening the secularism bill.

The incident at Bedford sparked an investigation, last December, into it and sixteen other schools for contravening the secularism law. At École Bedford, eleven teachers were suspended for creating a toxic climate. There were allegations of psychological and physical abuse, that religious education and “Islamic concepts” were being imposed on the students, with teachers disregarding science, separating genders, banning girls from sports, etc.

Drainville specifically called out FAE President Melanie Hubert, saying that the union ignored complaints by teachers at École Bedford regarding the situation that was then unfolding.

Hubert says Drainville is out of line.

She says that it is not the union’s place to deal with supervising staff, which is the responsibility of management, adding that the union does not have direct interaction with school service centres.

At the time of the scandal, Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy called for CSSDM Director-General Isabelle Gélinas to step down.

Last August the Alliance and the FAE joined the English Montreal School Board’s challenge of Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21. The FAE said, at the time, that it was against the government’s pre-emptive use of the Notwithstanding Clause, that the law infringes on rights and freedoms guaranteed in the charter.

Drainville took umbrage to the union joining the challenge, saying Hubert did not have member support to do so. Hubert disagrees, saying her mandate from members to challenge Bill 21 goes back to 2013. The FAE maintains that the law has led to discriminatory practices when hiring, and is an attack on the teaching profession. n

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Public transit fares going up this summer

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

It’s been about a year since the last time a rise in public transit fares was announced. That fare hike took effect in July of last year. There’s another one coming this July.

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) – which is the Greater Montreal transit authority – announced last Wednesday that public transit fares will be going up on July 1 – Canada Day.

It says it is taking a “responsible approach” in limiting indexation to 3 percent, “paying particular attention to citizens’ ability to pay in order to maintain the affordability of services for all customers.”

The rise last year saw the monthly pass go from $97 to $100. Here is a list of what riders will pay come July 1: One-trip and two-trip fares will remain the same – $3.75 and $7.00 respectively in Zone A. Monthly fares will go up from $100 to $104.50. A 10-trip pass will go up from $33.25 to $34.25. A 24-hour pass will go up to $11.25, a raise of just 25 cents. Weekly passes (Monday-Sunday) will go up to $32.00 from $31.00.

ARTM Director General Benoît Gendron says “this measure helps limit the financial impact on customers, while ensuring that we can continue to offer a reliable and efficient service.”

The authority says it will continue to ensure that special bus tickets line up with the commissioning of the REM, as well as withdrawing old exo, TRAM and TRAIN tickets.

Last fall the ARTM announced a restructuring that amounted to $3 million in cuts. At the time, Gendron said “all stakeholders in public transit can and must adapt to do more with existing resources. Citizens expect all industry players to adopt more efficient practices” in tough economic times. n

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Archdiocese sets up new real estate division to respond to social needs

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

The Archdiocese of Montreal has announced the creation of what it is calling a new “innovative not-for-profit entity dedicated to the strategic management of church properties.” This new arm will be in addition to their real estate division, but with a mind to “reimagining how our spaces can serve the common good,” says Monseigneur Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.

It’s being called the Corporation Immobilière Catholique Romaine de Montréal (CICRM). Its mission is to act as the intermediary between churches – specifically the fabriques that manage them – and municipalities, governments, and “development partners.”

Stefano Marrone, who has been responsible for Archdiocese real estate for the past few years, has been appointed CEO and General Manager of the CICRM. This new position will broaden his work, and open the mandate to the wider Catholic community – other dioceses, congregations, or missions.

Fabriques are the legal entities that own or manage parishes, Marrone explains. The CICRM was put together to provide the fabriques with “a complete, centralized service” to help them work through decisions as to what they can do with their properties in terms of opening them up to the needs of the community. Marrone’s job would be to help the fabriques decide when it comes to renting out church space, reconsidering usage or zoning of church buildings, redevelopment, and other matters.

The corporation would not be telling the fabriques what they can and cannot do with their space or properties, Marrone says. It would simply help them work through whatever decisions they do make.

Church property can refer to a presbytery, an adjacent parking lot, a church basement, etc.

Marrone acknowledges that the word “redevelopment” tends to make people uneasy, particularly with the housing shortage and the homelessness crisis dominating the news. However, the mission of the CICRM is to “leverage real estate development as a tool for community benefit and heritage valorization,” according to a news release put out by the Archdiocese. That could mean identifying potential for affordable housing projects, Marrone explains, “but always in a way that’s going to give back to the community somehow. So we’re not looking ever to gentrify a community,” he adds, “but housing projects would not be off the table.” But it will always come down to the needs of the community. And that would mean open discussions with each municipality and fabrique.

Outside of housing, it is not unusual for community groups like theatre companies or daycares to operate out of a church space. That’s another area where the CICRM would help them come up with ways to use church space, and facilitate a transaction. “Where there are spaces that are underutilized, we can match them with the right organization.” Fabriques were considered autonomous bodies. The CICRM, as a centralized entity, would bridge the gap between the fabriques and community organizations.

The hope is that the CICRM will “ensure that every project serves a tangible local social need.” n

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Montreal police chief defends handling of Cavendish anti-Israel protest

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Montreal police chief Fady Dagher responded to The Suburban about the SPVM’s handling of the April 7 anti-Israel protest at Quartier Cavendish in Côte St. Luc.

While the police moved the protesters away from the CineStarz theatre where a special showing of the documentary October 8, about the rise of antisemitism since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, took place, the agitators were allowed to stay in the mall for more than two hours.

Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and the mall ownership had called on the police to eject the protesters, citing Criminal Code provisions against intimidation, and Brownstein and Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather reinforced this point in a letter to the Plante administration. Police on the scene said they could not take this action unless the protesters committed a crime, and that they could stay in a public access on private property.

Dagher was asked about this by The Suburban following his April 25 visit with students at Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent.

“It all depends on the situation, every situation is different,” the police chief said. “We have lawyers who work with the police department and they let us know when it is the time to act. We have some events where the police act right away during those demonstrations and in the last year and a half, we made more than 120 arrests.”

Dagher said police actions depend on the timing and the rules officers follow — each situation is different, and sometimes non-intervention is appropriate.

“It’s always depending on the circumstances. The police department never wants to start something, we want to resolve the issues, so we have to find the right time.”

Housefather and Brownstein had also written to the Plante administration that the SPVM’s decision not to eject the anti-Israel protesters “stands in stark contrast to the police response in other jurisdictions where trespassing on private property has led to prompt enforcement. It also underscores a broader and deeply troubling inconsistency in how public safety is being ensured on the Island of Montreal.”

Dagher acknowledged to The Suburban that different cities in Canada have different policies emanating from the rules of their municipality.

“But for the Criminal Code, we always get assisted by our lawyers. The Criminal Code is for everyone in Canada, but again, we have to find exactly the right moment, the needs for what is happening and when we have the right tools — then we intervene. Sometimes it feels very frustrating for the people to see that the police are not acting, but it’s not because they don’t want to. They have to make sure they have the right legal argument to be able to advance.” n

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8,000 Montrealers celebrate Israel!

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

More than 8,000 Montrealers turned out in picture perfect spring weather to celebrate Israel’s 77th rebirth, and to show their strong support a year and a half after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and solidarity with 59 hostages still held by the terrorist group.

The popular event began this year at Macdonald Park in Côte des Neiges-NDG, and a joyous parade of blue and white — with superb security provided by the SPVM— paraded down Dupuis to Décarie Blvd., Plamondon, Westbury and finally to Van Horne Park.

The festivities, organized by the Jewish Unity Partnership, were led by Cantor Daniel Benlolo and James Karls Entertainment.

Numerous dignitaries and notables were on hand, including Israel Consul-General Paul Hirschson in his final Montreal Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration before returning to Israel, German Consul-General Susanne Aschi-Glesius, Romanian Consul-General Tullia-Imola Balla; leaders of the Filipino community, who are longtime supporters of Israel; Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and former Conservative candidate Neil Oberman; D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass; Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein; Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, former Mayor William Steinberg; Canadian Magen David Adom national president Arlène Madar-Abitan, and students from Montreal’s Jewish day schools, amongst many others.

Moments of silence were held for the over 2,000 Israelis killed since Oct.7 and for the 59 hostages still held by Hamas including the late Canadian Judi Weinstein Haggai.

The attendees also paid homage and stood in solidarity with the Filipino community after the tragedy that occurred in Vancouver with the car ramming attack against members of the Filipino community that resulted in eleven deaths and dozens injured.

Hirschson told the massive audience the sad news of the major fire which destroyed the Jewish National Fund’s Canada Park, in existence since 1975 and largely established by the Montreal Jewish community.

“We will rebuild Canada Park completely!” he said.

Hirschson also pointed out that the terrorist leaders who attacked Israel Oct. 7 and before and after, including the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, are now dead.

“Iranians have been exposed as weak! As is described in polite society, f–k around and find out!”

The Consul-General added that the remaining hostages are being “held in torture. Until they come home, this war cannot begin to end!”

Regarding Judi Weinstein Haggai, whose body remains in Gaza, “I would like to hear the Canadian government, media and society in general care a little more about her!”

Hirschson also said Jewish unity “is not just a core value, it’s fundamental to our winning, without which we’ll be in trouble.”

He also encouraged members of the community to make aliyah to Israel, “just to make me happy!

“Come home! Come be a player on the winning team of the 21st century!”

Of nearby anti-Israel protesters, he said, “they’re losers! Don’t ever be scared! They are louder than they are many! We have far more friends in Montreal, Quebec and throughout Canada than they have or ever will have! We are builders and winners!”

In a video message, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said “we cannot but be aware of the constant sacrifices [the Jewish state] demands of us, they are many!

“Since Oct. 7, 2023, we in Israel have been engaged in a fight for the safety and integrity of our society!” he added. “So many from across Israel – and communities around the world – are still on the frontlines, fighting the dark force of terror that threatens us all, and defending the very fabric of the free world!”

The Israeli president added that the country’s hearts break “each moment anew at the ongoing atrocity of our sisters and brothers buried deep underground, dead and alive, in a brutal violation of every legal, human, and ethical code. There is no question that we cannot begin to truly heal – nor can we be whole – until every last one of them is freed. At the same time, antisemitism has come charging forward in so many forms throughout the globe. It has radically challenged the basic sense of safety of communities everywhere.”

Federation CJA board chair Steve Sebag urged the crowd to look at Israel’s flag, “…this beautiful flag! A symbol of a people that refuses to disappear! The symbol of victory! Israel is strong!

“Israel is powerful, moral and it’s ours! When you try to isolate us, we get louder! When you try to shame us, we lift our heads high! Our generation knows exactly where we stand! We stand with Israel, we stand with its people, with its soldiers, with its future! Today, while rockets fall and lies spread, Israel stands stronger, smarter, braver and more beautiful than ever! Wear the flag like armour, because when you raise the flag, you raise every generation! Am Yisrael Chai!”

The event concluded with drawings for a trip to Israel and a Visa gift card for a student, and the singing of O Canada and Hatikvah. n

8,000 Montrealers celebrate Israel! Read More »

Montreal police chief enthrals St. Laurent elementary students

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Montreal police chief Fady Dagher enthralled students at Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent last Friday, telling them about his life in Montreal and with the SPVM.

Dagher, a longtime resident of St. Laurent, pointed out that his three children attended Gardenview. The police chief was joined at the school by St. Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa and councillors Vana Nazarian, Aref Salem and Jacques Cohen, and from the English Montreal School Board, Director-General Nicholas Katalifos, Board Vice-Chairman and St. Laurent Commissioner James Kromida; Demetrios Giannacopoulos, Regional Director (West), and Assistant Director-General Pela Nickoletopoulos.

Dagher told the students and staff that returning to Gardenview was an emotional experience.

“Gardenview was always in my heart, and will always stay in my heart,” he said to much applause. “This is also the first time I’ve come to an elementary school and met with the kids.”

Dagher was first interviewed by Mike Cohen, manager of marketing and communications at the EMSB, and then answered very intelligent and perceptive questions from the students. The police chief, who speaks five languages perfectly, told Cohen that when he was growing up, he aspired to be an architect.

“But to be honest with you, I wasn’t good in mathematics. Then I wanted to be the manager of a big store in Montreal. But one day, a police officer in uniform came in to a store to buy a pair of glasses.”

Dagher then asked about the officer’s work, and was invited to join him on a ride-a-long, and the future chief’s career path was set. He also went back to school at the age of 42 to get an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration at McGill and HEC.

“I remember sitting in our dining room doing my homework and my three kids, who were here at Gardenview, were doing their homework at the same time as me. They said, ‘Dad, why are you studying?’ I told them ‘I didn’t finish what I wanted to finish when I was 20 years old.’”

Now, he leads more than 5,000 police officers, and a total of 6,500 people in the SPVM. He advised the students to pursue their dreams and not give up.

The students were then asked what a police chief does. One student said, “he tells every other officer what to do, like he’s the king.”

“Are you the king?” Cohen asked.

“No, I’m not the king,” Dagher said. “But yes, you’re right, I tell my police officers what we are to do, where we’re going. I guide my people, but I’m not the king.”

Another student asked why Dagher wanted to become police chief.

“In 2009-2010, I was the commander of a police station, and I saw what we were able to do with the community, and I didn’t just want to do that in one neighbourhood.”

One student asked, “what is the coolest part of your job?”

