Althea Seaman was the co-founder of the non-profit organization Dominica Island Cultural Association and founder of a second non-profit, the Ville Laval Black Community Association.

By founding the latter in the 1980s, she created the first black association in the municipality.

She mentions at that time, in a letter, her enthusiasm for this new organization:

“I was very excited about the idea because I respect unity and since a good number of Francophones now live in Chomedey, as in the East of Laval. I thought a bilingual association would be appropriate. […] My intentions have also been focused on the interrelations that are extremely necessary in society so that we can live peacefully together with the basic understanding necessary to tolerate each other during our short existence.”

The association chaired by Ms. Seaman has organized a popular annual luncheon in honor of Black History Month and lots of other activities for almost 30 years.

Furthermore, the Black History Month Roundtable honored the Lavalloise in February 2012 for all her work.

As a reminder, this celebration became official in Quebec in 2006, then in Laval in 2019.

“She was determined to seek the two black solitudes by involving Anglophones and Francophones, painters and writers, testifies Alix Rey, president of the organization Artistes de Réminiscences. She had a vision of a self-sufficient black community. I worked with her until her death.”

The mother of three children was also involved in many other organizations, such as Chomedey Seniors Club, SCAMA, Agape, Council for Black Aging Community of Montreal, Branch 251 of the Royal Canadian Legion and Place des Aînés de Laval.

“Her true passion was community building, recalls her daughter Heather Seaman. She loved bringing people together. We always had parties at home where she invited neighbors and friends. White, black, Anglophone, Francophone… none of that mattered to her.”

Roots

Born in Dominica, an island nestled in the Caribbean, Ms. Seaman was an elementary school teacher when she made the decision to explore new horizons.

She enrolled in the West Indian Domestic Scheme immigration program and landed in Montreal in 1959.

This initiative aimed to increase the domestic workforce in Canada after the Second World War.

“Many of these women, like my mother, were educated, says Heather. They were nurses, teachers, workers… A misconception exists because they arrived through the West Indian Domestic Scheme, but no. The women who arrived this way had jobs, they went to school: they were smart.”

Approximately 3,000 women from the Carribean, like Ms. Seaman, joined Canada through this program in the 1960s. Jean Augustine, the first black woman to be elected in the House of Commons of Canada, was one of them.

Thanks to this opportunity and her perseverance, Ms. Seaman was one of the first Canadian women from the Carribean to buy land in Longueuil in 1966 when she was only 28 years old.

Professional life

On arrival, she worked for a year with a Montreal family while taking evening classes at Sir George Williams University, which became Concordia in 1974.

This is how she obtained two bachelor’s degrees from this university, both in the faculty of arts. The first included a major in English (1986), while the next focused on French studies (2001).

The graduate worked for 25 years in telecommunications. During her career, she has also been involved in sales, insurance, and finance.

With her creative side, Ms. Seaman also had a certificate in hairdressing as well as impressive sewing abilities.

“She made clothes for herself and for us when we were children, expresses Heather. She even designed my graduation dress. That’s how talented she was.”

Family life

The Seaman family was one of the first black families to settle in Laval in the 1970s. They lived in Chomedey, at 100e avenue.

When asked about the potential racism experienced by her family, Heather admits that “those kinds of incidents were definitely a problem, but her parents didn’t want their childhood affected and their mother didn’t condone this nonsense.”

“She was very open-minded. She educated us so that we are open-minded too.”

-Heather Seaman, middle child of Althea Seaman.

From community events such as fashion shows to the many extracurricular activities of the offspring, the family was very active and present within the municipality.

“Because my mother was raised in a prominent family in Dominica, she had the mentality that we all have the right to the same opportunities, explains her middle child. She raised us so that we discover people and didn’t make judgments.”

Awards

Althea Seaman was attributed the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 to recognize her significant contribution to Canada. The National Assembly of Quebec also honored her for her involvement that same year.

The City of Laval also honored Ms. Seaman, posthumously, ten years after her death, during a signing ceremony of the visitors’ book on Friday, February 24 in the municipal council chamber to highlight her community involvement.

