Look back D’Arcy McGee. Before the last few tumultuous months of unpleasant debate about beefing up Quebec’s language laws through the ill-conceived Bill 96. We were fortunate to have a genuine and caring representative who was close to his constituents, faithful to his community. A bridge-builder.
David Birnbaum, a soft-spoken and eloquent legislator, worked his way up from dedicated service on behalf of the English-speaking community. He quickly found his footing as an MNA, felt the pulse of the people and brought our voice to the National Assembly. His doors and his office staff, with high commendations to the tireless Elizabeth Prass and Chris Savard, were wide open to receiving concerns and complaints.
While I was on Cote Saint-Luc City Council, David was always close and accessible. He and his staff attended every civic event. From the floor of the assembly he made declarations recognizing outstanding people and organizations, he noted holidays and commemorations and he proposed legislation and amendments that were in our collective interest. He recently moved a private member’s bill that actually passed, recognizing the heavy toll that the pandemic has taken on the mental health of our society.
David is a good listener and a good orator. He is pensive and intelligent. And, he is human. Indeed, to err is human. All of us, make mistakes. As well-intentioned as he is, he erred. I have no doubt he wished the ill-considered mandatory French courses amendment disappeared as fast as it was tabled. I am hopeful that the government and opposition parties rise above petty politics to withdraw or amend an obvious error in this deeply flawed Bill that prejudices citizens, all of whom have a right to equal treatment.
Life in politics is a daily struggle, often thankless and bumps and bruises are to be expected. Believe me. I know. But in the balance are people who step forward to serve, at personal cost and at the peril of family. Yes, mistakes are made along the way. But if you don’t speak up, speak out, take action, lead, you risk very little. I appreciate the good that David did as my MNA and I am saddened that his term ends as it does.
I wish you well David. You worked hard for D’Arcy McGee and your sincere efforts and accomplishments should be a source of pride.
Dr. Judy Hagshi and Glenn J. Nashen supporting David Birnbaum for re-election (2018)
MNA David Birnbaum introduces Glenn J. Nashen and daughter Nicole to Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate Dominique Anglade (Jan. 13, 2020)
“Many people are upset that this kind of party politics has made its way into Côte-St-Luc.”
Susan Schwartz • Montreal Gazette: Nov. 01, 2021
Incumbent Côte-St-Luc mayor Mitchell Brownstein is seen in his office at the Montreal suburb’s town hall Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. “I cannot recall a Côte-St-Luc election in my lifetime that has descended to this level,” he says. PHOTO BY JOHN MAHONEY /Montreal Gazette
The campaign for the mayoralty in Côte-St-Luc has been marred by incivility — election posters and signs removed or defaced, rumours circulating of candidates being intimidated, and anonymous flyers questioning the record and character of incumbent mayor Mitchell Brownstein .
David Tordjman , who is running against Brownstein, told the Montreal Gazette that neither he nor his team had anything to do with the flyers, which have been delivered to homes and condo buildings in the west-end municipality every few months since last November, and that he “deplores” them.
“I even reached out through social media to the writers to say they should feel there is a way to voice discontent in a transparent manner,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that people feel they need to do this in an anonymous manner.”
Brownstein has reported the flyer situation to Montreal police, he said, and been told “that it is a criminal offence called intimidation.”
Candidates for mayor and council typically run as independents in Côte-St-Luc, but Tordjman has a slate — Team Tordjman — with candidates in four of the six contested ridings.
“Many people are upset that this kind of party politics has made its way into Côte-St-Luc,” said one longtime resident.
Said Tordjman: “My opponent has an unregistered party. We are being transparent about what we are doing.”
Veteran councillor Mike Cohen was acclaimed in District 2 and Steven Erdelyi was acclaimed in District 4 after Alisa Pehi of Team Tordjman dropped out of the race for what Tordjman said were personal reasons.
In a private phone conversation recorded secretly, Jeffrey Kovac, a candidate for councillor in District 6, made unflattering remarks about Tordjman. Tordjman submitted the recording to The Suburban, which ran excerpts.
District 6 has a candidate running on Tordjman’s slate, Lior Azerad. A third candidate, Frank Berdah, dropped out but did not give a reason.
Brownstein, 60, was elected to council in 1990 and acclaimed as mayor in 2016 when Anthony Housefather resigned after winning the federal seat in Mount Royal for the Liberals. Brownstein was elected mayor in 2017.
He practised immigration law for 25 years before becoming a full-time mayor and said that being mayor has always been “about improving people’s quality of life — the same as in my law practice.” This includes COVID-19 safety measures — Côte-St-Luc was the first Canadian city to mandate masks in public spaces — and speaking out against anti-Semitism and in favour of protecting minority rights, including maintaining the municipality’s bilingual status, he said.
Tordjman, a civil engineer by profession, was Côte-St-Luc’s director of public works, urban planning and engineering for five years, then worked in Haiti with the United Nations following the 2010 earthquake; he now works on water projects in northern Quebec with Indigenous groups. He ran unsuccessfully for the federal Conservatives in Mount Royal in 2019.
Elected to council in 2017, Tordjman, now 49, said he is running for mayor because he believes “that Côte-St-Luc needs a change and new ideas that will move it forward.”