“It’s a tough job,” Dagher said. “But the coolest part of my career was when I was undercover, buying drugs to get them off the street, so that kids wouldn’t have any access to them. I loved that period of my life, because I was able to make the city safer. That was a great time, from 1992 to 1996, one of the best times of my career.”

Then came the most provocative question. “Do you ever use your gun?” asked a student.

“I’m surprised that question didn’t come earlier,” Dagher joked. “Yes, I used it, but I never fired it. I took it out, but I never shot anybody, and thank God.” n

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Senior dies after accident at Place Vertu

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

One senior died and another one was seriously injured after being pinned against a car by a motorist in an accident that took place at around 3:15 p.m. Thursday April 17 in the parking lot of Place Vertu in St. Laurent, near the entrance leading to the Uniprix pharmacy and Canadian Tire.

This was the second major incident to happen in one day at the borough — hours earlier, overnight, a man was stabbed to death in a building in the area of Beaudet and Décarie Blvd. A 40-year-old man was arrested in that incident.

When The Suburban arrived at Place Vertu in the early evening, the SPVM investigation was still underway with police tape surrounding a large area of the parking lot. The two cars involved in the accident were still in the lot, including one that was severely damaged. The motorist involved was still being interviewed by police inside the mall.

SPVM spokesperson Marianne Allaire Morin, who was on site, told The Suburban that police received a 911 call at about 3:15 p.m.

“What we know is that a driver was backing up when he collided with the two pedestrians, and they were seriously injured and brought to hospital in critical condition,” she added.

The 97-year-old women was out of danger but seriously injured.

The 89-year-old man, prominent member of the Montreal Greek community and a mechanic by profession George Spanakis, was in critical condition and was first said to be out of danger, but he passed away April 19, police announced April 21. His daughter Maria Spanakis spoke out after some cruel posters on social media alleged that the victims were driving. She wrote on Facebook that “I am fiercely protective of my dad and it angers me that people are jumping to conclusions and showing anger and judgment about a whole lotta stuff -like the facts they do not have….Where did truthfulness, integrity and human compassion go?”

She told CTV News that “I just felt it was devoid and empty and only sensationalizing the event without any humanity associated to it. We have to remind ourselves there are human beings who are grieving and suffering at the other end of those mean-spirited comments.”

The driver, who is 80 years old, was not charged and police consider the incident purely an accident. He was not treated for shock, nor was he injured. n

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Montrealers commemorate Yom Hashoah

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By Joel Goldenberg

The Montreal community turned out in large numbers last Wednesday at Côte St. Luc’s Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem synagogue for the annual Yom HaShoah ceremony to commemorate the Holocaust.

The Montreal Holocaust Museum (MHM)-organized event, with this year’s theme being “I want you to remember… a childhood lost,” attracted numerous dignitaries, including Israeli Consul-General David Levy, Premier Philippe Couillard, numerous consular officials, MPs including Anthony Housefather of Mount Royal and Emmanuella Lambropoulos (St. Laurent), D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum and his predecessor Lawrence Bergman; and mayors and council members from such cities and boroughs such as Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, St. Laurent, Dollard des Ormeaux and others.

Ruth Najman, co-chair with Doris Steg of the MHM’s Yom HaShoah Committee, told the large audience that “we are the last generation to hear the voices of Holocaust survivors in person, and to meet and know them. This is both a privilege and a responsibility.”

Couillard praised the Jewish community’s contributions to Quebec, and included Hebrew and Yiddish in his opening greeting. He also recognized Lawrence Bergman’s role in having Yom HaShoah recognized in the National Assembly more than 18 years ago.

“Today, Quebec is your home,” the Premier told the Jewish community. “You are justly proud of your unwavering commitment to sharing with those less fortunate, to building and nurturing communities, and justly proud of this defiant, hopeful and lasting response to the ultimate tragedy of the Holocaust.”

Levy, the new Israeli Consul-General, said that the purpose of Yom HaShoah “is not just to state the facts as they are, but to ensure the memory of the Holocaust remains part of our collective consciousness, ingrained in the very fibre of humanity as a whole. This becomes more important year after year, as each day brings us closer to that moment when the Holocaust will cease to be a living memory.”

Six Holocaust survivors, with members of their families, lit memorial candles. They included:

• Mario Polèse, born in 1943 in the Netherlands, who survived with his parents thanks to “the heroism of thousands of Dutch people — but also thanks to luck, I see no other word.”

• Zissel Farkas, born in 1928 in Romania, who survived Auschwitz with the help of her older sister Suri. Farkas now has three children, 26 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren.

• Muguette Myers, born in 1931 in Paris, who survived in the town of Champlost and was liberated by the Americans in 1944. “During the war, I was never afraid when I was with my mother because she had a very strong character and took care of everything,” Myers said.

• Ernest Ehrmann, born in 1928 in the former Czechoslovakia, who survived 10 months in four concentration camps but lost his parents and one of his sisters at Auschwitz. “I consider it to be a great gift that I survived, a gift not to be taken for granted,” he said.

• Eva Verebres, born in 1935 in Hungary, who survived in Budapest as the Soviets battled the Germans in January 1945. She lost most of her family, including her mother. “My children and grandchildren are the living example that Hitler did not succeed completely,” she said.

• Leo Kliot, born in 1929 in Lithuania, who narrowly escaped the liquidation of the Vilna ghetto, and was liberated by the Russians in 1944.

Readings were provided by past March of the Living participants Jeremy Levett and Samantha Bloom, as well as granddaughter of survivors Nancy Sculnick. Cantor David Sebbag of the Adath congregation led the Memorial Prayer, Rabbi Boris Dolin of Congregation Dorshei Emet recited the T’hillim and survivor Max Kulik led the Kaddish prayer. Musical accompaniment came from the Jewish People’s and Peretz Schools Grade 6 choir as well as survivor Fishel Goldig, directed by Jason Rosenblatt.

Montrealers commemorate Yom Hashoah Read More »

Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg named by Newsweek as one of world’s top hospital CEOs

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Newsweek magazine has recognized Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg of the Jewish General Hospital, president and CEO of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, as one of the world’s 25 top hospital CEOs.

Rosenberg is also a Professor of Surgery and Medicine at McGill University, and was one of three Canadians honoured. The American magazine named Rosenberg’s many accomplishments and pointed out that the author of Patients Matter Most: How Healthcare Is Becoming Personal Again “implemented the first provincial connected health innovation & research incubator (OROT) as part of his ‘Care Everywhere’ vision. Dr. Rosenberg has extensive experience as a clinician-scientist, educator, and consultant in value-based health systems and management of change.”

Newsweek, in an article describing how they chose the top hospital CEOs, explained that “while each of these executives have their own skill sets and stories, they have managed to lead their organizations to great success….A few common themes recurred throughout our conversations: a concern for delivering the most impactful patient care, a curiosity about artificial intelligence and what it could mean for the future of medicine, and a real warmth when discussing the team members that they work alongside.”

“While the CEOs stand out for their acumen regarding health care management, they acknowledge that working among a capable team focused on bettering the lives of their patients is what makes these hospitals among the world’s best.” n

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Liberals win Mount Royal, Outremont, St. Laurent

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The federal Liberal strongholds in the west end of Montreal maintained that status Monday night, although for a large part of the evening, the Mount Royal race was quite tight.

Anthony Housefather was declared the winner at around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, but the evening started off as a nailbiter between him and Conservative candidate Neil Oberman. The riding has been Liberal since 1940, but has previously come out strong for the Conservatives, particularly when Stephen Harper was Prime Minister. As of Tuesday morning, with 203 of 204 polls reporting, Housefather had 50.9 percent of the vote to 40.67 percent for Oberman, 4.65 percent for the NDP and 3.3 percent for the BQ. In 2021, Housefather won with 57 percent of the vote to 24.46 percent for the Conservatives.

“Thank you to the people of Mount Royal for once again putting their trust in me, serving my riding and country is the honour of a lifetime,” Housefather posted.

Oberman, reacting to the call during the evening of a Liberal minority government, told The Suburban, ”people have a vote, they have a voice, they have a choice and they want change.

“This is not a referendum on a single person,” he added. “This is a referendum on a party, on their policies and on their politics.”

At Housefather headquarters, his supporters reflected on the short but intense campaign in Mount Royal.

“I thought the campaign at times was not as respectful as I would have liked,” said Côte St. Luc councillor Steven Erdelyi. “Anthony Housefather has been an excellent MP, the best MP I’ve ever had the chance to work with.”

Also at his headquarters were CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Marvin Rotrand of United Against Hate and former D’Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman, the co-chair of Housefather’s campaign.

“We reached a lot of people throughout the campaign, and had a great group of volunteers,” Bergman told The Suburban.

The Liberals won more easily and quickly in the St. Laurent and Outremont ridings, where Emmanuella Lambropoulos and Rachel Bendayan respectively were declared the winners before midnight. As of Tuesday morning with 170 of 171 polls reporting, Bendayan won with 55 percent of the vote, to 12.6 percent for the Conservatives, 12.2 percent for the BQ, 10.6 percent for the NDP and 9.67 percent for the Green Party and its co-leader Jonathan Pedneault.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your trust,” Bendayan posted along with a video showing her reaction to her victory.

In St. Laurent, with 164 of 166 polls reporting Lambropoulos was the winner with 59.1 percent, to the Conservatives with 28 percent, the BQ at 5.7 percent, the NDP at 4.5 percent and the Green Party at 1.6 percent. n

Liberals win Mount Royal, Outremont, St. Laurent Read More »

Police search for suspects in Valleyfield attack

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A man in his 20’s was transported to the hospital in critical condition following an altercation that took place shortly after midnight on Sunday in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Quebec provincial police (SQ) responded to the call concerning a man who was visibly attacked and bloodied at approximately 12:15 a.m. on St-Helene Street.

The SQ spokesperson told The Suburban that the conflict details are still foggy at this early stage of the investigation. She also confirmed that the victim’s health status has evolved to non-critical throughout the day Sunday. 

The victim, as well as potential witnesses, will be questioned. Meanwhile, investigators verified for local camera footage in the area surrounding the scene of the attack.

No arrests have been made as of press time.

Police search for suspects in Valleyfield attack Read More »

Knock knock: Police start island-wide sweep of cybercriminals at homes

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a major cybercrime offensive dubbed Operation NOVA, the Quebec Provincial Police (SQ) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), along with other police partners, are taking their fight against online criminals from the virtual world to real-world doorsteps. The operation targets users of LabHost, an illegal platform that facilitated worldwide phishing campaigns and online fraud before its shutdown.

The operation marks a significant shift in how law enforcement tackles cybercrime in Quebec, combining traditional enforcement methods with preventive strategies aimed at deterring individuals from entering the world of cybercrime.

“Anonymous cybercrime is a myth,” an SQ spokesperson stated, noting that dozens of platform users have already been identified through their investigation.

The warning letters, delivered in person by police officers, inform recipients they’ve been identified as potential LabHost users. While the letters explicitly state that recipients aren’t currently under arrest or facing criminal charges, they outline severe potential consequences of cybercrime activities.

“Phishing is a criminal offense under Section 380(1) of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment,” the letter states. For violations of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, individuals could face fines up to $1 million, while businesses could be penalized up to $10 million.

The initiative, called CyberChoix, was developed by the RCMP’s National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3) in collaboration with federal police legal services and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

Beyond legal consequences, the letters warn of lasting impacts including permanent criminal records, restricted internet access, and limitations on employment opportunities, international travel, and higher education prospects. They also emphasize the emotional toll, including loss of trust from family and friends.

“This isn’t just about enforcement,” explained a senior RCMP official involved in the operation. “It’s about intervention before these individuals become serious offenders.”

The initiative represents a new approach to cybercrime prevention in Quebec, targeting not only active cybercriminals but also focusing on education and early intervention. The SQ is working with teachers, parents, and community workers to identify and redirect at-risk individuals before they become involved in serious cyber offences.

For those seeking guidance or information about cybercrime prevention, the SQ and RCMP have established resources through the CyberChoix program. Community members can access these services to help guide others toward making informed decisions and using their technical skills legally and productively.

As Operation NOVA continues, officials emphasize that this combined approach of enforcement and prevention represents the future of cybercrime policing in Quebec – one where real-world consequences meet virtual crime head-on. n

Knock knock: Police start island-wide sweep of cybercriminals at homes Read More »

Investigation continues into Lachine double shooting

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Montreal police are continuing their investigation into last week’s double shooting in Lachine, with both victims now in stable condition at local hospitals.

The incident occurred near the intersection of Camille Street and St-Pierre Avenue. After shots were fired, both victims fled the scene. The two men, aged 28 and 44, later presented themselves independently at different hospitals at separate times with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. Both victims survived the attack and are expected to make a full recovery.

While police have intensified their presence in the area, they maintain there is no immediate risk to public safety. Major crimes investigators have been conducting door-to-door interviews in the neighborhood and reviewing surveillance footage and dashcam recordings from the area.

An SPVM spokesperson confirmed to The Suburban that no arrests have been made and that the investigation is ongoing.