L’article Althea Seaman: Cornerstone of Laval community est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Thanks to a grant from the Government of Quebec’s Young Volunteers program, and months of hard work, the young artist’s first album was officially launched on Sept. 30.

Responsible for the entire development process and deployment of her work, Girard now travels to theatres in Greater Montreal, to the delight of the Quebec public.

Journey

Girard made her debut in music by singing in a choir, then in musical comedy at Georges-Vanier high school in Duvernay. She continued to gain experience by attending Cégep Marie-Victorin, and McGill University in jazz singing.

In addition to pursuing her musical career, the young woman is a music teacher, and works in the restaurant industry.

For Some Reason

The album has 13 songs and is titled like of of them. When asked why that name, Girard said “the album reflects [her] life”.

“I think we do things for some reason,” Girard said. “We don’t know how things will be received, what will happen, but we have to get started.”

The song also represents well the particular style of the artist because of the significant contrasts between the sections.

Highly influenced by United Kingdom’s (UK) jazz, Girard is also inspired by several aspects of her life when composing her melodies.

Language

Although Girard’s mother tongue is French, most of the songs of her first album are in English. Some are also bilingual, while her favourite melody is in French.

In addition to the fact the international fanbase mainly speaks English, that language also allows her to go further into introspection.

“[Performing in English] allows me to put myself in a bubble,” confessed the singer. “Sometimes, I find French very close to me. When I sing in French, I feel more exposed.”

Engaged Music

The Laval native’s goal isn’t necessarily to create committed music, but, because of her experience, several pieces are nonetheless.

It’s the case of the song “Graceful Earth”, which sends a very clear message related to climate change. In that song, the artist thanks the Earth, and apologizes for everything humans are doing to it.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article A Laval Artist launches her First Jazz Album est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

On Feb. 10, 2021, Villaggi had been notified by the Jean Coutu Group that the company would not renew neither the sublease agreement for the pharmacy premises, nor the franchise agreement.

If the franchisee wasn’t leaving the premises in time, which is by Oct. 31, 2022, the date set by Jean Coutu, a consequence was imposed: expulsion.

Even if, at the time, the owner wanted to leave the premises before the end of that month, and sell the pharmacy, we can conclude today that he had time to change his mind.

Heavy Legal Proceedings

In addition to the 2017 lawsuit, Villaggi also accused Jean Coutu in September 2021 of breaching the franchise agreement.

That contract describes the granting to Villaggi of an exclusive protected territory. That means no other Jean Coutu branch could establish itself in that location.

The territory was delimited by the René-Laennec Boulevard. However, another pharmacy is established there, but “on the other side of the street”.

Villaggi requested the disaffiliation of that other business, whose existence, according to him, contravened his contract, and which was in direct competition with him.

At the time, the judge called the request “inadmissible and abusive”, and therefore didn’t grant Villaggi’s request.

On Nov. 4, 2022, Villaggi appealed the decision in a final legal attempt to save his business, which has been active in Laval for more than 30 years.

The pharmacist pleaded a double argument, consisting of administrative objects related to the lease, but above all, the harm that the closure of the pharmacy would cause to patients.

The file was deemed incomplete, and the judgment, passed on Oct. 18, ordered the owner to respect the continued obligation to leave the premises.

About the Employees

Testifying under the anonymity, a former pharmacy employee testified that employees present on Nov. 8 were brutally escorted outside by ushers. No justification was received from Jean-Coutu that day.

Since then, the company has remained silent, and the human resources department refuses to answer questions from employees and provide them with a termination.

“The Jean Coutu Group should have taken care of the employees, and given psychological help if needed, especially because of the way we were treated,” said Andrea Villaggi, former pharmacy employee and daughter of the owner, on her Facebook account. “[They could have] relocated us elsewhere, apologized for the situation, but no, instead, no explanation was provided, only savage and unjustified treatment towards the employees.”

For its part, the Jean Coutu Group said, in an email to the Courrier Laval News, that it understands the difficult situation for Villaggi’s employees.