He said “many residents were tired of the status quo and the crumbling infrastructure” and that “people have been complaining about a lack of transparency in the municipal government.”
For Brownstein, the campaign has been “very disappointing … I cannot recall a Côte-St-Luc election in my lifetime that has descended to this level,” he said in a post on a Facebook community group in October.
Despite the apparent lack of civility, both Brownstein and Tordjman are in agreement about what they consider major issues for residents, including the need to address traffic congestion and for the long-awaited Cavendish Blvd. extension from Côte-St-Luc to St-Laurent to go ahead. Two routes out of the Côte-St-Luc enclave now exist: Westminster Ave. and Cavendish Blvd.; both agree another route is needed.
They also agree about the importance of English-language rights for residents.
Some residents are upset that several houses and duplexes in Côte-St-Luc function as synagogues, despite being zoned residential. Problems with such issues as parking, noise and trash can arise — and although the decision is provincial, not municipal, these institutions may be exempted from property taxes. Both candidates say they want something done about these non-conforming institutions.
“I am not saying to close synagogues that have been in place for 30 years,” Tordjman said. “They have grandfathered rights. But we have to draw a line and say ‘No more.’ And we have to regulate the ones that exist so residents are able to voice their concerns.”
In my opinion:
These ugly tactics with an anonymous, cowardly, unsigned letter tearing a strip off incumbent mayor Mitchell Brownstein are nothing but a blight on our community. Aside from being defamatory the letter is likely illegal under election rules. Shameful.
Mitchell Brownstein has served the city tirelessly and with great resolve during the pandemic. He was a true leader and worked diligently to ensure order and good public health. He is owed a debt of gratitude and without a doubt deserves to be reelected.
Cote Saint-Luc is often applauded as one of the most progressive, innovative and tolerant cities in the Montreal region. Much of this credit is owing to the strong involvement of its residents in sports, recreation, cultural and safety programs.
From a governance point of view, the city has been well served by independent mayors and district city councillors, unencumbered by party politics and free to speak out on local issues. This reality has helped to create a level of stability and has propelled the city to its enviable high municipal standard.
This election has seen some ugly tactics with an anonymous, cowardly, unsigned letter tearing a strip off incumbent mayor Mitchell Brownstein. I received two such letters delivered to my house. The information contained in this defamatory letter is probably illegal under election rules. What’s more, it contained information that was clearly leaked from inner circles. This is shameful.
Other stories are circulating about secret telephone recordings against one council candidate and intimidation of another that forced him to drop out of the race altogether.
The Cote Saint-Luc that I am proud to call home is not one that is embroiled in such divisive and dark behaviour, propelled by toxic social media posts. Enough with these sad tactics that sully the tightly woven fabric of our wonderful community.
I’ve worked side by side with Mitchell Brownstein for many years. He’s got what it takes to run this city!
So, who offers a positive, optimistic and confident way forward for our city? I believe that Mitchell Brownstein is the best choice. He is an inclusive man of the people who has reached out to all corners of our city. He has a widely proven track record in many areas such as protecting the English-speaking community and leading the suburban cities in terms of pandemic response, keeping residents as safe as possible. His work in the cultural arena is top notch. Locally, he is a collaborative leader working with neighbouring communities to advance issues of Cavendish extension, preserving Meadowbrook, public transit and traffic issues. He is engaged and knowledgeable in his files and is well connected across Cote Saint-Luc, Montreal and Quebec.
Most people I speak with also want stability and continued prosperity and advancement of our growing city. Mitchell offers a bridge between past success of our city and a positive, thriving future. He has my vote for mayor and I hope you’ll give him yours as well.
Premier François Legault during an Oct. 20 press conference, the day after his inaugural speech for the new National Assembly session.CPAC
Côte St. Luc Mayoral incumbent Mitchell Brownstein is objecting to Premier François Legault’s definition of Quebec’s “historic English community.”
The Premier, in his inaugural speech for the new session of the National Assembly, said the “historic English community” is “an integral part of Quebec.
“As a historic community you have your own institutions — schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, the media. Canada’s francophone minorities dream of mastering so many institutions.”
The Premier also said the community is the best served minority in Canada.
Legault told the media his definition of the “historic English community” is guided by the language law Bill 101, those who learned English or went to English schools in Canada. Groups like the Quebec Community Groups Network say this discounts English-speakers from other countries who cannot attend English schools under Bill 101.
Brownstein said in a statement that Legault’s definition “as to who is English in the province, does not respect reality.” He also agreed that many in the province, including CSL, would not be part of Legault’s definition of the “historic community.”
“In CSL, there are many residents whose mother tongue is not French or English, but who migrated to the English community many years ago because of circumstances,” he said. “Are they not to be considered as English speakers, even if they do not have the right to send their children to English schools in Quebec?
“Mr. Legault, in using an ill-conceived definition based on education in Canada, is only creating controversy to distract from the fact that some nationalists claim that French is on the decline when statistics prove otherwise.”
Brownstein added that if Legault wants to improve the use of French in Quebec, “it is not through measures to suppress English that this objective can be achieved.”
