This article written in french by Nicholas Pereira was automatically translated using ChatGPT.

A 31-year-old Torontonian is denouncing an incident of police brutality and racial profiling that occurred during his stay in Laval on the night of September 1.

Gulaid Mahdi Omar and his friends had just exited a rented vehicle when they were reportedly intercepted by police. The officers allegedly instructed them to return to the vehicle.

A video posted on social media shows the aftermath of the intervention, during which police attempted to subdue Mr. Omar on the ground. The Red Coalition, which fights against racial profiling and systemic racism, notes that one officer allegedly placed a knee on his neck, but this cannot be confirmed with the available footage. Several blows were reportedly struck, and the Black man can be heard saying he “can’t breathe.”

(Video courtesy: The Red Coalition)

His friends, who were in the vehicle at the time, also told the police that he couldn’t breathe. “If he can talk, he can breathe,” responded the Laval Police Service officer.

“The footage from this video is deeply troubling and reminiscent of the assault and death of George Floyd [in the United States] in 2019,” commented Joel DeBellefeuille, executive director and founder of The Red Coalition, in a statement. “This is the most shocking and disturbing case of racial profiling I have ever seen. Mr. Mahdi was clearly compliant, yet the officers continued to use excessive force.”

According to the group, the police also sprayed the victim with pepper spray and used a Taser. The Torontonian had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance, incurring a $350 fee. He was diagnosed with a concussion, in addition to having several visible bruises.

“Why would I not listen to armed men enforcing the law? Do I want to die at 30 for nothing? I complied all the way, as you can see in the video! I have nothing to hide,” wrote Gulaid Mahdi Omar on his X account.

Laval Police Version

The Service de police de Laval (SPL) states that the intervention began when a pair of officers noticed a running vehicle with three occupants near a licensed establishment in Pont-Viau.

Due to the late hour and the vehicle’s location, the officers intercepted it to check the driver’s capabilities.

“The intercepted individual refused to cooperate with the police and resisted, forcing them to use a continuum of force,” states the SPL. “He was arrested and released on summons. Criminal charges may be filed by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.”

He was also issued traffic tickets under the Highway Safety Code.

According to The Red Coalition, he received two fines of $176 each. The first was for his inability to present a valid driver’s license, while the second was for not having proof of car insurance. The organization insists that he was not the driver of the vehicle at that time.

The police department claims it has reviewed the videos related to this intervention. “After analysis, the intervention was conducted according to protocols,” states Courrier Laval. “The involved officers are not suspended.”

The SPL also assures that no form of discrimination is tolerated within its organization. “Integrity, respect, and diversity are at the core of our police service’s values and guide our daily actions and commitment to the Laval community.”

Legal Action

Gulaid Mahdi Omar has tasked The Red Coalition with holding the involved officers accountable and pursuing legal action to the fullest extent permitted by law. The organization “is preparing to immediately file a complaint for police ethics violations and is working closely with its partners to ensure justice is served.”

It is worth noting that the Commissioner of Police Ethics and the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights are among the independent bodies that allow any citizen to file a complaint regarding a police intervention.

L’article Man denounces police brutality and racial profiling in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Seasonal thaw

Clogged eavestroughs can cause a number of problems, from damaging the soffit and roofline to basement flooding. Ideally, you’ll clean out your eaves in late fall after the leaves have dropped and before the snow arrives. If you missed doing last season, it’s worth doing now anyway.

Your downspouts should eject water at least four feet from the foundation, and channel it away from your house. If your yard slopes towards the house, contact a landscaper to get it regraded.

Interior flooding

Inspecting your plumbing fixtures and appliances that use water should be on your annual to-do list. Check all the fittings and drainpipes for signs of corrosion or leaks.

You can also buy affordable electronic leak detectors that will set off an alarm if they come in contact with moisture. Set these up near your water tank, washing machine and dishwasher for peace of mind. There are also other smart devices now on the market that will detect and notify you of unexpected increases in water use or volume.

If you have a sump pump, you should also have a battery backup system in case the power goes out.

If you’re on a municipal sewage system, consider installing a backflow valve on your sewer pipe. This simple yet effective device will prevent sewage from entering your home if the sewers are clogged or flooded.

Overland flooding

If you live in a flood plain, near a river or other major waterway there are steps you can take to help protect your home from damage.

The first thing to do is make sure there are no cracks in your foundation. Inspect the entire perimeter from the outside, and inside if the basement is unfinished. Call in a contractor for remediation options if you do spot any gaps.

