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Long-awaited extension of Autoroute 19 sees light of day

Renata Isopo
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Long-awaited extension of Autoroute 19 sees light of day

Northward expansion expected to revitalize economy of Laval and North Shore region

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti, on behalf of federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Domenic Leblanc, and Québec Transport Minister and Minister responsible for l’Estrie François Bonnardel, were joined by Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer, at a November 19, 2021 press conference held in Laval to announce the extension of Autoroute 19 between Laval and Bois-des-Filion.

Dignitaries from all three levels of government, including ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the National Assembly and mayors of municipalities directly or indirectly impacted by the much-awaited and highly-desired highway project were present in large numbers to mark this important historical moment heralding the addition of 10-km to Autoroute 19, also known as Autoroute Papineau, which crosses the Rivière des Prairies the Papineau-Leblanc Bridge connecting Montréal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough to Duvernay in Laval.

After numerous years on hold, the project, begun in Eastern Laval, will relieve congestion between Montréal and Bois-des-Filion by widening Route 335 to three lanes, a continuation of A-19 from Autoroute 440 to the Athanase-David Bridge, spanning Rivière des Mille Îles. Currently, nearly 34,000-55,000 vehicles use the Athanase-David Bridge daily.

The lands reserved for the project were expropriated in 1973 in anticipation of a future extension of A-19. That extension is now a virtual reality.

The first phase will stretch the 19 between Laval and Bois-des-Filion. This initial stage covering the construction of the Saint-Saëns interchange in Laval, is scheduled to start immediately and run until 2023. Work on other segments of the extended highway will follow.

Québec and Ottawa funding

The federal government pledged $260.4 million for the work in 2019, based on $520.9 million in eligible project costs. The Government of Quebec has kicked in with $360 million. The entire project is estimated at $500-$600 million. The additions propose a new bridge east of the Athanase-David link, as well as new interchanges at Dagenais, des Laurentides, Mille Îles, and Adolphe-Chapleau.

The re-development of Autoroute 640 interchange, a 690-space incentive parking lot, and a terminus in the northeast quadrant of expressways 640 and 19 are also on the roster. Route 335 will be widened to three lanes in each direction, lanes for buses, electric vehicles and carpooling over the 10 kms between St. Martin Blvd. and Industriel in Bois-des-Filion. The project also provides for noise barriers, the redevelopment and extension of the multi-purpose path for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as refurbished roads between St. Martin Blvd. East and Autoroute 440.

With palpable enthusiasm reigning in the conference venue, David Lametti stated that he had never seen so many journalists and guests at a press conference, apparently well-impressed with the full house at the event. Amongst the many people present, he thanked Quebec Transport Minister Bonnardel, federal MPs Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan) and Yves Robillard (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin), and various North Shore mayors.

Lametti stated that he’s “proud of this first phase in the construction of efficient and safe roads and in contributing to the economy, and community life.” An apparent fan of the world’s most beautiful game, the minister pointed to soccer activities as an important part of community life that will be positively affected by the enhanced transport services the completed highway project will provide for residents of the region. “The outcome,” he concluded, “will be good jobs and business opportunities.”

Crucial role for Québec

Québec minister Bonnardel described the province’s crucial role in this massive project. “It is with great pleasure that I confirm the extension (widening) of Highway 19 between Laval and Bois-des-Filion,” he said. “Finally, we begin the work. It’s been 30-40 years in the making. This first step testifies to our government’s commitment to improve mobility in the suburbs of the metropolitan region, and to contribute to the region’s economic recovery. I had told my team that we wouldn’t hold a press conference until we had a site where you’re going to see tractors and workers about to start the work.”

In Laval, Auteuil will have a street reconstructed over a stretch of approximately 1.2 Km that will lead to the widening and reconstruction of the roadway structure, the addition of closed drainage and bicycle paths to be completed by 2023. It will also permit the construction of a section of the 19 northbound for 1.45 km, a multi-use path, west links for Saint-Saens East.

The bill for the Papineau Highway is $600 million. As for the other phases, 2022 will tell, since a timeline will be established to complete the intended project, according to Bonnardel.

Without exception, Minister Bonnardel emphasized the carbon neutrality of the entire project. This first segment will begin 2021 and last until 2023. ”There will also be a bus terminus (19 and 640), a bicycle lane and a sidewalk for pedestrians, and 1.2 kilometers of new street lights. This Phase 1 of the construction will cost $60 million which will be completed in 2023.” Minister Bonnardel thanked and gave credit to past ministers and politicians who were actively involved in moving this dossier forward.

