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LPD seeks help ID’ing sex assault on minors suspect

Martin C. Barry
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LPD seeks help ID’ing sex assault on minors suspect

The Laval Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect recently arrested for alleged sexual assaults committed against minors.

According to the LPD, Steve Haddad, age 35, was taken into custody to be processed following allegations of sex crimes committed over the past year.

The charges include child luring, sexual contact, incitement to sexual contact and sexual assault. The LPD believe there may be additional victims.

According to a statement issued last week by the LPD, Haddad, who was arraigned at the Laval Palais de Justice, made initial contact with adolescents through social media.

After gaining their trust, he allegedly would ask them to send him cell phone photos of themselves in sexual poses. The victims were in various regions of Quebec.

Anyone who believes they may have been one of the victims is being by the LPD to call the police Info-Line at 450 662-INFO (4636), or 9-1-1. The file number is LVL 240903-049.

Two Laval business owners convicted of tax evasion

Two business owners from Laval were recently sentenced to pay more than a half-million dollars in fines after being found guilty of evading payment of taxes owed to Revenu Québec, the province’s tax collection agency.

Fadi Khoury and Maria Poroshina were found liable for more than $500,641 in unpaid tax, with Khoury receiving an additional 12-month prison sentence.

Both ran an employment agency for factory workers. Each will have to pay more than $250,000.

The court found that Poroshina was acting as a front for Khoury who ran a business under a numbered company name.

She acknowledged having taken steps to avoid paying federal and provincial sales tax on products and services, while he admitted filing tax forms containing false or misleading information with federal and provincial tax authorities.

Hellenics pay their respects to Greek-Canadian veterans at National Field of Honour

Martin C. Barry
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Hellenics pay their respects to Greek-Canadian veterans at National Field of Honour

More than 40 Canadian Forces heroes honoured during traditional ‘Trisagion’ ceremony

A dozen or so families from the Montreal Hellenic community paid homage on Saturday Dec. 7 to more than 40 Greek-Canadian veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces whose remains lay buried at the National Field of Honour on Montreal’s West Island.

From the left (foreground), Edouard Pahud, executive-director of The Last Post Fund, Lac-Saint-Louis Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, are seen here with members of the Royal Canadian Legion and students from Socrates-Demosthenes School as commemorative candles are deposited on the grave of a Greek-Canadian veteran during the Trisagion service at the National Field of Honour on Montreal’s West Island on December 7. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Hosted by Lac-Saint-Louis Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia and Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, the traditional Greek Orthodox “Trisagion” service honored the memory of 44 Greek-Canadian heroes.

First time, but not the last

Although it was the first time a ceremony was held for Greek-Canadian veterans of Canada’s military at the National Field of Honour, the organizers have pledged to turn it into an annual event.

“Before today, we’ve never done a ceremony to recognize Greek veterans buried here,” Koutrakis said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia.

“And being of the Greek community, I thought what a wonderful way to pay our respects and let people know that there are 44 Greek veterans and family members buried here,” she added.

“I know that the families we reached out to are thrilled to be here,” said Koutrakis, noting that students from the Socrates-Demosthenes School were among those who turned up to pay their respects.

Upkeeping the cemetery

Koutrakis and Scarpaleggia have been working closely with The Last Post Fund. a non-profit dedicated to ensuring no veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial. It was while focusing on this task that the two MPs became aware of the Greek-Canadian veterans buried at the Field of Honour.

Organizers have pledged to turn the ceremony into an annual event

They want to help smooth the way for the federal government to take on more of the Last Post foundation’s responsibilities for upkeeping the military cemetery in Pointe Claire.

The National Field of Honour isn’t owned by the federal government, even though it is the largest military cemetery in Canada and the remains of thousands of Canadian war veterans are buried there.

Canada’s largest vets’ cemetery

Since 1930, the Last Post Fund has been the exclusive operator of the National Field of Honour, although the federal government provides subsidies.

The Last Post Fund’s primary mandate is to deliver Veterans Affairs Canada’s Funeral and Burial Program which provides funeral, burial and grave marking benefits for eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans.

