‘Missed opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief,’ says group’s Dan Kelly
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, small business owners across Canada were looking to the 2025 budget to provide critical cost relief and to improve Canada’s tax competitiveness to jump start the economy.
Instead, the CFIB contends, most of the budget’s economic measures were reannouncements from the previous year’s budget.
Missed opportunity
“Today was a missed opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief to Canada’s employers,” said Dan Kelly, the CFIB’s president.
“The government could have taken the reins by reducing the small business corporate tax rate, freeing up millions of dollars for investment in employees, technology and operations,” he added.
“Government finances are a mess, but the budget just slows the growth in program spending with overall deficits above $50 billion per year as far as the eye can see,” said Kelly. “Small firms have learned the hard way that today’s deficits are tomorrow’s taxes.”
Budget Concerns
In addition to the lack of tax relief and giant fiscal deficits, many of the measures meant to stimulate the economy or insulate Canadians from the impact of tariffs appear to exclude small firms, Kelly noted. Here are some of the CFIB’s observations:
• The $51-billion Building Communities Fund is to focus on projects using unionized labour, which would effectively exclude 90 per cent of small businesses.
• The $1-billion Regional Tariff Response Initiative delivered by Regional Development Agencies misses the mark and excludes over half of small businesses that will be deemed too small or in the wrong sector.
• The Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive announced in budget 2024, repeated in the Fall Economic Statement and confirmed as recently as January 2025, has now been officially cancelled.
Focus on these highlights:
• Government is reintroducing the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance on most capital assets and immediate expensing provisions. The budget also extends immediate expensing to manufacturing and processing buildings. This is a sound way to improve productivity among many Canadian SMEs.
• Legislation to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million has been confirmed. This is an important measure to help with small business succession plans.
• Legislation to remove income taxes from the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for Small Business and to extend the deadline will be introduced. CFIB has also confirmed with government sources that the $623 million in CCR payments for 2024/25 will be distributed before the end of the year.
“Small business confidence in the economy remains incredibly low given the massive uncertainty over tariffs from the U.S., China and now India,” said CFIB executive vice-president of advocacy Corinne Pohlmann. “While progress was made on a few fronts, there were very few new measures that will offer immediate help for small business owners trying to keep the lights on.”
Unionists pleased with Ottawa’s investments, while seniors complain they were left out
From labour unions, to associations representing the interests of senior citizens, to trade groups and special interest lobbyists, the overall response to the federal budget tabled by Liberal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne in Ottawa on November 4 was generally positive – with a few notable exceptions.
According to an outline of the 2025 budget released by Prime Minister Marc Carney, the Liberal government’s plan is to transform Canada’s economy from one that has traditionally been reliant on a single trade partner (that being the U.S.), to one that is more self-sufficient and resilient to global economic shocks.
The 2025 budget contains a plan by Ottawa to make $1 trillion in targeted investments over the next five years, with a “Buy Canadian” policy serving as overall guide. The Liberal government plans to spend an initial $186 million in new funding to implement the Buy Canadian strategy.
“Budget 2025 is our plan to build Canada Strong – with major infrastructure projects, millions more homes, new defence industries and thousands of new high-quality careers all across our country,” said Carney. “As we build big and bold, we will build Canadian and buy Canadian. We will be our own best customer, creating new orders, more business, and new careers in our industries across the country.”
Seniors left out, claims AQDR
In spite of the government’s optimism, the AQDR (Quebec Association for Senior Citizens) reacted with less enthusiasm, noting that seniors in Quebec and across Canada were largely overlooked in the budget.
“While inflationary pressures have had a significant impact on the country’s most vulnerable seniors, they have been left behind,” the AQDR, which has 30,000 members across Quebec, said in a statement.
“Furthermore, although the government wants to accelerate housing construction, there is no mention of units specifically for seniors to suggest that this is a priority, a worrying sign for the future,” they added.
“We have been repeating this message year after year: the income of the most vulnerable seniors – those who rely solely on basic federal public benefits – is well below the minimum wage,” stated Pierre Lynch, the AQDR’s president.