Laval, others, on board

Recently-elected Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, concurred with the Ministers, saying he was clearly thrilled that the project is finally on its way. “It’s been talked about for at least 40 years,” he stated, joking that “I probably wasn’t born yet (when it was first conceived). “Transport and congestion are a necessity that must be resolved and the importance of public transit in carrying out the work (is evident). We are no longer in the days of only building highways. You have to consider public transit and safety. I’m delighted that we are now thinking about pedestrians and cyclists when we build highways.”

In an earlier press conference, federal MP Mario Laframboise added his view of the announced project: “We have listened to the people and we are delivering the goods. Highway 19 is moving ahead, finally. Our government is proud to carry out a project that will support economic vitality, improve travel, reduce road congestion and thus give a better quality of life to the citizens of my region.”

Other voices have also welcomed the good news of this highway project, among them Christopher Skeete, Member of the National Assembly for Sainte-Rose: “Today’s announcement marks the start of a new chapter related to mobility in Laval and surroundings. It’s with great pride that welcome the unfolding of this project. The reconfiguration of the Saint-Saens interchange will improve the daily lives of people who use this very busy sector.”

In order to execute the work, partial or complete, there will be closures in the evening on Route 335, Saint-Saens Street East, and Perron Avenue in the upcoming weeks. The Quebec Ministry of Transport will advise in advance. Detour signposts, including a temporary intersection which will be built at the Route 335 intersection and Avenue des Perron.

This project was the subject of a commitment by the Government of Canada for a contribution of $260 million through the New Building Canada Fund, Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects.

Volunteers and supporters celebrate FILIA Day after a two-year hiatus

Martin C. Barry
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Volunteers and supporters celebrate FILIA Day after a two-year hiatus

Guests included St-Laurent MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos and Sen. Leo Housakos

For the first time in two years, volunteers and supporters of the Park Extension Association of Senior Citizens – better known as FILIA – gathered at the Château Royal in Laval on the afternoon of Sunday Nov. 21 for a celebration that everyone associated with the group has come to know as FILIA Day.

As has been the case for so many other organizations, COVID-19 sanitary restrictions made it impossible to hold FILIA Day last year. In keeping with a Greek community tradition, the event is held annually close to or on the actual date (Nov. 21) of the Presentation of the Theotokos.

There was wine, a multi-course meal, some great Greek music provided by a DJ, and a great mood settled down upon all the FILIA supporters.

Honoured guests

Among the guests were Senator Leo Housakos, Liberal MP for Saint-Laurent Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Montreal city councillor for Park Extension Mary Deros and Laval city councillor for L’Abord-à-Plouffe Vasilios Karidogiannis. Although she was unable to attend, Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle Sandra El-Helou sent a letter of greeting and praise for FILIA which was read out.

During the FILIA Day event last Sunday, executive-director Johanna Tsoublekas was presented with a Senate of Canada certificate of recognition by Senator Leo Housakos. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“We are starting again because we have to start not only to celebrate FILIA Day, but people have to get used to beginning normal life again, especially the seniors who are a little more hesitant because they are concerned about Covid,” said FILIA executive-director Johanna Tsoublekas.

New beginning for FILIA

Although the organizers welcomed more than 100 guests, they were far fewer than would normally be the case because of the restrictions. “This is a new beginning,” Tsoublekas added. “We are very satisfied with the turnout.”

Senator Housakos presented Tsoublekas with a Senate of Canada certificate of recognition for her exemplary leadership and dedication to community service.

“Johanna has given forty years of her life to community service, volunteerism – she represents the best of the best in the Hellenic community and the greater Montreal and Quebec communities,” Housakos said in an interview. “As a Hellene, I’m so proud of her and of the hard work she puts in and what she’s accomplished with FILIA in the service of helping senior citizens. It’s just outstanding.”

A common mission

The afternoon’s featured speaker, Shield of Athena executive-director Melpa Kamateros, gave a detailed presentation on some of the difficulties that non-profit community organizations encounter. FILIA and Shield of Athena have worked together for years for a common purpose.

Deros said she too felt very proud of Tsoublekas’s organization which was founded and remains based in Park Extension, even though it has gradually been establishing new roots in Chomedey/Laval where growing numbers of Park Extension Greeks are migrating.

