Laval’s mayor, MNAs and MPs deposit wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers
Members of the Canadian Forces, including soldiers from the Royal 22nd Regiment’s Fourth Bataillon, as well as Air, Sea and Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Legion members, joined dignitaries and citizens paying their respects on Nov. 9 at a Remembrance Day commemoration at the newly-located Laval War Cenotaph.
Monument relocated
In a change from tradition this year, the Cenotaph was relocated to a place outside a City of Laval administrative building on Chomedey Blvd., from its usual spot on Souvenir Blvd. a short distance from Laval City Hall, because of excavation work taking place there in recent months.
Among the dignitaries depositing wreaths at the base of the monument were Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Angelo Iacono, as well as CAQ MNAs Céline Haytayan, Valérie Schmaltz and Christopher Skeete.
Mayor and councillor pay respects
Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer deposited a wreath on behalf of the municipality. Laval city councillor for Souvenir-Labelle Sandra El-Helou was also among the dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Laval Liberal MPs Angelo Iacono and Annie Koutrakis deposited wreaths at the base of the War Cenotaph. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, the 4th Bataillon Royal 22nd, Legion Branch 251, the Navy/Army/Aviation Cadets, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) and the Centre de services scolaire de Laval (CSDL) deposited wreaths to pay their respects to soldiers who died or were maimed while defending their country.
They fought for their country. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
WWII vets recall combat experiences at Remembrance Day ceremony
Six Canadian Forces veterans ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years were the focus of a special homage during a Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony held at the Résidence l’Oasis de Laval on November 11.
The Last Post is played at Résidence l’Oasis in Laval/Pont-Viau on Remembrance Day 2024. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Veterans Lucien Gravel, age 90, Jean-Jacques Lavergne, 99, Jean-Pierre Bureau, 70, Jean Poirier, 89, Daniel Legault, 73, and Ernest Robert, 100, all served with the Canadian Forces in a variety of capacities – including defence and combat operations during World War II.
Every year, the seniors’ retirement residence holds a Remembrance Day ceremony.
During a video presentation, several of the veterans recounted their World War II combat experiences. These included close brushes with death, but sometimes also regrets over the hardships and trauma they endured and saw inflicted on others as a result of warfare.
From the left, Canadian Forces veterans Lucien Gravel, age 90, Jean-Jacques Lavergne, 99, Jean-Pierre Bureau, 70, Jean Poirier, 89, Daniel Legault, 73, and Ernest Robert, 100, are with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251 members Chuck Washburn, Barbara Vezina and Pat Vezina during Résidence l’Oasis’s Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
City hopes to strike a proper balance between farming and urban growth
With a history closely connected to farming for hundreds of years – although urban development now takes up 70 per cent of Laval’s territory – the city is hoping to strike a reasonable balance between the two with a new agricultural zone development policy to be implemented over the next five years.
Thirty per cent of Laval’s territory remains rural and agricultural and the city says it wants to keep it that way. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Safeguarding farmlands
The new policy, known within Laval’s urban planning department as PDZA 2024-2030, was formally launched at a splashy media event held appropriately at the campus of one of Laval’s remaining agri-businesses: the Château Taillefer Lafon cidery/winery on Montée Champagne between Sainte-Dorothée and Laval-Ouest.
The plan was also tabled and approved by Laval city council three days earlier. Laval has some of the richest agricultural land in eastern Canada and it is still renowned for its market gardening.
You have only to take a Sunday afternoon drive during the summer or autumn around areas such as Laval-Ouest, the vast Saint-François district or Sainte-Dorothée to see the vegetable stalls and just how present farming still is on Laval’s territory.
Farming versus development
But over the past 60 years since the City of Laval’s creation from a patchwork of rural towns and villages, the amount of farmland used for cultivation purposes has been steadily eroded by an ongoing stream of urbanization.
Although this may be far more lucrative in the short term for landowners – who pocket lump sums from developers while often giving up their ancestral land heritage – and the city, who earn a lot more in tax revenue on properties after they are developed – for some it’s a policy that’s more short-sighted in the long run.
From time to time in Laval city council, amidst the regular complaints from home owners and businesses, representatives of the ever-diminishing number of farmers still working in Laval turn up to complain about how they feel squeezed out of the picture. Hopefully, PDZA 2024-1030 will be the answer.
