Based on 200,000 Google reviews, the City of Laval’s Place Bell recently won a second-place ranking of major event venues across Canada which were judged to be the filthiest.
“The home of the Laval Rocket seems to suffer, according to various visitors, especially when it comes to the toilets,” according to a post about the rankings published on The Grueling Truth, an online sports-themed website (https://thegruelingtruth.com/en/ontario/dirtiest-sports-venues-canada).
“People write ‘The toilets are dirty,’ and ‘The toilets have no papers at the start of the event,’ while another mentions ‘Bathrooms were dirty and unkept, no toilet paper or soap to wash hands.’
“But it’s not just the bathrooms that have received criticism. Some aren’t satisfied with the food either. One reviewer mentions ‘undercooked pizza,’ and another advises, ‘Eat before you go. The concession food is really, really disgusting. It’s a real joke.’
The Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa (the nation’s capital) earned the number one spot, while the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary was number three.
Olympic Stadium in Montreal was in fifth place, while Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal (home to the CFL’s Alouettes) finished eleventh.
Although most desktop computers, as well as laptops, tablets and smartphones now make the change automatically, there may still be some people who will wake up surprised Sunday to see their old analogue watch is an hour behind because Daylight Saving Time kicked in earlier that morning.
DST kicks in officially at 2 am Sunday.
At that time, the clock moves forward by 60 minutes.
It will remain so until next Nov. 3 when it will fall back once again to Eastern Standard Time.
For those who are early risers because they cherish the tranquility just before the beginning of the day, the sun won’t be above the horizon before 7:15 a.m. Sunday morning.
Sunset on Sunday evening will be at 6:54 p.m.
By mid-June, the sun will be up over Laval and Montreal as early as 5:07 a.m., setting at 8:47 p.m.
After 30 years, THE LAVAL NEWS has ended its door-to-door distribution.
The February 21st, 2024 edition of THE LAVAL NEWS was the last issue delivered door to door by PUBLIC SAC. Since our first edition in 1993, THE LAVAL NEWS entrusted PUBLIC SAC with the mandate to deliver our paper, your paper, to your door. On that note, we thank all the workers who were behind and in front of the scenes that made the distribution of your newspaper possible.
However, on March 4th, 2024, PUBLIC SAC ceased its door-to-door distributing service due to changes in municipal by-laws in Montreal and other cities in Quebec. It’s an effort to reduce, at the source, a significant amount of paper and plastic in circulation in cities across Quebec. This leaves us with no cost-effective way to distribute our newspaper.
Therefore, as of March 6th, you can pick up THE LAVAL NEWS throughout the city at many selected local distribution points, such as public buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, bakeries, etc.
Below, you will find the list of distribution points. Thank you for your loyal readership. We will continue to keep you informed and entertained.
Points de distribution / Distribution points
H7A
600 Montée du Moulin
Jean Coutu
H7A
600 Montée du Moulin
RONA
H7A
8075 Blvd. Lévesque E
Ultra Depanneur
H7C
4411 Blvd. de la Concorde E
IGA
H7C
4425 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Jean Coutu
H7E
2900 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Germaine-Guèvremont Library
H7E
3200 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Metro Plus
H7E
3595 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Intermarché Palumbo
H7E
4975 Blvd. Robert-Bourassa
Canadian Tire
H7E
5805 Blvd. Robert-Bourassa
IGA
H7E
2495 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Patisserie St Martin
H7E
3245 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Villa Val Des Arbres
H7G
155 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Metro Plus
H7G
300 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Polyclinique Médicale
H7G
405 Blvd. des Laurentides
Jean Coutu
H7G
1610 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Chartrand Ford Inc
H7K
134 Blvd. Bellerose E
