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Affordable housing units opened on Curé-Labelle

Matthew Ralph Daldalian
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Affordable housing units opened on Curé-Labelle

Federal, provincial and municipal partners inaugurate 101 affordable units

By Matthew Daldalian

Officials take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new housing project (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)

A new affordable housing development has officially opened in Laval, located at 605 boul. Curé-Labelle.

The newly-opened project brings 101 units to residents seeking lower-cost rental options under a long-term affordability framework backed by federal, provincial, municipal and financial partners.

On a windy Monday morning, the joint opening featured Quebec Minister of Housing Caroline Proulx, Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval Minister Christopher Skeete, Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer, and representatives from the Fonds de solidarité FTQ alongside Société de Gestion Querbes (SGQ) and Regroupement des Organismes du Montréal Ethnique pour le Logement (ROMEL).

The building has already begun receiving tenants, with officials presenting the development as a model for social housing delivery in the region.

The total capital budget is $45.5 million, including $20 million from the Government of Canada and $17.6 million from Quebec through its partnership with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.

The City of Laval also invested $7 million.

65 of the 101 units include rent-supplement eligibility through Programme de Supplément au Loyer Québec (PSL), allowing a limit of rent payments to 25 per cent of the tenants’ annual income.

The remaining cost funds 90 per cent by the Société d’habitation du Québec and 10 per cent by the City of Laval.

“We’re talking about 101 affordable rental units, with many already occupied,” Proulx said. “The Government of Quebec is proud to have contributed nearly $18 million.”

Quebec Housing Minister Caroline Proulx delivers remarks at the opening (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)

he building operates under long-term affordability regulation. According to the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, affordability must be maintained for 35 years. Rental price thresholds are indexed annually based on provincial standards set below market median rates.

“All of the units are affordable because they receive subsidies from both the Quebec and federal governments,” said Josée Lagacé, vice-president of communications and marketing for the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ. She added that affordable rent is defined as “roughly 20 per cent below the median rent for a given area.”

The regulatory model ensures the building cannot shift to market-rate rental and that price increases are capped to remain consistent with affordability frameworks over the long term. “We cannot raise the rent as if we are in the private sector,” said project partner Mazen Houdeib, general manager for SGQ and ROMEL. “It has to remain affordable.”

Local demand and development origins

The building stands on the former site of a large restaurant, acquired after negotiations with a private developer. The objective was to convert the lot into a non-profit housing complex rather than a market-priced residential project.

Houdeib said the purchase was driven by demand in the area and concerns that private development would fail to meet low-income needs.

“We convinced him to sell us the project,” he said. “Because our clientele is the people who are in need.”

Mazen Houdeib, director general of Société de gestion Querbes and ROMEL, speaks during the inauguration (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)

Units are available in varying sizes, with officials expecting occupancy to continue over the coming months. Federal MP Annie Koutrakis said 15 households have already moved in, noting that the building supports diverse family structures, including singles, parents and multi-person households.

“Everybody needs to make sure that they have an affordable, safe place to call home,” she said.

Municipal targets and regional strategy

The project contributes to Laval’s broader housing strategy, which aims to expand social infrastructure to meet population-growth pressures.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer said the city recently reached a milestone of one thousand social units built this year and plans to double that target over the next four years.

“What we want to do in Laval is to facilitate the construction of housing,” Boyer said. “We want to make sure that we have affordable options.”

Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer speaks on the city’s role and housing priorities during the opening ceremony (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)

He noted that although the city did not select the site, it contributed through incentives, subsidies, and regulatory support. The property was purchased independently by the aforementioned non-profit developer, with government involvement focused on financing and approvals.

Minister Christopher Skeete spoke on the project’s significance particularly for families in Chomedey and surrounding neighbourhoods.

“This neighbourhood has always needed affordable housing,” he said, calling the complex “good news” for residents facing rising rent pressures.

Federally, the opening is part of a larger national housing mandate intended to increase below-market rental supply across Canada.

