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Laval city councilor denies allegations of rule-breaking and ethics-code violations

George Bakoyannis
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Laval city councilor denies allegations of rule-breaking and ethics-code violations 
Renata Isopo
A distraught and visibly strained David De Cotis intent on telling “his side of the facts” and negating allegations.

David De Cotis, municipal councilor and former chair of Société de Transport de Laval (STL), is targeted in a second police investigation, according to an unconfirmed report published in Le Journal de Montréal March 9, 2020. This time, the allegations revolve around STL contracts, and follow an earlier story by the same newspaper February 10, 2020 dealing with failure to disclose ownership of lots connected to residential land development.
Latest allegations point to use of pressure tactics by De Cotis when, as STL president, he influenced the granting of a contract to Baracci Solutions, a company headed by former colleague and friend Franco Zegarelli.
Upon learning of the published allegations, De Cotis held a press conference, the same morning, to set the record straight. He was accompanied by city councilor Michel Poissant (Vimont), not in his capacity as caucus chair of Action Laval, the official opposition at city council, but as a former STL administrator.
“In 2015 he disclosed his interest,” Poissant stated, referring to the fact that in the process of the STL’s awarding of an auditing contract to Baracci Solutions, De Cotis informed the STL administrators that he knew the owner of the company. “To me this is fundamental,” he added. Having left the STL in mid-2015, Poissant conceded he could not comment on developments that ensued.

Voluntary disclosure

“It’s important that the people of Laval know that these are allegations,” said De Cotis. “I always managed the STL very efficiently. I don’t deserve these allegations which are incoherent, and I’m very confident the truth will prevail.”
“After Le Journal de Montréal published the article alleging my failure to disclose ownership of lots supposedly connected to residential land development, I voluntarily and willingly went to UPAC and collaborated without (legal) intervention. I was not summoned.”
In rebuttal to STL allegations of impropriety, De Cotis denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as false, specifying he had no part in public tender nor in granting a contract to an IT services supplier.
De Cotis chaired STL’s board of directors from November 2013 to December 2017, replaced by Gilbert Dumas. Briefly returning June 2018-September 2018, he was replaced by Eric Morasse, who has held the position since.

Under the microscope

David De Cotis has been under glaring spotlights twice in recent weeks. He, and fellow city councilors Isabella Tassoni and Paolo Galati, were signaled out for questionable conduct in a major Journal de Montréal story, early February 2020.
According to the report, De Cotis was under police investigation for having (allegedly) intervened in decisions regarding development of land on which he owned lots, ownership he did not disclose. UPAC – Quebec’s permanent anti-corruption unit – and the Laval Police Department had opened files on De Cotis, said the report. He is also reported to be under investigation by the Québec Municipal Commission (CMQ), which provides oversight in municipal affairs.

Other alleged violations of ethics code

Tassoni and Galati, are also said to be under scrutiny from the CMQ for allegedly not disclosing information to Ville de Laval, ownership of land in Tassoni’s case, or holdings in real estate by Galati, in violation of the code of ethics governing municipal councilors.
The three denied any wrong-doing of disclosure, stating that their alleged violations were errors in not strictly following rules, and assertions that these omissions were deliberate attempts at hiding anything from anyone, are baseless.
Mayor Marc Demers has been quoted as saying that this residential land development controversy has been reported to BIELT – The Office of Integrity and Ethics of Laval-Terrebonne. TLN spoke to the mayor’s office for clarification on several points. Valerie Sauvé, Communications Director for the mayor’s cabinet stated, on the mayor’s behalf, that the mayor was not implicated in the investigation, but was anxious to see the De Cotis issue resolved and the investigation to end. “We find these allegations troubling,” she stated.
Asked how the mayor’s office knows of an investigation, Sauvé replied that it could neither be confirmed nor denied. “It’s the journalist who says so. We are not involved.” Pointing out that the police is confirming nothing, she said that, “What has been reported to police is confidential. It concerns the STL.”
Asked if the allegations affected De Cotis’s city hall functions, Sauvé replied, “Not at all. There’s no impact. He continues to exercise his functions as usual.”