Euro Marché
H7K
5000 Blvd. des Laurentides
Metro Plus
H7K
5680 Blvd. des Laurentides
IGA
H7L
180 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Jean Coutu
H7L
380 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
IGA
H7L
1207 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Metro Plus
H7L
173 Blvd. Sainte-Rose
Uniprix
H7M
1640 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie E
Subaru de Laval
H7M
1755 Blvd. René-Laennec
Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital
H7M
1859 Blvd. René-Laennec
Jean Coutu
H7M
1759 Blvd. des Laurentides
Uniprix
H7M
1904 Blvd. des Laurentides
Super C
H7M
255 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Vimont Toyota Laval
H7M
700 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Honda De Laval
H7N
475 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Salle André-Mathieu
H7N
1100 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Metro Plus Dépatie
H7N
1455 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Résidences Soleil Manoir
H7N
279-B Blvd. Cartier O
Uniprix
H7N
307 Blvd. Cartier O
IGA
H7N
430 Blvd. Cartier O
Proxim
H7N
255 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Jean Coutu
H7N
255 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Intermarché Palumbo
H7N
1295 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Jean Coutu
H7N
1315 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Uniprix
H7N
1395 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Maison des arts de Laval
H7N
1950 Rue Claude-Gagné
Place Bell
H7P
3699 Autoroute 440 O
Colfax
H7P
4355 Autoroute 440 O
Guimond Sports Complex
H7P
3095 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie
Carrefour Multisports
H7P
3131 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie 440 O
Mercedes-Benz Laval
H7P
2705 Blvd. Chomedey
440 Lincoln Laval
H7P
2800 Blvd. Chomedey
Cadillac Laval
H7P
2805 Blvd. Chomedey
CHSLD de Laval
H7P
2911 Blvd. Chomedey
Service de police de Laval
H7P
3230 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Agoo
H7P
3505 Blvd. Dagenais O
Gabrielle-Roy Library
H7P
3270 Blvd. St-Elzear O
Résidence Estia
H7R
4515 Blvd. Arthur-Sauvé
Jean Coutu
H7R
6155 Blvd. Arthur-Sauvé
Metro Plus
H7R
3875 Blvd. Sainte-Rose
Depanneur Wilson
H7S
1700 Blvd. le Corbusier
Duclos Laval Chrysler
H7S
2250 Av. Francis-Hughes
STL
H7S
1446 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
St. Martin Oasis
H7T
3500 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie
Desmeules Chrysler
H7T
3670 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie O
440 Laval Chevrolet
H7T
2150 Autoroute Laurentian
Cosmodôme
H7T
3300 Blvd. le Carrefour
Groupe Sélection
H7T
1700 Blvd. Chomedey
Lallier Kia de Laval
H7T
2200 Blvd. Chomedey
Mazda de Laval
H7T
2385 Blvd. Chomedey
Chomedey Toyota Laval
H7T
2450 Blvd. Chomedey
BMW Laval
H7T
2137 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
IGA
H7T
1794 Av. Pierre-Péladeau
Presse Café
H7T
3131 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Ville De Laval
H7T
3208 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Déjeuner Cosmopolitain
H7T
3216 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Marchés Tau
H7T
4363 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Pharmacy Liounis
H7V
3205 Place Alton-Goldbloom
Jewish Hospital
H7V
1 Place de la Belle-Rive (#7)
Le Domaine Bellerive
H7V
5 Place de la Belle-Rive
Appartements Bellerive 3
H7V
505 Rue Cardinal
Residence Le Renoir
H7V
800 Blvd. Chomedey (Tour B, 2nd Floor)
CLSC Ruisseau-Papineau
H7V
1333 Blvd. Chomedey
Laval Administration
H7V
1400 Blvd. Chomedey
Jardins de Renoir
H7V
1535 Blvd. Chomedey
Multiculturelle Library
H7V
435 Blvd. Curé-Labelle S
Axion 50 plus
H7V
610 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Jean Coutu
H7V
2999 Blvd. Notre Dame
CHSLD Résidence Riviera
H7V
3055 Blvd. Notre Dame (#109)
Boisé Notre-Dame
H7V
1450 Pie X (Suite 214)
CDC Laval
H7W
1013 Autoroute 13
Tennis 13 Fitness
H7W
5400 Av. Clarendon
Depanneur Bleue
H7W
1665 Rue du Couvent
CLSC Ruisseau-Papineau
H7W
25 Promenade des Îles
Villagia De L’ile Paton
H7W
4311 Blvd. Notre Dame
Marché Bamyan
H7W
4325 Blvd. Notre Dame
Tabagie Elite
H7W
4331 Blvd. Notre Dame
Lillies Bakery
H7W
4349 Blvd. Notre Dame
Uniprix
H7W
4919 Blvd. Notre Dame
Vie en vert Supermarket
H7W
