The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-09 published May 2nd, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 21-09
Skilled Worker Shortage Shows No Signs of Slowing
Factories across Quebec are facing a critical challenge: too many machines, not enough hands. Despite a growing pool of unemployed Quebecers, companies still report intense difficulty hiring skilled tradespeople—a trend that’s hitting the region’s industrial sector hard.
According to Statistics Canada, Quebec currently has more than 372,000 people receiving employment insurance or social assistance. But when it comes to filling roles in welding, mechanics, and industrial engineering, qualified applicants remain few and far between.
“It’s not just a shortage—it’s a drought,” says Julie White, head of Manufacturiers & Exportateurs du Québec. Her organization has been sounding the alarm for months, urging the province to address the skills mismatch with urgency.
But bringing in TFWs is far from simple. As White explains, “The costs are high. You have to train them, house them, and navigate a mountain of paperwork. But companies are out of options.”
Last fall, the provincial government introduced stricter rules on hiring TFWs, citing long-term immigration management goals. Yet Premier François Legault has recently shown signs of flexibility, particularly for rural industries. Still, many argue that suburban industrial hubs like the North Shore deserve the same support.
The issue also highlights a troubling lack of regional mobility. Economist Simon Savard notes that few Quebecers are willing to move even short distances for work, meaning that staffing gaps persist even in areas with strong public transit and housing infrastructure like Laval and Terrebonne.
Education may be part of the solution. Technical and vocational schools in the region are under increasing pressure to adapt quickly, but experts say the pipeline of graduates simply isn’t enough to meet demand. Meanwhile, trades remain less popular among youth, who are drawn more to white-collar professions.
In the North Shore, where small and medium-sized manufacturers form the backbone of the economy, this shortage threatens not only production timelines but also the future viability of local industries.
The clock is ticking. Without a coordinated strategy to train workers, incentivize mobility, and streamline credential recognition, businesses in the North Shore may find themselves outpaced—not by their competition, but by their own labour gaps.
UPDATE: Lorraine Home Invasion Deemed Targeted, Police Reassure Residents
Following our original coverage of the violent home invasion that occurred in Lorraine on the night of Sunday, March 30, new developments from the Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) suggest that the incident was not random, but rather a targeted act based on specific information.
As previously reported, two suspects forcibly entered a single-family residence on Chemin de Lachalade shortly after 9:00 p.m., sequestering a man and a woman inside. The male victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital, while the female victim suffered minor wounds. A volatile irritant was reportedly used during the break-in.
April 2: Forensic Evidence Confirms Deliberate Targeting
In a press release issued Wednesday, April 2, police confirmed that forensic teams from the Sûreté du Québec were deployed to the scene and have since recovered several pieces of evidence. According to investigators, the suspects had detailed prior knowledge of the property, suggesting the victims were specifically targeted.
“There is no indication of a broader threat to residents,” the RIPTB stated, noting that the victims have been able to return to their home and are actively collaborating with investigators.
April 3: Police Respond to Public Concerns
On Thursday, April 3, amid heightened public anxiety and online speculation, the RIPTB issued a second communiqué to clarify the current situation and counter rumors circulating on social media. The police force emphasized that the March 30 incident remains an isolated case and that there has been no recent wave of break-ins in Lorraine.
Aside from the March 30 event, police confirmed only two unrelated cases of break-ins reported in 2025. “There is no pattern of home invasions,” the statement read, aiming to quell fears of a potential crime surge in the area.
As part of their response strategy, RIPTB officers have increased patrols, conducted door-to-door checks, and maintained a visible presence in the neighborhood. Authorities stress that this is a preventive measure to reassure residents and deter any potential copycat activity.
Community Reassurance and Continued Investigation
Chief Inspector Karine Desaulniers stated that investigators are continuing to meet with witnesses and analyze evidence. Although no arrests have been made at this stage, police remain confident in the progress of the investigation.
“We understand the unease caused by this event,” the RIPTB noted, “but we assure residents that all necessary measures are in place to preserve peace in the neighborhood.”
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Police thanked the community for its cooperation and trust throughout the investigation.