The Last Post Fund is supported financially by Veterans Affairs Canada and by private donations. The LPF’s Unmarked Grave Program provides military markers for unmarked Veterans’ graves.

Members of the Koutsimanis family were among the relatives of Greek-Canadian veterans who paid their respects on December 7 at the National Field of Honour on Montreal’s West Island. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Saint Teresa of Calcutta honoured and remembered in Laval

Renata Isopo
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Saint Teresa of Calcutta honoured and remembered in Laval

School Chaplain Father Alan Cox also recognized for community service

“It’s all about having great appreciation for her values of welfare and respect for all people regardless of religion and race,” former Laval Catholic High School student Louis Burri said of the recent unveiling of an interactive exhibit of Saint Teresa of Calcutta at Laval Junior Academy.

“Mainly, I also learned a lot about Father Cox’s journey enlightening and inspiring journey. I never knew that back in-the-day at school,” Louis added at the end of the ceremony commemorating the historical visit of Mother Teresa to Sacred Heart Middle School and Laval Catholic High School 35 years ago.

In memory of the visit of the future Saint who met with children and staff at the two schools on the invitation of Chaplain Father Alan Cox, Laval Junior Academy (LJA) recently unveiled an interactive exhibit celebrating and commemorating Mother Teresa’s stopover on the morning of September 15, 1988.

Gathered in honour of Mother Teresa, left to right: John Fasciano, teacher/photographer/reporter, on day of Mother Teresa’s visit; Saverio Mirarchi, LCHS principal in 1988; LJA Vice-Principal Leslie Aggrey-Finn (representing Principal Eric Ruggi; Pietro Silvaggio, Interactive-Exhibit-Coordinator; Barbara Barrasso, SWLSB Alternate-Vice-Chairperson; Thomas Mulcair; LJA Vice-Principal Gloria Cuccarolo; SWLSB Chairperson James Di Sano; LJA Assistant-Administrator Vince Silvaggio. (Photo courtesy of Sonia Mirarchi)

Sanctity, sacrifice, presence

LJA, presently administered by principal Eric Ruggi, under Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, is the fifth institution to grace the hallowed premises at 2323 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., following in the footsteps of Laval Catholic High School, Sacred Heart Middle School, Laurier Senior High School and the aptly-named Mother Teresa Junior High School.

The building, at 2323 Daniel-Johnson Blvd., was forever marked by the walk-about in its halls by the diminutive but powerful nun from Calcutta who left no one untouched by her sanctity, sacrifice, and presence not only to people in Laval but in all of humanity before her passing in 1997.

Those who knew of her said that she exemplifies the virtues needed for peace, for leaving no one behind, and for lifting the poor out of poverty. Father Alan Cox, who along with some grateful others was privileged to come face-to-face and heart-to-heart with her in Laval in 1988 exemplified the same characteristics in and out of Laval Catholic High School.

Following Mother Teresa’s visit, the dynamic priest who brought many hundreds of Laval students and families on spiritual retreats all over the world in 35 years of service to the community, helped pave the way for her eventual sanctification. For many years after her passing in 1997 Father Alan constantly lifted hearts to the understanding of the Calcutta nun’s 20th Century daily mission of being the human face of human hope.

War zones, natural disasters, famine, death, danger – nowhere is beyond the reach of her Missionaries of Charity. Not only a saint, she’s also an integral and permanent part of history. For Laval, thanks mostly to Father Alan Cox, Mother Teresa’s humble presence represents a historical moment for the schools inherited by SWLSB.

Linking of generations

Many former students present at the unveiling shared pride in their connection to Mother Teresa through LCHS; being invited in honoring her and Father Cox was an emotionally-charged moment. The guests included several generations of community members, some dating back to the opening of Laval Catholic High in 1969.

Notable for their presence were former NDP Leader and Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Thomas Mulcair, a graduate of Laval Catholic High School, Class of 1971, and newlyelected SWLSB Chairperson James Di Sano, graduate of Laurier Senior High School, Class of 2014. These two current prominent community members represented the bridging of generations that sat at desks in schools of 2323 Daniel/Johnson Blvd.