“Aside from a few marginal changes or those with limited impact, the federal government is forgetting that building the Canada of tomorrow is what we have been doing over the past decades,” he continued. “We must not forget this past and we must take care of our seniors.”
While maintaining its disappointment with the lack of structural measures for seniors, the AQDR noted the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against fraud, particularly through the development of a National Anti-Fraud Strategy.
The association said it hoped this endeavour would allow for the rapid implementation of measures and a safety net for seniors who are victims of increasingly sophisticated frauds.
“The federal government has a responsibility to look to the future, but it must not forget those who have worked all their lives and who deserve a dignified retirement,” said Lynch. “We therefore urge the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister to be more sensitive to this issue and to remember that the collective wealth we create must also be used to reduce inequalities and support vulnerable seniors across the country.”
Capital investments welcome: Unifor
In Ottawa, the Canadian labour union Unifor, representing around 310,000 auto-manufacturing, communications and industrial workers, said that major capital investments in procurement, infrastructure and housing were “welcome advancements in Budget 2025 but must translate into Canadian jobs, Canadian content and Canadian production underpinned by strong sectoral industrial strategies.”
“Building a resilient economy means ensuring that the commitments outlined in the federal budget translate into good union jobs for Canadian workers,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne, while adding that “Trump’s tariffs are an existential threat, and Canada must fight back to protect working families and industries alike.”
The overall response to the federal budget tabled by Liberal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne in Ottawa on November 4 was generally positive. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Unifor welcomed federal commitments to key sectors, such as forestry, as well as a $13 billion “Build Canada Homes” made-in-Canada housing program, tied to a federal Buy Canadian strategy for lumber inputs.
“Budget 2025 includes announcements that could benefit manufacturing, including our aerospace and forestry sectors,” said Daniel Cloutier, director of Unifor Quebec. “However, the government must follow through on its promises and deliver on strategies to protect workers from the impacts of U.S. tariffs,” he added.
But Unifor was also critical of Ottawa’s 2025 budget, noting that it was missing any commitment to fortify West-East energy rail links, including by shipping products using Canadian-made tanker cars, as had been recommended by Unifor.
“Unfortunately, this budget also hits critical public services hard,” added Payne. “Austerity and privatization – including persistent threats of selling off public agencies, as well as airports – are the wrong moves, especially in times of crisis. Strong public services keep working people and our economy afloat.”
‘We are pleased,” says airports council
The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a trade association representing Canada’s airports, welcomed the new budget, praising its focus on trade diversification, infrastructure and economic growth.
“Airports are at the heart of Canada’s growth story,” said Monette Pasher, the CAC’s president. “We are pleased to see the federal government’s recognition of airports’ role in trade diversification and economic resilience. Investments in trade and infrastructure will help strengthen our competitiveness and create opportunities across every region of the country.”
In the early 1990s, Canada’s airports were privatized to local control, divested from direct federal operation and placed under the management of local airport authorities as independent corporations. CAC said it would be interested to hear more on the federal government’s willingness to consider options for the further privatization of airports.
The CAC applauded the federal government’s increased support of $55 million for the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), which is the only dedicated federal funding source for essential infrastructure at small and regional airports. “With ACAP funding largely unchanged for 25 years, this boost is critical to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability at regional airports,” said the council.
“With continued partnership and investment, Canada’s airports can drive growth, enhance connectivity and strengthen our role as gateways to global trade,” Pasher added. “We look forward to working with the government to ensure our airports remain safe, competitive, and ready to meet the needs of Canadians.”
The highly anticipated Laval Christmas Market will turn the city’s Centre de la nature in Duvernay into a truly magical village from December 5 to 7 and from December 12 to 14.
Visitors of all ages are invited to come and be enchanted by a multitude of free activities, unforgettable encounters and more than 50 local artisans who will be on hand to offer their products and wares.
Under twinkling lights and to the sound of Christmas carols, the public will be able to stroll among decorated wooden cabins, enjoy a hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus and find unique local creations for their holiday shopping.
“The Laval Christmas Market is a must-attend event to experience the magic of the holidays while supporting the local economy,” says Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “Every year, visitors enthusiastically attend.”
