Joel Goldenberg

Hampstead to loosen outdoor smoking bylaw

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Hampstead council will be loosening a six-year-old outdoor no-smoking bylaw that captured national attention because it covered the entire territory of the town, including streets, sidewalks, parks, municipal vehicles, town buildings and land next to those municipal buildings.

The bylaw had covered tobacco and cannabis but not e-cigarettes as they are not a tobacco product. A notice of motion and draft bylaw were tabled for the bylaw revision at the Oct. 8 council meeting.

Mayor Jeremy Levi told The Suburban that in terms of outdoor smoking, the bylaw will no longer apply to streets and sidewalks.

“What we’ve seen since this was instituted over the years is a very restrictive bylaw that was very challenging to be enforced,” the Mayor explained. “For example, if somebody was sitting in their car with the convertible roof down, on the road, smoking a cigarette, they would be in contravention of this bylaw. We’re just trying to make it a little more amenable to enforce.”

Levi added that “you’re still not going to be able to smoke in parks and [municipal] public places.

The Mayor also pointed out that “quite often, we have contractors that are working on homes, and they don’t really know the bylaw. They’re sitting in their truck, having lunch, smoking a cigarette… we’re just trying to make this a little more realistic.”

Six years ago, CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein told The Suburban that while CSL banned smoking in parks and around playgrounds and at its outdoor swimming pool years before, “a complete ban from smoking on streets or sidewalks would completely remove certain individuals’ rights to smoke, such as those living in the many condos in our city where they are forbidden to smoke indoors based on condo association rules. In a free and democratic society, we do not have the authority to remove a right completely,” the Côte St. Luc Mayor said.

Hampstead councillors Warren Budning and Leon Elfassy voted against the bylaw six years ago.

“The issue I have is can we enforce it,” Elfassy said at the time. “We can be possibly challenged. [Banning on] sidewalks and roads are a little bit difficult for me to digest.”

Budning said at the time that, while he supported banning smoking in parks and public places where people congregate, “legislating what people can or cannot do is somewhat of an infringement on rights and freedoms, and is considered over-legislation.The residents elected us for a realistic interpretation of how we should be running this town and creating bylaws, and I believe, hypothetically, an individual walking their dog at 11:30 p.m. who decides to smoke should not be liable for a ticket. And a fine of up to $1,500 is excessive. Also, the unenforceability of the bylaw is a serious concern for me. Passing this at a special council meeting removes the opportunity to engage with residents.” n

Hampstead to loosen outdoor smoking bylaw Read More »

St. Laurent adopts $83 million budget

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent council, at its October council meeting, adopted a local $83.1 million budget and $96.2 million 10-year 2025-2034 capital investment program — the borough budget was $81.3 million last year.

A borough statement points out that $997,000 was taken from the surplus to balance the budget. The budget is being forwarded to Montreal city council for adoption.

“With the arrival of the REM and several other major urban mobility projects that will establish St. Laurent as a strategic hub, our community is on the cusp of a transformation that will have significant positive impacts on its attractiveness and its economy,” said Mayor Alan DeSousa. “It was therefore important for the borough to formulate a budget capable of effectively supporting this growth and completing the projects under its responsibility without cutting services or putting added pressure on the community. The latter has been challenged by inflation in recent years, so we decided to make use of a portion of the surplus to reduce local taxes and lessen the impact of increasing property values. We hope this measure will allow some breathing room for our community in 2025 as inflation continues to slowly but surely recede to a desirable level that will restore balance.”

Regarding the 10-Year Capital Investment Program for various projects, “by completion, these projects will represent $201.7 million in investments to benefit the community.”

Regarding the local budget, it includes $14.9 million for general administration (up $100,000 from last year); $1.5 million for public security ($100,000 less than last year); and $5.9 million for environmental health (up $200,000 from last year), which includes maintenance of local waterworks and the sewage system.”

As well, “$1.9 million is slated for health and well-being, $6.9 million for land use planning, urban planning and development, and $31 million for recreation and culture, including park maintenance; and $21 million is reserved for transport, which includes roadwork and snow removal.”

The statement added that the borough was able, despite inflation this year, “to reduce the local taxation rate for 2025, dropping it from $0.0674 to $0.0623 per $100 segment of assessed value.” The complete property tax rate will be known when the City of Montreal budget is passed.

Other aspects of the budget:

• “Transfers from the City of Montreal, including anticipated income from construction permits: $59,258,300.” The amount last year was $58,720,900.

• “Local tax income: $18,110,700,” compared to $17,478,800 last year.

• “Local fee income: $4,796,800.”

• “Surplus allocation: $997,000.”

Total: $83,162,800

Regarding the Capital Investment Program and operating budget, the 2025-27 priorities include:

• Upgrades to the Complexe sportif and the Centre des loisirs.”

• “Upgrades to the spaces at the Bibliothèque du Vieux-Saint-Laurent.”

• “Repairs to paving, sidewalks and curbs on the local network.”

• “Developments in various parks.”

• “Development of Phase 1 of Parc Bois-Franc.”

• “Upgrades to the Chamberland and St. Laurent park chalets.”

• “Repairs to several park trails and sports fields.”

• “Replacement of play modules.”

“Start of the replacement of the swimming pools in Chamberland, Hartenstein and Saint-Laurent parks.”

• “Restoration work in the Parc Marcel-Laurin woodland.”

• “Continuation of the conversion to LED lighting in various parks.”

• “Upgrades to various parking lots.”

• Work to ensure the safety and user-friendliness of the amenities on various streets.” n

St. Laurent adopts $83 million budget Read More »

Five arrested in CDN and near CSL synagogue

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Five occupants of two vehicles parked in Côte St. Luc as well as at Décarie and Isabella in Snowdon were arrested early in the morning of Oct. 2, hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the SPVM announced.

The occupants were allegedly in possession of incendiary devices, police say. We understand it was a bottle with some sort of liquid. The CSL statement says one of the cars was seen near a synagogue on Mackle Road.

A CSL statement says the vehicle was spotted by a CSL Public Security agent, who called police. The SPVM officers intercepted the vehicle on Kildare and made the arrests.

This past August, an email threat was sent to numerous synagogues and Jewish institutions. The “group” claimed to have placed explosives in buildings, in backpacks, which “are set to go off in a few hours. You will all end up in a pool of blood, none of you deserve to keep living. I incessantly have nothing other than scorn for humanity. This will be your last day on earth.”

The SPVM statement says that in the current case, officers “first stopped a vehicle at around 1:50 a.m. at the intersection of Décarie Boulevard and Isabella Avenue, in the borough of CDN–NDG. The occupants were a 16-year-old teenager and two 17-year-olds. Inside the vehicle were incendiary objects.

“About 15 minutes later, thanks to a tip from Côte-Saint-Luc Public Security, the SPVM apprehended two adults aged 20 and 22, near the intersection of Kildare Road and Cavendish Boulevard. Inside the vehicle was also incendiary material. Following their arrest, the suspects were released with conditions and a promise to appear at the Montreal courthouse (adults) and the Youth Division of the Court of Quebec.”

The SPVM’s Arson and Explosives Unit is investigating, seeking to find out if “these events are local repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact 911 or their neighbourhood police station. It is also possible to communicate anonymously and confidentially with Info-Crime Montréal at 514 393-1133 or via the reporting form available on the infocrimemontreal.ca website.”

The CSL statement says “since the October 7 attacks in Israel and the subsequent shootings, vandalism, and incitement targeting Jewish Montrealers, the City of Côte Saint-Luc wants to reassure the public that it is working in close collaboration with all security agencies in order to protect the public. The city has increased patrols by Public Security agents around community buildings, and we are in direct contact with community officials, Federation CJA security team, and the Montreal police department (SPVM).” n

Five arrested in CDN and near CSL synagogue Read More »

CSL candidates go at it on Global

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By Joel Goldenberg

Côte St. Luc mayoral candidates Mitchell Brownstein and Robert Libman debated the issues last Thursday on Global TV’s Focus Montreal, hosted by Jamie Orchard.

Libman praised Côte St. Luc as an “incredible municipality.

“But I don’t believe we’ve achieved our full potential, we can do a lot better with the right leadership,” he added.

Brownstein said that since he became mayor a year and a half ago, “I negotiated a deal with the City of Montreal whereby Côte St. Luc will be paying $4.8 million less for essential [island-wide agglomeration] services, reduced our debt by $4 million and we’re running a surplus of $1.9 million in 2016. I settled collective agreements with our three unions.”

The debate dealt with the most prominent issue in Côte St. Luc for the past 50 years — the long-awaited Cavendish Blvd. link with St. Laurent. Libman said he ended the longstanding impasse prompted by former Mayor Bernard Lang’s opposition.

“In 2000, I developed a consensus that I proposed to the Quebec Transport Ministry and the municipalities in the surrounding area were in agreement with us,” he said. “The City of Montreal created a project bureau with a $5 million budget at the time, public studies and environmental tests were prepared and ready to go for the extension to be completed in 2010, and 15 years later, it’s still not there. We need someone with an urban planning and architectural background that I have to really push this file forward.”

Brownstein said the ceding of the Hippodrome land from Quebec to Montreal last June for a housing development has a condition that the Cavendish extension “must go forward.

“It didn’t happen by itself. As soon as I was elected, I made a commitment I would push Cavendish forward, and I met with Montreal executive committee chairman Pierre Desrochers. We had a meeting with our MNA David Birnbaum, four ministers came, and all the five mayors — everyone was committed to moving it forward. I met with CP and CN for the first time together in my office. The result was that Minister Carlos Leitao announced with Mayor Denis Coderre that there will be an extension…”

“That was the biggest non-announcement,” Libman began, before both spoke over each other.

“If Robert [was going to] to move it forward, he would have been able to do it when he was on the Montreal [megacity] executive committee, but now he can’t do it at all,” Brownstein countered.

‘That’s when we announced it,” Libman responded. “The file was going to go ahead, and 15 years later it’s still sitting on the backburner.”

Brownstein then said Libman is a lobbyist for the development company Olymbec, “and there is a reserve on a piece of land owned by Olymbec that is required for the Cavendish extension. He will have to recuse himself from the whole debate!”

“This is so typical of this whole campaign,” Libman said. “All of the allegations, ridiculous comments…”

Orchard asked if the Olymbec land is under reserve, and if it is required for the extension.

“A piece of land owned by Olymbec has been reserved by the City of Montreal, but it doesn’t affect what I do…” Libman said.

“Would you have to recuse yourself from that debate?” Orchard asked.

“To be perfectly transparent, just to avoid any perceived conflict, perhaps I would, but it’s not even necessary, I’ve spoken with ministry officials about that,” Libman said.

Last week, Libman told The Suburban that while he is registered as a lobbyist, “I have no choice —every architect and urban planner that meets with city officials has to do that.”

At another debate at the Or Hahayim Synagogue Brownstein raised the issue of remerger as a “possible” threat. “The threat is not imminent,” he said, “But there have been Mayors who have told me that they’ve heard discussions of the possibility. I wouldn’t want to say more because I don’t want it to happen. I heard it at the municipal level. Certain people at the municipal level would like that to happen.” Brownstein declined to reveal further details.

Libman said Brownstein’s contention is a “scare tactic. “I have tried over and over again to bring issues to the fore that affect Côte St. Luc residents going forward regarding taxation, urban planning challenges, infrastructure and roads, transparency and creative programs for our city and he hasn’t advanced a single idea,” the candidate said. “All he does is try to spin the 15-year-old demerger tale and shy away from the real issues.”

CSL candidates go at it on Global Read More »

B’nai Brith Canada presents plan to fight antisemitism on campuses

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

B’nai Brith Canada announced last week that it developed a Policy for Combating Antisemitism on Campuses (PCAC), a “comprehensive policy for universities to use as a go-to resource for addressing unprecedented levels of antisemitism, which have spiked since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.”

And more recently, the organization announced its launch of a policy “to help school boards across the country respond to the unprecedented crisis of antisemitism in their districts since Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel last Oct. 7, 2023.”

The organization says its policy in relation to universities “not only proposes measures to protect against antisemitism but enables post-secondary institutions” to take a “proactive stance against disinformation and historical revisionism. Its adoption would represent a commitment to upholding the values of truth, justice, and equity for all members of our campus communities.”

B’nai Brith had asked universities how they planned to protect Jewish students for this academic year.

“Most schools said existing policies and frameworks already contain safeguards intended to combat and protect students from racism and hatred,” the organization’s statement says.

Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy, says the issue is “there is a lack of understanding of what antisemitism means.

“Universities need a better definition of antisemitism to improve their existing anti-hate policies and ensure Jewish persons are included within existing frameworks. PCAC is meant to fill this role by enhancing existing policies.”

B’nai Brith Canada says it ‘looks forward to the universal adoption of PCAC and its acceptance into common parlance in Canada.”

Some of PCAC’s points include:

• “The university acknowledges that Jewish identity is multifaceted, encompassing ethnicity, culture, and religion. Jewish people constitute an ethnic group with a shared heritage, history, and cultural practices that have evolved over millennia. This policy commits to safeguarding the rights of Jewish members of the institution’s community to fully participate in the university community without discrimination, bias, or exclusion.”

• “Historically, Jewish communities have faced systemic persecution, discrimination, and violence rooted in antisemitism. This policy responds to the ongoing threats that Jewish students face, which are exacerbated by historical and contemporary forms of antisemitism, underscoring the need for proactive measures to create an inclusive and safe environment.”

• “Antisemitism intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance. Addressing antisemitism within the institution’s EDI (Equality Diversity Inclusion) framework strengthens the broader efforts to combat all forms of oppression and supports the creation of an inclusive environment for all marginalized groups.”

Regarding its policy to battle antisemitism at schools (PCAS), B’nai Brith’s document says “it is paramount that students learn that antisemitism or hatred of any kind is unacceptable in their foundational school years. [The policy’s] purpose is to ensure that the school environment is free from antisemitism and to provide Jewish students with support in expressing their cultural, religious and historical identity.”

Adopting the policy would “demonstrate schools’ commitment to combating antisemitism as both a form of prejudice and a legacy of colonial oppression.”

The organization noted that the release of the PCAS “comes as the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) faces an investigation for allegedly allowing staff to bring students to an anti-Israel rally during school hours.

“Antisemitism driven by radical ideologies is increasingly becoming a problem in elementary, middle and high schools,” said Robertson. “School boards such as the TDSB need a better definition of antisemitism to improve their existing anti-hate policies to ensure they include the hate being faced by Jewish individuals. PCAS was created to serve that purpose, and we are confident it will.” n

B’nai Brith Canada presents plan to fight antisemitism on campuses Read More »

St. Laurent council passes bylaw to reduce light pollution

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent council passed a bylaw — a first for Montreal —at its Oct. 1 council meeting to reduce light pollution on some categories of private property, to enable residents to see a “starrier sky” at night.

A borough statement points out that the measure is aimed at “industrial, commercial and institutional establishments” and the goal is to “better protect the territory’s ecosystems and biodiversity, increase road safety, promote public health and improve energy efficiency.”

Mayor Alan DeSousa said, with some humour, that “this is an initiative that goes to the heart of sustainable development, since it not only protects biodiversity, but also increases road safety and improves the health and quality of life of St. Laurent residents and workers on our territory. I dare say that our administration is very bright and that council is making enlightened decisions!”

The borough statement explains that light pollution “refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light. Light pollution is particularly prevalent in St. Laurent, since 70 percent of its territory is devoted to industrial and commercial activities and it is situated next to the Montréal-Trudeau international airport and several highways, including the CN rail yard.”

The explanation adds that light pollution can affect quality of life and the environment.

