The current issue of the Laval News volume 29-19 published June 23rd, 2021.
Covering Laval local news, politics, sports and our new section Mature Life.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)
Laval News Volume 29-19
Jail time expected for man netted in LPD underage sex sting
A man from Terrebonne north of Laval is expected to be sentenced at the Laval courthouse on Saint-Martin Blvd. on July 2 to a mandatory minimum six months in prison after a judge rejected his lawyer’s motion to stay proceedings following his conviction for trying to hire a minor for sexual relations.
In June 2018, officers from the Laval Police Department were conducting a sting operation in which undercover officers posed on the internet as people offering minors to be hired for sex.
Operation Défensif had begun in 2016 after teenagers began disappearing from a youth protection centre in Laval. By 2019, more than three dozen men had been arrested in the sting, including several who still have cases pending at the Laval courthouse.
Testifying in his defence, Vincent Alexandre Brodeur, 45, acknowledged he had been seeking to hire an escort – something he had done numerous times before – but said he was not looking to have sex with a minor in this particular instance.
Brodeur claimed he was instigated into committing the crime by the police. He said they did not have a reasonable motive to suspect he was engaged in criminal activity and that what they did was actually an offered opportunity to commit a crime.
He also argued that the online ads placed by the police didn’t mention the possibility of having sex with minors, even though the ads included photos of young escorts described as “jeunes débutantes.”
Regardless, Brodeur responded, called the number, and inquired about two of the girls being advertised. He was informed that the one he was most interested in was 16, the jury was told in witness testimony.
Urgences-Santé paramedics on strike since late last Sunday
Paramedics from Urgences-Santé, serving Laval as well as Montreal, have been on strike since midnight last Sunday. Members of the Syndicat du préhospitalier – CSN say they plan to be on strike indefinitely.
“For several months now, negotiations have been stagnant because the Treasury Board has not yet given Urgences-Santé the mandates it needs to finally begin negotiating monetary demands,” Syndicat du préhospitalier – CSN president Réjean Leclerc said in a statement.
“We have no choice but to increase the pressure to unlock these mandates. It’s a question of respect for paramedics.”
Is this an accident waiting to happen?
Tensions boil as school bus convoys roll on quiet street in l’Orée-des-Bois
Parents and residents living in homes on a stretch of 39th Avenue near Jean-Bart Street in the Laval district of l’Orée-des-Bois say it’s only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured by one of the many school buses that have been rolling in convoys through their neighbourhood each weekday morning since the bus route was changed more than a year ago.
According to 39th Ave. resident Angie Cardone, the presence of the school buses on her street is a relatively new phenomenon. She said they often roll in fast-moving convoys, from 8 am to at least 8:45 am weekdays, and that many of the buses are empty when they go by.
Danger at 39th and Jean-Bart
She said that as of this year, school buses have been seen by the dozen driving daily through the intersection of 39th and Jean-Bart, where there is also a nature park that is home to a good number of ducks, beavers and rabbits that thrive in an environment right next to the Rivière des Milles Îles. She fears the animals are in danger, as much as the children, from the excessive traffic.
A big problem in the area is that there are no sidewalks. As a result, many children can be seen regularly on bikes and rollerblades in close proximity to passing traffic – including the school buses. The neighbourhood is located a short distance from the Centre de services scolaire de Laval’s École de l’Orée-des-Bois on Séguin St.
Petitions in the works
“I have called to complain to 311,” said Cardone, referring to the City of Laval’s general-purpose contact and information line, while adding that she believes the school bus traffic increased with onset of the COVID-19 pandemic early last year, although the school also underwent a building expansion a few years back.
“We are all ready to sign petitions about this situation on Jean-Bart because of how extreme this is every day of the week at that early hour,” she said, while noting large trucks rolling on 39th and Jean Bart have also become dangerous and problematic.
‘Accident ready to happen’
Cardone maintains that while she was out on 39th Ave. one recent morning after 8 am while watering her front lawn, she spotted a child around five years old on roller blades who was between two school buses. “This is an accident ready to happen,” she told the Laval News. “We don’t know what to do.”
While saying that adults and other older residents of the street have enough common sense to step off the road and onto the side of lawns when vehicle traffic needs to pass, Cardone doubted that children will respond the same, and are thus in far greater danger.