Officials from the City of Laval, the provincial government and local agricultural producers gathered at the Château Taillefer Lafon in Laval-Ouest to unveil the city’s new PDZA 2024-2030 agri-zone policy. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Rejuvenating local farming
According to a summary of the new plan issued by the city, the goal is to make agriculture a sustainable (i.e. self-supporting) activity, while identifying related projects and orientations for the next five years. In all, 30 per cent of Laval’s territory (7,000 hectares) is still used for farming and the city wants to keep it that way – partly by strengthening farming’s local economic importance.
In addition to its still considerable economic impact, what remains of farming in Laval is also seen as a fundamental part of the overall strategy for providing food security in the greater Montreal region.
The city notes that in spite of agriculture’s diminished importance in Laval’s development scheme, there are still 119 farms left operating, which employ 1,500 people. More significantly, farming in Laval is worth $92 million in revenue annually.
‘An essential element,’ Boyer says
Another apparent aim of the new policy, according to a statement issued by Mayor Stéphane Boyer, is to bring agricultural lands which have been inactive for years or even decades back into cultivation so they can serve a sustainably useful purpose.
“Agriculture is an essential element in the identity of Laval, and PDZA 2024-2030 will be putting flesh on this vision,” Mayor Boyer said in the statement.
Key elements of PDZA 2024-2030 include:
Improved access to farmland through the consolidation and recultivation of agricultural fields in order the expand the amount of available farming space in Laval.
Encouraging local agriculture and agrotourism, by promoting local production and consumption of farm products along with the economic development of local agricultural enterprises.
Development of diversified and innovative agricultural businesses, including those that produce using sheltered and enclosed cultivation methods, which (according to the city) is a sector in full expansion and in which Laval is a leader on a national scale.
According to Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, “agriculture is an essential element in the identity of Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A suburban dilemma
Among suburban Canadian municipalities, the City of Laval is by no means unique in having had to develop a policy to strike a balance between its earlier rural roots and rapidly accelerated urban growth, while existing on the fringe of a major metropolis.
In Ontario, the City of Mississauga, which was once a relatively small and largely rural suburb of Toronto, grew exponentially since the late 1960s from 107,000 to more than 720,000 inhabitants now.
Like their counterparts in Laval (pop. 443,000 and growing), officials with the City of Mississauga decided to implement an Urban Agricultural Strategy to increase access to healthy food, diversify food sources and build community relationships.
City of Mississauga’s plan
The strategy includes actions such as:
Encouraging urban agriculture
Removing barriers to urban agriculture
Enabling urban agriculture
As well, the Regional Municipality of Peel (which includes Mississauga) decided to implement policies that support agriculture, including:
She will represent the caucus at public consultations and events
Since the beginning of this month, the Coalition Avenir Québec’s four-member Laval-area caucus has had a new president: Laval-des-Rapides MNA Céline Haytayan.
Laval-des-Rapides CAQ MNA Céline Haytayan.
Haytayan takes over a role most recently filled by Vimont CAQ MNA Valérie Schmaltz.
Will help support Skeete
Traditionally, members of the Quebec National Assembly from Laval form a caucus, based on their party allegiance, to better coordinate local efforts.
The CAQ currently holds four of Laval’s six National Assembly seats (Sainte-Rose, Fabre, Vimont and Laval-des-Rapides), while the Liberals (who used to dominate the region) have two (Chomedey and Mille-Îles).
According to a statement issued by Mathieu Machabée, a political attaché at Haytayan’s constituency office, Haytayan’s role will include providing strong support to Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete, who is delegated Minister for the Economy and minister responsible for the Laval region in the Legault cabinet, as well as to regional attaché Dominique Talbot.
‘To answer the needs’
“It’s noteworthy that madam Haytayan will be called upon to represent the caucus during consultations and public events,” said the statement.
“As she is up to date on numerous dossiers since her election in October 2022, the new president is anxious to deal along with her colleagues on regional priorities, while coordinating governmental actions with one goal in mind: to answer the needs of the citizens of Laval.”
Skeete said, “The nomination of madam Céline Haytayan as president of the caucus of MNAs from Laval is excellent news for our region. Her leadership and her devotion towards all men and women in Laval will be major assets to ensure efficient representation of local issues.
A large and dynamic region
“I am greatly pleased to be working with her in order to continue to answer to the needs of our citizens, while pushing forward regional projects,” he added.
“I am very taken up with the idea of presiding the caucus of CAQ MNAs from Laval,” Haytayan responded. “We represent a large and dynamic region where there are many projects, lots of talent and expertise.