“Already known for its impact on the night sky, it also has harmful effects on biodiversity and ecosystems, by altering the interactions between plants and pollinators or between prey and predators, hindering foraging, reproduction or migration. The glare it generates also has a negative impact on the safety of pedestrians and motorists. In addition, light pollution wastes energy and therefore increases the production of greenhouse gases. Last but not least, it poses a risk to human health by upsetting the body’s biological clock.”

The new bylaw “aims to control and limit light pollution on private property, without compromising the safety and comfort provided by lighting and taking into account the specific characteristics of the territory.

“It covers four areas of intervention: colour, orientation, period and quantity of light, according to the following principles: Define situations that allow the use of bluish light. Direct light flows towards the ground. Reduce certain lighting devices after 11 p.m. Set maximum light levels according to land use.”

The categories of buildings affected are “industrial, commercial and service buildings; multi-family dwellings, multi-family service dwellings and multi-bedroom dwellings, “with provisions applicable to building lighting, outdoor parking spaces, signs and billboards.

“Light flows must be directed towards the ground and the colour of light sources must be limited. In addition, aside from certain exceptions, lighting intensity must be reduced between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Similarly, curtains are required for greenhouses on industrial roofs with lighting systems.”

There are exemptions to the bylaw, including single-family and two-family homes and multiplexes “and certain types of equipment, such as light fixtures with motion detectors, or temporary outdoor lighting for special activities: outdoor shows, festivities organized by the borough, construction areas or other temporary work projects. Other exemptions are established for outdoor lighting related to public safety or for enhancing a heritage building.” n

St. Laurent council passes bylaw to reduce light pollution Read More »

‘We’re finished being victims!’

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

More than 3,000 Montrealers attended a Federation CJA-organized community commemoration of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 kidnapped. A total of more than 1,685 people have been murdered on and after Oct. 7 by terrorists.

The event was held under a massive tent at Hampstead Park. There was a heavy SPVM and Sûrété du Québec in the area.

Numerous dignitaries and notables attended, including Israeli Consul-General Paul Hirschson; Eta Yudin, Vice-President, Quebec of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs; Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette, Quebec Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry,Conservative Senator Leo Housakos, Conservative Quebec lieutenant and Quebec City-area MP Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative Beauce MP Richard Lehoux, Mount Royal Conservative candidate Neil Oberman, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, NDG-Westmount MP Anna Gainey, Outremont MP Rachel Bendayan,Robert-Baldwin MNA Brigitte Garceau, NDG MNA Desirée McGraw, Westmount-St. Louis MNA Jennifer Maccarone, Marguerite-Bourgeoys MNA Fred Beauchemin, Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, former Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and various city councillors, English Montreal School Board chairman Joe Ortona and representatives of the Hellenic Congress, the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation and the Federation of Filipino Associations of Quebec.

There was also a video message from Israel’s president Isaac Herzog, and special tribute was paid to the eight Canadian victims of the attack, including former Côte St. Luc resident Alexandre Look. A survivor of the attack, Israeli student leader Ya’ara Mano, gave extensive testimony of her hours in a safe room in her kibbutz. Wreaths were laid in tribute to the Israeli and foreign civilians, Israel Defence Forces soldiers, first responders and police who fell.

In an eloquent and moving address, Consul-General Hirschson stated that 101 people remain hostages in Gaza “because evil came calling on Oct. 7. Jewish day schools, synagogues, community centres have been shot at [and firebombed] in Montreal. Jewish businesses are targeted, boycotted, even shot at. And who has responded? The Mayor of Montreal has still not yet reached out to the parents of Alexandre Look, the Montreal boy murdered while protecting others. What has Canada’s government’s response been? Has it supported Israel or retreated to complacent neutrality, which in the words of Elie Wiesel, helps the killers rather than the victims. Is Canada indirectly rewarding acts of terror through abstention on international votes or by considering recognition of a Palestinian state?”

On the other hand, Hirschson thanked the Quebec government for its strong support of Israel, its rejection of Canada’s call at the UN for a premature ceasefire and for opening its office in Tel Aviv after Oct. 7. “You’ve been superb. It’s much appreciated.” The Consul-General said many tears have been shed since Oct. 7. “But tears are not a sign of weakness…. We’re finished being victims, in Israel and Montreal too! We have work to do, and we’ll do it!”

Federation CJA board Chair Steve Sebag said the bond between Israel and the diaspora “has never been more important! We are witnessing the very essence of Zionism unfold before our eyes! The Jewish people can only be truly safe through self-determination! Israel is Jewish safety!”

Raquel Look, mother of Alexandre Look, said, “as a mother, I stand before you not just in grief, but also with resilience, determined to honour Alexandre’s memory and the memory of all of those we lost in a way that reflects his courage, his compassion and his unwavering spirit!”

Federation CJA CEO and president Yair Szlak thanked local law enforcement for protecting the Jewish community in the past year.

“The Jewish world has changed significantly this year. Once again, we’re redefining history for the world. Israel faces head-on threats to democracy and Western civilization in fighting Iran and its proxies in and around the Middle East. And Jewish communities are fighting the consequence of decades of foreign investment that have created a cesspool of hatred and antisemitism in the guise of anti-Zionism. We’ve shed rivers of tears since Oct. 7. Our hearts are broken, but we are not defeated!”

The evening ended with Cantor Daniel Benlolo leading the audience in prayer and the national anthems of Canada and Israel.

Earlier in the day, thousands gathered on Sherbrooke Street outside McGill for a Federation CJA and student- organized highly emotional vigil to commemorate Oct. 7, and to stand with Israel.

‘We’re finished being victims!’ Read More »

23 Municipalities in court seeking stay against Bill 96

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Lawyers representing 23 municipalities were in Quebec Superior Court Monday and Tuesday, presenting a motion for a stay of various aspects of Quebec’s language law Bill 96 until the challenge can be heard on the merits.

The case, first announced at a press conference in Côte St. Luc in June 2023, is being brought by municipalities that are officially bilingual because they have more than 50 percent mother tongue anglophone populations, and those which have opted in, declaring to the government they want to remain officially bilingual as they are below the 50 percent mother tongue threshold but were officially bilingual according to previous rules.

The municipalities challenging the law, represented by the Grey Casgrain law firm, are Baie d’Urfé, Beaconfield, Blanc-Sablon, Bonne-Ésperance, Chichester, Côte St. Luc, Dollard des Ormeaux, Dorval, Havelock, Hope Town, Kazabazua, Kirkland, L’Isle Aux Allumettes, Montreal West, Mulgrave and Derry, New Carlisle, Pointe Claire, Senneville, Sheenboro, Shigawake, Stanbridge East, Wentworth and Westmount.

A statement from Côte St. Luc and the other municipalities points out that the legal action “covers five areas, including contracts and communications, the obligation to adopt resolution to maintain bilingual status, illegal searches and seizures, government grants, and the obligation to discipline employees.”

More specifically, the provisions the cities want declared invalid and inoperative are the prohibition for contracts to be written in a language other than French, “even if both parties agree,”; allowing OQLF inspectors to inspect and seize, at any time without notice, any documents, equipment and computers from any municipal body; that cities have to declare in resolutions that they want to maintain their bilingual status if the English mother tongue population is below 50 percent; that the language minister or another designated minister can withhold provincial government grants to a city if they don’t comply with any provision of the law; and that a city has to punish any employee who does not comply with Bill 96.”

The municipalities say that Bill 96 “compromises the concerned municipalities’ bilingual status, which is intrinsically part of their cultural identity, but the proposed provisions also extend far beyond language rights and undermine constitutionally protected and inalienable rights that belong to all Quebec citizens.”

CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein said late last week that “municipalities with bilingual status have been waiting for this hearing to ask the Superior Court to suspend the articles of the law that cause harm to our municipalities and that will impose a change that we are confident will eventually be overturned when the case is heard on its merits later on.

“For instance, our future capital projects are at risk because of the power given to the Minister of the French Language to withhold funding to municipalities granted by other ministries of the government. Municipalities need to be able to plan for the future without the threat of withheld funding.”

Dale Roberts-Keats, Mayor of Bonne-Espérance which has a population of 695, says Bill 96 “has created much confusion with regards to the obligation to use French for all contracts. It’s absurd that for our municipality where 99 percent of the population has English as their preferred language, we can’t produce contracts with suppliers in our community in English.” n

23 Municipalities in court seeking stay against Bill 96 Read More »

McGill calls on police to investigate antisemitic incidents

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill University has called on the SPVM to investigate incidents of antisemitic graffiti and intimidation — graffiti was discovered on the Redpath Library building saying “Hail Satan LOL” and included a Nazi swastika.

When the encampment of anti-Israel protesters was dismantled in July, they vowed to return in one way or another. Some protesters recently tore up parts of the McGill campus lawns. The perpetrators fled and no arrests were made, The Suburban was told at the time.

In the current case, McGill has not specified what the incidents were.

In an email to the McGill community from Christopher Manfredi, McGill Provost and Executive Vice-President and Fabrice Labeau, Vice President Administration and Finance, they wrote, “in recent days, our campus has seen hate incidents, ranging from graffiti to intimidation of our campus community, acts which any reasonable person would consider antisemitic.

“Incidents were reported to the Montreal police and McGill’s security professionals are working with them to provide video or other evidence needed to identify suspects. Once the police’s investigation is completed, the attorney general will determine if charges will be laid. We will also immediately start disciplinary processes against any person identified as a member of the McGill community who was involved in these appalling events.”

They added, “as president Deep Saini has stated many times, antisemitism, like any form of hate, has no place on campus. We know that the McGill community unites behind us in unequivocally condemning these acts and in reaffirming our commitment to a campus free of discrimination, violence and hate.”

Eta Yudin, vice-president of the Centre For Israel and Jewish Affairs, Quebec, posted, “For too long, antisemitism has taken over our campuses and has plagued academic life. Together with our partners at Federation CJA, we have consistently and directly advocated for concrete action. We are encouraged that McGill appears to be taking the crisis seriously and expect further action to be taken, particularly as agitators continue to disrupt classes. The administration must remain vigilant and responsive.” n

McGill calls on police to investigate antisemitic incidents Read More »

CSL’s Brownstein hopes for new Montreal Mayor

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein says he hopes Montreal has a different Mayor soon, particularly on the Cavendish extension and general traffic issue.

Brownstein, along with Councillor Dida Berku, was responding at the recent public meeting to council regular Dr. Norman Sabin, who was asking about possible legal action by CSL, TMR and St. Laurent to ensure the Cavendish link between CSL and St. Laurent is built and for Montreal to live up to its 2017 commitment to the Quebec government to build the link along with the Hippodrome housing development.

A National Assembly petition on this issue, sponsored by D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, is at www.assnat.qc.ca/en/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-10931/index.html. The deadline to sign the petition is Oct. 12. As of Sept. 29, 2,464 people have signed the petition.

“The extension is not even in the planning right now,” Sabin said. “What do you think the reaction would be if there was a court order against them?”

Brownstein said Montreal would have to respect a court order, and could appeal it.

“Are we there yet? Do we have a strong enough case against Madame Plante who speaks out of both sides of her mouth, saying she’s not going to do it, but she’s going to do it, not now but maybe sometime. I don’t know if we’re there yet, but it’s something to not be discounted.” The Mayor also said the Montreal-Quebec agreement does not specify exact timelines.

Sabin also asked if CSL would be able to not permit a tramway and bike path, with no roadway, to reach their territory, such as Cavendish Blvd.

“Do you have a legal right as a sovereign city to put up a fence or wall, and say ‘we’re not going to accept that without a roadway’?”

Brownstein said CSL would not want to construct such a blockage.

“Not that we don’t want the road. But we do want the rapid transit and the bike lane. We’re not going to cut off our nose to spite our face. As long as there’s the space to build the road, we’re going to push for the road.”

Brownstein added that Plante “clearly only wants bike paths and rapid transit everywhere, not just on Cavendish.

“Let’s hope that we have another Mayor soon in Montreal.”

“I agree with that,” Sabin said.

Berku said Sabin’s question had many hypotheticals.

“So I don’t think we should be speculating on what our legal position is.” In terms of legal action by the affected areas, she pointed out that St. Laurent is part of the City of Montreal.

“So that doesn’t work very well. We’re exploring all avenues.” n

CSL’s Brownstein hopes for new Montreal Mayor Read More »

Holocaust survivor Ted Bolgar celebrates his 100th birthday

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Holocaust survivor Ted Bolgar, a tireless speaker for decades to students at schools and the general public at the Montreal Holocaust Museum about the horrors he witnessed, turned 100 on Sept. 12.

The Suburban spoke to Bolgar, a Côte St. Luc resident, last week after a second celebration of his centennial year at the Cummings Centre’s Café Europa, a weekly drop-in program for Holocaust survivors, held at the Gelber Centre.

Bolgar, born in 1924 in Hungary, was forced with his family into a ghetto in his town of Sarospatak in 1944 by the occupying Nazis and they were then deported to Auschwitz. Bolgar’s mother and sister were sent to the gas chambers immediately, while he and his father were selected for work. Bolgar, as a slave labourer, was sent to work at the Warsaw ghetto and was forced on a death march to Dachau as the Soviets advanced toward the city. Ultimately, Bolgar and his father survived the war and Ted came to Canada in 1948, where he raised a family.

Asked by The Suburban how it feels to be 100, Bolgar said, “very strange!

“First of all, I never expected it. I got to the point where I wake up every morning, and I think ‘which part of my body will hurt?’ Then I get up! But I’m lucky being in Canada and the CLSC in Côte St. Luc is taking very good care of me. I am very thankful, very thankful. Otherwise, I don’t know what 100 years would look like.”

Bolgar said that after the Holocaust, he realized that he and his fellow survivors had two obligations.

“One is to ensure that the Jewish people will continue, which means we got married — I’m bragging now, I have two children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.”

The other obligation “was not to let the world forget about the Holocaust. A group of us, once we spoke some English, started to go around, first to schools, from elementary schools to universities, to talk about the Holocaust. Then we went to churches, synagogues and other institutions. We thought it was very important to remind people what went on, and some people were [shocked], they didn’t know much about it.”

Bolgar also went on many March of the Livings, the trip by students and Holocaust survivors to Poland to see the Nazi death camps Auschwitz and Birkenau, followed by a trip to Israel, including a visit to the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.

“I managed 15 Marches —I think I broke the record! The Germans only left a couple of institutions — naturally, Auschwitz, which became a museum. We went with the youngsters. It was important.”

Bolgar said he was surprised when he went on his first March and re-encountered Auschwitz.

“They tried to destroy the institution. Now it has all kinds of exhibits — for instance, thousands and thousands of pairs of shoes, and hair. There were also kitchen dishes — that upset me quite a bit because it showed either how stupid or optimistic we were. The mothers thought, ‘we are going to work hard, we’ll have the family together and have supper.’ And all these dishes were lying on the floor. And on the same table was shoe polish. Again, how stupid or optimistic were we?”

Bolgar retired from his public speaking when the COVID pandemic emerged. We asked him what message he wants to pass on to the public now, especially in light of the rise in antisemitism since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

“I never wanted to live in Israel, although I visited more than 20 times, but I’m very what upset what is taking place there now. I want Israel to remain Israel. As for antisemitism, it has been around since the beginning and has continued more or less everywhere.”

Bolgar also told The Suburban’s Chelsey St-Pierre this past July that ignorance is at the core of antisemitism, and that he is disappointed the ignorance continues today.

“I thought people learned from the Holocaust and understood that it was wrong. I am still here and I will keep trying.” n

Holocaust survivor Ted Bolgar celebrates his 100th birthday Read More »

Three organizations unite to expand affordable housing

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

B’nai Brith Housing, Caldwell Residences and Kehilla Montréal Residential are integrating under one roof under the banner of Les Maisons Kehilla, the organizations announced last week.