Discrepancies

De Cotis describes the latest allegations regarding his STL involvement as inconsistencies. “I’m blamed for having withdrawn an agenda item when I neither moved nor seconded to remove the motion which was unanimously voted upon.
I’m also blamed for having approved a preferred bidder at a time when I was no longer president of the STL nor a board member. This makes no sense,” he stated, holding the Minutes of the meeting in his hands.

The chronology

Spring 2015, STL Board unanimously decides to change web-site supplier, putting out call to tender. Among potential bidders, an owner was known to De Cotis, who discloses this connection to the administrators.
October 25, 2015, administrators unanimously approve assessment grid and mandate a committee to choose the best bid. De Cotis was absent. Proposed by Jocelyne Frederic-Gauthier, seconded by Aline Dib.
January 23, 2016, administrators decide unanimously to withdraw item 6 from agenda, based on doubts of the competence of the selected supplier for the necessary services; moved by Jocelyne Frederic-Gauthier, seconded by Gilbert Dumas.
October 30, 2017, administrators reactivate item 10, supplier selection, adopting valuation grid forming a committee to choose the best bidder; proposed by Vasilios Karidogiannis, seconded by Jocelyne Frederic-Gauthier.
January 29, 2018, STL administrators award contract to a firm which De Cotis (had) cautioned as a potential conflict of interest. De Cotis was no longer STL chair, replaced the previous month by Gilbert Dumas. De Cotis had left the board altogether. Contract grant moved by Jocelyne Frederic-Gauthier, seconded by Eric Morasse.

More trees expected to grow in City of Laval

George Bakoyannis
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More trees expected to grow in City of Laval
City pursuing its goal to increase the ‘tree canopy’

(TLN) Since 2011, the tree canopy in Laval has risen from 21.8 to 23.6 per cent, according to new figures released last week by the City of Laval. The tree canopy is the the upper layer formed by mature tree crowns.
Over the coming years, the canopy’s growth is expected to continue since the city is undertaking several initiatives. These include a $4.5 million contract awarded to Jardin Dion at the last city council meeting, to replace 1,300 diseased ash trees between now and 2022.
In Laval, the public parks and green spaces have 120,000 trees, as well as many more on private property. As well, there are 3,000 hectares of forests and woods. Last year alone, according to the city, 4,000 new trees were planted, mainly in parks, green spaces and along streets. This year, 3,500 additional trees are expected to be planted.

Trees important, says mayor

“The benefits of trees no longer need to be proven,” says Laval city councillor for Sainte-Dorothée, who is responsible for parks and horticulture on the executive committee. “That is why we must place them at the heart of our concerns. Therefore our goals are to maintain and to improve the canopy, but also to better get to know our trees so as to value them more.”
Last December, the city announced that 7,200 plants (including a minimum 1,500 trees) would be planted on institutional and private lands in order to combat “heat islands.” With the help of a $750,000 grant from the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, an $828,000 contract was awarded to Soverdi (Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain) for the project.

Laval launches 2020 Mon quartier fleuri contest

George Bakoyannis
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Laval launches 2020 Mon quartier fleuri contest
Residents have until April 5 to sign up in teams

(TLN) The City of Laval is calling on all residents who love horticulture to sign up for the Mon quartier fleuri contest, which aims to beautify neighbourhoods while also encouraging citizen involvement.
For the fourth year, twelve cultivation sites will be set up in the four corners of Laval. Participants have until April 5 to register.

A growing tradition

“I am very happy to see this contest becoming a tradition,” says Sainte-Dorothée city councillor Ray Khalil, the executive-committee member responsible for agriculture, parks and green spaces.
“It allows us to become aware of and to spotlight the talent and creativity of Laval’s horticulturalists. In the space of a few months, this little competition between neighbourhoods will see the creation of several original and inspiring ideas for the enjoyment of residents and passersby.”

City giving help

In all, 12 teams will be created and each of them will be able to count on the support of a horticultural technician for guidance before planting day, which is scheduled for June 6. The City of Laval is allotting $3,000 to each team to buy flowers and other greenery from local suppliers to be cultivated through the coming summer months.
Each cultivation plot will be made ready by staff from the city’s public works department; the department will also be responsible for watering and weeding throughout the growing season.

Prizes for the winners

The winning team will receive a $200 cheque from Serres Lavoie for each of the team members; the People’s Choice award winning team will receive $100 cheques from Serres Lavoie for each of the team members; there will also be a lucky draw for two training sessions in horticulture practices by the Centre de formation horticole de Laval.
To register, or to see the locations of the cultivation sites or to see the regulations, visit this web site (monquartierfleuri.laval.ca) from now to April 5.

