Martin C. Barry

With more than two years to go before the next municipal elections, Action Laval – which lost its Official Opposition status in the last election – is claiming the title once again following the arrival of five former Mouvement Lavallois councillors in the Action Laval caucus – raising the total to six.

The five new Action Laval councillors, Paolo Galati (Saint-Vincent-de-Paul), Daniel Hébert (Marigot), Michel Poissant (Vimont), David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno) and Isabella Tassoni (Laval-des-Rapides), are joining Aglaia Revelakis (Chomedey), who was elected under the banner of Action Laval in 2013 and re-elected in 2017.

Strength in numbers

The additions represent a major change in the composition of city council, effectively making Action Laval’s six elected representatives the main opposition group to Mayor Marc Demers’ administration – at least in terms of numerical superiority.

“We never made a secret of our intention to rally all the oppositions in Laval and to create a single large team for the next election,” Action Laval interim leader Achille Cifelli said during a press conference held last week at the Embassy Plaza. “It was part of our plan. Now, we will move forward and offer real listening to all Laval residents and, and most importantly, we will make sure the administration acts in their interests.”

New leadership next year

The plan calls for Cifelli to remain Action Laval’s interim-leader and president until a new leader is chosen by the membership sometime next year. “With six municipal councillors, Action Laval now becomes the main opposition force in Laval,” he said. “The role of our party in the municipal council will change, just as it will with the management of the city and various organizations.”

Chomedey councillor Revelakis, who succeeded in keeping her head high while bearing the Action Laval banner as the party’s only council member these past few years, welcomed the rallying of her five colleagues to the party, as well as the accession of the new caucus as the main opposition to the Demers administration.

‘New chapter begins’

“Today a new chapter begins for Action Laval,” she said. “We will be forming the biggest opposition ever at city hall. United, we will be there to care for the interests of our citizens and make sure that the present administration is accountable for their actions. We will be building the party that will defeat Marc Demers in 2021.”

Speaking on behalf of the five new members of the caucus, David De Cotis (a founding member of the Mouvement Lavallois and former vice-president of the Demers executive-committee) said he and his colleagues considered it was the right time to “turn the page” on their past political allegiances.

A fact-based opposition

“We are now joining an organized and trusted team, with whom we share the values of service to citizens, integrity and transparency,” he said. “We will continue to defend the interests of all Laval residents. But we will be doing it in an objective and responsible fashion by relying on facts.

“We will be rigorous in our criticisms, but respectful in our approach,” added De Cotis. “But mostly we will continue to listen to everyone in Laval. My colleagues Isabella, Daniel, Michel, Paolo and myself we are turning the page on the old political accusations. We are now members entirely of the Action Laval party and its caucus.”

De Cotis won’t run for mayor

Answering journalists’ questions, De Cotis maintained steadfastly that he was not interested in running for mayor in 2021. “It’s something I thought about long and hard,” he said. “When I entered politics it was really to serve the citizens. I feel just fine as the district councillor for Saint-Bruno and I will continue to serve my citizens well.”

While four of the other Action Laval councillors also claimed they weren’t interested in running for mayor, Michel Poissant responded “we will see” when prompted to state whether he’d consider seeking the mayoralty.

Not ‘official’ opposition

Although Action Laval has now become the largest block of city councillors who are unaffiliated with the Demers administration, the Parti Laval (which has only one elected councillor) will continue to be designated as the “official opposition,” since they won that privilege in the 2017 election when they were the second-place party with the largest share of votes.

While the title also allows the Parti Laval to receive a budget of more than $600,000 annually to conduct research and to hire support staff, De Cotis said Action Laval will be conducting research of its own using a team of dedicated volunteers instead of salaried staff.

The route will include 15 stops in Montreal and two in Laval

Starting Monday, Pie-IX Boulevard will undergo a major overhaul to develop a bus rapid transit route.

The work will reduce the six-lane road that stretches from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve to Laval to two lanes heading south and one lane heading north.