“The newly formed housing organization will represent eight buildings with over 1,000 apartments offering a mix of social and affordable rents to a full spectrum of the Montreal community from young families to seniors,” says a statement from the organizations.

Avi Hasen, President of Kehilla Montreal Residential Programs, stated that “by bringing together three Montreal community housing organizations under a single entity, we are creating an opportunity for operational synergies, common governance and coordinated advocacy.

“Integration allows us to better deploy our limited resources across a broader set of real estate and most importantly, maximize availability of affordable housing to those in need in the community.”

Les Maisons Kehilla will be led by its recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Leah Berger, who “has an extensive history of involvement in the Montreal Jewish community including in strategic planning and allocations at Federation CJA where she spearheaded the creation of Kehilla Montreal Residential Programs.”

The organizations’ statement points out that Caldwell Residences and B’nai Brith Housing “have served the senior population in six buildings across the Cote des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce borough and Côte St. Luc for 70 and 20 years respectively.

“Kehilla Montréal’s first building, Kehilla I, welcomed tenants into its 68 one- to three-bedroom apartments, built to the highest standards, in 2020. A second Kehilla building is located in Côte des Neiges and is home to individuals and small families in its 15 renovated apartments.”

Dean Mendel, president of Caldwell Residences and incoming president of Les Maisons Kehilla, said that “our provision of safe, quality housing at affordable rates uplifts thousands of vulnerable people.

“But this is also about building and strengthening communities. At Caldwell and B’nai Brith Housing, a full range of programming is integrated into the residences in order to reduce isolation, increase socialization, and improve quality of life.” n

Three organizations unite to expand affordable housing Read More »

CSL status quo unsustainable: Berku

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The status quo is unsustainable for Côte St. Luc in terms of its long-term future, especially in terms of needed future revenue, CSL councillor Dida Berku told a public information meeting on the city’s master plan, pre-consultations for which began in 2022.

The master plan includes issue of mobility, the potential redevelopment of the city’s three malls and the creation of small neighbourhoods in these areas, and possible train stations at the CSL Shopping Centre and Décarie Square. The next step will be the notice of motion and adoption of first drafts for Planning Program [Master Plan], Town Centre Special Planning Program, Zoning By-Law, PIIA By-law and other Urban Planning-related by-laws” on Oct. 21.

Residents asked about a variety of issues, including parking at the new redevelopments, coordination with Montreal, plans for Westminster and other topics. Also in attendance were CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and members of council, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass and English Montreal School Board chairman Joe Ortona, amongst many others.

Brownstein said the city has no specific plans or proposals that have been presented to them, “we just have a lot of great ideas, and what we want to do is have you as a community make those ideas better.”

Berku told the meeting that “we have to ask how we’re going to face the future.

“The status quo is not sustainable,” she said. “I cannot emphasize this enough. The owners of the malls are not able to maintain their malls in the state they’re in. Their evaluations are declining. The contribution they make in terms of taxes are not increasing at the same rate that everybody here is increasing in taxes. By allowing the status quo to stagnate, we cannot sustain the level of [local] service.”

Berku revealed that CSL has to spend, over the next three years according to the city’s engineering department, $15 million for work on the Côte St. Luc Road underpass.

“We share it with the City of Montreal. They come up with the plans and they tell us we have to contribute [that amount]. We only spend $3 million a year on roads! So how are we going to afford this?”

The councillor also pointed out that if CSL wants to redo its roads, lead pipes, water and other infrastructure, “we need more than $3 million a year. We need $10 million, and to maintain the proper level of taxation, [the malls] are all we have. If they are willing [to develop them] — it’s a combination of circumstances that is very opportune for CSL. We are lucky that the agglomeration and the Quebec government are also forcing us to update our plans and we have three major developers who want to do it in a way that’s constructive and positive, and it’s going to be a benefit for all the existing taxpayers of CSL.” n

CSL status quo unsustainable: Berku Read More »

Gun, ammo seized by police in MoWest

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Montreal police last week seized a revolver and ammunition after stopping a vehicle at Avon and Ballantyne in Montreal West, the SPVM announced.

The police said that officers from Station 8 in neighbouring Lachine (Station 9 covers Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, NDG and Montreal West) “seized a fully loaded revolver from a vehicle intercepted in Montreal West.” In addition to the weapon, the police officers also got their hands on a box full of ammunition during the intervention.

“Around 4 a.m., patrol officers intercepted the vehicle as it was driving erratically on Avon Road, near Ballantyne Avenue South. Three men and a woman were on board. Upon checking, officers discovered that two of them were wanted on an arrest warrant.”

The SPVM added that the police intervention “continued and shortly afterward, police officers discovered the handgun and the box containing bullets in the trunk of the vehicle. The weapon was immediately seized and the four occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

“An investigation has been opened and could lead to charges related to the possession of an illegal firearm.”

The SPVM is calling for the “collaboration of citizens is essential to combat gun violence. Anyone with information about illegal firearms can contact their neighbourhood police station to report it. Information can also be transmitted anonymously and confidentially by contacting Info-Crime Montréal at 514 393-1133 or by visiting infocrimemontreal.ca. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.” n

Gun, ammo seized by police in MoWest Read More »

Alexandre Look Place inaugurated

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The City of Côte St. Luc held an emotional ceremony last week to inaugurate the Alexandre Look Place greenspace at the eastern tip of Kildare Road, in between Beth Chabad Synagogue and Bialik High School (now JPPS Bialik), which Alexandre attended. Councillor Mike Cohen, who has the Toponymy portfolio, suggested the location, which is in his District 2.

Look, who was a CSL resident, was killed by Hamas terrorists last Oct. 7 at the Nova music festival as he defended others. Two plaques at the park provide information on Alexandre and the overall attack in which 1,200 people in Israel were killed. The ceremony took place just after the end of the Jewish 11-month mourning period and the day before Alexandre’s 34th birthday.

Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, including his parents Raquel and Alain Look, many of his friends, Israeli Consul-General Paul Hirschson, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and members of CSL council, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Cantor Daniel Benlolo, Federation CJA’s Yair Szlak and Steve Sebag, Hampstead councillor Leon Elfassy, former CSL Mayor Robert Libman and former councillors Allan Levine and Glenn Nashen. A message was read from Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather announcing that he is nominating Look for a federal medal to acknowledge his bravery during the terrorist attack.

“We know that Alexandre is with us, giving Alain, Kayla and I the strength to go on,” a tearful Raquel Look told the gathering. “Together, let us honour Alex’s memory by rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of peace and repairing the world. By standing firm against hatred, antisemitism and violence, and by being loud and proud!”

Brownstein and his wife Elaine met the Look family since before Alexandre and their own first child was born, at pre-natal classes.

“This was home for Alex, particularly in all those formative years,” the Mayor said. “It’s very touching and personal to me, and for all those who knew him and came to know him in the last 11 months, I know it’s very personal to you.”

Hirschson said he got to know Alexandre through his conversations with his parents.

“It’s an ambiguous time — we are prosecuting a war and we are trying to secure the release of hostages,” he said. “It’s an ambiguous time where we mourn Alex and celebrate him at the same time in between his school and congregation, where he will be both mourned and celebrated for a long, long time.”

Prass said Oct. 7 “will forever be burned in our minds, and so will the tragic news of the loss of one of our own. As a community, we collectively mourn his loss.”

Rabbi Poupko said the “most important memorial to Alex is how we all behave, and how we are inspired by his sacrifice and by what we are willing to do for the Jewish people.”

Szlak, whose organization worked tirelessly to bring Look home, said that “not only is it important to talk about how tragic Alexandre’s death was, but how amazing his life was. When we sit here as a people, we still haven’t had a chance to mourn what happened since Oct. 7. We’re in the middle of what’s going on to our people, here at home or in Israel, and there’s no closure.

“We’re facing unprecedented times — antisemitism, days which we all are not sure how to handle, but Alex gives us a light. Let’s celebrate our Jewish life, never cower, never stand down.”

Cantor Benlolo concluded the ceremony by singing a memorial prayer and the national anthems of Canada and Israel. n

Alexandre Look Place inaugurated Read More »

Mount Royal federal election: Undecideds dominate, Tories ahead of Libs

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Suburban conducted a small poll of 150 people in the Hampstead, CSL, CDN and TMR areas of Mount Royal riding last week regarding the upcoming federal election that could be held as early as this year if the minority Liberal government loses a confidence vote. The riding has been a Liberal stronghold since 1940.

The results demonstrate an interesting split between the incumbent, Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, Conservative candidate Neil Oberman and those who are undecided, and some out of left field choices. Over the years, many have lamented that they cannot vote for Housefather and against Trudeau.

According to our straw poll results, Oberman had the support of 31.3 percent of respondents, Housefather had the support of 25.3 percent and 37.3 percent were undecided, with three percent for whoever the NDP candidate will be. Those who were undecided were split between Housefather and Oberman in CSL, Hampstead and TMR, and generally between Housefather and the NDP in Côte des Neiges.

Some comments from residents in TMR:

One undecided voter who is leaning towards Oberman said, “I voted for the Liberals for 30 years. Do I vote for the Liberal trainwreck or study what Oberman is doing? This is what many Townies are thinking.”

Said another resident: “Housefather is not my choice, but I’ll vote Liberal anyway.”

“I’ve always been Liberal, but I don’t like either candidate,” said another.

“I’ve given up on Trudeau, he’s had his time,” said an undecided voter. “Let’s see what he does [in terms of staying on as leader] and then I’ll decide.”

One TMR resident said he’ll vote for the Bloc Québécois.

“They have the best interest of the province at heart,” said the English-speaker.

The responses in Côte des Neiges were more split between the Liberals and NDP, with at least one respondent expressing a dislike for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Another said, “unfortunately I love Housefather, but I can’t stand Trudeau.”

A Housefather voter said, “I don’t know anything about Oberman.”

There were also some out of the ordinary responses.

One anglophone undecided voter said, “I’m not voting for Housefather, he’s anti-French. Anglophones should get out of their enclaves and learn the French culture.”

“I’m done with Trudeau,” said an undecided voter. “he acted badly during the pandemic, like a dictator. F–kin’ Trudeau.”

In Hampstead, many chose Oberman and others were undecided.

“I’m allergic to Trudeau,” said a voter. “Anthony is a good representative, but he’s in the wrong party.”

“If Trudeau wins, I’m leaving Canada!” said another.

One couple, originally from Vancouver, chose the Green Party.

Another couple chose the NDP.

“They’re the only ones talking about Gaza,” they said.

In Côte St. Luc, the Housefather-Oberman-undecided vote was split.

“There’s no doubt in my mind I’m voting for Oberman, I will not vote for Liberals again,” said CSL resident Steven White. “As much as I like Anthony as a human being, I do not like the leader he represents and I cannot in good conscience vote the Liberals in again.” n

Mount Royal federal election: Undecideds dominate, Tories ahead of Libs Read More »

‘It’s a language witch hunt!’

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The latest of several protests against Quebec’s language law Bill 96 was held this past Sunday outside the Jewish General Hospital by Let’s Talk About Quebec and other groups, attracting nearly 100 people.

Numerous motorists drove by, honking their horns in support.

“We’re contesting the directives,” Marc Perez of Let’s Talk About Quebec told The Suburban. “This is the 10th rally we’ve organized. We want to continue the pressure that we have on the government, and we’ve been saying this for the last three years, that Bill 96 is completely wrong. It’s hurting the anglophone community and it’s so vague that no one knows how to apply it.”

Katherine Korakakis, a candidate for chair of the English Montreal School Board, told The Suburban, “having been one of the main organizers of the first Bill 96 protest in 2022, where we had thousands of people attend, it’s important that we continue to show our discontent to the government of Quebec and to show the ill-effects of this law, which was passed through closure.”

Long-time language activist Antoinette Mercurio of the Unity Group said that when she had to go the JGH in relation to her uterine cancer last year, a male triage nurse insisted on speaking to her in French.

“I’ve always come here, I’ve always been treated fairly… I said if you want to speak French, go work at Charles-Le Moyne Hospital, here it’s bilingual. When you’re sick, this is not when you want to go through!”

The JGH has responded that it can provide services in a language other than French when asked to by a user, and that any complaint should be directed to the ombudsman.

Cosimo La Rosa of the Red Coalition read a statement from organization head Joel DeBellefeuille. The organization recently filed a $1 million complaint with the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission against Bill 96.

“We’re raising our voices against what has become one of the most divisive, discriminatory pieces of legislation in Quebec’s modern history,” La Rosa said.

DeBellefeuille’s statement says, “Bill 96 is not just about language, let’s not fool ourselves into thinking it’s merely a law to protect the French language. The reality is much darker and much more dangerous. Bill 96 uses a heavy handed power of Section 33 of the Charter, the infamous Notwithstanding clause, uses it to preemptively strike down fundamental rights.

“We’ve all heard the stories of businesses being fined or harassed because their sign wasn’t predominantly in French, or because an employee was overheard speaking in English. It’s a language witch hunt, plain and simple! And it’s tearing at the fabric of our society!” n

‘It’s a language witch hunt!’ Read More »

CSL incident reveals delays in Canada Post delivery to Israel

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Côte St. Luc resident Elaine Lallouz told The Suburban she was shocked and confused last week when she went to the Canada Post franchise at Pharmaprix in Quartier Cavendish to send mail to Israel. Lallouz told us that an employee at the franchise told her that Canada Post was not sending letters to Israel whatsoever. The resident said she was told this twice by the employee, last Wednesday Sept. 11 and Thursday Sept. 12.

“I was told ‘nothing’s going to leave here to Israel.’ I said,’what do you mean, nothing?’ She said ‘I was told nothing can be sent from here.’” The resident said she preferred to send the several pieces of mail, given to her by her aunt, at a Canada Post outlet rather than drop them in a mailbox, as some of the mail included cheques. “Everything was ready, the stamps were on it. But I was told, ‘no, no, no, no, nothing goes to Israel!’ The employee was then directing me to leave.”

The Suburban decided to accompany Lallouz to Pharmaprix where we overheard someone from the pharmacy seem to confirm that people were being told letters were not going to Israel. The person declined to go on the record. The Canada Post employee was pointed out to us, and when The Suburban asked her to confirm that letters were not going to Israel, she vehemently insisted we go to a Canada Post post office in Côte St. Luc or the company’s website to get the answer.

“Is there no mail service to Israel?” we asked. “It’s a very simple question.”

“Sir, go to the Canada Post website,” the employee said.

As it turns out, the Canada Post website says, and Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather told us as well, that as is the case in other countries, there is a “yellow alert” as far as mail to Israel is concerned, that took effect Sept. 11, the first day Lallouz went to the Pharmaprix franchise, indicating that mail could indeed be sent, but “expect delays for letters and parcels. Increased safety protocols and flight restrictions into Israel are creating delays for customers.”

Housefather did not indicate he had received any complaints that CSL residents were being told mail was not going to Israel.

But on Friday, Canada Post spokesperson Phil Rogers confirmed to The Suburban that delivery to Israel did stop just before Sept. 11, at which time “mail and parcel delivery to Israel resumed. In August, delivery to Israel was suspended due to lack of available transportation,” he added. “A yellow delivery service alert is currently issued for this country as increased safety protocols and flights restrictions into Israel are creating delays for customers. The delivery service alerts are being posted and updated on our Delivery service alerts webpage. We promptly verified with our colleagues at the post office you mentioned and can confirm they are aware of this delivery service update. If customers have questions about their postal services, they can contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797).”

We also found out, from an Alberta Jewish News story, that Canada Post mail delivery to Israel, as well as the West Bank and Gaza, had also stopped on Oct. 12, 2023, five days after the Hamas terrorist attack, for the same reason cited by Rogers.

