In an effort to strengthen community support for vulnerable youth, the Quebec government has expanded the Ma famille, Ma communauté program to include services for young people aged 13 to 17 in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes. This initiative, which has already seen success in the Thérèse-De Blainville area, aims to prevent the need for youth placements in foster care or reduce the impact when such placements are necessary.
The program focuses on creating a network of care around vulnerable youth and their families, involving key community members such as family members, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, and local organizations. By working together, these stakeholders ensure that decisions about a young person’s living situation are made in their best interest, prioritizing safety and well-being.
Lionel Carmant, Minister responsible for Social Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s success and the positive impact it has had in other regions. He noted that this expansion reflects the government’s commitment to putting the needs of children first: “I am thrilled to see the community in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes come together to support our youth. Programs like Ma famille, Ma communauté are vital in ensuring that vulnerable adolescents receive the care and support they need.”
Local representatives have also praised the initiative. Benoît Charette, MNA for Deux-Montagnes and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region, highlighted the strong sense of collaboration that defines the program: “The solidarity and commitment of our community are key to helping at-risk youth thrive. This program will offer them a better future by providing a support system that goes beyond traditional interventions.”
The expansion is also welcomed by Sylvie d’Amours, MNA for Mirabel, who emphasized the program’s collaborative nature. “This initiative brings together various community resources to create a safe and nurturing environment for teenagers, helping them to grow and succeed. It’s a collective effort that will build a stronger future for our young people,” she said.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides, added that the success of Ma famille, Ma communauté in other regions bodes well for its impact in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes. “We’ve seen firsthand how this program can transform the lives of vulnerable youth by surrounding them with care and compassion. I’m excited to see it expand and reach even more young people and their families.”
The expansion of Ma famille, Ma communauté to Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes demonstrates the Quebec government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that young people receive the support they need from their communities. By building strong, collaborative networks, the program aims to provide long-term solutions for at-risk youth, giving them the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
New Program to Support Vulnerable Youth in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes
Laurentians to Welcome 45 New Family Doctors in 2025 to Improve Healthcare Access
The Laurentians region is set to welcome 45 new family doctors in 2025, aimed at improving healthcare access for the local population. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides will recruit 34 new doctors throughout the year, while 11 more will join the region through an interregional mobility program, meaning they are already practicing in other regions and will relocate to the Laurentians.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, expressed optimism about this development, stating that the arrival of these doctors will contribute to improving access to quality healthcare and social services in the region. She emphasized the importance of having these physicians practicing locally, as it is essential for meeting the growing healthcare needs.
The allocation of these medical personnel is strategically planned to prioritize areas with the highest needs, particularly in home care, hospitalization, and emergency services. Additionally, family medicine remains a priority in several parts of the region to ensure primary healthcare services are more accessible. The ultimate goal is to respond effectively to the health and social service needs of the population.
This announcement follows a recent statement by Health Minister Christian Dubé, who revealed the addition of 458 family doctors across Quebec. Each year, regions are allocated a specific number of family medicine positions by the Ministry to ensure a fair and equitable geographic distribution of medical resources throughout the province. This distribution is determined by assessing the gap between each region’s needs and its available medical resources.
In 2025, the Laurentians will see new medical staffing in the following areas: the MRC Antoine-Labelle will receive three new doctors, while the MRC Laurentides will gain five new doctors, along with three more through interregional mobility. The MRC Pays-d’en-Haut will benefit from two new doctors, both through interregional mobility, while the MRC Argenteuil will receive three new doctors. The MRC Deux-Montagnes and Mirabel-South region will add eight doctors, including two from interregional mobility, with one position specifically reserved for a university-based doctor in a family medicine group. The MRC Rivière-du-Nord and Mirabel-North will receive nine doctors, two of whom will come from other regions through interregional mobility. Finally, the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville will welcome four new doctors, supplemented by two interregional transfers.
This influx of medical professionals is a key step in addressing the healthcare needs of the growing population in the Laurentians.
The North Shore News volume 20-20
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-20 published October 25th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Dimitris Ilias Honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, within the Senate of Canada, Boisbriand resident Dimitris Ilias was honoured in a special ceremony. Senator Leo Housakos awarded Dimitris Ilias, a renowned lyric singer and music director, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a distinction bestowed by command of the King and on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
Senator Housakos, who nominated Ilias for this honour, praised his tireless dedication to bringing music into the lives of children across Canada, always with humility and a commitment to musical education. “Their devotion to enriching children’s lives through music is unmatched,” the senator stated during the ceremony.
Dimitris Ilias expressed his deep gratitude for the award: “I feel deeply honored by this recognition and sincerely thank Senator Leo Housakos, who has supported and encouraged us in our efforts for nearly 15 years to bring music to the lives of so many children in our community and beyond.”
The Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, marking the first Canadian commemorative medal for a coronation. Managed by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, 30,000 medals will be awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to their communities or brought honour to Canada through remarkable achievements.
Designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, the medal features, on one side, an image of King Charles III at his coronation, while the reverse displays the Royal Monogram and the inscription “VIVAT REX” (Long Live the King).