A growing stock

Affordability is said to be secured for 35 years — meaning units are expected to remain below market rate well into the 2050s under program terms. Lagacé also signalled additional projects in the pipeline.

Officials pose together after inaugurating the newest housing project in Laval (Matthew Daldalian, The Laval News)

“We currently have $4 billion worth of real estate projects underway in Quebec,” Lagacé said. “And in Laval, we have plenty more announcements coming soon.”

Carrefour Laval commits to extended weekend hours for pilot project

Matthew Ralph Daldalian
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Carrefour Laval commits to extended weekend hours for pilot project

By Matthew Daldalian

(Courtesy Carrefour Laval)

Nearly two months into Quebec’s pilot project allowing stores in Laval, Gatineau and Saint-Georges to remain open until 8 p.m. on weekends, most retailers are still closing at 5 p.m. — but Carrefour Laval is preparing to break from the pack.

Beginning Nov. 29, the day after Black Friday, CF Carrefour Laval retailers are allowed to stay open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 6 p.m. on Sundays, according to Cadillac Fairview’s vice-president of operations.

It marks the first large-scale adoption of the extended-hours pilot in Laval.

The provincial project, which began on Oct. 2 and runs for one year, lets non-food retailers voluntarily stay open later on weekends.

But uptake has been limited, with hesitation high among store owners and managers who fear low foot traffic and higher payroll costs.

Retailers said they were reluctant to act alone.

As Andréanne Marquis of Womance said in a previous interview with La Presse, “If everyone follows suit and there’s a party, we’ll join the party… On our own, we won’t be able to generate enough traffic.”.

Her comments reflect a wider sentiment that shoppers aren’t yet expecting later hours and may not show up if only a few stores participate.

Other chains tested the late-closing hours with little success. Club Chaussures and Chaussures Panda said their trial runs in Gatineau and Laval did not produce enough evening traffic to justify staying open.

Many store owners said consumer habits haven’t shifted enough to make later hours profitable.

Despite the mixed results, Quebec’s Minister Delegate for the Economy, Samuel Poulin, maintained confidence in the pilot. He’s announced he’s open to letting more cities participate.

Poulin said the project launched during a traditionally slow period and that results may change during the busier retail months of November and December.

Carrefour Laval’s decision is the first major sign of coordinated participation from a large shopping centre.

For many businesses, knowing all neighbouring stores are open is the deciding factor in whether later hours make sense

The move also reflects the scale and appeal of Carrefour Laval, one of Quebec’s highest-traffic malls. Retailers there may see more reliable evening traffic compared to standalone stores or in quieter residential pockets.

Still, some business groups argue that extended weekend hours aren’t a universal solution. They note that regions differ widely in shopping patterns, and that weekday evenings already underperform.

Economic pressure is also a concern. Longer hours mean higher staffing needs but not necessarily higher revenue.

Managers interviewed in earlier reporting have warned that spreading the same number of customers over more hours could dilute sales peaks without generating new ones.

If the pilot eventually expands beyond the three test cities, it could reshape how Quebec regulates retail hours; it’s a system shaped decades ago by “blue laws” that once required Sunday closures.

Although those rules loosened over time, Quebec still relatively maintains one of the strictest weekend closing policies in Canada.

The government said at the time that the pilot will help answer a broader question: whether traditional regulated hours still make sense in a province where online shopping is available around the clock.

Some Laval retailers have already experienced this debate firsthand.

Several shop managers told The Laval News previously that extended hours might simply scatter existing foot traffic rather than generate new customers. Others said they welcomed the flexibility, arguing it better reflects the schedules of modern shoppers.

But all eyes are now on Carrefour Laval as the first major test of the pilot in a high-traffic retail hub.

Its results may offer the clearest indicator of whether Quebec consumers are truly ready for evening weekend shopping — or whether the old 5 p.m. closing time still holds its grip.

The province expects the project to run for one year from Oct. 2, 2025, ending in fall 2026.

