Saturday, February 21, 2026
8 C
Laval
spot_img
Home Blog Page 158

Capital campaign launched for Giant Steps Autism Centre

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Capital campaign launched for Giant Steps Autism Centre

Foundation hopes to raise $24 million for innovative $50.7 million project

The Giant Steps Foundation has launched a $24 million fundraising campaign to build the future Giant Steps Autism Centre in eastern Montreal, with the ultimate goal being to position Quebec as a leader in the field of autism education, services and research.

Autism services

The school that was started nearly 40 years ago by autism research pioneer Darlene Berringer, delivering education and therapeutic services for children on the autism spectrum, has decided to expand its mission and reach after being located in other areas of Montreal.

To date, the Giant Steps Foundation has secured commitments for the project totalling over $14 million from donors, such as Fondation Marcelle et Jean Coutu, Hewitt Foundation, the Molson Foundation and National Bank. An additional $1.3 million has come from parents. The campaign is being led by co-chairs Andrée Dalaire and André Bourbonnais.

Funds from Quebec sought

In addition, the parents have collectively pledged more than $1.3 million towards the project. The total cost is $50.7 million, for which Giant Steps is seeking a 50 per cent contribution from the Quebec government – hopefully in the provincial budget expected on March 25.

Giant Steps is seeking a 50 per cent contribution from Quebec, hopefully in the provincial budget on March 25

According to the foundation’s plans, the Giant Steps Autism Centre will include four independent but integrated pillars to help fill the gaps in the current service model. They are:

  • An expanded Giant Steps School;
  • An adult Education and Employment Centre;
  • A resource and Community Centre;
  • A research and Innovation Hub.

More than a school

In its nearly four-decade history, Giants Steps School has been located in several areas of west-end Montreal, including Westmount, then later in Notre Dame de Grâce. However, the new centre promises to be more than a school, according to Giants Steps board president Nicolas Katalifos.

“Obviously we have outgrown it,” Katalifos said in an interview with the Laval News, referring to Giant Steps School’s most recent home in a multi-storey former school and office building on Connaught Ave. in NDG.

Giant Steps School president Nick Katalifos
Giant Steps School president Nick Katalifos.

“There are a lot of kids that we don’t have enough room to accept. Because of space issues, we’ve been accepting only one out of 10 applicants, which is something that has been a burden on us. For years, we’ve been wanting to be able to accept more kids and to reach out more.”

‘Vision’ for the future

According to Katalifos, several years ago administrators and parents at the school embarked on a consultation process to determine what the needs of the Montreal-area autism community currently are. He said the outcome was a vision for the future Giant Steps Autism Centre. “We decided to go wide, as they say, and to launch the project officially to make people more aware of it,” said Katalifos.

The new 66,500-square-foot centre will be located in the Technopôle Angus neighbourhood of Rosemont in east-end Montreal, where it will have increased capacity for programs. As a result, the school will be going from an enrollment of 90 up to 120 students. The adult education and employment centre is expected to help 150 adults per year, up from the current 20.

A steady path forward

Katalifos agreed that every phase of Giant Steps School’s development from the beginning has been marked by major improvements and forward development.

“Our mandate has always been to serve the families and the kids at the school,” he said. “But we’ve also tried to go way beyond that by working on projects to expand awareness about autism and that can also help in specific areas.”

Case in point, he noted that part of the new centre will be used to treat autism as a life-long issue that goes on after persons with autism become adults. “Once an autistic person becomes a legal adult, services for them tend to just stop, and there is a huge concern currently over that,” he said.

A life-long issue

“So, part of the vision of this new centre is to look at autism as a life-long issue, and as a result to offer services that can benefit people with autism throughout the course of their lifetimes.”

He said that as things now stand, the unemployment rate among persons with autism is around 85 per cent.

“That’s ludicrous, because all the research shows that these are people who make exceptional employees and who do really well and they just need to be given a chance.”

Greek seniors briefed on COVID-19 during HCGM-sponsored web seminar

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Greek seniors briefed on COVID-19 during HCGM-sponsored web seminar

‘Variants’ expected to be the dominant COVID-19 virus by April, says infection expert

Senior citizens from the Montreal and Laval Greek communities were offered a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 10 during an hour-long webconference and briefing on the situation provided by several epidemiology and microbiology experts.

Sponsored by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal with assistance from Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette, the presentation featured director of public health for Laval Dr. Jean-Pierre Trépanier, CISSS de Laval infection-prevention officer Dr. Olivier Haeck, and Dr. Stephanie Susser, medical coordinator for environmental health at the CISSS de Laval.

