The current issue of the Laval News, volume 33-23, published on December 3rd, 2025.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)
Laval News Volume 33-23
New members announced for City of Laval’s executive-committee
Councillors Khalil, Borne, Poirier and Novac join mayor in decision-making
Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer and the 22 newly-elected Laval city councillors held a special city council meeting on November 10 to appoint those among them who will be sitting on the executive-committee over the next four years.
Getting started
It was the city council members’ first opportunity to meet since the November 2 election and the subsequent official swearing-in ceremony.
The latter meeting, held on November 9 at Collège Letendre, officially established the new city council and authorized the council members to assume the responsibilities and obligations of their positions for the duration of their four-year term.
“I would like to congratulate all the newly elected officials for their commitment to the people of Laval and wish them a successful term,” said Mayor Boyer.
Challenges ahead, said Boyer
“Our city faces many challenges, and I am pleased to have a competent team on the executive committee to lead important projects, such as upgrading our municipal infrastructure, improving the sense of security for our residents, and continuing our work to make Laval the most efficient municipality in Quebec,” he added.
The new executive-committee, whose members met for the first time at 9 am on Wednesday November 12, is composed of Mayor Stéphane Boyer and four city councillors elected under the banner of the Mouvement lavallois.
The first regular meeting of the new city council took place on at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday November 18. It was chaired by council president Cecilia Macedo, the city councillor for the district of Marigot.
Macedo was appointed president of the new council. In that role, she will oversee and enforce rules of conduct and procedure during council meetings. Macedo also served as president during city council’s last four-year term.
A vote of confidence
“I am very happy to accept this nomination,” she said. “Thanks to everyone for showing your confidence in me. I hope the upcoming mandate will be up to the task of matching our aspirations and hopes for the city.
“No doubt there will be collaborative exchanges or exchanges of ideas that will be constructive,” Macedo added. “And so, congratulations to all of you who have been elected. I am very happy to find myself here again seated with you.”
Marc-Aurèle-Fortin councillor Louise Lortie, who leads the opposition Parti Laval in council following the election, expressed her support for Macedo, who is with the Mouvement lavallois.
“I am very happy to see you are back,” Lortie said, adding that she found Macedo even-handed in her rulings during the last term. “You will have the full cooperation of the Parti Laval.”
The members of the new executive-committee:
• Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval and chair of the executive committee;
• Ray Khalil, city councillor for Sainte-Dorothée, vice-chair of the executive committee and responsible for files related to development and land use planning;
• Christine Poirier, city councillor for Pont-Viau and responsible for files related to local services;
• Nicholas Borne, city councillor for Laval-les-Îles and responsible for files related to infrastructure;
• Flavia Alexandra Novac, city councillor for Sainte-Rose and responsible for files related to corporate partnerships and public safety.
The new city councillors:
• Cecilia Macedo, Marigot, chair of city council
• Isabelle Piché, Saint-François
• Annick Senghor, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
• Anick Brunet, Duvernay
• Christine Poirier, Pont-Viau
• Martin Fiola, Laval-des-Rapides
• Seta Topouzian, Renaud-Coursol
• Pierre Brabant, Vimont
• David De Cotis, Saint-Bruno
• Sylvain Yelle, Auteuil
• Mohamed Ba, Le Carrefour
• Sandra El-Helou, Souvenir-Labelle
• Vasilios Karidogiannis, L’Abord-à-Plouffe
• Aglaia Revelakis, Chomedey
• Aline Dib, Saint-Martin
• Ray Khalil, Sainte-Dorothée;
• Nicholas Borne, Laval-les-Îles;
• Yannick Langlois, L’Orée-des-Bois
• Louise Lortie, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin
• Carole St-Denis, Champfleury
• Flavia Alexandra Novac, Sainte-Rose
• Martin Vaillancourt, Fabreville-Sud
Dignitaries pay their respects at Laval War Cenotaph for Remembrance Day
MPs and MNA from Laval deposit wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers
Canadian Forces personnel, including soldiers from the Royal 22nd Regiment’s Fourth Bataillon, as well as Air, Sea and Army Cadets and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, joined dignitaries who paid their respects on November 9 during a Remembrance Day commemoration held at the Laval War Cenotaph on Chomedey Boulevard.
Among the dignitaries depositing wreaths at the base of the monument were Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Angelo Iacono, as well as Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.
Representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as Navy/Army/Aviation Cadets, and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB), also deposited wreaths to pay their respects to soldiers who died or were maimed while defending their country.
Remembering the fallen
“Every year, this is a time to remember,” Koutrakis said in an interview with The Laval News. “We often complain about something trivial like the weather. But I can’t help but think about all the young people who fought in the trenches for us to be free and to have the life that we have today.
“This is a day to reflect, a day to remember, but not just in words, but in actions as well,” she continued. “Veterans hold a very special place in my heart. I feel very lucky to have a legion within my riding of Vimy, and I try to assist them as much as I can.”
As a case in point, Koutrakis noted that Legion Branch 251 currently faces a challenge over a potentially costly repair on the roof of its building on Curé Labelle Blvd.
Koutrakis said one of the tasks she plans to work on in the coming months will be to help find funding streams to make sure Legion Branch 251 remains viable in the future.