Lallouz says she is still skeptical.

“Everything’s delayed because Canada Post stopped everything. We have family in Israel and a lot of people are suffering.” n

CSL incident reveals delays in Canada Post delivery to Israel Read More »

St. Laurent wants retention basin project brought back

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent mayor Alan DeSousa is calling on the City of Montreal to reinstate a retention basin project for his borough that was cancelled in 2022.

St. Laurent was especially hard hit from the downpours that took place in quick succession this past July 10 and Aug. 9, particularly in the areas of Thimens, Côte Vertu, and Autoroutes 40 and 13. During a recent borough council meeting answering complaints about the July 10 flood, DeSousa said affected residents live near the Leduc collector, which goes from Thimens eastward.

“What we’ve noticed is that the collector’s full, if the pipe is full, your water has no place to go and it goes back into the neighbourhood,” he told a resident.

During that meeting, DeSousa also said the borough would see if there is anything the City of Montreal could do.

At the Aug. 20 Montreal city council meeting, DeSousa pointed out that the Aug. 9 flooding caused serious damage to basements, businesses and cars. He pointed out that a Montreal study in 2006 and 2007 recommended the creation of four retention basins to prevent such flooding, and that, ultimately, only the Leduc basin was cancelled. The others, Rockfield in Lachine, William in the South-West borough and Lavigne in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, were built.

“What is the justification of the Montreal administration for abandoning the project?” the St. Laurent Mayor asked. “This infrastructure is essential.”

DeSousa’s microphone was then cut off as the administration was asked for a response.

Maja Vodanovic, the city executive committee member responsible for the water dossier, responded that the requested government funding had already been spent on the other three retention basins, and that the Leduc retention basin did not meet the funding requirement of preventing the discharge of storm water and waste water into a river.

DeSousa countered that the Montreal water service “clearly indicated” that the Leduc retention basin qualified in terms of reducing discharges into a river. n

St. Laurent wants retention basin project brought back Read More »

25,000 “March For Jerusalem”

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The March For Jerusalem, a community solidarity and fundraising event organized by Federation CJA which also doubled as the launch for the organization’s ALL IN campaign, was a massive success, raising more than $1 million and attracting 25,000 people to the five-km march and festival at Hampstead Park. The figures above are from Federation CJA.

People came from all parts of Montreal and off the island as well, from Toronto, Vaudreuil-Dorion and other locales. Among the participants was Ted Bolgar, who is turning 100 this week.

Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi marvelled at the event, noting to The Suburban that the town was a tourist destination for a day and had more people on hand than Hampstead’s entire population.

The march, led by a float with upbeat music and a DJ, wended its way through Hampstead, Snowdon and Côte St. Luc — no one was deterred by the cool, windy weather. There were no anti-Israel incidents of note. The group Bring Them Home Montreal, which marches to demand the release of hostages held by Hamas each Sunday, were represented with more than 100 people. Signs along the route described what the funds raised in the campaign are used for.

Benjamin Redekop, a member of Christians For Israel, told The Suburban, “we stand with Israel, we stand with Jerusalem and God’s chosen people — they’re the apple of His eye. It’s devastating what’s going on in Israel right now.”

English Montreal School Board chair Joe Ortona also took part in the march.

“I wanted to show support for the Jewish community and everything that they’re going through,” he told The Suburban. “It’s important to have a good presence and a non-Jewish presence.”

At the park, decorated with numerous balloon and including a massive stage where notables and singers appeared, the crowds were massive. There were also food and other booths. On hand were Israeli Consul-General Paul Hirschson, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, Mount Royal Conservative candidate Neil Oberman, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz, members of Hampstead and CSL council, and many others.

Speakers alternated with performers on stage. Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2024, Eden Golan, sparked the biggest reaction — after her rousing performance, youngsters crowded around her trailer at Hampstead Park. Others on hand on stage and at the event included Jonny Daniels, former chief of staff to Members of Knesset; singer Jordyn Sugar and Arab peace activist and Israel supporter Loay Alshareef, amongst many others.

Steve Sebag, board chair of Federation CJA, said, “we march for victims of terror! We march for hostages and their families! We march for courageous soldiers! We march for a country that yearns for peace! We march for students and the Montreal Jewish community!”

Former Justice Minister and Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler said the gathering was an “incredible inspiring moment in the spirit of justice, justice, justice shall you pursue!

“It comes at an appropriate historical moment because we are meeting on the eve of the anniversary of Oct. 7, a remembrance of horrors too terrible to be believed but not too terrible to have happened!”

American singer, actress and social media activist Montana Tucker, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, said she constantly thinks of the hostages being held by Hamas, and the pain felt by their families. She led a moment of silence.

“We, the Jewish people, are a story of survival and resilience!” she said to cheers. “Being Jewish isn’t just about heritage, it’s about a deep, unshakable connection to each other! It’s about standing together across continents in moments like this!

ALL IN campaign chair Heather Adelson was extremely pleased with the success of the event.

“Today was the most incredible day of my life!” she told The Suburban. “I’ve seen what’s happened in Montreal [since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack], very sad, and what you see today is a community standing up, all in, coming together, and that’s how we make a difference, Jews and non-Jewish people coming together.” n

25,000 “March For Jerusalem” Read More »

Déry warns universities not to tolerate hate

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry sent a letter to the heads of universities Aug. 30 calling them to a meeting Sept. 16 to explain their policies and warn them not to tolerate hate and violence on their campuses, especially as the Oct. 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel approaches.

Concordia University is the subject of a lawsuit alleging it tolerated antisemitic behaviour on its campus for months and even years, while an anti-Israel encampment was allowed to remain on the McGill campus for 10 weeks, accompanied by antisemitic chants and graffiti glorifying terrorism.

Déry posted on social media last week that “no one is indifferent to the tragic conflict in the Middle East. However, we cannot tolerate tensions being brought to our campuses through vandalism, intimidation and incitement to hatred.”

She also posted the letter, which says to the university heads that this past summer, “we asked you to share with us the means you have at your disposal to counter bullying, harassment, racism, violence, hatred or any other problem, with the aim of fostering a healthy and safe climate on campuses, and avoiding the excesses that we have witnessed in recent months.

“In light of what we have gathered, you do indeed have various levers at your disposal, such as various institutional policies and, in certain cases, the presence of an interdisciplinary crisis management intervention team. the letter adds. “However, on the eve of the start of the school year and in light of the armed conflict that is still raging in the Middle East, I am very concerned about the climate of tension that reigns on certain campuses. I ask you to be even more vigilant and above all proactive, by better communicating your internal policies and regulations to your entire community and ensuring that they are enforced, where appropriate.”

Dery added that as she has said publicly several times, “our establishments must remain places of exchange, debate and discussion, in a constructive and respectful environment. We will not tolerate any form of hate speech, intimidation, violence and incitement to hatred.

“To this end, I invite you to a follow-up meeting on Sept. 16 to continue discussions to this effect and explore avenues to support your actions. In the meantime, I ask you to send me your crisis management policy or emergency measures plan in the context of cultural tensions and international conflicts, to avoid any overflow on campuses, particularly in anticipation of October 7.” n

Déry warns universities not to tolerate hate Read More »

CSL gets provincial funding for age-friendly city plan

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Côte St. Luc has received $15,375 in provincial financial assistance to develop a “municipal policy and action plan for becoming an Age-Friendly City,” the city announced last week.

The funding, from the Quebec Health and Social Services ministry, is to “support the development of a municipal policy and action plan as part of the Programme de soutien à la démarche Municipalité amie des aînés (MADA).”

The city announcement explained that in the next two years, CSL will “work to create a Seniors Policy and Action Plan, which will help its population stay healthy and active and keep contributing to the vitality of CSL.

“Under Quebec’s MADA (Municipalités amies des ainés) program, the city has set up a steering committee that will embark on a process to put together an action plan that will, among other things, help older adults age well in community and maintain their independence, and reduce ageism. Municipal services, policies, and structures will be re-examined to better take seniors’ needs into account.”

The city says it wants to offer a “safe, dynamic and inclusive living environment to its older adults to encourage their involvement and promote healthy and active aging. To that end, Côte Saint-Luc’s Age-Friendly Municipality (AFM) Plan of Action will focus on housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and buildings, community support and health services, participation and social involvement, as well as communication and information. In the next few months, citizens will be invited to participate in a variety of consultations that would help the city in its effort to become more age-friendly.”

In 2019, Côte Saint-Luc was a finalist in the Smart Cities Challenge “for its plan to use technology and human resources to help seniors age in place. Most recently, the City is a partner with the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS) of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal in the research project Smart Environments Supporting the Ecosystem of Fragile and Isolated Seniors: The City of Côte Saint-Luc Living Lab.” n

CSL gets provincial funding for age-friendly city plan Read More »

Students sue Concordia and its President to enforce anti-hate rules

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg and Beryl Wajsman, Editor
The Suburban

Concordia University and its president Graham Carr were served Friday with a mis-en-demeure filed in Quebec Superior Court that seeks a permanent injunction demanding that the university enforce its rules against hate and intimidation, in light of events that took place following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. The university is also accused of being in breach of contract. Concordia officials told The Suburban the university does not comment on pending legal proceedings.

“Since Oct. 7, 2023, conditions at Concordia have worsened to the point that, for plaintiffs and others, Concordia has become a bastion of Jew-hatred and antisemitism,” the document says. “Concordia permits students and non-students to advocate for, without consequence, the murder of Jews and the destruction of the State of Israel on campus.” The case was prepared by Spiegel Sohmer senior partner Neil Oberman and Michael Hollander of Choueke Hollander.

Student plaintiffs in legal actions against local universities in the past year have been mostly anonymous, but this time Concordia students Anastasia Zorchinsky, Michael Eshayek, Drew Sylver and Diana Levitin have come forward publicly. Other plaintiffs are Hillel Concordia and the student activist group Startup Nation, headed by Zorchinsky and Eshayek. Sylver and Levitin are members of the Concordia Student Union.

The 109-page action states that it, “arises from a need to ensure safety and protection of the plaintiffs who have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and violence based on their ethnicity, religion, and beliefs by other students, faculty members, staff, or administrators of the university.They share a common interest in seeking justice and accountability from the university and Graham Carr personally for their failure to protect them and to uphold its own values and policies.”

The suit states that while Concordia claims to be committed “to creating an environment of respect and inclusiveness” and to fostering “a culture of prevention, reporting, and response” to address issues of sexual violence, racism, and discrimination,” “these claims are contradicted by the reality faced by the student plaintiffs at Concordia.These students have suffered physical, psychological, and academic harm because of Graham Carr’s and the university’s negligence, breach of contract, and violation of their fundamental rights.”

The plaintiffs also state that Concordia has “violated its contractual duties to the students by not ensuring a secure, respectful, and fair learning environment, by neglecting to prevent, properly investigate, and address incidents of harm and hate; and by failing to adhere to its own policies and procedures as well as relevant laws and regulations.”

Examples include chants at rallies, signs and graffiti stating “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” “globalize the Intifada,” and “all Zionists are terrorists”; celebrations by Concordia students of the Oct. 7 attack on Oct. 8, including distributing candies around the campus; the Nov. 8 riot against pro-Israel students at the Hall building, which included assaults; an occupation of a university building in late November, during which plaintiff Eshayek was asked “how many babies did you kill today?”; and many other incidents, including the March 4 blockade at Federation CJA of a pro-Israel event that was supposed to take place at Concordia but was cancelled by the same administration that had allowed anti-Israel events to take place.

The students add that the university has “violated their right to equality, dignity, access to education and security, under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms by allowing and condoning a climate of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and violence within the university. Graham Carr, in his capacity as president and vice-chancellor of Concordia, was under the obligation to ensure the safety and security of the plaintiffs on campus. His inaction, neglect, indifference, and dereliction of duties to have allowed intimidating, offensive, demeaning, threatening, disruptive, unwelcome, and unwanted conduct to flourish on campus.”

The university is specifically accused of, since Oct. 7, a “repeated and repetitive failure to investigate incidents of antisemitism and acts that are targeted at Plaintiffs on campus, provide proper trainings or methodologies to its staff and representatives in dealing with the verbal assaults, harassment, and/or bullying matters on campus, provide students at Concordia with resources and proper education on the issue of antisemitism, assaults, bullying and zero-tolerance policies; adequately document, and discipline or sanction students and student organizations involved in antisemitism, assaults, harassment, and/or bullying on and off campus.”

The university and Carr are also accused of a failure to “take the appropriate steps to adequately investigate the activities of students involved in antisemitism, assaults, harassment, and/or bullying on and off campus; take the appropriate steps to denounce and reject antisemitic movements at Concordia, including, but not limited to, any organization for the BDS movement, and any organization that promote hatred towards Jewish persons; take the appropriate steps to sanction students and student groups from supporting antisemitic movements on campus, including, but not limited to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement; properly identify, counsel and assist Jewish students, including plaintiffs, once they became harassed and assaulted by persons on campus; take the appropriate steps to address the antisemitic behaviour and rhetoric on campus using its own internal policies, regulations and guidelines in a timely manner; take the appropriate steps to terminate its agreement with students and student groups for breach of internal policies, regulations and guidelines, particularly those relating to the dissemination of violence, hate propaganda and hate speech; and to enforce policies such as wearing masks or covering your face while on campus; and enforce policies in view of preventing general disorderly conduct and lawlessness on campus.” n

Students sue Concordia and its President to enforce anti-hate rules Read More »

McMahon becomes ADM for Quebec’s English Secretariat

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Quebec government has announced that outgoing Vanier Director General John McMahon was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister, responsible for the Secretariat for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, effective Sept. 30.

McMahon has been DG of the St. Laurent CEGEP since 2016, and before that he was academic dean. In his new role, he will be working under Éric Girard, Minister responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers.

According to the Quebec government website, the Secretariat is “responsible for ensuring that the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers are taken into account in government orientations and decisions, in consultation with the ministries and organizations concerned.”

Vanier College’s Board of Directors announced this past March that McMahon was retiring at the end of his mandate, which was August of this year, and that he announced that decision in the fall of 2023, “after more than 40 years of experience in education.”

The March announcement added that McMahon’s leadership at Vanier “has been marked by significant achievement, encompassing both academic and community initiatives.

“He championed Indigenous Education by signing the Indigenous Education Protocol, supporting the land acknowledgement and the creation of the learning circle at Vanier. He oversaw significant infrastructure improvements, including renovations to the Library and Learning Commons, labs, classrooms, and the modern stand and press box for the athletic field.

“John’s leadership also guided Vanier through major changes and turmoil, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic and Bill 96. He skilfully guided Vanier through the lockdown, fostering adaptation, creativity, and resilience. This involved developing new teaching methods, adapting to constantly evolving health guidelines, and establishing work-from-home protocols for most personnel. John kept the community informed and engaged, and actively sought their input to make informed decisions.”

The CEGEP announcement also said McMahon “became a prominent voice defending linguistic minorities, bilingualism, and the quality of education in English CEGEPs during discussions preceding the adoption of Bill 96. When the Bill became law, John continued this work and collaborated with other English CEGEPs, the ministry, and the Vanier community to mitigate the impact on staff and students while maintaining student success as the priority.

“John McMahon will be sorely missed at Vanier, but he leaves behind a CEGEP that knows it is up to the challenge of navigating whatever changes may lie ahead.” n

McMahon becomes ADM for Quebec’s English Secretariat Read More »

Legault to seek limit on number of international students

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By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Premier François Legault announced that his government will introduce a bill this fall placing a limit on the amount of international students who can come to the province to study.