“Although we are not the employer, we continue to remain available to assist Villaggi if he wishes,” the Jean Coutu Group added. “We’re hoping, and doing everything to get the situation back to normal as soon as possible for patients and employees.”

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Closure of Vimont’s Jean Coutu: Final Decision est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

A sheet stuck on the door awaited customers on Tuesday morning. The note, from the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec, indicates that patient files of pharmacist Luigi Villaggi are now in the possession of pharmacists Émilie Larivière and Jean-Michel Dubeau.

Patients will now have go at the pharmacy located two kilometers further, on René-Laennec Boulevard.

Surprise

Although the files will be transferred to another pharmacy nearby, the decision will cause some problems for patients, especially for those who can’t drive to get there.

“We find it hard to understand the present situation,” said Dominique Palardy, a former customer of the pharmacy. “This is unheard of in the history of the company. At the same time, I greatly esteem Villaggi, who’s been there for me all my life as a patient. He’s an extraordinary pharmacist, and there for his customers.”

All customers met by Courrier Laval have a similar speech, as they don’t understand the current situation, but have only good, positive words for Villaggi.

Explanations

For its part, the Jean Coutu Group has confirmed the case has gone to court. Questions sent by the Courier Laval had yet to be answered when writing this piece.

The official reasons behind the closure therefore remain unknown for the moment. The pharmacy is no longer displayed on the company’s website, as if it had vanished overnight.

“After all those years of work, dedication and relentlessness, my father was kicked out of his pharmacy and all his employees were laid off,” said Andrea Villaggi, daughter of the pharmacist owner, through her Facebook profile. “In less than a few hours, more than 30 years of work were destroyed.”

Two security guards from the Maxi Security and Protection Agency have had the mandate to watch the front of the pharmacy since Thursday, Nov. 10. Apparently, there was a strike that day, which would justify the presence of increased surveillance.

Since the sudden closure of the business, the pharmacy taking over has been overwhelmed. In addition to having a smaller space, employees working there seem overwhelmed, drugs shelves are stripped, and the waiting lines are getting longer.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Sudden Closure of Vimont’s Jean Coutu est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The two elected provincial Liberals from Laval are deploring the departure of Anglade at the head of the Quebec Liberal Party (QPL), but, above all, the way in which the situation unfolded.

“I don’t understand all the frustration everyone else is talking about, because I have nothing but praise for her,” Lakhoyan Olivier said. “I don’t know what they’re denouncing. I don’t understand since it’s not what I experienced. She was a good chef, like a good mother.”

According to the two deputies, Anglade deserved to keep her position until the confidence vote, scheduled for the next party convention in 2023, where members could have debated appropriately on the future of the political party.

“I understand she made the decision to leave politics, but I think it’s a loss for Quebec,” Lakhoyan Olivier said. “She’s a great lady.”

“[Resigning] isn’t something I wanted,” said Dufour. “However, I probably would have made the same decision if I was in his shoes. It was cruel everything that was said, how it happened. There’s a person behind it all, a human who has a family. I really liked Anglade, I wanted to work with her.”

Anticipated Loss

The biggest loss in the history of the QLP during the last election campaign was not a surprise, the polls had predicted it. So why such treatment of the former leader?

“There are people who criticized her who present when the decline in support for the party began,” Dufour said. “Would they have done better than her? I’m sure not. It is very easy to criticize when you’re no longer there.”

In recent weeks, several QLP activists, some acting anonymously, have denounced the decisions, vision and directions given to the campaign by Anglade.

“Is it because she’s a woman?,” Lakhoyan Olivier asked. “Is it because she’s a colored woman? I don’t know, but I don’t see any other reason. Looks like Quebec has a problem with a female leader, an [aspiring] prime minister.”

Yesterday, an interim leader, the deputy for Lafontaine Marc Tanguay, was chosen to replace Anglade as head of the official opposition.

The QLP will decide when to hold a leadership race.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Departure of Dominique Anglade: Laval Elected MPs in Shock est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

On Dec. 1, Anglade’s seven years of political involvement will be over when she will also step down as an MP.