4594 Promenade Paton
Manoir des Îles
H7W
755 Chemin du Sablon
Centre du Sablon
H7W
4219 Blvd. Samson
Depanneur Samson
H7W
4305 Blvd. Samson
Supermarché Atlantis
H7W
4427 Blvd. Samson
Royal Lepage
H7W
4600 Blvd. Samson
Supermarché PA
H7W
4657 Blvd. Samson
Ambrosia Bakery
H7W
4691 Blvd. Samson
Jean Coutu
H7W
4725 Blvd. Samson
Depanneur Chomedey
H7W
4136 Chemin du Souvenir
Serano Bakery
H7W
4232 Chemin du Souvenir
Dépanneur STO DEP
H7X
550 Autoroute Chomedey O
IGA
H7X
3200 Autoroute Chomedey A13
Chomedey Hyundai
H7X
239 Blvd. Samson O
Allô mon Coco
H7X
245 Blvd. Samson
Jean Coutu
H7X
555 Blvd. Samson
Metro Marché Denigil
If you would like to add your store as a distribution point, please email us.
Correctional Service Canada reports that on October 4, as a result of vigilance of CSC staff, contraband and unauthorized items, including hashish, worth more than $64,000, were seized at the Federal Training Centre, a medium and minimum security federal prison in Laval’s Saint-Vincent-de-Paul neighborhood.
The total estimated institutional value of the seizure was $64,031, according a statement from the CSC.
CSC said it uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions, including ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.
The CSC said it is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions “in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.”
They said they are also working in partnership with the police “to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.”
In addition, they said they have set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that they may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions, including drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.
The CSC says that information shared with them over a toll-free number (1‑866‑780‑3784) is protected and callers remain anonymous.
With less than three months left before the end of 2024, the Laval Police Dept. recorded a fifth homicide since the beginning of the year after a 28-year-old man who was shot Thursday near the Carrefour Laval shopping mall died of his wounds.
The LPD responded to a call around 5 pm about a man who had been standing next to his car, a black Ford Mustang SUV, in a parking lot across from the mall, when he suffered at least two gunshot injuries.
Four bullet holes were later found by LPD investigators in the vehicle’s windshield.
The victim was taken away by ambulance, but died later in hospital.
The assailant or assailants fled the scene and the LPD had no arrests to report.
The City of Laval was among six municipalities in Quebec and Ontario where police executed warrants and led concerted raids last week in order to arrest suspects in a fraud ring that targeted senior citizens.
In all, five people were taken into custody in the operation involving 22 warrants executed in Laval, Sherbrooke, Brossard, St-Lin-des-Laurentides, Sainte-Thérèse and Toronto.
According to police, the suspects made up to 140,000 phone calls to set up seniors for scams which finally became the subject of a police investigation beginning in November 2023.
Suspect from Laval among three arrested for alleged firearms trafficking
A suspect from Laval was one of three individuals arrested last week by the Montreal Police in conjunction with alleged firearms trafficking and illegal firearms possession.
The three, who are 18, 20 and 23 years of age respectively, were arraigned at the Palais de Justice in Montreal.
According to a statement issued by the Montreal Police, warrants were executed in Laval, the Montreal borough of Mercier-Hochelaga and in Saint-Colomban in the lower Laurentians.
Six handguns were confiscated, as were an unspecified amount of ammunition and other incriminating evidence, according to the Montreal Police.
Former Laval department manager guilty of raping sleeping woman
A former Laval city department manager was found guilty of sexual assault recently after failing to obtain the consent of a woman with whom he had just engaged in sexual activity, but who was unable to consent again after she fell asleep.
The City of Laval’s courthouse on Saint-Martin Blvd.
According to testimony rendered during the trial at the Palais de Justice de Laval, the two met through the online social media website Tinder.