Rosemère Steps Towards Health with 5 km Walk for the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie
On the evening of October 18, the town of Rosemère will host its own edition of La Grande marche, a 5 km community walk that is part of the larger Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. This event, starting at 7:00 PM at Alpha School, brings people of all ages together in a celebration of health, fitness, and civic engagement.
The Grande marche is a vital component of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, a province-wide movement that promotes physical activity and healthy living. Organized in over 100 cities across Quebec, this initiative aims to encourage the population to adopt healthier habits, with an emphasis on physical activity as a foundation for long-term health.
Rosemère’s participation holds special significance, reflecting the town’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens. By offering free registration, Rosemère hopes to remove barriers to participation and foster an inclusive environment where residents can experience the health benefits of physical activity. The event is supported by the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec, underscoring the role of medical professionals in advocating for public health.
The walk kicks off with a group warm-up at 6:45 PM, providing a space for participants to engage socially while preparing physically. The atmosphere is expected to be festive, with families, friends, and neighbors coming together to share in this simple yet powerful activity: walking. Unlike competitive races, La Grande marche focuses on accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all fitness levels feel welcome.
This event goes beyond promoting physical health—it also highlights the importance of civic participation. Rosemère’s involvement in the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie reinforces the idea that community activities can have a lasting impact. By encouraging residents to come together for a common cause, the walk strengthens the bonds between individuals while simultaneously promoting a healthier society.
Pierre Lavoie, a Quebec-based endurance athlete and health advocate, founded the Grand défi with the vision of improving Quebecers’ health and creating a culture where wellness is the norm. The message of La Grande marche is clear: small actions, like a community walk, can lead to profound changes in personal and collective health.
As Rosemère gears up for this year’s walk, the town is demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to a larger social movement. Health and community spirit go hand in hand, and events like La Grande marche illustrate the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term public health goals.
Moisson Laurentides Introduces the 2025 “Grand Bedon” Event to Combat Food Insecurity
Moisson Laurentides, a vital organization in the fight against food insecurity in the Laurentides region, has unveiled its plans for an innovative new event: Le Grand Bedon. Set for June 14, 2025, to coincide with World Hunger Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity while fostering community engagement.
Recognizing the need for a new approach, Moisson Laurentides is shifting its focus away from the traditional large-scale food collections that have served the organization for years. As the organization grows and the demands on food banks increase, it became evident that traditional food drives, though effective, were no longer sufficient. This new event is designed to not only gather support but also to educate and unite the community in a more dynamic way.
Instead of a standard collection drive, Le Grand Bedon will feature a full day of interactive and family-friendly activities, designed to inform the public about food insecurity while promoting healthy lifestyles and community collaboration.
Addressing New Challenges in Food Security
With the rising demand for food assistance across the region, Moisson Laurentides has been exploring new methods to meet the needs of those facing hunger. The organization has seen an increase in the number of individuals and families turning to local food banks, including many who are facing this issue for the first time.
To address these challenges, the Grand Bedon event aims to go beyond the traditional food collection model, focusing on prevention, awareness, and community involvement. Through various engaging activities, the event will emphasize the importance of supporting local food banks while offering practical solutions for promoting food security.
A Festive Event for the Entire Region
The Grand Bedon will be a region-wide event, with activities planned across multiple communities in the Basses-Laurentides. These events will be open to people of all ages, offering a variety of activities to engage children, families, and individuals alike.
Blainville will serve as a central hub for the day’s activities, hosting events at the Equestrian Center, while the town of Saint-Eustache will highlight its local arts scene with the Route des arts, bringing together artists and community members in a celebration of creativity and local culture.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the day will be the Race Without Hunger, a fun competition where participants will customize grocery carts and race them through various courses. This imaginative and interactive event encourages participants to get involved in a lighthearted way while emphasizing the importance of food security. Schoolchildren will also take part in the event through a month-long collection campaign, culminating in a junior version of the cart race.
Innovative Solutions for Long-Term Impact
As an organization that plays a crucial role in redistributing food to those in need, Moisson Laurentides is constantly seeking new ways to make a greater impact in the region. Its efforts, which include partnerships with various local organizations, help provide millions of meals each year to families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the Laurentides.
Through Le Grand Bedon, Moisson Laurentides is not only striving to raise awareness but also to inspire long-term change. The event will focus on community education, fostering a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of food insecurity, while encouraging collective action.
The combination of creative activities, educational initiatives, and community involvement is what sets Le Grand Bedon apart from traditional food drives. By bringing people together in this way, Moisson Laurentides hopes to inspire lasting solutions to food insecurity, making the event a pivotal moment in its ongoing efforts to support those in need.
With widespread participation expected, Le Grand Bedon is poised to become a cornerstone event for the region, blending fun, awareness, and action in the fight against hunger.