This incident occurs amid growing concerns about gun violence in Montreal, with police stepping up patrols in several boroughs, including Lachine.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Info-Crime Montreal anonymously at 514-393-1133. n

Investigation continues into Lachine double shooting Read More »

West Island remains Liberal stronghold

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The West Island remains a Liberal stronghold, with three incumbents having gained over 60% of voters confidence in their respective ridings. Three ridings showed virtually mirrored results. The Conservatives hovered in the 30% range except for Dorval-Lachine-Lasalle just short of 24%. NDP and Bloc shared 8% of the votes in Lac-St-Louis and Pierrefonds-Dollard while Bloc candidate Pauline Postel took over 12% of the votes in Dorval-Lachine-Lasalle.

In Lac-St-Louis, Liberal incumbent Francis Scarpaleggia took the riding for an eighth consecutive term with 64% of the votes. Conservative, Matthew Rusniak took 28% of the vote while Bloc Quebecois candidate Tommy Fournier and NDP candidate Gregory Evdokias shared 8% of the votes head to head.

In Pierrefonds-Dollard, incumbent Sameer Zuberi was elected for a third term with 60% of the vote. Conservative candidate Tanya Toledano took 31% of the votes, while Bloc Quebecois candidate Katrina Archambault and NDP candidate Kakou Richard Kouassi shared 8% of the votes. PPC candidate Gordon Nash came in with 1% of the votes.

Liberal incumbent Anju Dhillon was elected for a fourth term with a 10% increase from the 2021 election with nearly 60% of the votes. Alioune Sarr took 23% of the votes while Bloc Quebecois candidate Pauline Postel took 12% of votes followed by NDP candidate Angelique Soleil Lavoie with just over 4% of votes. n

West Island remains Liberal stronghold Read More »

Housing forum in Beaconsfield reveals WI struggles

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

When the Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI) convened the Beaconsfield Community Housing Forum, they weren’t just hosting another meeting. They were peeling back the layers of a complex social challenge that’s been simmering beneath the West Island’s polished exterior, exposing the stark realities of housing insecurity that many residents face daily.

Despite the region’s reputation for affluence, TQSOI has been vocal about the “hidden pockets of poverty” lurking just beneath the surface. The forum brought these realities into sharp focus, highlighting how housing challenges are impacting local families in ways that often go unnoticed by the broader community.

“Affordable housing is challenging our community in ways many don’t see,” Alena Ziuleva, TQSOI’s Executive Director, told The Suburban. Her organization, which unites residents and stakeholders from seven municipalities, is committed to addressing systemic barriers that prevent meaningful housing solutions.

The organization’s priority projects focus on transportation, housing, poverty reduction, social inclusion, health services, and food security. Recently, they received funding from the Community Housing Transformation Centre, signaling a solid commitment to tackling these complex challenges head on.

Community workers like Jillian Lalonde from the West Island Community Centre painted a stark picture of the current landscape. Families are being systematically pushed out of their communities, with current housing options primarily serving seniors and leaving younger households struggling to find affordable living spaces.

The forum also confronted a significant roadblock that the organization calls “NIMBYism” in reference to “Not in my backyard-ism”. Several proposed affordable housing projects have stalled due to community resistance, revealing deep-rooted misconceptions about social housing and the diverse needs of West Island residents.

With their “Housing for All” initiative, TQSOI aims to address the systemic barriers limiting community housing development. Their approach combines strategic planning, community engagement, and a commitment to breaking down the social and economic walls that prevent equitable housing access.

As the West Island continues to evolve, organizations like TQSOI are ensuring that community voices aren’t just heard—they’re central to the conversation. By bringing together residents, stakeholders, and decision-makers, they’re working to create a more inclusive and supportive housing landscape for all community members. n

Housing forum in Beaconsfield reveals WI struggles Read More »

Filipino community in CDN-NDG holds vigil for Vancouver victims

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Pinay Quebec and other groups in the Filipino community came together to organize a vigil last Monday evening in Mackenzie-King Park.

The vigil was of course to mourn the deaths of those killed the weekend before in Vancouver.

As is now well-known, last Saturday, April 26 the Filipino community of Vancouver were celebrating the Lapu-Lapu festival when a 30-year-old man, who has since been arrested, drove his car into the crowd, plowing into celebrants, killing eleven people and injuring several others.

Several hundred people attended the vigil, including several of Montreal’s elected officials from all levels of government, and several representatives of the Filipino community.

“We grieve these losses and feel the pain of the families of the deceased,” said Jasmin de la Calzada of Pinoy Quebec. “Tonight’s vigil is about our own Montreal community’s process of mourning. Tonight is a venue to grieve, process what’s happened.”

CND-NDG Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa told The Suburban “We have the biggest Filipino community in Quebec here in Cote des Neiges-NDG. For me it was important to tell the community that we are with them in this difficult moment.”

Norberto Mandin Jr. is the creator of Canadian Pinoy Radio-Montreal. He woke up to the news of the horrific incident, and started reaching out to friends in Vancouver right away, calling and texting. But he received no reply, which worried him. Eventually he found out that one of those killed was a friend.

“A celebration of pride of our culture, or our heritage ended in eleven lives lost,” adding “we are gathered today as one community demonstrating that despite this darkness in our community, we are one, we are together, and we will move forward.”

Projet Montreal leader Luc Rabouin was also in attendance, as were NDG-CDN councillors Despina Sourias and Sonny Moroz, and D’arcy-McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass. Anthony Housefather and Neil Oberman werr also there, just hours before the polls closed in the federal election.

Community members were laying wreaths and flowers before a banner that read “Luksang Bayan,” meaning “National Mourning.”

Stephanie Valenzuela, the Ensemble Montreal councillor for the Darlington district in the CDN-NDG borough, is a member of the Filipino community. She spoke emotionally, saying “tonight we gather as one in sorrow, in solidarity, and in strength.”

“If there is anything that we’ve learned from what happened on Saturday,” she added, “it’s that we continue moving forward with kindness and compassion in our hearts, because that’s who we are not just as Filipinos, but as Canadians.” n

Filipino community in CDN-NDG holds vigil for Vancouver victims Read More »

Rodents, dilapidation plague Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

A letter was published in a recent edition of The Suburban (Santé Quebec, you there?) about an infestation of ants at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. The letter was a visceral reaction to a news story that aired on the LCN network. The story was subsequently picked up by Le Journal de Montréal, and led to a badly-sealed can of worms, as it were.

Pests are not unique to the east end hospital. But it is true that Maisonneuve-Rosemont is in a state of disrepair, and needs urgent reconstruction even though the ant problem has for the moment been solved. And that was indeed the plan; the provincial government had announced plans to reconstruct the hospital at least as far back as 2023, with the hope of starting the work last fall. Soon after came news that budgetary constraints would mean the start date for the work would have to be put off to the middle of this year. Even more recently, however, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said the work was again being postponed, and would likely not happen until next year.

That sparked a protest, earlier this month, outside the hospital, with staff, management, and patients calling on work to begin right away. Their demand for immediate work on the hospital was echoed by André Morin, the Liberal MNA for the Acadie riding.

The protestors had also referenced the LCN report, citing pests, rodents, and a roof in dire need of repair. That report contained photos and videos, presumably taken by patients, visitors, or perhaps even staff, showing ants on walls and window sills, with reports of ants being found “around the insertion site of a patient’s jejunostomy feeding tube,” according to Adams’ letter.

There was even a skin-crawling shot of ants crawling all over one patient’s dentures sitting on a hospital night stand.

While these kinds of situations are out of the ordinary, pests in hospitals are not. Most Montreal-area hospitals budget anywhere from $12,000 to $67,000 a year for pest control. And Maisonneuve-Rosemont is by no means the only hospital in the city to have had reports of infestations; flies, ladybugs, even cockroaches have been reported in other hospitals.

But most hospitals seem to have it under control.

Maisonneuve-Rosemont is busy and cramped. On some floors there is barely enough room in tight hallways for much more than a gurney. And a recent visit to the hospital by a reporter from The Suburban gave the impression that even cleanliness is lacking.

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec did promise to send inspectors to the hospital. As for the needed reconstruction, Dubé said recently that he will no longer be providing any updates as to when the work is expected to actually begin. n

Rodents, dilapidation plague Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital Read More »

Gainey, Miller, and Guay add to the Liberal West End wave

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

This was a tight election, but with few surprises on the Island of Montreal.

Notre-Dame-de-Grace-Westmount, Lasalle-Emard-Verdun, and Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Île-des-Sœurs had all been Liberal strongholds until last September. Liberal MP David Lametti tendered his resignation in 2023 after being shuffled out of cabinet. He went into private practice. The Liberals ran former city councillor Laura Palestini against Craig Sauve for the NDP, Louis Ialenti for the Conservatives, and Louis-Philippe Sauve for the Bloc. The riding went Bloc.

But last Monday night Liberal Claude Guay took back the riding, winning with 50.7 percent of the vote, or 20,920 votes. Sauve did come in second with just 21.3 percent, or 10,446 votes. The Conservatives’ Zsolt Fischer ran third.

The Conservatives haven’t held a riding on the Island of Montreal since 1988. If they had any hopes of winning one, Notre-Dame-de-Grace-Westmount was not going to be it.

Incumbent Anna Gainey took the riding with 63.9 percent of the vote, or 34,116 votes. Conservative candidate, former federal Ministerial Chief of Staff Neil Drabkin received 10,517 votes, 20.1%. The NDP’s Malcolm Lewis-Richmond received 3,954 votes amounting to 7.4%. By the time Monday’s results had come in Gainey was on her way to Ottawa for meetings.

There was no surprise in the Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Île-des-Sœurs where incumbent Marc Miller – Immigration Minister until last Month – held onto his riding with 58.3 percent of the vote, or 10,571 votes. Conservative Steve Shanahan in second place with 22.1 percent, or 4009 votes. n

Gainey, Miller, and Guay add to the Liberal West End wave Read More »

NDG Skatepark already a hub of activity

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Its official inauguration is weeks away, but that didn’t stop skateboarders and others from taking advantage of some recent unseasonably warm, sunny weather to try out the new Benny Skatepark in NDG.

It was just a taste, as cooler temperatures brought more ice and snow for a last kick at the can. But the skaters came back as soon as the warmth did – just in time for the weekend – and it became clear that the Benny Skatepark will become a hub of activity in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.

Peter McQueen, CDN-NDG councillor for the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce district, has been involved with the skatepark project for several years. “As the father of a keen skateboarder who explored the other skate parks in the city,” McQueen says, “I became interested in building one in NDG.”

In 2021, a group of community members formed the Coalition de Skatepark NDG. One of those was Betty Esperanza, who, last January, was awarded the King Charles III medal for her work with Skateboards for Hope. Esperanza was thrilled to see so many already enjoying the skatepark. “It was obvious that the skatepark is going to be used every day, all day, and all night.”

For Esperanza the most important thing is that kids will be able to skateboard safely. She said she’s excited to see girls as well as boys skateboarding, to see adults learning, “lots of women trying it out.”

“It’s an exciting time for Côte-des-Neiges-NDG,” she says. There was a time when kids from the area who wanted to skateboard found themselves travelling out to Brossard or to the St. Michel district. She says the Benny Park is not just for NDG. “We’re going to have an influx of kids from other neighbourhoods, which is great, because there will be more friends. Why not? We can all use more friends.”

Jonathan Stein, who was part of the original Coalition de Skatepark NDG, and whose son, James, had been involved with the park’s design committee, couldn’t be happier. He said his son had been at the park for most of the past two weeks. “When I saw the first photos and clips of my son skating at the new park, it was an amazing feeling. Now he and all the kids in our neighbourhood have a beautiful, modern park to call their own.”

James, 14, agrees. “Lots of kids biking and scootering at the same time, which is good and bad at the same time.” He says if he had to find a problem, it’s that the path around the skatepark is gravel instead of sold.” Other than that, says James, it’s good. “Super fun.”

The park’s official inauguration is scheduled for Saturday, May 31. The city wanted to wait until all the spring planting was done. There are as yet no confirmed plans for the day, except that Esperanza will be on hand giving away refurbished skateboards and helmets to kids who don’t have one. n

NDG Skatepark already a hub of activity Read More »

Teen victim of CDN stabbing is dead

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

A teenager is dead after being stabbed in the evening last Tuesday, April 15, in the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.

Several calls were made to 911 around 6:00 p.m. reporting an armed attack. When police arrived on the scene, they found the 16-year-old conscious but with severe injuries to his upper body.

The incident occurred at the corner of Barclay and Victoria in Côte-des-Neiges. The teen was rushed to hospital, reportedly losing consciousness in the ambulance. He was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning.

Witnesses say a suspect ran off before the police arrived.

Montreal Police spokesperson Raphael Bergeron confirmed the death as the city’s eighth homicide of the year.

This is, at this point, an ongoing investigation, Bergeron says, as they try to identify a suspect and a motive.

There have been no arrests.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante reacted to the murder on her X account, saying “What terrible news. No parent should have to go through something like this. My most sincere thoughts are with the family and the teen’s loved ones.” n

Teen victim of CDN stabbing is dead Read More »

Montreal mourns Pope’s passing on Easter

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Montrealers woke Monday morning to the news of Pope Francis’s death. His passing came in the wake of Easter celebrations. The Vatican announced that the 88-year old Pontiff had succumbed to a stroke and heart failure. Born in Argentina, he was the first Jesuit Pope and the first non-European Pope since Gregory III in 731 AD. As the Church enters its traditional nine days of mourning, his impact on the city’s faithful reflects the transformative nature of his papacy.