Judge Serge Cimon ruled that Julien Leclerc, 39, who no longer works for the City of Laval’s tree maintenance division, failed to obtain the woman’s consent as she was asleep when Leclerc tried to have sex with her in the fall of 2022 as she slumbered at his home.
Although Leclerc and the woman, whose identity can’t be revealed, initially appeared to get along well, and she agreed to go to his home where she willingly had sex, she testified that when he tried a second time, she refused and he relented.
However, later in the evening, according to her testimony, he tried again. On awaking, she maintained, he was raping her because she didn’t give her consent.
She reported the incident to a friend who works with the Sûreté du Québec and later filed a formal criminal complaint. Leclerc hasn’t worked for the City of Laval since late 2022 after he resigned.
Recent Laval fire calls
Although it’s been empty for nearly a year following an arson attack, the remains of the Al Sultan Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. in Chomedey went up in flames again on Oct. 4, with arson again suspected. The Laval Police have opened yet another investigation.
A few weeks earlier, on Saturday Sept. 28, a house in the upscale Île Roussin neighbourhood in Laval-sur-le-Lac also went up in flames, with Laval Fire Dept. firefighters calling in a code 10-13, signifying a third necessary alarm.
A house in the upscale Île Roussin neighbourhood in Laval-sur-le-Lac also went up in flames recently. (Photo: APL)The latest fire at the former Al Sultan Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. (Photo: APL)
The Laval Police were called in to open an investigation as the LFD initially suspected arson. The home’s fire alarm system alerted 9-1-1. Upon arrival, LFD firefighters could see flames shooting out of windows on the first floor, although they also determined that no one was home.
Damage has been estimated at $500,000 on a residential building valued at $2,630,000, with an additional $300,000 in damages to property and materials inside the dwelling. Two firefighters sustained injuries which were relatively minor.
Modi government praised for raising India into world’s fifth-largest economy
More than fifty guests – including many Laval and Montreal residents of Indian-Canadian heritage – were joined by elected officials from the City of Montreal on the evening of Sept. 29 for a celebration in Laval of the 78th anniversary of the Republic of India’s independence.
India’s economic strength
While the current Indian government’s leadership continues to get high approval ratings – largely on the basis of its development strategies which have greatly expanded India’s economy – the tone of the gathering sponsored by the India-Canada Association of Montreal (ICAM) was a mostly apolitical salute to India’s cultural strength.
A wide-angle view of the many elected officials and other dignitaries who attended the 78th anniversary of the Republic of India’s celebration held at the Mehfil Restaurant in Laval on Sept. 29. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Several guests who delivered addresses during the reception held at the Mehfil Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. noted that India is currently the world’s largest democratically-governed nation. This is in spite of an autocratic shift taken in recent years by the current Indian government.
Ram Mandir inaugurated
C.B. Singh, longtime president of ICAM, noted in a foreword to the evening’s published program that the beginning of 2024 was auspicious for India, as it marked the inauguration in January of the Ram Mandir (the temple honoring the Hindu deity Rama), following centuries of cultural tension.
“Mr. Narendra Modi is the second Prime Minister to ever win a third term after Jawar Lal Nehru,” Singh pointed out, referring to India’s current leader.
Folk dancers from the Indian-Canadian community in Montreal performed during the 78th anniversary of India celebration. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
He added that “Mr. Modi humbly took the election winnings with the help of Chandra Babu Naidu of Andra Pradesh and Nitesh Kumar of Bihar who was a huge critic of Narendra Modi, but clearly saw he was the best suited for the responsibilities that come with running the largest democratic country in the world with the fastest growing economy.”
World’s 5th largest economy
In a message also published in the program, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Republic of India’s High Commissioner to Canada, wrote that “India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy is a testament to our collective efforts and aspirations.”
From the left, Jatinder Singh Bhandari (director India Canada Association of Montreal), C. B. Singh (ICAM president), and Montreal city councillor for Park Extension Mary Deros at the India Independence celebration in Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
He said that with a consistent average growth rate of eight per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, “India is on track to become one of the top three global economies in the near future.” He said the country’s strategic roadmap envisions India evolving in global status from an economically developing nation into a developed one by the year 2047.
