Sad news.
Our faithful representative for nearly 25 years, Jean-Paul Chamberland passed away on May 6, 2025 at the Cité de la Santé in Laval.
Jean-Paul was very discreet about his private life and his clients were probably unaware that he had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for several years.
His good humour and professionalism will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
George Bakoyannis
George Guzmas
Saint-Bruno district’s municipal councillor David De Cotis, member of Action Laval, along with mayoral candidate Frédéric Mayer, have acknowledged the recent announcement by the City of Laval and the Société de transport de Laval (STL) regarding the partial reinstatement of four bus lines serving certain seniors’ residences.
This decision comes nearly four months after Action Laval proposed the reinstatement of this essential service, which was unjustly withdrawn in 2024.
Mr. De Cotis, who has been vocal about the issue since August 2024, expressed his frustration: “The partial return of the service is good news, but it comes far too late. What seniors have experienced since last year is unacceptable. We must stop playing yo-yo with essential services. The improvisation of this administration has lasted long enough.”
Despite the service’s partial restoration, which affects nine residences, several establishments remain without service. The current plan offers only one round trip per week, which is insufficient to address the isolation and needs of the elderly.
“This is not a gift; it is an obligatory retreat by the mayor in the face of popular pressure. This partial return is a step forward, but it also highlights the lack of vision of the current administration. Laval deserves better than this amateurism,” stated Frédéric Mayer, mayoral candidate.
Public transit in Laval continues to face significant challenges. The current administration has struggled to prioritize effectively and be accountable for its decisions. The purchase of expensive software following service and staff reductions is highly questionable.
Coupled with the elimination of bus lines, increased registrations, and the fare hikes announced for July, Laval residents are paying more for fewer services.
The City of Laval, in collaboration with the Société de transport de Laval (STL), is excited to announce the resumption of public bus services for seniors residing in retirement homes.
Starting Monday May 12, the STL will operate four dedicated bus lines (102, 104, 106, 107) to serve nine seniors’ residences that are located more than 200 meters from a regular bus stop. This service is exclusively for residences that were previously served before June 2024.
Each of these routes will provide one round trip per week between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., continuing until the end of December 2025. A re-evaluation of the service is scheduled for mid-December to assess its impact and make any necessary adjustments.
This initiative has been made possible through funding from the City of Laval, aiming to enhance the mobility of seniors and combat social isolation, a growing concern in our communities.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer expressed his satisfaction with the return of these bus lines, emphasizing their importance for seniors in retirement homes. “In a context of limited public finances, we worked with the STL to develop a targeted solution focused on the most underserved sectors. The mobility of seniors remains a priority for Laval. This service, fully funded by the City, complements existing measures, including the free bus pass for people aged 65 and over, to promote accessible and inclusive travel,” he stated.
Jocelyne Frédéric-Gauthier, Chair of the Board of Directors of the STL, highlighted the significance of the City’s financial support. “The recommissioning of these revised lines allows the STL to fulfill its mission of providing transportation services that meet the needs of the Laval community while promoting access to public transit. Despite presenting a balanced budget for 2025, funding challenges persist in a context where the population’s travel needs are increasing,” she noted.
This renewed service underscores Laval’s commitment to supporting its senior residents and ensuring their mobility and social inclusion.
Additional Information
The following residences will benefit from the revised transportation service once a week. The routes of the bus lines concerned have been adjusted according to the new service. • Domaine des Forges 1 and 3 (Ste-Rose district) • Thérèse Casgrain Manor (Ste-Rose district) • Plateau-Ouimet Residence (Ste-Rose District) • Manoir Marc-Aurèle-Fortin (Ste-Rose district) • Vimont Residence (St-Bruno district) • Manoir du Sablon (district of Chomedey) • Manoir de La Giraudière (district of Marigot) • Manoir des Prairies (Laval-des-Rapides district) • Manoir St-Claude (district of Marigot)
Information on the new routes and timetables for the four lines dedicated to residences will be available in the coming days at stlaval.ca/ reseau/horaires-residences
For any questions related to residential service, customers can contact the STL’s Customer Contact Centre at 450-688-6520.