“We are together in sadness and pain,” Most Reverend Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal, said to the community. He noted the lessons learned from Pope Francis in unity by way of encounter. “The differences that we can have between each other are not an obstacle — they are a blessing. Let us be together in solidarity and the building of peace and building a civilization of encounter.”

“This pontificate was marked by a profound moment of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” Right Reverend Bishop William T. McGrattan, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, told The Suburban. “The Pope’s sorrow and apology were deeply genuine, reflecting his commitment to healing and understanding. He was focused on empowering the church through the gifts of baptism, emphasizing that the church exists for its people — a unity through communion to be shared with all communities.”

He explained further, “Pope Francis consistently spoke of the unity among Canadian bishops, even as the world and the church experienced division. His message was clear: the Catholic Church in Canada represents a symbol of hope and unity, especially as we approach a national election seeking paths of reconciliation.We are experiencing a jubilee of hope. Pope Francis believed profoundly in the resurrection, and even in his passing, he gives us a sign of faith and hope — a testament to the enduring power of spiritual renewal.”

The last papal duty performed by Pope Francis was the traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, less than 24-hours before his death.

West Islander Marybel Mayorga, CCCB Director of Communications, shared her emotional reflections with The Suburban. “Nearly five years ago, I had the grace of meeting Pope Francis for the first time. This past January, during the Jubilee for Communicators, I met him again,” Mayorga said. “Pope Francis was a tireless bridge-builder, a pastor who walked with the poor, embraced the forgotten, and reminded us all of the radical tenderness of God. His voice echoed mercy, his gaze welcomed the excluded, and his words stirred hearts toward peace, justice, and love.”

For Montreal’s Catholic community, Francis’s papacy brought significant changes. His reforms included greater roles for women in Church leadership and a more compassionate approach to contemporary social issues. Local parishes embraced his message of environmental responsibility and social justice.

His historic 2022 visit to Quebec drew thousands of Montrealers who traveled to Quebec City to participate in the occasion. The visit highlighted his commitment to reconciliation and dialogue.

In Montreal, where numerous Catholic parishes serve a diverse community, the news has sparked both grief and reflection. Mayorga’s call to action resonates with many: “May we honour his legacy by choosing compassion, listening more deeply, and building the culture of encounter he so often spoke of.”

Local religious leaders are organizing memorial services across the greater Montreal area, providing opportunities for the faithful to come together and honour the legacy of a pope who revolutionized many aspects of Catholic practice while maintaining core doctrinal traditions.

For Montreal’s Catholic community, this moment represents the end of an era. The Pope’s passing, which came shortly after he had simplified rites for the funeral of a Holy Father in November, marks a time of reflection. As the College of Cardinals prepares to select a new pope, local Catholics reflect on how Francis’s reforms transformed their understanding of faith.

“Requiescat in pace, Pope Francis. Thank you for showing us the face of Christ,” Mayorga concluded, expressing a sentiment shared by many in Montreal’s Catholic community. n

Montreal mourns Pope’s passing on Easter Read More »

Kirkland starts smart traffic management with new technology

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a significant move toward smart city innovation, Kirkland has become the first municipality in Quebec to implement NoTraffic’s artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system. The groundbreaking installation, emerging from a strategic partnership between NoTraffic and Orange Traffic, marks a new era in urban mobility for the region.

“With the new development, we needed to look at our roadwork and find a solution for the flow of traffic,” Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson told The Suburban. “We needed a way for cars to go from point A to point B, and this is an intelligent solution for cars, bikes, and pedestrians to have safety and efficiency on the roadways.”

The system represents a dramatic shift from traditional traffic management methods. While conventional traffic lights operate on pre-programmed timing based on historical studies, NoTraffic’s platform adapts to actual traffic conditions as they occur. “We’re not just installing boxes at intersections,” Tom Cooper, VP at NoTraffic said to The Suburban. “This is a comprehensive platform that uses sensors, radar, and AI to track everything happening at our intersections in real time, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.”

The journey to bring this technology to Quebec began in 2022, when Orange Traffic, a long-established Quebec-based traffic management company, first encountered NoTraffic representatives at a corporate event. “The partnership developed through extensive research and testing,” Hughes Michaud of Orange Traffic explained to The Suburban. “As integrators for NoTraffic technology in Quebec, we underwent a thorough qualification process, analyzing series of tests and performance metrics before becoming promoters and distributors.”

One of the most attractive aspects of the system is its cost-effectiveness. “What’s particularly impressive is how this solution enhances the capacity of existing infrastructure without any major civil works,” Michaud emphasizes. “Instead of spending millions on adding extra lanes or major infrastructure changes, municipalities can optimize their current roadwork for a few hundred thousand dollars. This is especially crucial in areas with increasing density surrounding major boulevards.”

Mayor Gibson acknowledges that the implementation required patience. “At the start, the system establishes a routine via trials. It takes a bit of time, but it is worth it. Now we have a normal flow along Saint Charles and Brunswick boulevards.” The mayor is enthusiastic about the results, stating, “I encourage other cities to follow us — it is working very well.”

The platform’s capabilities extend beyond simple traffic flow optimization. The system can detect pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges, and adjust signal timing accordingly. This feature aligns with Orange Traffic’s mandate to work within existing infrastructures while improving their efficiency. The AI-powered platform also adapts to special events, weather conditions, and emergency vehicle movements, ensuring optimal traffic flow in all situations.

The technology’s origin story adds another compelling dimension. In 2017, NoTraffic’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Uriel Katz, found himself sitting at a Tel Aviv intersection at 2 a.m., waiting at a red light with no other vehicles in sight. That frustrating moment sparked an idea that would eventually transform into a company at the forefront of urban mobility solutions.

The installation represents a significant milestone in Quebec’s smart city initiatives. Following successful implementations in British Columbia and several U.S. locations, Kirkland’s adoption of the technology positions the municipality as a leader in innovative urban solutions.

For residents, the benefits are tangible: shorter commute times, improved safety, and more efficient use of existing infrastructure. As municipalities across Quebec face increasing urbanization challenges, Kirkland’s experience with NoTraffic could serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to modernize their traffic management systems without extensive infrastructure overhauls.

The partnership between NoTraffic, Orange Traffic, and the City of Kirkland exemplifies how international innovation can be successfully adapted to local needs through strategic collaboration. As cities continue to grow and traffic patterns become more complex, this kind of smart infrastructure solution may become not just an innovative option, but an essential tool for modern urban management. n

Kirkland starts smart traffic management with new technology Read More »

Election 2025: Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle riding encompasses the cities of Dorval and Lachine, along with portions of LaSalle. The riding has maintained a strong Liberal presence since its creation in 2015, with Anju Dhillon winning consecutive victories. The area’s diverse demographic makeup includes a significant aerospace industry workforce due to its proximity to Montreal’s airport and major manufacturing centres.

Liberal

Anju Dhillon, who has held the seat since 2015, seeks re-election with a continued focus on social justice and community advocacy. During her tenure, she has served on several parliamentary committees and has championed legislation supporting victims of domestic violence. Her work on the Status of Women committee led to increased funding for local women’s shelters, and she has secured federal investments for several community infrastructure projects in the riding.

Conservative

Alioune Sarr, an economist by training with an MBA from HEC Montréal, brings both academic expertise and practical business experience to his campaign. His platform emphasizes economic recovery and affordability measures, with particular attention to inflation control and housing market stabilization. His campaign has focused heavily on meeting with local business owners and industry leaders, developing what he calls a “ground-up approach” to economic development. As a former financial analyst for major Quebec institutions, Sarr has emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility.

People’s Party

Michael Patterson’s campaign centres on reducing government intervention in the economy. His platform emphasizes free market solutions to housing affordability and advocates for decreased regulation in the aerospace industry. Patterson has been particularly vocal about monetary policy and its impact on local businesses.

NDP

The NDP’s candidate is Angélique Soleil Lavoie. The party’s local platform focuses on affordable housing initiatives, support for aerospace workers, and improved public transportation access.

Bloc Québécois

The candidate is Pauline Postel, a nursing student who moved from France to Quebec in 2016, has degrees in history, health, and law from the Université de Montréal and Harvard, and speaks three languages. She has been involved in politics and volunteered for several non-profits. The candidate says she wants to promote the involvement of women in politics. The Bloc’s local platform emphasizes protecting Quebec’s aerospace industry interests and ensuring federal infrastructure investments align with provincial priorities.

Green Party

Candidate Amir Badr Eldeen, a Dawson College student also working as a valet at a local restaurant, says he wants to “make government work for the majority of Canadians again, not the very few at the top. I want to be part of a movement that will make Canada a better place for everyone.” The party’s local platform focuses on environmental protection, particularly regarding aircraft noise pollution and sustainable development near the airport zone.

Communist League

The Communist League has not yet announced its candidate for this riding. The party has indicated they will be participating in the federal election and typically focuses their platform on workers’ rights and labour protections, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. n

Election 2025: Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle Read More »

Four West Island fraudsters of seniors to be extradited to U.S.

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

“I cancelled all my magazine subscriptions in 2006.” These words came from a U.S. woman who later paid $500 to stop harassing phone calls. She’s one of a thousand victims who lost money to a Pierrefonds-based telemarketing operation.

Quebec Superior Court Judge Alexandre Bien-Aimé ordered the extradition of four local residents to face U.S. charges. Jonathan Massouras and Kevin Gampel, 30, both of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Ahmad Eraif of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, and Mohamed Eraif, 41, of Pierrefonds will face prosecution in California.

The case spans from 2013 to 2015. Callers worked from a residential building on Athena Street in Pierrefonds, targeting U.S. residents. They claimed to represent companies named “Magazine Readers,” “Global Readers” and “American Reader Services”.

Court documents reveal the scope of victims’ losses. One woman paid over $20,000 to the operation. The RCMP found her information on six different lead sheets during their 2015 search.

The Athena Street location search uncovered 2,600 pages of documents. These contained names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking information of U.S. residents. Investigators found evidence linking the operation to more than $1 million in fraud proceeds.

According to U.S. court filings, callers told victims they owed money for magazine subscriptions. When people paid, they received more calls demanding additional payments for supposed outstanding debts.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California outlined the scheme’s structure in their 2020 indictment. Ahmad Eraif maintained daily contact with U.S. payment processors through Skype and email. Bank records show transfers exceeding $250,000 to accounts in his and his wife’s names.

Massouras faces additional legal challenges. In 2024, RCMP officers arrested him during a ketamine smuggling investigation at his Tecumseh Street residence. He remains in custody on a separate U.S. extradition request linked to another elderly fraud case.

The three other accused appeared in court Thursday. Justice Bien-Aimé ordered their immediate detention pending extradition. They have 30 days to appeal the decision.

The investigation revealed a pattern targeting elderly Americans. Victims reported persistent calls that continued even after making payments. One victim described the experience as inescapable, saying she finally paid to “be left alone.”

The case forms part of a broader U.S. Department of Justice initiative targeting cross-border fraud schemes that prey on elderly Americans. When extradited, the accused will face trial in Los Angeles. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in U.S. federal prison. n

Four West Island fraudsters of seniors to be extradited to U.S. Read More »

Robert-Baldwin MNA stages forum celebrating 85 years of women’s voting rights

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Hundreds of women gathered at West Island College in Dollard-des-Ormeaux last week for a groundbreaking forum addressing critical issues facing women in 2025, followed by a celebration marking 85 years since Quebec women won the right to vote. The atmosphere had a strong sense of camaraderie as women from all sectors came together to tackle pressing challenges.

The day-long event, organized by Robert-Baldwin MNA Brigitte Garceau, featured two dynamic panel discussions focusing on women’s economic empowerment and the complex challenges of homelessness among women and senior women.

“Women in Quebec have transformed leadership,” Garceau noted during her opening remarks, paying tribute to trailblazers like Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, the first woman elected to Quebec’s National Assembly. “Nothing can stand in our way when we act together.”

The forum brought together MNAs Linda Caron (Lapinière), Madwa-Nika Cadet (Bourassa-Sauvé), and Désirée McGraw (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) with Garceau.

During the homelessness panel, AJOI Director Tania Charron highlighted the complex challenges facing women experiencing homelessness in 2025. “The most powerful thing to understand is that homelessness intersects with many forms of oppression,” Charron told The Suburban. “With the current setbacks we’re seeing in the US and elsewhere, along with rising masculinism, women who are homeless face multiple vulnerabilities. The situation becomes even more challenging for those who are Black, disabled, or trans.”

Among the other notables in attendance were Tanya Toledano, DDO City Councillor and federal Conservative candidate for Pierrefonds-Dollard; Commander Annie Mercier of SPVM Station 4, Linda Sestock, National President of CFUW-FCFDU, Akilah Newton, activist, entrepreneur, and founder of Overture with the Arts, and Laurie McCulloch from the West Island Chamber of Commerce.

The forum concluded with a celebratory cocktail reception, complete with a photo booth, refreshments, and gift bags for attendees. The event not only marked a significant milestone in Quebec’s history but also highlighted the ongoing work needed to achieve true gender equality across all sectors of society. n

Robert-Baldwin MNA stages forum celebrating 85 years of women’s voting rights Read More »

Daycare strikes push local parents to private options to keep jobs

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Daycare workers across Quebec ramped up pressure tactics this week, marking their 13th day of strikes since January. The dispute shows no signs of ending, pushing more parents toward costly private options.