He also noted that it’s a great opportunity to see the Centre de la nature during the winter when it is set up in a festive and magical atmosphere.
Local creations and moments to share
The event will offer a variety of locally-produced items, including treats, decorations, jewelry, clothing and beauty products. Beyond shopping, families will also be able to enjoy a multitude of free activities to get into the holiday spirit.
Children will be able to write letters to Santa Claus, get their faces painted, listen to stories and even plant a mini-Christmas tree to take home. Santa Claus, the Star Fairy, and strolling actors dressed especially for the occasion will add to the magic.
Under specially-themed Big Top tents, visitors will also find warming areas to enjoy hot chocolate, a Christmas tree decorating workshop and a LEGO display. To complete the experience, several food trucks will be on site.
Subsidy for the purchase of personal hygiene products
The city has issued a reminder to Laval residents that municipal subsidies are available to anyone wishing to help reduce Laval’s impact on the environment by purchasing environmentally-sustainable women’s hygienic products or diapers for incontinence.
Disposable tampons and sanitary pads produce tons of waste, according to the city. They urge residents to take advantage of the financial help in order to adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives.
It should be noted that the subsidies are granted in chronological order of receipt of complete applications, within the limits of the allocated budget.
The city provides $50 towards the purchase of sustainable menstrual hygiene products or washable incontinence products. The eligible products include: menstrual cups and discs, washable sanitary pads and panty liners, washable absorbent underwear, and washable incontinence briefs.
Eligibility Requirements
You must reside in Laval, have purchased your products in a store or online after January 1 in 2025, and spend at least $100 before taxes. There is a limit of one subsidy per person. However, multiple people living at the same address can apply for a subsidy.
The required documents to receive the subsidy are: two proofs of residency (Quebec driver’s license, current or previous year’s tax bill, electricity, telephone, or a cable bill dated within the last 30 days).
The invoice(s) submitted with the application must include: product name, store name (physical or online), purchase amount and taxes. If you are applying for a subsidy for a minor, proof of the minor’s age, two proofs of residence for the parent, guardian, or legal guardian, and proof of your relationship to the minor (e.g., birth certificate, court order, etc.).
All applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026. Further information on the application process can be found on the main page of the City of Laval’s website.
Laval honoured for excellence in public management at prestigious provincial awards
The City of Laval has once again proven itself a leader in public administration, earning a distinction in the Public Organization category at the Prix performance Québec, the province’s highest honor for organizational excellence.
The award was presented during the 33rd edition of the Salon sur les meilleures pratiques d’affaires, held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Organized by the Mouvement québécois de la qualité, the event brought together nearly 2,000 business leaders, public officials, and economic stakeholders to share insights on innovation and continuous improvement.
A culture of excellence
For Laval, this recognition is more than a trophy—it’s a testament to years of commitment to transparency, collaboration, and innovation in municipal governance.
Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie and the official responsible for the Laval region, praised the city’s achievement:
“The City of Laval embodies a culture of rigor, innovation, and integrity that shines through in every service offered to citizens. I am proud to represent such a dynamic region that values collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement as drivers of progress.”
Mayor Stéphane Boyer also expressed pride in the city’s accomplishment:
“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire team to delivering services that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Laval is committed to continuous improvement, and this recognition confirms that we are on the right path toward building a modern, innovative, and citizen-focused city.”
Why it matters
The Prix performance Québec is not just about accolades; it’s about transformation. Participating organizations undergo a rigorous evaluation of their management practices, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies that lead to measurable results.
Samuel Poulin, Minister for Economy and SMEs and Youth, highlighted this impact: “These awards encourage organizations to assess their methods and adopt better practices. The winners demonstrate that excellence in management translates into better outcomes for citizens and businesses alike.”
Driving innovation across Québec
The recognition of Laval is part of a broader movement to elevate organizational standards across the province. The Mouvement québécois de la qualité, which spearheads the awards, plays a pivotal role in this mission. Geneviève Hébert, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Economy and SMEs, emphasized the partnership:
“Our goal is to foster growth and innovation among Québec organizations. The Mouvement québécois de la qualité is a key ally in helping businesses and public bodies adopt practices that ensure sustainable success.”