Former Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette was one of two people who were presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Canadian senator Claude Carignan in Saint-Eustache in April. It was in recognition of Ouellette’s many years of service in the National Assembly as well as in law enforcement.
Wide-ranging career
Ouellette served for more than 30 years as a provincial police officer and crime investigator with the Sûreté du Québec. He was the Member of the National Assembly for Chomedey from 2007 until 2022. For most of that time, he sat with the Quebec Liberals, although as an independent during his last term.
At the same time, former Canadian pro boxer Marie-Ève Dicaire, who is a two-time IBF female super-welterweight World champion, was also presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Both were cited for their “exceptional contributions to the community, to Quebec and to Canada.”
‘Humbled and honored’
“I accept this recognition with pride and humility,” Ouellette said in a message posted on his LinkedIn feed, following the ceremony which took place at Saint-Eustache city hall. “Thanks to Senator Claude Carignan, to [Saint-Eustache] mayor Pierre Charron and to Marie-Ève Dicaire, a model of perseverance,” Ouellette added.
In an interview with The Laval News, Ouellette said that receiving the medal was an emotional experience for him. “Because all my life, I always gave more than I received,” he said. “And when you receive something and you don’t know what to say, that’s what happens. For me, that was something special. I was humbled and honored to receive it.”
A prolific author
In addition to his law enforcement and legislative work, Ouellette is also the author of several books. They include ‘Mom,’ an in-depth wor of non-fiction about former Hells Angels Quebec leader Maurice ‘Mom’ Boucher.
Ouellette also wrote ‘Qu’on accuse ou qu’on s’excuse: Les dessous de mon arrestation illégale,’ a 2020 full-length examination by Ouellette, closely examining the circumstances surrounding his arrest, without being charged, by Quebec’s Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC).
Since retiring from politics, Ouellette has also worked with Quebec screenwriter Luc Dionne (who created the Quebec television series Omerta, the second most popular series in Quebec television history) as a consultant on the Dionne script for the 2024 TV series ‘L’appel.’
Contributed to TV series
According to a description of L’Appel posted by Videotron where it is available for streaming, it “tells the story behind this important piece of Québec judicial history, the prosecutors’ and investigators’ take on the case, and the steps that led to the arrest and conviction of Maurice “Mom” Boucher.”
As well, Ouellete said he is working on a second project, based partly on his experiences as a Sûreté du Québec investigator, while adding “not that I can talk about it,” although he might be able to in a few months.
Ouellette also worked as an expert consultant on Godasse: Le vrai visage d’un tueur des Hells, written by Jean-Louis Fortin and Éric Thibault and published this past February. It offers a look at hired assassin Stéphane ‘Godasse’ Gagné, whose witness testimony finally put Mom Boucher behind bars where he died of throat cancer in July 2022.
On May 8, David De Cotis, City Councillor for the Saint-Bruno district and leader on Council for Action Laval, enthusiastically participated in the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) fundraising campaign.
At the Vimont branch, he greeted customers and served their favorite sandwiches, contributing to the foundation’s mission of supporting over 26,000 Canadian families annually.
“This mission is crucial as it allows families affected by illness to stay together during their challenging times,” said Mr. De Cotis. “Having family by a child’s side during illness makes the child stronger.”
Mr. De Cotis embraced his role with dedication, joining the restaurant staff during peak hours to serve customers. “It’s wonderful to see families from my district participating in this event,” he noted. “For those who give, it’s a small gesture, but for those who benefit, it makes a significant difference.”
Committed to community involvement and charitable activities, Mr. De Cotis is always ready to lend a hand whenever possible.
Action Laval proudly announces that Mr. David De Cotis, municipal councillor for the district of Saint-Bruno and a dedicated member of their political party, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal.
This accolade, bestowed by the Government of Canada, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to Canadian society or achieved remarkable feats that enhance the nation.