Former principal Saverio Mirarchi, who hosted Mother Teresa in 1988, addressed the gathering in an instructive, edifying, factual and interpretive presentation of the ‘time-line-and-chronology’ of her memorable visit to Sacred Heart Middle School and Laval Catholic High School.

Thomas Mulcair praised the interactive exhibits effusively, especially in publicly acknowledging the presence of newlyelected Laurier Board Chairperson James Di Sano and alternate Vice-Chairperson Barbara Barrasso, emphasizing that their participation was reflective of their support for local public education in particular and English public education in general.

James Di Sano openly commended the merits of these kinds of special historical projects, expressing confidence that more schools of the Board would produce them, with encouragement and support of the Council of Commissioners.

Eavesdropping throughout the afternoon, it was revealing and emotional to witness the sharing of special moments among those who were with Mother Teresa September 15, 1988. Those who were not there on that memorable day, came Dec. 1, 2024, to share in the story of the Saint’s morning at the schools, and in the part played by Father Alan Cox in both the visit and of his time as a priest before, during, and after coming to serve as Chaplain of Sacred Heart Middle School and Laval Catholic High School.

Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal by Chomedey MNA

Martin C. Barry
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Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal by Chomedey MNA
Joanne Tsoublekas, left, with Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.

Joanna Tsoublekas ‘is an example to follow,’ says Sona Lakhoyan Olivier

Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier paid tribute recently to Joanna Tsoublekas, founder of the Filia Seniors’ Association, for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the elderly.

During the celebration of the association’s 41st anniversary, Lakhoyan Olivier deemed it important to highlight the profound impact Tsoublekas has had on her community and beyond.

Outstanding merits

She presented Tsoublekas with a Quebec National Assembly Medal, an honorary distinction that signifies official recognition for the exceptional work done by outstanding and committed citizens.

In awarding the medal, Lakhoyan Olivier said her aim was to highlight the positive influence and lasting impact of Tsoublekas, “who, through her vision, dedication, and leadership, has made the Filia Seniors’ Association a pillar of support and solidarity for the elderly,” the MNA’s office said in a statement.

Service to community

Since its founding in February 1984, the Filia Seniors’ Association has established itself as a symbol of support and hope, helping to combat isolation and promote the independence of seniors.

From its modest beginnings in the Parc Extension neighborhood of Montreal to its current location in Chomedey, the association embodies social commitment and the desire to create an environment where seniors feel heard, supported and valued.

Through Tsoublekas’s work, and with the support of the board of directors, volunteers, and members of the Filia Seniors’ Association, a support network has developed to combat social isolation, encourage active participation, and provide assistance to seniors.

The Quebec National Assembly Medal.

High praise from MNA

“The 41st anniversary of the Filia Seniors’ Association honors its essential role in the lives of seniors,” Sona Lakhoyan Olivier said in the statement her office issued.

The medal presented “underscores the remarkable impact Mrs. Tsoublekas has had on the seniors of her community,” she continued. “The exceptional dedication of Mrs. Joanna Tsoublekas is an example to follow, illustrating the power of altruism and devotion to one’s community.”

Another safe haven in Laval for battered women and their children

Martin C. Barry
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Another safe haven in Laval for battered women and their children

Canada, Quebec and FTQ create more living space with Maison Marie-Marguerite

Abused women and children from the Laval region will soon have another place to turn for help with the announcement of a more than $8 million project to transform a building in Laval into a shelter with enough living space for 20 victims of domestic violence.

The project, led by the non-profit Maison Marie-Marguerite, is being carried out in conjunction with the governments of Canada and Quebec, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the City of Laval, Groupe Desjardins and Fondation J.A. DeSève.

The project’s financing includes investments from the federal government through the third Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement ($4.3 million), from the provincial government in the form of a grant provided through the Fonds de solidarité FTQ-Québec agreement ($2 million), and from the City of Laval ($813,000), the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins ($483,000) and the Fondation J.A. DeSève ($100,000).

