BMW Laval wants to give back to the community, says sales manager Nick Loffreda
Every few years at the AS Laval soccer club, the launch of a new player jersey design helps propel the young players forward, while also adding to their pride, knowing they are participating in one of the world’s truly great sports.
Proud parents, supporters and friends of AS Laval gathered for a 5 to 7 get-together in the showroom of BMW Laval, one of the club’s lead sponsors, on April 4 for the unveiling of the latest uniforms.
AS Laval players from various age groups are seen here in their new uniforms, with BMW Laval general manager for sales Nick Loffreda in the rear at the centre. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A carefully-designed kit
The jerseys, shorts and socks, in a range of colors with a hint of silver, prominently feature a BMW Laval logo and crest at the centre of the jerseys. There’s also an AS Laval crest just below the left shoulder, as well as various sponsors’ insignias and logos elsewhere on the socks, shorts and jerseys.
It’s been around two years since AS Laval came into being, following the merger of two soccer clubs from central and eastern Laval. The new uniforms were designed by AS Laval technical staff members David Cerasuolo and Anthony Corneli. They worked with experts in sportswear design to put the uniform into production.
The new jerseys, shorts and socks, in colors ranging from green to red and white, prominently feature a BMW Laval logo. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Something exciting and new
“It’s exciting for the kids, and even the staff members, to have something new like this new uniform design,” AS Laval’s general manager Ivana Mormina said in an interview with The Laval News. She said that just designing the new kit became an exciting process that many people took part in.
“We want to see the kids dressed in nice uniforms,” says Nick Loffreda, who leads the BMW Laval sales team. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
“Our colors are black, red, white and a little bit of silver,” said Corneli, who’s been with AS Laval and its predecessor associations for the past ten years.
AS Laval, whose history dates back at least 50 years under the two previous soccer clubs, has a total current membership of around 3,000 young soccer enthusiasts in U4 to U13+, as well as a semi-pro (L1QC) division. They are mostly from Laval, but also from Montreal.
An Italian-inspired design
“We brought back red after not having red in our colors for about ten years,” he continued. “But in general, we went back to a simple kit which is very subtle and clean. It’s going to look very sharp on the field.”
According to Corneli, the latest design was inspired in part by an Italian soccer club. Having grown up loving not only the sport of soccer, but also soccer fashion, whenever a redesign of AS Laval’s kits is called for, he is one of the first people on the AS Laval staff who is consulted.
Commitment to the community
Nick Loffreda, who leads the sales team at BMW Laval, said they felt it was important to give back to the community through the dealership’s support for AS Laval.
“It’s 50 years that we’ve been established and in business in Laval,” he said, noting that the soccer club and BMW Laval have been in a mutually-rewarding partnership for several years. “We want that partnership to continue. And we want to see the kids dressed in nice uniforms at the same time.”
Laval city council adopted a new by-law at its April sitting which will hopefully improve traffic flow along streets where construction projects, maintenance, renovations or demolitions are taking place.
“With the adoption of this new by-law, our priority is to promote respectful and exemplary conduct towards everyone who uses the roads,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement.
As things now stand, according to the mayor, obstructions without permits in Laval are not only creating risks for the security of the public, but are also generating substantial costs for the city. “Better control will allow us to reduce how long disruptions on our roads are taking place,” he said.
The new by-law makes it mandatory for construction contractors to file a declaration with the city regarding how long they intend to occupy the sidewalk, bike path or street with stored construction materials and to obtain a permit.
A new schedule of permit fees comes into effect beginning on May 1. The rate charged will depend on factors such as the size of the obstruction, the amount of time it will be place and the type of street that stands to be impacted.
BIXI begins a new season in Laval
One of the sure signs of spring in Laval each year can be seen when self-serve BIXI rental bikes become available in Laval.
Last year, 295 BIXI units were deployed in various neighbourhoods of Laval and the same number is expected again this year. Two-hundred and fifteen of them will be regular pedal bikes, while 80 more will be electrically-assisted bikes available at 26 BIXI stations.
“Strengthened by its 2023 standings for active mobility, the City of Laval is increasing its offer to residents with an initiative aimed at encouraging active transit, in order to contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gases attributed to transportation,” Mayor Boyer said.