Laval News Volume 33-23

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 33-23

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 33-23, published on December 3rd, 2025.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

New members announced for City of Laval’s executive-committee

Martin C. Barry
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New members announced for City of Laval’s executive-committee

Councillors Khalil, Borne, Poirier and Novac join mayor in decision-making

Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer and the 22 newly-elected Laval city councillors held a special city council meeting on November 10 to appoint those among them who will be sitting on the executive-committee over the next four years.

Getting started

It was the city council members’ first opportunity to meet since the November 2 election and the subsequent official swearing-in ceremony.

The latter meeting, held on November 9 at Collège Letendre, officially established the new city council and authorized the council members to assume the responsibilities and obligations of their positions for the duration of their four-year term.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer, speaking during the first city council meeting since the November 2 elections. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“I would like to congratulate all the newly elected officials for their commitment to the people of Laval and wish them a successful term,” said Mayor Boyer.

Challenges ahead, said Boyer

“Our city faces many challenges, and I am pleased to have a competent team on the executive committee to lead important projects, such as upgrading our municipal infrastructure, improving the sense of security for our residents, and continuing our work to make Laval the most efficient municipality in Quebec,” he added.

The new executive-committee, whose members met for the first time at 9 am on Wednesday November 12, is composed of Mayor Stéphane Boyer and four city councillors elected under the banner of the Mouvement lavallois.

The first regular meeting of the new city council took place on at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday November 18. It was chaired by council president Cecilia Macedo, the city councillor for the district of Marigot.

Macedo was appointed president of the new council. In that role, she will oversee and enforce rules of conduct and procedure during council meetings. Macedo also served as president during city council’s last four-year term.

A vote of confidence

“I am very happy to accept this nomination,” she said. “Thanks to everyone for showing your confidence in me. I hope the upcoming mandate will be up to the task of matching our aspirations and hopes for the city.

“No doubt there will be collaborative exchanges or exchanges of ideas that will be constructive,” Macedo added. “And so, congratulations to all of you who have been elected. I am very happy to find myself here again seated with you.”

Marc-Aurèle-Fortin councillor Louise Lortie, who leads the opposition Parti Laval in council following the election, expressed her support for Macedo, who is with the Mouvement lavallois.

“I am very happy to see you are back,” Lortie said, adding that she found Macedo even-handed in her rulings during the last term. “You will have the full cooperation of the Parti Laval.”

The members of the new executive-committee:

• Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval and chair of the executive committee;

• Ray Khalil, city councillor for Sainte-Dorothée, vice-chair of the executive committee and responsible for files related to development and land use planning;

• Christine Poirier, city councillor for Pont-Viau and responsible for files related to local services;

• Nicholas Borne, city councillor for Laval-les-Îles and responsible for files related to infrastructure;

• Flavia Alexandra Novac, city councillor for Sainte-Rose and responsible for files related to corporate partnerships and public safety.

The new city councillors:

• Cecilia Macedo, Marigot, chair of city council

• Isabelle Piché, Saint-François

• Annick Senghor, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

• Anick Brunet, Duvernay

• Christine Poirier, Pont-Viau

• Martin Fiola, Laval-des-Rapides

• Seta Topouzian, Renaud-Coursol

• Pierre Brabant, Vimont

• David De Cotis, Saint-Bruno

• Sylvain Yelle, Auteuil

• Mohamed Ba, Le Carrefour

• Sandra El-Helou, Souvenir-Labelle

• Vasilios Karidogiannis, L’Abord-à-Plouffe

• Aglaia Revelakis, Chomedey

• Aline Dib, Saint-Martin

• Ray Khalil, Sainte-Dorothée;

• Nicholas Borne, Laval-les-Îles;

• Yannick Langlois, L’Orée-des-Bois

• Louise Lortie, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin

• Carole St-Denis, Champfleury

• Flavia Alexandra Novac, Sainte-Rose

• Martin Vaillancourt, Fabreville-Sud

Dignitaries pay their respects at Laval War Cenotaph for Remembrance Day

Martin C. Barry
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Dignitaries pay their respects at Laval War Cenotaph for Remembrance Day

MPs and MNA from Laval deposit wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers

Canadian Forces personnel, including soldiers from the Royal 22nd Regiment’s Fourth Bataillon, as well as Air, Sea and Army Cadets and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, joined dignitaries who paid their respects on November 9 during a Remembrance Day commemoration held at the Laval War Cenotaph on Chomedey Boulevard.