“A child will not know and have those instincts,” she said. “This is my fear. Honest to God, if a child is between two buses, even if she’s wearing a helmet, she’s not going to get too far, you what I’m saying?”
Buses moved from 37th to 39th
Annie Goyette, assistant director of communications at the Centre de services scolaire de Laval, confirmed to the Laval News that at least some of the school buses in question are providing service for the CSSDL’s École l’Orée-des-Bois.
‘Honest to God, if a child is between two buses, even if she’s wearing a helmet, she’s not going to get too far,’ says 39th Ave. resident Angie Cardone
“We made some verifications and certain buses which are transporting students from École l’Orée-des-Bois are effectively using Jean-Bart St.,” Goyette said. “The use of this route, rather than 37th Avenue, allows traffic to be limited near the school, and this in order to be able to offer to students who are walking a secure environment.
No extra buses, claims CSSDL
“This street is similar to other streets in the neighbourhood and is located in a residential area,” she continued. “Based on available information, the number of buses has not gone up since the beginning of the pandemic. After verifying, the number of buses from the Centre de services scolaire de Laval circulating in that sector is actually similar to what it was last year.”
Goyette maintained that as the CSSDL offers school bus transit to nearly 25,000 primary school and high-school students on Laval’s territory, a priority for the CSSDL is the security of the children who attend its schools. “The security of the students remains a priority for the organization and that is why we are open and aware of the issues involving traffic near schools,” she said.
STL selects partners to build new garage for expanding electric bus fleet
Transit agency plans to buy only 100 per cent electric buses beginning in 2025
The Société de transport de Laval’s ongoing electrification strategy is gaining momentum and passed a significant milestone last week.
Following a call for tenders, the STL selected STGM and Sid Lee Architecture to design the plans for its future garage installations for the growing electric bus fleet. The two firms were tasked by the STL with devising the future expansion.
The STL says that during and after the expansion, it must have the means to deliver services that meet the quality commitment made to its users, while respecting the values it shares with its employees, and the two firms chosen will help meet those goals.
Groupe CT4, an engineering group constituted by Bouthillette Prizeau, SNC-Lavalin, SYSTRA and Équipe Laurence, will develop the construction plans and specifications for the future buildings.
“We joined the global electrification movement as early as 2012,” said Éric Morasse, president of the STL’s board. “The announcement of these new partnerships marks the beginning of a collaboration that, ultimately, will transform our company and ensure that we can charge and operate more electric buses starting in 2025.”
100% electric by 2040
As part of its ongoing transformation undertaken to continue the fight against climate change, the STL has set the goal of operating only fully electric buses by 2040. The transit agency is stepping up its purchase of electric buses to reach an acceptable level by 2025. In addition, the STL needs to take measures to contend with a projected increase in ridership by adding buses to its fleet.
The STL will increase its garage space by 50 per cent by adding another 19,000 square metres. One hundred and forty-five parking spaces are also planned to accommodate electric buses. Beginning in 2025, the STL plans to purchase only fully electric buses.
Founded in 2001, STGM is now one of the largest integrated design architecture firms with more than 150 architects and interdisciplinary professionals who leverage their expertise to manage and deliver complex and stimulating projects.
The partners with STL
The STGM says it is committed to understanding, designing and effectively delivering its projects, while having a positive impact on people’s lives. The expertise, ingenuity, responsibility and complementarity that define STGM lead to an architecture without limits, restrictions or reservations.
‘The announcement of these new partnerships marks the beginning of a collaboration that, ultimately, will transform our company,’ says STL president Éric Morasse
Sid Lee Architecture is a multidisciplinary firm recognized for its desire to make architecture a vehicle for positive impact on people’s living environments. More than 60 architecture and interior design professionals work to take actions that serve people’s needs, by creating inclusive environments that foster quality experiences. Architecture projects are viewed as the result of collective thinking to offer innovative solutions to complex problems.
Building engineering
Bouthillette Parizeau says it offers the best in building engineering for the institutional, commercial, multi-residential and industrial sectors. Driven by the belief that each project is unique, its innovative and experienced professionals are actively involved from design to commissioning.