Elected officials from Ottawa, Quebec and City of Laval, along with representatives from Maison Marie-Marguerite, Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, Mouvement Desjardins and Fondation J.A. de Sève announced funding for the new shelter at Laval’s interim city hall. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Targeted help for needs

The project aims to serve the needs of women, with or without children, who have been the victims of various forms of violence against women (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic or economic violence) and who are experiencing multiple difficulties. In addition to being provided with a safe place to live, the women will benefit from support services related to their situation.

Persons who move into 10 of the planned units and are eligible may also benefit from the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, which would ensure that they don’t spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. This financial assistance is covered by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City of Laval (10 per cent).

Project has wide support

“There is no place for violence in Laval,” said Laval city councillor Sandra El-Helou, who is responsible for status of women issues on Laval city council. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Present for the announcement at Laval’s interim city hall were Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-des-Rapides MNA Céline Haytayan (on behalf of Quebec Minister for Housing France-Élaine Duranceau, Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle Sandra El-Helou (representing Mayor Stéphane Boyer), Isabelle Garon of Groupe Desjardins, and Marianne Duguay of Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.

Founded in 2021, Maison Marie-Marguerite is one of fewer than a dozen resources in Laval providing services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. However, it is the only resource with services specifically for women, with or without children, and whose multiple problems include substance abuse, mental health challenges and homelessness.

“There is no place for violence in Laval, and it is our duty to take care of the victims by providing them with all the support they need,” said El-Helou who is responsible for dossiers involving vulnerable persons, seniors, youth and the status of women on city council.

Hope and a safe space

“This new shelter for vulnerable women is a concrete example of our common resolve to take action for the well-being of all Laval women, regardless of their origin,” she said. “Maison Marie-Marguerite will provide women with a safe space, as well as hope and an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a caring environment.”

“Our government is extremely proud to contribute to the construction of Laval’s first shelter for women who are victims of various types of violence,” said Haytayan.

“Our government is extremely proud to contribute to the construction of Laval’s first shelter for women who are victims of various types of violence,” said Haytayan. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“Every woman in Quebec deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of their situation,” said Koutrakis. “The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the creation of 20 new shelter spaces for women fleeing violence here in Laval. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Violence against women

“Violence toward women is unfortunately constantly on the rise, and there’s a lack of affordable housing,” noted Claudianne Monette, who chairs the board of Maison Marie-Marguerite. “We are therefore proud to have the official groundbreaking for this project, which meets a real need in Laval.”

“After several years of hard work in Laval, we are now very pleased to have reached this milestone, which is the beginning of work on Maison Marie-Marguerite,” said Lise Beaudoin, executive-director of Maison Marie-Marguerite.

Two of Laval’s federal Liberals speculate on prospects for an early election

Martin C. Barry
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Two of Laval’s federal Liberals speculate on prospects for an early election

Koutrakis, El-Khoury see March budget potentially triggering a nationwide vote

Laval-area Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis (Vimy) and Fayçal El-Khoury (Laval-les-Îles) were in an upbeat mood late last week as they welcomed guests to a Christmas season gathering at El-Khoury’s riding office in Sainte-Dorothée.

While the two expressed their best wishes to constituents between nibbles of snacks and sips of liquid refreshments, they shared some of their thoughts on the events of the past year with The Laval News, as well as some of the political developments likely to materialize in 2025.

El-Khoury said in an interview that he is anticipating the possibility of a federal election being called shortly after the next budget is tabled next March.

Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-les-Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury and former Liberal MP and federal cabinet minister Eleni Bakopanos are seen with some of the guests at pre-Christmas gathering held at the Laval-les-Îles riding office last weekend. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Election predictions

El-Khoury is anticipating the possibility of a federal election being called shortly after the next budget in March, failing which the Liberals would continue to govern until October. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“If not, it’s going to go until October,” he added, noting that the Liberal government has a mandate to govern up to the latter date.