Special guests at last Sunday’s FILIA Day included (from the left) Saint-Laurent MP Emmanuella Lambroproulos, Laval city councillor for L’Abord-à-Plouffe Vasilios Karidogiannis and his spouse Sheyda, Senator Leo Housakos, and Montreal city councillor for Park Extension Mary Deros and her spouse Peter. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

She said FILIA played a key role assisting senior citizens during the Covid pandemic. “Our seniors were isolated and couldn’t see their grandchildren or their children,” said Deros. “But Johanna provided that human touch on a weekly basis, keeping everybody in touch and making sure they knew that everything was alright. So, I congratulate her for everything she does for the seniors in Park Ex and in Laval.”

A growing impact in Laval

Karidogiannis said, “The needs are here as well, and we’re happy to have Johanna and her organization here and we support her a hundred per cent. My council colleague, Mme El-Helou, is a huge supporter of her. Johanna is one of the ladies I have come to admire. She says things as they are, she finds out what is needed and she gets it done. She is a true force of nature.”

While noting that Ottawa is always ready to provide FILIA with support when necessary, Emmanuella Lambropoulos said, “For all these years, Johanna Tsoublekas has been leading an extraordinary organization that does very important work in the community. It’s important for all community leaders and all organizations and all Greeks who can afford it to support this organization.”

Laval City-Watch

Martin C. Barry
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Laval City-Watch

Mayor Stéphane Boyer announces new executive-committee

Earlier this week, newly-elected Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer announced the four city councillors who will be sitting on the executive-committee, as well as three others who will sit as associate executive-committee members.

“I am particularly proud of the quality of the people that we have been able to bring together,” Mayor Boyer said in a statement issued on Monday. “I can assure you that our committee will always be listening to the needs of the population, while also delivering projects bringing people together for the Laval community.”

The city says that further executive-committee appointments will be announced in the coming weeks. According to the city, the appointments to the new executive-committee managed to achieve gender parity (four men and four women, including Mayor Boyer). Here is the layout for the new executive-committee:

From the left: Sandra Desmeules, Sandra El-Helou, Ray Khalil, Stéphane Boyer, Christine Poirier, Nicholas Borne, Aline Dib and Alexandre Warnet.
Ray Khalil Vice-president, responsible for infrastructures.Transport and traffic, roads maintenance, snow removal, major projects.
Nicholas Borne Full member, proximity services.Parks, arts and culture, sports and leisure, major events.
Sandra Desmeules Full member, administrative and corporate services.Public security, public finance, hman resources, information technology.
Christine Poirier Full member, development and management of territory.Environment, waste management, economic development, urban planning.
Aline Dib Associate member.Intercultural relations, social development, citizen services.
Sandra El-Helou Associate member.Senior citizens. women, youth.
Alexandre Warnet Associate member.Ecological transition, citizen participation.

In addition to this, Mayor Boyer announced two more changes to procedures at Laval city hall affecting city councillors. (However, the administration says the changes will be applied only on a case-by-case basis.)

  • The mayor’s office will be holding meetings-of-the-whole, involving all Laval city council members regardless of political affiliation, more frequently before executive-committee meetings.
  • Opposition members will be invited more often to take part in executive-committee meetings involving specific districts when those councillors are directly affected.

Acccording to the mayor, his administration and the executive-committee wished to extend a hand of friendship to the opposition councillors by making its decision-making processes more transparent and accessible to them.

Laval invites residents to submit ideas for upcoming budget

Members of the City of Laval’s newly-elected administration are inviting all residents to submit their ideas as to how the city should be spending its money next year, or even how it might achieve better savings, as Laval prepares to table its 2022 budget at city hall.

A pilot project announced by the city last August now allows everyone who lives in Laval to participate in the formulation of the budget. The city is using $600,000 from a surplus to facilitate the pre-budget consultation.

“With this citizen participation tool, Laval residents will be directly involved in the decision-making for projects that will be taking place near us,” says newly-elected mayor Stéphane Boyer. “They have a chance to influence what will be taking place on the territory while deciding on the use of public space.

Laval City Hall.

“We feel certain that the knowledge of areas that the citizens have will lead to inspiring and creative ideas. I feel that this will allow the population to feel involved in the decisions that we take for them, and henceforth also with them.”

There are two ways to submit an idea: (1) Fill out a short form online from Nov. 18 to Jan. 30. (2) Register and participate in virtual idea workshops on Jan. 18, 24 and 26. According to the city, projects that will be seriously considered are those in line with socially-responsible commitments subject to certain criteria.