Mayor Michell Brownstein has a proven track record, over many years, on protection of minority language rights in Quebec. He is outspoken on language matters affecting the Quebec English-speaking community. As a lawyer and mayor, he understands the legal framework and political nuance of Quebec’s complex legislation limiting rights to English-speaking Quebecers and he won’t back away from speaking out on our behalf.
I’m pleased to be back to blogging after taking a break over the summer. I hope you’ve had a good break too and welcome back to all my readers and subscribers.
My son Jeremy joins me at Anthony Housefather’s Swearing In Ceremony on Parliament Hill, 2019
Much has been said about the leaders’ performances in the televised debates. Pundits analyzed every angle, from one-liners to body language, fashion choices to haircuts and facial expressions.
While it may be very interesting, and dare I say entertaining, to watch video clips on social media of one-line zingers, gaffs and memes of political leaders’ facial contortions, who do we actually reach out to to discuss a federal policy, to seek assistance on an immigration matter or for help in navigating through federal programs, or to give our own feedback on government matters?
Surely, the majority of us do not call or email the party leader or Prime Minister. It’s generally our local Member of Parliament that we turn to for support, information, guidance or to offer up a complaint.
On a regular basis I convey my concerns and opinion to my MP. He listens with interest to me as he does to all constituents who take the time to contact him. He actively solicits input from the community: through his public assemblies held across the riding and online, his many email blasts to his constituency and via social media, and good old-fashion phone calls. This input helps to inform the local MP and enables him to better represent our interests and bring our collective points of view back to Ottawa.
My riding is, and always has been, represented by the Liberal Party of Canada. Of course, it does not espouse all that I hold near and dear. No one party ever does. What I do know is that I can count on Anthony to speak out on my behalf, even when it isn’t popular outside of his riding or within his party. He has done so numerous times since he took office.
For example, I would have preferred to hear Prime Minister Trudeau speak against Quebec’s proposed Bill 96 that will diminish the rights of English-speaking Quebecers. While this is a bill put forward by the provincial government, I believe that Ottawa has a strong role to play in protecting official language minorities. I know that Anthony Housefather believes that as well. He has held this position and repeated it publicly throughout his political career. He has had no qualms about speaking out about matters within provincial or municipal jurisdiction.
In fact, Anthony has spoken out against Quebec’s odious Bill 96, including in the House of Commons. Remarkably, he has been the only MP this far to do that.
I would also note that the Liberals voted against applying Quebec’s Bill 101 in federally-regulated institutions and industry, whereas the Conservatives joined the Bloc Quebecois and NDP to apply the restrictive provincial law, further diminishing and harming the English-speaking community.
With the Conservative’s pledge not to interfere in Quebec’s provincial jurisdiction yet strengthening the repressive language laws, the English-speaking community cannot count on their leader and there’s no evidence to suggest that we could count on the new, local candidate in Mount Royal either.
The Conservative party’s changing position on gun control is unclear and very troubling to me as well.
I want a representative who will speak up loud and clear and I have confidence in Anthony Housefather not because he’s a nice guy or a good friend (he is indeed both) but because he has demonstrated his ability to do so time and again.
Judy, Jeremy and me on the Housefather campaign trail, 2021
For the record, my key areas of concern this election are:
RESPECT FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: A strong national stance on human rights, minority language rights and First Nations reconciliation (and a rapid end to boil water advisories) and speaking out in defence of these groups. Protection and development of Quebec’s English-speaking community is paramount.
HEALTH: Steering us out of the pandemic, establishing national vaccine production capabilities, national standards for long-term care, funding medical research and increasing support for provincial health and social services and halting the Opiod crisis.
CLIMATE/ECONOMY: Orienting toward a greener economy with an emphasis on electric vehicles, trucks and mass transit, and development of high speed rail.
SAFETY: A ban on handguns and assault weapons and mandatory seat belts for manufacturers of school buses.
All elections are local and therefore I always encourage people to pick their preferred local candidate. I have, and will continue, to support Anthony Housefather, my MP.
What priorities do you have for our country and which local candidate do you feel will stand up and speak out for the issues you consider most important? I hope you have the chance to vote for Anthony Housefather in Mount Royal. If you live elsewhere I hope you too have a candidate with the drive, passion and intelligence of Anthony.
Of course, the most important thing to do is to get out and vote!
My dad, George, along with Nicole, Judy and me congratulating Anthony on his 2019 victory
More:
Listen to CSL Councillor Mike Cohen interview Anthony Housefather on the The Mike Cohen Podcast
Politics and community activism is common language around my family’s dinner table. My three children were born into a household where daily discussion touched upon local issues, policy-making, minority language rights, national unity and social justice.
I am proud of my children and wife’s involvement in causes that touch upon improving the lives of people near and far including those who come from racialized and marginalized communities.
Last week my eldest daughter, Nicole, was elected to the Concordia Student Union which advocates for more than 35,000 undergraduate students. The Council of Representatives ensures that the interests of students are being properly represented. Being a Member of Council is a big responsibility. Not only do they oversee and direct the affairs of a multi-million dollar not-for-profit corporation, they are also tasked with faithfully representing the interests of their constituents.