The firm’s personalized approach and proven respect for its clientele have secured its place as a construction leader recognized across Canada since 1956 and contributed to it’s winning several awards for technical excellence. Very active on climate issues, it consistently integrates best practices to reduce the environmental footprint of its projects.
SNC-Lavalin Inc. is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, a major player in ownership of infrastructure and operations and maintenance services.
Transit infrastructure
SYSTRA is one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups specialized in public transport and mobility solutions. For more than 60 years, the group has been involved with cities and regions in order to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernizing their transport infrastructures and systems.
Équipe Laurence is recognized for its quality design. Construction projects obviously serve utilitarian purposes, but Équipe Laurence makes sure that they also stand out for their appearance. Particular attention is paid to integrating the final result into its surroundings. Employees stay informed on technological advances in civil engineering and use the most recent, entirely three-dimensional design tools.
City doubles the number of outdoor summer rest stops
Eight relaxing rest stops will be open in various locations
After a successful launch last year, the City of Laval has decided to maintain a small network of eight outdoor rest stops set up in strategic and scenic locations around the island.
The city had decided to open the rest areas last year in spite of the pandemic in order to provide Laval residents with outdoor places to get away from home for a while and relax in the open air.
“Being able to plan outings and vacations far from home is still a little unpredictable,” says Laval’s deputy-mayor Stéphane Boyer who is president of the executive-committee.
Intergenerational
“Setting up these eight sites allows all the generations in Laval to get away from their everyday situations, to explore their city, to visit the neighbourhoods and to get to know them. The city has so many good features that are nearby, so that everyone can enjoy summer, and these rest stops are the best way to start.”
Four rest stops that were opened last year are back again in 2021, with new features that include outdoor furniture, shaded areas and staging areas for performers. They are expected to open over the coming weeks. As well, the city says some of the stops will remain open throughout the coming autumn.
Where to find rest stops
The eight rest stops can be found at the following locations:
- Parc Marcel-Gamache, in Sainte-Dorothée;
- Émile-Nelligan Library, in Laval-des-Rapides;
- Centre communautaire Saint-Louis-de-Montfort, in Pont-Viau;
- Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul;
- Berge aux Quatre-Vents, in Laval-Ouest;
- Outside Métro De la Concorde, in Laval-des-Rapides;
- Berge des Écores, in Duvernay;
- Site of the former Centre communautaire Saint-Noël-Chabanel, in Saint-François.
Special features
Over the summer, it will be possible to see, in each of the rest stops, a staging areas where works by performers of all kinds, some well-known, others less so, will be staged. Among the artists expected this summer are Luc Melanson and Katy Lemay.
Over the coming weeks, the City of Laval public libraries will be hosting a staging of the French-language work for children ‘Les hauts et les bas d’Amanda,’ through a story-trail to be created on the grounds at parc Marcel-Gamache, at the Émile-Nelligan library and and the berge des Écores.
Liberal government poised to launch ‘Canada Recovery Hiring Program’
New post-COVID economic rescue coming, say Laval’s four Liberal MPs
Despite ongoing debate in Ottawa between government and opposition forces over legislation to launch the nation’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery hiring strategy, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis says she is confident the bill containing the measures will pass before Parliament’s summer break and the program will be implemented.
Economic Recovery Hiring
The Laval region’s four MPs announced last week that the new Economic Recovery Hiring Program will be available until November 21, and will be retroactive to June 6. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency, the program’s purpose is to assist eligible employers who have suffered revenue losses since the pandemic and difficulties hiring new employees.
Specifically, the program will provide employers with an allowance of up to 50 per cent of the additional earnings paid to eligible employees during the program period. The government believes this support would provide local businesses with the sense of confidence that they can afford the additional costs necessary to rehire staff and resume growth in Canada’s post-COVID19 economy.
Weathering the storm
“Local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic,” Laval MPs Annie Koutrakis (Vimy), Fayçal El-Khoury (Laval-Les Îles) Yves Robillard (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin) and Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan) said in a statement.
“That’s why our federal government has put in place emergency measures to help them weather this storm. The Economic Recovery Hiring Program underlines our continued commitment to be there for Laval entrepreneurs and to provide them with the necessary tools they need to ensure the prosperity of our Laval community.”