“Through concrete actions, we are reaffirming our commitment to promoting active, sustainable and environmentally-conscious mobility,” he added.
The city says that it in order to encourage active mobility among Laval residents, it will be offering 1,500 people from Laval a financial incentive ranging from $45 to $70 applicable to BIXI bike sharing services.
The offer is available to Laval residents 14 years of age and older. To qualify, applicants cannot have been subscribers to a bike sharing service since Jan. 1, 2019.
In addition to offering BIXI bike sharing, the City of Laval has been developing its network of bicycle paths. Nearly 15 kilometres of new bike paths are expected to be implemented this year. The city expects there will be 450 kilometres of bicycle paths by 2031.
City’s negotiations with blue collar workers ongoing
City of Laval officials issued a statement last week on negotiations with its unionized blue-collar workers regarding a new collective agreement.
Laval’s interim City Hall on Saint-Martin Blvd.
A summary of the situation as it stands now:
The last contract expired on December 31, 2021;
The city asked for a mediator on October 26, 2023;
A mediator was appointed on November 8, 2023;
20 mediation sessions were held on the following dates:
8, 16, 22 and 29 November 2023;
6, 18, 19, 21 and 22 December 2023;
16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 January 2024;
6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 27 February 2024.
According to the city, mediation was supposed to last no longer than 60 days, but could be repeated twice, the last session having ended this past March.
“Should we fail to agree on a new work contract, the City and the blue-collar union have chosen to pursue mediation outside the legal framework, this effort having resulted in some progress,” said the city. “At the same time, the employer now wishes to go a little faster and accelerate negotiations,”
Although the parties haven’t yet reached an agreement, “discussions during the mediation period progressed on certain articles, although there is still a lot of work to be done, notably on the monetary aspect,” added the city. As such, the city says its negotiating team is ready and available to engage in a “negotiations blitz conducive to the implementation of satisfactory solutions for both sides.”
Mayor responds to residents seeking answers on renewal project at Pie-X Park
Mayor Stéphane Boyer opened the monthly city council meeting on April 9 with a reminder to all that the April is Autism Awareness Month.
He said the City of Laval has gone to great lengths over the years to improve the lives of individuals and families who are impacted by autism spectrum disorders.
“This is a cause that’s very close to my heart, having worked with young people with autism for several years of my life,” he said.
The members of Laval city council held their regular monthly public meeting on April 9.
Long meeting agenda
The meeting agenda was especially long and complicated as the council was awarding a large number of service and work contracts (including road surface painting, sidewalk and street repairs) to be fulfilled over the coming summer months.
Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis read out a statement in which she noted that Armenians are observing the anniversary of the tumultuous and traumatic flight of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from their traditional homelands a century ago.
Armenian Genocide
City councillor for the district of Renaud Seta Topouzian echoed Revelakis’s sentiments regarding the Armenian community’s commemoration of the Genocide. Noting that April 24 is International Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day, she said “we are called upon to remember the victims.
“Remembering the Armenian Genocide contributes to the creation of a future where there is more justice, peace and respect for human rights,” she said. “We are too often witnesses to conflicts that impact civilians unfairly.
“It is of utmost importance to underscore the importance of remembering and commemorating the dark events, including the Armenian Genocide,” Topouzian added. “Today, while remembering all the victims of the Armenian Genocide, I wish to express my solidarity and my concern for oppressed peoples.”
April Autism Month
Just as Mayor Boyer had done, Councillor Revelakis drew attention to Autism Awareness Month. “In 2024, it’s important to remember that families of persons who are affected by autism spectrum problems are subjected to discrimination,” she said.
“They still face prejudices that are insensitive and not understandable,” she added. “We can do more to help people who are living with this condition. We must raise awareness among the population by all means possible.”
And finally, Councillor Revelakis tabled a notice of motion for a resolution she said will make it possible for senior citizens 65 years of age and older to be allowed to pay their property taxes in three installments, rather than two as currently permitted.
Petitions from Cifelli and Piché
Val-des-Arbres city councillor Achille Cifelli and Saint-François city councillor Isabelle Piché each tabled petitions from their constituents.