A better understanding

“We are trying to reach out to as many people in the Greek community as possible,” said Ouellette in opening remarks, adding that information coming from experts would help to reassure a large segment of the population.

Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette is seen here during the HCGM’s web conference on COVID-19 issues.

HCGM president Andreas Crilis thanked Ouellette for helping to bring the panel together “to give us a better understanding of what we’re living during this pandemic that is crippling the world. I expect this will be a very informative session to give us the necessary knowledge and information to transmit back to our people in need.”

Laval has been hard-hit

According to Dr. Trépanier, Laval has been an especially hard-hit region in Quebec for transmission of the coronavirus, despite preventions such as face masks and social distancing. There have been more than 25,000 cases of COVID-19 recorded in Laval since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, although the trend has been downward since January, he added.

Dr. Trépanier said that 440,000 tests for COVID-19 infection have been conducted in Laval since last August, averaging 1,600 tests per day. However, as of March 6, there had been 871 fatalities in Laval from COVID-19, although most who became infected eventually recovered.

The ‘variants’ threat

Regarding the recent emergence of COVID-19 variants, Dr. Trépanier said, “They are expected to replace the original strain. That’s what happened in the United Kingdom and other countries where variants were found, and hence the importance for public health to follow the tracing of these variants.”

If a variant emerges which proves to be resistant to the current vaccines, “it may be a problem,” said Dr. Olivier Haeck, the CISSS de Laval’s infection-prevention officer

While initially public health officials estimated that variants accounted for 3 to 5 per cent of all COVID-19 cases, by the end of the first week of March variants accounted for up to 20 per cent of cases “and it’s going up,” added Dr. Trépanier, while also noting that “it is expected that these variants will become the principal strain as of the beginning of April. And so, we have to be prepared for that.”

On the vaccines

On the issue of vaccines, Dr. Haeck said researchers have found that the available vaccines take a little longer to take effect in older individuals. “It takes three weeks instead of two weeks, but it’s almost as effective,” he said, while pointing out that the vaccines can be less effective in persons with weakened immune systems.

Andreas Crilis, president of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, is seen here during the HCGM’s web conference on COVID-19 issues.

Still, he said it remains just as important to be vaccinated if your immune system isn’t normal, “because you’re going to have at least a little protection against this virus which can be very dangerous for you or for other people.”

A potential problem

Regarding the variants, Dr. Haeck said that if a variant emerges which proves to be resistant to the current vaccines, “it may be a problem. That’s why right now we want to vaccinate as many people as we can to prevent any third wave with the variant.”

Dr. Susser explained that in the absence of an influenza season this past winter, flu-like symptoms now could easily be a sign of COVID-19. But because COVID-19 symptoms are often unspecific, the government created a decision-making tool for non-experts who are concerned they may be infected. And it is available on the web in a variety of languages – including Greek.

Arrested Laval resident is a drug ‘kingpin,’ SPVM claims

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Arrested Laval resident is a drug ‘kingpin,’ SPVM claims

The Service de Police de Montréal says a Laval resident they arrested last week during a raid at his home is the leader of a network that distributed powerful opioids, crystal methamphetamine, speed and up to 17 other substances made illegally in clandestine labs.

Raids conducted at the home of Bruno Desjardins, age 38, as well in vehicles belonging to accomplices, resulted in the seizure of thousands of tablets of synthetic painkillers and meth, as well as two taser guns and $7,000 cash.

The accomplices were identified by the SPVM as Jean-Philippe Deneault, 46, Krystel Devoy Belec, 35, and Gabrielle Poissant, 28.

INRS researchers are exploring nervous system impact from coronavirus

Laval News Contributor
-
0
INRS researchers are exploring nervous system impact from coronavirus

A number of studies have shown that human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19, appear to attack neurons and the nervous system in vulnerable populations.

This neuroinvasion through the nasal cavity leads to the risk of neurological disorders in affected individuals.

Research conducted at the Laval-based Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) has now identified ways to prevent the spread of infection within the central nervous system (CNS).

The study, led by Professor Pierre Talbot and his research associate Marc Desforges, now at CHU-Sainte-Justine, was published recently in the Journal of Virology.

Antiviral immunity to human coronaviruses

The research team is the first to make the demonstration of a direct link between neurovirulence, protein S cleavage by cellular proteases and innate immunity.

This antiviral immunity arises from the production of interferons, frontline proteins that help to detect early the presence of the virus.