“I have agreed with my energetic colleagues to revalidate our priorities while encouraging even more exchanges with local decision-makers from all domains in order to continue to improve the lives of everyone in Laval,” said Haytayan.
‘The goal is to reduce the risks for our citizens,’ says Mayor Stéphane Boyer
In tabling their latest triennial investment plan (PTI) for the years 2025-2027, officials with the City of Laval emphasized that they remain aware of the impact of climate change, while saying they plan to vigilantly make sure that taxpayer’ money is spent in a targeted and appropriate fashion.
$1.72 billion PTI budget
According to a summary of the PTI issued by the city late last week, Laval will spend $1.72 billion on capital works investment projects over the next three years, with $100 million set aside for projects to deal specifically with flood water management issues.
“We are presenting a plan that is responsible, to better be able to face the future,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer, alluding to the major floods that assailed Laval earlier this year.
“We lived it: the climate disruptions have a real cost for our citizens, but also for the municipal administration. It is for that reason that we are substantially accelerating our investments in prevention and resilience from floods, with an envelope of an additional $100 million.
Current and future needs
“Even if it is impossible to protect ourselves from all the consequences from natural catastrophes, the goal is to accelerate the works allowing for the reduction of risks linked to overflowing sewers and floods. This follows an increase in investments in the repair and maintenance of our infrastructures since 2021. The goal is to reduce the risks for our citizens.”
He said the City of Laval’s PTI 2025-2027 investment budget was planned following a rigorous analysis of current as well as future needs, along with a vision of future development that was “realistic and lucid,” Boyer added.
The mayor said that the city’s plan is to pursue major projects now underway, without taking on any new ones, “to allow us to allot a growing amount of our investments to the maintenance of our streets and our water management networks.”
Some of the measures
Among the Boyer administration’s targeted plans for better water management and flood control:
Fast-tracking sewer and waterworks rehabilitation, while prioritizing more vulnerable sectors of the city;
Adding more power generators to pumping stations;
Construction of more flood-control dikes
Construction of more retention basins, drainage ponds, “sponge” streets, and rain drainage gardens;
Reduction of the impact of floods on riversides, by stabilizing 9 km along the edge of the Rivière des Mille-Îles;
Other PTI projects
The overall three-year PTI budget will be spent in segments of $594 million in 2025, $611 million in 2026 and $510 in 2027. Apart from water management and flood protection, the budget will also be spent on the following:
$85.9 million for reconstruction of streets and sidewalks;
$54.5 million for the purchase of lands;
$50.5 million for maintenance of parks and public spaces;
$38.1 to support and improve sustainable modes of transportation.
The Council of Commissioners ready to meet the new challenges. (Photo Martin Alarie)
“Today, we stand on the brink of change. Recent events have cast a shadow over our board, challenging our values. But make no mistake—our resolve has never been stronger. This moment calls for courage, accountability, equity, and a renewed commitment to our mission.”
With these words, former commissioner James Di Sano launched Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board on paths of renewal, resurgence, reform and change in his new role of Board Chairman, elected November 3, 2024 and sworn into office this past week as family, friends, and the 12-member Council of Commissioners looked on approvingly.
Russell Copeman, SWLSB Director-General, officiated for Chairman Di Sano and the 12 commissioners, seven of whom were acclaimed, two elected, and three designated as parent-representatives. He congratulated the Council, acknowledging the importance of its work towards moving forward to new chapters of school-board-governance.
In his address to Council, to on-line observers, and audience present, Di Sano underscored a need for action and transformation, in view of concerns emerging from recent controversial incidents revolving around the outgoing administration, pledging to confront the challenges head-on.
Listening, learning, leading
“We will not shy away from issues that demand attention. I am committed to leading a board that listens, learns, and leads by example. This is the dawn of a new chapter for Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, defined by integrity, resilience, equity, and deep dedication to students.”
The Board, Di Sano emphasized, is more than the sum of its challenges. In his view, it’s a community rooted in strength-and-resilience, driven by passionate educators, dedication of parents, and the promise made to each child. “This administration is here to serve with honesty, uphold democratic values, advance equity, and protect our students’ right to quality English education.”
Chairman James Di Sano sealing the deal
with Director-General Russell Copeman.
(Photo Martin Alarie)
To parents, staff, students, and supporters, he promised positive change toward a stronger future, pointing to better days are ahead. “Together, we will turn this moment into a movement for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.
