Longueuil: Mayor Catherine Fournier and Affine

It was in an atmosphere filled with emotion, gratitude, and solidarity that a major intercultural gathering recently brought together elected officials, citizens, and members of the Intercultural Council. The event, marked by inspiring speeches and open dialogue, highlighted the importance of living together and respecting cultural diversity within the community.

The evening began with the introduction of the Intercultural Council members, including David Borard, Atiche — a newly appointed member — along with several municipal councillors and committed collaborators. The initiative was commended by Councillor Aïné, who is responsible for intercultural affairs, emphasizing the central role of civic participation in building an inclusive and cohesive community.

Speaking next, Catherine, a municipal leader and a prominent figure in inclusion initiatives, expressed her gratitude to the members of the Intercultural Council and the municipal teams for their dedication. “It is thanks to you, to your presence and your initiatives, that we give real meaning to the concept of intercultural relations,” she said to applause. She also paid tribute to the work of Louise Levac, an advisor in her office, and to the many municipal colleagues committed to implementing ideas proposed by the Council.

In a heartfelt tone, Catherine emphasized the human value of this approach: “What better way to learn than by opening our hearts to one another? This is how we broaden our horizons and build a caring society.” She reminded the audience that the strength of the community rests on social cohesion and kindness, urging everyone to “cherish this solidarity and never take it for granted.”

The evening, organized under the concept of a “human library,” allowed participants to engage directly with citizens sharing inspiring life stories, fostering genuine dialogue across cultures.

For her part, Aïné highlighted the contribution of MP Denis Trudel, who organizes an annual ceremony welcoming new citizens. Sharing her own migration experience, she stressed the importance of such welcoming initiatives: “I hope every newcomer will meet someone like Catherine — someone attentive, open, and determined to build bridges between cultures.”

The presentation continued with a review of the key projects supported by the Intercultural Council. Among them, the Action Plan to Combat Racism, Discrimination and Promote Inclusion (PARDI), described by Aïné as an “exceptional project,” and the establishment of an official Black History Month program, now firmly embedded in the city’s cultural life.

The Intercultural Council, a consultative body composed mainly of citizens, has also been given the mandate to develop the city’s first interculturalism policy, accompanied by a concrete action plan. Under the coordination of members including Marilou, Roland, Alvaro, Atiche, and Émilie, this ambitious project aims to sustainably structure initiatives that foster dialogue and mutual understanding.

As the evening drew to a close, organizers reflected on the spirit that guided the event: openness, sharing, and listening — values that remain, more than ever, the foundation of community life and social cohesion in a society enriched by its diversity.