There are currently 120,000 international students in Quebec.

Legault cited what he called “abuses” by certain educational institutions in terms of charging higher tuition fees, although he added that McGill and Concordia are not doing so. Asked about the proposed bill’s effect on English universities, the Premier said more details will be forthcoming. He also said CEGEPs do not have to worry about closing.

McGill released a statement to local media, saying “we trust that institutions which have consistently engaged in ethical and sustainable recruitment practices, will not be the focus of the proposed legislation” and that international students, 30 percent of its students, are beneficial for research and Quebec’s economy.

Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Graham Carr, whose university is already affected by the increase in tuition fees for out-of-province students, said he is waiting for more detail before commenting fully. n

Legault to seek limit on number of international students Read More »

McGill will only tolerate peaceful and time limited protests:Saini

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill will only tolerate peaceful protests on campus going forward, and not situations like the pro-Palestinian encampment that was on the university grounds from April 27 to July 10, McGill president Deep Saini said Aug. 28.

The encampment was cleared by a private company hired by McGill while the SPVM, as well as the SQ, surrounded the area around the campus.

Saini was interviewed at a virtual Zoom town hall by Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, who is also the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on Jewish Community Relations and Antisemitism. Hundreds of people listened in.

Saini said McGill’s actions during the encampment were not perfect, “but did we handle it as well as we could have under the circumstances, I think more or less, yes. The rear view mirror is always very instructive….We are working without a playbook, we’re learning from every experience, and saying ‘how do we do the next thing better?’”

Housefather then asked if there will be enhanced security at McGill this semester, and what will the university do to ensure people feel safer and not have to hear antisemitic chants and have incidents like an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hanging from the Roddick gates or the occupation of a university building and terrorizing its occupants, as took place.

Saini replied that if there is a peaceful protest on campus “that is not also engaging in targeted hate against a particular community or individual, and it’s an expression of your political opinion, by all means, do that.

“But a protest has a time limit on it. You can’t say ‘I’m going to set up an encampment and that’s my form of protest,’ or ‘I’m going to take over a building.’ Time limited, specified subject in a specified place, you express your views and you move on and you have a debate.”

Housefather said, “and not carrying symbols of terrorist organizations, not chanting things that a terrorist organization would chant.”

Saini replied that “once you cross the line, then we have multiple levels of security now — I don’t want to go into the details of it — but what we have put in place is that depending on the nature of an offence, we will deploy security. We have our own security, we have access to additional help from outside and we have a better understanding with the Montreal police — of what the Montreal police can and cannot do.”

Saini said he feels “we have all the right steps in place that give us the best, at this moment, tools to deal with a disruption.”

Housefather also asked about alleged “abuse of podium” situations in which professor expresses his or her view of the Israel-Hamas war in a class where the subject is not relevant, or where students feel uncomfortable if they take a position contrary to that of the educator.

Saini replied that this past Aug, 22, a note was sent to all faculty and staff “laying out the rules of engagement going forward.

“They include a clear message to our faculty of what is permissible under academic freedom and freedom of speech, and what constitutes abuse of podium, particularly when you’re in a position of power. Nobody would be allowed to abuse their position or podium to make a statement projecting their own beliefs to the people.” n

McGill will only tolerate peaceful and time limited protests:Saini Read More »

Boeing aerospace research centre in St. Laurent hailed

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa, who recently attended the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, is looking forward to the Boeing aerospace and mobility research centre planned for the Technoparc, located in the borough just off the Trans Canada Highway.

Boeing, with the Quebec government, announced this past May a commitment to invest $240 million in the Greater Montreal area, of a total $415 million in Quebec — Quebec is contributing $85 million. At the same time, Premier François Legault announced an aerospace innovation zone in Longeuil, Mirabel and Montreal — specifically St. Laurent, that will house the research facilities. Other investors in the overall project include Pratt & Whitney Canada, Airbus, Bombardier, Flying Whales Québec and Thales Canada.

Regarding the air show, DeSousa said that “all of the companies that are in aeronautics from St. Laurent were present, whether they be Bombardier or CAE, but also the companies from the Greater Montreal region,” he explained. “The aeronautical industry is the top generator in exports for Quebec, and a quarter of that is in our territory.”

Regarding the research centre, “Boeing has committed $80 million to that endeavour, and we’re quite keen and excited. The land is in the Technoparc, there would be the National Research Council and we would also have the universities such as McGill, Concordia and the Université de Montréal.

“There will be workspace for people to do research, there will be collaboration activities, there will be space sharing, the opportunity to create jobs in terms of the green planes (planes that are quieter and more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly), and autonomous planes (more automated planes with less functions for pilots). These are things that I had the privilege of sharing at the air show, this opportunity we have and that is about to unleash itself. I’m very pleased to say it was well received.” n

Boeing aerospace research centre in St. Laurent hailed Read More »

Hampstead bench dedicated to “radiant beacon of light” Joanna Barcessat

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

An emotional ceremony was held recently at Hampstead Park in the presence of family and friends and members of Hampstead staff to dedicate a bench to the memory of former resident Joanna Barcessat, described as a “radiant beacon of light” who passed away in November 2021 in an accident in Lachine.

Barcessat, 52, an entrepreneur and mother who was born and raised in the town, was cycling when she was involved in a collision with a car Oct. 27. She died of her injuries six days after the accident took place.

The inscription on the bench says, “for Joanna, always in our hearts, always in our thoughts. With eternal love from her family and friends.” Another message said that it is “clear to everyone in Hampstead that she touched countless lives. Joanna was a radiant beacon of light and hope within our community.”

Lysa Lash, Barcessat’s friend for 35 years, told The Suburban that “in order to honour Joanna in the best way I thought possible, I thought of a bench in beautiful sunshine, a place where we could all come together.

“Joanna was a community-spirited woman with friends from all different communities. This is a place where we can share her spirit and feel good…. She loved nature, she was a ray of sunshine. I just feel that by sitting here, we can speak to her, feel the sun on our face and connect in a beautiful place with greenery, in nature.”

The bench is located near Queen Mary Road, facing the park’s baseball field.

“The location has good memories, and it’s easily accessible. She used to watch her son play baseball here.” n

Hampstead bench dedicated to “radiant beacon of light” Joanna Barcessat Read More »

Mount Royal riding residents receive King Charles III Coronation medal

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By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Twenty-one Mount Royal federal riding residents were honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal during an Aug. 29 ceremony hosted by Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and held at the Ashkelon Gardens behind Côte St. Luc city hall.

The honourees were recognized for outstanding achievement in public service and volunteerism. Mount Royal includes Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, Town of Mount Royal and part of Côte des Neiges-NDG.

More than 100 people were in attendance at the ceremony, including the recipients, Housefather, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, CSL Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and other elected officials, as well as numerous community notables. The medal is awarded to those who have “made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.” Community members nominated recipients and 30,000 people are receiving or have received the medal.

The honourees included Town of Mount Royal councillor Antoine Tayar, who is involved in numerous community organizations; Côte St. Luc councillor, and longtime lawyer and activist Dida Berku; Nida Quirapas, president of the Filipino community organization FAMAS, a long-time educator and a helper of the needy and bereaved;; and Hampstead councillor and Dawson College president Michael Goldwax, who started Hampstead’s annual blood drive and has volunteered in the community since the 1990s.

Other honourees included financial security advisor and founder of the Montrealers Helping Montrealers group Leah Lipkowitz; Côte des Neiges-NDG councillor Stephanie Valenzuela; longtime dentists and community volunteers Andrew Toeman and Peter Safran; chartered accountant Ariel Sabbah, a leader in the Sephardic community; Natalie Olarte Pelausa, 97, creator of the Philippine Benevolent and Scholarship Society of Quebec; longtime community activist Maria Peluso; TMR entepreneur Tania Naim; Federation CJA president and CEO Yair Szlak and Eta Yudin, vice-president, Quebec of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, recognized for their tireless fight against antisemitism, particularly after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel; Mount Royal Volunteer Centre president Caroline Emblem; former Hampstead councillor Lillian Vineberg, who is deeply involved in community organizations and in activism; Brian Blumer of the Knights of Pythias; Sharon Nelson, first vice-president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal; student activists Jamie Fabian, also an EMSB commisioner, and Nicole Nashen, who have also been countering anti-Israel protests; and former Côte St. Luc councillor and longtime St. Richard’s Church volunteer Joe Panunto.

Tayar, who was born in Lebanon, came to Canada in 2015 and became a citizen in 2019 and a TMR councillor in 2021, is very active in the community, including with the Saint Joseph of Mount Royal parish where he is involved as warden and extraordinary minister of communion; with the Breakfast Club of Canada, which provides students with free meals as one in three children in Canada do not eat regularly; mentorships for students; and being in leadership roles of several chambers of commerce across the country.

“I really believe in giving back,” he told The Suburban. “I’m committed to working with people in the community. You have to be an active part of where you live. I was always active, even before coming to Canada, in every community in which I lived, including Lebanon and Dubai. This is because of my education, personality and values.”

Regarding the honour bestowed upon him last week, “I’m very excited, thrilled and honoured. It sends a good message for everyone who comes to Canada that, if you are part of the community, you do the necessary things for people and you share their concerns and you help them — if your values are the same as that of the host country, the sky’s the limit.” n

Mount Royal riding residents receive King Charles III Coronation medal Read More »

St. Laurent resident could be deported after losing sex assault appeal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent resident Sobhi Akra, 41, recently lost an appeal of a 16-month sentence he received in Quebec Court for five counts of sexual assault and three counts of attempted sexual assault — one of the bases for his appeal was that Akra — being only a permanent resident and not a citizen for two years — could face a deportation hearing because his sentence is longer than six months.

Akra, a father of four, had already served four months, and had 12 months remaining in his sentence. He had been living in Canada for two years at the time of the incidents.

Akra pled guilty to sexually assaulting six women and two minors between October 2017 and November 2018, admitting to randomly approaching his victims from behind, grabbing them and running his hands over their bodies. The charges for some of the crimes had been reduced from sexual assault to attempted sexual assault “as the victims managed to escape Akra’s advances.”

According to the Aug. 14 Superior Court judgment, “the offences all involve touching the buttocks, thighs, hips, crotch, vulva or breasts. The appellant’s modus operandi consisted of sneaking up on the victims to touch them before running away. It was only after he had an eighth victim that the appellant was finally identified and arrested.”

Akra’s lawyer argued that “the sentences imposed on the counts of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault are clearly unfit and do not respect the principle of proportionality, and the judge made errors of principle that had an impact on the sentencing.”

But Superior Court judge Yvan Poulin ruled that “a reading of the judgment as a whole allows one to understand the reasoning underlying [the original judge’s] overall decision and to conclude that the sentences imposed on all the counts were fair and appropriate.

“It is clear from the judgment that the judge correctly took into account the particular circumstances of each of the crimes while keeping in mind that they were committed in the context of a series of crimes with many similarities. Although the judge did not go back over the specific circumstances of each of the offences when distributing the sentences, such an exercise was not necessary.” n

St. Laurent resident could be deported after losing sex assault appeal Read More »

Quebec freezing temporary foreign worker numbers in Montreal

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By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Quebec, as of Sept. 3, is freezing Temporary Foreign Worker Program applications for Montreal-area jobs for six months “where the salary offered is lower than the median salary in Quebec, which is $57,000,” Premier François Legault and Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration Christine Fréchette announced last week.

Legault and Fréchette said the move was made to “curb the growth in the number of non-permanent residents in Montreal.”

Legault said, “we absolutely must reduce the number of temporary immigrants in Montreal to protect the French language. We must also protect our public services and reduce the pressure on housing. The federal government is largely responsible for the explosion in the number of temporary immigrants in Quebec. We have decided to act in our areas of jurisdiction. Today’s announcement is a first step, and we are not ruling out going further. We also expect the federal government to act quickly to curb the significant influx of temporary immigrants, many of whom are under its responsibility.”

Fréchette said, “temporary immigration weighs heavily on Quebec – on the French language, as well as on our public services and housing. Indeed, Quebec is facing a labour shortage in some regions, but with the rising unemployment rate and the large number of unemployed asylum seekers in Montreal, businesses in the city must make an effort to recruit people who are already here before bringing in foreign workers. Quebec is now taking a strong step to reduce temporary immigration with the levers at its disposal and intends to equip itself with more of them soon to better supervise the arrival of foreign students.”

The exceptions “are provided for applications related to certain strategic sectors of economic activity such as health, education, construction, agriculture and food processing.”

The Quebec government stated that “the number of non-permanent residents in Quebec, mainly asylum seekers, temporary foreign workers and foreign students, almost doubled between 2021 and 2024, from approximately 300,000 to 600,000 as of April 1, 2024.”

The federal government approved Quebec’s plan, and added that it will “closely monitor this policy as it makes determinations about future changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault said that “our government is focused on preserving the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, making sure that employers resort to it only when there are no qualified workers already in Canada available to fill open job positions. Today’s announcement is part of our ongoing efforts to adjust to the changing labour market while working with provinces and territories to ensure that the rules are followed to protect both Canadian workers and temporary foreign workers, as well as to support the Canadian economy.” n

Quebec freezing temporary foreign worker numbers in Montreal Read More »

Montreal’s Wallenberg Centre charges Hamas with war crimes at ICC

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

The Montreal-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights filed a massive brief Feb. 14 with the International Criminal Court in the Hague, accusing the terrorist group Hamas of war crimes against the hostages kidnapped during their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

That attack resulted in the brutal murder of more than 1,200 people in Israel, and more than 250 people kidnapped, as well as thousands injured. More than 100 hostages remain. The more than 1,000-page brief includes evidence and legal analysis, as well as video evidence.

The brief “describes the perpetration of war crimes and crimes against humanity by Palestinian terrorists, including hostage-taking, enforced disappearance, torture and rape.” The group says the brief provides “compelling evidence to serve as a basis for issuing arrest warrants.”

Former federal Justice Minister and Mount Royal MP, and founder of the RWCHR Irwin Cotler said that “Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad not only take Jews captive, but also hold Palestinians, peace activists and humanitarians hostage.

“These perpetrators are therefore not only the enemy of Jews, but also the enemy of Palestinians, and the enemy of peace and our common humanity. They must be held criminally accountable.”

The organization held a press conference Feb. 15 at the Hague. International human rights lawyer and RWCHR Director of Policy and Projects Brandon Silver, who is spearheading the case and has in the past helped secure the release of hostages and political prisoners around the world, told the press conference that “while motivated by the genocidal antisemitism expressed in the Hamas Charter, these crimes engage all of humanity. Those taken captive represent over 40 different nationalities, many different ethnicities, and a range of religions and beliefs.

“The most basic fundamental of human values and international norms were breached,” he added. “These crimes are still ongoing as we meet in this room today! The hostages are calling out for justice, and for the international community to take action! This case is not just about laws, but about human lives! If there was ever a case the ICC was meant to address, it is the heinous atrocities [of Hamas]!”

The RWCHR’s legal team is led by barrister Michelle Butler of Matrix Chambers, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, a leading international law firm “with extensive experience before the ICC, and the lawyers of Sullivan & Cromwell include former top anti-terrorism prosecutors from the U.S. Department of Justice.”

The brief was submitted “in partnership with the Families of Hostages and Missing Persons Forum, a volunteer-based Israeli civil society association representing the interests of the hostages.” n

Montreal’s Wallenberg Centre charges Hamas with war crimes at ICC Read More »

CSL working to help evicted King David seniors

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By Joel Goldenberg

Côte St. Luc council regular Norman Sabin called on the city to speak out regarding the recently announced Sept. 30 closure of the Le King David seniors residence. “You have to feel sorry for these residents,” Sabin said. “They’re going to have to go somewhere else, maybe pay more for their lodging. It’s always a hardship for them and their families.”