Among the dignitaries depositing wreaths at the base of the monument were Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Angelo Iacono, as well as Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.

A member of the Canadian Forces stands on guard at the City of Laval’s War Cenotaph during Remembrance Day observances on Sunday November 9. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as Navy/Army/Aviation Cadets, and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB), also deposited wreaths to pay their respects to soldiers who died or were maimed while defending their country.

Remembering the fallen

“Every year, this is a time to remember,” Koutrakis said in an interview with The Laval News. “We often complain about something trivial like the weather. But I can’t help but think about all the young people who fought in the trenches for us to be free and to have the life that we have today.

“This is a day to reflect, a day to remember, but not just in words, but in actions as well,” she continued. “Veterans hold a very special place in my heart. I feel very lucky to have a legion within my riding of Vimy, and I try to assist them as much as I can.”

Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier deposited a wreath at the base of the city’s Cenotaph. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

As a case in point, Koutrakis noted that Legion Branch 251 currently faces a challenge over a potentially costly repair on the roof of its building on Curé Labelle Blvd.

Koutrakis said one of the tasks she plans to work on in the coming months will be to help find funding streams to make sure Legion Branch 251 remains viable in the future.

Prime Minister Carney’s statement

In addition to the local observance of Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Marc Carney issued the following statement last week.

“Today, we honour the service of the brave women and men who answered the call,” he said. “Those who sacrificed years away from loved ones, those who returned from combat forever changed, those who never came home.

Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Angelo Iacono deposit wreaths on November 9 at the Laval War Cenotaph. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, remembrance is also vigilance. Our sovereignty and our security – and those of our allies – are not guaranteed. The women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces protect them every day.

Our Forces always present

“They rush to communities as wildfires and floods roll in, they airlift life-saving aid across waters, they stand guard in the Arctic, and they defend NATO’s Eastern Flank,” he said. “When people see a maple leaf on a sleeve or the back of a truck – they see hope, they get help.

“Today, we pause to remember those acts of heroic service. We remember that our rights, our freedoms, our way of life were fought for and were won by Canadians who answer the call. Lest we forget.”

A trumpeter plays The Last Post at the Laval War Cenotaph during Remembrance Day observances on November 9. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Legault is gambling with Quebecers’ nest egg, says Montreal Economic Institute

Martin C. Barry
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Legault is gambling with Quebecers’ nest egg, says Montreal Economic Institute

Using QPP funds for political purposes would override CDPQ’s neutrality, says MEI analyst

The Montreal Economic Institute is sounding the alarm over what it says is a plan by Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government to use the more than $473 billion in the QPP public pension fund to help boost the province’s economy which faces mounting global economic pressures.

“Legault’s plan for Quebec’s economy is to gamble with your pension,” said Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the conservative thinktank. “The dust on his failed electric vehicle bet has barely settled and he’s already doubling down with Quebecers’ nest egg,” he added.

In a foreword to the CAQ government’s economic policy statement, Premier François Legault writes that nationalism should not be seen as an obstacle to the economy. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

CAQ means to use pension fund

The MEI was reacting to a broad new position statement (Le Pouvoir Québécois: réponse au nouveau contexte mondial) the CAQ government issued recently. In it, the government laid out a long-term economic vision for the province with a strategy that includes a role for Quebec’s public pension fund, the Caisse de dépôt et placement (CDPQ).

A section of the position document, under the heading Mobilizing public and private stakeholders, states that the government intends to mobilize Quebec’s economic actors, both public (including the CDPQ and others) as well as private (FSTQ, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, investment funds).

“In this regard, the CDPQ, whose mandate is both to generate returns for its depositors and to contribute to the economic development of Quebec, will be called upon to play a central role,” states the CAQ government.