Although critics of the Liberal government have raised red flags over the record amount of debt the Liberals have accumulated in the nearly 10 years since Justin Trudeau first became Prime Minister, El-Khoury noted that programs launched by the government – including pharmacare, dental care and access to low-cost child daycare services – were opposed by Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilièvre.

“Every single thing we do good for Canadians, Pierre Polièvre voted against,” said El-Khoury.

Doubts about Poilièvre

And while acknowledging that he’s become aware while speaking with constituents that they’re unhappy with the current Liberal leadership and style of government, he said many also expressed a dislike for Poilièvre, saying they would not vote for him.

El-Khoury didn’t rule out the possibility that a re-elected Liberal government could choose to institute austerity measures to deal with budget deficits. “I am not against the idea of cuts, but you have to cut in a logical way,” he said, noting that Poilièvre would likely make far more radical changes.

Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Koutrakis said she didn’t expect an election to be called before the next budget in the spring, while qualifying what could happen after that. “Should the budget not pass, then obviously we would go into an earlier election,” she said.

Koutrakis says Liberals can win

Beyond that, Koutrakis said she feels confident the Liberals ultimately will prevail whenever Canadians go to the polls.

“Personally, I think we’re going to win the next election,” she said, suggesting the Conservatives are overconfident. “If I was Mr. Poilièvre and his colleagues, I would not count my chicks before they hatch,” she added.

She defended the Liberal government and the Prime Minister, despite both being up against the ropes. “There’s a silent majority out there that almost feels intimidated a little bit or bullied, who are not coming out and saying they still have faith in the Prime Minister and the Liberal government,” she said.

Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis and Laval-les-Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury shared some of their thoughts on coming political developments with The Laval News. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Dismisses spillover from U.S.

Koutrakis said she doubted the type of government recently elected in the U.S. – heavy on rhetoric, platitudes and slogans – could also come to power in Canada. “Canadians are not Americans,” she said.

While noting that the number of women actively involved in politics has diminished as the political climate has grown more intense and uglier, Koutrakis said that she and employees at her riding office had to deal with threats posted on social media.

She said it reached a climax in the summer of 2022 when her team was contacted by government security officials who advised them not to attend Hellenic summer festival events in Montreal’s Parc Extension district unless accompanied by police protection.

Laval’s new Aquatics Complex officially opens in city centre

Martin C. Barry
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Laval’s new Aquatics Complex officially opens in city centre

$125 million watersports facility welcomes first swimmers on December 21

Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer was among the very first people to take a high-dive into the waters of the Olympic-size pool at the city’s new Aquatics Complex last Saturday afternoon.

From the left, Eau Laval director Olivier Bertrand, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Mayor Stéphane Boyer, Vimont CAQ MNA Valérie Schmaltz, and City of Laval director-general Benoit Collette preside at the cutting of the opening ribbon for the new Aquatics Complex on Saturday December 14. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Although it was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting by dignitaries, residents will have to wait until December 21 when the pool and other facilities become fully accessible to the general public.

The opening of the modernistic building on Terry Fox Ave. next to the Cosmodôme brings to a close a chapter in the development of the City of Laval’s sports and recreation facilities dating back to the time when Gilles Vaillancourt was still mayor.

Demers got it started

According to Laval News files, the controversial former mayor, who resigned from office in November 2012, was setting the wheels in motion for the construction of Place Bell, but even then was beginning to hint that the city’s next big project would be a comprehensive aquatics complex.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer performed the backstroke after being one of the first three users to dive into the pool at Laval’s new Aquatics Centre. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

While a new administration under newly-elected mayor Marc Demers decided to proceed with the Aquatics Complex, the going was slow and an initial completion date in 2020 was not respected, while the estimated $61.1 million cost grew to $125 million in 2024 dollars.

Missed the Jeux du Québec

Controversially, the building wasn’t ready as had been planned when the City of Laval hosted finals for the summer games for the 55th Jeux du Québec in 2022.