Nicole is a second-year community, public affairs, and policy studies student. She has a background in English language rights advocacy, and her desire to combat discrimination was what led her to run. Nicole prioritizes social and economic justice for students, pushing for sustainability, and emphasizing mental health during this (pandemic) digital semester.
“I’m so excited to have been elected to the CSU Council to advocate on behalf of students for better mental health services, sustainability programs and to help make Concordia a more inclusive environment for everyone,” Nicole said. “In my first meeting on November 26th, I was unanimously appointed to the Sustainability Committee, where I hope to implement a school supply recycling program in order to help students reduce the amount of recyclable waste they produce.”
Nicole has set her sights of pursuing a career in justice for the greater good. I know this new position as a councillor will be the beginning of an exciting and altruistic career. May Nicole continue to make us proud.
Glenn J. Nashen, MNA David Birnbaum, Nicole Nashen and Quebec Liberal Party Leader Dominique Anglade
D’Arcy McGee Member of the National Assembly David Birnbaum has come out on the winning side having backed Dominique Anglade for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. Birnbaum was one of the first to throw his support behind Anglade when she launched her campaign to become leader of the QLP. Well, seems like he made a good choice. This week Anglade was chosen as leader when contender Alexandre Cusson dropped out of the race.
Back in January, Birnbaum invited both candidates to meet with a select group of representatives from D’Arcy McGee. As one of his invitees Birnbaum graciously extended the invitation to my daughter, Nicole, a student in Community and Public Policy at Concordia University. Nicole and I had the opportunity to put questions to both Anglade and Cusson and to have a private and informative chat with them as well.
I put the following question to both: “We are so fortunate in D’Arcy McGee to have been represented by outstanding MNAs, dedicated to our constituents and faithfully representing the party. It’s not an easy task given the history of the English-speaking communities and the QLP, where many feel that our communities have been taken for granted. What will you do differently than your predecessors at the helm of the party to truly build bridges as well as to unify Quebec and Canada?”
Anglade responded that she believes in a modern, open and inclusive Quebec. She seemed more attuned to the history and reality facing Quebec’s English-speaking communities than Alexandre Cusson, former Mayor of Drummondville.
“Montrealers and those in the regions need to meet one another to rebuild the Quebec family,” Anglade said.
While Anglade and Cusson appeared early on to come from opposing corners, the metropolis and the regions, we were left with a favourable impression that Anglade had a better overall grasp of the landscape, in particular as it affects our communities.
Cusson, however, spoke candidly that he doesn’t like the “us” used by Quebec nationalists which leave out those who do not espouse their political doctrine. “I want us all to be ‘us’,” he said. “We’re all in this together. We have to respect all communities. We must be an example, here in Quebec, to ensure that Francophones in the Rest of Canada are also respected.”
Nicole and I were impressed with Cusson’s youthful energy and promotion of a federalist philosophy within the QLP. We think that he would make an excellent addition to Anglade’s team in the next provincial election, helping her in her mission to bridge the gap between Montreal and the regions.
Of course, we also believe that Anglade must include David Birnbaum as her point man for the English-speaking communities, not to mention his vast experience in other aspects of community. His eloquence, intelligence and charm make him an obvious choice for Anglade to keep close as she assembles her team. And that would be good news, of course, for all of D’Arcy McGee and Quebec.
Deputy Clerk Andre Gagnon oversees MP Anthony Housefather signing in to Canada’s 43rd Parliament, Nov. 22, 2019
Several people have asked me what a Parliamentary Secretary is following the nomination of Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather to serve in this role under the Minister of Labour in Canada’s 43rd Parliament. Housefather was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to this role last Thursday, December 12.
At first I reported that Housefather was appointed to the position of Junior Minister. While this nomenclature was used under previous Canadian Prime Ministers it has morphed and has essentially fallen from common usage in favour of the more contemporary term, Parliamentary Secretary. I’m not sure that there are major differences but judging from the comments I received in the last few days nuance is everything in politics.
So with a little help from the Ottawa Citizen newspaper I was able to dig up the following information:
Parliamentary secretaries support cabinet ministers, which can mean standing in for a minister during Question Period, making public announcements in their stead or liaising with other parliamentarians on their behalf.
Carleton University political management professor Paul Wilson says the job is a consequential one. “Especially in a minority (government) context, where the relationships within the House of Commons are so much more important,” he said.
It’s a post that comes with some prestige … and opportunity.
“Not all parliamentary secretaries become ministers, but some do. In a sense, it can be a testing ground,” said Wilson, who served as director of policy in the prime minister’s office under Stephen Harper.
“Are you a team player? Can you do stuff without complaining? Because some of the duties are duties that the minister might not want.”
“And, if people excel at the role of PS, then maybe the prime minister would consider them for a ministerial job. “
I noted from the Canadian Encyclopedia that, “Following the British model, a number of “junior ministers,” also called Secretaries of State, are now appointed to assist more senior Cabinet ministers and to complete the Ministry.”
However, Wikipedia indicates that, “Parliamentary Secretaries replaced the positions of Secretaries of State which had been employed under PM Chrétien.”