The Coronation Medal acknowledges Mr. De Cotis’ outstanding commitment to his community, his leadership within the city of Laval, and his unwavering dedication to public service.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Coronation Medal from King Charles III. This recognition is a profound privilege and a significant symbol of appreciation for service during a pivotal moment in our country’s history. I accept it with heartfelt gratitude and a renewed commitment to serve with dedication and integrity. I extend my sincere thanks to Senator Leo Housakos for presenting me with the King Charles III Coronation Medal,” expressed David De Cotis.
For Action Laval, this honour underscores the dedication of its elected officials and the impact of their daily efforts. Interim leader Achille Cifelli remarked, “David De Cotis’ recognition is a source of immense pride for our entire party. It reflects not only his exemplary career but also the values of service, community engagement, and integrity that we collectively uphold.”
Action Laval reiterates its pride in having such a devoted elected official among its ranks and extends gratitude to all those who, like David De Cotis, contribute to building a city and a country that align with our aspirations.
Although he came out of the first of the Quebec Liberal Party’s recent leadership debates relatively unscathed, Pablo Rodriguez took more of a pounding during the second event – especially when fellow leadership hopeful Mario Roy decided to challenge him.
PLQ hoping for a revival
Former Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec head Charles Milliard, former Conseil du patronat du Québec head Karl Blackburn, Matane commercial lawyer Marc Bélanger and Beauce agronomist and economist Mario Roy are also running for the leadership.
The Quebec Liberals are hoping the leadership race will help revive the party, which has been languishing since the rise of Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec which bumped the PLQ aside following the province’s 2018 general election.
The candidates all seemed to agree that the CAQ’s time is up, while saying they would reclaim the PLQ’s status as the party most supportive of economic issues. The PLQ membership will finalize their choice of a new leader on June 14. The next provincial election is set for October 2026.
Rodriguez as frontrunner
As a former senior Liberal minister in the Trudeau cabinet – and with 16 years total experience in several federal Liberal governments – Rodriguez has emerged as one of the likeliest candidates to snag the PLQ’s leadership.
In the days leading up to the French and English-language debates held respectively in Laval and on Montreal’s West Island, it was revealed that Rodriguez had managed to beat out everyone else in campaign fundraising.
As well, it came out within a short time after the second debate that two more Liberal MNAs – Marwah Rizqy (Saint-Laurent) and Greg Kelley (Jacques-Cartier) – had decided to throw their backing behind Rodriguez, raising his support within the party’s 19-member caucus to 10.
While Rodriguez leaned heavily on his experience as a federal minister, saying he knows how to deliver, his rivals sometimes pointed to his close relationship with Justin Trudeau as a liability.
Although several Quebec governments have remained staunchly opposed to pipeline development, largely for environmental reasons, during the first debate Rodriguez was among the candidates who said they were open to fossil-fuel projects here as a means to boost Canada’s energy independence, while overcoming tariffs imposed by U.S. president Donald Trump.
Carbon pricing issue
Mario Roy, said he would end Quebec’s cap-and-trade program, which he said is making local businesses uncompetitive. Quebec’s carbon pricing scheme has been under scrutiny since Prime Minister Mark Carney abandoned the federal carbon tax in April.
Asked what a PLQ government might do differently if elected next year, Rodriguez said they wouldn’t engage in cheque-writing politics, an allusion to the Legault government’s practice of mailing out cash payments to Quebecers on a number of occasions.
“Another thing we wouldn’t do is to give money out to the Los Angeles Kings,” he added, referring to the CAQ government’s $7 million payment to the NHL team last year for exhibition matches in Quebec City.
Rodriguez comes under attack
Blackburn, who as head of the Conseil du patronat was highly critical of the CAQ government’s immigration quotas, said a Liberal government under his stewardship would do everything possible to maximize employer access to a qualified workforce.
While the overall tone of the first debate was collegial and tended to see the candidates agreeing with each other more than disagreeing, the second debate saw Mario Roy, the youngest of the contenders at age 31, making especially open thrusts at Rodriguez.
He suggested the former federal Heritage Minister had fundamentally abandoned Quebec’s English-speaking universities when the CAQ government passed legislation to force them to increase tuition fees charged to foreign students.
Ex-minister defends himself
“You did nothing at all,” Roy maintained. “You closed your eyes on the problem. The institutions were destroyed right and left, and the federal government looked at it and did nothing. So, when you come here and say, ‘We will change what is going on,’ why didn’t you do it before coming here?”