If you have below-grade windows, there are covers you can install over the window well. There are also reusable, absorbent barriers you can buy to place in front of doorways or other areas where water may get in.

Emergency prep

If you’re in an area where overland flooding is a risk, you need to be prepared for an emergency evacuation order. Make sure you have enough gas in your car to get out of the flood zone. Prepare an emergency bag with essentials including cash, your passports, insurance info and other important documents, medicine, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit.

To protect yourself from any type of flooding, never store important documents or other valuables in the basement.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article How to protect your home from flooding est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

It is also possible to go directly to our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin pages, as well as our Youtube channel.

It should also be remembered that the people of Laval can also obtain the paper edition of their local newspaper in order to be informed from a trustworthy Canadian source.

Your local newspaper remains the best source for reliable, fact-based news. In Canada, four out of five people already trust newspapers to provide the information that matters most to them.

More relevant than ever

As News Media Canada shares on its webpage, every week in Canada, nearly 30 million newspapers (print or digital) are distributed across the country in markets of all sizes, including Laval.

Four in five Canadians (83%) read newspapers every week in Canada, whether in print or digital form.

“Print and digital newspapers are an effective advertising medium, regardless of the audience you are trying to reach. Do you want to join the younger generations? They read the newspapers. Want to join the older generations? They have always read newspapers,” adds News Media Canada.

Still strong in the digital age

It should be noted that 4 in 5 Canadians (83%) read newspapers, in print or digital, at least once a week, a figure that remains virtually unchanged from the inaugural study (85%) carried out in 2012.

Despite all of media options and digital distractions, readers still turn to traditional, more accurate and reliable sources of information.

Let us conclude by mentioning that newspapers and news media are an essential service that connects communities across the country.

The news media play an essential role in our democracy by providing Canadians with reliable and credible information.

L’article It’s time to support your local media est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Eighty per cent of Canadian households own a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association so, it’s important to take safety precautions.

Check out these four grilling safety tips before putting on your apron.

1. Grill outside and away from structures. Position the grill well away from anything that can catch fire – like siding, deck railings and overhanging branches. Always make sure it’s set on an even surface in an open, well-ventilated area.
2. Clean and inspect your barbeque. Remove all grease buildup from the grills and the trays below the grill. If your grill uses charcoal, make sure it has cooled down completely before you dispose of it. Before and after each use, inspect all parts of the grill for any needed maintenance or cracks.
3. Create a safe zone. You should never leave a lit grill unattended. For an extra level of protection, remind kids and pets to keep three feet away from the grill to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
4. Be ready in the event of a fire. Even if you’re following safe grilling practices, you should always keep a fire extinguishing device nearby. Models with a spray can design, like the First Alert EZ Fire Spray, are quick and easy to use and easy to clean up.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article BBQ safety 101 est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Having to make the perilously journey from Laval all the way downtown through snowstorms, construction cones and potholes to get his comedy fix, Charles believed there was a golden opportunity in providing English comedy on the North Shore. Along with the partnership of Sid Khullar of MTLComedyClub, he started Laval’s Got Jokes, a monthly English comedy show at the House of Jazz of Laval “to prove that his town of Laval is not only the butt of the jokes”, by press release.

One year and 12 shows later, Charles, Sid, the House of Jazz and their audience celebrate the 1 year anniversary of their show (named #3 on the CultMtl list of Best Comedy Shows in town)! “The energy in this room is different. The comics and the audiences have such a good time! And the venue is so beautiful also! Thousands of chandeliers, the way the stage is set up, the balcony. It all comes together nicely.”

The gala, which will take place Tuesday May 30th at 8:00pm, will feature a lineup of comedians, as well as some special surprises, and a live house band! From witty one-liners to side-splitting stories.

“We’re thrilled to bring together such a talented group of comedians for this event,” said Charles Daghlian, the event organizer. “We want to give people a chance to forget about their troubles and just laugh for a night. I’m going all out! Live band, special surprise comedians. I’m even going to suit up for the occasion!”

On top of one year of English comedy, Charles and Sid are starting a French show at the House of Jazz as well, for the French speaking public of Laval and North-Shore in need of laughter. The first show will take place on Tuesday, June 13th.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.mtlcomedyclub.com/laval.

L’article Comedians Take Over The Iconic House of Jazz Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

If you have ever inadvertently come into contact with giant hogweed or wild parsnip you will not forget the encounter anytime soon. The sap from these invasive plants is toxic to the skin and can cause severe irritation.