The bigger picture
The annual Salon sur les meilleures pratiques d’affaires serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing, where leaders exchange ideas on productivity, competitiveness, and responsible transformation.
Nadine Côté, Chair of the Board of the Mouvement, summed up the spirit of the event: “The Prix performance Québec celebrates organizations that innovate, mobilize their teams, and contribute to Québec’s long-term prosperity.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 33-22, published on November 19th, 2025. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Members of Laval’s newly elected city council pose together after the official ceremony on Nov. 9 at Collège Letendre. (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)
Laval’s mayor and 21 city councillors officially took their oaths of office on Nov. 9.
The ceremony was an emotional and celebratory morning held at Collège Letendre’s Salle de Spectacle before a packed audience of family, friends, and fellow politicians.
More than a hundred people filled the theatre to witness the official start of the new municipal term, where applause, laughter, and even tears marked the tone of the morning.
The city’s chief clerk, Marie-Christine Lefebvre, administered the oaths one by one as each councillor pledged to serve Laval’s residents for the next four years.
Boyer urges collaboration and perspective
Mayor Stéphane Boyer, beginning his second term as leader of Mouvement Lavallois, reflected on the challenges and responsibilities that come with public office. “Being an elected official is an important role, it’s a role that comes with great responsibility,” Boyer said. “It’s also sometimes a thankless task because there’s no perfect solution.”
He addressed councillors, reminding them that politics is not about luck or power but about service. “Even if the job can be difficult, when we look back, we see the progress that’s been made,” Boyer said, recalling examples of city decisions that he claimed had tangible impacts, like Laval’s first-responder program and investments in homelessness initiatives.
Boyer, who was greeted with applause from both allies and opposition members, encouraged all councillors to work collaboratively. “I wish you a term that will be collaborative, a term that will be productive for our citizens.,” he said addressing the councilors.
Lortie stresses experience and cooperation
Among those sworn in was Parti Laval’s Louise Lortie, re-elected councillor for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin and one of the council’s longest-serving members. With a long record in municipal politics, she said her experience will guide her approach.
Councillor Louise Lortie sworn into the new city council at Collège Letendre on Nov. 9. (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)
“I’ve been doing politics for 22 years, so I know the game a bit,” Lortie said with a smile. She emphasized her commitment to evaluate every issue with care and independence. “I’ll look at every file presented to me and make sure we make the best decision for the city,” she said.
While sitting in opposition, Lortie said she intends to remain constructive. “We have a role in opposition, yes—but also a role to help improve things,” she added. “That’s what I’ll continue to do for the next four years.”
A councillor returns
In Sainte-Dorothée, Ray Khalil’s re-election marked his fourth term on council, and he said Sunday’s ceremony was just as meaningful as his first.
“Every single time, it feels great,” Khalil said. “It’s the culmination of all the work that’s been done in the past years, but especially months.”
Councillor Ray Khalil addresses attendees before signing the city’s official book of office at Collège Letendre. (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)
He described the result as validation of the administration’s record and the public’s satisfaction.
Khalil believed that continuity allows the team to get to work quickly. “We’ve promised people what we want to work on, and now it’s time to get to it,” he said.
Revelakis vows to keep citizen focus
For Aglaia Revelakis, the independent councillor representing Chomedey, the moment was personal. “Every time I get sworn in, it’s very emotional,” she said. “It’s a recognition that my citizens have given me the right to be there.”
Revelakis, who has served 12 years on council, said she’s proud of what she and her team have accomplished so far and is already preparing new initiatives. “Right now, I’m working on a petition to install photo radar between 100th Avenue and Elizabeth to Clarendon,” she said. “There’s a lot of accidents, and residents are very upset because people are out of control.”
Councillor Aglaia Revelakis sworn in at the city’s inauguration ceremony. (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)
She said she remains confident in the city’s ability to work together regardless of political lines. “We’re all there for the same reason—to represent our citizens,” she said.
The atmosphere inside Collège Letendre’s Salle de spectacle was markedly different from the subdued pandemic-era ceremony held four years ago.