Among other things, they must be planned so as to take place somewhere public or on a municipal property, be within an estimated cost of $10,000-$50,000, and be line with general policies of the municipality. Additional information is available on the city’s website.

Ottawa coming to the rescue of young home buyers, says Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen

Martin C. Barry
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Ottawa coming to the rescue of young home buyers, says Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen

Re-elected Liberals offer new incentives and programs to deal with inflated housing market

Faced with skyrocketing real estate prices that are shutting an increasing number of house buyers out of the market, the Trudeau Liberal government’s new Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion says Ottawa will be coming to the rescue with new incentive programs aimed especially at potential young home buyers.

House prices soared

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average price of a home in Canada has gone up more than 50 per cent in the last five years.

Nationally, the average home price in September – when Canadians went to the polls and elected a new Liberal government – was up 13.9 per cent over the same month the year before.

“The current election has made it very clear that housing is a top priority for Canadians,” Ahmed Hussen said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia. He noted that the government introduced a proposed housing plan during the election campaign that would build on a foundation based on an earlier Liberal housing policy.

Helping first-time buyers

In addition to provisions to build more affordable housing including rental units, the wide-ranging plan also includes new programs for “rent-to-own,” which “should give more first-time home buyers, especially young Canadians, the ability to buy their first home,” said Hussen.

Federal Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen says Ottawa will be coming to the rescue of home buyers beleaguered by inflated prices with new incentive programs. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“We’ll also be implementing a promise to introduce a first-time home buyer tax-free savings account,” he continued, noting that account holders will be able to put in up to $40,000 tax-free as a down payment. At the same time, he said the federal government will be continuing a first-time home buyer incentive program to help with first-time home purchases.

Funds for cities and towns

As well as these programs focused on families and individuals, Hussen said Liberal government programs introduced during the Covid pandemic are making significant sums available to towns and cities for “100 per cent federally-funded rapid housing solutions for the most vulnerable in our communities, including the City of Montreal, which got money to build over 312 new permanent affordable housing units for the most vulnerable residents of Montreal.”

One of the persistent problems that officials from certain municipalities like Montreal have expressed has been their inability to put together a “bank” of purchased properties to be developed into low-cost or social housing, because of the steep prices now being demanded in a very competitive real estate market.

Municipalities and housing

With this in mind, Hussen said his ministry wants to set up a $4 billion accelerator fund to “incentivize municipalities to build more affordable housing, to build more housing supply and to overcome some of the barriers to building more housing. That includes, for example, helping municipalities purchase land, overcoming some of the other hurdles.

“And we want to make sure there is more supply of housing in Canada so that we can meet the really high demand for housing. So, that $4 billion fund will be application-based, and we will encourage municipalities to do everything that they can to bring forth measures that will encourage more housing supply fast.”

‘We need more housing’

Hussen said this measure and others currently being offered by the federal government will encourage “and really help municipalities overcome some of their challenges. We need more housing supply in Canada, we need more affordable housing.

“We also need more mixed housing and we need more housing built around transit. All of those things encouraging more accessibility and energy-efficiency in housing projects are something we have supported in the past, but we will be able to even more with the commitments we made during the election.”

Foreign home investment ban

Hussen reiterated that the Liberal government plans to honour a pledge made by the Liberals prior to the September election that they would introduce a two-year ban on investment by non-Canadians in home ownership as one of several means to deal with the problem of housing affordability in Canada.

“We promised a two-year ban on foreign investment – not foreign ownership – moving forward,” he explained. The proposed restriction would be an attempt by Ottawa to calm the Canadian housing market, which soared during the Covid-19 pandemic and has yet to cool down, while inflation takes a toll on the stability of the country’s economy.

Laval News Volume 29-41

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 29-41

The current issue of the Laval News volume 29-41 published November 24th , 2021.
Covering Laval local news, politics, sports and our new section Mature Life.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

Front page of the Laval News.
Front page of the Laval News, November 24th, 2021 issue.

Fabre MNA awards National Assembly Medal to devoted environmentalist

Martin C. Barry
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Fabre MNA awards National Assembly Medal to devoted environmentalist

Réjean Gravel has been a driving force in preserving the Boisé Sainte-Dorothée

Prior to an annual cleanup conducted by volunteers at the Boisé Sainte-Dorothée in western Laval last Saturday, Fabre Liberal MNA Moniqué Sauvé presented a leader of the movement to preserve the forested area with one of Quebec’s highest recognitions for public service – the Quebec National Assembly Medal.