More than 400 CPEs shut their doors over three days, forcing parents to scramble yet again for alternative childcare arrangement. The latest walkout follows a major push earlier this month that saw 8,000 striking workers flood Quebec City on April 3, demanding better wages and working conditions.

Money remains the sticking point. The government’s latest offer of 17.4 per cent over five years hasn’t satisfied workers who say they’re falling behind other public sector employees. Entry-level educators make $21.60 hourly, while some CPE staff earn as little as $18 — translating to roughly $45,000 annually when fulfilling a full-time position.

“We’re continuing the strike to reach an agreement as quickly as possible,” union representatives said earlier this week, but negotiations that started months ago remain deadlocked. The Treasury Board wants any wage hikes tied to workplace flexibility agreements, similar to deals struck with other public sector workers.

Parents are increasingly turning to private daycares, despite fees running six to seven times higher than subsidized rates. “I’m paying $65 daily now instead of $9.10,” Beaconsfield mom Sarah M. told The Suburban. “Between the strike disruptions and waitlists, I had no choice. But it’s crushing us financially.”

For many parents, the switch to private care is a desperate move to keep their jobs. “We can’t risk losing our positions because of unreliable childcare. The private fees are killing our budget, but we’re hoping it’s temporary until the public system stabilizes,” DDO resident Jamie K. told The Suburban.

The exodus to private care adds another layer to an already complex crisis. With 32,000 children on CPE waitlists and the system short 18,000 educators, many facilities operate at 80 per cent capacity. Some have shut down entire classrooms or reduced services in order to maintain basic functions.

Meanwhile, staff burnouts continues to rise. In 2022 alone, 3,000 educators left their posts while 3,200 positions remained vacant. Those who stay face mounting pressure, becoming “irreplaceable” due to the shortage and the situation has only worsened since then.

The April 3 demonstration in Quebec City marked a turning point. Workers from every region joined the march, sending a clear message about unity vis-a-vis their demands. The FSSS-CSN union, representing the workers, warned more actions could follow if talks don’t progress.

Stéphanie Vachon, speaking for the union, points to ongoing staffing shortages and mounting workloads pushing workers to the breaking point. The crisis affects more than just wages — it’s about sustaining Quebec’s daycare system.

Home daycares face additional challenges. Unlike families who can opt for cheaper meal options, these providers must maintain strict nutritional guidelines despite soaring food costs. The absorption of these increases while trying to keep services affordable is causing them to close one-by-one.

The government’s focus on building new CPE centres misses the point, critics say. “They can invest millions in concrete buildings but there is no personnel to fill those spaces. They are approaching this from the wrong angle,” FIPEQ president Valerie Gagnon explained.

Both sides returned to the bargaining table this week. Talks have picked up pace, but neither side seems ready to back down. With no resolution in sight, more families may need to brace for additional strike days ahead — and the difficult choices that come with them.

The financial threshold of the middle class family units who are paying the price in the gamble of hope for a resolution, while facing the possibility that those resolutions may not transpire as they expect hangs in the balance.

With close to 70 per cent of Québec’s population belonging to the province’s middle class, and with more than 50 per cent of parents reporting work-related issues in regards to child care services — the need for reliable daycare services during standard-core working hours is crucial, according to economic experts. n

Daycare strikes push local parents to private options to keep jobs Read More »

Hampstead council questioned on pool fees

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Hampstead resident Adriana Decker questioned council last week on the town’s increased pool fees, which have been previously justified as a way to keep property taxes as low as possible.

Residents had complained in 2023 about a daily pass for the pool at Hampstead Park being $15 for residents three years old and up, with one resident saying it would cost $75 to bring her family. In late July, the price structure was changed to $10 for residents 18 and under, and $35 for a family pass as long as all members could provide proof they were Hampstead residents. The daily pass price has been $25 for non-residents.

Decker, who was a prominent voice in principle against the redevelopment of an apartment building on Côte St. Luc Road in 2019, said that according to statistics, 4,692 daily passes for the pool were purchased when the price was lower, with income totalling $30,727.

“In 2024, there were only 837 tickets sold, which is insane how increasing the price has limited access to the pool, and the total revenue was only $17,431,” she would. “Why have we increased the price of the single ticket if it hasn’t increased revenue? If you look at the family pass in 2022, the revenue was $23,944 and in 2024, it was $28,240. The difference is nothing. This has decreased the amount of people who can enjoy the pool. I’m one of those people. Please have a discussion about this.”

Mayor Jeremy Levi said the intent of the current fees was never to limit access to the the pool.

“I understand that might be the appearance of it, it was certainly not the intent,” the Mayor explained. “The intent is to try to be as fiscally responsible as possible. Even though there may not be a significant change in revenue, there is a significant change in the operating costs. We do not need as many lifeguards, because there’s not as many people” using the pool.

Levi also said the pool does not need as much maintenance and upkeep as previously.

“What has the difference [in savings] been, does anyone know?” Decker asked.

Levi said he did not have that information.

“I’ve had many discussions with many people — when I grew up in this town, the pool was very different than what it is today,” the Mayor explained. “The neighbourhood was very different. We issue permits for about 12 private pools every year now. In terms of this mandate, that’s about 50 to 60 new private pools, which means 50 to 60 families no longer using the public pool.”

The Mayor said the town is trying to find a balance.

“I know that when we had day passes of $2 or $3 for non-residents, a very big part of the users were non-residents and there was a very big opinion that if we were losing $100,000 on the upkeep of the pool, why we are we subsidizing it to non-residents? We wanted to make it amenable, where it’s geared towards residents. Everything we do, our interest is for the residents. Not to limit access, for sure not.”

Hampstead council questioned on pool fees Read More »

American director says Montreal seems like Ground Zero for Jew hatred

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Wendy Sachs, the American director and executive producer of the documentary October 8, came to Montreal last week to show solidarity with Concordia and McGill students victimized by anti-Israel protesters and to denounce a lack of police action against those protesters.

The film chronicles the explosion of antisemitism that took place after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 kidnapped.

Sachs was outside Concordia’s downtown Hall Building, along with Concordia Jewish student Anastasia Zorchinsky, also head of the student group StartUp Nation; and Muslim McGill student Raihaana Adira. The group was near Concordia’s Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies, which was vandalized just before the Jewish holiday of Passover.

At Canadian showings of the film, Sachs says, “we’re seeing insane protests — people who were trying to see the film were stopped by protesters, security and police had to be called in.” One of those protests took place at Quartier Cavendish in Côte St. Luc April 7.

“The level of antisemitism exploding here in Montreal, it seems like Ground Zero for Jew hatred right now,” she added. “That’s why I came here, I’m getting DMs (direct messages), text messages and emails from people in Toronto and Montreal, saying to me ‘I want to see your film, I’m afraid to go to the theatre in Montreal because of the hate.’”

The Suburban asked Sachs for her reaction to the Quartier Cavendish protest, during which police said they could not eject the activists because they had not committed a crime, notwithstanding CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein citing to them the Criminal Code provision against intimidation.

“It’s really disappointing, and this is what we’ve seen with campus protests around the world, and in the streets of London and New York where they’re just not shutting it down,” Sachs said. “There’s sometimes a confusion between free speech and hate speech, and that’s what we’re seeing on university campuses in the States. When you’re crossing the line into harassment, bullying and real threats, it’s very scary. It seems with the Jewish community, it’s more permissive to harass.”

Adira, 21, said there is a double standard taking place regarding protests. “If this was the Jewish community protesting the Muslim community, it would be shut down so fast,” she said. “The situation on campus has been horrible. I was bullied and harassed off of student government for saying October 7 was not heroic and for calling it what it was — a terrorist attack.” The McGill student added the situation at Quartier Cavendish is “really reflective of what’s happening at our campuses and synagogues. At [last year’s] event at the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue, the protesters were chanting ‘Raihaana, Raihaana, you’re a terrorist!’ I was horrified! They knew my face and my name. On campus, they take pictures of me and post them on social media. I’m regularly called a baby killer, a genocide lover and a Zionazi. This doesn’t happen to students who glorify terrorism.”

Zorchinsky, 20, said everyone should follow the law. “I saw what happened at Cavendish Mall, and I was really disappointed with the reaction of the police,” she told The Suburban. “We see that on campus with protests almost every single week. I’ve been harassed, my life has been threatened many times and there have been no consequences to those students.” The Concordia student also said she was not allowed on campus during Rage Week, during the first anniversary of the terrorist attack, despite having an injunction.”The police stopped me, saying ‘it’s not safe for you.’ Every person who had a Palestinian flag, who had a keffiyeh, was able to pass by and protest right here. There’s some sort of double standard.”

Sachs agreed. “The double standards are just so alarming.” n

American director says Montreal seems like Ground Zero for Jew hatred Read More »

Montreal, Mayors want feds to preserve airport greenspace

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The City of Montreal, the borough of St. Laurent and the City of Dorval are asking the federal parties vying for election to commit to preserving the green space north of Trudeau Airport.

Mayors Alan DeSousa (St. Laurent), Marc Doret (Dorval), Montreal executive committee member responsible for large parks Alex Norris and Clifford Lincoln, former Quebec environment minister and MP, held a press conference recently at Golf Dorval to present a united stand.

As previously reported by The Suburban, a brief presented by Aéroports de Montréal last December indicates plans to exclude 155 hectares, equivalent to four lots, from the Sources Nature Park and to develop an area of over 100 hectares that would include Monarch Fields, a habitat for the endangered monarch butterfly. The ADM has also said it is preserving 25 hectares of land, and that having part of a nature park and its wildlife located so close to the airport and its runways would create a danger, such as birds flying close to or into planes.

DeSousa told The Suburban that the groups want the lands owned by the federal government north of the 85-year-old airport to be preserved “for generations to come.

“These are green spaces that total about 170 hectares and would be the nexus of a great way to preserve biodiversity in the greater Montreal regions. It has the potential of being one of the largest parks on the island of Montreal. It protects biodiversity, endangered species and it’s easily accessible from the new REM — Montrealers would definitely see the benefits.”

The group also says that “the areas zoned as ‘green spaces’ include lots 3, 4 and 5 on the St. Laurent side, as well as lot 20 attached to Dorval, which is under federal control and leased to ADM. This 121-hectare area, corresponding to the former Dorval golf course, remains open to commercial development, and ADM plans to set up a decarbonation plant on that location.”

Doret said that “protecting biodiversity is an issue that we deeply care about, and the destruction of such a precious environmental area would be disastrous. We invite federal representatives to recognize the richness of this ecological gem in our backyard.”

Lincoln pointed out that the federal government “committed to creating a National Urban Parks (NUP) program as early as 2020, a project that received a $130 million contribution following a 2021 meeting between Parks Canada and the mayors of the country’s major cities.

“Unfortunately, Montreal is not on Parks Canada’s list of projected NUPs. This is an omission that must be urgently corrected.”

Norris said that the natural environments involved are “among the most biodiverse on the Island of Montreal.

“Our position is clear — these federal lands must be protected. By working together, we are convinced that we can reconcile the needs of ADM, an important economic partner, while ensuring the protection of this green lung.”

David Fletcher of the Green Coalition told The Suburban that he was pleased with the case made by the group.

“The motivating factor, we think, for the ADM is the profitability of leasing out these lands to companies, and these don’t have anything to do with airport operations. That hasn’t been expressed by the ADM, but we have to ask the questions. The issue of bird strikes and the security of passengers, the record worldwide shows there is not a great probability of those incidents happening.” n

Montreal, Mayors want feds to preserve airport greenspace Read More »

McGill obtains injunction against SPHR

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill University has announced that Quebec Superior Court granted its request for a provisional injunction against Students for Palestinian Honour and Resistance (SPHR).

The injunction had been sought just after a three-day student strike at McGill during which classes were interrupted, Jewish students intimidated and much vandalism committed. The university pointed out that the injunction was needed at this time as exams are underway.

McGill president Deep Saini pointed out that the ruling states “McGill has a clear right to an order that allows it to carry out its academic activities without obstruction” and that “McGill is entitled to the protection of its property.”

More specifically, the court ruled that SPHR and any person aware of the judgment, “must not block or obstruct the entrance to any building where McGill is operating; must not engage in protests within five metres of any building where McGill is operating; and must not obstruct the delivery or performance of academic activities such as courses or exams.”

The provisional judgment was put in force for a 10-day period.

“The university applied for the injunction following SPHR’s involvement in classroom obstructions and vandalism during a three-day student strike April 2-4, 2025,” Saini explained. “In his decision, the judge recognized the harm done to the McGill community by protest activities that resulted in vandalism, violence, and intimidation tactics.”

The ruling also stated that “violence, intimidation and the destruction of property cannot be tolerated in this country, least of all at our universities, whose very mission is to foster learning and the expression of opinion through peaceful, respectful dialogue.”

Saini reiterated, as he did in his previous message to the community on this issue, that he will “vigorously defend everyone’s right to free expression and peaceful assembly, while also protecting our campus from abuses of these freedoms, especially when they hurt our academic mission or cause injury to others.