Several councillors were also visibly emotional as they took their pledges.
The event concluded with a musical performance and a round of pictures taken with the councilors—marking the start of another four-year chapter in Laval’s municipal life.
A new national online system now allows Canadians to report instances of fraud and cybercrime more easily.
This comes as a way to address mounting losses across the country and the under-reporting of such offences.
Launched by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and administered through its National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre (CAFC), the system provides a centralized hub for citizens, businesses and organizations to file reports of fraud, scams, hacking or other cyber‐threats.
“Anyone can fall victim to fraud or cybercrime, whether as an individual or as part of a business or organization,” said RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, stressing the point that most Canadians now have a place to take their concerns.
Users can report anonymously and may submit screenshots, transaction records, text messages or emails related to a suspicious incident. “It allows us to receive that reporting and then try and take action on that at the national level,” said NC3 Director General Chris Lynam.
Once a report is submitted, Lynam said the national system works alongside local police forces.
In the meantime, his team gathers data to identify patterns, link related cases across jurisdictions and can alert tech platforms or international partners to disrupt fraud operations.
The timing is significant. According to the CAFC, Canadians lost more than $638 million to fraud in 2024 alone. In parallel, a federal cyber-threat assessment found that fraud and scams remain the most common form of cybercrime. Yet, only 5 to 10 per cent of incidents are reported, a shortfall attributed to victims’ fear, embarrassment or lack of awareness.
Industry and government sources welcome the portal but warn that reporting is only one piece of the puzzle. A recent audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada found serious deficiencies in Canada’s capacity to investigate cybercrime.
Lynham said the new system was designed in part to replace an older platform which required complex authentication that discouraged users. The new portal drops those barriers and is built to be more user-friendly, enabling faster reporting and national intelligence gathering.
While some large cyber-attacks make headlines, the vast majority of fraud occurs at the individual and small-business level. Statistics Canada found that 1 in 6 Canadian businesses experienced a cyber-security incident in 2023, with scams and fraud the most common method.
The portal serves both a practical and symbolic role: providing a clear channel for victims and creating a data-pool that law-enforcement can mine to track and disrupt networks of fraudsters.
Lynam said the system also supports prevention by issuing alerts when trends are identified.
“What we try to do is have a really good understanding of what the latest cyber-crime and fraud that are hitting Canadians are, and then we can pivot off that to […] create new prevention and awareness products,” he said.
Still, awareness remains critical. Lynam indicated that the site will be the focus of a public information campaign across social-media, policing networks and academic partners.
Users walking through the portal will encounter tips and prompts to help complete the report and understand next steps.
For Canadians who think they or someone they know might be targeted, Lynam recommends acting quickly: gather all relevant documentation, contact your bank, report to local police and submit the online form.
He added that early reporting may even enable recovery of transferred funds or interception of fraud operations before more victims are targeted.
Officers from the Sûreté du Québec’s Internet Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation Team (ESEI) in collaboration with the major crimes divisions of police forces in Laval, Boucherville, Montreal, Quebec City and Gatineau conducted a large-scale operation from November 3 to 7, leading to the arrests of nearly two dozen suspects.
According to the SQ, more than 150 police officers were mobilized, and 22 men aged between 18 and 70 were arrested.
Of this number, 20 appeared in connection with charges of possession, distribution and access to files containing child abuse and sexual exploitation material.
Computer equipment was also seized by the police for analysis as part of the 26 searches that were conducted.
“The operation conducted this week is the result of significant collaborative and concerted efforts,” said Lieutenant Katherine Guimond, head of the SQ’s division for investigations into the sexual exploitation of children on the internet.
The SQ is inviting members of the public to report any situation they come across of sexual exploitation of young people on the internet at the following address: www.cyberaide.ca
A man from Laval along with another from Saint-Eustache who together ran an Ontario truck-driving school found to be fraudulent have received conditional confinement sentences of two years less a day to be served in the community.
Ontario Superior Court Judge Pierre Roger passed sentencing on Gurvinder Singh, age 69, of Laval and Gurpreet Singh, age 37, of Saint-Eustache who were convicted of one count each of fraud over $5,000 and uttering a forged document.