Will a pandemic and an oil price war bring cheaper food?

George Bakoyannis
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Will a pandemic and an oil price war bring cheaper food?
The global economy is being hammered. The good news is consumers may see cheaper food prices but there’s a big, dark cloud on the horizon
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois

Most analysts agree that the oil price war is only beginning. Abundant cheap oil will impact the entire agri-food market, from farm gate to plate. And the coronavirus pandemic is compounding what’s already a fragile global economy.
The pandemic and the oil price war caused a massive sell-off in equity and crude oil markets this week, and to a much lesser extent the agricultural commodities.
These are just the latest events keeping a lid on price rallies for agriculture.
Farmers hoping to increase returns saw their plans vanish this week. Around the world, harvests are strong and commodities are going sideways or down due to weak demand. The same can be said in the livestock industry, where hog and cattle prices are dropping due to weak global demand.
So most farmers are looking at an average year, at best.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting food retail and, particularly, food service. China is a good example. With consumers terrified of contracting the coronavirus, China’s restaurants have been reporting a 90 per cent drop in customers. This scenario has played out for several weeks, spoiling demand for many major agricultural commodities.
Other reports suggest the food service industry in the Western world, including Canada, is slowly being affected by the spread of the virus. As a result, food delivery apps have been much busier, allowing consumers to eat ‘out’ while dining in, although no official reports have been provided.
Many observers have also noticed a greater number of empty seats in food establishments.
Tourism is surely being affected as well.
Ultimately, most consumers will be spending less on food.
The good news for all of us is that food inflation will likely be lower than expected over the next few months. Input costs will likely drop in food manufacturing. But most importantly, with lower energy costs, distribution will be less costly.
In fact, consumers may see bargains at the grocery store sooner than later. As oil price wars continue, we may see more deals from meat products to bakery goods and everything in between.
However, one macroeconomic factor remains a wild card: the Canadian dollar. The loonie is getting hit hard, given its link with oil. It’s at its lowest level in years and that impacts our importers’ buying power.
A weakened Canadian dollar versus the American greenback led to the cauliflower situation we experienced a few years ago. If it drops further, many items we import will cost more, from produce to canned goods to many other processed foods.
Markets are clearly in turmoil. What’s not helping is the uncertainty on two levels.
First, we still know little about COVID-19, which is why the Canadian federal government funded several research projects related to the virus.
The United States’ oversight and policy toward the coronavirus has been weak. Wanting to contain panic and hysteria in order to not overwhelm hospitals and clinics, the U.S. government is making many nervous. Its response has included testing delays, and a shortage of supplies and health care workers.
While Americans are skeptical of China’s ability to contain the virus, the rest of the world is looking at the U.S. with great skepticism.
In Canada, the response has been measured, targeted and, for the most part, appropriate.
One exception is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s response. Many questions relating to food safety linger and deserve clear answers. The agency should be as proactive as industry in providing information about what’s happening and what we should be doing to protect ourselves. Most of the agency’s interventions have been unnoticed.
The virus knows no borders so whatever happens elsewhere will impact Canada.
Food retail and service industries have been proactive in informing the sector and the public about what’s being done. Cleaning protocols across the industry have been ramped up but risks can never be entirely eliminated.
Some consumers are taking precautions and preparing well, but it shouldn’t be overdone. Consumers should incrementally buy enough dry goods, frozen foods and water to remain autonomous for four to five days.
The run for toilet paper has been disproportionate and, frankly, silly. Our preoccupation with microbes, coupled with our fixation to follow every single item on social media, every minute, helped create this hysteria. We should stay calm, remain civil and buy provisions a little at a time.
The virus and the oil price war are affecting the economy. That’s certainly top of mind for many. The global economy isn’t designed for dirt-cheap oil, especially Canada’s. We may get there one day but it needs time.
Even if many want the Canadian economy to turn to renewable energy sources, the oil industry still represents about 10 per cent of our economy. This is clearly impacting our economy and the quick shift has caught industry and governments alike off-guard.
How we handle this situation over the next few weeks will be critical.