Located in a decreed permanent agricultural zone in Laval’s Sainte-Dorothée sector, the Sainte-Dorothée woods takes up an area estimated to be around one-twelfth of the City of Laval’s territory. Réjean Gravel has worked tirelessly for decades to see that the woods were preserved for future generations of Laval residents.

Popular for outings

The forested area, which can be accessed from an entrance with parking at the northern end of Mont-Laval St., is managed by two groups: CANOPÉE and the Association pour la protection du Boisé Sainte-Dorothée.

Left, Réjean Gravel, a founding member of the APBSD in 2003 and president of its board of directors from 2011 to 2019, is seen here being presented by Fabre Liberal MNA Monique Sauvé with the National Assembly Medal for his decades of volunteer work to protect the Boisé Sainte-Dorothé which is located in Fabre. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

The woods are an increasingly popular destination for people from all over Laval seeking to commune with nature while staying close to home. Gravel was a founding member of the APBSD in 2003 and president of its board of directors from 2011 to 2019.

Active environmentalist

Gravel was a founder and board member of CANOPÉE, which has simultaneously been promoting the preservation of other forested areas in Laval. In addition, he has sat on the City of Laval’s consultative committee for the environment since 2018 and is well-known in Laval and throughout the Montreal region as a commentator and critic of government environmental policies. Gravel was also the recipient in 2015 of a Hosia award from the City of Laval for his long-time community involvement.

“It is my privilege to bestow the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec to Réjean Gravel, a true ambassador of the Sainte-Dorothée Woods (boisé Sainte-Dorothée),” Sauvé said during an informal presentation ceremony held on the edge of the woods.

Nature and wildlife preserve

“Through his tremendous involvement, he succeeded in improving the every day life of hundreds of families of my riding by the protection of our environment, and so for many years,” she added.

In an interview with the Laval News, Philippe Cadieux, vice-president of the APBSD, noted that the Boisée Sainte-Dorothée is one of a few very large wooded areas in Laval and that the diversity of its flora and fauna make it a unique spot to watch and observe nature. “These woods are even larger than Mount Royal Park,” added Louise Auclair, secretary of the organization’s board.

A concerted effort

CANOPÉE was founded in 2017 by a group of mostly Laval residents from various volunteer groups dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in Laval, including the APBSD. Since then, the members of the CANOPÉE network have been working towards the protection, conservation and improvement of forested areas and woods across Laval so that they can be enjoyed by everyone.

In addition to the medal, Sauvé also presented Gravel with a gift: a copy of a painting created by Quebec artist Marc Aurèle Fortin, who was born in Laval’s Sainte-Rose village where he painted some of his most important works. The vividly colourful foliage seen in the painting was very much like the autumn leaves on the trees in the Boisé Sainte-Dorothée last Saturday.

Who gets the Medals

According to a description on the Quebec National Assembly website, the National Assembly Medal is awarded by the Members of the Assembly:

  • To people of their choice who are deserving of recognition, or
  • As an official gift to Members of other parliaments, elected officials or other public figures during parliamentary missions outside Quebec or protocol receptions at the Parliament Building.

Medal Characteristics

  • Composition: bronze, lacquered antique finish;

Reverse: effigy of Jean-Antoine Panet, the first Speaker of the House of Assembly of Lower Canada (before 1968, the President of the Assembly was called the Speaker). The effigy reproduces part of the painting, The Language Debate, by Charles Huot, that hangs in the National Assembly Chamber of the Parliament Building. A miniature replica of the Medal of the National Assembly is also sold at the National Assembly gift shop.

LPD Blue

Martin C. Barry
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LPD Blue

LPD’s popular ‘Dog Calendar’ now available for 2022

The Laval Police Department announced last week that their beloved annual Dog Handlers’ Calendar for the benefit of the Martin Matte Foundation is now on sale.

Available for the low price of just $5 per copy, the calendar helps to finance leisure and respite activities for persons who are living with the long-term effects of head trauma.

“We are proud to launch today the latest edition of our Dog Handlers’ Calendar today,” said Laval Police Chief Pierre Brochet.

“For more than a decade, the members of the dog squadron have been devoting themselves to offering a better future to victims of head trauma and their families. We invite the population to get themselves one, while making a difference for all those who are in need.”

The LPD has been involved with the cause since the death of master dog handler Éric Lavoie, who succumbed to a head trauma. He was injured during a road accident while out answering an emergency call.