Aftermatch of the August 5 2019 truck crash in which four people died.
According to evidence presented during the five-week trial, between January 2019 and May 2021 the two used the services of a Punjabi language interpreter who provided answers to truck driving students for questions they needed to answer to obtain on Ontario Ministry of Transportation Commercial Truck Driver Training Standard Class A permit.
In 2017, the Ontario government made entry-level training mandatory in order to obtain a Class A permit, which is necessary to drive commercial trucks in the province.
The two men were found to be operating a truck driving school that was not registered as a private career college and was not authorized to offer Ontario’s Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program for truckers.
While the students were charged fees ($4,000-$5,000) which were slightly lower than at accredited institutions, they received only basic truck driver training, according to the judge’s decision.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that the accused circumvented the normal accreditation process by gaining unlawful access to an Ontario Ministry of Transportation database in order to falsify records that their students had completed the MELT program.
In his decision, the judge noted that the students were “tricked and deceived” by the two men “into paying for substandard truck driver training.”
Earlier this year, truck driver Jagmeet Grewal, who drove the truck that rammed a line of cars at the intersection of autoroutes 15 and 440 in Laval in August 2019, killing four people and injuring many others, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Earlier this week, Quebec Liberal MNA for Nelligan Monsef Derraji, who is the official opposition critic for transportation in the National Assembly, took issue with the CAQ government’s dismissal of a nearly 3,000 signature petition calling for stronger enforcement measures to put an end to the presence of illegal truck drivers on Quebec’s roads.
“While the federal government has just announced a $77 million investment to fight the loophole enabling illegal drivers, CAQ members refused to address the issue this morning in the National Assembly,” Derraji said in a statement issued on November 4.
The WWII Axis powers first ran into serious resistance in Greece in 1940
Patriotic Greeks from all over Montreal joined elected officials along with leaders from the Hellenic community for a ceremony on October 26 at the Embassy in Chomedey marking the 85th anniversary of the historic day in World War II when Greece rejected its occupation by Axis forces.
Ultimatum rejected
Each year, Oxi Day is celebrated throughout Greece, Cyprus and Greek communities around the world to commemorate the refusal by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas when presented with an ultimatum on October 28 in 1940 by Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
Officials at the head table during the HCGM’s annual Oxi Day commemoration held at the Embassy in Chomedey included Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Ambassador of Greece to Canada Ekaterina Dimakis, HCGM president Basile Angelopoulos, Consul General in Montreal for Greece Nikolaos Karalekas and Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
The ultimatum was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador to Greece. It demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain strategic locations, or otherwise face war. The name for the day comes from Metaxas’ straightforward reply. “No,” he said curtly, following which he added, “Then it is war.”
The beginning of war
In response, Italian troops stationed in Albania, which was an Italian protectorate, attacked the Greek border, marking the beginning of Greece’s involvement in World War II. On the morning of Oct. 28, Greeks took to the streets, regardless of their political affiliations, shouting “Oxi.” Since 1942, it has been a national celebration marked annually.
Dignitaries who attended this year’s event organized by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal included Ambassador of Greece to Canada Ekaterina Dimakis, the Consul General in Montreal for Greece Nikolaos Karalekas, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis and HCGM president Basile Angelopoulos.
During an Oxi Day commemoration in Laval on October 26, Ambassador of Greece to Canada Ekaterina Dimakis delivered greetings to members of the Greek diaspora in Canada from the government of the Hellenic Republic. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
A ‘fight for liberty’
“We are here to recall the heroism and the resistance to fascism during the 1940s by the Greek nation which was exemplary and was recognized around the world for standing out in the spirit of the fight for liberty,” Angelopoulos said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia, paraphrasing the keynote address he delivered.
Comparing the historical events of 85 years ago to the situation today, Angelopoulos commented, “Apathy is probably today’s modern invader. Disengagement and disinterest are our enemies now and something that we should never allow.”
Like Angelopoulos, Koutrakis could also see parallels between the past and more recent history. “What is more scary than ever to me is the lack of sympathy and empathy globally to the dangers that we are increasingly surrounded by,” she said.