“As we embark on this path, remember we do not walk alone. We are supported by a community that values education, by parents who dream of a better future for their children, by teachers dedicated to igniting young minds, and by students who look to us for guidance and inspiration. This is a new generation and a new page for much needed change. While we may not always agree on how to move forward, we must be committed to moving forward.”
Adding to his acknowledgement of what lies ahead, Di Sano spared no energy in thanking everyone for their trust. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. I’ll do my best for everyone. To my supporters, I am so very grateful. To those who challenge me, I’ll do all I can to hear their voices and address their concerns.”
Road map to change
Regarding his take on some immediate needs that must be addressed, Di Sano outlined a road map to the next three months. “In the first 100 days of service, I will study, analyze, and assess the structure that currently handcuffs the delivery of the best education possible for children whose families depend on us for good governance.
“Our school board and other English-schoolboards are top heavy in administrative numbers and cost. I will seek advice from educational experts who will contribute to new structures where human resources redundancy is abolished and responsibilities are streamlined to where they will make the delivery of education substantially more cost-effective.
“The Board will implement a Policy for Substitute Teachers possessing Bachelor’s degrees who have been providing many years of loyal, professional service to students, often under difficult circumstances. This mandatory policy for all schools, will ensure fairness and eliminate questionable practices brought to our attention by substitute teachers.”
Revealing that he’s learned of families in Laurier Board territory home-schooling their children, for many reasons – pedagogical, religious, or health challenges, Di Sano specified that he’s personally concerned about this development. “I am committed to enhancing and improving relations with these families so that we can provide quality services to home-schoolers in cooperative efforts to do what’s best for the children involved and for all stakeholders, especially taxpayers.”
Gladly accepting the mantle of leadership, Chairman Di Sano proposed an action plan of stronger learning foundations and solid frameworks that will promote educational success, self-confidence, and high-self-esteem for all students, in an environment of transparent and accountable financial practices.
Honour, humour, and humility
Former SWLSB principal Cliff Buckland told TLN that he attended the ceremony in honour of “this new generation – one which will bring important changes, new-and-better ways of doing things at the Board.” In concluding light moments, TLN tested the Chairman’s knowledge and sense of humour.
”Mr. Chairman, would you know who’s the youngest active Chairperson in Québec and Canada?” Response, “I hope I am.” Correct! “Can you tell us what size is the SWLSB territory in comparison to Canadian provinces?” Pausing with effect, he answered “I didn’t know that, thanks for telling me,” when told, it’s Prince Edward Island. Ah yes, humility and humour are fine qualities in a leader.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 32-22, published on November 20th, 2024. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
A man in his 80s died late last week after being hit head-on by a car as he was trying to cross Autoroute 13.
For reasons not understood by the Sûreté du Québec, the 82-year-old was walking along the A-13 near the 9-kilometre mark, when a car travelling south struck him.
Taken by ambulance to hospital, he was declared dead there later in the evening, according to a Sûreté du Québec spokesperson.
While drivers involved in collisions with persons frequently require treatment for shock, an ambulance wasn’t necessary for the driver in this case, according to the SQ.
Accident forensics experts were sent to the scene to try to shed light on the circumstances leading to the collision. The investigators especially want to know why the victim was walking on the A-13.
Police arrest 13-year-old for school threats
The Laval Police arrested a 13-year-old boy last week after he allegedly made threatening comments against a school.
On Oct. 21, the LPD received calls about comments that were circulating on social media about threatening remarks towards a school.
“The immediate care and mobilization between different squads allowed for a quick identification and consequently the arrest of a suspect within hours of the complaint being received,” the LPD said in a press release.
This came after a 14-year-old was arrested Oct. 17 in connection to threatening calls that led to several Laval schools going into lockdown.
Anyone who calls 9-1-1 or triggers a false police investigation is subject to criminal charges, starting at the age of 12.
Anyone with information regarding these or other similar incidents can contact the LPD at 450 662-INFO (4636) or at 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-241021-090.
Convicted armed robber on the run is known to stay in Laval
A convicted armed robber who is on the run after breaching his statutory release conditions in Ontario is known to hang around Laval and several Ontario communities.
According to a release from the Ontario Provincial Police Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement or “ROPE” Squad, Kevin Okrah, 26, is unlawfully at large.
Kevin Okrah, who is sought by police in Ontario, is said to hang out in Laval as well as in Ontario.
Okrah was in the midst of serving a nearly six-year sentence for a variety of offences when he was reported as missing.