Rodriguez denied he did nothing, saying that “from day one when the CAQ did this, I came out publicly. I was a minister in the federal cabinet. I came out and I said very strongly: this is bad Mr. Legault, this is a bad idea because you’re closing windows and doors to the world. Those are my direct quotes. Go back and read the papers. That’s exactly what I said.”
The City of Laval has unveiled its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, showcasing an operating surplus of $7.2 million, which represents less than 0.61% of its revenue budget. This achievement comes despite increased municipal responsibilities and reduced government transfers.
“In a context where expectations are growing faster than resources, Laval is showing that it is possible to remain financially solid while continuing to invest for the common good. This report reflects our desire to act with lucidity, to plan rigorously and to always ensure that every Laval resident sees the concrete benefits of our choices,” stated Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval.
Yannick Langlois, municipal councillor for L’Orée-des-Bois and responsible for public finances, added, “The investments made in 2024 reflect a clear commitment: to maintain what we have while planning for the future. By devoting 62% of our $355 million investment to maintaining our assets, we are choosing sustainability, efficiency, and respect for public funds. These decisions are part of a long-term vision: to preserve our infrastructure, improve our living environments, and build a solid future for our community.”
Results at a glance
Growth in Operating Revenues: The City generated operating revenues of $1,189.9 million, $13.9 million more than budgeted. This increase is attributed to: • $7.6 million in transfer revenues (environment, public safety, community support) • $3 million from the disposal of capital assets • $1.9 million in grants from organizations • $1.1 million in contributions from promoters
Operating Expenses: The City incurred $1,074.4 million in operating expenses, which is $63.3 million more than budgeted. Key expenses included: • $33.7 million in compensation and payroll taxes, including the application of Bill 15 concerning municipal sector pension plans and overtime worked by City employees to support citizens affected by Storm Debby • $21.5 million in goods and services, mainly for professional fees
Major Investments in Infrastructure: Laval invested $355.1 million in the territory, with $221.5 million (62%) dedicated to asset maintenance. Funding sources included: • $221.6 million in long-term debt • $82.7 million in government transfers • $98.5 million in financial reserves and surpluses
Debt Management: Long-term debt stood at $1,053.4 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $929.3 million in 2023. The debt service-to-income ratio remained stable at 11.26%. Under the Financial Reserves Management Policy, the City allocates a significant portion of its financial surpluses to reserves to meet minimum thresholds, particularly for snow removal, chemicals, and unaffected operating surplus. Consequently, 50% of the $1.6 million surplus, or $0.8 million, is allocated to the financial reserve for the cash payment of capital assets.
Major infrastructure investments
Capital expenditures totaling $355.1 million in 2024 enabled the completion of numerous significant projects for Laval residents. The three-year capital expenditure program (PTI) reached 69% progress for the year. Notable investments included: • $54.4 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of sewer and water mains • $28.4 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roadways and structures (bridges, viaducts, culverts) • $19.1 million for the Aquatic Complex • $13.7 million for the development and maintenance of parks and public spaces • $12.3 million for cultural infrastructure in the downtown core (central library and professional artistic creation centre)
Credibility confirmed by auditors The financial report was jointly audited by the Auditor General and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. Additionally, S&P Global Ratings renewed Laval’s AA+ credit rating with a stable outlook for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the strength of the city’s financial governance.
The Bibliovente, the annual sale organized by the Laval Libraries, is set to return from May 23 to 25 at the Enclav in Place Bell. This year, over 50,000 second-hand documents in both French and English will be available at affordable prices.
The selection includes novels, documentaries, comic books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and video games, catering to all tastes and ages. The proceeds from the sale will be used to enhance the services provided by the libraries in the region.
For the second consecutive year, this cultural event will be held at the Enclav of Place Bell, a landmark location that is easily accessible by public transit. Additionally, the indoor parking lot at Place Bell will be available free of charge to motorists attending the event. However, attendees should anticipate a large turnout.