As the case develops, we will continue to provide updates in future editions. For now, the message from law enforcement is clear: Lorraine remains a safe community, and this deeply unsettling incident does not reflect a wider threat.
Legal Battle Intensifies over Controversial Waste Disposal Project in Blainville
The City of Blainville and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) are not backing down in their legal fight against Quebec’s controversial Bill 93, which paves the way for the long-term burial of hazardous waste in the heart of the Grande tourbière wetland.
On March 28, in a final attempt to halt the law’s implementation, both entities filed for an injunction to suspend the bill. The Superior Court rejected that request on April 4, but the case has now moved to the Court of Appeal.
On April 7, Blainville and the CMM sought permission to challenge the lower court’s decision. Two days later, on April 9, lawyers representing the municipalities appeared before a judge to request a stay of preparatory work already underway by the private waste management firm Stablex. While the judge’s decision is expected next week, Stablex has been temporarily restricted from cutting more than six hectares of forest on the 69.5-hectare site until a verdict is rendered.
What Bill 93 Means for Blainville
Passed by Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) lawmakers on March 27, Bill 93 allows the provincial government to expropriate land in the Grande tourbière and authorize its use by Stablex for the burial of hazardous inorganic waste. The permit would extend for the next 40 years — a move that has sparked outrage among local officials, residents, environmentalists, and even farming groups.
A Broader Strategy for Sustainable Waste Management
Beyond the courtroom, the CMM launched a broader initiative on March 26 to better understand the region’s hazardous waste management needs and develop more sustainable solutions. In response to long-standing recommendations from Quebec’s environmental review board (BAPE), the CMM’s Commission on the Environment and Ecological Transition has been tasked with producing a detailed report by December 2026.
The study will map current treatment and burial sites across Greater Montreal and assess greener technologies that could replace landfilling. Public consultations with residents, businesses, and municipalities are also planned.
Blainville has committed to playing a central role in this study, hoping its findings will pressure the Quebec government to rethink its direction and prioritize safer, more modern alternatives for handling dangerous waste.
Citizen Mobilization and Political Support
The opposition to Bill 93 has sparked a rare display of political unity and grassroots mobilization.
On April 8, Mayor Liza Poulin stood alongside Parti Québécois MNAs Joël Arseneau, Catherine Gentilcore, and Pascal Paradis at the National Assembly to present a petition signed by 29,160 people — one of the largest petitions of Quebec’s 43rd legislature. The document, spearheaded by Arseneau, denounces the law’s infringement on municipal autonomy and environmental integrity.
Poulin also highlighted that more than 5,500 protest emails have been sent by residents to Laurentides-area MNAs, ministers, and Premier François Legault. Over 100 municipal councils across Quebec have passed resolutions opposing the bill.
Environmental organizations, scientists, and the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) have all condemned the law, echoing concerns about ecological damage and democratic bypasses.
Thousands Rally Against the Law
Public opposition also spilled into the streets. On April 5, over 1,000 people gathered in a peaceful protest in Blainville, including Mayor Poulin, city councillors, and provincial representatives from opposition parties. Before the rally, elected officials held a press conference at City Hall, reiterating their call for the repeal of Bill 93.
As the legal and political fight deepens, the residents of Blainville and their elected officials remain firm: the Grande tourbière must be protected, and Quebec’s approach to hazardous waste must be brought into the 21st century.
Building Bridges: CISSS des Laurentides Welcomes Kanesatake Interns in Groundbreaking Health Initiative
In a quiet yet powerful step toward reconciliation and inclusion, five young individuals from the Kanesatake Mohawk community have successfully completed an internship in the medical unit of the Centre multiservice de santé et de services sociaux d’Argenteuil (CMSSS) in Lachute. Their journey, which began in December 2024, marks a significant stride in empowering Indigenous communities with tangible healthcare skills and career opportunities—right within their own territories.
The initiative, developed through a partnership between the Kanesatake Band Council’s Employment and Training Services, the CDC Pont-Viau (a Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board vocational training center), and the CISSS des Laurentides, offered these interns hands-on training to become personal support workers (préposés aux bénéficiaires).
Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, the project provided much more than a clinical internship. It delivered a culturally respectful, skill-based experience aimed at closing the training gap for Indigenous healthcare workers in Quebec. The interns engaged directly with patients in a short-term care unit, allowing them to hone their practical abilities under the supervision of medical professionals and educators.
Careful preparation went into creating a welcoming and productive environment for the trainees. The internship setting was collaboratively structured by the unit’s head nurse, instructors from CDC Pont-Viau, and the care team at the Argenteuil health centre. Their collective efforts ensured the stage was set for a meaningful exchange of knowledge and cultural understanding.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, emphasized the project’s dual impact: “This inspiring collaboration to train future Indigenous healthcare workers was both a stimulating experience for the interns and our care team. Not only did it enrich the students’ professional development, but it also reinforced our mission to improve population health through inclusive, culturally adapted approaches. We’re proud to contribute to services that reflect the needs of the communities we serve.”
The outcome speaks for itself. All five interns have since secured positions at Kaniatarak’ta Riverside Elders’ Residence in Kanesatake—bringing their newfound skills full circle by giving back to their own elders and community members. This not only addresses the shortage of qualified staff in remote and Indigenous areas, but also ensures that culturally sensitive care is delivered by those who best understand the community’s unique needs.
For Kanesatake and similar First Nations communities, such opportunities are transformative. Historically underrepresented in the healthcare workforce, Indigenous populations often face systemic barriers to education and training. By offering an on-site, practical program embedded in respect and collaboration, this initiative opens doors that go beyond individual success—it lays a foundation for broader systemic change.
Local officials and community leaders hope that this pilot project will serve as a model for similar partnerships across Quebec and Canada. With a growing demand for personal support workers and a renewed focus on reconciliation in public institutions, the formula for success is clear: collaboration, cultural respect, and long-term investment.
As Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions continue to work together, programs like this internship demonstrate what is possible when communities unite to tackle shared challenges. The result is a healthcare system that not only heals the body but also helps rebuild trust, dignity, and opportunity for all.
Boisbriand Takes a Stand for Intellectual Freedom in Public Libraries
In a decisive move to protect the integrity and diversity of public access to information, the City of Boisbriand has officially adopted a motion in support of intellectual freedom in its municipal library.
Passed unanimously during the January 21 council meeting, the motion was originally formulated by the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ) and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), with backing from the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec. It affirms the city’s commitment to ensuring its residents have access to a broad spectrum of knowledge and perspectives — a commitment increasingly vital in the face of rising censorship efforts both in Canada and abroad.
“We are unfortunately witnessing a resurgence of intellectual and literary censorship attempts in several countries, including Canada,” said Boisbriand Mayor Christine Beaudette. “The municipal council is proud to support this motion, which positions the City firmly against any such attempts in our municipal library.”
The motion’s adoption reflects three key principles:
Recognition of public libraries as spaces that reflect a diversity of viewpoints, where no single ideology or agenda dominates the shelves.
Trust in the expertise of library staff to curate collections based on professional standards of relevance, diversity, and educational value — not on political or ideological pressures.
Support for public library personnel in the face of growing demands to remove or restrict access to certain books, affirming that libraries must remain safe from censorship and undue influence.
The motion stands as both a symbolic and practical gesture, reinforcing the city’s dedication to intellectual liberty at a time when book bans and content challenges are on the rise across North America. According to library advocates, the growing climate of censorship poses a threat not only to freedom of expression but to the educational development of communities, particularly young readers.
Library professionals across Quebec have expressed concern about recent incidents of book challenges, often targeting titles that explore topics related to race, gender identity, and social justice. In many cases, these challenges have escalated into organized efforts to remove books from shelves altogether — actions that, if unchecked, risk undermining the purpose of public libraries as inclusive spaces for learning and dialogue.
By adopting the motion, Boisbriand aligns itself with a growing number of municipalities across Quebec that are proactively defending the autonomy of their libraries. The initiative is seen not only as a policy safeguard but also as a strong message of support to the librarians and staff who play a frontline role in maintaining intellectual freedom in the community.
