Martin C. Barry

For the fifth year since the Laval Ethics and Integrity Bureau (BIEL) first started, Laval Police chief Pierre Brochet has tabled his latest report on continuing efforts to track and prevent acts of corruption within the City of Laval’s administration.

The BIEL was created shortly after Brochet was hired, in the aftermath of the highly-publicized corruption and municipal contracts kickback scandal involving disgraced former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt.

Arm’s length from city

The office, which operates at arm’s length from the city administration, was given a mandate to oversee internal investigations, while working in conjunction with the Laval Police Department.

“I am truly proud of the results and accomplishments of the BIEL, and all the more so when we know that several municipalities are expressing a wish to create their own integrity bureaus,” Brochet said during a press conference held at Laval Police headquarters on Chomedey Blvd. on April 4 to release the results.

Leading the way

“It is an honour for us to have developed the expertise for a team responsible for investigations of this type,” he added. “Mostly a team that has had to be ahead of things by developing responses, as well as codes of conduct adapted to the reality of the employees and elected officials of Laval.”

According to a summary of the report, just three cases out of a total of 86 potential administrative wrongdoings ended up being reported for in-depth investigation to the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC), the Quebec government’s specialized agency that fights corruption, collusion and other economic crimes involving provincial government procurement.

Fewer cases went to UPAC

In comparison, four cases went to UPAC in 2017, eight in 2016, 10 in 2015 and 11 in 2014. Out of the 86 potential administrative wrongdoing cases in 2018, 10 cases were deemed serious enough to merit being investigated by the local police, while 73 others were judged to be administrative problems that could be resolved internally.

The statistics from last year for the 73 administrative cases show that conflict of interest ranked high among commonly reported problems, while breaching confidentiality was also on the radar. The most serious cases in 2018 involved allegations of fraud and theft. However, only one case led to criminal charges. According to last year’s BIEL report, a supervisor was arrested after being seen while in the act of stealing equipment that was the property of the city. He was subsequently fired.

Drivers ‘under the influence’

The report says the BIEL also became involved last year when it was discovered that drivers for some sub-contractors working for the city were operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Measures were taken by the BIEL as well as by the Laval Police to warn the sub-contractors about their responsibilities.

The BIEL oversaw workshops where up to 2,000 employees received instruction in the ethical standards they are expected to live up to. As well, the BIEL received requests from employees seeking orientation for specific situations involving ethical decision-making.

Six years since crackdown

This most recent report contrasts sharply with the situation in May six years ago, when 37 people – including engineers, contractors and managers – were arrested in the massive police sweep that preceded the City of Laval’s being placed in trusteeship after the departure of ex-mayor Vaillancourt.

Among the compromising situations faced by city employees every year are conflicts of interest. The City of Laval’s code of ethics now clearly spells out the potential for ethical conflicts when employees are holding down a second job somewhere else, or are related to individuals with vested interests.

BIEL seems to be paying off

Some cases can also involve unauthorized use of municipal resources or access to confidential or privileged information. BIEL statistics compiled over the past five years show the City of Laval’s employees have been increasingly consulting the BIEL for guidance when they face uncertain situations ethically.

After releasing the report, Brochet announced that the Laval Police will continue an agreement with the City of Terrebonne on the North Shore which will see them working cooperatively to counter corruption and collusion on their respective territories. Terrebonne is basing an investigative unit of its own on Laval’s BIEL.

Partnership with Terrebonne

“The implementation of this partnership sends a message to all those involved working in the municipal domain in our region,” Brochet said. “Collusion and corruption are not acceptable or tolerated and we are making all the efforts necessary to prevent and control together this sort of crime.”

Service de Police de Terrebonne Marc Brisson said: “The decision to enter into a partnership with the BIEL through the opening of an integrity office by the City of Terrebonne makes sense economically and strategically at the same time. Economically, since it allows for the sharing of a large number of resources, such as offices and personnel. Strategically, since it allows us to share expertise, exchange contractual information and coordinate investigation files more efficiently.”

Martin C. Barry

The Laval Action Table for Entrepreneurialism announced the four winners of its honorary bursaries on March 21, awarded by the Government of Quebec.