Every day, ten Quebecers lose their autonomy following a head trauma. At least half of them are the result of road accidents.” Sales of the 2021 calendar resulted in $26,857.08 being gathered for the foundation.

To date, the LPD has donated $505,542 over the past 12 years. The new 2022 calendars are available at the LPD’s eastern offices (3225, boulevard Saint-Martin Est), at neighbourhood stations, as well as at LPD headquarters (2911, boulevard Chomedey).

Laval Police seeking gifts for needy children

The LPD is calling upon the generosity of all Laval residents by inviting them to donate Christmas gifts to needy children during the LPD’s second annual Sharing Tree (Arbre du partage) event.

If you go to LPD headquarters on Chomedey Blvd., you’ll be able to choose a label card indicating gift choices (minimum amount $30) for children chosen ahead of time in local schools whose families are having financial problems. The gift must then be placed in a special gift bag and returned to the police headquarters building by Dec. 12 at the latest. Volunteer police officers will then proceed with the distribution of the gifts to the needy children on Dec. 18. Your generosity could help make a needy child happy this Christmas.

LPD takes part in Quebec-wide child-porn crackdown

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) arrested 26 people last week suspected of being connected with a province-wide child pornography ring.

The suspects, ages 33 to 75, were taken into custody between Nov. 9 and Nov. 11.

The operation was part of a major investigation that took place in regions across Quebec, including Laval, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec City, Lanaudière, Gaspésie, Montérégie, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Montreal and Outaouais.

Quebec provincial police said the arrested suspects appeared in the courthouses nearest to their homes to face charges of possession, distribution and access to child pornography.

Police also conducted searches of the suspects’ homes and seized computer equipment for analysis.

The efforts involved cooperation between the SQ, as well as the municipal forces of Laval, Montreal, Quebec City, Longueuil and Gatineau, as part of a task force created on Oct. 1 to identify and arrest producers and distributors of child pornography across Quebec.

Anyone who feels they have information about a situation involving sexual exploitation of children on the internet is invited to contact the police online.

La Maison Le Prélude de Laval up for $100,000 prize in iA Financial Group’s 2021 National Children-Assistance Contest

Renata Isopo
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La Maison Le Prélude de Laval up for $100,000 prize in iA Financial Group’s 2021 National Children-Assistance Contest

La Maison Le Prélude in Laval is one of the twelve finalist charities of the fifth edition of iA Financial Group’s great philanthropic Contest. The foundation has the chance to win a large donation of $ 100,000 to support a project related to the well-being and health of children 0 to 18 years old.

The children of abused mothers experience a variety of issues and suffer the consequences. With a donation of $100,000, Maison Le Prélude wants to create a companion guide, in several languages, in order to promote the safety of these children and reduce the impacts of domestic violence on them.

The public has until November 30th to vote, at donations-contest.ia.ca/community, for the charities and projects they consider the most meritorious. The winners will be unveiled during the week of December 6th.

Front-line response

Le Prélude offers essential front-line services in the Laval community, in both French and English. They also accommodate women speaking other languages. The assistance program also assists hearing-impaired women. Under the seal of confidentiality, la Maison offers women and their children, who are victims of domestic violence, safe shelter, support and accompaniment services, whether the violence is psychological, verbal, relational, economic, physical, or sexual.

They have a total capacity of 18 people, women aged 18 and over, with or without children, for short-term stays (under 3 months). To meet these needs, La Maison Le Prélude offers its services for free, 24/7 through phone support, safe shelter, external services by appointment, and second-step family apartments (low-cost confidential housing for women with children who have stayed in a shelter).

Marie-Eve Valade, clinic supervisor (intervention), told TLN that La Maison Le Prélude would like to create a multi-lingual guide to help women (victims) and their children to find concrete solutions to help them move on. They also work with the “youth sector” for unemployed individuals who are experiencing serious difficulty.

“It’s the first time that La Maison Le Prélude participates in this contest,” stated Marie-Eve. “We’re hoping for assistance from the community with their votes. Please show your support, with your vote, as soon as you can, at donations-contest.ia.ca/community, as the contest ends November 30th,” she added, by way of earnest invitation to the people of Laval for their positive involvement in Prélude’s community mission.

iA Financial Group steps in

More determined than ever to support Canadian communities, iA Financial Group kicked off the fifth edition of its major philanthropic contest. From September 15 to October 15, 2021, charities whose mission includes, among other things, supporting the health and welfare of children (0 to 18 years of age) were invited to answer the question, “What would you do with a donation of $100,000?”