The petition tabled by Cifelli was signed by up to 1,000 residents asking for the bicycle path on Samson Blvd. in west-end Laval to be removed. In March, he tabled a petition signed by 500 residents asking for the same thing.
The petition tabled by Councillor Piché was signed by 500 people living around des Mille-Îles Blvd. in her district near Autoroute 25 and Levasseur St., where road repaving is badly needed, she said.
Safety and comfort
“It’s a question of safety, but also comfort,” she said, noting that Mille-Îles Blvd. is in a lamentable and dangerous state for all who use it.
Piché tabled a second petition. This one was signed by residents near Marcel Villeneuve Ave., asking that the speed limit between de l’Harmonie and Montée du Moulin be reduced to 50 km/h as it had been before being increased to 70 km/h.
During the public question period, Christina Gaston, who has a home near Parc Pie-X on the edge of Chomedey, said that she and several hundred other residents had been waiting for months to hear back from city officials regarding a petition contesting a major refurbishment project at the park.
Residents from Pie-X Park
Mayor Boyer said city officials had met in recent weeks with a delegation of residents affected by the project. “I know that at the moment the city manager has both hands working on the dossier,” he said.
“This is just to reassure you that we are aware there are concerns out there over what was initially proposed. But we are very open to changing the plans.
“We are not here to expropriate anyone, nor are we here to harm the quality of life of anyone. Our goal is simply to improve the park. It’s a neighbourhood where there are lots of needs.”
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 32-08, published on April 17th, 2024. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Front page of The Laval News, April 17th, 2024 issue.
A total solar eclipse in 1999 in France. (Photo: Luc Viatour, https://lucnix.be)
In anticipation of the solar eclipse that will be seen over part of the Montreal region – including a partial view in Laval – on Monday, the Quebec Ministry of Transport is warning motorists to be extra cautious as an unknown number of drivers may decide to stop on the roadside to view the spectacle.
Beginning at 2:14 pm on Monday, the moon will begin blocking the sun, obliterating it for two minutes by 3:26 pm, with the moon ending its transit completely by 4:36 pm.
As the path of totality will be cutting through Montreal Island, only a partial eclipse will be visible from Île Jésus (the geographic name for the City of Laval’s territory).
For its part, the Ministry of Transport reminds motorists who may be on the road during this period that it is illegal to stop on the shoulders of autoroutes (except for emergencies).
Their overall advice is that drivers should not allow themselves to become distracted by the eclipse, and to plan ahead before setting off on the road.
The ministry anticipates there could be significant outdoor gatherings of eclipse watchers, and additional road traffic as a result.
And while the use of dedicated viewing eyeglasses should be considered mandatory by those viewing the eclipse, the transport ministry notes that they should not be worn while driving as they significantly reduce visibility and compromise road safety.
Over several days last week, the Laval Police arrested four teenagers for allegedly uttering threats at two Sainte-Rose high-schools – including one where similar incidents were previously reported.
Although the LPD ended up concluding that the threats were actually hoaxes, they still required lockdowns and a large police presence.
Administrators at the schools involved – École Poly-Jeunesse on Sainte-Rose Blvd. and École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle on Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Blvd. – summoned the police to deal with “threatening comments” by students on three occasions over a period of more than a week.
École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle in Sainte-Rose.
“In order to ensure security on the premises and to carry out multiple checks, the LPD had to confine thousands of students,” the LPD said in a statement.
The four teen suspects who were arrested could face mischief charges.
In the fall of 2023, the Laval Police said they had arrested a person under the age of 18 in connection with a stabbing that took place near École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle.
As well, in November 2021, two teenagers were beaten at the high school as they were leaving classes by a group of young people who fired a gunshot during the altercation, ultimately leading to a large police deployment and the arrest of one suspect.
Business insolvencies in Canada jumped by 129.3 per cent in January 2024
Nearly a quarter of small businesses in Canada have been forced to take on new debt to refinance their Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans in order to retain access to the forgivable portion, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says in new revelations surrounding the ongoing CEBA repayment debacle.
In addition, says the CFIB, there were over 50,000 small firms (6 per cent) that were recently pursuing a special extension for those in the process of refinancing.