As a member of the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Finance, Koutrakis has been in an especially advantageous position to hear from countless business owners in Laval and across Canada who were eager to reopen their doors to the public.
Bridging the gap, says Koutrakis
She said she is aware that Laval’s businesses have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, and as the economic recovery begins, it is important that they be able to hire the employees they need to restore their operations while supporting Laval’s economic activity.
“The Canada Recovery Hiring Program helps these businesses bridge the gap from essential support programs like the rent and wage subsidies as they return to normal operations,” said Koutrakis.
“By offsetting some of the costs associated with hiring staff, increasing wages or extending hours worked, we’re encouraging local employment while giving business owners the confidence they need to reopen and grow following the pandemic.”
Waiting to move forward
In the meantime, Bill C-30 (The Budget Implementation Act,’ which was tabled in the Commons on April 19) has reached third reading, but is being held back before going to the Senate by ongoing debate.
“Unfortunately, it’s silly time in Ottawa these days, and the opposition party – namely the Conservative Party – is blocking us from going forward, continuing the debate in the House before it goes to the Senate and receives royal assent,” Koutrakis said in an interview with the Laval News.
“So, right now it’s stuck in the legislative process. We’re just waiting for this to be complete before we can say it has become law under budget 2021 and the program can be rolled out.”
Will it pass before break?
The House of Commons rises for the summer break on June 23. Until then, according to Koutrakis, a lot of negotiations are taking place behind the scenes in Ottawa. As Bill C-30 is a budgetary piece of legislation, its failure to pass would be a vote of non-confidence against the Liberal government, potentially triggering an election.
“So, it’s very crucial that we see this bill go forward if we want to continue not only to roll out these measures that we’ve announced in budget 2021,” she said, “but also the extension of existing support programs that are already in place to support small businesses and all Canadians.”
Other programs extended
The Economic Recovery Hiring Program is available to eligible employers who have experienced qualifying revenue declines so they can hire more workers, increase workers’ hours, or increase wages.
In Ottawa, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Minister of Small Business Mary Ng recently also detailed the proposed extension of business support programs that have been serving as a lifeline to Canadian businesses through the pandemic.
This includes the proposed extension of the Wage Subsidy, Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown Support until September 25. These programs are currently set to expire in June. Both the Hiring Program and proposed extensions are part of Bill C-30.
Father’s Day 2021:
The blessing and curse of the Pandemic
Father’s Day means many things for different men, and can come with associated feelings of love, connection, and caring; and sometimes, grief, loss and regret.
While Father’s Day can seem to have a very commercial focus as other holidays, it remains a day of celebrating the most important relationships in men’s lives. Caring for the next generation is a key role for men and is often associated with images of being both provider and protector.
Among the many and varied descriptions of masculinity, the relationship that men have with their children is a very significant connection. Men rarely talk about it, perhaps because it doesn’t seem sufficiently “masculine”, is too intimate or private to discuss. Sometimes they don’t have the words.
Often it is not until their children have grown up, or even when approaching the end of their own lives that men express regret for spending too much time at work, and not enough with their family. Sadly, many men only start talking about the importance of their family relationships after a crisis like family separation or a loss of a child has occurred.
A revolution is underway
Canadian men are becoming more vocal about their role in fathering, and the value they place on connection with family, particularly their children. What is occurring is a quiet men’s revolution. While not as vocal as the women’s movement, it is noticeable in the way men talk about achieving a better work-life balance, and how men behave differently as they walk together with their children, proudly push the carriage, or access parental leave.
Things may have changed with Covid-19
Lockdown and work restrictions have enabled many dads to be around the home more than they might ever have been. Workplaces have suddenly been able to be flexible and unintentionally family-friendly. This has enabled men to participate more in their children’s lives and the household generally, and for many, this has been revolutionary in terms of what might be a better working arrangement going forward. They have been better able to be active and present in their fathering, and to experience that they are both wanted and needed by children and partners.
A recent Canadian study provided evidence that while average childcare hours for both parents increased during the pandemic for dual-income families, there has been a relative increase for average childcare hours for males compared to females. It indicates changes in the ways that fathers take a role in being present in their children’s lives today.