CDPQ is apolitical, says MEI

“[CDPQ’s] commitment to increase its total assets in Quebec to $100 billion by 2026 is well on track, with a result of $93 billion in 2024,” it continues. “The CDPQ will need to continue to increase its contribution to the Quebec economy, and a new ambitious target will be set for 2030.”

However, the MEI warns that this move “could upset the balance between the fund’s different mandates,” while also noting that when the CDPQ was founded in 1965, it was given a dual mandate to prudently manage public pension and insurance funds, while contributing to Quebec’s economic development.

The MEI also points out that the Caisse was originally set up to operate independently, at arm’s length from the provincial government, managing funds in the best interests of depositors, but “not according to political priorities.”

In a foreword to the government’s policy statement, Premier François Legault writes that nationalism should not be seen as an obstacle to the economy. “On the contrary, it is a driving force; a source of inspiration,” he says.

“It’s reckless to gamble with Quebecers’ retirement savings.” says Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the Montreal Economic Institute. (Photo: Courtesy of the MEI and YouTube)

Quebec as a ‘nation’

Although the document’s authors at the Ministry of the Executive Council talk on the one hand in hard numbers and economic facts, they also allude repeatedly and in more political terms to Quebec as a “nation,” stating in their conclusion that “like other nations, Quebec is facing challenges…” and “history shows that no nation can afford to ignore technological advances…

“Nations should not reject progress, but rather channel it by giving it an expression that aligns with their interests,” the document continues, suggesting all in all that the Legault government hopes to score extra points by including Quebec political nationalism in its campaign to reach prosperity and economic progress.

That said, Giguère maintained in the MEI’s statement that “instrumentalizing the Caisse as an economic lever for political projects would essentially override its neutrality. To make matters worse, the government wants to do so in service of an economic strategy that has failed time and time again.”

Failed CAQ investments

Although the CAQ government has handed out $25.3 billion in corporate subsidies ince 2018, the MEI notes that the government has managed to rack up some notable failures over that time, including:

·       Northvolt: $270 million in losses. This company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in November 2024. It subsequently filed for bankruptcy in Sweden in March 2025 and was the largest insolvency in modern Swedish industrial history.

·       Lion Electric: $143 million in losses. This company was renamed LION in the summer of 2025, following its emergence from creditor protection and bankruptcy, followed by its purchase by a group of investors.

·       Taiga Motors: $20 million in losses. This Montreal-based manufacturer of electric snowmobiles and watercraft is also notable for narrowly avoiding bankruptcy more than a year ago.

Gambling pension savings

The MEI sees the CAQ government’s seemingly poor investment judgement and record of losses as sure signs it should not be risking Quebecers’ pension savings on risky projects. “It’s reckless to gamble with Quebecers’ retirement savings,” said Giguère.

Struggling small businesses out of luck in federal budget, CFIB claims

Martin C. Barry
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Struggling small businesses out of luck in federal budget, CFIB claims
CFIB president Dan Kelly.

‘Missed opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief,’ says group’s Dan Kelly

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, small business owners across Canada were looking to the 2025 budget to provide critical cost relief and to improve Canada’s tax competitiveness to jump start the economy.

Instead, the CFIB contends, most of the budget’s economic measures were reannouncements from the previous year’s budget.

Missed opportunity

“Today was a missed opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief to Canada’s employers,” said Dan Kelly, the CFIB’s president.

“The government could have taken the reins by reducing the small business corporate tax rate, freeing up millions of dollars for investment in employees, technology and operations,” he added.

“Government finances are a mess, but the budget just slows the growth in program spending with overall deficits above $50 billion per year as far as the eye can see,” said Kelly. “Small firms have learned the hard way that today’s deficits are tomorrow’s taxes.”

Budget Concerns

In addition to the lack of tax relief and giant fiscal deficits, many of the measures meant to stimulate the economy or insulate Canadians from the impact of tariffs appear to exclude small firms, Kelly noted. Here are some of the CFIB’s observations:

•    The $51-billion Building Communities Fund is to focus on projects using unionized labour, which would effectively exclude 90 per cent of small businesses.