Port of entry for immigration
Although a significant percentage of the Montreal region’s Indian community has traditionally first settled in Park Extension (a popular “port of entry”), many have subsequently relocated to suburbs such as Laval, as well as the West Island, Saint-Laurent and the South Shore, where the presence of Indian Canadians has grown exponentially.
A trio of elected officials from the City of Montreal (Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, St. Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and St. Laurent councillor Aref Salem, who is interim-leader of the Montreal city council opposition Ensemble Montréal party) were among the evening’s guests.
From the left, Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, St. Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and St. Laurent councillor Aref Salem. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
“India Independence is always something special because this is one of the largest democracies in the world,” DeSousa said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia.
An active diaspora, DeSousa says
“This is not only a celebration of India’s independence, but also a sign that democracy is alive and well,” he continued. “There’s also an important Indian diaspora in Quebec and Canada which is very active economically and culturally. It’s good to see that the diaspora is doing well here, while maintaining good ties with the mother country.”
Deros summed up how she feels close to members of the Indian-Canadian community who reside in her district when she said, “I feel like part of the family.” She noted that in Park Extension alone, there are three temples where Indian-Canadians attend services regularly. She said she has cherished their friendship and support since she came to live in Park Extension more than 50 years ago.
While maintaining that Canada’s small- and medium-sized businesses “keep main streets flourishing across the country, create good-paying jobs and deliver the dream of entrepreneurship,” federal Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos has announced payment amounts for the latest Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the Trudeau government, he said this latest phase of the rebate program will deliver over $2.5 billion to about 600,000 Canadian businesses before the end of this year.
“It is essential that these businesses thrive so they can continue being the bedrock of our communities and our economy,” Duclos, who now is also the Liberal government’s Quebec Lieutenant after Pablo Rodriguez’s announced departure, said in a statement.
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos, who is also Quebec Lieutenant in the Trudeau Liberal government.
Revisions for payment cards
“Small and medium sized businesses are an integral part of communities in Quebec and across the country,” added Duclos.
According to the Liberal government, the refundable tax credit will return a portion of the fuel charge proceeds from 2019-20 through 2023-24 to small businesses, in jurisdictions where the federal fuel charge applies.
Although Quebec has its own provincial carbon pricing system, businesses in Quebec may still qualify for the federal carbon rebate, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, including having 499 or fewer employees.
At the same time, Duclos announced a revised “Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada” to protect over 1 million businesses that accept credit card and debit card payments from customers.
“The federal government is making life easier for locally owned businesses by introducing reduced credit card transaction fees and delivering the Canada Carbon Rebate for small businesses,” Duclos said regarding these measures.
Payment card issuers on board
“The federal government understands the importance of investing and protecting good paying jobs in Quebec and in Canada,” he continued.
The government says that starting this October 30, the revised code should help businesses compare prices and offers from different payment processors, and shorten the complaint handling response time by nearly 80 per cent to just 20 business days.
All major payment card network operators in Canada have agreed to the terms of the revised code. Certain obligations requiring complex or technical system changes will come into effect by April 30 next year.
In addition, the government announced that new, reduced credit card transaction fees for small businesses will take effect this October 19. In accordance with that, more than 90 per cent of small- and medium-sized businesses that accept credit cards will receive lower rates and see interchange fees reduced by up to 27 per cent.
Fee reductions for SMEs
The government says these fee reductions are expected to save eligible small businesses about $1 billion over five years. Reduced credit card transaction fees are also expected to save individual small businesses thousands of dollars every year.
For example, if a store processes $300,000 in credit card payments, they currently pay nearly $4,000 in annual fees. With these new agreements, the store could save $1,080 in fees every year, according to the government.
The government says it is taking these actions now to help businesses start up, grow and thrive by reducing the costs of running a business. The government’s statement noted that the new supports build on a lowering of the small business tax rate to 9 per cent – saving small businesses $6 billion every year, according to the government.
Modified small business tax
In the 2022 federal budget, the Liberal government modified small business taxes further by making the 9 per cent federal small business tax rate available to more businesses as they grow, saving businesses another $660 million in taxes over 2022-23 to 2026-27, claims the government.