Among other things, delays in getting the work underway raised questions about the soundness of the building’s foundations which were exposed for a few years to the winter elements. Laval also cancelled an initial call for tenders after the lowest bids came in 46 per cent higher than the city wanted to pay.

Regardless, that was all history last Saturday when Mayor Boyer, Vimont MNA Valérie Schmaltz and Olivier Bertrand, executive-director of the non-profit Eau Laval water sports promotion group, decided they were going to be the pool complex’s first official users.

A multipurpose complex

The Aquatics Complex has been built to accommodate 875 people, though not all as pool users. In addition to the pools, which are equipped with Olympic-class diving towers and are amenable to holding world-class watersport events, the building also has facilities for recreational swimming, as well as workout rooms and multipurpose activity and meeting areas.

The project was completed with significant financial assistance from the federal and provincial governments. Ottawa contributed $10 million, while Quebec contributed an equal amount. Mouvement Desjardins contributed $500,000 from a foundation operated by the Quebec-based financial services corporation for community projects.

Adapted to many needs

“The opening of this aquatic complex is an important step for our city,” said Boyer. “Not only does this project answer to the growing needs of our community, but it also is part of our vision of an inclusive and accessible society for all. Laval deserves modern, sustainable and adapted installations. And this complex is a great example.”

“Quality sports and recreational meeting spaces are essential to building strong and healthy communities where it’s great to live,” said Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Minister Responsible for Economic Development Canada Quebec in the Trudeau cabinet.

“That is why today I am proud to celebrate the official inauguration of the new Laval Aquatic Complex,” she continued. “This modern and accessible infrastructure will encourage a healthy and active lifestyle within the community.”

A fish lady helped celebrate the opening of Laval’s new Aquatics Complex late last week. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
The opening was marred by the noisy presence outside of unionized City of Laval public works employees unhappy about the slowness of recent contract negotiations.

A world stature facility

“On behalf of the current and future members of Eau Laval, I would like to underscore my deep gratitude to the parties concerned who made the CAL possible,” said Eau Laval’s Olivier Bertrand.

“This new aquatic infrastructure of international caliber will be indispensable for supporting our mission to develop aquatic sports on Laval’s territory,” he added. “This high-level installation will allow the development of aquatic disciplines and athletes to be pursued from initiation to excellence.”

Joy to the world in search of peace and goodwill to all

Renata Isopo
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Joy to the world in search of peace and goodwill to all

It’s Christmas season. The spiritual and secular traditions are in full swing, as songs and greeting cards ring out heartwarming messages of Peace, Joy, Love, and Goodwill towards all. Sorry to say – very sad, indeed – but surely, I’m not alone thinking that these are pretty empty words this year.

What peace? What joy? Within families, one can hope. Within communities, definitely possible. But the world-at-large isn’t promoting peace and joy. The Earth’s most powerful leaders don’t seem to care for these sentiments. Meanwhile, we wallow in our version of chaos. A world-order based on cooperation, compassion, and compromise seems to be unraveling.

So, what can be done to restore credibility to messages of peace, love, joy, and goodwill-to-all? Start by nurturing ourselves? Concentrate on positives instead of despairing? Spread supportive thoughts and deeds in our community? Our world is broken – increasing numbers turn from God; suicides, immorality, depression, addiction levels rise exponentially, and attacks explode, especially the corrosive hostility towards Jesus Christ and Christmas.

Our world is shattered? Nothing new. 2700-years-ago the prophet Isaiah warned that humanity would turn this way: Going against the Word-of-God will bring darkness but inturning to God, there will be great hope and light.

Now, I wouldn’t mind if non-believers opened The New Testament to read and think about the alternatives therein, honestly evaluated them and concluded “now I have made my careful decision, based on integrity.” And then ask themselves truthfully – “Am I going against Christianity?” If this is their thinking, I would consider that a responsible decision – not a good decision but a responsible decision, with evidence weighed.

It’s a very risky business. Isaiah of the Old Testament, ignored and despised by most of his people, notched prediction-after-prediction. But I cringe at the most disappointing of all his optimistic prognostications – there will be a great peace – no more need for soldiers’ uniforms.