•    The $1-billion Regional Tariff Response Initiative delivered by Regional Development Agencies misses the mark and excludes over half of small businesses that will be deemed too small or in the wrong sector.

•    The Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive announced in budget 2024, repeated in the Fall Economic Statement and confirmed as recently as January 2025, has now been officially cancelled.

Focus on these highlights:

•    Government is reintroducing the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance on most capital assets and immediate expensing provisions. The budget also extends immediate expensing to manufacturing and processing buildings. This is a sound way to improve productivity among many Canadian SMEs.

•    Legislation to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million has been confirmed. This is an important measure to help with small business succession plans.

•    Legislation to remove income taxes from the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for Small Business and to extend the deadline will be introduced. CFIB has also confirmed with government sources that the $623 million in CCR payments for 2024/25 will be distributed before the end of the year.

“Small business confidence in the economy remains incredibly low given the massive uncertainty over tariffs from the U.S., China and now India,” said CFIB executive vice-president of advocacy Corinne Pohlmann. “While progress was made on a few fronts, there were very few new measures that will offer immediate help for small business owners trying to keep the lights on.”

Reaction mostly positive to Carney Liberal government’s 2025 budget

Martin C. Barry
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Reaction mostly positive to Carney Liberal government’s 2025 budget

Unionists pleased with Ottawa’s investments, while seniors complain they were left out

From labour unions, to associations representing the interests of senior citizens, to trade groups and special interest lobbyists, the overall response to the federal budget tabled by Liberal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne in Ottawa on November 4 was generally positive – with a few notable exceptions.

According to an outline of the 2025 budget released by Prime Minister Marc Carney, the Liberal government’s plan is to transform Canada’s economy from one that has traditionally been reliant on a single trade partner (that being the U.S.), to one that is more self-sufficient and resilient to global economic shocks.

The 2025 budget contains a plan by Ottawa to make $1 trillion in targeted investments over the next five years, with a “Buy Canadian” policy serving as overall guide. The Liberal government plans to spend an initial $186 million in new funding to implement the Buy Canadian strategy.

“Budget 2025 is our plan to build Canada Strong – with major infrastructure projects, millions more homes, new defence industries and thousands of new high-quality careers all across our country,” said Carney. “As we build big and bold, we will build Canadian and buy Canadian. We will be our own best customer, creating new orders, more business, and new careers in our industries across the country.”

Seniors left out, claims AQDR

In spite of the government’s optimism, the AQDR (Quebec Association for Senior Citizens) reacted with less enthusiasm, noting that seniors in Quebec and across Canada were largely overlooked in the budget.

“While inflationary pressures have had a significant impact on the country’s most vulnerable seniors, they have been left behind,” the AQDR, which has 30,000 members across Quebec, said in a statement.

“Furthermore, although the government wants to accelerate housing construction, there is no mention of units specifically for seniors to suggest that this is a priority, a worrying sign for the future,” they added.

“We have been repeating this message year after year: the income of the most vulnerable seniors – those who rely solely on basic federal public benefits – is well below the minimum wage,” stated Pierre Lynch, the AQDR’s president.

“Aside from a few marginal changes or those with limited impact, the federal government is forgetting that building the Canada of tomorrow is what we have been doing over the past decades,” he continued. “We must not forget this past and we must take care of our seniors.”

While maintaining its disappointment with the lack of structural measures for seniors, the AQDR noted the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against fraud, particularly through the development of a National Anti-Fraud Strategy.

The association said it hoped this endeavour would allow for the rapid implementation of measures and a safety net for seniors who are victims of increasingly sophisticated frauds.

“The federal government has a responsibility to look to the future, but it must not forget those who have worked all their lives and who deserve a dignified retirement,” said Lynch. “We therefore urge the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister to be more sensitive to this issue and to remember that the collective wealth we create must also be used to reduce inequalities and support vulnerable seniors across the country.”