“Many of those businesses that had to borrow to repay their CEBA loans are facing high interest rates and will be challenged to meet their payment obligations,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president.
Debt didn’t go away
“We need to remember while government got a lot of CEBA balances repaid, the debt for many businesses didn’t suddenly go away – it just shifted from a low interest government-backed loan to a higher interest bank loan,” Kelly continued.
‘The debt for many businesses didn’t suddenly go away‘
Canadian Federation of Independent Business president Dan Kelly
“This should sound the alarm for policymakers, particularly given the business insolvencies are surging,” he said. The business environment in Canada is far from being back to normal, according to the CFIB.
CFIB data shows that the financial situation of their business is the primary concern for one in five small business owners. Business insolvencies are soaring, having jumped by 129.3 per cent in January 2024 compared to January 2023, while the latest data available shows more businesses were closing than opening in December 2023.
CFIB recommendations
As the government is winding down its CEBA program, CFIB is calling on Ottawa to:
Implement a review process for CEBA loan holders deemed ineligible and introduce a three-year repayment plan.
Ensure the maximum flexibility is used for those who attempted to take out a refinancing loan to use the special extension to March 28. CFIB urges banks to accept any form of communication requesting refinancing as sufficient proof for the extension.
Look at new ways to lighten the debt load for those who were unable to meet the January 18 deadline.
‘Many feel abandoned’
“Small business owners face massive debt loads and cost increases,” said Corinne Pohlmann, executive vice-president of advocacy at CFIB. “And many feel abandoned by the government and the way it handled the repayment of the CEBA program.
“Ottawa should do more to help them deal with the high cost of doing business and provide concrete financial relief measures in the upcoming federal budget, such as lowering the Employment Insurance premiums for small employers and returning the $2.5 billion in carbon tax revenue owed to small businesses,” adds Pohlmann.
Visiting Greek gov’t officials credited for their country’s rejuvenated economy
Rising optimism over the Hellenic Republic’s rejuvenated economy, as well as signs of increased cooperation and trade between Canada and Greece, lifted spirits among many of the 400 guests who attended a gala dinner on the evening of Saturday March 23 at the Château Royal in Chomedey to celebrate Greece’s annual Independence Day.
A new start for Greece
This year’s celebrations marked the 203rd anniversary of Greece’s independence. For Greeks around the world, March 25 in the year 1821 was the beginning of the revolutionary fight that ended 400 years of Ottoman rule.
Following a protracted war in which Greek patriots received support from Russia, Britain and France, Greece finally received recognition from the world as an independent nation in 1832.
For Greeks every year, the commemoration date also has deeply religious significance as it falls on the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Christian Orthodox tradition.
Long list of dignitaries
Among the dignitaries were Greek Ambassador to Canada Aikaterini Dimakis, Greek Consul General in Montreal Katerina Varvarigou, Supreme Court of Canada Judge Andromache Karakatsanis, Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, several members of the current Greek government cabinet, Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Dr. George Tsoukas, Saint-Laurent Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Laval city councillors Aglaia Revelakis, Vasilios Karidogiannis, Sandra El-Helou and Aline Dib, Montreal city councillors Mary Deros, Effie Giannou and Despina Sourias, Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, Laval-des-Rapides MNA Alice Haytayan and, Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury.
Greece ‘a model,’ says MP
Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, a proud member of the Montreal-area Greek community, was feeling especially proud of her Hellenic heritage when she spoke with Newsfirst Multimedia during a reception for officials prior to the main event.
“Greece has become a model – not only because it succeeded in winning its independence more than 200 years ago, but even in modern history,” she said, referring to the decade-long debt crisis faced by Greece, which seems to be resolved now at least for the time being.
‘Stronger and better’
“When I look around the world now and there are so many areas where things aren’t going very well and there is lawlessness, I have to tell you that Greece is a shining example of a country that came back stronger and better,” said Koutrakis.
Seen on the outdoor stage on Jean Talon St. in Montreal during the Greek Independence Day Parade on March 23 are (beginning third from the left) Prime Ministers Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece and Justin Trudeau of Canada, as well as Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
According to a note to investors posted in February by France-based multinational financial services provider BNP Paribas, a spur of economic growth is expected to continue in Greece in 2024, in spite of a decline in activity in the second half of 2023.
