2020 has impacted us all in unprecedented ways. It has changed the very fabric of our lives and how we go about our day-to-day functions as citizens of our city, province, country and of this global climate. The pandemic crisis has taught us to really focus on what matters most in our lives.

It’s amazing to think that our local communities can rise to the occasion in service of others. One of those organizations is Société Alzheimer Laval, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as the go-to resource for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other neurocognitive disorders. Learn more about the full scope of services offered and meet the new Director General, Louise Sutterlin, on page 18.

Also celebrating a 25th anniversary this year is YES Employment & Entrepreneurship, who have been supporting the English-speaking communities of Quebec and the ever-changing needs of job seekers or those looking to start businesses in Quebec. Find out about their evolution over the past 25 years and some of the exciting programs available, starting on page 3.

In this issue, we also feature Groupe Priorité Travail and their Job Search Club in Laval. This local organization has been offering support to job seekers for over 20 years. They offer networking opportunities, interactive workshops and tips on fine-tuning your job search. Check out all the details on page 24.

Also supporting job seekers is the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Laval (CCIL), who has launched a new program called Interconnexion Laval. Specifically designed to match employers with qualified candidates who are recent immigrants, the program seeks to solve labour shortages across the Laval territory and the North Shore. Find out more about Interconnexion Laval on page 2, and don’t miss the additional content on page 22 and 23.

With so many more of us staying home these days or working from home, the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval invites us all to be more prudent and attentive, especially when it comes to our cooking habits in the kitchen! On page 43, meet Division Chief of the Prevention Department, Chantal Bibeau. She offers some tips and advice for homeowners on the heels of Fire Prevention Week, which took place in early October.

As the pandemic continues, it’s more important than ever to follow public health guidelines and to support our frontline workers. Find out about how you can donate to Fondation Cité de la Santé and on page 34, learn about how funds raised from donations go directly to support health care in our city.

The Ministère de la santé et des Services sociaux continues to remind us of how we can help reduce the spread of the virus and act responsibly. Get the details on page 39 and learn more about the colour alert system on pages 46-47.

Wishing you and your family much joy, health and prosperity this holiday season. As we ring in 2021, let’s keep our focus on what matters most in life, and be grateful for all that we have available to us in our home, communities and in our great city.