Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
This morning, we dive into the intensifying election race in Laval, with a look at the Chomedey riding and the issues that matter to residents. We also look at a new directive from Élections Québec that could complicate voting for some anglophones, and we suggest a few free activities to enjoy the fall.
What to know on this day
- A 16-year-old girl has been missing for two weeks in Laval: The family of Eva Haji is asking the public for help finding her, a disappearance that has sparked deep concern in the community.
- A 19-year-old man arrested for using counterfeit bills in a Marketplace purchase: Laval police are investigating and want to know if others fell victim to the scheme.
- FC Laval reaches the Coupe du Québec final after a wild match: The Laval side finally got past CS LaSalle on penalties, after an overtime period had to be replayed.
Close to home
- Chomedey, an election race marked by controversy: Incumbent MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, expelled from the Liberal Party, is seeking another term as an independent, while residents voice concerns about housing, roads, and services.
- Seniors’ Week returns to Laval from October 1 to 7: About forty free or affordable activities are on offer, including a volunteer fair and a performance by Marc Hervieux.
- Free activities this fall with the Société nationale du Québec à Laval: Panels, workshops, and intercultural tours are on the program, including a dinner to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary.
Across Canada
- Marineland belugas that died in Chicago suffered from chronic illnesses: The Shedd Aquarium revealed that the two whales had pre-existing gastrointestinal inflammation, but it does not confirm that as the cause of death.
- Federal MPs divided over AI use in the House of Commons: A report suggests that up to 20% of speeches could be generated by artificial intelligence, sparking debate about the authenticity of interventions.
Main story
Chomedey, a Laval riding at the heart of controversy, as residents demand services
The Chomedey riding, one of the most diverse in Laval, is the scene of an unusual election race. Incumbent MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, expelled from the Quebec Liberal Party last year, is running as an independent. She faces her former party, as well as candidates from Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois.
Lakhoyan Olivier has been at the centre of several controversies, including allegations of text messages linked to the Liberal leadership race, and an $8,000 fine for breaching the code of ethics. Despite it all, she says residents still trust her.
Residents, for their part, focus on concrete issues. Issa Salim laments the lack of homeless shelters in Laval, while Frederick Hazari criticizes the state of the roads and the economic situation. Ali Khalil calls for more services, especially for seniors.
The candidates promise to meet these expectations: affordable housing for the solidarity candidate, access to health care for the PQ candidate, and support for seniors for the independent MNA.
In detail
Élections Québec: an English-language directive could hinder voting for some anglophones
A new directive from Élections Québec requires polling station staff to check whether a voter is entitled to receive services in English before speaking to them in that language. Only those eligible for English education or members of an Indigenous community can be served in English.
This measure has sparked strong reaction. Geoffrey Chambers, a complainant in a legal challenge, has sent a formal notice to Élections Québec, the Attorney General, and the Premier, arguing the directive is unconstitutional. Anglophone groups fear it may discourage some voters from casting a ballot.
Élections Québec defends itself by saying it must respect the Charter of the French Language while remaining neutral. The debate is now in the hands of the courts, as advance voting begins Sunday.
FC Laval reaches the Coupe du Québec final after a wild scenario
FC Laval secured its spot in the Coupe du Québec final, but not without difficulty. In the semi-final against CS LaSalle, the match had to be stopped in overtime due to lack of light, after skirmishes led to two red cards.
According to the rules, the match was replayed behind closed doors a week later, with the score at 1-1. The Laval side dominated but had to settle for penalties, which they won 5-3.
In the final, they will face Revolution FC, a Laurentians club that eliminated AS Laval in the semi-final. FC Laval is aiming for a historic double: the Ligue1 QC championship and the Coupe du Québec.
Coup de Cœur
Seniors’ Week in Laval illustrates a great community dynamic. With nearly 2,000 participants last year and a program that keeps growing, it’s an event that proves active aging is not just a slogan. The volunteer fair, a new initiative, could well become a bridge between generations.
Before we go
We wish you a pleasant weekend, whether you take part in the activities or simply take time to breathe. In Laval, fall promises to be rich in opportunities to come together. Happy reading and see you soon! ☕