Liberal MP Greg Fergus was elected to the prestigious position on Tuesday, an occasion Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called “historic.” “Greg Fergus not only brings a wealth of experience to this role, he is the first Black Canadian to become Speaker of the House of Commons – an inspiration to all Canadians, especially younger generations who want to get involved in politics,” Trudeau said in a statement. Fergus, 54, represents the west Quebec riding of Hull–Aylmer. He is the 38th Speaker in Canadian history and is also the first person of colour to be elected to the role. The speaker’s …

Save the date and prepare for an unforgettable weekend as we embark on a momentous celebration at the Westmount SDA Church. This long-anticipated event, filled with reunions, captivating programs, and outstanding musical performances, is set to take place during the Thanksgiving weekend from October 6th to 8th. Nestled atop the hill in Westmount, at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Westmount Avenue, this faithful congregation, predominantly of Caribbean origin, is joyously commemorating its 110th anniversary. Over the years, the Westmount SDA Church has nurtured remarkable talent and excellence, giving rise to numerous professionals, community leaders, and artists who have not …

The West Can’s Caribbean Carnival Exhibition on October 28 at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium in Cote St Luc, Montreal, promises to be a monumental showcase of Caribbean Carnival arts, featuring costumes, pan, and calypsos. This vibrant event marks the culmination of the ten-month signature project titled “Carnival is… Mas… Movement… and Music,” initiated by the West Can Folk Performing Company. The project was a comprehensive effort to revive and educate the Montreal community on the creation, appreciation, development, and enrichment of carnival arts. Pat Dillon Moore played a valuable role as a moderator, skillfully guiding numerous workshops and panel discussions, …

In June 2015, in Ottawa, Mr. Deinsberg St-Hilaire fled the scene of a hit-and-run accident in which the victim, Andy Nevin, died. For nine days, Mr. St-Hilaire hid from the police and attempted to dispose of evidence. St-Hilaire claimed he fled the scene because, as a “man of colour,” he was afraid of turning himself in to “racist police”. Four years later, the Ontario Superior Court found St-Hilaire not guilty of dangerous driving causing death. He subsequently plead guilty to a charge of obstruction of justice and received 100 hours of community service. Unquestionably, in a hit and run causing …

by Anne Janice Farray On Saturday, August 9th, a jubilant crowd of over 100 turned out dressed in a “Touch of Green” to join together to celebrate the 60th birthday of a Montreal Grenadian community icon, Hazel Ann Cato-Perry, better known as Hazy. The event was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Cote des Neiges. The hall was beautifully decorated by Theresa “Clo” Henwood and team. As one celebrant Marilyn puts it “It was a delightful, enjoyable evening packed with family and friends with glowing colors of green, gold and white, Hazy’s theme, to share the special moment with …

By: Arielle de Pagter Karina Jackson is in pursuit of holistic health care for her community. An occupational therapist, Jackson works at Nuvo Physio, a physiotherapy clinic that offers specialised services to assist people before, during and after pregnancy. Listening to Jackson describe the path she travelled that led her to work with expectant and new parents is a reminder that you may not always know what direction life will take you, but if you trust your instinct and vision you’ll find yourself where you’re meant to be. Jackson knew she wanted to dedicate her career to helping people but …

The passing of Egbert Gaye is a significant loss for the Montreal Black Community. It is a shared community grief that requires community grieving and healing. We have all been impacted as we have all been connected, from generation to generation, through the pages of this very paper. It is my hope that this article will provide you with the space to learn about grief, and to give yourself space and permission to grieve in whatever ways you need – always remembering that as a community we share a collective sadness, a collective grief and we can also share a …

“Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers,” said civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, leader of the National Action Network, one of two groups that organized the 60th anniversary of the “March on Washington”. On August 28, 1963, approximately 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. to march for Jobs and Freedom. That day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech became a powerful symbol of the push for racial and social equality. On Saturday August 26, 2023, from about 10 am to 3 pm, …

By: Gemma Raeburn-Baynes In a remarkable initiative to uplift the future leaders of our community, Playmas Montreal Cultural Association proudly presents the GemStar Circle of Excellence Scholarship and Mentorship Program for Grade 11 Black students. This transformative scholarship program, fueled by the vision of Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, President of Playmas Montreal and a retired dedicated BMO Bank of Montreal manager, is set to illuminate the path to higher education and success. Nurturing Dreams Through Scholarships At the heart of Playmas Montreal’s mission is the commitment to nurture exceptional Black high school students in their pursuit of higher education. To this end, …

By Meaghan Darlow The West Island Blues Festival wrapped up its trio of 2023 events with a free outdoor concert on Saturday, September 9 in Pointe-Claire Village. The crowd was treated to the sounds of The Contractors, Old Soul Band, Uprising Reggae Band, Justin Saladino and The Stone Doctors. What started as a small fundraising concert under a tent at Dollard-des-Ormeaux Park in the summer of 2003 has grown to be a summer calendar staple for countless West Islanders and music lovers from across the city. Co-founded by D.D.O. city councillor Errol Johnson and Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough mayor Jim Beis, the …