“Many of you are working steadfastly to maintain stability in our community despite differing viewpoints on a range of very challenging and sensitive topics. Thank you so much for this work, which supports the teaching, learning and research that we so cherish.” n

McGill obtains injunction against SPHR Read More »

Man stabbed to death in St. Laurent

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The SPVM are investigating after a man was stabbed to death in a building at Beaudet and Décarie in St. Laurent at about 4:10 a.m. April 17.

The murder is the ninth to take place on the island of Montreal this year. The 30-year-old victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries, SPVM spokesman Jean-Pierre Brabant said. A 40-year-old man has been arrested, and is being questioned by officers. The case is in the hands of the SPVM’s Major Crimes Unit. Police say the two men know each other and are looking into the circumstances that led up to the incident.

The victim apparently made it outside the building before collapsing on a sidewalk. He had suffered injuries to the upper part of his body, from a sharp object, police said. Brabant added that a perimeter was set up in the area, resulting in the closure of Décarie between De l’Église and Beaudet.

This incident is the latest of many violent crimes committed in the borough in recent years, including shootings, stabbings, and fires set to cars at homes and businesses.

Recent similar incidents have included:

• In January, a 25-year-old man stabbed while eating in a restaurant at the Norgate Shopping Centre at the corner of Côte Vertu and Décarie.

• Last April, an employee of the Ultramar gas station at Côte Vertu and Marcel-Laurin was stabbed by an assailant. The SPVM said at the time that the assailant, for unknown reasons, climbed over the counter and stabbed the employee several times in the upper body. That area of the borough was the scene of arson attacks on restaurants.

• In March 2024, a stabbing took place during a fight amongst 20 people on Crépeau Street. People were on the street after a fire alarm was pulled in their building. n

Man stabbed to death in St. Laurent Read More »

CSL looking to honour Oct. 7 victims

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Côte St. Luc council is looking into ways to honour members of the Bibas family who were brutally murdered by the terrorist group Hamas following their Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and potentially other victims as well, CSL councillors told The Suburban.

The city has already honoured Alexandre Look, a former CSL resident, who was killed by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival as he defended others. A greenspace, located between Beth Chabad Synagogue and Bialik High School (now JPPS Bialik) at the eastern tip of Kildare Road, was dedicated at a very well attended and emotional ceremony last September.

The Suburban made the inquiry about honouring other victims after seeing a posting on the Côte Saint-Luc Families Facebook page in which a resident referenced a previous suggestion that a Côte St. Luc park or street be named after members of the Bibas family. Shiri Bibas, and her children Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 10 months old, were found by Israeli authorities to have been murdered by Hamas. The bodies of the children were paraded through Gaza before being returned to Israel.

The Facebook poster suggested that the wading pool at Yitzhak Rabin Park in District 5 be named in honour of the Bibas family. Rabin was the Prime Minister of Israel who was assassinated in late 1995. Some respondents suggested emailing area councillor Mitch Kujavsky for his thoughts.

The Suburban emailed members of council about the wading pool idea. Mike Cohen, who has the toponymy (city landmark naming) portfolio on CSL council, said, “we have not discussed this, but the intention of the city regarding victims of Oct. 7 is to do so at Alexendre Look Place.”

Kujavsky told The Suburban that he was emailed about the wading pool by a constituent and said the idea was definitely worth discussing in council. “We originally thought it would be nice to have memorials related to Oct. 7 in one central location, which would be Alexandre Look Place near Chabad, but we’ll be discussing all possibilities in the near future.” n

CSL looking to honour Oct. 7 victims Read More »

Cotler home split in Mount Royal election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

As those who follow politics know, it’s not unusual for close family members to differ on who they support in elections, but that is usually expressed within the confines of a home or perhaps amongst close friends and relatives.

The most famous case of a very public family split, and a good-natured one, has been between James Carville, the folksy and sometimes wild campaign strategist for former President Bill Clinton; and his wife Mary Matalin, who served under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and his son George W. Bush. They’ve appeared on TV together over the years to express their differing opinions.

The Mount Royal riding has its own prominent husband and wife who are voting different ways, and are expressing their choices publicly.

Former federal Justice Minister and former Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler has been quoted as supporting his successor, Anthony Housefather, for re-election. Housefather posted the quote and a picture of himself and Cotler on April 6.

The Irwin Cotler quote says, “Anthony Housefather has been an exemplary Member of Parliament. His business and legal career, as well as his time as a councillor and Mayor, prepared him to truly deliver for his constituents. He fights for the communities he represents and does so with commitment and integrity. It is my pleasure to work closely with him and to endorse his reelection.”

(Notably, Cotler made another personal – not party – endorsement of Bloc Québécois Lac Saint-Jean MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, saying he “has been an outstanding member of Parliament, a leading voice for the struggle for human rights domestically and internationally, and one who works across party lines in search of the common good. His candidacy warrants support regardless of party affiliation.”)

But on April 8, Conservative Mount Royal candidate Neil Oberman posted a video on Instagram featuring himself and Cotler’s wife Ariela, on her lawn, both holding an Oberman poster.

“So happy to be here on this snowy April day, on my lawn, and with you,” Ariela says.

“Today everybody, your voice, your choice, will be heard for Neil Oberman and Ariela Cotler,” Oberman says. “I want you to come out on April 28, I want to make sure we take our voice back, that we’re safe, secure and prosperous, because there are no more choices. Do not stay at home, come out and we will have a better country and a better community.”

Ariela then says, “I add my words and I urge you, come out and vote, it’s the future of our families, our children, our grandchildren, and about all of Canada.”

Oberman then says, “I guess it’s going to be voting for Neil Oberman, and voting for the Conservative Party!”

Ariela adds, “Of course it is! Vote, of course, for Neil Oberman and the Conservative Party, and I wish you luck!”

“Thank you,” Oberman replies.

On April 9, Oberman posted a picture of himself shaking hands with Irwin Cotler, posting, “thank you Irwin Cotler for taking the time to share your wisdom and guidance on humanitarian issues that do and should matter and to your dear wife Ariela for joining our Canada First Conservative voices for change.”

The political differences, since this story first appeared April 9, became national news. Irwin Cotler, in terms of his and his wife’s voting choices, says he lives in a “pluralistic household.” n

Cotler home split in Mount Royal election Read More »

Concordia’s Institute of Israel Studies vandalized

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The SPVM is investigating after masked vandals smashed the windows and wrote anti-Israel graffiti at Concordia University’s downtown Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies around 9 p.m. Thursday, just ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Police say they were alerted hours later and arrived on the scene at 3 a.m. Friday. They are looking at video footage.

This incident follows extensive anti-Israel vandalism at McGill University during a recent three-day student strike, and an anti-Israel protest at Quartier Cavendish in Côte St. Luc in an attempt to intimidate moviegoers attending screenings of the documentary October 8, about the rise of antisemitism after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

Concordia president Graham Carr, in a message to the community, wrote that social media posts “celebrated the incident while specifically targeting a Concordia faculty member.

“Such violent actions, which are rooted in hate and intended to intimidate, have absolutely no place in our community,” Carr added. “The SPVM hate crimes unit is investigating. In the coming days, officials at Concordia will continue to collaborate closely with Montreal police to identify anyone who has broken the law, violated the Code of Rights and Responsibilities or failed to adhere to the university’s behaviour guidelines.”

The university president also wrote that “society is facing many urgent and deeply polarizing challenges.

“I ask the university community to join me in addressing them peacefully. Together, we must actively model respect and compassion for all who are suffering, and we must commit to keeping Concordia safe and welcoming for everyone.”

The anti-Israel SPHR Concordia celebrated on Instagram the vandalism against what it called the genocidal “Azrieli institute of israel (sic) studies. The students will never abandon Palestine!”

As for the faculty member targeted, one student on Instagram objected, saying the professor in question “has only ever been a kind and loving soul, most open for any type of discussion.” Some other students expressed similar sentiments.

The institute was founded in 2011, and “supports the advancement of Israel Studies through educational programs, publications, and financial support for students and faculty,” says Concordia’s website. n

Concordia’s Institute of Israel Studies vandalized Read More »

McGill seeks injunction against anti-Israel group

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill University has filed a request with Quebec Superior Court for a provisional injunction against the anti-Israel group Students for Palestinian Honour and Resistance (SPHR), university president Deep Saini announced.

In a message to the McGill community, Saini wrote that the legal step was taken “to protect the rights of students and staff to pursue their studies and work free from threats, obstructions and harassment. The judge heard our request and we are awaiting his ruling.”

The injunction was sought just after a three-day student strike at McGill during which classes were interrupted, Jewish students intimidated and much vandalism committed.

Saini added that with student exams underway, “McGill is asking the Court to prohibit protesters from intimidating or harassing people trying to enter McGill buildings or classrooms, from obstructing academic activities, or from obstructing access to buildings. The university also requested that protesters remain five metres away from buildings used for its operations, whether on or off campus.”

Saini further explained that the injunction request “clearly states that the university considers protest by McGill students and staff, within reasonable limits, to be not only permissible but also important. McGill seeks to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly while protecting the rights of students to continue their academic journey without obstruction.

“The goal of the injunction is to ensure that the integrity and stability of our academic activities are preserved during this critical period of the school year. We are first and foremost a university, and we must focus on our mission and the rights of our students to undertake their academic pursuits in a peaceful environment that supports their well-being and success.” n

McGill seeks injunction against anti-Israel group Read More »

Poilievre promises action against street chaos, disorder

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

A Conservative government will take strong action against the chaos and disorder prevalent in Montreal and across Canada from anti-Israel protesters, Conservative leader and candidate for Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre told The Suburban Monday during a press conference at the downtown Holiday Inn Monday.

Poilievre, accompanied by several Conservative candidates and flanked by those directly victimized or affected as family members by violent and deadly crimes, was in town to announce that a Conservative government would give judges back the power to sentence those who committed multiple or mass murders to consecutive prison sentences without parole eligibility for 25 years.

“For the worst mass murderers, a life sentence should mean what it says, a sentence for life,” Poilievre said. “These monsters should face the full consequences of their actions.”

Poilievre also spoke about chaos and disorder, and The Suburban pointed out that there has been a great deal of both in Montreal on the part of anti-Israel protesters. That includes recent vandalism at McGill and the protest at Quartier Cavendish in Côte St. Luc, where anti-Israel activists demonstrated against the showing of the movie October 8, which chronicled antisemitism following the 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that left 1,200 dead.

We asked Poilievre what a government led by him would do to encourage local police to enforce the Criminal Code in such situations.

“After the lost Liberal decade of crime and chaos, and breakdown in our society, we can’t afford a fourth Liberal term,” he told The Suburban. ”We need a change to bring law and order and respect.”

Poilievre also condemned what he said was the Liberal approach of dividing Canadians.

“You see Mr. Carney playing Justin Trudeau’s trick of saying one thing to one group and exactly the opposite to the other, inflaming sides to cause division, while refusing to enforce the law. That will end when I’m Prime Minister. I will say the same thing to everyone everywhere!”

Poilievre emphasized that he will stand up for the right of Jewish Canadians “to proudly live their lives, practice their faith and enjoy their freedom.That includes wearing a Star of David, a kippah or having a mezuzah on their door, doing all of those things in total security.”

The Conservative candidate specified that a Poilievre government “will be bringing in tougher laws that crack down on hate-based vandalism, and on violence targeted at places of worship.We will bring in more security for places of worship and we will deport from Canada anyone here on a visitor visa who carries out any crime and we will prioritize the deportation of those who carry out hate crimes and violence on our streets.”

For permanent residents or citizens who commit such crimes, “they will go to jail and on top of that, there will be massive crippling financial penalties for hate-based vandalism. I can assure you that there will be penalties that are so massive that there will never be again some punk thinking even once about throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Jewish business or firing a gun at a Jewish school. They will pay a severe price for that. My message to the Jewish community — change is coming and that change will mean you will feel safe, you will feel respected and you will feel at home again in Canada.” n

Poilievre promises action against street chaos, disorder Read More »

Montreal community to observe Holocaust, Israel commemorations

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Montreal community will be observing several commemorations in the next few weeks, including Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance), Yom Hazikaron (remembrance of fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorism) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s anniversary of independence).

The annual Montreal Holocaust Museum Yom Hashoah Vehagvurah ceremony will be taking place 7 p.m. April 23 at the MHM, 5151 Côte St. Catherine Road. The event is also marking Heroism Remembrance Day. Reservations are encouraged, and can be made at the MHM website, museeholocauste.ca.

“On this day and every day, we remember the victims of the Holocaust, honour the survivors, and learn the difficult lessons of the past,” says an MHM announcement.

This year’s Yom Hashoah theme is A Changing Face, A Timeless Fight. The commemoration will include “video testimonies of survivors describing their experiences of antisemitism before the Holocaust, as well as a keynote address from the Honourable Professor Irwin Cotler, the International Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, an Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and longtime Member of Parliament, and an international human rights lawyer. Commemorative songs in Yiddish, Ladino, and Hebrew will be performed alongside traditional prayers.”

The Yom Hazikaron ceremony, honouring Israel’s fallen and the victims of terrorism, is hosted by the Consul-General of Israel and Federation CJA. The solemn event takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday April 29 at the Gelber Conference Centre, 5151 Côte Ste. Catherine. Doors open at 6 p.m. For free tickets, go to jlive.app/events/8538.

On the next day, 1:30 p.m. April 30, also in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA is presenting Montreal’s third annual ZikkaRun, an international memorial for Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s National Remembrance Day.