As for the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, the government says businesses will not have to apply for it. Rather, the Canada Revenue Agency will determine and automatically issue the rebate amounts to eligible businesses based on the payment rates of each applicable province for the corresponding fuel charge years, as specified by the Minister of Finance.
The rebate will be available to eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations that had 499 or fewer employees in Canada throughout the calendar year in which the applicable fuel charge year began.
The government said that Visa and Mastercard (the dominant players in the payment card industry) have agreed to reduce domestic consumer credit interchange fees for in-store transactions to an annual weighted average interchange rate of 0.95 per cent.
Visa and Mastercard comply
As well, they agreed to reduce domestic consumer credit interchange fees for online transactions by 10 basis points, resulting in reductions of up to 7 per cent; and to provide free access to online fraud and cybersecurity resources to help small businesses grow their online sales while preventing fraud and chargebacks.
Small businesses with annual Visa sales volume below $300,000 will qualify for lower interchange fees from Visa, and those with annual Mastercard sales volume below $175,000 will qualify for lower fees from Mastercard. Non-profit organizations with transaction volumes below these thresholds will also benefit from reduced rates, according to the government.
‘He’s inviting NATO to join the war into Russia,’ says former NDP leader and Chomedey MNA
Tom Mulcair, who came closer in 2015 than most Canadians ever will to becoming Canada’s Prime Minister, lashed out at the country’s embattled current PM when he told a gathering of lawyers and law students last month at Concordia University that Justin Trudeau’s suggestion to world leaders – that they arm Ukraine with missiles to penetrate deep into Russia – was “as unthinking as it is dangerous.”
In an address on Canada’s Role on the World Stage as part of the Jurist-in-Residence program at Concordia’s downtown campus, the former NDP leader, former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister and ex-MNA for Chomedey raised questions about Trudeau’s understanding of diplomacy and international relations.
Mulcair said Trudeau is “inviting NATO to join the war into Russia. Is that responsible?” (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Trudeau ‘incredibly irresponsible’
While Mulcair suggested that “there are times when a more thoughtful, independent Canadian foreign policy could be very helpful,” he said that Justin Trudeau instead repeated the statements he made a few days later.
“What does it mean for Mr. Trudeau to be saying that Ukraine should be using weapons supplied by NATO to fire deep into Russia? If not, then he’s inviting NATO to join the war into Russia. Is that responsible?”
Answering questions, Mulcair added, “I don’t take it seriously when Mr. Trudeau says he doesn’t see any problem with Ukraine using NATO weapons to fire deep into Russia. I just find it so incredibly irresponsible.”
Sees Canada as peacemaker
Alluding to “NATO’s behavior since the fall of the Soviet Union,” while adding that “Russia today has its own security concerns that we chose to ignore and in fact dismiss,” Mulcair insisted nonetheless that Canada “has correctly chosen to support Ukraine since the [Russian] invasion… But Canada could play a significant role in helping shape the rules that would govern the peace that will inevitably follow the end of that tragic war.”
Clarifying his position on this point, he said later, “I think if there were cooler heads out there saying ‘can we just look at our own behavior here,’ and if we create a system where a wounded Russian bear continues to sense that on its own it doesn’t have security and NATO is not only dismissing it, but just completely just completely ignoring it, I think we’re paying a heavy price … without in any way trying to justify it or soft-pedal with the horrors that Putin and his regime have brought since then.”
Trudeau’s immigration policy
Concordia University’s Jurist-in-Residence Morton Minc, left, is seen with former NDP leader Tom Mulcair. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Addressing Canada’s growing immigration concerns, Mulcair said he thought it was wrong for Trudeau to seize upon a plan initially promoted by former McKinsey and Co. managing partner Dominic Barton (who became Canada’s ambassador to China) to have a population of 100 million Canadians by the end of this century, “without at the same time doing his basic leg work,” added Mulcair.
“You know, it’s the basic work of government to plan these things. And the backlash that you’re feeling now, that a lot of immigrants are feeling especially in Quebec, is the result of that lack of proper execution of a plan.”
Rules of peace, not war
Referring to a lengthy U.S. Department of Defense publication known as the Law of War Manual, Mulcair said that in light of the many current conflicts around the world, it serves as a reminder that legal rules aren’t enough to safeguard the world from the impacts of war.