Laval takes special measures to prevent COVID-19 spread

George Bakoyannis
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Laval takes special measures to prevent COVID-19 spread

City follows recommendations made by provincial and federal governments

(TLN) Following the example of the federal and provincial governments, the City of Laval has announced that it is putting into place new measures to prevent further spread of the coronavirus which causes COVID-19.
In a statement, the city says it has established three priorities: protecting the health and well-being of its employees; maintaining services for residents; and respecting measures that may be implemented by the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“The health and security of our citizens and our employees are fundamental,” said Mayor Marc Demers. “The city will be making all the necessary efforts at its various facilities. The goal is to limit as best possible the spread of the virus. For that, the city will be cooperating narrowly with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Laval. Be assured that that we are following the situation from very close.”

City’s special measures

The city is taking the following measures at municipal buildings and installations: cleaning and maintenance has been stepped up (especially on surfaces vulnerable to contamination); alcohol-based disinfectant foam and gel is being made available at building entrances; disposable disinfectant towelettes are also being made available for cleaning surfaces and desktops in work places; posters are being put up to raise awareness of the COVID-19 emergency.
In addition, according to the city, a special team has been created to answer questions from municipal employees on the impact of coronavirus on their work. The city’s human resources department has also put into place measures to provide support to workers should they catch the virus or have to take care of a loved one who falls ill. The city is also strongly recommending to all its employees that they postpone planned travel to foreign countries.

No large gatherings

Finally, in line with a recommendation made by the Government of Quebec, all activities bringing together more than 250 persons are cancelled until further notice. For non-essential activities bringing together fewer than 250 people, the City of Laval is recommending that they be postponed. In case they do proceed, the city is recommending that special measures be taken to minimize virus transmission risks.
The mayor is inviting Laval residents to carefully keep track of the situation and to be aware of the recommendations made by the provincial and federal governments. The City of Laval has set up a new web page dedicated just to COVID-19.

A link can be found on the city’s web site, or at this web address: https://www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/Citoyens/pandemie-et-epidemie.aspx.

Personal hygiene measures

The following measures are also recommended to help prevent the spread of the virus: wash hands in lukewarm water with soap for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based disinfectant if no water is available; cough or sneeze into a shirt of sweater sleeve.
When paper tissues are used, they must be disposed of as soon as possible and hands must be washed immediately. If you are concerned about the state of your health or someone else’s, call the regional health department’s 8-1-1 medical information line.

Mayor Demers impressed with new Quebec budget

George Bakoyannis
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Mayor Demers impressed with new Quebec budget
Government to fund public transit and climate change measures

(TLN) Laval mayor Marc Demers is reacting enthusiastically to the Quebec government’s latest annual budget, saying that various investments planned by Quebec will greatly benefit Laval which is the province’s third most important municipality.
Demers said he was especially pleased with the CAQ government’s strategy to invest $15.8 billion in the 2020-2030 Quebec Infrastructure Plan in order to increase its stake in mass transit.

Rapid transit funding

The mayor noted that part of this will include a major transit project for Laval involving rapid transit buses along Notre Dame and de la Concorde boulevards.
Demers said he was also pleased with the government’s announcement that it is currently studying two scenarios for extending the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) towards the centre of Laval, and to link up western and eastern Laval.
The mayor noted that these measures were among recommendations that came out of a public transit forum held by Laval and North Shore/Lower Laurentians communities.

Climate change measures

Mayor Demers also acknowledged various measures in the new budget to deal with the impact of climate change and the development of new expertise for this purpose. As such, Laval will be among the municipalities across Quebec sharing $504 million in additional funding to deal with the fallout of future natural disasters. As well, there will be $100 million from Quebec for a new program to help deal proactively with flooding.
“Laval is one of the cities in Quebec that were badly hit by spring flooding over the past few years,” said Demers. “The financial assistance announced by Quebec will allow us to put into place the necessary measures in order to better prevent the impacts of climate change while reacting with appropriate measures.

Electrification programs

The mayor said he and other officials from the city were also very happy with financial support from the province for programs to encourage consumers to buy electric vehicles, as well as subsidies from Quebec encouraging homeowners to convert oil-fired heating systems to electricity.
The mayor was also pleased with Quebec’s announcement of a 12.6 per cent increase of funding in culture. As Laval has the highest number of scientific museums in Quebec, Demers said the funding would be especially meaningful here.