“Guests are invited to run or walk on Wednesday, April 30 in memory of Israeli fallen soldiers and victims of terror,” an announcement says. “This is a walk or run with no fanfare, no tracking of running times, no music, no fee to participate. All participants will receive the name of an Israeli fallen solider or victim of terror to pin to their shirt. Everyone is invited to participate with one intention — to remember. Register for the run with your friends, family, and loved ones today. This global event will take place in Jewish and Israeli communities around the world, in cooperation with the Department of Organization and Relations with Israelis in the Diaspora in the World Zionist Organization.”

Register at jlive.app/events/10352.

The annual Israel Day celebration, organized by the Jewish Unity Partnership, will be celebrating the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence. The event will be taking place, uniquely this year, 10:15 a.m. May 1 at Macdonald Park on Clanranald Avenue corner Dupuis in Snowdon. The event usually takes place downtown.

Free shuttle buses will be available at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Dollard des Ormeaux at 9:30 a.m., Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Chomedey at 9:30 a.m., Beth Ora Synagogue in St. Laurent and Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount at 9:45 a.m, the Van Horne Shopping Centre in Côte des Neiges at 10 a.m., Quartier Cavendish, Décarie Square and the Côte St. Luc Shopping Centre in CSL at 10 a.m. and Federation CJA and the YM-YWHA in Snowdon at 10 a.m.

For more information, go to israelcelebration.ca.

At 4 p.m. May 1, there will be a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at Federation CJA’s West Island headquarters at 96 Roger Pilon in Dollard des Ormeaux.

“Bring your family and friends and get ready for an afternoon filled with carnival games, delicious food, and tons of fun,” an announcement says. For more information and to register for free, go to jlive.app/events/10712, n

Montreal community to observe Holocaust, Israel commemorations Read More »

Election 2025: Outremont

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The riding includes Outremont itself, the Mile End and the eastern part of Côte des Neiges. Unlike many other Montreal-island ridings, Outremont has been represented by a variety of parties. Tory Jean-Pierre Hogue won it during the Mulroney era. The NDP’s Thomas Mulcair won in 2007 and held the riding until he retired from politics in 2018. The Liberals then reclaimed the riding when Rachel Bendayan won a by-election earlier in 2019, and she won the 2021 general election with 44.36 percent of the vote.

Liberal

Rachel Bendayan, most recently appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship by Prime Minister Mark Carney, was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. She was previously Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. Before entering politics, Bendayan was a lawyer with Norton Rose Fulbright in the fields of litigation and international arbitration, specializing in international trade law. She taught at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal.

Conservative

Ronan Reich studied finance and information technology at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and HEC Montreal, and previously ran for the Conservatives in the Laurier–Sainte-Marie riding. Reich says his experience equips him “with the skills needed to understand the economic challenges of our country.” He adds that “my family has lived in this riding since my ancestors came to Canada in search of the Canadian promise.” The candidate also says that the Liberal government “with its rising taxes and capital gains tax that discourages investment, is putting our collective future at risk. I want to offer all citizens, young and old, the opportunity to build a better future for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren.”

NDP

Ève Péclet, who ran for the NDP in Outremont in 2021, was previously the party’s MP representing the La Pointe-de-l’Île riding from 2011 to 2015. The candidate says she is focused on “the values of justice, inclusion and equality.” While in Parliament, she sat on the Human Rights Subcommittee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Justice Committee of the Parliament of Canada. She worked on such issues as the use of rape as a weapon of war in armed conflict zones, respect for human rights by Canadian companies abroad, and access to justice. Outside politics, she is a lawyer, and has worked with domestic and sexual violence victims. Nowadays, she works at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, handling discrimination and racial profiling cases. She also works with with Pro Bono Students Canada and the YWCA Legal Clinic.

Bloc Québécois

Rémi Lebeuf has been involved in numerous community and activist organizations, joined the Bloc Québécois Youth Forum in 2019 and is its Vice-President. He has a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the Université de Montréal, and worked for MP Gabriel Ste-Marie in Joliette. Lebeuf joined the BQ parliamentary team as parliamentary assistant to MP Julie Vignola. He says that this election “will be crucial for the future of Quebec, in the face of the two major Canadian parties worn and disconnected from our local realities.”

Green Party

Jonathan Pedneault is co-leader of the Green Party with Elizabeth May, and it has been reported that he is taking on “singular leadership roles” for the party and representing the Green Party at debates. He says that “those in power who could make a difference continue to let us down. Canadians deserve a real alternative—one that defends our values and safeguards the future we all want for our country.’” As a journalist, he has reported from Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya and Israel. He has recently condemned Israel for its actions during the war with Hamas, posting: “Words of condemnation on social media fail to capture how despicable, criminal and reprehensible Israel’s conduct is. Human rights abusers deserve sanctions, condemnation and jail. Not accolades, excuses and normalization.”

Election 2025: Outremont Read More »

Rights tribunal finds no proof of racial profiling in CSL traffic stop

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Quebec Human Rights Tribunal recently ruled that there was no proof Montreal Black community member Eric Moses Gashirabake was subjected to racial profiling in a March 23, 2018 traffic stop in Côte St. Luc.

Gashirabake, at the time of the incident a CSL resident, was seeking $27,450, including $20,000 for the “income he allegedly lost between June and September 2020, as the [encounter] had such an impact on him that it led him to leave his job in April 2020 to move to Gatineau”; $2,450 for moving expenses and $5,000 in punitive damages “to discourage police officers from profiling in their interactions with racialized people.” A previous Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse ruling said the plaintiff could have his case heard before the Quebec human rights tribunal.

The defendants — the City of Montreal and the SPVM — argued that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to rule on the case — this was rejected by Judge Magali Lewis. The city and the SPVM also said the plaintiff went through a red light when turning left from southbound Cavendish Blvd. in Côte St. Luc onto eastbound Côte St. Luc Road.

The judge ruled for the defendants stating that the constable “did not say the words Gashirabake claims he did; and that Gashirabake had not established that he suffered material and moral damages that would justify awarding him the amounts he was claiming.

“Gashirabake’s testimony does not offer sufficient guarantees of reliability to satisfy the criterion of the preponderance of evidence.”

According to the details of the case, Gashirabake calmly disputed the reason for the traffic stop, saying the light was green when he drove through the intersection, and handed the officer his driver’s license and vehicle registration. The constable gave the driver tickets for running the red light and not having proof of insurance in his possession. The plaintiff was determined in municipal court to be not guilty of the first infraction, but guilty of the second. The officer was not present in municipal court to testify.

In his original 2018 complaint, Gashirabake said the officer made discriminatory remarks and did not consider his explanations for the infractions that resulted in both tickets.

“I explained to him I had a new car and was waiting for the slip to be emailed to me, but he did not want to listen to me,” the plaintiff explained. “He said something in French along the line of ‘les des mensonges’ (sic)’ I am not fluent in French but I know he wanted to generalize that all black people tell lies!” The officer denied calling the plaintiff a liar.

But the court found that the plaintiff was inconsistent in his account of the incident, and “gave several versions, both as to when the [officer’s] remarks were allegedly made and their content.” For instance, Gashirabake claimed at one point that the officer spoke French, and then claimed the officer spoke English except when stating the allegedly discriminatory remark.

The court also ruled that the plaintiff stated at different times that the discriminatory remarks were made at the beginning, the middle and the end of the encounter; and also stated different versions of the allegedly discriminatory remarks.

“The Tribunal finds that throughout the period before he gave the tickets to Mr. Gashirabake, Officer Courteau was courteous and that there were no exchanges between them other than those concerning the reason for the interception and the request for Mr. Gashirabake’s papers.” n

Rights tribunal finds no proof of racial profiling in CSL traffic stop Read More »

Three arrested in NDG murder

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Montreal police have made three arrests in connection with the shooting death of a man in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce last February.

Jean-David Isme, 55, was gunned down last February 2 at the corner of St. Jacques and Beaconsfield. As reported in The Suburban at the time, police said they had received 911 calls around 11:45 that night. The murder occurred on a Sunday night. Police had the area roped off through to the following Monday evening. Residents were initially not allowed out of their homes, or to exit through the back doors of their buildings.

The three men arrested – one of whom is connected with the Blood Family Mafia street gang – are 26-year-old Bryan Moreau-Gignac of Montreal, 22-year-old Dariush Kabirinaeini of Pierrefonds, and 35-year-old Samuel Jordain Cody of Quebec City.

Police say search warrants were issued in Montreal and Laval, and in Quebec City and Baie Comeau.

The three men were arrested last Thursday, April 10, and were charged the next day with first-degree murder. As they were all detained in three different places, they appeared via videoconference before Quebec Court Justice Marie Kettlyne Ruben.

Isme was known to police, with past criminal charges including possession of a loaded weapon and cannabis possession with intent to traffic. He pleaded guilty to both in 2022.

Isme’s death was the city’s third homicide of the year.

He was the uncle of a known gang member, Andrew Luberisse, known as “Ali Baba,” a member of the Profit Boyz. Last December he was found murdered in his cell at the Rivière des Prairies Detention Centre. n

Three arrested in NDG murder Read More »

Two Montreal schools in fight for their lives

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Two Montreal schools, F.A.C.E. and Centennial Academy, are facing existential threats.

The Quebec Education Ministry has decided that renovations to F.A.C.E. have become too costly – rising to $375 million from the original estimate of $243 million. It has decided, rather, to move the high school and elementary school to two different buildings, École Christophe Colomb and École Saint-Urbain. Both also need work. The cost of renovating them will come to a little more than $200 million.

Geneviève Gueritaud has two children who graduated from F.A.C.E., and another who is in Secondary II. She says the government’s plan and attitude toward the school is shortsighted.

F.A.C.E. combines a core education with arts education. It is housed in the old Montreal High School, a heritage building completed in 1924. With a building that old a certain state of disrepair is to be expected: lack of drinking water due to lead pipes, the façade and school under constant construction, hallways closed for repairs. “When you enter the school, you are baffled by how beautiful it is,” Gueritaud says, “but you are also appalled by the state of it.” Surely, she says, the government has the money to do what is necessary to keep it open.

The two new locations, Gueritaud says, don’t have the facilities and space that F.A.C.E. needs, no auditorium, not enough art rooms, and no library.

And separating the elementary from the high schools defeats the purpose of F.A.C.E., where younger students learn from the older ones, French and English coexist, and teachers follow students throughout their time there. It is as if the government considers the school a failed experiment, even though it’s been around since 1975, and lacks the will to save it.

But Gueritaud says the government is missing the point.

“This is not just about one school in the core of downtown Montreal that few privileged kids are lucky to attend. It’s about allocating public funds for what actually matters for society.”

Gueritaud chokes up when she talks about F.A.C.E., a school that alumni come back with pride.

“Do we really want to scrap a project that is actually working, that is actually producing culturally engaged, culturally committed, interested, articulate people in downtown Montreal?”

Centennial Academy is also facing closure. The private high school for students with learning challenges, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other issues is in dire financial straits.

An English institution for nearly six decades, it added a French sector in 2016. The school is now evenly split Anglophone and Francophone, But it only gets government funding for one – the Anglo side – due to a freeze on private school funding. As a result, Centennial Academy is looking at a deficit that it may not be able to overcome.

But unlike in the case of F.A.C.E., which seems a done deal, Education Minister Bernard Drainville is said to be considering emergency funding for Centennial if it can show it has some kind of recovery plan in place.

Centennial is a private school with a tuition price tag of $23,000 per year.

The prospect of its closure was discussed in the National Assembly, with Liberal MNA Madwa-Nika Cadet warning that the school may only have two months left.

Both F.A.C.E. and Centennial have groups fighting for each school’s survival, with Facebook pages – Sauvons F.A.C.E./Save F.A.C.E., and Coalition Sauvons – raising awareness. Centennial. Drainville has met with the latter group. And F.A.C.E. has a petition before the National Assembly presented by Jennifer Maccarone, the MNA for the school’s riding. n

Two Montreal schools in fight for their lives Read More »

Suspect arrested in DDO synagogue firebombing

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Montreal Police (SPVM) have arrested a 19-year-old suspect in connection with the December 2024 firebombing of Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

Mohamed Ilyess Akodad was arrested at his residence in Anjou after a search was executed by the SPVM’s arson squad which led investigators to seize various pieces of evidence.

The recent arrest comes following the December 18 attack, when police responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. reporting a fire at the synagogue on Westpark Street. The firebomb shattered a glass panel adjacent to the front doors and sparked a fire in the vestibule leading to the inner door. A door was also broken during the incident. Firefighters controlled the blaze, and investigators discovered an incendiary device dubbed a “Molotov cocktail” at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect flee the area. During the same incident, two windows were shattered at a nearby Jewish community building across the street, Federation CJA.

Akodad appeared at the Montreal courthouse on Wednesday to face charges related to arson, attempted arson, destruction of property, and possession of incendiary materials.

“We are grateful to the police for diligently investigating this case,” says B’nai Brith Canada’s Regional Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada Henry Topas, who also serves as cantor for Beth Tikvah. “Brazen attacks on our places of worship have left deep scars in Montreal’s Jewish community.”

Federation CJA acknowledged that measures taken by their Community Security Network were “instrumental in not only preventing greater damage but also in providing the tools and resources to law enforcement needed to further their investigation.”