Where is this peace? Battles everywhere! Wars, grievances, conflict, immeasurable human-gendered death-and-destruction. Christianity has had 2000 years to produce peace, so where is it? You-and-I will only be saved from darkness, disillusion, cynicism, skepticism and pessimism by listening to THE WISE ONE.

When we listen, Jesus Christ is not silent, not dumb, not dull. Again and again, the wisdom and beauty in the replies of the Son-of-GodMade-Man, completely confounded and continues to confound His critics while thrilling those who heeded and heed His invitation to Love God and Love Others.

The identity and truth of Jesus is crucial. Somebody who gets it all has come into our world. We would be crazy to turn our backs on Him, change subject and talk about anything else. No! we need His help urgently, now. The day of coming face- to-face with our Maker will come; our only hope is arriving forgiven. It will be lunacy to arrive unforgiven and have God ask “why are you here unforgiven?” You say ‘I didn’t think it mattered’ and He says “I sent my Son so that you might face me safely.” This is very big, isn’t it? Isaiah promises: “the kingdom is going to get bigger and bigger because millions are responding every day.” We can hope.

His kingdom will be a rule-of-love; of justice-and-Godliness, things that we long and look for, underwritten by the Promises of His Word and the Reach of His Eternal Power.

Let’s ponder why do we do what we do, turning up at our family’s feast (that’s great), then leaving. It’s easier today to miss Christmas since there are other things the season comes wrapped with. What a shame! But in deep humility, we gladly wish all Laval residents the very best gifts of all. Hope, goodwill and peace.

Hope in the Christmas Promise, fulfilled over centuries even when life seemed hopeless; hope living in local homes where families accept that events in our lives do occur for the best-of-reasons.

Hope that opens doors, shares goodwill, and celebrates, regardless of circumstances. That is as true today as it was during the wretched 1840s when Charles Dickens spoke these thoughts in ‘A Christmas Carol’: ‘What place is this?’ asked Scrooge. ‘A place where miners live, who labor in the bowels of the earth,’ returned the Spirit. ‘But they know me. A light shone from the window of a hut … Passing through the wall of mud and stone, they found a cheerful company assembled round a glowing fire.’

This symbolic moment-in-fiction, frozen in Christian timelessness, captures the meaning of goodwill and God Will. We are the cheerful company, gathered around the warmth-of-glowing-fire gifted by the Christ Child to humanity for all time.

And because we can agree on hope and goodwill, let’s have peace with one another on Christmas Day 2024. It’s not the dream of universal, permanent peace, but the type that each of us helps share because it was first shared with us. The effects of the Gift-of-Peace we can actually see, provided we don’t let the wrappings get in the way. With these thoughts, on behalf of THE LAVAL NEWS, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. My desire is that by this time next year – somehow, some way – the seasonal wishes of Peace, Joy, Love, and Goodwill-to-All will not seem as hollow as they do at this moment. May our hope be restored.

Renata Isopo renata@newsfirst.ca

Action Laval concerned city will be weighed down by growing debt

Martin C. Barry
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Action Laval concerned city will be weighed down by growing debt

Two of the Action Laval city council opposition party’s members reacted negatively to the city’s latest budget, claiming it’s a tactic typical of elections years, while also maintaining the Boyer administration is leading the city into a state of indebtedness with lasting impact.

Action Laval city councillor for Val-des-Arbres Achille Cifelli, who is also the opposition party’s interim-leader (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

City councillors Achille Cifelli (Val-des-Arbres) and David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno) called the city’s budget situation “critical” and “a direct consequence of the bad choices by the mayor since the beginning of his mandate” nearly four years ago.

They also drew attention to their claim that for years Action Laval has been calling for the creation of a bi-lateral finance commission to oversee the city’s finances.

Local budget cuts

“Hiding behind this electoral budget is a worrisome situation,” said Cifelli, maintaining that the Boyer administration is responsible for increasing the city’s debt by 66 per cent for megaprojects, while now “they are cutting into local services to balance their budget.”