He concluded by suggesting that rather than have rules for the conduct of war, we should have an equivalent code that aims for peace. “Peace has to be the ultimate purpose of international law, and Canada can and should be playing a much larger and more positive role,” said Mulcair.
Last Sunday all day, firefighters with the Laval Fire Dept. laid out the welcome mat at eight of its nine firehalls scattered all over the island for their annual Open House.
And as any adult in the habit of scrutinizing the toy section in department or discount stores probably knows, toy fire engines remain a perennial favourite among children – regardless of whether they are girls or boys.
Whatever generation you belong to, there is something about the shiny crimson red of the body paint, the blinking lights, and the shrill sounds of real or toy fire engines that continues to inspire children.
Boys and girls of all ages had the opportunity to get up close to pump trucks – as well as hook-and-ladder rigs – while playing with the sirens and the flashing overhead “cherry” lights.
During the event, fire department information officers also provided information to parents on recent changes in City of Laval fire prevention regulations, including the new rule making lithium batteries mandatory in all household smoke detectors.
Other interesting things to do during the day at the firehalls included detailed explanations of how firefighting equipment works, and how firefighters live at the firehall while on duty.
New park among plans to revitalize Laval’s Cartier sector
Laval city council recently awarded an almost $15 million contract for layout and landscaping of a new park to be built at the entry-point into Laval at the Pont-Viau Bridge, as well as rehabilitation work on several nearby streets.
Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer.
It’s part of a larger plan by Laval to eventually spruce up all the roadways leading into the city.
The work at Pont-Viau is expected to begin this fall and will include the upgrading of several public spaces, as well as rejuvenation of the Père-Dalmas and Délia-Tétreault riverside parks.
“This decision constitutes a major step forward for the city entrance project in Pont-Viau, which something that was long awaited with much enthusiasm and which is at the centre of our efforts to revitalize the Cartier sector,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
“Laval continues to consolidate its position as a modern and innovative city, offering all its citizens living spaces of quality,” he added.
“The layout for this green and inviting entrance to the city is an important commitment for the city and is part of a sustainable development perspective for the valorization of public spaces.”
The Pont-Viau entrance project encompasses Pont-Viau St., northward to des Prairies Blvd., and southward to between Talbot Blvd. and Saint-Eusèbe St.
The city hopes not only to improve the movement of traffic in the area, but also to make the quality of life better for nearby residents.
Lithium-powered smoke detectors now mandatory in Laval
The city has issued a reminder to residents that all residential buildings erected before 1985 must now be equipped with smoke detector alarms powered by a non-removable lithium battery with a 10-year lifespan.
In other words, the old-style smoke detectors powered by a nine-volt battery will no longer do.
The city says that residents have until April 2025 at the latest to make sure their smoke detectors are compliant with the new municipal regulation.
These devices now require a long-life lithium battery if you live in the City of Laval.
The change is in line with recommendations made by Quebec coroner Jacques Ramsay who conducted several inquiries into deadly fires on the island of Montreal.
“We can never say it often enough: in case of fire, a smoke detector can save your life,” says Laval city councillor Sandra Desmeules, who is responsible for public safety dossiers on the executive-committee.
“We are hoping that this change in the rules strengthens the sense of security of all Laval residents by limiting the risks linked to smoke detectors which are non-functioning because someone forgot to change the battery,” added Desmeules.
Mayor promises to table a report on flooding and preventions later this month
During the Oct. 1 Laval city council meeting, Mayor Stéphane Boyer said the administration was working on a report to be released in a few weeks on all the various causes for the devastating floods which assailed households in Laval on Aug. 9.
Floods on everyone’s mind
Mayor Stéphane Boyer addresses Laval residents during the Oct. 1 meeting of city council.
“There are a lot of questions – why my street, why not the next one – why some neighborhoods were affected much more than others,” said the mayor who was uncharacteristically brief in his opening remarks this month.
Mayor Boyer normally addresses more than one issue at least briefly at the beginning of city council meetings, but confined himself to the issue of the aftermath of the flooding this time.
He said the expected report will include proposed interventions that would hopefully serve to minimize flood risks in the future.