He also pointed out that the Quebec government has a five-year program to help such residences remain open, and that perhaps this could help the King David remain operational.”I think, at a minimum, council should make a statement on the King David. These are 77 residents of CSL. We have a certain degree of responsibility towards them.”

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein replied that the city has been in close contact with the King David. Councillor Steven Erdelyi, whose district includes the King David, said he has been speaking to the King David, the Waldorf and B’nai Brith House. He also said he has heard the amount of residents at King David is in the low 60s. “Really, since the pandemic, things have not been going well financially for the King David, they’ve been honest with me, I spoke to them a few times over the past few years. I tried to promote them, they were our Merchant of the Month in the fall of 2022. I tried to help them as much as I could. They haven’t been full for a long time. It was in December 2023 when they told me financially, it wasn’t sustainable.”

Erdelyi said his goal was to help residents find a new home at a comparable cost, and that the Waldorf agreed to have them live at that residence at the same rent they were paying at the King David, “with just an increase based on inflation.

”Many of the residents have gone to the Waldorf, and others have gone to the [west-central] CIUSSS. B’nai Brith House took a few, but they are more independent living. I’m not happy about this but, on the financial side, the city doesn’t have the means to support a private residence, or a public residence.”

Regarding the provincial government program to help residences, “I think, at that point for them, it was too late.”

Erdelyi also said he spoke to the owners of the King David about keeping it open longer.

“They said, it’s a dilemma because the staff are aware the King David is closing, and their first instinct would be to look for alternative jobs, so it’s tough for them to maintain services for the existing residents. For me, the goal is to have the residents placed and their moving costs are being covered.”

On Feb. 22, King David employee Leonora Longdon told The Suburban that, to her knowledge, not one King David employee has found a new job yet.

“Plus, they’re not giving us severance pay and they still owe us $4 an hour bonus that the government said they have to give us. They haven’t paid us that for months.”

The latter point was recently brought up by Daniel Lévesque of the Syndicat québécois des employées et employés de service.

Longdon added that the employees do not know exactly when or why the King David is closing, although the official announcement says the end of September.

“They have brought in two organizations to help us look for jobs. These are unilingual [English] employees who have worked for them for 30 years, and the way we are being treated is not very nice.”

CSL working to help evicted King David seniors Read More »

Driver acquitted for using mounted cell phone

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

Montreal Municipal Court Judge Isabelle Doray recently ruled that Mohamed Farah did not contravene Section 443.1 of the Highway Safety Code when he scrolled a Spotify playlist on a cellphone mounted on a bracket and adjusted the volume while stopped at a red light.

The city had accused Farah of violating the law, arguing that “even if the cell phone was mounted on a bracket, Mr. Farah still used its screen, which, at the relevant time, was not displaying information relating to the operation of the usual equipment of the vehicle” and that “scrolling down a playlist for 10 seconds does not constitute a simple usage of the phone screen and is thus a prohibited distraction.”

Farah argued that his operation of the cell phone was no different than a person operating a standard car radio, and that the city did not prove the law was violated. According to court documents, Farah was stopped by police and accused of operating the phone while holding it in his hand while driving. But Farah countered that he was touching the phone as it was attached to a bracket.

“[Farah] explained that he had only touched it to find a song on a Spotify playlist and to turn down the volume. According to him, that is not an action prohibited by the law.” The court determined that while the police officer reported having a “close and unobstructed view when he allegedly saw Mr. Farah holding his cell phone in his hands,” this was “insufficient to reject Mr. Farah’s contrary version, as the Court must not assess the credibility of this version by opposing it to that of the police officer.

“Nothing in the content of Mr. Farah’s testimony or in his way of testifying justifies rejecting his version of the events. He appeared to genuinely attempt to answer questions accurately and did not contradict himself during cross-examination.Even if the Court determines that the officer honestly believed that Mr. Farah was holding his phone when he saw him at the red light, the Court equally believes in Mr. Farah’s sincerity when he denied it. This is, in a nutshell, the very essence of reasonable doubt.”

The judgment added that such a conclusion would still not be enough for an acquittal, and that Farah still had to prove he did not violate the law. The defendant argued that he was not distracted, “since he could see the cars ahead of him were still not moving.”

The City of Montreal’s lawyer argued that “the screen [Farah] used was not displaying information relating to the operation of the usual equipment of the vehicle.”

But the judge disagreed, saying that while the relevant provision of the Highway Safety Code “authorizes the use of a screen as long as it only displays information relevant to driving the vehicle or relating to the operation of its usual equipment,” the legislator “had not yet defined the term ‘usual equipment” — this was revised June 1, 2023, after the alleged offence took place.

The judge said that “usual equipment”, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means equipment that is commonly used.

“In the Court’s opinion, the audio system of a vehicle qualifies as usual equipment within the scope of this definition,” the verdict says. “It is used regularly, if not daily, by most drivers. Given Mr. Farah’s credible testimony that he used his cell phone to play music, the Court concludes that in doing so, he was using the audio system of his vehicle….much like he could have scanned through a few radio stations.”

To read the judgment, go to citoyens.soquij.qc.ca/ and search 854-092-621. n

Driver acquitted for using mounted cell phone Read More »

Student group says Concordia lies on fighting antisemitism

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

The recent response by Canadian universities to MPs that calling for the genocide of Jews violates Codes of Conduct and other issues does not match the reality on the ground, specifically at Concordia University, says the group StartUp Nation. Concordia denies this is the case. The university has received legal demand letters from attorney Neil Oberman, senior partner at Spiegel Sohmer, on behalf of Jewish students who accuse the university of allowing rampant antisemitism by pro-Hamas students that have included physical attacks on Jews.

Legal action has been launched against Concordia and other universities, calling for action against hate on campus.The group StartUp Nation organized last November’s pro-Israel rally at Concordia University, which took place after pro-Israel students were assaulted verbally and phsyically by pro-Hamas individuals.

The StartUp Nation letter, addressed to MPs Anthony Housefather, Ben Carr, Marco Mendicino, Anna Gainey and outgoing MP David Lametti, pointed out that “tensions on university campuses have skyrocketed since the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, and we congratulate you for reaching out to university leadership across Canada to gain a better understanding of the steps they are taking to fight hatred and racism and ensure students feel safe on their campuses.

“More needs to be done, and we are looking to elected officials like you to show leadership and to speak out,” wrote StartUp Nation founder Anastasia Zorchinsky and Vice President, External Affairs Michael Eshayek.

The two added that “unfortunately, there is a significant discrepancy between the answers provided and our on the ground reality. “To be clear, the administration is failing to implement its own policies. While we welcome the administration stating that ‘calling for genocide against the Jewish people . . . constitute a violation of Concordia’s University’s Code of Rights and Responsibilities,’ until now this policy has not been enforced. For example, posters have appeared on campus declaring ‘Free Palestine! Intifada Until Victory!’ At the November demonstration in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building) an enormous map appeared as a backdrop where Israel has been removed. Demonstrators frequently chant ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ and call upon, among other things, for the university to ‘cease exchange programs with Israeli institutions and cut ties with current and future Zionist donors.’”

Zorchinsky and Eshayek wrote that Concordia’s Code of Rights and Responsibilities “forbids demonstrators from hiding their faces by wearing masks. “Once again, this policy is not being enforced. We in fact fear that a good number of the instigators of the demonstrations on campus are not even Concordia students….To date, the administration has not launched proceedings against the instigators of recent demonstrations. We have for example indicated that Bara Iyad Abuhamed, a part-time student at Concordia since 2016, has broken our conduct code and is on campus in order to agitate. Mr. Abuhamed has been caught on film threatening and indeed attacking students and staff on campus. His posts on social media also call for violence against Jews. Yet the administration is turning a blind eye to his activities, and he has not been disciplined.”

StartUp Nation also argues that Concordia has not disciplined the Concordia Student Union and Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights in terms of a hostile environment on campus.

“They refer to Israel as an apartheid state, and together they have led anti-Israel activities, including a walk-out on campus. Leaders of the CSU are members of the SPHR and have been videotaped shunting at pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Contrary to its policies, the CSU has never consulted with Jewish and Israeli students and student groups like ours on the statements it has issued on the war in recent months and their impact on our community. The CSU has set a narrative on campus which makes Jewish and Israeli students unsafe, and the administration has not intervened.”

Asked for a response, Vannina Maestracci of Concordia’s media office referred us to the university’s response to the MPs and its Jan. 22 response to The Suburban, that “the university has taken several measures on campus to ensure our community’s safety, including increased monitoring of events and demonstrations as well as adding supplemental personnel when appropriate; meetings with student groups; the creation of a committee with expertise in mediation and conflict resolution; increased workshops on anti-discrimination for our community; launch of an active listening initiative to help community members address distressing events.

“I also want to reiterate that complaints and processes under the Code of Rights are confidential and, contrary to what is stated in the letter you refer to, we can confirm that the university is acting on complaints made following recent events. Also, regarding student associations, they are funded by student fee levies and are independent of Concordia University. In Quebec, the independence of student associations is enshrined in the Act respecting the accreditation and financing of students’ associations. However, Concordia University students and members are subject to the provisions of the Code of Rights and Responsibilities. Since Oct. 7, the university administration has held several meetings with members of student groups to ensure that any activities and demonstrations take place with respect for all members of the community and in contexts that are safe for all.” n

Student group says Concordia lies on fighting antisemitism Read More »

CSL’s King David Residence closing

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

The Le King David Residence, a category 3 semi-autonomous seniors residence that first opened in Côte St. Luc 49 years ago, officially announced it is closing and halting all operations by Sept. 30, forcing its residents to move. The owners, Thomas Marcantonio and Alfonso Graceffa, have declined comment to media.

The residence has provided nursing and recreational services.”Since its inception in 1975, Le King David has been a symbol of compassion, empathy, and exceptional care in Côte St. Luc,” the residence’s website says. “With a profound sense of responsibility, we announce the closure of this esteemed seniors’ residence. This decision, influenced by the post-COVID era’s challenges, recognizes the profound impact it will have on our residents and the community.The residence’s website adds that it is “working closely with the local health authority and the CLSC to facilitate transitions for residents opting to move into the public system.”

The CLSC has confirmed that it was advised of the closure and has vowed to help those looking for a new place to live, adding that the 77 residents have been assessed by an independent living for seniors professional and that two information sessions have already taken place for the residents and their families.

Daniel Lévesque of the Syndicat québécois des employées et employés de service, expressed concern about residents aged between 80 and 90 having to seek new housing at this time of their lives. “I have the impression that the owners consider it like real estate,” he told Radio-Canada. Lévesque added that several of the residence’s 40 employees did not receive a $4 per hour bonus for several months, and that the need for unilingual English-speaking employees to find new work is also a concern.

Côte St. Luc communications director Darryl Levine has said that while the city has not received a permit request to convert the building to a new type of housing, no zoning change would be needed to do so. In 2017, it was announced that the Castel Royale seniors residence on Cavendish Blvd. would become an apartment building. The building closed as a seniors residence because of maintenance issues.

CSL councillor Steven Erdelyi told The Suburban that the closure is not a surprise to him, and that “I have since been checking in with the King David and Waldorf, and reached out to the B’nai Brith House and CIUSSS to help make sure everyone can be placed.” n

CSL’s King David Residence closing Read More »

Hampstead flags at half-mast until hostages released

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

Flags in the Town of Hampstead will remain at half mast as a symbolic gesture until all the more than 100 hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas since its Oct. 7 massacre of 1,400 people in Israel are released, Mayor Jeremy Levi told the Feb. 5 town council meeting.

A resolution was passed to this effect. The flags are at the Adessky Community Centre, where council meetings take place, and at town hall at Queen Mary and Stratford. The Israeli flag has been present, along with the Canadian and Quebec flags.

The Israeli flag “will be a permanent mainstay, with the other flags,” Levi pointed out.

The Mayor also reminded residents that at its October meeting, the council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Canadian government to do everything in its power to demand the unconditional release of all hostages from Gaza.

“This council is very disturbed by Canada’s position, the way they voted at the UN, voting for an unconditional ceasefire,” Levi said.

The resolution passed by council says:

“Whereas the Town of Hampstead acknowledges the recent decision by the Government of Canada to vote in favour of a UN unconditional ceasefire; Whereas the town council expressed its discontent with the aforementioned decision, particularly in light of the ongoing hostage situation involving Israel; Whereas the safety and well-being of the hostages are of utmost concern and a strong stance is deemed necessary to advocate for their release.”

The resolution then says the town “voices its discontent with the Government of Canada’s decision to vote for a UN unconditional ceasefire given the unresolved hostage situation.

“The Town of Hampstead will keep the flags of all its facilities at half-mast as a symbolic gesture until the hostages are released, demonstrating solidarity with those affected by the ongoing crisis.”

A copy of the resolution has been sent to the federal government. n

Hampstead flags at half-mast until hostages released Read More »

Petition calls for Montreal trusteeship after massive tax hikes

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

A change.org bilingual petition is calling on Premier François Legault to place the City of Montreal under trusteeship in light of steep commercial and industrial property tax increases for many in the past two years.Two owners of commercial properties in St. Laurent brought the petition to The Suburban‘s attention before the start of the February borough council meeting.

“In 2024, commercial and industrial property owners in the city of Montreal received incredulous increases for their municipal properties [of] between 15% and 20%-plus,” the petition says. “In 2023 it was 22%! As an owner, this makes absolutely no sense! To be at nearly 39% of increases in two years because of inflation is incredulous. The result is an increase in inflation: tenants pay more, consumers pay more and the cycle continues.”

Legault is being asked to place Montreal under trusteeship “to stop these incredulous annual increases. “Furthermore, we are also asking for a class action lawsuit for all tenants and commercial and industrial property owners on the island on Montreal.”

The petition can be seen at www.change.org/p/creation-de-l-inflation-par-la-ville-de-montr%C3%A9al-inflation-creation-by-the-city-of-mtl?utm_source=starter_dashboard_page_qr_code.

Rosemont resident Alfred Decivita, who has a 5,000-square foot mailroom equipment business in an industrial building on Sartelon in St. Laurent, told The Suburban that his property tax increased by $5,000 in the past two years — his bill this year is over $16,800.”The increase was not just me — I asked my neighbours on our street, we all got the same increase, 17 percent,” he added. “Last year, it was 22 percent. Next year, what’s it going to be? Another 17 percent?” The business owner also says owners like himself get less service, such as no access to eco-centres.

Jimmy Metaxas, who has a 3,500 square-foot industrial condo with his brother on Pitfield and rents to a paper business, said his taxes went up the same amount in the past two years. “It’s getting ridiculous, my bill is up to $14,000. It’s literally gone up 40 percent in two years. This is really getting out of hand — we’re talking about $1,200 a month just for taxes. There’s also school taxes — I don’t know what’s going to happen. If we’re talking about two to three percent inflation, we’re six times more with the tax.”

During the council meeting, Decivita addressed Mayor Alan DeSousa on the issue, saying the tax increase from the Plante administration is “not normal.

“Are you taking your budget out on the businesses?”

DeSousa said former Executive Committee chair Dominique Ollivier, who is a Rosemont city councillor, “made the budget that was proposed to council” and that he, City Councillor and Montreal Opposition leader Aref Salem and City Councillor Anna Nazarian also questioned the budget and voted against it.

“We found lots of places where the administration could and should have reduced expenses [to reduce the tax bills]. We made constructive proposals to the administration, saying the 4.9 percent residential average increase and the 4.6 percent average for non-residential is way too high in the current economic context. The administration refused to consider it. We had found ways to reduce everyone’s tax bill by at least one percent.”

