Latest news with #Bélanger


Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Appointment Notice - CIMA+ WELCOMES MATHIEU BÉLANGER AS ITS NEW VICE PRESIDENT, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT Français
MONTRÉAL, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - CIMA+, one of Canada's largest private consulting engineering firms, announces the appointment of Mathieu Bélanger as Vice President, Earth and Environment. Mr. Bélanger brings with him over two decades of leadership experience in urban planning, real estate development, public policy and infrastructure. After serving in key roles across both public and private sectors, he returns to CIMA+ with deep insights into the environmental and infrastructure challenges facing Canadian communities and a collaborative approach rooted in building strong, lasting partnerships. "I'm thrilled to be back at CIMA+, a firm whose values of excellence, team spirit and social responsibility truly resonate with me," said Mathieu Bélanger. "This is more than a return — it's a commitment to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions for public and private partners across the country. I'm excited to work alongside a talented team I greatly admire, and to support our current and future clients through purpose-driven leadership." Mr. Bélanger holds a master's degree in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and a master's in Urban Planning from the Université de Montréal. Before rejoining CIMA+, he served as Executive Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as Director of the Planning Department for the City of Gatineau, and held senior leadership roles in the Canadian government. "We are very pleased to welcome Mathieu back to CIMA+," said Steeve Fiset, Chief Strategy Officer at CIMA+. "He brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong vision for sustainable development, which will be tremendous assets to our Earth and Environment team and to the entire firm." Mr. Bélanger will succeed Raymond McNamara in this role. "I would also like to thank Raymond, who will be retiring at the end of July after many years of dedicated leadership at CIMA+. Raymond has made a lasting impact on this sector, and we're grateful he will remain with us as an expert advisor to support the transition and our ongoing projects." added Mr. Fiset. The Earth and Environment sector brings together more than 200 professionals in environmental services, geotechnical engineering and urban planning, working from coast to coast and across all our sectors of activity. This appointment came into effect July 23, 2025. About CIMA+ CIMA+ provides complete consulting engineering services in the areas of Energy and Resources, Infrastructure, Transportation, Buildings, Project Management, Operational and Digital Technologies (including Telecommunication Systems), and Earth and Environment. The search for excellence has been part of our DNA since our founding in 1990, and our teams draw on decades of experience acquired across Canada to deliver quality projects that meet our clients' expectations. This commitment to excellence and quality has allowed CIMA+ to rank among the largest private consulting engineering firms in the country. Today, with over 40 offices across Canada, CIMA+ employs more than 3,500 people, most of whom share ownership in the company. Our multidisciplinary team is driven by a shared passion to deliver sustainable solutions that make our world a better place. From our Board of Directors to the communities we serve, our commitment to people is evident in our drive to innovate, in the projects we carry out and in every action we take. For more information, visit
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
3 plead guilty in network of temp agencies that hid asylum seeker's work accident
Three people accused of running fraudulent temp agencies that exploited asylum seekers — and who attempted to conceal a work accident later uncovered by a 2018 CBC investigation — have pleaded guilty. Quebec's Labour Ministry has called the scheme the "largest fraud ever committed" against it and has estimated government losses at about $635,000 as a result of the operation. Hector Hair Rodriguez Contreras, 56, Hector Lopez Ramos, 51, and Beatriz Adriana Guerrero Munoz, 45, were all initially charged with fraud of more than $5,000 against the Quebec and Canadian governments and conspiracy to commit fraud of more than $5,000. Rodriguez Contreras pleaded guilty to those charges in April, roughly three weeks before his trial in Quebec Court was set to begin. The trio, led by Rodriguez Contreras, ran a number of temp agencies that hired asylum seekers without work permits and paid them below minimum wage in cash or cheques addressed to false identities they assigned to them. Court documents filed after the guilty pleas state that Quebec's Labour Ministry launched probes into the temp agencies following CBC's investigation. The story had revealed an asylum seeker was severely injured on the job after being recruited at a Montreal Metro station by a shadowy network of temp agencies. He was given a former worker's name and social security number to work under the table at a meat processing plant outside the city. Prosecutor Geneviève Bélanger said part of the group's operations were legitimate, making it difficult for the government to detect the fraud. "That was part of the scheme. For part of their business, if you will, they would do things in order, while for another part, they wouldn't — which also allowed them to fly under the radar," Bélanger said in an interview last week. The asylum seeker testified at the trial of Lopez Ramos and Guerrero Munoz in May before Quebec Court Judge Rose-Mélanie Drivod. The top of his hand was sliced off by a meat slicer, that, he told CBC at the time, he had not been properly shown how to use. In an emergency surgery, doctors performed a skin graft taken from his thigh to reconstruct his hand. He told the court that years later, he's still in pain. The temp agency that hired him did not declare the accident to Quebec's workplace health and safety board, until the latter intervened following CBC's story and forced the company to compensate him. The man, who is now 39 years old, said in court he'd planned to work in construction in Quebec, when he came to Canada in August 2017 and would have made a good wage that way, but instead has been working as a commercial security guard for more than five years. He and his wife have three children with them in Montreal. Three days into the trial and soon after the worker's testimony, Lopez Ramos and Guerrero Munoz pleaded guilty to reduced charges of using forged documents, including tax statements, against the Quebec government. Bélanger said the worker's testimony was emotional and powerful. "It clearly demonstrated the risk this type of thing poses when agencies don't respect [work] standards," she said. The statements of facts filed in court say that the Labour Ministry's probe, dubbed TARMAC, revealed that more than 400 of the companies' workers had also been claiming some form of unemployment benefits — many of them new immigrants who had little knowledge of Quebec's work standards and protections. "The leaders of the network took advantage of the vulnerability of some of the workers," the facts read. Martin Subak, Lopez Ramos's lawyer, says pleading guilty after a trial has begun "is commonly done to kind of test a little bit the evidence." He said part of the reason his client and co-accused ended up being handed lesser charges was because "their roles were subservient" to Rodriguez Contreras. The charges against them could lead to a maximum of two years in jail, while the fraud charges against Rodriguez Contreras carry a 14-year maximum imprisonment. Reached by CBC Thursday, Rodriguez Contreras's lawyer, Richard Tawil, said he didn't yet have his client's authorization to speak about the case, given it was not yet closed. The accused are set to re-appear on two separate dates at the Montreal courthouse in mid-July for sentencing.