On that note, Laval city councillor for Fabreville Claude Larochelle tabled a petition signed by nearly 1,600 Laval residents asking the city to launch an independent inquiry led by experts into the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby in Laval.
Galati explains himself
Following recent media reports raising questions about Action Laval councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Paolo Galati’s research budget spending practices, he read out a statement at the council meeting, clarifying the situation.
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul city councillor Paolo Galati. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
“The last two weeks were difficult for me, my spouse and my two girls,” said Galati.
He said that after he reviewed expense reports submitted by other Laval city councillors to the city’s treasury department, he came to the conclusion that several other councillors – belonging to all political parties – had submitted expenses which should also come under scrutiny – in the same way as his.
He said the food products mentioned in the news reports as being among his purchases “were used exclusively during gatherings or meetings with citizens,” added Galati.
“Rest assured that I will continue to act in complete transparency in accordance with comments which might be formulated by the city’s treasurer. I thank you and hope that these clarifications help us to understand correctly the situation.”
Action Laval interim-leader Achille Cifelli tabled a motion during the council meeting, saying that an inquiry launched by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ), in response to the revelations about Galati’s expenses, should be enlarged to include all members of Laval city council.
“Our democratic institutions have already been harshly put to the test in the last few years and the level of participation in the last elections was historically low,” Cifelli said in a statement issued by Action Laval last Monday. “It is urgent that we re-establish the confidence of the population in their institutions,” he said.
Fears expressed for Lebanon
During a period for councillors’ statements, several members of city council, including Sainte-Dorothée councillor Ray Khalil, Saint-Martin councillor Aline Dib and Souvenir-Labelle councillor Sandra El-Helou, expressed their growing alarm and concerns about the war in the Middle East, during which Israel’s recent invasion of Lebanon is the latest chapter.
“I think of all the families who are crying, of those who have lost loved ones, who are sleeping in the streets and who have nothing to eat, and of those who are frightened and who are fighting for a better future,” said El-Helou.
“The strength of this great nation is a powerful testimony to the indomitable spirit of the Lebanese people, this people with an inspiring and moving endurance,” she continued. “Let us never forget that hope and aspirations are both acts of resistance.”
Tropical Storm Debby
Cleanup on a Laval residential street following Tropical Storm Debby. (Photo: Courtesy City of Laval)
During the public question period, a resident asked Mayor Boyer whether he could confirm whether all sewer pumping stations throughout Laval are equipped with emergency power generators in case the regular hydro power fails.
The mayor acknowledged that during Tropical Storm Debby, some sewer pumping stations lost power, but that the city is now in the process of analyzing why that happened and what can be done to prevent a recurrence.
Another resident, from Vimont, complained that since Tropical Storm Debby, she can no longer get insurance coverage, while adding that she considers delays by the city to install sewer pumps on nearby streets to be unacceptable.
Acute weather anxieties
“What you need to understand is that for us, the situation is unbearable,” she said. “Each time the weather forecast is for rain, we become anxious, and now even more so, knowing that we are not or almost not insured. I say that again: I am no longer insurable. You must understand that I am trying to make you understand that the postponements for your works are completely unacceptable.
“You absolutely must do these works before,” she continued. “What is being done on our side to avoid the floods which will evidently be coming back before your work? And I repeat, this isn’t just about [Tropical Storm] Debby: it’s with all the major rainfalls that water is accumulating in the street.”
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 32-19, published on October 9th, 2024. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
“1001 ways to stay active” is the slogan the City of Laval has adopted to celebrate the 35th annual Laval Senior Citizens’ Week, which is taking place from Oct. 1 – 7.
For the occasion, the city has organized more than 40 activities, ranging from creative workshops to conferences on health issues, as well as sports and cultural events.
“This 35th edition is a rare opportunity to fight off isolation and strengthen the bonds between generations,” notes Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle, Sandra El-Helou who is responsible for seniors’ issues on the executive-committee.
“I strongly encourage Laval’s senior citizens and their close ones to take full advantage of this free programming,” she adds. “The diversity of the activities reflects the commitment of the city to more fully appreciate our seniors while encouraging shared moments.”