“The Bibliovente is a must-see event in Laval. It makes culture accessible at low prices, while giving a second life to a multitude of interesting documents. I invite all citizens to come and make great cultural finds,” said Flavia Alexandra Novac, Sainte-Rose City Councillor and Cultural Files Officer.
Practical information
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bags or boxes to carry their purchases. Only cash and Interac payments will be accepted.
Event schedule at Place Bell
Friday, May 23: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: Books and comics: $3.50/kg Magazines: $0.10 per unit CDs: $0.50 each DVDs: $1 each Video games: $5 each
Access: By public transit: 2-minute walk from Montmorency metro station
By car: Free parking at the Place Bell community ice rinks, accessible via Boulevard de la Concorde (consider the expected high attendance)
Donations accepted starting May 10
The items available for sale at the Bibliovente come from the collections of the Laval Libraries as well as public donations.
From Saturday, May 10 to Thursday, May 22, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., donations of novels, comics, CDs, DVDs, and video games can be dropped off at the Enclav reception desk at Place Bell.
Residents arriving by car can use the drop-off area on Le Corbusier Boulevard to leave their donations inside at the designated spot.
With Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government having seemingly outlived its usefulness after two terms in office, and the Parti Québécois still far from regaining the groove that kept them in power for nearly a decade, the Quebec Liberal Party is poised for a return.
However, what could make all the difference is who the PLQ chooses for a leader in June, and how that choice is perceived by Quebecers who will be casting ballots in the October 2026 election.
There was a time only a few years back when the party that François Legault assembled from scratch more than 13 years ago was seriously considered an existential threat to the Quebec Liberals.
The CAQ had managed to differentiate itself from the Parti Québécois by seemingly putting aside sovereigntist nationalism, while posing as the party that had all the answers to the province’s economic problems, because it was led by a man with an established record of success as the co-founder of Air Transat.
It might be recalled that prior to launching the CAQ, Legault – truly in keeping with his vocation as a corporate maven – conducted extensive market research and focus groups all over Quebec (including some stops in Laval).
It was only then that he decided there was sufficient grassroots support to create a political party, which would be largely built around himself.
It should therefore come as no surprise that as the nearly 68-year-old Premier mulls whether or not to tempt fate by rolling the dice once more to run in next year’s election, the truth is that the CAQ government ran out of energy and started falling apart almost as soon as they won their second term.
As the PQ continues to obsess over language, culture and sovereignty, the CAQ’s failure offers the Quebec Liberals everything they need to regain their mantle as the pragmatic centrists with Quebec’s economic well-being largely at heart.
Gone now are the demoralized days, concurrent with the CAQ’s rise, when the most the PLQ could offer in terms of direction was the short-lived leadership of Dominique Anglade. Five candidates are now vying for the position, although, if anything, it should be noted that none of them is a woman (which is perhaps a shortcoming that may eventually have to be addressed.)
While the CAQ’s economic policies have failed to generate results (the government’s disastrous Northvolt investment being perhaps the most blatant example), it was populist politics mostly that carried and kept the CAQ in power since 2018. And that is also the challenge the Quebec Liberals now face.
It’s well-known that the CAQ’s base of power is in electoral ridings located in Quebec’s rural regions. That is arguably where the PLQ will need to concentrate its efforts.
The Quebec Liberals’ success in the 2026 election may depend more than they now realize on whether next month they choose a leader with a strong grassroots appeal to voters in the regions, rather than one who is more urbane.
During the PLQ’s ongoing leadership debates, former federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez has emerged as the candidate targeted the most often with criticism.
But it’s also worth noting that most of the criticism came from Mario Roy, a native of the province’s isolated but very independent Beauce region, who demonstrated his willingness to challenge the status quo by speaking out while his colleagues were mostly collegial and silent.
It is perhaps that kind of spirit that the Quebec Liberals should be taking more seriously as they contemplate who to choose as their next leader, as well as the strategy they will employ next year as they campaign for the support of voters all over Quebec.
The Quebec Liberal Party will need a leader who possesses a common touch and embodies populist strength, but also one with a thorough and fact-based knowledge of economics to face the challenges which almost certainly lie squarely ahead.
