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Welcome to another edition of your newspaper. In this issue, we have a great story about NOVA, an indispensable local organization with a long history serving our community, as well as the latest news from the Pointe-Claire Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and Men’s Shed. We also have our usual terrific feature writers who provide us with their insight into our community.
Last month, in April, we all headed to the polls in record numbers to vote in the 2025 federal election. Elected in the Lac-Saint-Louis riding for his eighth consecutive term was Francis Scarpaleggia. First elected in June 2024, he has become the longest-serving MP in Quebec. Congratulations, Francis!
Speaking of elections, this is another reminder that we are heading to the polls again on November 2nd– this time to elect our municipal government. I cannot stress enough the importance of casting your vote in a level of government that touches our daily lives. We, as citizens of Pointe-Claire, care deeply about our city and our eight districts – no, eight communities. So, as caring citizens, we surely can muster better than the 43% voter turnout that showed up in 2021.
Who are we voting for when we go to vote? We are casting one vote for the position of mayor and casting a second ballot for the councillor in the district in which you reside. There will be many candidates campaigning over the next few months, individuals wanting to represent you, your district, and your city. We here at the Pointe-Claire Record and Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association will be doing our best to encourage candidates to contact us, and we’ll be sure to make information accessible in our paper and on our website.
Sadly, fewer individuals are stepping up to run than in years past, due to many factors. Running is more than just deciding to run and then doing it; it’s more than an exercise of paperwork, making signs and pamphlets, or discussing a platform. There are a lot of hours required to represent you – from meetings to committees, public events, and the all-too-familiar city council night. We have also heard stories of harassment, both in-person and online, happening in several towns in Quebec. All this effort for what is considered to be, on the part of councillors, a part-time job, and for the mayor, a job that requires long hours and being on call 24/7!
In Pointe-Claire, we do not have career politicians but neighbours, people with all kinds of different backgrounds putting themselves out there to represent us. Let’s show them our respect and get that vote out on November 2, 2025!
Barry Christensen,
President, Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association