Photo Caption: From left to right: Jean-Christophe Froment, librarian; Stéphanie Gascon, head librarian; Christine Beaudette, mayor; Chloé Moreau, documentation technician; Nathalie Naud and Mégane Trudel-Ouimet, library assistants.
The North Shore News volume 21-08
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-08 published April 18th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Masked Intruders Storm Lorraine Home, Police Investigating Vicious Attack
The Thérèse-De Blainville Intermunicipal Police (RIPTB) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a violent home invasion that occurred in Lorraine on Sunday evening.
Shortly after 9:00 PM, officers were called to a single-family home on Chemin de Lachalade following reports of a possible break-in. According to initial information, suspects entered the home and held two people — a man and a woman — against their will.
Upon arrival, police found the man with visible injuries resulting from physical violence. He was transported to a hospital for treatment, though his life is not believed to be in danger. The woman sustained minor injuries. Authorities also confirmed that an irritating volatile substance was used during the incident, though details on its nature have not been released.
“Our officers are currently interviewing the victims and witnesses, and gathering various pieces of evidence to establish the exact circumstances of the event,” said Chief Inspector Karine Desaulniers. “A crime scene perimeter has been set up, and forensic identification services will examine the site to help move the investigation forward.”
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Showdown Looms as Blainville Fights Quebec’s Forced Land Seizure
In response to the forced passage of Bill 93 by the Quebec government, the City of Blainville and the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) are joining forces to launch a legal challenge. The two entities will appear before the Quebec Superior Court on Monday, seeking an urgent suspension of the law, which compels the City of Blainville to sell protected land for industrial use.
The dispute centers on a section of the Grande Tourbière de Blainville, a fragile peat bog recognized for its ecological value. Stablex, a hazardous waste management company and Canadian subsidiary of U.S.-based Republic Services, has requested use of the site to establish a new waste disposal cell. After months of conflict, the provincial government intervened by enacting Bill 93 under closure, a rare legislative procedure that bypasses further debate.
Stablex has repeatedly warned that if it is unable to expand by 2027, it will cease service operations—services that include processing hazardous waste from across Canada and the United States. Those warnings appear to have weighed heavily on the provincial government, prompting it to bypass municipal authority in favor of a solution that accommodates the company.
Both the City of Blainville and the CMM view the law as a direct attack on municipal autonomy and environmental protection. Blainville’s administration had opposed the use of the land from the outset, citing the ecological importance of the peat bog and a commitment made to its residents to safeguard the area. The city also maintains that the population’s strong opposition to the project was ignored, and the adoption of the law without proper parliamentary procedure left them with no choice but to turn to the courts.
The CMM, whose land-use framework governs much of Greater Montreal, is equally alarmed. Officials argue that the law undermines existing environmental protections, including a control bylaw passed in 2022 and formally approved by the Quebec government. That regulation, still in force, was specifically designed to shield unique ecosystems like the Blainville peat bog from industrial development.
The first step of the legal challenge will be to obtain an immediate stay, preventing any development activity from beginning on the site. The two parties argue that if Stablex begins work before April 15—when federal regulations to protect migratory birds take effect—irreversible environmental harm could occur. There is concern that Stablex may try to accelerate the destruction of natural habitats before that deadline, rendering future protections meaningless.
In addition to seeking an injunction, the case will challenge key sections of the law itself. Article 11, which grants Stablex sweeping immunity to act without regard for existing laws or municipal rules, is a particular point of contention. The CMM and Blainville argue that this immunity allows the company to bypass normal oversight mechanisms and start work immediately, creating an urgent need for judicial intervention.
The legal filing also targets Article 7, which overrides all municipal planning and zoning rules. The CMM asserts that this directly invalidates its own 2022 regulation, which was vetted and approved by the province because of its alignment with Quebec’s planning priorities. The organization stresses that this framework must be respected, and that upending it for a single private company sets a dangerous precedent.
Just last week, the City of Blainville and the CMM had offered the government a compromise. They proposed amending the existing regulation to allow Stablex to use 7.2 hectares of wetland—enough to maintain operations for 24 years—while preserving the rest of the peat bog. This alternative would have balanced industrial needs with environmental protection, but the government rejected it outright.