His offences include:
Two counts of armed robbery
Aggravated assault
Committing an offence while disguised
Possession of a restricted firearm
Possession of a firearm against a court order
Two counts of failure to comply with release orders
Attempting indictable offences and
Robbery
Okrah was eventually granted statutory release, a transition process wherein a convict is released back into the community, but remains closely monitored to serve the end of their sentence.
On Oct. 28, the ROPE Squad announced Okrah was missing. He is described as a Black male, 6’ 1” in height, weighing 186 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He has been known to dwell in Laval, as well as in Ontario in the Durham Region, Orillia, Ottawa and Toronto.
Anyone with information about Okrah’s whereabouts can call the ROPE Squad at 1-866-870-7673, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or 9-1-1.
SQ and LPD warn of sextortion fraud attempts
The Sûreté du Québec is also involved in the investigation.
The Sûreté du Québec and the Laval Police Dept. are warning about a new type of e-mail fraud in which victims are threatened with being publicly exposed after alleged visits to explicit websites.
Victims receive messages containing personal information, including names, phone numbers, and addresses, along with claims that a compromising video will be shared unless payment is made.
Police say fraudsters often send along images of the victim’s home, found online or through social media.
The scammers then tell victims they will send a compromising video to their personal contacts.
The LPD say they received multiple reports of this type of fraud recently, and they are urging residents to not be taken in. Anyone with information about the scheme is urged to call the LPD’s Info Line at 450 622-INFO (4636) or 9-1-1.
Red carpet launch in Laval starred 175 students from English Montreal School Board
Since most parents and school-age children these days can easily relate to something like an annoying infestation of head lice, it was only a matter of time before someone developed the idea into a musical production, with a symphony orchestra and an enchanting chorus of children’s voices.
After eighteen months of auditions, rehearsals, recording and production, The Adventures of Eva Louse is the culmination of those efforts.
Some of the 175 EMSB students who formed the chorale for The Adventures of Eva Louse are seen here on Oct. 30 at The Palace in Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Unique musical journey
“It has been a unique educational journey, showing how literature and music can inspire and educate our children in remarkable ways,” said Dimitris Ilias, who, along with his wife, Maria Diamantis, led the project from beginning to end as artistic directors.
“Our ultimate goal is to inspire these young participants to fall in love with singing and music,” he said.
Under their guidance (their previous credits on the Chroma Musika label include The Golden Touch and Time for Flowers Time for Snow), The Adventures of Eva Louse is a labour of love, involving international orchestral recording sessions with the Sofia Session Orchestra in Bulgaria.
Red carpet treatment
“Our ultimate goal is to inspire these young participants to fall in love with singing and music,” said Dimitrris Ilias, the project’s co-artistic director. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Development of the massive, multi-level, educational and artistic project culminated in style on Oct. 30 at The Palace convention centre in Laval with a performance of highlights, as well as the official release of a children’s picture/audio book.
The evening wasn’t just a chance to see a performance – it was the culmination of a year and a half of dedication, teamwork and learning, highlighting the power of creativity in conjunction with community. The red-carpet affair was an event the young participants are sure to remember all their lives.
The Adventures of Eva the Louse follows the humorous and heartwarming journey of Eva, a tiny louse living on nine-year-old protagonist Paul’s head. When Paul’s aversion to soap and scissors reaches a crisis stage, Eva and her louse village must face reality: dreaded soap and a terrifying haircut.
A formula for success
The project, developed using a winning formula that contributed to Chroma Musika’s previous successes, brought together the talents of 175 young choristers from 13 English Montreal School Board schools, as well as the imagination of illustrator Philippe Béha, and the musical brilliance of composer Giannis Georgantelis (both of whom collaborated on the earlier projects).
The EMSB Chorale, under the direction of Pat Abbott and Marie-Eve Arsenault, made a stunning contribution in their recording of Sanctuary, the finale of Eva the Louse, which guests had the chance to enjoy during the première.
A real group effort
Helping teach the choral parts was associate music director Kerry Roebuck, who was not only the rehearsal director of a Tuesday night group at the EMSB’s Royal Vale Elementary School in Montreal, but was also the orchestra conductor at the première.
Among the dignitaries who attended the launch was Montreal city councillor for Park Extension Mary Deros (centre). (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Also providing musical direction were Veronica Graniero, a music teacher at Honoré Mercier School (she had a starring role as Paul’s mother, Mrs. Goober), as well as Maria Alongi who teaches music at Pierre de Coubertin Elementary, and Yee Kit Lo, a music teacher at Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary.