Turning back the fascists
“So, this day to me, not only as a Hellene, reminds me of my heritage and what happened those many years ago that was the turnaround of World War II,” she continued.
“But it also reminds me of the great obligation and responsibility that we have, especially in the western world, if we want to safeguard our democracies and push back on fascism.”
Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos quoted former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King in an address on this year’s Oxi Day. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
In his address, Angelopoulos cited former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, who wrote about Greece’s fall in 1940. “Greece has fallen to the enemy, but only after a resistance that will become legendary,” said Angelopoulos, quoting Mackenzie King.
King went on to say that the men of Greece “have set an example of heroism that has inspired free men everywhere … To those of Greek race everywhere in Canada I send my greetings, my appreciation for what they have done …”
More than 850 guests partied at gala evening for the MUHC’s Breast Center
A new word has been turning up in conversations lately. Especially those concerning women who’ve undergone the ordeal of breast cancer. It’s survivorism.
By some definitions, survivorism is a policy of trying to ensure survival especially in the face of a catastrophic event.
Latin American dance performers lent Pink in the City’s 2025 Magic of Hope gala an exciting air at the Château Royal congress centre in Chomedey on October 24. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Support for well-being
For breast cancer survivors this translates into re-establishing a balanced and healthy lifestyle in order to support well-being during and following the rigorous treatments required to overcome breast cancer.
But to be truly successful, all aspects of the patient’s well-being must also be addressed: the physical, psychological and social. Pink in the City helps to meet those needs.
With that in mind, more than 850 supporters of Pink in the City set a new attendance record on the evening of Friday October 24 when they turned up for the breast cancer foundation’s 2025 Magic of Hope fundraising gala.
Some of the breast cancer survivors attending this year’s Magic of Hope gala are seen with MUHC Breast Centre Director Dr. Sarkis H. Meterissian (at the microphone). (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A collective effort
“It’s a great evening – it’s inspiring,” Pink in the City co-founder Denise Vourtzoumis told The Laval News. “We’re doing something really great here all together.”
As Pink in the City holds fundraising events throughout the year, the tally from the gala as well as from the other fundraisers held in 2025 will be announced in January 2026.
But in the meantime, Magic of Hope raised well over $300,000 last year. Over the years, Pink in the City has become one of the MUHC Foundation’s most productive and reliable fundraisers.
Left, Bobby and Denise Vourtzoumis, along with other members of their family, are seen on stage at the Château Royal in Chomedey on October 24 during Pink in the City’s annual Magic of Hope gala. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A call to action
Pink in the City was founded in 2006 when Denise’s son, Lawrence who was 11 years old back then, heard an ad on the radio while driving to school with his mother. It requested volunteers to shave their heads as a demonstration of solidarity for those who had lost their hair due to chemo treatments for breast cancer.
He was captivated by the idea and asked his mother if he could take part. He wanted to shave his head to show support, which was a pretty brave thing for a pre-teen to do. Denise agreed and helped Lawrence raise the required amount of money to be able to participate.
Nearly two decades and many fundraising gala evenings later, Pink in the City has raised millions for the MUHC Foundation, which remits funds to the McGill University Health Centre’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program.
Among the gala’s guests were Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos (far left) and spouse, Canadian Senator Leo Housakos and his wife along with other guests. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Every gesture counts
Pink in the City started as a single event. This heightened an already existing awareness about breast cancer in the community and the need to support those who had been impacted by the disease. It also embedded the idea that every selfless gesture of support makes a difference.
Over time, volunteers, sponsors, partners and medical advisors allowed Pink in the City to attain and exceed its goals. Community partners have also played a key role by supporting and attending Pink in the City’s various functions and events. Partnerships have extended to leadership programs sponsored by the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board at Laval-area high schools.
McGill University Health Centre Foundation president and CEO Marie-Hélène Larameé, left, presented Pink in the City co-founder Denise Vourtzoumis with a special recognition award during the Magic of Hope gala. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)Canadian Senator Tony Loffreda, a longtime supporter of Pink in the City, is seen here with his wife Angelina during the 2025 Magic of Hope gala. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