In addition to the recognition, the winners also were awarded strategic support and mentoring from Réseau M, with additional assistance provided the Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, as well as automatic participation in StartupFest sponsored by Laval innov.

Honorary bursaries

In order to complement a traditional offer of financing and to stimulate entrepreneurship in Quebec, the Quebec Ministry of the Economy and Innovation offered the honorary bursaries, worth $25,000 each, to entrepreneurs 18 to 35 years old who are working on projects involving the creation of a new business, or the development of a business that has been active for less than five years.

In addition to being a motivator for entrepreneurs to solidify their ideas for businesses or help with their development, the bursaries aim to acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit and the qualities that go with it, including boldness, determination and innovative spirit.

Four Laval finalists

From this year’s contestants in Laval, four finalists were selected by a jury composed of members of the Laval Action Table for Entrepreneurialism. Each finalist will be receiving a $25,000 bursary, one year of personalized accompaniment by Réseau M and a ticket to participate in Startupfest 2019.

The four finalists are: Myriam Tellier of Planette produits écologiques inc.; Mathieu Benoit of Mathben informatique; Patrick Vigeant of Boursify; and Vyckie Vaillancourt of O’Citrus.

About the finalists

Planette produits écologiques inc. specializes in the manufacture and distribution of natural and ecologically-responsible household cleaning products. Mathben informatique offers expert services in software development as well as support for the development of virtual reality games.

Boursify has developed a software program that simulates stock and investment market strategies, while also offering software support to high-schools, CEGEPs and universities. O’Citrus is specialized in the greenhouse production of fine citrus, including yuzu, Buddha’s hand, caviar lime, kaffir lime, sudachi, finger lime, calamondin, kumquat and pomelo.

Renata Isopo

In a nutshell, the March 27^th Council of Commissioners meeting was an elaborate presentation of all the events, activities, planning, and successes executed in the month of March. The Laurier Board also came out swinging in condemnation of Bill 21 (religious symbols).

The long list of activities included breakfast with Argenteuil mayor Christian St. Pierre, a tour of Crestview Elementary, Vocational Training, Leadership Summit at Laval Junior Academy, partnership with Le Centre de Formation Construct-Plus, a visit to La Chambre Commerce St. Eustache, and a student leadership event “Food for All” at Laval Senior Academy.

Director General, Gaelle Absolonne announced preliminary enrolment of 12,715 students for 2019-20; six more students than the MEQ’s 12,709 projection – “an encouraging and positive upswing” says Absolonne. 

Feasibility Ecosystem Study

Material Resources reported on the financial implications of the Ecosystem feasibility study, which leaves SWLSB with two options: award the contract in September 2019 to move forward with the project or, stop altogether. $350,358 will be allocated for Ecosystem’s detailed feasibility study if savings are confirmed.

In its submission, Ecosystem scored 90.5%, also meeting minimum requirements for two mandatory criteria. Subsequently the “8 envelopes” containing financial figures were opened. According to documentation presented, Ecosystem submitted the best weighted assessment at $1,970 520 for 20 buildings, reducing energy costs 23%, savings of $281,112.

Of trees and seat belts

Commissioner Peter MacLaurin announced that a commemorative tree and plaque have been donated by the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) to former Chairperson Jennifer Maccarone in recognition of her diligent work with SWLSB. Thrilled, Maccarone requested that the tree be planted at board headquarters.

Commissioner Emilio Migliozzi proposed mandatory seat belts on school buses. The next bus contract renewal is in 2022, thus the seat belt implementation must be part of the contract negotiation. “It’s a safety issue and can’t be ignored,” he stated. “This must also be communicated to the Minister of Transport of the Government of Quebec and to the MEQ.”  The potential economic impact of seat belt requirement is unclear until discussions with the bus company take place.

Commissioner Peter MacLaurin made a plea to the Council that each member contact his MNA, communicate to them that the commissioners are doing their jobs. “They are doing what they should be doing,” he stated. This is part of the QESBA, Quebec English School Boards Association, success plan in their fight for retention of school boards.