“The sharp drop in the unemployment rate (which is now below 10%), the drastic improvement in public finances and the decline in public and private debt testify to Greece’s solid recovery,” BNP Paribas economic analysts wrote.
Strong post-Covid economy
According to the bank, a “rebound in post-COVID activity has enabled the Greek government to combine economic growth and fiscal consolidation.” Koutrakis noted that while assessing fiscal years 2022 and 2023, several analysts rated Greece among the world’s fastest-growing economies.
“They went through a really terrible time that involved a lot of sacrifice – 11 million people sacrificed a lot,” she said, referring to the austerity measures which were implemented in Greece. “And if you look at the current government that’s in place right now in Greece, they are on the right side of history – they’re doing the right things for Greece at this time,” she added.
What it means to be Greek
For others who were on hand at the Château Royal, the weekend of activities (which included a parade in Montreal’s Parc Extension neighbourhood) was an opportunity to be reminded once again of the values defended by the Greeks of yesteryear, which continue to be upheld by their descendants.
“It reminds us that after 400 years of being under the Ottoman Empire, finally we got our freedom,” said Montreal city councillor for Parc Extension Mary Deros. Another proud Greek, Laval city councillor for l’Abord-à-Plouffe Vasilios Karidogiannis, shared her sentiments.
The 2024 Hellene of the Year was Dr. Andreas K. Athienitis (right), who was presented with a plaque by HCGM vice-president Dr. Michael Tsoukas.
“It’s a busy but good weekend going around celebrating Hellenic pride,” he said. “Even though I am not Greek, I am so happy to be able to join with the Greeks to celebrate their Independence Day,” said Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, whose family has Armenian and Lebanese roots.
Action Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis, whose parents both came to Canada from Greece, emphasized the importance of remembering history. “We have to always remember the heroes of 1821 who gave use the freedom to be here,” she said. “Because of them, we’re free today.”
Hellene of the Year
The 2024 Hellene of the Year, following a nomination process held by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, was Dr. Andreas K. Athienitis, a professor of building engineering at Concordia University. He was presented with a plaque by HCGM vice-president Dr. Michael Tsoukas.
Dr. Athienitis is a Greek Cypriot born in Cyprus in a town called Athienou (his surname comes from this) which is now in the neutral zone between the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus and the area controlled by the government of Cyprus, where the great majority of Greek Cypriots live.
Dignitaries gather at Laval Cenotaph to celebrate Hellenic freedom and Greek war vets
Elected officials from three levels of government gathered at the Veterans’ Cenotaph near Laval city hall on the morning of Saturday March 23 to pay respects alongside residents of Hellenic origin to Greek veterans and soldiers on the occasion of the 203rd anniversary of Greece’s independence.
Greek and Canadian flags, as well as drummers, outside Laval City Hall on Saturday March 23. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A three-day celebration
From the left, Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis and Saint-Laurent MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos prepare to deposit a wreath at the base of the Laval veterans’ Cenotaph on Saturday March 30. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
This year’s commemorations, including the Greek Independence Day parade in Parc Extension, were spread out as usual over three days in Laval and in Montreal.
On March 25 in the year 1821 in what was then Ottoman-dominated Greece, Bishop Germanos of the metropolis of Patras blessed a Greek flag and proclaimed an uprising by the Greeks against the occupying Ottomans.
Prayer and contemplation
To honour those who gave their lives so that Greece would be free, Greeks from Laval and from all over the Montreal region go each year to the Cenotaph in Laval to deposit commemorative wreaths and to spend a few moments in prayer and silent contemplation.
In the Montreal region, Laval has the highest concentration of residents of Greek heritage.
Among those depositing commemorative wreaths this year were a representative from the Consulate General for Greece in Montreal, local and Montreal-area Liberal MPs, Laval-area MNAs, and city councillors from Laval and the City of Montreal.
As well, wreaths were left by representatives from the Hellenic Community of Quebec, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal and Greek Canadian armed forces veterans.