EMSB director-general Nick Katalifos, one of several dignitaries present as guests, called The Adventures of Eva the Louse “not just a musical performance; it represents a harmonious blend of our community’s values –creativity, education, and resilience.”
A shared musical vision
“I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Dimitris Ilias and Maria Diamantis, whose dedication and artistry have transformed a simple idea into this magnificent celebration,” said Katalifos. “Dimitri and Maria, we have journeyed through many musical endeavors together, and each time, I am reminded of the power of collaborative spirit and shared vision.”
The evening was marked by the dramatic arrival of the 175 young choristers, making a grand entrance while arriving in stretch limousines. They walked the red carpet alongside Philippe Béha and Giannis Georgantelis.
After the performance, the young stars signed copies of the book, again alongside the illustrator and composer, bringing the magic of Eva’s world to life.
CERB payments were ‘vote buying before the 2021 election,’ says Senator Leo Housakos
During the first of what is almost certain to become a series of electoral pitches in Laval before the next federal election, Conservative Party organizers claimed last week that the Trudeau government has been “buying votes” in recent years through an extensive program of subsidies – including Covid-era CERB payments.
Purchasing votes
“A hundred percent,” Quebec Conservative Senator Leo Housakos said while answering journalists’ questions during a Sunday-morning press conference in Laval organized by the Conservatives. He said he agreed the Trudeau government has effectively been purchasing votes.
Conservative Senator Leo Housakos (right), seen here with Toronto-area Conservative MP Anna Roberts and Laval-les-Îles Conservative candidate Konstantinos Merakos, believes the Conservatives are well-positioned to win in Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
“What’s the first thing that many corporations do when taxes go up?” Conservative MP for King-Vaughan Anna Roberts, who was also in Laval to take part, asked while making a point about subsidies provided by the government to create employment.
No revenue, no jobs, MP says
“They lower their costs,” added Roberts, who worked for more than 30 years in the banking industry before first being elected in 2021. “And where does that come from? The biggest cost of any company is HR, right? Human resources.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilièvre during a pre-election year Quebec campaign launch held in Montreal last summer. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
“If you look at a balance sheet, how can we add more employment when the revenue’s not there? We don’t have the revenue to pay for it … Would you hire more staff if the company wasn’t making money? You couldn’t.”
So, why is the Liberal government providing subsidies to hire individuals, she asked. “They’re buying votes. That’s what they’re doing,” she said, answering her own question.
‘Vote buying,’ says Housakos
When asked whether he felt the Trudeau government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – doled out by Ottawa to millions of Canadians in $2,000 per month payments during the Covid crisis – also amounted to an attempt by the government to buy votes, Housakos again said he agreed “a hundred per cent.”
“They’re going to say CERB was necessary – we went through an existential crisis – but they went overboard,” he maintained. He suggested that in the heat of the moment, the Liberal government gave every student $2,000 a month, regardless of whether they needed it or not.
“I know students in my neighborhood who were working for $1,200 a month, $1,400 a month, living at home with their parents. And all of a sudden Trudeau is sending them $2,000 cheques. So that wasn’t aid to compensate for lack of work: that was vote buying before the 2021 election.”
Konstantinos Merakos is running for the Conservatives in Laval-les-Îles in the next federal election, whose date has not yet been announced. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
‘Compensation’ over CERB
Asked how a Conservative government would have dealt with the Covid crisis, which came close to shutting the Canadian economy for more than two years, Housakos said, “When you give out CERB and aid you make sure it’s compensatory. You make sure if somebody lost a job at $1,100, then they’re getting $1,100.”
He said that around the same time as the crisis, the government also “went on a spending spree,” giving away millions to non-profit organizations “that didn’t need it.” He said hard evidence also emerged after the crisis “that we had a lot of fraud because of mismanagement during the Covid crisis. People receiving three and four payments of CERB every month. And Revenue Canada’s still having difficulty getting this money back.”
Merakos in Laval-les-Îles
Konstantinos Merakos, who is running for the Conservatives in the riding of Laval-les-Îles, said that as a constitutional lawyer and as the son of a Greek immigrant, he decided to run because he felt it was his duty “to give back to Canadian society and do my part for democracy,” while also helping enact legislation “to build homes, to stop crime, fix the budget and axe the taxes.”
Housakos, noting that Anna Roberts managed to win her riding – a former Liberal stronghold – after losing in her first attempt in 2019, maintained, “We think we can win here” with “young brilliant candidates like Konstantin Merakos that we have here carrying our torch.”