Public funds disclosure put on hold  

Commissioner Guy Gagnon struck a sour note with Council when he moved to publish expense reports on the Board’s website, proposing that the data be published proactively. “It’s about time the expenses are made public. The last time it was put on the table was in 2015.”

Commissioner Melissa Wall was not convinced of the need, and did not wish to vote on it, stating that this information can be obtained through Access to Information.  Commissioners Bob Pellerin and James Di Sano did not support Gagnon’s motion and moved to postpone it. 

A war of words

Discussion bounced around the definition/difference between the words postpone and table.  Secretary General Stephane Krenn, stated that to table means to “postpone” and was based on the precision and clarity of the words. Commissioner Gagnon objected to move to “Table”. Gagnon also stated that the Lester B. Pearson School Board, publishes reports on line and there’s no reason why SWLSB does not do the same. “It should have been done a long time ago,” he stated. There seemed to be an apparent aversion to being open with the public. TLN’s efforts to obtain comment from commissioner Gagnon were fruitless as he stated that he did not wish to answer any questions from the media. However, TLN requested one response to the question, ”Does the Council prepare and submit monthly expense reports?” He responded, “Not necessarily.” Chairperson Paolo Galati stated that Council should discuss the matter further in order to clarify the process and implications. “I am in favour transparency,” he told TLN.  It was decided to resume the discussion at the April 24^th meeting.

Bill 21

As stated at Council and officially delivered by Communications Coordinator Maxeen Jolin, “The Council of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution against Bill 21 prohibiting anyone in a position of authority, including school principals and teachers from wearing religious symbols in the performance of their functions and duties.  Council believes that Bill 21 will alter the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and for this reason owes it to its communities to take a stance against this legislation. SWLSB is proud to be part of a diverse community and has long embraced values of inclusion and respect.”

The City Councillor for Saint-Bruno and Opposition Critic for Sports, Culture and Recreation, David De Cotis, is delighted that work will begin soon to revitalize the Odyssée-des-jeunes school park with the construction of a new state-of-the-art athletics facility.

Supported by the Councillor since its conception, the construction work should begin next month and be completed in time for the June 2020 Jeux du Québec, for which Laval will be the host city. However, for David de Cotis, this should not only be seen as an expense for the Jeux, but also for the years to come, and for the benefit of all the young people and active citizens of the sector.

“I supported this project and participated in its design as soon as it was suggested by the municipal services in 2017! It is not only for the Jeux du Québec, it is a legacy that will allow our young people to practice their sports in their environment and in their neighbourhood, without having to travel elsewhere in the city or in Montréal. This is the main reason for my support to the project”, he said.

The Councillor for Saint-Bruno considers this project to be one of his main achievements in the neighbourhood, in addition to the Lausanne Community Centre, which, he says “create a sense of belonging and a real neighbourhood life. Having the Jeux du Québec in our neighbourhood is an honour”.

As for the removal of about twenty trees, as communicated by the public works department to make way for the site, the Councillor considers this “unfortunate” but necessary, given that most of these trees are affected by the emerald ash borer.
“I will ask and ensure that they are replaced quickly, it is a school ground and a huge green space, the presence of trees is important”.

In conclusion, David De Cotis reiterates his will to work tirelessly for the citizens of his district and for better neighbourhood infrastructure throughout Laval. “Citizens are asking us to improve and add local sports infrastructures, rather than focusing everything in the downtown area. Our caucus and our party, Action Laval, are committed to this approach, you can count on us!”.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and Francophonie

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

Madam Minister, Mr. Minister,

The Association de la presse francophone (APF) and the Quebec community Newspapers association (QCNA) were looking forward to the tabling of the 2019 Federal Government Budget with great hope. Since 2016, the APF and QCNA have shared their expectations with the government so that newspapers in our official language minority communities (OLMCs) can continue to protect democracy and serve the public interest within their respective communities.

The measures proposed in your budget to support Canadian journalism show that the government has not considered the most vulnerable Canadian newspapers that serve OLMCs in Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. The proposed eligibility criteria for an eligible Canadian journalistic organization (OJCA) do not consider the needs and realities of the smallest newspapers in our OLMCs.