Andrew Caddell pointed out on my Facebook page, “You have to be a member of the Privy Council to be a minister of any kind. There were parliamentary secretaries who were made privy councillors during Paul Martin’s time (2003 – 2005), but that practice ended. In the past, there were Ministers without portfolio who had various assigned responsibilities. But they were privy councilors.
“As a ministerial assistant and public servant going back to the 1980s, I often briefed our PS, who was not a minister (and there have been parliamentary secretaries for a long time – it is nothing new). Here is a source: https://en.wikipedia.org/…/List_of_current_members_of…
Thank you Andrew and Howard Liebman for helping me to clarify this appointment information.
The Nashen Family congratulating Anthony Housefather on his big win: Nicole, Glenn, Nathalie and Judy, with support from Jeremy and Savta Pnina at home (past bedtime).
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather cleaned up bigtime with nearly a 3-1 lead over his opponent David Tordjman. From one corner of the riding to the other, support for Housefather grew and spread.
With almost all polls reporting, Housefather’s lead over his opponent grew to an incredible 13,000 votes. He heads back to Ottawa proud as can be. And he should be considered for a ministerial posting!
Congratulations to Anthony on an extraordinary campaign that highlighted his boundless efforts and numerous accomplishments on behalf of his constituents and all Canadians. You are an exemplary Member of Parliament and we are so lucky to have you as our representative.
Congratulations to all those elected and to all who ran, and to all the campaign teams and volunteers. This was an incredible exercise in democracy in the greatest country in the world.
Mount Royal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather and his campaign team continue to blast forward making its last efforts to garner great support across the riding.
From phone calls to door to door to roadside berma-shaves the energetic MP and his crew have been meeting as many constituents of the Montreal area riding as possible. The district includes Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Snowdon and Town of Mount-Royal.
Glenn, Anthony and Nikki rallying
Roadside reaction from passing motorists has been extremely positive with honking horns, friendly waves and supportive thumbs up. Several commuters pulled to the side to say hello to their MP. Yesterday, one pulled up and thanked Housefather profusely for assisting in the citizenship process for her employee.
Glenn, Nathalie and Nicole Nashen with Anthony Housefather, door to door in TMR, Oct. 19, 2019
George Nashen & family at Anthony’s campaign launch, Sept. 13, 2019
Interestingly, many Montreal Transit Corp. bus drivers honked and gave a thumbs up, as did heavy truck operators and regular motorists. Every electric vehicle driver gave a wave or honk. The Liberal government recently gave an additional incentive to EV buyers in a $5,000 rebate for green car adoption.
Berma-shaving along Jean Talon, Oct. 18, 2019
Housefather is certainly one of the most outspoken MPs of all 338 and beyond reproach when it comes to ethical and high moral standards. His list of endorsements is substantial and impressive. His support of the Jewish community and for Israel is extraordinary and his governments record far exceeds the previous Harper government, as evidenced by the Parliament record of votes. His staff are always available to constituents and have assisted many hundreds in all sorts of files.
Anthony Housefather’s door to door Nashen Squad on Oct. 19, 2019. L-R: Glenn, Jeremy, Anthony, Nicole, Pnina, Judy, Nathalie.
It is crucial to get out and vote on election day, October 21. Each and every vote cast is important to our democratic values and principles which is what makes Canada the greatest nation. Be proud as a citizen of this free and democratic country as you cast your ballot. Happy Election Day. And best of luck to the incomparable and extraordinary Anthony Housefather.
Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation, may be turning over in his grave knowing that his namesake riding went from having almost the highest voter turnout in the 2014 general elections (at 72%) to almost the lowest in the province in last week’s election (at about 46.5%).
D’Arcy McGee riding also changed dramatically with the boundary shifting from its traditional Decarie eastern extremity all the way to Cote des Neiges. And despite the huge growth of 40,000 voters to 55,000 this time around, voter turnout dropped dismally from 29,000 to 25,000.
Much went wrong, to be sure. Political pundits and armchair analysts will be drilling through the numbers and issues and faux pas for a very long time. There will be no shortage of theories to understand why English-speaking voters simply stayed home in huge numbers this time around. Poll clerks have reported that ballot boxes stayed quiet throughout the day in the West End and West Island. Tumbleweeds were rolling at my voting station at the Cote Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre. Not a single person was lined up at any of the tables neatly arranged for the masses who never showed up. Apparently the scene was similar throughout the day and throughout the area.
The Liberal brand was evidently on trial in this normally red riding neighbourhood. The smartly Photoshopped posters of Philippe Couillard sporting the lackluster pitch-line, “To make life easier for Quebecers,” didn’t hit the mark, at all.
So what went right?
We have re-elected our incumbent Liberal Member of the National Assembly, David Birnbaum, who deservedly garnered an impressive 74% of the vote compared to the Quebec Solidaire candidate, Jean-Claude Kumuyange at just over 7% and the CAQ’s Melodie Cohen at 6%.
D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum speaks to a group of supporters at the Gelber Conference Centre
The individual makes the difference, locally.
The affable and eloquent Birnbaum is very close to his constituents and obviously appreciated at a rate that far outstrips the voters’ feelings about his party. David is very present in his constituency and cares deeply about his constituents. He is engaged in the key files of importance to the riding and very willingly representing his electors concerns in Quebec City.