Funding for museums

According to the mayor, virtually all the science-based museums in Laval will be eligible to receive from the new fund. They include the Cosmodôme, the Armand Frappier Museum, the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau and Parc de la Rivière-des-Mlle-Iles. As well, he noted that the government plans to provide funding in the new budget that will help promote and preserve historic buildings in the Laval region.
Finally, Mayor Demers praised the government for its decision to allot $556 million over five years to encourage productivity, innovation and overall growth in business through the creation of two new income tax credits, the first being for investment in innovations, the second for capital investments.

City signs new collective agreement with Laval Police

George Bakoyannis
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City signs new collective agreement with Laval Police
(From the left, lower), Laval director-general Jacques A. Ulysse, Mayor Marc Demers, Laval Police Brotherhood president André Potvin, Laval Police Chief Pierre Brochet. (Upper, from the left), assistant police chief Michel Guillemette, Police Brotherhood vice-president Sylvain Tardif, assistant-director of investigations Manon Ouellet, Me Richard Gaudreault, Laval city councillor Sandra Desmeules, Geneviève Magner with City of Laval, Marc-André Vigeant City of Laval, Laval executive-committee vice-president Stéphane Boyer,
Lionel Dematos, Pascale Lessard, Pierre-Michel Desjardins, Sylvain Chevalier, Serge Gaignard and Jean-François Rousselle.

(TLN) Officials with the City of Laval have confirmed they have ratified a new collective agreement with the police force, which they say will lead to the improvement of services for citizens by allowing for better public security.
A restructuring of staff, creation of new policing units, construction of a new station in western Laval and a major increase in the number of patrol hours are just a few examples of new measures to be implemented following completion of the agreement.

A key agreement

The agreement was signed at city hall during gathering attended by the city’s director-general Jacques A. Ulysse, police chief Pierre Brochet, Police Brotherhood president André Potvin and Mayor Marc Demers.
“Signing the 2019-2023 collective agreement was part of an ongoing improvement process for services to citizens and goes together with work accomplished in efficient, transparent and responsive management,” said Mayor Demers.

Revised police plan

The city’s plans for police and public security calls for Laval to be divided into two areas (east and west), in order to improve response times for emergency calls. The city hopes to save up to 20,000 hours of work time, which in turn are to be rescheduled for police patrols. The new police station is on schedule for completion in three years.
Following the redeployment of police staff, new dedicated policing units will be created to address specific needs. Azimut, a new proactive squadron dedicated to combating criminality and incivility while improving road security in neighborhoods, will use up to 40,000 hours of manpower for patrols.

Innovative approach

Also, a new Prevention squad (to deal with fraud, thefts, violent acts, road safety, etc.) will use an innovative new approach in neighborhoods by working more closely and in conjunction with local communities. As well, the Laval Police Department’s sexual assault squadron will investigate sexually-oriented incidents (assaults, sexual exploitation, child pornography).
Other significant measures that will be included in the revision include improvements in investigating morality/drug and gang-related incidents (which often involve organized crime), deployment of the force’s new 24-hour CIVO operational surveillance centre, and new round-the-clock patrol units for quick response to emergencies.

440 LINCOLN LAVAL TAKES THE POLE POSITION IN LINCOLN SALES IN QUÉBEC

George Bakoyannis
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440 LINCOLN LAVAL TAKES THE POLE POSITION IN LINCOLN SALES IN QUÉBEC

For a fifth year in a row, the 440 Lincoln Laval dealership has taken first place in sales volume for 2019 for the luxury Lincoln brand in Québec. The prestigious award was presented by Ford Canada during the Montréal International Auto Show in January and accepted by 440 Lincoln Laval sales representative Stéphane Breton. (photo above)
“Thanks to our team of professionals and our customers, 440 Lincoln Laval is holding on to its title of Lincoln brand leader in Québec,” said Sylvain Hogue, President of 440 Lincoln Laval. He continued: “We are very proud of this distinction and will be making every effort to maintain our place at the sales summit. To succeed, we will continue to rely on our reputation for a friendly, personalized and relaxed customer experience. Congratulations to our entire team!”
Reaping the benefits of an exceptional 2019 that marked a defining moment for Lincoln with its totally renewed, luxury product line, the Laval dealership was helped in its efforts to maintain its leadership position by the remarkable popularity of the Aviator Grand Touring, Lincoln’s first plug-in hybrid SUV.
Management of 440 Lincoln Laval also takes this opportunity to highlight the new agreement with Carrefour Laval, during which the centre will display Lincoln vehicles inside the mall for four weeks a year, with sales representatives on site. This showcase complements 440 Lincoln Laval’s Chomedey Boulevard facilities and strengthens the dealership’s presence in the Laval market.