He claims the Boyer team will be cutting widely into services, including library branches, arenas and outdoor skating rinks, as well as STL bus service.

Action Laval says the 2025 budget is “a façade that leaves the impression that the mayor is taking care of sound financial management, although numerous costs don’t make it into this budget.” They said the city failed to say that the credit note issued by S&P Global placed Laval on a watch list.

The nearly 30 projects will help improve the STL’s performance, according to STL president David De Cotis.
Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Rating the credit rating

The opposition party said the credit rating agency didn’t take into consideration $620 million the city will need to bring its water infrastructure up to grade, nor the funding necessary to restore the lustre to aging municipal buildings, as well as numerous collective agreements with municipal employees now being negotiated.

“The mayor is announcing 42,000 new housing units, but when you look at this budget there is no expense showing for new infrastructures,” De Cotis said.

As 2025 will be an election year, Action Laval says that, once elected, it will immediately institute measures to reduce the City of Laval’s debt by cancelling projects deemed to be unnecessary to the city’s mission towards its citizens. They also say that projects paid in cash will be prioritized.

City of Laval tables a $1.23 billion operating budget for next year

Martin C. Barry
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City of Laval tables a $1.23 billion operating budget for next year

Mayor Boyer enacts a hiring freeze, but holds average tax hike to 1.9 per cent

The average household property owner in Laval will be paying 1.9 per cent more in taxes next year, which is significantly less than the 4.8 per cent hike Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s administration imposed around this time last year.

The 2025 budget includes $1.23 billion in projected expenses. Around $1.17 billion was allotted by the city last year. This year’s tax increase is less than the anticipated 2025 rate of inflation.

The city says this year’s increase is among the lowest among major cities in the province and was achieved partly by decreeing a freeze in the hiring of non-essential workers.

Economy slowed in 2024

In a summary providing context and background information for the new budget, the city notes that economic growth in Laval slowed down in 2024, although the outlook for renewed investment is positive with inflation receding and employment prospects rising.

However, the City of Laval’s economic analysts are concerned about the potential fallout resulting from the recent election in the U.S. that returned Donald Trump to power, as well as the Canadian federal election set to take place before the end of next year.

Quoting economics experts at Desjardins, the city maintains that Laval’s economy will grow by 3.5 per cent in 2025, after reaching 4.8 per cent in 2024. These levels of growth are being attributed to the fact that Laval’s population is increasing faster than had been expected, even though employment isn’t keeping up to the same pace.

Financial pressures

“Faced with the financial pressures that the people of Laval have to contend with daily, we dealt with this in a responsible and efficient manner,” Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement issued when the budget was released.

“This budgetary exercise was worked out with a specific goal in mind, which was to limit the financial impact on all Laval residents, while also making sure every dollar would be used properly,” he added.

“This was a real challenge that we are proud to have been able to meet with success. It’s also thanks to our disciplined management of finances that the city remains in an excellent financial position, as attested by the AA+ credit score accorded by Standard and Poor’s, which is the highest for a Quebec municipality.”

Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer. (Laval News file photo: Martin C. Barry)

Savings made on expenses

According to the city, an overall increase in costs for goods and services forced the administration to rationalize some expenses, resulting in $9.6 million in savings.

Savings were also achieved on employee salaries by capping the number of new hirings. The city also decided to pay $43.3 million in cash up front for some expenses to reduce the impact of interest owed on long-term debts.

The city says it obtained $13 million in additional savings through the application of innovative taxation methods. These included:

  • Increased tax rates on vacant and un-serviced lots;
  • Indexing of tariffs for the disposal of snow in the non-residential sector.

More facts on Budget 2025

$245.2 million of the budget has been allocated for public security, while $130.1 million is set aside for culture and leisure.

As well, according to the city, sums will be invested to improve administrative conditions which contributed in the past to delays in the granting of construction and renovation permits by the urban planning department. The city has also set aside $2.4 million for the startup of the new Aquatic Complex and one other major infrastructure project that opened recently.

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