Decivita urged DeSousa to visit his business neighbours.

“My neighbour’s a plumber. He’s got 35 plumbers, he laid off 10 this week!”

“Your concerns are our concerns,” DeSousa said, adding that the business owner should also bring his concerns to Montreal city council. He also mentioned to The Suburban that the much higher than average tax increase for some property owners was the result of valuation changes. n

Petition calls for Montreal trusteeship after massive tax hikes Read More »

Community leaders “disgusted” with Plante stance on antisemitism

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

A group of leaders from various communities wrote an open letter this week demanding Mayor Valérie Plante do more to counter antisemitism in Montreal.

The letter was signed by the Honourable Marlene Jennings, Ramon Vincente of Filipino Family Services, former Snowdon councillor Marvin Rotrand; Juleen Barrington, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Association; Elie Israel, Commissioner Ward 1 on the English Montreal School Board; Norman Simon, President, Canadians for Coexistence; Norberto Mandin, Founder, CPRM Community Radio; Luzviminda Mazzone, President, the Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec; Yvonne Sam, Chair of the Rights & Freedom Committee of the Black Community Resource Centre; Dr. David Zuroff, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at McGill University; Gemma Raeburn Baynes, President, Playmas Caribbean Cultural Association; Andrew Caddell of the Task Force on Linguistic Policy and Cynthia Waite, president of Barbados House.

“We are united in our condemnation of the horrific spate of antisemitism that Montreal has witnessed since the Oct. 7 attack by the Hamas terrorists on Israel,” the signatories wrote. “We were shocked when hateful anti-Israel demonstrators appeared at the Agglomeration Council meeting of December 21, 2023 to attack the Town of Hampstead for having adopted a bylaw fining those caught tearing down posters which call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by terrorists.”

The letter-writers added that they were disgusted to learn “that these demonstrators were urged at the Dec. 18 Montreal Council meeting by Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante and Alexander Norris, her party leader, to come to the Agglomeration Council to directly question the Mayor of Hampstead,” Jeremy Levi.

“That however fits a pattern. Mayor Plante has vigorously defended Bochra Manaï, the city’s Anti-Racism Commissioner, who unapologetically attended anti-Israel rallies where antisemitic chants were heard and at which a local Imam made remarks that were condemned by both Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Legault as antisemitic and inciting hate against Jews.”

The signatories applauded the Jewish Community Council and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs for demanding Manaï’s firing.

“While no city in North America has witnessed as many and as violent incidents targeting Jews over the last months as Montreal has, Mayor Plante has yet to give a full-throated and clear denunciation of antisemitism and call for Hamas to give up its arms and release the hostages. It is time for action.”

The letter-writers are asking Montrealers to support their demands that Manaï be immediately fired, as well as “a clear statement from Mayor Plante denouncing Hamas as a terrorist group and a call for the immediate unconditional release of the hostages; and the adoption by city council of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.”

The signatories concluded that they are not mollified by Alexander Norris’s recent loss of his role as Projét Montréal majority leader, which followed his defence of 16 anti-Israel questions, nothing to do with agglomeration affairs, at the December and January agglomeration meetings as freedom of speech.

“Unlike many of Canada’s big city Mayors, Mayor Plante has not vigorously condemned antisemitism. It is time she did. Am Israel Chai.” n

Community leaders “disgusted” with Plante stance on antisemitism Read More »

Concordia cancels speech by Oct. 7 massacre glorifier

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

Concordia University has cancelled a scheduled speech by Sami Hamdi, a British commentator who, on video, celebrated the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas in which 1,400 people in Israel were brutally murdered and more than 200 kidnapped. As The Suburban has reported, Concordia has received legal demand letters over the past month from attorney Neil Oberman, senior partner at Spiegel Sohmer, on behalf of Jewish students who accuse the university of allowing rampant antisemitism by pro-Hamas students that have included physical attacks on Jews.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs stated that both Concordia and Carleton had cancelled the speech, and welcomed the decision. “Our assessment revealed that this individual has made remarks that include celebrating violence,” Fiona Downey, a spokesperson for Concordia University said. “Based on this assessment we concluded that this event would create a climate of intimidation which we will not allow.”

Hamdi said in a speech 10 days after the massacre, “Allah has shown the world that no normalization can erase the Palestinian cause. When everybody thought it was finished, it is roaring. How many of you felt it in your hearts when you got the news that it happened? How many of you felt the euphoria? Allahu Akbari!” Hamdi also denied reports Hamas’s female victims were raped.

The commentator denies he celebrated Oct. 7. Hamdi has already spoken at Western University in London, Ontario.

Judy Zelikovitz, CIJA’s Vice-President of University and Local Partner Services, had posted Feb. 8 that “it’s outrageous that Sami Hamdi, an individual who has publicly and unabashedly celebrated the atrocious terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Jews on October 7, is being brought in by campus groups to speak at Canadian universities in Ontario and Quebec.

“By platforming Hamdi, these clubs are endorsing his beliefs and helping to spread hate on our campuses. Inviting Hamdi makes the clubs’ motives clear: it’s not about opposing war or supporting Palestinians, but rather celebrating harm to Jews. We’ve heard from students that they are overwhelmed with fear that a supporter of terrorism will be speaking on their campus at a time when Jewish students, faculty, and staff are the targets of increased hate. Freedom of speech and academic freedom are fundamental principles of Canadian society, but a reasonable limit should exist when it comes to celebrating terrorism.”

She added that “Jewish students, faculty, and staff have a right to feel safe on their campus. We call on the provincial governments to work with university administrators to ensure hate speech is not tolerated on Canadian campuses.” n

Concordia cancels speech by Oct. 7 massacre glorifier Read More »

Montreal Children’s Hospital launches Kat Demes Pavillion in emotional ceremony

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation held a ribbon cutting ceremony and highly emotional press conference recently to launch the Pavillion Kat Demes, where out-of-town parents will be able to stay free of charge while their critically ill or injured children are being treated at the MCH. The facility, located at Le Groupe Maurice’s the LIZ retirement home, at 5004 de Maisonneuve West, is a five-minute walk from the Children’s.

The “home away from home” is expected to open early this spring. The stays for parents of children up to the age of 18, can last anywhere from four nights to several months, and several hundred stays are anticipated.The pavillion is named after Catherine “Kat” Demes, who passed away at the age of five after a valiant battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, an inoperable form of brain cancer. Kat’s parents Peter Demes and Dina Bourdakos, and uncle Perry Giannias, who have fundraised for the MCH Foundation through the Expos Fest event founded by Giannias, were on hand. They have raised $1 million for brain cancer research and have vowed to raise $2 million more for the pavillion.

Giannias said the project is a “great way to help other families.”We often say our story doesn’t have to be everybody’s story. What happened to us as a family was tragic, but this is going to help other families. If you’re in a long-term stay at the Children’s, this way the children will be closer to the family. Everybody says the best medicine for a child to get better is for the family to be close. So we said yes right away. Having Kat’s name here is just the cherry on top. Her name will live on. When this happens to parents, you’re either going to go straight to the abyss or you’re going to rise to the occasion, and our family did that. We’re a Greek family, we cried a lot, swore a lot and we said ‘we’re going to make this happen.’ We’re super proud and excited.’”

Emotions reached their peak during the press conference when the family played a video of Dee Snider of Twisted Sister singing, with extra intensity, a special version of the anthem We’re Not Gonna Take It, featuring a woman having all her hair cut off and showing a picture of a child struck with cancer who was also without hair, interspersed with video of Kat. The MCH Foundation says the pavillion will provide parents with “all the comforts of home, including the warm welcome and support of compassionate employees, volunteers and other families.” The Foundation adds that the pavillion is “the only facility in Quebec to offer free, temporary accommodations to parents of sick children and teens,” and is part of the foundation’s Unexpected Ways To Heal campaign.

Also on hand were Foundation president Renée Vézina; Francis Gagnon, Chief of Real Estate Development and Investment Officer at Le Groupe Maurice, which donated $2.7 million; Johanne Héroux, senior director of corporate affairs and communications with Loblaw Companies Limited, which donated $2.5 million; McGill University Health Centre president and executive director Dr. Lucie Opatrny and Diana D’Addio, Professional Coordinator, Social Services at the MCH.

Also thanked at the ceremony were the Air Canada Foundation, Canada Cycles for Kids, the Just for Kids Foundation, Kids for Life Foundation, Kurling for Kids, METRO, Pedal for Kids, Sarah’s Fund for Cedars and many other donors. n

Montreal Children’s Hospital launches Kat Demes Pavillion in emotional ceremony Read More »

Montrealers march for Israeli hostages

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

Numerous Montrealers marched from Hampstead Park to the Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre in Snowdon, demanding the immediate release of hostages held since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas in which 1,400 people were murdered.The walk was part of the global effort Run For Their Lives to help the 136 hostages still being held in Gaza.

The New York Times reported Feb. 6 that Israeli intelligence concluded 32 of the 136 have died, but to Jews, a body is sacrosanct and requires a proper burial, and thus those who died are still considered hostages.

One of those participating was Eric Hazan, second cousin of hostage Omer Shem Tov, who turned 21 during his captivity. “It’s really important that people don’t forget that we still have hostages being held in Gaza and these are innocent people who need to come back home,” Hazan told The Suburban. “The families are anxious to have them come back, they are devastated. The whole nation is devastated. Millions of Jews around the world are devastated by all this.”

At the Y, the names of the remaining hostages were read, and songs were sung. Ysabella Hazan, who spoke at pro-Israel rallies at Concordia late last year and in Washington, D.C., told attendees at Kellert Hall at the Y that she saw the 43-minute film of the Oct. 7 massacre that journalists have been invited to see. After seeing that, “I don’t even want to think about the condition of the hostages. I don’t want to know what Hamas is doing on their own territory. This [conflict] is as much an ideological war as a physical war waged against us.We have to keep our spirits very high in honour of the hostages, and we have to be united.”

Hazan added that we have to, “encourage students to go on campus and to have rallies like this one! It’s amazing that we have this rally in the community centre, as we should, but where’s the youth? We need to be empowered also!”

She also said those rallying in Canada “are here to show the world that we are one collective soul. As long as they are held hostage, we are held hostage! Our souls are held hostage! Our hearts are in Gaza until they are free! We are going to fight for Jewish rights! We are not going to allow people to call our hostages colonizers! We are Jews! We are not colonizers from the land that we are from!”

Also on hand were Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and CSL councillor Dida Berku, amongst many others.

“I’ve heard from relatives, I’ve heard from Montrealers and from my residents, not just from the Jewish community, who are in solidarity with those who were taken from their homes and want them returned,” Moroz told The Suburban. “For me, it’s a moral clarity issue. We need to resolve this open wound, not just impacting local Jews in Montreal, but Jews around the world.”

Housefather told The Suburban that with the hostages being held for more than 100 days, “it’s really important for our local community to show our support for them.

“I do my own part by being here too and joining my fellow citizens.” n

Montrealers march for Israeli hostages Read More »

Plante won’t act on complaint against anti-Israel barrage at Agglo, Norris cut

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has decided that she and the island-wide agglomeration council will not act on B’nai Brith Canada’s complaint that the council broke its own rules in allowing a barrage of anti-Israel questions to be directed at Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, in December and January.

Levi, who defended Israel’s right to defend itself in a video shot by anti-Israel activist Yves Engler and in social media postings, was not present at the December meeting, where seven anti-Israel questions were asked, and did not respond at the January meeting, where nine questions were asked. At the first meeting, the questioners told agglomeration officials they were asking about subjects like road conditions.

Plante said “it’s the house of citizens; citizens are allowed and they are welcome and we should be happy that they take the time and leave their home to come and ask questions. To me, this is democracy.

“Freedom of speech in these spaces are part of our values, and within our laws. As elected officials, it often happens that we get uncomfortable questions. I get a lot of questions that are uncomfortable and emotional from citizens. It is difficult, but it is also my job to welcome comments, questions. And right now, I know it might be difficult because of the conflict happening in the Middle East, but I think we should value the fact we are a democracy where any citizen can ask a question.”

Plante also said Levi acted on his right not to respond to the questioners. Former Projét Montréal majority leader Alex Norris — dropped from that role late Thursday — also mentioned questioners’ right to freedom of speech during that meeting.

Levi replied at that meeting, “If I understand correctly, Councillor Norris, what we’re saying is, we recognize that there are rules, but we’re not going to follow the rules.” Norris did not respond.

B’nai Brith’s complaint to the Quebec Municipal Commission about the December meeting said the agglomeration allowed questions that were supposed to be about city-related topics and were instead about the Israel-Hamas War and the situation in Gaza. The CMQ responded that an investigation is unnecessary. B’nai Brith filed a second complaint about the January meeting, which was also rejected.

Levi responded to the news of Plante’s refusal to act by posting on Facebook that, “It’s rather ironic that in the last two Montreal agglomeration council meetings, 16 individuals have attended under the guise of championing free speech, only to use it as a platform to criticize my exercise of the same right. Mayor Plante’s argument that allowing people to flout agglomeration rules in the name of free speech might have had some validity if it weren’t for Councillor Norris repeatedly suggesting that complaints be filed against me for exercising my own rights.

“If Mayor Plante genuinely supports free speech, she should consider making Agglomeration rules more accommodating to the range of topics discussed. Hampstead sets an example in this regard. Unlike Montreal, we don’t restrict questions to a 90-second limit, limit them to two per person, or confine the question period to 30 minutes. Council meetings in Hampstead sometimes involve passionate debates with individuals, making us perhaps the only municipality on the island of Montreal with such lenient rules for participants. During each question, I intentionally exercised my right to remain silent. However, this right was consistently undermined by Councillor Norris, who encouraged individuals to file complaints against me whenever I chose to remain silent.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs posted its reaction to Norris no longer being majority leader.

“Alex Norris’s disqualifying conduct at the Montreal Agglomeration Council, including allowing its use for repeated antisemitic attacks against Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, was deplorable. Today, we are pleased to see he lost his position as a leader.” n

Plante won’t act on complaint against anti-Israel barrage at Agglo, Norris cut Read More »

Montrealers protest language laws at downtown federal cabinet retreat

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Montrealers gathered last week in front of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, the site of a federal Liberal cabinet retreat, to express their disappointment with the Trudeau government’s reaction to Quebec’s language law Bill 96.The event was the latest in a series of monthly protests against Quebec legislation.

Federal Liberals, with the exception of Mount Royal’s Anthony Housefather, and MPs from all other parties, voted in favour of Bill C-13, the federal modernization of the Official Languages that by reference recognizes Quebec’s language law and gives it application over federal areas of jurisdiction. Last week’s protest was organized by the Task Force on Linguistic Policy and activist Marc Perez — the latter was not able to be on hand.

Just before the protest, Task Force president Andrew Caddell posted on social media, “our community of 1.25 million English-speakers has been completely abandoned. With the passing of Bill C-13, the newly amended Official Languages Act now incorporates the Charter of the French Language, and thus Bill 96. This is an attack on our linguistic rights and our community. We have always looked to the federal government to uphold our constitutional rights to services, education and the courts and they haven’t done a thing to stop Bill 96, leaving it up to taxpayers to take Bill 96 to court! The Trudeau government continues to ignore our concerns; clearly valuing the votes of Quebec nationalists over English-speaking Quebecers.”

On site, Caddell added that the federal Liberals are “consumed with the political consideration of losing seats to the BQ.” Asked where anglophones concerned with linguistic rights can turn federally, Caddell told The Suburban all the federal parties are seeking the Quebec nationalist vote in elections.