While he moves from the government side where he served in high positions with great distinction to the opposition benches I am confident that David will adapt quickly to his new role and continue to represent us with determination and exuberance.
It’s always easier to be negative and to look to blame and shame. We’ve read many articles and opinions pointing fingers in the last week. You won’t hear a negative word from the mouth of David Birnbaum as he is a class act, an intellect and peace-maker, highly skilled at choosing the right words to make a convincing argument. As a new era in Quebec politics begin, I’m thankful that we have David to represent us.
I wish much success to David Birnbaum, and to the interim Liberal leader Pierre Arcand (a very fine gentleman and tremendous MNA and Minister).
Let’s hope that the old referendum turmoil stays way behind us and that our new premier is true to his election-night words of uniting all Quebecers. I extend my wishes for good governance, wise judgment, fair representation and abundant tolerance to our new Premier, Francois Legault, and to the new government.
Quebec is indeed a magnificent place and we must remain united, generous and tolerant to our fellow citizens and new arrivals and hopeful that our lives will indeed be made easier. Happy thanksgiving to all.
D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum was a real sport golfing in his Expos T-Shirt, seen here at the ACC for lunch, with my dad, George and me
Mike Cohen is a masterful communicator and a novel idea generator. Here Mike gets impressive publicity on his passion for animal welfare and a major plug for his outstanding annual Cats Concert.
Would you like to see a Minister of Animal Welfare?
Côte-St-Luc councillor Mike Cohen and Nancy Reich with twins LuLu and MiMi, whom she adopted from a litter born to a feral cat. DAVE SIDAWAY / DAVE SIDAWAY / MONTREAL GAZETTE
Mike Cohen has a big beef with the major provincial parties: “They are not really addressing the needs of thousands and thousands of constituents.”
Namely, cats and dogs.
Cohen, the Côte-St-Luc city councillor responsible for animal protection, has a soft spot for pets, particularly cats. But he laments that while the provincial parties have made billions of dollars of promises to two-legged constituents in this election campaign, they have talked precious little about animal welfare.
For the last eight years, Cohen has been at the forefront of Côte-St-Luc’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program, which has successfully dealt with the plight of nearly 500 feral cats in the community. To raise funds for the program, the Côte-St-Luc Cats Committee, which Cohen founded, will be holding its annual benefit concert, featuring the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, Oct. 9 at the Syd Wise Auditorium.
Cohen estimates that Côte-St-Luc alone is home to many thousands of homeless cats. “And that doesn’t take into consideration all those that die daily.”
“So, do the math and draw conclusions about the number of feral cats as well as homeless dogs throughout the province,” says Cohen, who started the Côte-St-Luc Dog-Owners Committee this year.
“I think it’s insulting that provincial governments over the last many decades have basically thrown these animals under the umbrella of the minister of agriculture. That ministry has sort of been responsible for animal welfare, but has achieved only limited success.”
Cohen’s concern is shared by the Montreal SPCA. In July, the Montreal SPCA mandated Léger Marketing to undertake a poll assessing the importance of animal welfare to Quebec voters. The survey determined that 72 per cent of Quebecers felt it was “very important” or “somewhat important” for candidates to address issues affecting animals during this election campaign.
So in August, the Montreal SPCA sent out a questionnaire to the main political parties to learn more about their positions on several animal welfare issues.
“All the parties to which the Montreal SPCA sent its questionnaire — apart from the Quebec Liberal Party, which refused to participate — seem to recognize the importance of animal welfare issues in the eyes of voters, as all of them state that this is an issue of great importance,” Sophie Gaillard, director of animal advocacy at the Montreal SPCA, notes in her analysis.
“Yet only two parties suggest concrete measures to improve animal protection in Quebec. The Coalition Avenir Québec and the Parti Québécois both responded to only a small number of the questions submitted. Only Québec solidaire and the Green Party of Quebec took the time to answer the questionnaire in its entirety and seem to have given these issues serious thought.”
Québec solidaire wants the Montreal model — requiring pet stores to source animals for sale from shelters — to be expanded throughout the province. As well, it’s against the permanent chaining of dogs and no-pet clauses in residential leases.
Green Party concurs on the latter two issues but would also like to ban the sale of all cats and dogs in pet stores and on the internet, and to impose mandatory sterilization on pets with the exception of small, family-scale breeders.
Cohen isn’t surprised by this seeming lack of interest on the part of three of the major provincial parties and suggests that the situation will only change when pet owners and other concerned citizens speak up and force politicians to address animal welfare issues.
“Animal advocates have been shunted to the side, but the time will come when the situation with homeless cats and dangerous dogs will reach epidemic proportions here and something will have to be done,” Cohen says. “There are so many municipalities with different laws on pets, but the provincial government needs to take leadership and have laws that bring all the municipalities together.”
He concedes his passion for pets hasn’t been a lifelong affair.
“I honestly didn’t like cats 23 years ago, but they came as part of my marriage,” he says. “I’ve since had four cats and they’ve been like humans to me.
