From Immigration to Politics: The Inspiring Journey of Reine Mbombo-Allara in Longueuil 🇨🇦

Arriving in Canada in 1988 as just an infant, Ren Bongbo Alar grew up in Longueuil, a city where she flourished and to which she has always wanted to give back. Municipal councilor for the Georges-Dor district, she is now running for re-election with the intention of continuing the momentum she has helped build.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she settled in Longueuil at the age of 15 months with her mother and sister. It was in this neighborhood, marked by significant social challenges, that she completed her entire schooling and discovered the importance of community services. “Longueuil gave me so much, it was natural for me to want to give back,” she confides. Her engagement began in 2018 through involvement in the school system, before evolving into a true political journey. Elected as a school commissioner, she discovered the workings of public governance and developed a taste for it.

It was while seeking to understand the introduction of sexual education courses in schools that Ren Bongbo Alar took her first steps in community involvement. Elected as a parents’ representative, then as a school commissioner, she immersed herself in the Education Act and quickly developed political skills.

In 2020, when school boards were abolished, she chose to continue her engagement. She joined the team of Catherine Fournier, now mayor of Longueuil, with whom she shares the vision of a collaborative and transparent politics.

Elected in 2021, she now draws up a balance sheet that she considers positive:

Establishment of governance based on collaboration among elected officials;

Increased safety on streets and around schools, with the construction of sidewalks and a planned reduction of speed limits to 30 km/h by 2026;

Proclamation of Black History Month in Longueuil and creation of an intercultural committee promoting inclusion;

Commitment to maintaining existing infrastructure rather than building new complexes.

“I am proud that our administration has succeeded in establishing a respectful politics, where we work together, far from the quarrels of the past,” she emphasizes.

If re-elected, Ren Bongbo Alar promises to focus efforts on maintaining infrastructure, improving safety, adapting to climate change, and implementing the natural environment protection plan. “We want to protect 21% of Longueuil’s territory, an ambitious goal for the fifth largest city in Quebec,” she affirms.

Beyond her political role, she hopes to inspire young people and immigrant communities. Her advice: do not be afraid to ask, even if your voice trembles. “Nothing I have today was given to me without me knocking on doors. You must dare, create opportunities, ask questions. The worst answer you can get is no, and no has never killed anyone,” she reminds with conviction.

Ren Bongbo Alar embodies a new generation of elected officials, where people and inclusion are as important as infrastructure projects. With re-election in sight, she says she is ready to continue serving the city where she grew up.