This year, Father’s Day will be unique in terms of the loosened restrictions it places on celebrations. For many separated dads, lockdown has meant difficulty seeing their children, and this may finally provide relief from their sadness and isolation.
Many men, regardless of whether they are in a family relationship or are separated, identify fathering as something which is a central part of their lives. It takes patience, thoughtfulness, and conscious work to navigate the different life stages, and how they affect the fathering role.
Dads’ time and attention is what children enjoy; watching a favourite show together, lingering over light conversation, playing board games will all be very meaningful because they are about time with their father. Contacting grandparents by Zoom and talking across the generations about being a kid and a dad, or how kids and parents have changed, is a super way to acknowledge generations of fathering.
Time to Celebrate Dad
Fathers matter in the lives of their children. During this time of COVID-19, however, dads of young children may find themselves dealing with totally unexpected, stressful, and uncertain circumstances, such as juggling changes in employment, concerns about getting essentials, and financial matters.
Both moms and dads had a lot to deal with, but stay-at-home orders also provided a welcome silver lining. There’s more family time as dads and moms may have the unexpected opportunity to spend more time at home. This June, as families celebrate Father’s Day, many babies, toddlers, and teens are spending more time with their dads, and dads may be experiencing the unexpected joys of more time with their children.
During this unprecedented time, dads and their wives/partners may be experiencing considerable stress and anxiety as they work to take care of their family in the midst of so much uncertainty.
However, it seems that in our culture, Father’s Day is celebrated far less than Mother’s Day. Statistics prove it. Gift buying for Father’s Day lags behind buying for Mother’s Day. According to the Greeting Card Industry, there are 40 million fewer cards sold for Father’s Day than Mother’s Day. Why is this? Don’t dads deserve the recognition moms do?
Our culture often portrays men as being less significant than women. Movies and books often depict men as incapable, uninvolved, disconnected, lazy, passive, and uncaring, but in 2021 Pandemic Perception … this is far from the truth.
If anyone would be so discriminating as to depict all women as being bossy, controlling, lazy and insensitive, we’d never hear the end of it.
Why does it seem acceptable in our culture for women to complain, gripe, and nag their husbands, yet men who also work hard and sacrifice many hours for their family are considered male chauvinists if they dare criticize women?
Fathers today face an incredible amount of stress and pressure not only from their jobs, but also because of unrealistic expectations.
What is the significance of Father’s Day? Why should fathers be appreciated? When God created fathers, He gave us a tangible view of our relationship with Him. God is our strong Protector and Provider. A StrongTower. This is the role He wanted fathers to demonstrate, the role he wanted fathers to fill. God is also gentle and nurturing like a mother. The combination of the strengths of the best father and the best mother gives a reflection of who God is.
Happy Father’s Day to all you courageous godly men who aren’t afraid to go against the culture and sacrificially lead your wives/ partners and children toward increasingly greater and more genuine happiness. You are significant.
Renata Isopo renata@newsfirst.ca
The Second Shot…
Well, how do you feel, now that you have, or at least are scheduled for your second shot? The Québec bureaucratic machine worked seamlessly for the first jab, but is now in the weeds for the second.
What’s to blame? Confusion, vacillating science, and bad communication from expert communicators. For example, Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization changed its mind about using the AstraZeneca (new name Vaxzevria) three times, in a month. In Québec and across the country health districts have also had to hire volunteers at call centers and local clinics. No medical experience or organizational skills for many of them, will result in inevitable line ups and confusion. The other hurdle is the need to quickly dispense of some vaccines, rushing to find an arm for some vials approaching expiry dates.
The issue now is whether those who did take the AstraZeneca vaccine or Covishield, can switch to a Pfizer or Moderna. Politicians like that idea because using a mix of different vaccines will help people get fully vaccinated more quickly. Some epidemiologists assure us that mixing an AZ with mRNA vaccines like a Pfizer or Moderna, “will trigger stronger, more robust immune responses”. The same National advisory committee, that changed its mind three times, now recommends mixing is ok. Not sure who believes them now. Quebec and Ontario are on board, primarily because of supply issues. BC’s believable Chief Medical Officer Dr Bonnie Henry, says it’s preferable to receive the same vaccine for both doses, but “it is equally safe and works just as well”, Others will just tell us not to mix, like Public Health England “every effort should be made to give [patients] the same vaccine”. The U.S. is not allowing its citizens to mix vaccines “owing to a lack of data”. And still others are not sure. But what is certain, according to a recent Oxford University study headed by a Prof Matthew Snape, the trial’s chief investigator, “expect chills, fatigue, headache, malaise and muscle ache,”. It would be wise not to administer the vaccine mix to a ward of nurses, on the same day. Says the professor, “you’re sure to have high absenteeism on the floor the next”. The University’s first full report on the mixing effectiveness is due this month.
