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With a couple of days to go until Election Day, Parti liberal du Quebec candidates gathered at Concorde Metro to provide an overview of new projects aimed at families and improving the quality of life of citizens. “We want to get the information out to the public so they can make the right decision December 8,” said Fabre candidate Michelle Courchesne. Candidates Guy Ouellette of Chomedey, Alain Paquet of Laval-des-Rapides, and Francine Charbonneau of Milles-Îles joined the Minister of Education November 27. Vimont candidate, Vincent Auclair, was unable to attend.
Health and education
Courchesne, the minister responsible for the region, discussed a wide-range of projects the candidates are currently working on. In relation to health, it was announced one hundred new beds will be added to Cité de la Santé de Laval Hospital. Also, a sports complex for the region is in the works. “It is essential that we get families moving and this complex will be open to all,” she said. Plans to get a CLSC in Fabreville were discussed as well. “Access to health services is a priority of ours and we have made significant improvements. It is important that we continue,” said Courchesne.
The importance of education and creating environment to encourage kids to stay in school was highlighted too. “We need to get students off the streets and in schools participating in extracurricular activities,” said Ouellette. Paquet discussed plans for an initiative with College Montmorency to get students involved in the community. “For example, the program will allow a nursing student to help an elderly person and get real-world experience,” he said. “This will help create a bridge between the youth and senior citizens and will benefit the whole community,” he stated.
Environment and economy
The candidates also discussed the creation of more green spaces to help the environment and for residents to enjoy. The protection of Îles St-Joseph, St-Pierre and Bois de l’équerre and boisé Sainte-Dorothée is a priority, as are plans for the construction of a park in Saint-Francois. “Laval and Milles-Îles are eco-nature regions. It is important that we sit down and take the time to develop a plan with those citizens who want to protect the environment,” said Courchesne.
Milles-Iles candidate, Charbonneau, discussed plans for Le Pont de l’Est and creating reserve lanes to improve fluidity and creating more green spaces for citizens. However, the economy is still the number one issue for the PLQ and is the driving force behind the campaign. The candidates finally discussed the construction of an exhibition centre in Chomedey to increase tourism to the region and hopefully inject some money into the economy as well. “We need a strong economy to have access to quality health services, proper education system and modern infrastructure,” said Courchesne. “We have a strong team here in Laval and we believe these projects reflect the real needs of the community,” she said.