On December 1, Ms. Anglade’s seven years of political involvement will be over, when she’ll also step down as deputy.

During the press briefing, the now former liberal leader said to have started a personal reflection following the disappointing results of the last elections.

Why

“The demographic, cultural, socio-economic and ecological issues are too important for the official opposition to tear itself apart,” Anglade told the media. “The QLP must operate a renewal of its political offer, but also of its way of doing politics. We don’t have the luxury of being undermined by internal intrigues that Quebecois have no use for. »

In the last provincial elections, the QLP won the worst universal suffrage in its history, with 14.37 per cent of the vote, being overtaken by Québec Solidaire (QS) and the Parti Québécois (PQ).

A few weeks ago, Anglade expelled deputy Marie-Claude Nichols, elected within the party since 2014, in the wake of the unveiling of her shadow cabinet. That reaction, which several analysts are describing as extreme, is one of the potential reasons behind Anglade’s decision.

Political Life

Anglade made her political debut in 2012, as president of the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ).

In 2015, she joined the QLP, and was elected as deputy for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne on Nov. 9 of the same year.

In January 2016, she was given the functions of Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy under Philippe Couillard’s government.

She thus became the first person of Haitian origin to hold a ministerial position in Canada.

On May 11, 2020, Anglade became the first woman to head the QLP, the dominating party of Quebec’s political sphere for 150 years.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Dominique Anglade Leaves Politics est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

More than 2,000 jack-o’-lanterns light up Illumi’s path as soon as you enter the site. Skeletons, bats and witches are also there to delight the hearts of young and old in this magically scary universe.

New Universes

Apart from Spooky at Illumi, the journey also presents new universes: Air Illumi where you can observe beautiful rockets and impressive planes, The Green Turn featuring green animals and plants, The Fantastic Flights highlighting cute hot air balloons and The Whacky Village where houses are upside down.

“There is not one universe that I prefer to the others,” said Normand Latourelle, creator of Cavalia Inc. and Illumi. “They are just as spectacular. Every year, the team aims to renew approximately 50 per cent of the universes in order to ensure an authentic experience for recurring visitors.”

However, the most innovative attraction of this new edition is undoubtedly The Submarine Tunnel. More immersive than ever, this journey immerses visitors in the heart of the ocean with projections and animations on a 180-degree dome. This universe uses video mapping technology and guarantees a memorable trip.

For the whole family

Every recent universe now includes structures that can be ridden by children.

In addition, The Balloon Bal allows participants to let off steam mid-course by disappearing into an interior space filled with beach balls.

“It’s important that the children have fun,” explained Latourelle. “They often have too much energy and love to let it all out during this experience. I guarantee you that the youth will sleep when they get home.”

By car or by foot, participants can experience the dazzling worlds of Illumi from Oct. 20, 2022, to Jan. 8, 2023.

L’article Illumi Shines Bright in the Eyes of Laval Citizens est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Founded in 1996, the environmental organization’s mission is to improve the quality of the environment, and promote sustainable development in Laval.

With the publication of a series of memoirs, the organization of dozens of events, and the deployment of many projects, the dynamic team can say the mission is accomplished.

“Everything I’ve done, I’ve done it for the young people,” said Guy Garand, founder and former CEO (1996-2021) of the CRE. “Today, the ball is in your court. Think about the future, because the environment is the way out of climate change.”

Notable Achievements

The CRE of Laval is one of the most important players in the environmental landscape of the third largest city in the province.

Since 1998, the CRE has been responsible for the inventory of Laval wetlands, an inventory that has made it possible to recognize the importance of preserving those natural environments at the regional and national level.

“The City hasn’t always been an example to follow in terms of the environment, but I think it’s changing,” said Stéphane Boyer, mayor of Laval. “In recent years, the percentage of protected territories has increased from three per cent to more than 12 per cent.”

To mark its anniversary, the CRE has created a historical collection of all its milestones on its website.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article The CRE of Laval Celebrates its 26th Anniversary est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.