“Using a common cold coronavirus, similar to SARS-CoV-2, we were able to show that cleavage of the S protein and interferon could prevent its spread to the brain and spinal cord in mice,” says Professor Talbot, who has been studying coronaviruses for nearly 40 years.

Two therapeutic approaches

According to Marc Desforges, currently a clinical specialist in medical biology at the CHU-Sainte-Justine virology laboratory, the cleavage of the S protein by various cellular proteases is essential for these viruses to effectively infect cells and spread to various organs and systems in the body, including the central nervous system (CNS).

“Our results demonstrate that interferon produced by different cells, including olfactory receptors and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) producing cells in the brain, could modulate this cleavage.

“Thus, it could and does significantly limit the viral spread in the CNS and the severity of the associated disease,” says the specialist who worked for 16 years as a research associate at the Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Centre of the IRNS.

Taken together, these results point to two potential antiviral targets: protein S cleavage and effective interferon-related innate immunity.

“Understanding the mechanisms of infection and viral propagation in neuronal cells is essential to better design therapeutic approaches,” says Talbot.

The INRS maintains that this is especially important for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised, as the discovery opens the door to new therapeutic strategies.

Fire damages two-storey home in Laval-Ouest

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Fire damages two-storey home in Laval-Ouest

Firefighters with the City of Laval reported on their Twitter feed on Friday that a two-storey home on 16th Ave. in Laval-Ouest was damaged by a blaze to which they responded shortly after 1 pm.

“Upon the arrival of the firefighters, the smoke conditions were very difficult on the second storey and in the attic,” said the Association des Pompiers de Laval, the union representing the firefighters.

The APL said a 10-12 code was called in, meaning additional units were required.

Laval man faces gun-related charges in Ottawa

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Laval man faces gun-related charges in Ottawa

The Ottawa Police Department says that a Laval resident found to be in possession of an unlicensed handgun was disarmed and placed under arrest on Sunday afternoon following a traffic stop.

According to a release issued Monday, an OPD officer was actively patrolling the Vanier area of Ottawa, when he spotted a suspicious vehicle.

The OPD said the vehicle was seen to be traveling at a low rate of speed, and more than once hit the centre curb of the road.

The officer pulled the vehicle over to investigate and observed the handle of a handgun exposed from the driver’s handbag.

The driver was arrested without any incident and the firearm was seized (see photos).

Ammunition and a gun clip the Ottawa Police say they seized from Amine Ait Boudaoud.

The OPD said its Guns and Gangs Unit charged Amine AIT BOUDAOUD, 19, and a resident of Laval with the following charges:

  • Contravening section 117(H) Firearms Act Regulation, respecting storage and transport of a firearm and restricted weapon;
  • Possession of weapons dangerous to public peace;
  • Carrying a concealed weapon;
  • Possessing restricted or prohibited firearm without holding a license and registration certificate;
  • Possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon or prohibited device knowing no authority;
  • Occupying a motor vehicle with firearm;
  • Possession of a loaded regulated firearm;
  • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime;
  • Possession of a firearm with altered serial number;
  • Possessions of a firearm while prohibited X 4;
  • Breach of probation.

He was scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday.

LPD seeks victims after arresting suspect for alleged sex assaults

Martin C. Barry
-
0
LPD seeks victims after arresting suspect for alleged sex assaults

The Laval Police Department said on Monday that it had arrested Michel Ianiri, 60, late last month based on allegations of sexual assaults he is suspected of having committed from 1980 to 2021.

The LPD says that during the 1980s, Ianiri, who went by the name Mike, managed a video game arcade on Laurier Blvd. in Laval-des-Rapides.

Witnesses have come forth claiming that Ianiri invited underage boys to his home where they used drugs together and where he allegedly engaged in sexual activities with them.

The LPD says that after first announcing the allegations more than a year ago, three new victims came forth, and that last February, Ianiri resumed engaging in these sorts of activities using a similar strategy.

The LPD thinks Ianiri had other victims and is urging them to contact the police.

Ianiri was arraigned before a judge on Feb. 26 through a video link-up, at which time he faced several criminal charges, including sexual assault, making death threats, and possession of drugs for the purposes of trafficking.

The LPD issued this photo of Michel Ianiri when he was younger.

He is currently in custody and was scheduled to make another court appearance on March 18.

The LPD says that anyone who thinks they may have been a victim should contact them at the special Info-Line at 450 662 INFO (4636), or call 9-1-1. The file number is LVL 210223-077.