Cision Canada
08-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bélanger Introduces Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet with Pressure Balanced Rough-In Valve
The new Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet's compatible 42RBR pressure-balanced rough-in valve simplifies tight-space installs and safeguards trim during construction. MONTREAL, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ -- Bélanger, a trusted name in Canadian faucet manufacturing for nearly 60 years, has unveiled the latest addition to its Solara collection: the 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet (SOL42TCP), accompanied by its compatible 42RBR Pressure Balanced Rough-In Valve. Available under the Bélanger Pro product category, the Solara Collection offers robust performance combined with aesthetic appeal – ideal for professionals in need of reliable, high-end designs. Solara includes innovative rough-in solutions designed to simplify installation, focusing on the innovative rough and trim installation that follows the build process. The SOL42T Roman Tub Faucet features a two-piece, minimalist profile that makes a bold yet refined statement. Its straight modern spout and streamlined single-lever handle provide intuitive control and fluid aesthetics, while its solid brass construction and ceramic disc cartridge ensure durability and smooth operation over time. Available in two timeless finishes – polished Chrome and Matte Black – the SOL42T easily complements spa-like sanctuaries and sleek contemporary interiors, making it an ideal choice for designers and builders aiming to elevate their bathroom projects. What truly sets the Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet apart is Bélanger's exclusive rough-in valve design. The 42RBR valve is designed to support more efficient project workflows by allowing the rough-in to be installed and tested in advance. The decorative trim can then be added at the finishing stage, helping to prevent surface damage often caused by exposure during construction. This staged approach safeguards decorative components from damage during construction, minimizes rework, and helps contractors maintain pristine finishes. This design advancement is particularly impactful in large-scale or high-density residential projects, where labour efficiency and durability are paramount. "At Bélanger, we are committed to delivering innovations that support those who install and rely on our products every day," says Lidia Pedicelli, General Manager of Bélanger. "The Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet and its compatible 42RBR valve offer unmatched flexibility, time savings, and installation simplicity without compromising performance or style." The 42RBR Pressure Balanced Valve features an integrated anchoring system, making it ideal for tight spaces. Its multi-connection compatibility – supporting IPS, PEX, and WIR – provides versatility for various plumbing setups. A secondary hose allows for effortless handshower swaps, enhancing convenience for installation teams and end-users. Other Key Features Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet spout delivers up to 26.5 litres per minute (7.0 gallons per minute) at 60 psi (pounds per square inch), offering efficient fill rates for large bathtubs. The handshower supports two spray modes – spray and stream – with easily switchable jets, providing comfort and usability for different bathing needs. Its maximum flow rate is 6.6 L/min (1.75 gpm) at 80 psi, aligning with water-saving standards. The faucet features a pre-installed, factory-calibrated and tested, pressure-balanced cartridge that ensures consistent water temperature during use – removing this step for the installer and streamlining installation. The Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet, developed in Canada for Canadian professionals, was a finalist in the Plumbing Fixtures and Faucets category of the recent MCEE 2025 New Product Competition. The MCEE show is Canada's largest expo for mechanical, plumbing, hydronics, HVAC-R, electrical, and lighting industries. This recognition highlights the faucet's significance and appeal within the industry. ABOUT BÉLANGER Bélanger, a renowned brand in the faucet industry, part of the Oatey and Tubular Industries of Canada family of brands, is dedicated to creating timeless collections that blend global trends with local craftsmanship. With nearly 60 years of expertise and a reputation for superior quality, Bélanger offers elegant, minimalist designs that enhance any décor. Our products, designed for ease of use and long-lasting performance, are a testament to Canadian engineering and meticulous attention to detail.