Eta Yudin, CIJA’s Vice-President for Quebec, emphasized the importance of this development: “We have long called for law enforcement and public safety officials to use every possible tool to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the hate, intimidation and violence we see in our streets.”

The December attack marked the second such incident at Beth Tikvah, following a similar firebombing in November 2023. Both attacks involved incendiary devices targeting the building’s entrance and coincided with vandalism at nearby Jewish community facilities. In the November incident, staff and congregants arrived to find their front doors charred from a Molotov cocktail, while Federation CJA’s West Island offices were also targeted with a second Molotov cocktail discovered at its location.

DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci said, “I am thankful that the police have arrested the individual implicated in the fire bombing of Beth Tikvah. Antisemitism, and violence, have no place in our community. This is not our Canada.”

DDO Councillor Tanya Toledano addressed concerns about enforcement of antisemitic crimes, stating, “We need to see enforcement happening. We need to see that the police are not operating with what appears to be their hands tied behind their backs and be able to actually enforce the laws that exist. We’ve seen violence on our streets with very few arrests and certainly none that I know of that have been sticking. It cannot continue like this.”

Beth Tikvah Rabbi Emeritus Mordecai Zeitz also expressed concerns, stating, “Even when they (police) catch the perpetrators, no consequences are applied.”

According to B’nai Brith’s latest Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Quebec recorded a 215.7 percent increase in antisemitic incidents since 2023. The organization’s Director of Research and Advocacy, Richard Robertson, noted that “Since October 7, 2023, Beth Tikvah has been attacked in repeated, shocking displays of antisemitism.”

Jews remain Canada’s most targeted religious minority, being the victims of almost 60% of hate crimes while making up only some 2% of the population.

Despite the arrest, police say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 911, their local police station, or anonymously through Info-Crime Montreal at 514-393-1133 or via the online form at infocrimemontreal.ca. n

Suspect arrested in DDO synagogue firebombing Read More »

Carney outlines defense strategy at Bombardier facility

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Liberal Leader Mark Carney unveiled an ambitious defense procurement strategy during a press conference at Bombardier’s Dorval facility Monday, speaking to reporters in the presence of hundreds of Bombardier employees who gathered for the announcement.

Speaking from the factory floor, Carney detailed plans to overhaul Canada’s defense procurement process and boost domestic research and development. The announcement comes amid growing concerns about global security challenges and the need to modernize Canada’s military infrastructure.

The Liberal leader highlighted a recently announced partnership with Australia for a new early warning radar system, designed to enhance Arctic sovereignty and defense capabilities. The multi-billion dollar collaboration represents one of the largest defense industry partnerships between the two nations.

Carney also addressed Canada’s relationship with European allies, emphasizing the importance of strengthening military and industrial cooperation. The proposed strategy includes increased investment in domestic defense manufacturing and enhanced participation in European defense initiatives.

The choice of Bombardier’s facility for the announcement, with its workforce in attendance, underscores the potential role of Canadian aerospace manufacturers in future defense contracts. However, industry experts note that any changes to existing military procurement agreements, particularly regarding the F-35 fighter jet program, could face challenges from trading partners.

The defense strategy announcement comes as part of Carney’s broader campaign platform ahead of the April 28 federal election, where national security and sovereignty have emerged as key issues.

“For months, we have come under repetitive attacks by the United States. President Trump is attacking Canadian workers lie those here at Bombardier. He is Attacking Canadian enterprises. He is even attacking our existence as a free, distinct and sovereign country. He is attacking our identity and our way of life. We must face a world that is deeply transformed. Our world is changing becoming more dangerous and divided. The norms that have kept Canada and the world secure and prosperous are in peril. The priorities of the united states once closely aligned to ours have shifted. In response we have to give our armed forces the new resources that they need to defend our sovereignty with a made in Canada procurement approach. That will help our defense businesses to grow here at home all while diversifying their markets and growing their cooperation and sales abroad,” Carney told reporters. n

Carney outlines defense strategy at Bombardier facility Read More »

Family challenges suicide ruling in West Island teen’s death

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The family of Emmanuel Diafouka is demanding answers after Montreal police ruled the 18-year-old’s death a suicide following what they describe as a rushed six-day investigation.

Emmanuel’s body was discovered in a Dollard-des-Ormeaux park on January 30, with circumstances his parents say don’t add up. The case, initially treated as suspicious, was closed, following a six-day investigation, as a suicide – a conclusion that has left the family reeling and searching for truth.

“Emmanuel wasn’t a suicidal child. He loved life, he loved his family, and he had plans,” his mother, Chimene Moumpala, told media, while fighting back tears during a press conference held at the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) office.

The timeline of events has emerged as a critical point of contention. According to Jean-François Diafouka, Emmanuel’s father, phone records show his son made a call at 8:32 p.m. from their home. Police determined the time of death as 8:33 p.m. – creating what the family sees as an impossible scenario, given that the park is a 10-minute walk from their residence.

More questions surfaced when Emmanuel’s friends discovered bloody tissues near the scene days after his death. Despite sharing photographs with investigators, the family says police never followed up on this potential evidence.

The investigation’s scope has also drawn criticism. Helena Diafouka, Emmanuel’s sister, revealed that police attributed the suicide to an argument with his girlfriend – yet investigators never interviewed the girlfriend or Emmanuel’s close friends. She added that the dispute had been resolved before her brother’s death.

At the time of his death, Emmanuel was looking forward to an upcoming trip to the Republic of Congo with his mother and had plans to pursue hockey in France. His family struggles to reconcile these future plans with the suicide ruling.

Fo Niemi, CRARR’s executive director, expressed concern about the investigation’s impact on public trust, particularly within Montreal’s Black community. “Justice cannot be served without reopening this case and examining all overlooked evidence and un-interviewed witnesses,” Niemi said.

Helena Diafouka questions whether her brother’s case received less thorough attention because of his race.

The Montreal police service maintains that “the evidence gathered during the investigation confirms that this was not a criminal act” but declined to provide specific details. Meanwhile, the Quebec coroner’s office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Emmanuel’s death.

The family has reached out to DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci and their MP, Francis Scarpaleggia of Lac-Saint-Louis, for support in reopening the investigation.

“When the family reached out seeking help, I felt compelled to assist them as a concerned member of our community. While this matter falls outside my municipal role, I was able to facilitate communication with the appropriate authorities, who showed great empathy toward the family’s situation. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is help connect people with those who can provide answers. I’m grateful I could play a small part in helping this family work toward the closure they so deeply deserve. This is absolutely tragic and they deserve all the time and attention required to have the detailed explanations that they are seeking,” Bottausci told The Suburban.

“We need closure to begin healing,” Helena said. “Without answers, we can’t properly grieve. We deserve to know what really happened to Emmanuel.” n

Family challenges suicide ruling in West Island teen’s death Read More »

Brunswick Medical Centre hit by major data hack

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A cyberattack has exposed personal information at one of the West Island’s largest medical facilities, leaving patients and medical professionals seeking answers about their sensitive data.

Brunswick Medical Centre in Pointe-Claire confirmed that unauthorized actors breached their systems on March 24, gaining access to sensitive data belonging to patients, staff members, and physicians. The announcement came nearly three weeks after the initial breach, a delay the clinic claims was necessary to secure their systems while maintaining essential medical services.

“We can confirm that an unauthorized actor accessed and took personal information and health information of members of our community from our servers,” the clinic said. The facility noted that most patient data was not affected.

In a statement, Vince Trevisonno, the CEO of Brunswick Medical Centre, confirmed that Omnimed – the external platform housing Electronic Medical Record data, including health insurance numbers, phone numbers and email addresses – was not affected during the breach. The clinic does not yet know the total number of patients affected or what health information was accessed, and they are not aware of any data being leaked or sold.

Cybersecurity expert Rajat Sharma CEO of CWS Solutions told The Suburban that transparency is key when private information is compromised. “In the medical industry they have PHIPA compliance. The idea is have to have an incident response plan and according to this they have to inform users that they have been breeched so they can take necessary precautions on their end. The clinic should present an incident response advisory to patients — such as identity insurance and other modes of protecting their identities. It’s not a requirement but it is a moral obligation to be helpful to those who are impacted. We already struggle with lack of feeling cared for in medical industry in Quebec. They should also tell the public what they are doing to secure the system. They stopped it early so kudos to them — that is excellence in itself and they did a good job getting the information out quickly. But now they need to present the contingency plan.”

The medical centre has alerted authorities, including the Commission of access to information, Santé Québec, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Quebec College of Physicians, the West Island health authority and law enforcement. “Other groups of individuals may also have been impacted, and we will ensure they are notified as soon as our analysis allows,” the clinic stated.

The facility’s endoscopy department experienced temporary disruptions, with some appointments postponed for one day due to the incident. The clinic has implemented what it describes as “comprehensive measures” to prevent future incidents, while an investigation with cybersecurity experts continues. n

Brunswick Medical Centre hit by major data hack Read More »

West Island CIUSSS unveils simulation centre at LGH

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The West Island CIUSSS has officially launched its new Centre for Simulation and Learning at the Lakeshore General Hospital, marking a significant step forward in healthcare education and training. The inauguration, held on April 10, brought together healthcare professionals and students to celebrate the facility’s opening and explore its capabilities.

The simulation centre is designed to provide a realistic and safe environment for medical training, allowing students, residents, and seasoned clinical professionals to hone their skills through immersive simulations of complex medical scenarios. Equipped with high-fidelity mannequins, pediatric and neonatal simulators, and advanced tools for laparoscopy and ultrasound procedures, the centre aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The facility will allow healthcare professionals to access simulation technology for comprehensive training opportunities in real-life situations within a controlled environment.

The simulation scenarios are designed to mimic real-life clinical situations, enabling participants to practice their skills in a controlled setting. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, ultimately leading to more effective interventions and improved patient outcomes.

The Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation played a vital role in bringing the simulation centre to fruition, providing crucial funding and support for the project. The foundation’s involvement reinforces its ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare services in the West Island community.

In attendance at the inauguration were Najia Hachimi-Idrissi, Associate President and CEO of Clinical Programs and Academic Mission for the West Island CIUSSS; Jean-François Miron, Associate Executive Director of Standardization; Fatima Azzahra Lahrizi, Director of Academic Affairs and Innovation; France Desjardins, Board Member with expertise in community organizations; Dr. Robin Nathanson, Dr. Yasmin Halwani, Richard Legault, President of Human, Property and Information Resources; Youssef Lazar, Iman Saad Kamal Hassan, and Wael El Natour.

The West Island CIUSSS’s Centre for Simulation and Learning represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare, ensuring that medical professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the community. By providing a safe and realistic training environment, the centre will contribute to improved patient outcomes, enhanced clinical performance, and a stronger healthcare system overall. This initiative not only benefits current healthcare providers but also serves as a valuable resource for training the next generation of medical professionals. n

West Island CIUSSS unveils simulation centre at LGH Read More »

Baie-D’Urfé Mayor leads coalition against SAQ closures

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a bold stance against the provincial liquor corporation’s recent decisions, Baie-D’Urfé Mayor Heidi Ektvedt has joined forces with six other Quebec mayors to demand immediate government intervention in the wake of announced SAQ store closures.

“The closure of a SAQ outlet without any prior consultation with local stakeholders is unworthy of a crown corporation,” Ektvedt stated at a joint press conference. According to municipal sources, the sudden announcement of the Baie D’Urfé SAQ closure has sent shock waves through the local business community, with concerns mounting about the impact on neighbouring establishments.

The controversy comes as the SAQ moves forward with its restructuring plan, which includes shutting several locations while opening 34 boutique locations in supermarkets. For Baie-D’Urfé’s business district, the closure represents more than just the loss of a liquor store, it’s seen as a direct threat to the area’s commercial vitality.

“This hurts,” Ektvedt emphasized, addressing the gathered media. The mayor’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the erosion of local commercial infrastructure and its potential domino effect on surrounding businesses.

The coalition of mayors is calling for two immediate actions: the cancellation of recently announced closures and the implementation of a moratorium on future SAQ outlet closures until a comprehensive territorial responsibility policy can be established.

At the March 21 press conference at Baie-D’Urfé town hall, Mayor Heidi Ektvedt was joined by Montreal Sud-Ouest Borough Mayor Benoit Dorais and Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone. The coalition they lead also includes Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand, Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle, Saguenay Mayor Julie Dufour, and Victoriaville Mayor Antoine Tardif. These seven municipal leaders represent communities across Quebec facing SAQ closures, with Ektvedt emerging as the coalition’s primary spokesperson in their fight against the crown corporation’s restructuring plans.

The mayors argue that the SAQ’s position as a monopoly holder in alcohol distribution comes with special responsibilities to Quebec’s communities. Their concern is particularly acute given that many municipalities are currently investing significant resources in revitalizing their commercial districts. In response to these developments, a petition has been launched online, allowing residents of the affected communities to voice their support for the mayors’ demands. Local business owners and residents are encouraged to sign the petition and make their voices heard on this crucial issue affecting the community’s future.

For Baie-D’Urfé residents, the next nearest SAQ location would require significant travel, potentially driving business away from the local commercial sector. This situation has prompted Mayor Ektvedt and her colleagues to demand that the provincial government recognize its responsibility in maintaining the vitality of local communities through its crown corporations. n

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