Due to decisions made by the federal government in the past decade, including the virtual disappearance of federal advertising in OLMC media, most of our newspapers have been forced to adapt their business model by reducing the number of journalists. To be considered an OJCA and to be eligible for the tax credit, the media must employ at least two journalists at least 26 hours per week. The media will not be able to access the tax credit if it is already receiving a grant from the Canada Periodical Fund’s Aid to Publishers program. These criteria disqualify many of our newspapers twice rather than once.

However, Part VII of the Official Languages Act (OLA) requires federal institutions to apply criteria that consider the realities and needs of OLMCs when developing programs and services.

Community media play an essential role in the development and vitality of OLMCs and are often the only source of written information in official languages in a minority situation for an entire province or territory. The report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (June 2017) eloquently demonstrates this. The conclusions of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages’ final investigation report (June 2017), agree with the same conclusion.

While the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages offered us some support to better serve OLMCs in terms of civic journalism, the measures only partially meet the pressing needs of our newspapers, which, despite their sustained efforts, are unable to cover the substantial losses of the past ten years.

At this point, the status quo is not acceptable as it will result in the most vulnerable being very disadvantaged and some of our media will not survive. We will contact your office in the coming days to obtain an emergency meeting to identify, with you, winning solutions to ensure that the government respects its obligations under Part VII of the OLA and allows official language minority community newspapers to benefit from the positive measures to support Canadian journalism announced in your budget this week.

LILY RYAN FRANCIS SONIER

Interim President President

Quebec Community Newspapers Association Press Association Francophone

Renata Isopo

On March 26^th, in a show of support for a teacher who was allegedly insulted and degraded by a parent member of the Laval Senior Academy (LSA) governing board, about 40 teachers quietly gathered in the school library in anticipation of the board’s regular monthly meeting. The alleged altercation, which turned into a war of words, according to the teacher, occurred in the staff parking lot prior to the governing board’s September meeting.

Waiting with others for the March 26^th meeting to start, Laurier Board commissioner James Di Sano was asked by TLN if he was aware of the reason for the unusually large crowd in attendance. “I have no idea,” he answered. 

As everyone waited for the meeting to begin, tensions rose. By 7 pm, four parent representatives were no-shows. At 7:15 pm governing board chairperson Douglas Howarth dismissed the meeting, simply noting – “no quorum.”

As the gathering began to disperse, TLN asked Mr. Howarth if he was advised beforehand that the parents would be absent. “Not all of them,” he answered. LSA Principal Nathalie Rollin, added that there was a last minute call. “I guess they all have the flu,” she stated.

TLN spoke with several teachers in attendance, on condition of anonymity. TLN was told that the teachers had prepared a letter to be read into the record. Addressed to the Governing Board, the letter contained specific requests. The letter will be presented at the April 29 meeting.

Before the meeting was to begin, two teachers requested that TLN refrain from publishing pictures of them in any forthcoming reports. Although no explicit reason was given for the request, it appears to stem from a fear of reprisals from the employer, the Laurier School Board. TLN has also learned from several sources that the LSA principal made a plea for teachers to stay away from the meeting.

Another source, who also asked for anonymity, told TLN “It’s in everyone’s best interest to develop and foster positive and professional working conditions with all governing board  members. This begins with effective communication, which seems to be lacking on the Laval Senior Academy Governing Board.

Next day, on March 27^th, following the regular monthly meeting of the Laurier School Board, TLN asked Chairperson Paolo Galati if he was aware of what was happening at the Laval Senior Academy Governing Board. “I’m not aware, but I will definitely look into it,” he assured. “I was in the building for another event that evening, but it wasn’t brought to my attention. I should have dropped in,” he added. Asked his opinion on the prospect of having to deal with governing boards who would eventually become the ‘bosses’, according to the government’s intention to abolish schoolboards, Mr. Galati expressed concern and recommended that TLN transmit its view of the situation to Christopher Skeete, the Québec cabinet minister responsible for services to Anglophones. TLN informed Mr. Galati that the tramsmission of these concerns is the purview of the schoolboard, not the press.