A total of $500,000 in donations will be shared by charities that make the most inspiring submissions. The contest is intended for Canadian charities that aim to help children directly, that have an assistance to children facet of their mission, or that have a project to help children.

“As a father of four, the cause we chose to support this year is near and dear to my heart. Children are our future and they too have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. iA Financial Group is very proud to help Canadian charities that contribute in various and amazing ways to the welfare of the young people in our society,” stated Denis Ricard, President and CEO of iA Financial Group.

New this year, the charities that enter the contest will be grouped into four major regions: (Western Canada, Ontario, Québec, and the North/Atlantic Canada) in order to guarantee an even fairer distribution of donations across the country.

Cast your ballot

At the end of the contest period ending October 15, a jury picked three projects from each region that was presented to the public on November 4. The public has until November 30, 2021 to vote at donations-contest.ia.ca/ community, for the most inspiring submissions. The winners will be unveiled during the week of December 6th.

A major donation of $100,000 will be made to the charity in each region that receives the most votes. The remaining finalists will each receive a donation of $10,000. iA Financial Group’s 7,500 employees will also vote on their favourite charities, which will each receive a special donation of $20,000.

The first edition of the contest was held in celebration of iA Financial Group’s 125th anniversary in 2017. Since then, the company has held an annual contest, with a new theme every year, to ensure the company helps as many charities as possible. For the 2020 contest, iA Financial Group donated a total of $400,000 to charities across the country working in the health, education and social services sectors.

Laval’s new mayor and 21 city councillors are officially sworn in

Martin C. Barry
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Laval’s new mayor and 21 city councillors are officially sworn in

Mayor Boyer, opposition pledge to work collaboratively over next four years

Laval’s new mayor vowed to work with all the city’s elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation, during a swearing-in ceremony for the new city council held at the municipality’s interim-meeting chamber on Saint Martin Blvd. West in the downtown core last Saturday afternoon.

A subdued ceremony

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant greatly limiting attendance to the officials and a few of their relatives and friends, a video feed of the event was broadcast live over the Internet for other Laval residents.

However, the usual pageantry seen at such ceremonies in the past also had to be curtailed due the fact Laval City Hall on Souvenir Rd. is currently closed for a four-year-long renovation and refurbishment project.

The City of Laval’s new mayor Stéphane Boyer (centre) is seen here with the 21 new city council members following the swearing-in ceremony last Saturday afternoon. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“Often in politics, people who are running are wished good luck,” Stéphane Boyer, who led the incumbent Mouvement lavallois administration to re-election with 14 out of 21 seats, said in a short speech.

‘About democracy,’ said Boyer

“But becoming a municipal councillor isn’t luck, it’s work. All of you here have worked arduously for months – some of you for years – to get where you are today. You fully deserve it. And so, I would like to wish you sincere congratulations. Politics rises well above our role as individuals. It’s well above our being elected. It’s a question of maintaining a healthy democracy.

“When we talk of justice, humanity, respect, these are all important as they safeguard institutions, so that today we have a very good quality of life compared to many other areas of the world,” Boyer added. “So, what I would hope today for at least the next four years is that we should remember the commitment we have just finished making, for ourselves as much as for the citizens.”

‘New beginning,’ said Revelakis

For newly-elected Action Laval city councillors, the swearing-in was the culmination of many years of efforts. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for everybody in Laval, and I think that we all have to collaborate for the benefit of the people in our districts,” re-elected Action Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis said in an interview with the Laval News.

Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis (right foreground) is seen here while being administered the oath of office by chief city clerk Valérie Tremblay last Saturday. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“Eight years of hard work and I’m glad to be here,” said Archie Cifelli, the new city councillor for Laval’s Val-des-Arbres district. Isabelle Piché, who won Saint-François for Action Laval while defeating the district’s incumbent Mouvement lavallois councillor Éric Morasse, is the spouse of Saint-Bruno city councillor David De Cotis.

A bit of trivia: She and De Cotis were the founders of the Mouvement lavallois back in the days when the Vaillancourt administration hadn’t yet fallen out of favour and there was no opposition to speak of at Laval city hall.

Several renewed mandates

Although De Cotis at one time sat as vice-president of the Demers administration’s executive-committee, he gave up the position and eventually defected to Action Laval, complaining that Demers had abandoned the democratic and transparent values of the Mouvement lavallois.