“How many other voters out there feel the same way? Yet we have no idea how the provincial party leaders feel about pets — if they even have them. We haven’t heard them bring this up during the campaign. So I’m calling for the next Quebec premier to appoint a minister of animal welfare. Time has come for an animal program with some teeth.”
Maybe claws, too.
AT A GLANCE
The annual Côte-St-Luc Cats Concert, featuring the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, takes place Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Syd Wise Auditorium, 5785 Parkhaven Ave. Tickets: $15. Reservations: http://bit.ly/catsconcert.
Archives MétroDavid Birnbaum est le député qui a été élu avec la plus forte majorité en 2014.
À l’approche des élections générales du 1er octobre prochain, les candidats s’activent dans leur circonscription. Tout au long de la campagne, Métro vous propose un aperçu des enjeux de chacune des circonscriptions de l’île. Aujourd’hui: D’Arcy-McGee.
Élu en 2014 par une majorité écrasante de 92% des voix, le député libéral de D’Arcy-McGee, David Birnbaum, est un des candidats du Québec dont la réélection est le plus assurée. «Ma communauté est exigeante, assure-t-il, on ne parle pas de vote aveugle.»
Pourtant, à une exception près, cette circonscription a voté à toutes les élections Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) depuis 1966.
Elle est composée d’électeurs principalement anglophones (48%) et regroupe une des plus fortes communautés juives du Québec. C’est aussi une circonscription plus diversifiée au point de vue ethnoculturel depuis le redécoupage électoral de 2017.
Finalement, si le revenu moyen des ménages y est beaucoup plus élevé que dans le reste de la province, le revenu médian y est beaucoup plus bas, signalant une grande disparité économique dans cette circonscription qui regroupe Hampstead, Côte-Saint-Luc, mais aussi une partie de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, d’Outremont et de Westmount.
Pour M. Birnbaum, l’immigration – et son avantage économique dans un contexte de pénurie de main-d’œuvre – est un des sujets les plus importants de la campagne. «Il n’y a pas de grande différence entre la CAQ et le PLQ, sauf sur le plan de l’immigration. On est fondamentalement différents là-dessus, parce que pour nous, l’immigration est une richesse», lance-t-il.
Son opposante de la Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), Mélodie Cohn, défend quant à elle la proposition de son chef de réduire le nombre annuel d’immigrants accueillis au Québec. «François Legault a beaucoup de formation à ce sujet-là. C’est pourquoi il a pris cette décision-là», explique cette gestionnaire en marketing. Elle qui s’est déjà présentée aux élections municipales dans Côte-Saint-Luc fait valoir que la CAQ ne cherche qu’à offrir «une meilleure qualité de vie» aux personnes immigrantes.
Mme Cohn se positionne fermement comme la candidate des familles. Elle cite la maternelle 4 ans et le retour du financement public de la fécondation in vitro, retiré par le ministre libéral de la Santé, Gaétan Barrette, en 2015. «Même quand j’étais candidate au municipal, les gens me disaient que ça coûtait cher d’attendre que l’enfant ait cinq ans pour l’envoyer à la maternelle. Pourquoi ne pas le faire dès l’âge de quatre ans?» demande-t-elle.
Le candidat de Québec solidaire (QS), Jean-Claude Kumuyange, d’origine rwandaise, affirme de son côté que la priorité pour sa circonscription réside dans deux enjeux. «Environnement et logement. C’est la base de tout», insiste cet agent de recherche à l’Université du Québec à Montréal. «Il faut construire de nouveaux logements sociaux et rénover des logements existants», ajoute-t-il.
S’ils ont chacun leur cheval de bataille, l’enjeu du bien-être des aînés les anime tous. «Nous avons beaucoup investi dans les soins à domicile, parce qu’on oublie trop souvent que 96% des aînés sont autonomes, explique David Birnbaum. On veut du répit pour les proches aidants et s’assurer que le nombre croissant de gens qui travaillent jusqu’à 75 ou 80 ans aient droit à des crédits d’impôt.»
«On veut améliorer l’aide aux proches aidants, on veut augmenter l’accès aux soins de santé avec les CLSC», affirme pour sa part M. Kumuyange. «Nous voulons plus de médecins de famille, réduire le temps d’attente dans les salles d’urgence et les Maisons des aînés, qui sont vraiment nécessaires», ajoute Mélodie Cohn.
Le Parti québécois et sa candidate dans D’Arcy-McGee, Eliane Pion, n’ont pas répondu aux demandes d’entrevue de Métro.
D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum speaks to a group of supporters at the Gelber Conference Centre
D’Arcy-McGee Liberal MNA and candidate David Birnbaum confirmed that a re-elected Liberal government will be a financial partner in the planned relocation and expansion of the Montreal Holocaust Museum. The Museum leadership has already secured a major lead donation and completed a feasibility study for the ambitious project, evaluated at about $45 million. The Museum, Canada’s only one uniquely focused on Holocaust remembrance and human rights education, is recognized the world over for the quality of its exhibits and its outreach programs. It has also long been recognized that the museum needs more space than available at its current location in the Jewish Community Campus on Côte Ste-Catherine Rd.