“But there are at least 25 ridings in Parliament where anglophones have a significant enough number that they can make the difference. We have to lobby to say these people deserve to have their votes recognized. We [anglophones] are bigger [population-wise] than five other provinces — think about that. If we were a separate group of people, we would have some real political clout. But because we’re in Quebec, and we’re dispersed all over the place, we’re recognized as being apart from the rest of the country.”

In terms of some feeling there’s no one they want to vote for, Caddell said not everything is done through the political process.”We’re using the courts and the public forums, and once we get some attention from the francophone media — I would love to go on Tout le monde en parle, and we could plead our cause.” Sharon Brien pointed out that Liberal MPs from English-population ridings were taking part in the retreat at the Queen E.”Maybe they can answer to their constituents,” she said. n

Montrealers protest language laws at downtown federal cabinet retreat Read More »

Stolen car recovered in MoWest, returned to owner from Alberta

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

A car with an Alberta license plate that had been stolen was discovered in Montreal West and returned to its owner, Councillor Lauren Small-Pennefather revealed as part of her monthly report at the January public meeting.

“Everybody knows that a number of cars are being stolen across North America that show up in other places in the world,” she explained. “On Dec. 28, there was a car parked for three days in the town and a Public Security Officer verified with the RCMP’s Stolen Vehicle Registry that it was stolen, and it was returned to the owner. It was a 2019 Dodge Ram. The system works when it can and, luckily, that person had their vehicle returned to them, but these are very difficult times and stolen property is an issue.”

Small-Pennefather added to The Suburban that the vehicle had not been ticketed “because of the holiday overnight tolerance.

“The PSO checked the online RCMP stolen vehicle registry as the vehicle had Alberta plates. The plate came back as reported stolen and the SPVM was called. The police were able to reach the owner who came to get the vehicle and thanked the PSO.”

During the council meeting, Small-Pennefather also repeated her message from December, not to leave valuables or personal information in a vehicle, including insurance cards.

“But the thieves are becoming more sophisticated. If you have someone coming to your door, as I did today (Jan. 22), somebody checking to see if there were any gas leaks. I did ask for identification to make sure the person was who they were, even though she had a uniform and a truck. Just make sure to take the proper precautions. It’s important to remain vigilant.”

Also as part of her report, the councillor said there are individuals, “in close proximity, who are responsible for a number of break-ins going on in the town.

“The police are aware, they’re working with Public Security as well to make sure the individuals are apprehended. Please be very cautious about making sure doors are locked. Even if you think [car] doors are locked, if you have a remote, check your doors. The [thieves] check until they find a door that’s open. The same goes for your homes, make sure your front doors are locked as well. There have been two cases where someone had gone into someone else’s house because the doors had been unlocked. People leave their garage remotes inside of their cars, so if someone is able to get into your car, they can get into your garage and your home as well.” n

Stolen car recovered in MoWest, returned to owner from Alberta Read More »

Plante, Norris allow anti-Israel, anti-Levi barrage at Agglo

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

For the second month in a row, anti-Israel questions from pro-Palestinians directed at Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi were allowed to be asked by Projet Montreal majority leader Alex Norris and Mayor Plante at the island-wide agglomeration council meeting. The barrage came from nine questioners one after the other.

The questions have been directed at Levi since he was ambushed in a crowd last December at a public event by anti-Israel activist Yves Engler about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Levi had defended Israel while also saying all loss of life is tragic. A video of the interview went viral and prompted some of the questions at the December meeting, for which Levi was not present — Councillor Jack Edery represented Hampstead then.

B’nai Brith Canada lodged a complaint with the Quebec Municipal Commission after that meeting, saying the island-wide agglomeration violated its own rules by allowing questions that were supposed to be about city-related topics and were instead about the Israel-Hamas War and the situation in Gaza. The CMQ responded that an investigation is unnecessary. They are planning to file a second complaint following the January meeting.

B’nai Brith Canada says its second complaint will fault the meeting president for allowing the succession of questioners to imply Levi supports the genocide of Palestinians. They will again cite the agglomeration rules saying that questions must relate to issues involving the island of Montreal. The organization argues that such a line of questioning would not have been allowed against members of any other community. B’nai Brith is also citing the rule that only three questions on the same subject are allowed, but that the agglomeration allowed nine questions to be asked at the January meeting.

Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle told The Suburban that, “Norris has become the sheriff at the Agglomeration Council meetings and seems to forget he is not the spokesman for the demerged municipalities such as Hampstead. His involvement in the question period was embarrassing.”

At the January meeting, a succession of kaffiyeh clad women then directed questions, some to Levi, some indirectly about the conflict.

“Are you trying to hide behind the excuse of antisemitism and the right to the defence of Israel on your social media to justify the actions of the Israeli army?” one woman asked Levi. Another woman accused Levi of ignoring the “legitimate” concerns of non-Zionist Jews, and of referring to legitimate criticism of Israel as antisemitic. A third said “some members of this council have been working overtime on social media to incite hate against Palestinians all around the world, and specifically Palestinians and pro-Palestinian groups in Montreal….When we come here to speak out against this discrimination and hateful rhetoric, they choose to play the victim.”

Norris — with Mayor Plante sitting by his side — replied that the policy of the City of Montreal is zero tolerance of “hatred of any kind. We’re also not there to police the speech of our peers. If you feel one or any of our elected peers has breached their codes of ethics, there’s an independent body that can investigate.”

Levi did not respond to the questioners, but before the question period began, he made a statement saying a violation of rights and breach of privilege took place at the December agglomeration meeting when “Mayor Plante publicly invited an individual to attend the Dec. 21 meeting to question me directly about a specific Hampstead nuisance by-law. This invitation, in violation of section 30, due to its subject matter being outside the jurisdiction of agglomeration powers, resulted in an ambush of seven individuals directing questions at my representative, Councillor Jack Edery. All questions not only exceeded the scope of section 30 but should have been deemed out of order as per section 35. I cannot overstate the significance of what happened and I urge you to ensure that such occurrences do not repeat.”

Levi added that “a more serious issue arose during those questions, unbeknownst to many — 45 countries, including Canada, have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The purpose of adopting this definition is to identify and act on antisemitism, which often involves charging Jews with conspiring to harm humanity and blaming them for various issues, including the actions of the state of Israel. During the last agglomeration council meeting, an individual insinuated that I desired and was responsible for the continuation of the suffering of people affected by the conflict in Israel. Madam Chair (Lasalle Mayor Nancy Blanchet) this is antisemitic. Notably, I wasn’t even in attendance, and the same insinuation was made against my representative, who is also Jewish. This is unacceptable.” Levi pointed out that Quebec and several municipalities, and the borough of Cote-Des-Neiges-NDG have adopted the IHRA definition.

“However, Mayor Plante has refused to adopt this widely recognized definition for all of Montreal, leading to instances like the one I just described occurring without recognition. It is crucial to adopt this definition. While I have no reason to believe Mayor Plante will change her stance on this matter, I implore you, by virtue of the powers bestowed upon you, which allows you to decide all matters incidental to the proper conduct of proceedings, to implement the IHRA working definition of antisemitism for the proper conduct of these agglomeration meetings. At a time when Montreal has witnessed an unprecedented number of antisemitic hate crimes, it is imperative that those in a position to make a difference take action. By implementing my recommendation, you can send a strong message against antisemitism.”

The Hampstead Mayor said that in recent weeks, “numerous individuals, groups, organizations, and religious institutions have reached out to me in despair.

“I urge you to give this matter the utmost consideration and return to this council with a favourable response.”

Norris replied that there is freedom of expression in Canada and citizens have a right to ask questions. Plante nodded vigorously as he spoke.

Levi replied, “If I understand correctly, Councillor Norris, what we’re saying is, we recognize that there are rules, but we’re not going to follow the rules.” Norris did not respond. n

Plante, Norris allow anti-Israel, anti-Levi barrage at Agglo Read More »

CSL ‘all ears’ on ideas for Cavendish link push

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The City of Côte St. Luc is “all ears” to suggestions on how to push levels of government to move forward on extending Cavendish Blvd. to Jean Talon, Royalmount and eventually St. Laurent, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein told The Suburban. City council regulars Sharon Freedman and Norman Sabin have urged council to apply extra pressure, in light of last month’s news that the Plante administration had still not put forward a tender for an environmental impact study; that it is prioritizing the connection from CSL to Jean Talon, with no set date for the connection to Royalmount and then St. Laurent; and is looking at a bike path from the east end to Jean Talon.

The Suburban asked Brownstein about the possibility of a massive petition for the link from residents of CSL, Town of Mount Royal, St. Laurent and NDG, the areas most impacted by a Cavendish link. Brownstein replied that a petition from residents outside of the affected areas could have an impact on Mayor Valérie Plante. “It would be nice if City of Montreal residents could push for that, because it benefits NDG. I’m all ears, whatever we can do to push the file forward and have Madame Plante respect the agreement to do the environmental study, the next stage for the link.”

Freedman, who addressed the CSL meeting, wrote a letter to Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault urging the province to address the issue of the link, which Freedman wrote is “nothing other than a routine infrastructure project” and added that when Montreal could not complete the Olympic Stadium in time for the 1976 Olympics, the Quebec Transport ministry stepped in.”I implore you to take the measures necessary to get this extension built, to remove all decisional powers from the municipalities involved and conduct consultations directly with the people most affected by this project — the people, not the politicians.”

During the meeting, in light of Beaconsfield suing Montreal for $15 million for a breach of agreement regarding expense sharing for island-wide services, Freedman suggested that council pass a motion asking Guibeault to take over the project, for the city to withhold the money it gives to Montreal, or to sue.”We are going nowhere,” Freedman told Brownstein. “Guibeault has taken over several projects and actually completed them. What are you prepared to do that’s a bit more aggressive? I would love nothing more than a lawsuit against Plante.”

The Mayor said he was meeting with his counterparts from St. Laurent, Town of Mount Royal and Hampstead on this and other issues, and people in various levels of government. Brownstein said the council would take passing a resolution “under advisement. I can assure you we’re pushing, we’re having a lot of strategy meetings and meeting people at higher levels than Mayor Plante,” Brownstein said.

The Mayor also told Freedman it is the obligation of the province to enforce an agreement, as with Cavendish, “where monies have been received by the City of Montreal, and they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing with that. Keep on moving after the province, as well as Madame Plante. We can’t just expect [Plante] to keep her word, can we?”

Sabin, who brings up traffic issues at various council meetings, said he was skeptical the City of Montreal wants the link and suggested CSL conduct a survey to determine support for the extension, to help the city make a decision whether to take any legal action.

“I think having a statement from the population is very important….Projét Montréal does their own thing. They don’t really care what CSL has to say.”

Brownstein said he liked the suggestion and he, and some members of council, pointed out that the support for the project from the public was indicated during the process for a new CSL master plan, from submissions from CSLers to the BAPE as part of the environmental study process, and from speaking to residents over several years. n

CSL ‘all ears’ on ideas for Cavendish link push Read More »

French will have to make up two-thirds of commercial signs

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

A new version of the language of signs law coming into effect June 1, 2025 will demand that French will have to occupy two-thirds of a commercial sign, and English or another language can occupy the remaining third, the Quebec government announced.

The law also says an English brand name is allowed, but a French descriptor has to be added if one does not exist already on signage, such as Mode to a clothing store or Électronique to a store like Best Buy.

Language Minister Jean-François Roberge says most companies will not have to make changes, as the law currently says French has to be clearly predominant on signs and numerous companies with English brand names have French descriptors. The purpose is to tighten the language law’s rules.

The Minister added that it is “important that 100 per cent of businesses respect that Quebec is the only state in North America where French is the only official language.”

The government has said the cost for businesses to make the changes will be between $7 million and $15 million.

Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) Quebec vice-president Francois Vincent said that this is not the best time for store owners to spend more money, with low confidence in the business community.

Vincent added that there is also a backlog for businesses that want to update their trademarks.

“We are worried that some businesses will have to do a follow up with that and not have the decision.” n

French will have to make up two-thirds of commercial signs Read More »

TMR, Hampstead rank best for bus stop snow clearing

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The Transit website (transitapp.com), which advocates for less use of cars, has ranked the Town of Mount Royal and Hampstead as the best Greater Montreal area locales in terms of clearing snow from bus stops in their respective areas.

Mayor Jeremy Levi of Hampstead posted an image of the article with the results on his Facebook page.

The website’s blog says that “as bus riders, we don’t need to unearth our automobiles with ice picks and backhoes every time the snow falls. But when a stop is snowed under, it turns a perfectly normal waiting area into a boot-freezing, foot-soggening, day-ruining expedition, especially for those who can’t climb a mountain of snow just to get to their bus.”

The site asked bus riders to rank how different cities and towns cleaned the area around bus stops following the Dec. 4 storm that resulted in 36 centimetres of snow. In a five-day period, transit users rated 6,500 bus stops in the great Montreal area, including Laval and the South Shore, and one in four STM stops in Montreal proper.

“Of Montreal’s 19 city boroughs and 15 suburban municipalities, it was two of the wealthiest suburban towns — Mount Royal and Hampstead — that took home the top prizes, followed closely by the Montreal borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville. Over the course of the week, the average rating across the entire island was 3.41 out of 5. That means riders said their stops were usually on the ‘more side of ‘more or less clear.’ The only place to fall on the ‘less’ side of the equation: last-place was Montreal East, a heavily industrial area in the island’s east end.” Also near the bottom of the rankings was Ville-Marie, which includes downtown. Off-island, suburban bus stops in Laval and on the South Shore also underperformed. Though it’s not all doom and gloom in the ‘burbs: exo bus stops in farther-flung exurbs did almost as well as the average in Montreal itself.”

For the west end and West Island, the survey also ranked Dorval 9th for snow removal at bus stops, Dollard des Ormeaux 10th, Ste. Anne de Bellevue 11th, CDN-NDG 12th, Côte St. Luc 14th, Pierrefonds-Roxboro 15th, Île Bizard-Ste, Geneviève 16th, Beaconsfield 18th, Kirkland 20th, Baie d’Urfé 22nd, Outremont 24th, Westmount 25th, Pointe Claire 27th, Verdun 28th, Lachine 30th, LaSalle 33rd, St. Laurent 34th and Montreal West 35th. n

TMR, Hampstead rank best for bus stop snow clearing Read More »

Task Force seeking injunction against Bill 96

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy is seeking an injunction and judicial review from Quebec’s Superior Court against the province’s language law, Bill 96.

The injunction was filed last Wednesday by lawyer Michael Bergman, and says the language law could have an impact on all Quebecers.

“The issues raised in Bill 96 are all serious and justiciable as they constitute encroachment on constitutional and human rights with respect to rights to life, liberty, and security; equality; healthcare services; government services; education; employment; as well as freedoms of expression and mobility, and freedom from undue state interference,” the injunction says.

Task Force leader Andrew Caddell said in a news release that “our injunction contains evidence from 30 people who have been the victims of outright discrimination, and we know they are the tip of the iceberg. For this reason, we have to stop the application of the law before things become worse.”

Examples of discrimination cited in the injunction include a woman with a learning disability who says the Quebec Human Right Commission will not communicate with her in English; a person being asked for proof of entitlement to the English version of a traffic ticket; a RAMQ representative allegedly hanging up on a 64-year-old man who asked for service in English; a triage nurse at the Glen Hospital allegedly refusing to speak to a patient in English — the patient went to another hospital the next day and was found to have sepsis and ended up in the ICU; and catering staff being told they would be expelled if they spoke English.

Caddell adds that “the injunction outlines the serious implications of what it calls the Legault government’s zealotry in implementing the letter and spirit of the law,” and that “in doing so, the Government of Quebec has created and promoted a social climate where the use of the English language is restricted and disdained and is considered to be a threat to the survival of the French language and identity in Quebec.”

Task Force seeking injunction against Bill 96 Read More »

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