The five Action Laval city councillors sworn in last Saturday. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

This will be the third mandate won by Action Laval St-Vincent-de-Paul city councillor Paolo Galati. “I’m really happy and proud that I continue to have the confidence of the citizens of my district,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to be able to continue my role as city councillor, to help revitalize the east of Laval.”

Guy Ouellette awards National Assembly Medal to Demetris J. Yantsulis

Martin C. Barry
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Guy Ouellette awards National Assembly Medal to Demetris J. Yantsulis

Chomedey MNA pays homage to Montreal Greek community’s ‘senior statesman’

For more than just a few generations of Hellenic Montrealers, Demetris J. Yantsulis has been a voice of reason they would often seek out when a reliable view on global affairs or Greek, Canadian or Quebec politics and history was needed.

Lifetime of involvement

Over the past 40 years and more, Demetris Yantsulis’s many articles and newspaper columns in Canadian Greek language publications have been regarded as one of the benchmarks among Hellenics wishing to gain a better understanding and perspective on a wide range of issues impacting Canada, Quebec and Greece.

At the same time, Yantsulis was a dedicated board member, volunteer or a supporter for many Hellenic organizations, including AHEPA Montreal, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, the Socrates-Demosthenes Schools and the Greek community Boy Scouts movement.

An esteemed elder statesman

On Nov. 3, Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette paid homage in the Quebec National Assembly to the 86-year-old Demetris Yantsulis for all his years of service to Greeks in Laval and throughout the greater Montreal region.

In addition to the spoken tribute, Ouellette would later also present the National Assembly Medal to Yantsulis, who without a doubt is one of the local Hellenic community’s most esteemed elder statesmen.

“I would like to pay tribute to an exceptional man, Mr. Demetris Yantsulis, to whom I am giving the National Assembly Medal in order to emphasize his volunteer contributions to committees in the Hellenic as well Quebec communities,” said Ouellette.

Has had many recognitions

“For almost four decades, he has made a very significant contribution towards the Greek community, their schools and scout involvement, as well as for the Red Cross and Salvation Army and the Daughters of Penelope.

“He has received a great number of recognitions and honorary certificates of merit so far, as well as the medal from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Man of the Year 2000, for lifetime achievement and community heritage in Canada,” Ouellette continued.

“He was also honored last Saturday at the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Montreal AHEPA for his leadership as president for 77-78, a special tribute for a special man as part of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence. Thank you, Mr. Yantsulis.”

Honored by the recognition

In an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia, Yantsulis said he was “honored to receive this award of recognition. The purpose was to give me this award in recognition of my achievements and contributions to the Quebec social community as part of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence. So, this is what is behind awarding me this recognition from the Quebec parliament.”

It’s been more than 50 years since Demetris Yantsulis arrived in Canada and Quebec from the Macedonia region of Greece. During the half-century since his arrival, he made contributions not only to the Greek community, but, as Ouellette acknowledged, also to Quebec culture and society as a whole.

Other honors and awards

Among other functions, he served as president of a committee that organized the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Hellenic community in Quebec and in Montreal. As well, he was honored by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) as the 2009 Hellene of the Year.

In addition, the Hellenic Ladies Benevolent Society awarded Demetris Yantsulis a recognition for his many years of efforts assisting Greeks in Montreal. The society, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, is mandated to help those in need within the Hellenic community in the Greater Montreal region.

Was a co-founder of NBG (Canada)

Although now retired, Demetris Yantsulis became well-known among thousands of Canadian Greeks for his long-time association with the National Bank of Greece (Canada), whose Canadian operations were acquired by Scotiabank in 2005.

A few years after arriving in Canada, he was a co-founder of the National Bank of Greece’s operations in Canada. For many years thereafter, he was the National Bank of Greece (Canada)’s chief operating officer (COO), placing him effectively in charge of all NBG’s operations in Quebec and across Canada, which included nearly a dozen branches.

Still active in retirement

In spite of his retirement, Yantsulis remains active in the community. Among his current functions, he is chairman of public relations for AHEPA in Canada and Quebec, and he is also responsible for public relations for Newsfirst Multimedia’s Greek language publication, Ta Nea.

As well, he served for four years as president of the Pan-Macedonian Association of Canada. “I think I am well-known to all Quebec Greek community organizations, which I supported for the last 53 years greatly,” said Yantsulis, assessing his work over those many years.

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