Laval’s own Domenic Di Rosa hits the big screen as mobster-soldier Toto Russo

George Bakoyannis
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Laval’s own Domenic Di Rosa hits the big screen as mobster-soldier Toto Russo 
Renata Isopo
Domenic Di Rosa, portraying Toto “The Butcher” in one of the scenes of the latest movie Mafia Inc.

An offer you can’t refuse, a Sicilian/Calabrian message, cement shoes, or minced meat in the butcher’s shop. One of Laval’s finest actors on big and small screens is an integral part of the latest crime saga that has scored big with movie fans of all ages. Gritty or romantic, disturbingly silent or loaded with tough talk, the movie, Mafia Inc. is heavy on red sauce and makes plenty of room for Montreal’s most notorious mobsters
Actor Domenic Di Rosa, strikingly embodies the rotten force of a fresh-faced gangster butcher. That’s probably why what should be a simple act of murder ends up spiraling out of control.
The 41- year-old, born and raised in east end Montreal, from an Italian mother and French-Canadian father, came into the world with acting already in his blood. That’s all he ever wanted to do since Hudson High School. In a candid interview, Domenic told TLN that Drama teacher Kevin Woodhouse was his inspiration and mentor. Woodhouse told him, “You got it in you,” so “I pursued it,” he stated. “I didn’t go to acting school – just Drama from high school did it for me.”
Domenic launched his career at an on-the-spot audition for the Model and Talent Bureau of Ontario. “Chosen out of 12,000 people, I’ve been very active in the industry since then, 1998 to be exact,” he said with very warm smiles through beaming blue eyes. His resume boasts 24 films and TV series.
“I’ve done odd jobs in between, married with four children, live in Chomedey, Laval, and love everything I do.” Oldest daughter Samantha, who accompanied Domenic at the interview, attends Laval Junior Academy and, as his greatest fan, expresses great admiration for him.
Asked what she thought about her dad being an actor, Samantha easily answered, unable to camouflage her immense pride, that “If he wants to follow his dream, he should. He’s really good at it.” But as for her, she has no interest in following in her father’s footsteps for the moment, since she appears to be very shy.
Domenic’s biggest break was the TV series Letterkenny, produced by Mark Montefiore, based on a Canadian story, filmed in Sudbury. “This was the first role I landed, a homegrown sleeper, it’s become huge,” he stated.
Mafia Inc., inspired by reporters Andre Cedilot and Andre Noelle of Montreal’s La Presse newspaper, gives the script the delivery it deserves. “I play the Butcher. Basically, I’m one of the soldiers who disposes of people in the slaughterhouse, turning them into minced meat!” Let’s say, I’m the right-hand man,” he chuckled.
Notorious Montreal crime lords, the rise to prominence of widely-feared gangsters, the Mafia’s fall from grace after settling of accounts. It’s all part of a genre we’re eternally fascinated with, whether truth or fiction, reality or fantasy. The Sicilian Mafia, originating from the city of Cattolica Eraclea, exudes love, loyalty, hate, and division, fiction laced with truth.
Domenic attributes the movie’s success to spells mob movies exert as powerful influences over cinematic imaginations, showing dark sides, the underbelly of polite society, and codes practiced and broken. Some “mobs” are just glorified street gangs, while others have wormed their way into the very fabric of societies they prey on, but they’re all characterized by tribalism and archaic ethical rules, orbiting around magnetic pulls of the boss.
Domenic’s interpretation of Toto Russo, the butcher is the perfect fit for the role – sweet-looking with an overpowering hulking body. Hitting screens on February 14th, Mafia Inc. has earned $700,000 across Quebec on 86 screens. La Presse has given the movie a four-star rating.

