Place des aînés receives government grant
Published September 23 , 2009
By Silvet Ali• TLN

Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette paid a visit to La Place des aînés September 8 to hand-deliver a subvention from his office for $10,000 to the senior citizen centre. An additional $750 was added to the amount from the Quebec Minister responsible for seniors, Marguerite Blais. "It's my third year as MNA but it was started with the former MNA of Chomedey. It's been over 10 years that we have been giving support to La Place des aînés, which helps give services to the elderly," said Ouellette.
The money will go towards the cost of bus transportation which helps over 200 seniors do their groceries, run important errands, and visit the pharmacy two times a week. "For me, it's really important because Place des aînés is one of the few places which have all these services in Laval, but mostly because it's in the center of Chomedey. It helps keep them active and helps the population and us, as MNA, receive suggestions and exchange experiences of life. We need the elderly on board for the next generation," stated Ouellette.

Staying active
Situated at 435 Curé-Labelle, La Place des aînés opened its doors 15 years ago and has become a meeting ground for Lavallers over 50 years old. The recreational centre offers sports activities, workshops, artistic courses, improv classes, transportation and a multitude of other services aimed at seniors. "Having Place des aînés in the middle of Chomedey keeps everybody active and healthy," said Ouellette.
The Chomedey MNA also presented a $2000 subvention to Marie Bouchart d'Orval, the director general of Partage Humanitaire. The non-profit organization helps seniors remain active through animation services and works with 1,000 seniors in 19 different residences.
Helping the elderly is a priority for Ouellette. Over 17,000 elderly people reside in Chomedey, which makes up approximately 20% of the total population. "I have over 17,000 constituents who are over 65 years old. To have so many here, it probably proves that there is a quality of life in Laval, and a quality of life in Chomedey also," he stated.

To register
Working as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Transport since January, Ouellette is looking forward to increasing the autonomy of citizens with the extension of the metro into Laval. "It is one of the key priorities I have. I am working very hard on it and the next metro stop in Laval will be in Chomedey" announced Ouellette.
The Chomedey MNA will also continue working to provide services for the 44 different community groups present here. He is aware that the elderly may have a harder time learning new languages and their first-language may not be French. "As you know, we have the largest Greek community in the province and the second largest Armenian community and they have services in their language. As I mentioned in my discretionary budget, I help these associations. I help as much as I can and if there is no money left, I knock on the doors of Ministers. It depends on the project and the need for it," he added.
Registration at Place des aînés is open to people 50 years and older and is possible everyday except Saturday. Please call (450) 978-5555 for more information.