“I am so proud that the Premier has made this commitment, which is profoundly important to our Jewish community but also significant for all Quebecers,” Birnbaum noted. He first briefed the Premier on the project in late Spring. “The Museum, with the help of courageous survivors, reaches out to schools, in French and English, to ensure that the terrible lessons of the Holocaust are neither forgotten nor repeated.’’ Montreal is home to the third-largest population of Holocaust survivors and children of survivors in the world.
Mr. Couillard, whose own family was deeply implicated in the French resistance, had a brief discussion about the project with Museum Director Alice Herscovitch when he accompanied Mr. Birnbaum for the second time during this mandate to the annual commemorative service on Yom Hashoah at Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Synagogue.
“We are very encouraged by this news,’’ said Alice Herscovitch, Executive Director. “It is deeply important that all Quebecers have access to a modern and accessible museum that embodies messages of courage in the face of inhumanity and helps Quebecers and people the world over understand the importance and responsibility we all have to prevent racism and genocide. Our museum will be so much more able to deliver those messages to schools and adults alike through an expansion.”
Quebec Liberal leader Dr. Philippe Couillard introduces D’Arcy McGee candidate David Birnbaum (2014)
The Museum is seeking a site in downtown Montreal, and the support of all levels of government. Treasury Board President and Mont-Royal-Outremont candidate Pierre Arcand currently serves the territory where the museum is situated. It will find itself in D’Arcy-McGee after the election.
“In my ministerial role, I see and evaluate each day the many difficult and important choices a government must make in allocating public funds. Of course, schools, health care and other services are essential but so are the Quebec institutions that identify and transmit our vision of humanity, of our responsibility to each other and to the wider world. This commitment is a meaningful example of that vision.”
Birnbaum noted that an initial analysis of the Museum project is already underway by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with the details and modalities of the provincial government partnership still to be determined.
D’Arcy McGee Member of the National Assembly David Birnbaum welcomed a crowd of supporters to the Gelber Conference Centre earlier this week as part of a fundraiser to kick off his re-election campaign. The location of the event east of the Decarie Boulevard signifies the changing electoral boundary in the upcoming provincial elections. The riding of D’Arcy McGee will expand beyond its traditional territory of Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Snowdon West. Newly included in the riding will be a substantial area stretching to Cote des Neiges Road bordered by Cote Saint-Catherine to the south and the CP Railway to the north of Vezina.
Speaking with his customary eloquence and grace Birnbaum said that, “there is only one party in the National Assembly that truly represents all Quebecers,” giving examples of how the CAQ and PQ have not stood up for minority communities. The CAQ has indicated its position on immigrants which runs contrary to the belief of so many of Birnbaum’s constituents and, “the PQ still has its Article 1 that speaks of Quebec without Canada.”
D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum speaks to a group of supporters at the Gelber Conference Centre
Mitch Garber was the special guest speaker. Chairman of the Board of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, Mitch was recently named as Chairman of a new organization, Invest in Canada, which is focused on streamlining and encouraging investment in Canada. Mitch is also the co-founder of Ceasar’s Entertainment, a world-leading game development company. Closer to home, Mitch is an old school-mate of mine at Bialik High School and McGill University.
Mitch has never forgotten his roots and always speaks proudly of his community and his love of Montreal, Quebec and Canada.
“Mitch and his wife Anne-Marie are doing so much to bridge the gaps between our linguistic communities, between our Jewish community and all over Quebec, with frankness of warmth and compassion,” said Birnbaum.
Speaking about his passion for business and baseball, Garber took care not to make any partisan pronouncements, although it was clear that his support for David Birnbaum was genuine and sincere.
Guest speaker Mitch Garber throws his enthusiastic support to Birnbaum
My wife, Dr. Judy Hagshi and I were pleased to show our support for David. I worked closely with him in my capacity as a City Councillor. David’s keen interest in matters affecting municipal life and provincial matters are evident. If he, and his very able staff of Chris and Elizabeth, could do anything to assist his constituents, they would do so with pleasure.
What’s more I was always impressed in his interest in the larger Jewish community and its public establishments, following in the footsteps of Lawrence Bergman, his predecessor. David was front and centre in speaking up in the National Assembly on Yom Hashoah, as was Bergman.
He also went out of his way, literally, in showing great interest in the advancement of the Jewish General Hospital, where I work in public relations on behalf of the West-Central Montreal health authority. The JGH is located in Mount Royal riding, which never stopped David (or Lawrence Bergman before him) from doing whatever he could to help out on any file, along with his neighbouring MNA, Pierre Arcand. As happenstance would have it, with the redrawing of the electoral map, the JGH will in fact be in the new D’Arcy McGee boundaries come October 1.
Dr. Judy Hagshi and Glenn J. Nashen supporting David Birnbaum for re-election
We may not agree on every single issue but that doesn’t diminish David’s strong support of his riding and constituents. And we may not agree with all of his party’s platform but that doesn’t take away from their strong handling of the economy and their clear position on Quebec’s place in a united Canada. As David said, that’s much more than we can say about his competitors.
I look forward to challenging David on issues of importance to me such as English-language rights, pre-hospital emergency medical care, public safety and the promotion of electric vehicles and other green initiatives. I know he will always give me an ear and bring my concerns to the seat of power in Quebec City.
Nashen Notes 
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