Blainville and the CMM now contend that the government’s decision to push through Bill 93 not only undermines their efforts but favors private interests over public good. They argue that the legislation disregards environmental science, local governance, and democratic consultation.
As the case heads to court, it raises fundamental questions about the province’s commitment to environmental stewardship, its relationship with municipalities, and the growing tension between economic expediency and ecological responsibility. The outcome could reshape how Quebec handles land use, governance, and industrial influence for years to come.
From Dream to Impact: Thérèse-De Blainville Celebrates its Brightest Entrepreneurs
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville proudly honoured ten standout local businesses during the 27th edition of the Défi OSEntreprendre local gala, held on March 26 at the Centre de formation professionnelle des nouvelles technologies of the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles in Sainte-Thérèse. Presided over by Patrick Gharzani, CEO of SBB, the evening recognized the exceptional achievements of the region’s entrepreneurs and highlighted their impact on the local economy and community.
The annual gala celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and sustainable development across the MRC. This year’s event spotlighted ten businesses that distinguished themselves through creativity, economic impact, and resilience. These winners will go on to represent the MRC at the regional gala, scheduled for April 24, 2025, at the Complexe Val-d’Espoir in Mirabel. Winners at the regional level will be eligible for monetary prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with the provincial gala to follow on June 11 in Quebec City.
The award-winning businesses span a wide array of sectors, from social economy and personal services to commerce and technological innovation, demonstrating the diversity and strength of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the recognized businesses were:
- L’Avant-Champ (Boisbriand), recognized in the Social Economy category.
- Les Thés frais et Boba inc. (Blainville), in Business Services.
- Convalescence inc (Rosemère), in the Commerce category.
- Clinique Hormo-Nova (Blainville), for Personal Services.
- Gamotech and Morpho Gym/9448-8731 Québec inc. (both from Blainville), awarded in the Technological and Technical Innovation category.
- PAM métal inc (Blainville), in the category of Production and Transformation.
- In the “Doing Business Together” stream, three businesses stood out: Marché Damitio (Sainte-Thérèse), Grillage Bolar (Canada) inc (Blainville), and La Station Vrac (Rosemère).
These businesses not only stood out for their economic viability but also for their commitment to community values, sustainability, and innovation. Their stories offer a glimpse into a region alive with potential and brimming with entrepreneurial talent.
“We are extremely proud to recognize local entrepreneurs who are actively contributing to the vitality of our economy,” said Éric Westram, Warden of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère. “These businesses are not only models of innovation but also key players in job creation and sustainable solutions for our community. Their accomplishments inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions with passion and perseverance.”
Kamal El-Batal, Director General of the MRC, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This gala is a unique opportunity to spotlight the excellence and creativity of our region’s businesses. We are thrilled to see so many entrepreneurs whose initiatives help energize the local economy and uphold the values of collaboration and sustainability that are at the core of our mission. Congratulations to all the winners, and to those who will continue to make our region shine.”
The ten winners were selected through a rigorous review process based on criteria such as business impact, value proposition, innovation, financial outlook, and the inspiration they bring to their respective fields. Each submission was thoroughly evaluated to identify the most promising and deserving candidates in each category.
The upcoming regional gala in Mirabel marks a key milestone for these entrepreneurs as they prepare to compete on a larger stage. A successful showing there will secure their spot in the provincial gala in June, offering another opportunity to showcase the excellence and dynamism of businesses from Thérèse-De Blainville.
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville, located on Montreal’s North Shore, is part of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) and serves as a gateway to the Laurentians. With nearly 165,000 residents spread over 207 square kilometers, the MRC encompasses seven municipalities: Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, and Sainte-Thérèse. Known for its mix of metropolitan accessibility and natural charm, the region benefits from commuter rail access, major highway connections, and proximity to the Mille Îles River, making it a desirable place to live and work.
As the gala concluded, a clear message resonated: innovation is thriving in Thérèse-De Blainville, and the future of entrepreneurship in the region looks bright.