Agape NPI Partners briefed on new and ongoing projects

George Bakoyannis
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Agape NPI Partners briefed on new and ongoing projects 
Martin C. Barry
Agape’s Ian Williams (far left) and Kevin McLeod (centre) led the Feb. 25 meeting of the NPI Partners Committee.

On Feb. 25 during a meeting of the Laval NPI Partners Committee at Laval Senior Academy, the partners and members heard presentations from several local organizations mandated to provide social assistance and services in the Laval region.
The Bright Beginnings project was explained by Agape Youth & Parents Family Association executive-director Kevin McLeod, who also welcomed Varun Thurairatnam as Agape’s recently hired coordinator for Youth outreach and for the Enhancing Regional Community Capacity initiative.

Bright Beginnings

The Bright Beginnings program is designed to mobilize partners and enhance the well-being and educational success of English-speaking children and youth in Quebec. Funding for this program is provided by the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation and the project is managed by the CHSSN.
The Regroupement Lavallois pour la réussite scolaire/Wurd Up series was presented by Katrina Diver (Community Learning Centre). A special mention of Katrina’s good work at Laval Senior Academy and on this project was noted by members present.

Literacy through learning

Over the past three years LSA’s Community Learning Centre in partnership with Agape has received funding from The Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) to develop a project promoting literacy through learning activities. This project targets youth 12-17 years of age from both Laval Junior and Senior Academy schools, their families as well as members of the greater Laval community.
Boys to Men/Girls to Women (Mentoring Circles) was presented by David Cordes, executive- director of Boys to Men Canada. Testimonials as to the effectiveness of the programs were provided by students (Fad and Destiny) from Laval Senior Academy who attend the boy’s and girl’s mentor circles.

Boys and girls mentoring

Boys to Men and Girls to Women Canada are intergenerational mentoring programs Laval Senior Academy has begun to offer its students. Supporters say the mentor circles provide a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment for students to share their stories, recognize their authentic voice and limitless potential and help develop essential and valuable life skills.
Circle sessions work like this: each circle is composed of an intergenerational team of mentors (seniors, young adults, alumni, teachers, support staff) and is led by a group facilitator. Mentors commit to weekly sessions and hold space and provide support for participating students.
Sessions combine learning, fun, leadership opportunities, peer mentoring and self-esteem building exercises. Every session begins with a check-in for each member and is followed by a discussion/activity led by the group facilitator.

Embracing diversity

The Healthy Early Years Program was introduced by Kevin McLeod and presented by new project coordinators Natalina Pace and Danielle Boisvert. Helen Morrison from the CISSS Laval invited the coordinators to attend the “Embracing Diversity” event in order to help promote this new project.
The Got my info youth web resource was presented by Kevin McLeod. The website (https://gotmyinfo.com) was presented to the partners. (A mobile app is available for Android users, but some difficulties are being worked out with Apple for the ios version.) Agape is asking that this resource be shared to better allow it to be known to youth, parents and those who work with youth.

Conversation Club

The McGill Retention of bilingual health professionals and Bursary program was presented by Agape’s social worker and coordinator Ian Williams. A new addition was introduced with the Conversation Club which started in the fall of 2019 to help health professionals who have taken English courses to maintain their skills (a project from Montérégie-est NPI).
Representing the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, Michael Quinn said the SWLSB is interested in the Special Targeted Bursary program, where students who are granted a bursary and promise to return to work in Laval or other identified regions can also fulfill their commitment by working as health professionals at the SWLSB. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists are heavily lacking both at the SWLSB and at the CISSS Laval.

Gardening project

The Intergenerational Gardening Project was presented by Kevin McLeod. This project between Agape Senior Wellness Centre seniors and grade two children at Twin Oaks Elementary was initially funded by the City of Laval and then by the Desjardins Foundation. Funding is no longer available and new partners are being sought.
A special announcement was made by Darlene Brown of The Learning Exchange. TLE is once again running a reading and storytelling project called A 1000 books before Kindergarten. Representatives of the TLE can go to your school or daycare to read and provide free books. Those interested can go to https://tleliteracy.com/1000-books-before-kindergarten on the web.
The Laval NPI Partners Committee is a “network partnership initiative” created in conjunction with the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN). Agape, which provides charitable services from its storefront and offices on Notre Dame Blvd., is the sponsoring organization for the Laval network.

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