To avoid extra traffic congestion, the northbound bus lines 139 and 439 will be temporarily diverted to neighbouring residential streets.

Residents irked by plan to divert buses to their street during 4 years of construction on Pie-IX Blvd.

Workers will tackle one section at a time, fixing gas lines, building electrical infrastructure and rebuilding the roadway.

Residents who use the road regularly say they are bracing for the changes, but hoping for the best.

Once the project is done, the bus rapid transit will span more than 10 kilometres.

The route will include 15 stops in Montreal and two in Laval. Work is expected to be completed by December 2022

The Key Tag Service was launched after the Second World War so that returning war amputee veterans could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association.

Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll-free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge.

The War Amps receives no government grants. With the public’s support of the Key Tag Service, the Association is making a difference in the lives of amputees by providing financial assistance for artificial limbs, peer support and information on all aspects of living with amputation.

Those who do not receive their key tags in the mail can order them at waramps.ca or call 514-398-0759.

Martin C. Barry

One of the Montreal region’s leading manufacturers of landing gear for the global aerospace industry got a financial boost from the federal government last week when Marc-Aurèle-Fortin MP Yves Robillard announced a $1.2 million repayable subsidy to Laval-based Mecaer America.

Among the guests on hand for the announcement at the company’s facilities in Laval’s industrial park were City of Laval executive-committee member and councillor for Sainte-Dorothée Ray Khalil (who was representing the mayor), and Consul General in Montreal for Italy Silvia Costantini.

‘Centre for excellence’

“I would say Montreal is becoming a centre of excellence for landing gear,” said Christopher O’Neill, executive vice-president for strategic business with the company, as he was greeting guests arriving for the announcement and a facility tour.

In Laval alone, the list of manufacturers and suppliers of elaborately engineered landing gear sought by major aircraft makers includes Héroux-Devtek and Liebherr Canada. The latter company opened a new facility on the edge of Autoroute 13 in October 2017 to produce landing gear for the Bombardier C Series aircraft.

Landing gear for Airbus

Mecaer America, which first opened its facility in Laval in 2002, manufactures landing gears for helicopters, regional and business transport aircraft and military training aircraft. Its largest landing gears are currently being made for the Airbus A350 in conjunction with Airbus supplier Collins Aerospace.

Through the financial assistance provided by Canada Economic Development for Quebec, the company will be able to invest in new procedures leading to the creation of a centre of excellence for the design, manufacture and qualification of its integrated landing gear systems.

Economic benefits

According to a statement from CEDQ, the creation of the centre of excellence and the technological transformation of the Laval plant will generate benefits for Canadian suppliers, from whom Mecaer America makes tens of millions of dollars in purchases each year.

According to O’Neill, Mecaer America, whose corporate parent (Mecaer Aviation Group) is headquartered in Italy, ranks around the middle in a top-10 list of global landing gear makers. While the parent is involved in the design of VIP interiors for helicopters as well as flight controls and landing systems, O’Neill described the Montreal branch as the company’s “international entry” into landing gear.

Creating high-quality jobs

“There are 125 people here gainfully employed in high-quality employment,” he said. “Annually we have $4- to $5-million in R and D investment. So the company is fully committed to this facility in Laval.” O’Neill said that most of the federal subsidy is paying for a state-of-the-art computerized Mazak E-670 machining unit manufactured by Yamazaki Mazak Corp. of Japan.

Since the 1980s, Mazak has become one of the most important global suppliers of sophisticated toolmaking equipment. The E-670 at Mecaer is one of the largest automated machining units deployed in Quebec. A remaining portion of the federal subsidy is being used to set up a hydraulic calibration centre for landing gear tests.

Supporting aerospace sector

“In line with our commitment to foster growth for the Canadian economy, the Government of Canada’s goal is to provide better support for businesses that are making investments to improve their productivity and ensure their growth and that of the Canadian economy,” said Robillard.