Province-wide online event explored multiple aspects of the spectrum disorder
After several months and countless hours of preparation by an organizing committee assisted by a team of dedicated volunteers, more than 100 parents and professionals with an interest in autism had the opportunity recently to explore a wide range of autism-related topics during the Autism in the Early Years symposium.
Across the province
The province-wide online event on March 21-22 featured keynote presentations, a panel on autism service navigation across Quebec, and sessions on communication support at home, as well as on parent training, empowerment and other issues.
Co-hosted by the Laval-based Youth and Parents Agape Association with the Giant Steps School in Montreal, with financial support from the Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN) and the Public Health Agency of Canada, the symposium drew caregivers, speakers, presenters, panelists and artists who contributed information, opinions and ideas.
A complex condition
Autism [or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)] is a complex neurological condition that affects individuals in various ways, impacting their social interactions, communication skills and behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that no two individuals with autism are exactly alike. Each person brings their own unique strengths, challenges and perspectives.
For many of those attending, autism was not just a topic to be discussed. It is also very much a part of their daily lives. Whether as parents, caregivers, educators or as professionals working in the field, they feel the importance of raising awareness, promoting understanding and providing support for individuals with autism and their families.
Autism community united
Throughout the symposium, they were offered the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics related to autism. But perhaps most importantly, they came together as a community – united in commitment to advocate for acceptance, inclusion and the empowerment of individuals with autism.
“We can create a more inclusive and compassionate society for all,” said Kevin McLeod, executive-director of Agape which co-hosted the symposium along with Giant Steps School. (Screengrab: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
In opening remarks on day one, Agape executive-director Kevin McLeod said it was important to keep in mind the words of Temple Grandin, a renowned autism advocate and educator: “The world needs all kinds of minds.”
“By embracing diversity and celebrating the unique talents and perspectives of individuals with autism, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society for all,” McLeod said, adding that the symposium’s exploration of autism should be approached “with open hearts and open minds.”
Symposium Day One
Day one began with a keynote presentation by Maureen Bennie, who founded the Autism Awareness Centre in 2003 in Calgary, to address what she saw as a gap in support, information, resources and advocacy for those struggling with autism spectrum disorders.
Steven Atme, who was diagnosed with autism at age four, closed the evening with a musical performance. A remarkable journey through music and advocacy has garnered him many accolades. His story was one of resilience, creativity and a commitment to encouraging others, with or without disabilities, to embrace their unique identities and pursue their dreams.
Day Two of symposium
On day two, Kelly Bron Johnson (an autistic and hearing-impaired self-advocate) spoke about some of the strengths of parenting through the lens of being autistic. It is an approach she believes anyone can learn, leading to parenting with acceptance and love and happier families.
Before a noon-time break, a panel of experts from the health, daycare, education and social services sectors discussed the autism services offered across the provinces. The session was moderated by Giant Steps director of innovation and special projects Seiun Thomas Henderson. The panelists were Dr. Emmett Francoeur, Dr. Lucyna Lach, Nick Katalifos and Sylvia Benkh.
Nick Katalifos, parent of an autistic child and a member of the Giant Steps School board, was on a panel of experts who discussed the availability of autism across the province. (Screengrab: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
World Health Organization
Also during the March 22 sessions, Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh spoke about the World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training program in Canada, which aims to increase access to intervention for Canadian families, while simultaneously generating high quality evidence relevant for decision and policy makers.
Dr. Mariska Burger spoke on developing communication skills in autistic children. Dr. Keiko Shikako-Thomas discussed the Jooay App, a free mobile app made to help families, youth and professionals find adaptive and inclusive leisure activities.
And Anna Katalifos, a sibling and caregiver to an autistic young adult who is also a researcher, shared personal experiences and research-based insights into the sibling journey of caring for autistic youths and children.
Videos available online
Symposium organizers report they have received many requests for video links from people who want to watch or rewatch the presentations. At last word, the organizers were waiting for the videos from the production company and expected they would be available by April 15 at the latest (although hopefully earlier).
It would be important to mention that the recorded presentations will be accessible through the new virtual libraries at Agape Association in Laval and Giant Steps in Montreal. Should you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact Barbara Klein, administrative assistant and project coordinator at the Youth and Parents AGAPE Association Inc.