Capital investments welcome: Unifor

In Ottawa, the Canadian labour union Unifor, representing around 310,000 auto-manufacturing, communications and industrial workers, said that major capital investments in procurement, infrastructure and housing were “welcome advancements in Budget 2025 but must translate into Canadian jobs, Canadian content and Canadian production underpinned by strong sectoral industrial strategies.”

“Building a resilient economy means ensuring that the commitments outlined in the federal budget translate into good union jobs for Canadian workers,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne, while adding that “Trump’s tariffs are an existential threat, and Canada must fight back to protect working families and industries alike.”

The overall response to the federal budget tabled by Liberal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne in Ottawa on November 4 was generally positive. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Unifor welcomed federal commitments to key sectors, such as forestry, as well as a $13 billion “Build Canada Homes” made-in-Canada housing program, tied to a federal Buy Canadian strategy for lumber inputs.

“Budget 2025 includes announcements that could benefit manufacturing, including our aerospace and forestry sectors,” said Daniel Cloutier, director of Unifor Quebec. “However, the government must follow through on its promises and deliver on strategies to protect workers from the impacts of U.S. tariffs,” he added.

But Unifor was also critical of Ottawa’s 2025 budget, noting that it was missing any commitment to fortify West-East energy rail links, including by shipping products using Canadian-made tanker cars, as had been recommended by Unifor.

“Unfortunately, this budget also hits critical public services hard,” added Payne. “Austerity and privatization – including persistent threats of selling off public agencies, as well as airports – are the wrong moves, especially in times of crisis. Strong public services keep working people and our economy afloat.”

‘We are pleased,” says airports council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a trade association representing Canada’s airports, welcomed the new budget, praising its focus on trade diversification, infrastructure and economic growth.

“Airports are at the heart of Canada’s growth story,” said Monette Pasher, the CAC’s president. “We are pleased to see the federal government’s recognition of airports’ role in trade diversification and economic resilience. Investments in trade and infrastructure will help strengthen our competitiveness and create opportunities across every region of the country.”

In the early 1990s, Canada’s airports were privatized to local control, divested from direct federal operation and placed under the management of local airport authorities as independent corporations. CAC said it would be interested to hear more on the federal government’s willingness to consider options for the further privatization of airports.

The CAC applauded the federal government’s increased support of $55 million for the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), which is the only dedicated federal funding source for essential infrastructure at small and regional airports. “With ACAP funding largely unchanged for 25 years, this boost is critical to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability at regional airports,” said the council.

“With continued partnership and investment, Canada’s airports can drive growth, enhance connectivity and strengthen our role as gateways to global trade,” Pasher added. “We look forward to working with the government to ensure our airports remain safe, competitive, and ready to meet the needs of Canadians.”

Laval Christmas Market previews the holidays at Centre de la nature

Martin C. Barry
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Laval Christmas Market previews the holidays at Centre de la nature

The highly anticipated Laval Christmas Market will turn the city’s Centre de la nature in Duvernay into a truly magical village from December 5 to 7 and from December 12 to 14.

Visitors of all ages are invited to come and be enchanted by a multitude of free activities, unforgettable encounters and more than 50 local artisans who will be on hand to offer their products and wares.

Under twinkling lights and to the sound of Christmas carols, the public will be able to stroll among decorated wooden cabins, enjoy a hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus and find unique local creations for their holiday shopping.

“The Laval Christmas Market is a must-attend event to experience the magic of the holidays while supporting the local economy,” says Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “Every year, visitors enthusiastically attend.”

He also noted that it’s a great opportunity to see the Centre de la nature during the winter when it is set up in a festive and magical atmosphere.

Local creations and moments to share

The event will offer a variety of locally-produced items, including treats, decorations, jewelry, clothing and beauty products. Beyond shopping, families will also be able to enjoy a multitude of free activities to get into the holiday spirit.

Children will be able to write letters to Santa Claus, get their faces painted, listen to stories and even plant a mini-Christmas tree to take home. Santa Claus, the Star Fairy, and strolling actors dressed especially for the occasion will add to the magic.