The second vaccine means so much to so many. Finally, you will be able to do what you have not been able to, forbidden by law in some circumstances. You can now hug, visit, shop, travel inside Canada and soon internationally, eat out, not quarantine, not isolate. Life is back!
But wait, those restaurants and businesses you once ate and shopped at are short staffed. Why? Stay home and get paid. The federal government continues to write those 500 dollar a week cheques (reduced to $300 in July) for 38 weeks under the CERB program. Why work when Justin Trudeau sends me cheques. Still others have had plenty of time to think about their next career move and have switched jobs, professions, are returning to school, or have started their own business. Besides, working front line in the retail industry has become dangerous. This pandemic has resulted in a heightened sensitivity to health and hygiene. One likened working a bar or restaurant as dangerous as going down into a coal mine every day.
People are redrawing the blueprints of their lives. Many are quitting because employers are not flexible about remote work. They want to continue to work from home or from wherever. They save money on clothes, lunches, car expenses, in fact many have sold their cars and switched to two wheels or transit when in need, saving as much as $5 thousand a year. So all these factors are hampering post pandemic recovery with a seemingly record number of job openings available. This will affect the amount of time it takes to receive an on-line item, service at restaurants, curb side pick up, name it.
‘Jobs Canada’ shows 1.5 million results. Statistics Canada recently reported 700 thousand jobs available in Canada. Indeed.com reports a record 250 thousand availabilities on its web site. Not sure which is accurate, maybe they all are because of their filters. Bottom line is, service won’t be as quick, and will cost more.
Are you ready for your third shot? Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla projects the next vaccine requirement within 12 months and in fact, yearly, like a flu shot. Of course, Pfizer wants to sell vaccines. It’s a business after all. But I like Mario Ostrowski’s reasoning, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto. He says “if a new variant causes severe illness to those already vaccinated”, it will then be time to get jabbed again. Until then, seems we’re safe.
That’s What I’m Thinking
Robert Vairo
robert@newsfirst.ca
Laval is now in a yellow zone
As of this past Monday, all regions of Quebec have turned to either yellow or green zones with the loosening of many health restrictions. Laval as Montreal is in the yellow zone.
“What a beautiful month of June in Quebec! The weather is nice, the Canadiens are winning,” joked Premier François Legault, at a press conference, adding that the epidemiological situation was stable and the situation continued to improve.
“Since the situation is going well, we are continuing our deconfinement plan,” stated Premier Legault.
Yellow zone
This change means that many sectors in business and social life will be allowed to open further. Most importantly, people will now be allowed to invite people from one other household into their homes, given they respect masking and social distancing.
The government will also allow school graduation ceremonies and proms to move forward as of Jul. 8, given teens have received their first dose of the vaccine for a minimum of two weeks.
A limit of 250 people will apply but social distancing and mask-wearing will not be obligatory and dancing will be permitted.
“Students in orange zones won’t have to wear the mask in the classroom because of the heatwave, but they’ll have to wear it in common areas and buses,” added Premier Legault the day before.
Bars and indoor sports
Maximums in places of worship will also go from 100 people to 250 and weddings and funerals will be permitted to host up to 50 people. Indoor, contactless sports will also be allowed in groups with a maximum of 12 people.
The yellow zone also allows bars to open. Patrons will be allowed to go for a drink inside a bar, given they respect the maximum of the occupants of 2 homes and practice social distancing and masking when moving around. Bar patios are allowed to reopen as of Friday, Jun. 11.
Restaurants will also no longer be restricted to only 2 adults from separate households, rather allowing for the entire occupants of 2 separate homes.
Vaccination running smoothly
As vaccine rollout continues to run smoothly, the government said it feels confident in allowing these relaxations to sanitary measures.