Major COVID-19 outbreak at Manoir Soleil Laval

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Major COVID-19 outbreak at Manoir Soleil Laval

Staff at one of the largest private seniors’ retirement residences in Laval are dealing with a major outbreak of COVID-19.

The French-language TVA network was reporting on Friday that 96 of Manoir Soleil Laval’s 800 residents were infected with the coronavirus.

According to the television network, the administration of the residence on de l’Avenir Blvd. in central Laval has been tracking and trying to control the outbreak for the past three weeks.

While seven residents have recovered from the virus, there had been seven fatalities up to Friday.

The CISSS de Laval is providing support, including additional security personnel.

A COVID-19 vaccination campaign which had gotten underway at Manoir Soleil Laval is now postponed until the outbreak has been brought under control.

Urgences-santé made over 25,000 COVID-19-related transits since start of pandemic

Laval News Contributor
-
0
Urgences-santé made over 25,000 COVID-19-related transits since start of pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, Urgences-santé says its emergency medical dispatchers responded to over 30,000 COVID-19-related calls in the past year, while US paramedics transported more than 25,800 citizens suspected of having COVID-19.

Presenting the highlights of the agency’s past 12 months on March 11 – coinciding with the first anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic – the agency’s acting president and CEO said they had to adapt quickly to the changes brought about by the pandemic in order to continue with US’s primary mission.

“As an organization working in the pre-hospital sector, it was our duty to be there for the people of Montreal and Laval, ground zero for the pandemic in Quebec,” said Yvan Gendron.

“To this end, we needed well-informed emergency medical dispatchers, safe and healthy paramedics, disinfected ambulances and adequate equipment in sufficient quantities.

“From the onset of the pandemic, employees have shown their willingness to continue providing the best possible services to the public and have devoted themselves to patients, vulnerable people and those affected by this virus, and for that, they have my deepest gratitude,” he added.

In the past year, emergency medical dispatchers at US responded to over 30,000 COVID-19-related calls, and paramedics transported more than 25,800 citizens suspected of having COVID-19.

“At the height of the crisis, in April and May 2020, over 50 per cent of transits were related to COVID-19.” said Gendron. “At times, we recorded nearly 200 transits a day for people potentially infected with COVID-19.”

He noted that in a pandemic setting, ambulances must be disinfected even more carefully so as not to become a transmission vector.

As such, over the past year US employees cleaned and readied vehicles nearly 85,000 times.

In addition to its primary mission, Gendron said Urgences-santé lent a hand to the health network.

Since last Oct. 6, he noted that Urgences-santé paramedics conducted more than 11,300 screenings in the five Integrated University Health and Social Services Centres (CIUSSS) and the Integrated Health and Social Services Centres (CISSS) of each territory served.

‘Tax protesters’ sentenced at Laval courthouse to four years jail for fraud

Laval News Contributor
-
0
‘Tax protesters’ sentenced at Laval courthouse to four years jail for fraud

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced Thursday that two Montrealers were sentenced on March 9 to four years in jail after being found guilty of leading a tax-evasion scheme involving the “tax protester” movement.

Pierre Cardin and Jean-Marc Paquin were both found guilty last Dec. 21 of one count of fraud under the Criminal Code following a 20-week jury trial in Superior Court of Quebec in Laval.

According to the CRA, an investigation revealed that between May 2010 and May 2011 Cardin and Paquin, who were part of a group related to tax protesters, advised and enabled 49 individuals to evade or to try to evade a total of $1,057,880 in federal income tax by claiming non-deductible losses against their taxable income.

The CRA says the scheme was based on an argument made by tax protesters, “which Canadian courts have repeatedly and consistently rejected.”

The CRA says that participating in a tax protester scheme can have serious consequences, including criminal prosecution, jail time and fines.

The federal agency notes that between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2020, 88 tax protesters were convicted of tax offences related to tax schemes, leading to a total of $8.24 million in court-imposed fines and 100 years of jail time.

1...157158159...305Page 158 of 305

Weather

Laval
clear sky
-9.3 ° C
-8.1 °
-11 °
67 %
1kmh
0 %
Sun
-1 °
Mon
-3 °
Tue
-6 °
Wed
-7 °
Thu
-8 °

Popular Categories

Serving English Laval since 1993

Newsfirst Multimedia Logo

450.978.9999

info@newsfirst.ca

304-3860 Notre-Dame Laval, Qc. H7V 1S1

This project was made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.

Canada Logo

Latest articles

Popular Categories