Under specially-themed Big Top tents, visitors will also find warming areas to enjoy hot chocolate, a Christmas tree decorating workshop and a LEGO display. To complete the experience, several food trucks will be on site.

Subsidy for the purchase of personal hygiene products

The city has issued a reminder to Laval residents that municipal subsidies are available to anyone wishing to help reduce Laval’s impact on the environment by purchasing environmentally-sustainable women’s hygienic products or diapers for incontinence.

Disposable tampons and sanitary pads produce tons of waste, according to the city. They urge residents to take advantage of the financial help in order to adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives.

It should be noted that the subsidies are granted in chronological order of receipt of complete applications, within the limits of the allocated budget.

The city provides $50 towards the purchase of sustainable menstrual hygiene products or washable incontinence products. The eligible products include: menstrual cups and discs, washable sanitary pads and panty liners, washable absorbent underwear, and washable incontinence briefs.

Eligibility Requirements

You must reside in Laval, have purchased your products in a store or online after January 1 in 2025, and spend at least $100 before taxes. There is a limit of one subsidy per person. However, multiple people living at the same address can apply for a subsidy.

The required documents to receive the subsidy are: two proofs of residency (Quebec driver’s license, current or previous year’s tax bill, electricity, telephone, or a cable bill dated within the last 30 days).

The invoice(s) submitted with the application must include: product name, store name (physical or online), purchase amount and taxes. If you are applying for a subsidy for a minor, proof of the minor’s age, two proofs of residence for the parent, guardian, or legal guardian, and proof of your relationship to the minor (e.g., birth certificate, court order, etc.).

All applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026. Further information on the application process can be found on the main page of the City of Laval’s website.

Laval honoured for excellence in public management at prestigious provincial awards

The City of Laval has once again proven itself a leader in public administration, earning a distinction in the Public Organization category at the Prix performance Québec, the province’s highest honor for organizational excellence.

The award was presented during the 33rd edition of the Salon sur les meilleures pratiques d’affaires, held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Organized by the Mouvement québécois de la qualité, the event brought together nearly 2,000 business leaders, public officials, and economic stakeholders to share insights on innovation and continuous improvement.

A culture of excellence

For Laval, this recognition is more than a trophy—it’s a testament to years of commitment to transparency, collaboration, and innovation in municipal governance.

Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie and the official responsible for the Laval region, praised the city’s achievement:

“The City of Laval embodies a culture of rigor, innovation, and integrity that shines through in every service offered to citizens. I am proud to represent such a dynamic region that values collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement as drivers of progress.”

Mayor Stéphane Boyer also expressed pride in the city’s accomplishment:

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire team to delivering services that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Laval is committed to continuous improvement, and this recognition confirms that we are on the right path toward building a modern, innovative, and citizen-focused city.”

Why it matters

The Prix performance Québec is not just about accolades; it’s about transformation. Participating organizations undergo a rigorous evaluation of their management practices, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies that lead to measurable results.

Samuel Poulin, Minister for Economy and SMEs and Youth, highlighted this impact: “These awards encourage organizations to assess their methods and adopt better practices. The winners demonstrate that excellence in management translates into better outcomes for citizens and businesses alike.”

Driving innovation across Québec

The recognition of Laval is part of a broader movement to elevate organizational standards across the province. The Mouvement québécois de la qualité, which spearheads the awards, plays a pivotal role in this mission. Geneviève Hébert, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Economy and SMEs, emphasized the partnership:

“Our goal is to foster growth and innovation among Québec organizations. The Mouvement québécois de la qualité is a key ally in helping businesses and public bodies adopt practices that ensure sustainable success.”

The bigger picture

The annual Salon sur les meilleures pratiques d’affaires serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing, where leaders exchange ideas on productivity, competitiveness, and responsible transformation.

Nadine Côté, Chair of the Board of the Mouvement, summed up the spirit of the event: “The Prix performance Québec celebrates organizations that innovate, mobilize their teams, and contribute to Québec’s long-term prosperity.

Laval News Volume 33-22

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 33-22

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 33-22, published on November 19th, 2025.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

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