“We’re now one of the best places in the world to have given the first dose,” said Premier Legault, adding that it was thanks to all Quebecers. “You are all showing your solidarity,” he said.
The government’s objective is a 75% rate of inoculation in the population to reach collective immunity. The government also recently announced that it would be forwarding second dose vaccination schedules from 16 weeks to 8. This will allow people to receive their second dose earlier and reach the objective of 75 percent immunity by the end of the summer.
Arrest ‘not justified,’ UPAC apologizes to Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette
Former cop accused anti-corruption agency of using ‘entrapment’ and ‘intimidation’
The Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC), Quebec’s anti-corruption police force known for its sometimes-dramatic tactics while carrying out its mandate, issued a formal apology last week to independent Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette who was arrested by UPAC four years ago.
Ouellette was arrested after UPAC came mistakenly to believe, as it now turns out, that he was involved in a leak of information in conjunction with a mole inside UPAC.
At the time, UPAC investigators used a tactic that involved sending a text message to Ouellette over a cell phone that belonged to a suspected UPAC force member.
Interrogated, never charged
When Ouellette turned up, they arrested him, subjected him to a lengthy interrogation, but never filed charges. As part of an agreement between UPAC and Ouellette, he is dropping a lawsuit he filed against the anti-corruption agency.
In a statement issued by the Unité permanente anticorruption last week, the provincial agency said UPAC commissioner Frédérick Gaudreau was offering its official apologies to Guy Ouellette for his mistaken arrest on Oct. 25 2017.
‘Arrest not justified’
“Since then, several errors in the process leading towards the arrest have been noted, notably by the commissioner during a revision of the inquiry,” said the statement. “Hence, the arrest of Mr. Ouellette by UPAC was not justified.
“Today, I am offering my apologies,” Gaudreau continued. “We must learn from these errors and act in such a way that it never happens again. Now, I give my assurances to Quebecers that I will continue to put all my energy into the development of our police corps, and I am entirely confident in the ability of our investigators to get there.”
In addition to the fact he was arrested, Ouellette’s home was also searched. UPAC noted in its statement that not only was Ouellette never charged, but the warrants to search his house were subsequently declared invalid.
‘Truth will rise,’ said Ouellette
In the immediate aftermath of his arrest by UPAC in 2017, and the ensuing rally of support he received from members of the National Assembly, Ouellette at the time had made a simple statement to The Laval News.
‘As I am always saying, the truth will rise to the top – it’s just a matter of time,’ Ouellette had said with apparent foresight four years ago
“As I am always saying, the truth will rise to the top – it’s just a matter of time,” he said in an interview in early November 2017. “I am here in my riding today to continue to serve my people – the people of Chomedey – which is a really important thing. As for the rest of the situation, we will see what will happen. But from now on, it’s my constituents who are my priority number one.”
‘Victim of a frame-up’
Ouellette said he stood by the statement he made in the National Assembly at the time. “For the rest I will let the people make up their own minds,” he said. “I always serve the population and I will always be here for justice and truth. It will stay this way for the rest of my career and the rest of my life also.”
Ouellette told members of the National Assembly that his arrest constituted “an unprecedented attempt at intimidation.” He maintained it was the result of his demands while chairing a National Assembly committee that UPAC be held to account.
“I am the victim of a frame-up,” he said. “I was, I am and I will be always an ardent defender of social justice, democratic values, freedom of speech and the truth.”
‘Entrapment,’ claimed Ouellette
While UPAC officials had used a cell phone text message to draw Ouellette to the residence of the information leak suspect, Ouellette himself called this “entrapment,” while UPAC at the time argued it was a justifiable investigative technique which had been approved and authorized.
Ouellette received solid support from National Assembly members of all parties, as well from as the speaker of the assembly at the time, Jacques Chagnon, who gave a lengthy address on the subject.
His book said it all
Ouellette said just about everything there was to state about UPAC and his experiences with the agency in a book he wrote that was published in September last year.
The 336-page work, Qu’on accuse ou qu’on s’excuse: Les Dessous to mon arrestation illégale (Hugo Publishing, Paris), may have been the factor that effectively blew the lid off what was left of UPAC at that point, helping pave the way perhaps towards last week’s apology.