Prime Minister Carney’s statement
In addition to the local observance of Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Marc Carney issued the following statement last week.
“Today, we honour the service of the brave women and men who answered the call,” he said. “Those who sacrificed years away from loved ones, those who returned from combat forever changed, those who never came home.
“In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, remembrance is also vigilance. Our sovereignty and our security – and those of our allies – are not guaranteed. The women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces protect them every day.
Our Forces always present
“They rush to communities as wildfires and floods roll in, they airlift life-saving aid across waters, they stand guard in the Arctic, and they defend NATO’s Eastern Flank,” he said. “When people see a maple leaf on a sleeve or the back of a truck – they see hope, they get help.
“Today, we pause to remember those acts of heroic service. We remember that our rights, our freedoms, our way of life were fought for and were won by Canadians who answer the call. Lest we forget.”
Legault is gambling with Quebecers’ nest egg, says Montreal Economic Institute
Using QPP funds for political purposes would override CDPQ’s neutrality, says MEI analyst
The Montreal Economic Institute is sounding the alarm over what it says is a plan by Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government to use the more than $473 billion in the QPP public pension fund to help boost the province’s economy which faces mounting global economic pressures.
“Legault’s plan for Quebec’s economy is to gamble with your pension,” said Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the conservative thinktank. “The dust on his failed electric vehicle bet has barely settled and he’s already doubling down with Quebecers’ nest egg,” he added.
CAQ means to use pension fund
The MEI was reacting to a broad new position statement (Le Pouvoir Québécois: réponse au nouveau contexte mondial) the CAQ government issued recently. In it, the government laid out a long-term economic vision for the province with a strategy that includes a role for Quebec’s public pension fund, the Caisse de dépôt et placement (CDPQ).
A section of the position document, under the heading Mobilizing public and private stakeholders, states that the government intends to mobilize Quebec’s economic actors, both public (including the CDPQ and others) as well as private (FSTQ, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, investment funds).
“In this regard, the CDPQ, whose mandate is both to generate returns for its depositors and to contribute to the economic development of Quebec, will be called upon to play a central role,” states the CAQ government.
CDPQ is apolitical, says MEI
“[CDPQ’s] commitment to increase its total assets in Quebec to $100 billion by 2026 is well on track, with a result of $93 billion in 2024,” it continues. “The CDPQ will need to continue to increase its contribution to the Quebec economy, and a new ambitious target will be set for 2030.”
However, the MEI warns that this move “could upset the balance between the fund’s different mandates,” while also noting that when the CDPQ was founded in 1965, it was given a dual mandate to prudently manage public pension and insurance funds, while contributing to Quebec’s economic development.
The MEI also points out that the Caisse was originally set up to operate independently, at arm’s length from the provincial government, managing funds in the best interests of depositors, but “not according to political priorities.”
In a foreword to the government’s policy statement, Premier François Legault writes that nationalism should not be seen as an obstacle to the economy. “On the contrary, it is a driving force; a source of inspiration,” he says.
Quebec as a ‘nation’
Although the document’s authors at the Ministry of the Executive Council talk on the one hand in hard numbers and economic facts, they also allude repeatedly and in more political terms to Quebec as a “nation,” stating in their conclusion that “like other nations, Quebec is facing challenges…” and “history shows that no nation can afford to ignore technological advances…
“Nations should not reject progress, but rather channel it by giving it an expression that aligns with their interests,” the document continues, suggesting all in all that the Legault government hopes to score extra points by including Quebec political nationalism in its campaign to reach prosperity and economic progress.
That said, Giguère maintained in the MEI’s statement that “instrumentalizing the Caisse as an economic lever for political projects would essentially override its neutrality. To make matters worse, the government wants to do so in service of an economic strategy that has failed time and time again.”
Failed CAQ investments
Although the CAQ government has handed out $25.3 billion in corporate subsidies ince 2018, the MEI notes that the government has managed to rack up some notable failures over that time, including:
· Northvolt: $270 million in losses. This company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in November 2024. It subsequently filed for bankruptcy in Sweden in March 2025 and was the largest insolvency in modern Swedish industrial history.
· Lion Electric: $143 million in losses. This company was renamed LION in the summer of 2025, following its emergence from creditor protection and bankruptcy, followed by its purchase by a group of investors.
· Taiga Motors: $20 million in losses. This Montreal-based manufacturer of electric snowmobiles and watercraft is also notable for narrowly avoiding bankruptcy more than a year ago.
Gambling pension savings
The MEI sees the CAQ government’s seemingly poor investment judgement and record of losses as sure signs it should not be risking Quebecers’ pension savings on risky projects. “It’s reckless to gamble with Quebecers’ retirement savings,” said Giguère.
Struggling small businesses out of luck in federal budget, CFIB claims
‘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.”
Reaction mostly positive to Carney Liberal government’s 2025 budget
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.”
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.”
Laval Christmas Market previews the holidays at Centre de la nature
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.
Laval News Volume 33-22
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.)
Laval’s 22 elected officials sworn in for new term
By Matthew Daldalian
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.
New national online portal launched to report cyber-fraud
By Matthew Daldalian
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.