“More than ever the government of Canada is determined to support innovation and economic growth,” he continued. “The global demand for production of aircraft is in full growth. The assistance from the government of Canada will allow Mecaer America to answer this need. The support by CEDQ will allow this business to consolidate its position on an international scale, while pursuing its growth by adapting to the demands of its clientele.”

Laval’s key position

Khalil noted that Laval has a key role to play in the aerospace industry in the Montreal region, since the city is geographically well-located between Montreal and the North Shore, and is also just minutes from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.Khalil pointed out that more than 30 businesses that are key players in sectors crucial to aircraft manufacturing “have chosen to set up here in Laval. This is not a coincidence. Laval offers a first rate location for business to the aerospace industry. There is also a healthy and dynamic economic environment here and easy access to a highly qualified workforce.”

Renata Isopo

Francesco Giannini’s storytelling talent became apparent in childhood when he would re-enact scenes from Lord of the Rings with brother Chris in their basement.  He began his film career playing minor roles in  X-Men and 300.  Acting financed his bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Film Studies, and Communications certificate.

Knowledge of the human condition and passion for film makes him a great storyteller. To acting and directing, he’s added producing, cinematography and editing. In various film productions, Francesco has acquired well-rounded knowledge of the production process and an eye for detail. 

In directing both commissioned and private ventures, Giannini has established optimal balance between creative and human aspects of filmmaking.  Producing high-quality films in cost-effective ways has earned him a shining reputation in filmmaking circles in Montreal and Toronto. His first short film – The Race of Life – screened at Cannes in 2012.  The Prince, a subsequent short based on an Italian fable, screened at Milan’s International Film Festival and was runner-up in the ACTRA SHORTS category.  In 2013 he launched – Franky Films Productions.

Giannini continues to build relationships with other filmmakers to open doors to new opportunities. In addition to producing in collaboration with other companies, he is currently developing several personal projects through Franky Films for both television and big screen.

With still-strong Laval roots, this prolific artist recently co-wrote and directed The Flare, which   premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival, and was featured on Montreal Breakfast Television.  

To draw out of Francesco some intimate details of his life’s work in his own words, TLN asked one-on-one questions which produced the following insights:

 In 140 characters, how would you describe what you do?

I’m a storyteller who tells tales through visual compositions made up of moving images.  My goal is to touch people with these images and stories, and hope they can experience a variety of emotions and feelings to which they can relate.

You describe your life’s work as a mission. What is the source of your inspiration?

The inspiration came from a very young age.  My brother Chris and I were always playing with cameras, re-enacting scenes from films we loved or created original content. I was a dreamer from a young age and still am today.  My professors and teachers, especially from Laval Catholic High, always told me I was a daydreamer. I found myself lost in thoughts and imagination most of the time.

What is the most memorable shock in your work so far?

There are a few memorable moments. One that stands out the most was my first acting experiences alongside Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Alan Arkin and Robin Williams in “Noel”, a sentimental tearjerker Christmas story directed by Chazz Palminteri. I went on set as an extra and came off an actor.  I was nervous and stressed at first since I wasn’t prepared for it, but once the camera started rolling, I felt at home in my element and knew then that I wanted to be a part of this business for life.  Another milestone was my first short film,”The Race of Life”-  being accepted at Cannes in 2012.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10-15 years?

Directing a few feature films in the next five years, more than a few actually, and producing in the next 10 years.  In 15-20 years, I see myself producing films for young struggling filmmakers trying to make it in the business as I am today.

What is the biggest challenge that you’ve had to overcome?

Making movies is constantly challenging, so it’s difficult to pinpoint one specific event. One moment I can remember had me working on a music video with a bad flu, in the middle of February, and couldn’t get out of it. Torture!

What does the word “notable” mean to you?

Recognition through hard work, respect for others and dedicated commitment to excellence in the painting of pictures of human connection to agony and ecstasy through the cinematic arts.

A more than appropriate summation of Laval film-maker Fancesco Giannini. Thank you Francesco and May The Force of Film-making be always with you.