Other invasive plants like phragmites, also known as common reed, can spread quickly and aggressively choke out native vegetation. This can be devastating for local ecosystems. While there are various options for controlling these plants, which can include mowing, flooding and compression, sometimes these steps can actually stimulate the growth of more of the invasive reeds.

Whether it’s giant hogweed, wild parsnip or phragmites, sometimes the best option for controlling them is by using an herbicide.

“Unlike other removal methods, herbicides get to the root of the problem, effectively killing the entire plant,” says Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada. “All pesticides in Canada are regulated by Health Canada to ensure they can be used safely without harm to humans or the environment.”

Invasive species can have long-term impacts on natural environments from forests to wetlands and lakes. These plants compete with native vegetation for water, nutrients and space, which impacts soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and natural fire protection.

Invasive plants can also invade recreational areas, making them less attractive and less enjoyable for people and their families. Dense vegetation can make it difficult for people to enjoy walking trails, and popular swimming areas can become unusable due to uncontrolled aquatic plants. Unfortunately, outdoor recreation enthusiasts can inadvertently spread infestations by tracking seeds and other parts of the plants to new areas.

However, with an effective range of tools, which includes pesticides and mechanical methods to control invasive species, local land managers can keep our natural environments and urban green spaces healthy. 

(Source : News Canada)

L’article Invasive species take a toll est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Although they typically haunt allergy sufferers in spring and fall, some people face symptoms all year, even in summer. For those longer-term allergy sufferers, improving the quality of indoor air at home might help.

Here are some easy steps to cleaner, fresher air at home:

• Prevent mould growth
  Mould spores in the air can cause an allergic reaction or a rise in allergy symptoms. Mould grows in moist environments, like bathrooms. To prevent its growth, check occasionally for leaks around your tub or shower. Ensure your bathroom exhaust fan is working and consider opening a window during a shower. Allow the shower and its door or curtain to fully dry when you’re done to prevent moisture build-up. And, when cleaning mouldy surfaces, wear a mask to prevent breathing in the airborne spores and run an air purifier at the same time.
• Avoid VOCs
  Many home cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, which are chemicals that can affect air quality. They can also off-gas from pressed wood cabinets, panelling and flooring. To reduce exposure to these compounds, avoid storing cleaning products in your living area and keep only the minimum amount you need. When using them, open a window or turn on a fan. An air purifier can also help increase ventilation without opening windows. The same advice applies if you are installing new flooring or painting a room.
• Reduce pet allergens
  Dog and cat hair and pet dander in the air can affect your indoor air quality. Pets coming into the house can also track in pesticides and outdoor allergens. To reduce these allergens in your home, vacuum area rugs and carpets regularly and consider having your fur babies sleep in a different room from you. Consider a high-quality air purifier in every room where pets spend significant time.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article Why cleaner air at home might help summertime allergies est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Whether you’re looking to join the workforce or launch into a second career, these industries are in-demand and hiring.

Web development and IT
Most companies have an online presence, and to stay competitive, website creation and updates are always needed. Choose between full-time employment with a small- to large-sized business or embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own company; there are plenty of career opportunities for web developers and those with experience in information technology.

Health care
Nurses and health-care workers are in high demand. Not only is this a satisfying and fulfilling job with the opportunity to help members of your community, there are full time, part time and casual work options available to suit your schedule and work needs.

Agriculture and food
Feed your future with a career in the agricultural and food sector. These jobs include positions on working farms, in food and beverage manufacturing facilities, distribution and more. There are diverse positions to suit a variety of skill sets, such as large animal veterinarians, roboticists/machine operators, general labourers, physiotherapists and many more. Job seekers can find employment opportunities across the country through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Step up to the Plate portal.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article What are the best job prospects this year? est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Here are some tips for you and your whole family to follow:

1. Practice healthy habits. The building blocks of good health include getting enough sleep every day, fuelling your body with a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It’s easy to get off track sometimes, but by incorporating small changes into your daily routine, such as drinking more water or going on daily walks, you can improve your health.
2. Keep up with medical visits. Whether it’s a follow-up with a dermatologist to check on your child’s eczema, your own cardiologist to regulate your high blood pressure, or the annual visit to the veterinarian, make sure you book – and keep – your family’s medical appointments. This can often stop a small issue from becoming a major concern.
3. Help stop the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites adapt and make medications that treat them less effective, or not effective at all. This means the drugs can no longer properly treat infections in animals and humans. Responsible use of antimicrobial medications, like using them only when needed and as prescribed by a health professional, is one of the keys to reduce the problem of AMR.

(Source : News Canada)

L’article 3 simple ways to keep your family healthy est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

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