The North Shore News volume 20-19
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-19 published October 11th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Flood Zone Shake-Up: Major Changes Announced Ahead of October 21 Info Session
Regulatory Framework for Flood Zones: Information Session on October 21 at 6:30 PM at the Legion Hall in Deux-Montagnes
The Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) has unveiled the preliminary mapping of new flood zones as part of the Quebec government’s initiative to modernize the regulatory framework for waterway management. This map is currently preliminary, with no legal value, and is subject to change until the final flood zone maps are adopted, which is expected in 2025.
The modernization of this regulatory framework is seen as positive news for municipalities like Deux-Montagnes, which have recently installed protective dikes. The new regulations will officially recognize these dikes, but cities must first prove that their flood protection infrastructure (OPI) is safe and meets the highest standards.
“A new regulatory framework is essential, but it must be adjusted to give us more flexibility in its application and ensure consistency with the realities on the ground. It should allow for the development of at-risk areas with more resilient, adapted infrastructure, while minimizing the impact on the population. Moreover, given the number of buildings situated behind protective infrastructure, it is important for the government to clarify the conditions that will reduce the precautionary zone width to 10 meters and ensure that all areas protected by an OPI are recognized when the regulations come into effect,” emphasized Denis Martin, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes.
Information Session on October 21
Like many cities and municipalities in Quebec, Deux-Montagnes has numerous questions about the modernization of the waterway management framework, particularly regarding the method for determining flood zones. The city recognizes that the release of the preliminary maps may cause concern among residents living in flood-prone areas. To address these concerns, an information session has been scheduled with CMM representatives on October 21 at 6:30 PM at the Legion Hall, located at 141 chemin du Grand-Moulin.
Boisbriand Welcomes Delegation from Annemasse, France
At the end of September, Boisbriand’s municipal council members enthusiastically welcomed a delegation from Annemasse, France, marking a special occasion that celebrates over two decades of friendship. This relationship, formalized on October 1, 2001, through a “pacte d’amitié” (friendship pact), has been ongoing for 23 years.
The Annemasse delegation was invited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this pact, which could not be celebrated in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to highlight the 50th anniversary of Boisbriand. The three elected officials and two municipal employees from Annemasse engaged in fruitful exchanges with Boisbriand’s local government representatives and toured municipal facilities. The group also participated in a ceremony at City Hall where they signed the city’s guestbook, attended events for Journées de la culture, and visited regional attractions.
Boisbriand Mayor Christine Beaudette expressed her gratitude and the importance of the meeting. “Annemasse, being similar in size to Boisbriand, offers us a fantastic opportunity to discuss our respective realities, and in doing so, we enrich each other’s knowledge. The entire city council has grown from this wonderful human experience, and I sincerely thank our visitors for their openness, generosity, and enthusiasm,” said Mayor Beaudette.
The two cities were first linked in 1987 through the Québec-France student employment exchange program. Their official ties were solidified with the signing of the friendship pact in 2001, followed by the inauguration of Square Boisbriand in Annemasse in 2009. Additionally, Rue d’Annemasse in Boisbriand’s Faubourg neighborhood was named in honor of the French city.
In turn, a Boisbriand municipal delegation will travel to Annemasse in the spring of 2025, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.
16 Young Students Embark on a Hands-On Firefighter Experience
On October 2, 2024, a group of 16 elementary school students from Blainville and Rosemère stepped into the boots of firefighters for a day, in an educational initiative that gave them a rare, immersive glimpse into the everyday life of a fire department. This hands-on event took place at the Blainville fire station and was designed to expose third-grade students to the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a firefighter.
The initiative, titled “Firefighters for a Day,” aimed to spark curiosity and interest in public safety careers while teaching essential skills in fire prevention. Dressed in full firefighter gear, the participants received a guided tour of the fire station, including an up-close look at fire trucks and equipment. Throughout the day, they engaged in various interactive activities such as handling breathing apparatus, practicing search-and-rescue operations, and learning how to safely extinguish small fires. The children even had the chance to put out a controlled fire using an extinguisher, providing them with practical firefighting experience.
The event concluded with a special ceremony where the children were greeted by Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin and Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. Local officials, including councillors Stéphane Dufour and Patrick Marineau, joined the celebration to recognize the students’ efforts and enthusiasm. Each child was presented with a commemorative gift and had the opportunity to sign their respective town’s guest book—a memorable moment to cap off a day filled with adventure and learning.
Mayor Westram expressed his hope that this hands-on experience would encourage students to share their newfound knowledge with friends and family, highlighting the importance of fire safety in the community. Mayor Poulin emphasized that the interactive nature of the event helped deepen the students’ understanding of firefighting and public service.
The 16 students, selected from various schools in the area, represented a diverse group of young learners eager to explore the inner workings of a fire department. Participating schools included École de la Seigneurie, École des Semailles, Pierre Elliott Trudeau School, McCaig School, and Académie Ste-Thérèse, among others. The event brought together students from different backgrounds and educational institutions, fostering a sense of community while promoting safety awareness.
While the day focused on fun and engagement, the underlying message was clear: fire prevention and safety are critical skills that can benefit everyone. The students left with a greater appreciation for the important role firefighters play in protecting their communities—perhaps even inspiring a few to consider a future career in firefighting.