Economic Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Microsoft blamed as Quebec's SAAQ service centres shut down amid major IT outage
Microsoft outage cripples SAAQ services across Quebec Live Events Political backlash mounts over Quebec's digital failures SAAQ promises fix, says no personal data breached SAAQclic still under scrutiny amid renewed outage (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A critical IT failure linked to Microsoft servers has forced the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to shut down all its service centres for a second day, triggering a wave of political scrutiny and public outage began at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 affecting a suite of backend servers essential to various SAAQ operations, including its controversial online platform, SAAQclic. While the SAAQclic system itself remains 'functional,' users are currently unable to access read: EU power grid needs trillion-dollar upgrade to avert Spain-style blackouts "It's totally unacceptable, but it's not SAAQClic, it's Microsoft,' said Gilles Bélanger, Minister of Cybersecurity and the Digital Economy, in a media scrum Wednesday morning, May 7. Bélanger, who inherited the portfolio following the resignation of Éric Caire amid the SAAQclic debacle, added, 'I'm following the situation very closely.'As a result of the outage, all SAAQ service centres were closed Wednesday, except for those conducting practical driving tests. The SAAQ confirmed that clients with other types of appointments would be contacted for rescheduling 'in the coming days.'Although the government insists Microsoft is at fault, the incident quickly reignited criticism over the province's broader digital infrastructure strategy, particularly the SAAQclic project, which was launched with a price tag that ballooned by $500 million and led to widespread service disruptions in 2023.'It's a fiasco!' said Marc Tanguay, interim leader of the Liberal opposition, during a Wednesday news briefing. 'At what point does the Minister (of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault) become responsible?'Also read: Microsoft down! Massive outage strands users without email, apps Quebec Solidaire MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard said Quebecers had 'overpaid hundreds of millions for a project that probably doesn't work,' while Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis called the situation 'very embarrassing' for the government. Paradis also stressed the 'real impact' on citizens and reiterated his party's call for an inquiry into all provincial IT the SAAQ outage being blamed on Microsoft, the incident is deepening public skepticism about Quebec's digital governance and an official statement, the SAAQ confirmed the outage was related to several Microsoft-managed servers, which support key services. The organization emphasized that 'our teams and those at Microsoft are fully mobilized and working tirelessly to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.'Also read: X Global Outage: Is it restored? What we know so far Importantly, the SAAQ reassured citizens that no personal data has been compromised as a result of the technical Desrosiers, a spokesperson for the SAAQ, said clients with canceled appointments would be offered alternatives. 'We're going to offer alternatives to minimize the inconvenience on our clientele,' Desrosiers told board has not specified when services will resume or what the root cause of the Microsoft server issue SAAQclic platform, which was intended to modernize how Quebecers interact with the SAAQ, has been marred by a series of setbacks since its troubled launch in 2023. Despite Bélanger's assertion that the platform itself is not to blame this time, the outage is reinforcing public distrust toward the government's digital shift.A public commission of inquiry is already examining the SAAQclic rollout, particularly its massive cost overruns and usability issues. The current outage, though technically unrelated, comes at a time when Quebec's digital ambitions are under a read: WhatsApp faces outage for the second time, netizens react While practical driving tests continue, all theoretical exams and in-person services are suspended indefinitely. The SAAQ said it will provide updates as soon as the issue is resolved.


Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft blamed as Quebec's SAAQ service centres shut down amid major IT outage
Microsoft outage cripples SAAQ services across Quebec Live Events Political backlash mounts over Quebec's digital failures SAAQ promises fix, says no personal data breached SAAQclic still under scrutiny amid renewed outage (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A critical IT failure linked to Microsoft servers has forced the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to shut down all its service centres for a second day, triggering a wave of political scrutiny and public outage began at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 affecting a suite of backend servers essential to various SAAQ operations, including its controversial online platform, SAAQclic. While the SAAQclic system itself remains 'functional,' users are currently unable to access read: EU power grid needs trillion-dollar upgrade to avert Spain-style blackouts "It's totally unacceptable, but it's not SAAQClic, it's Microsoft,' said Gilles Bélanger, Minister of Cybersecurity and the Digital Economy, in a media scrum Wednesday morning, May 7. Bélanger, who inherited the portfolio following the resignation of Éric Caire amid the SAAQclic debacle, added, 'I'm following the situation very closely.'As a result of the outage, all SAAQ service centres were closed Wednesday, except for those conducting practical driving tests. The SAAQ confirmed that clients with other types of appointments would be contacted for rescheduling 'in the coming days.'Although the government insists Microsoft is at fault, the incident quickly reignited criticism over the province's broader digital infrastructure strategy, particularly the SAAQclic project, which was launched with a price tag that ballooned by $500 million and led to widespread service disruptions in 2023.'It's a fiasco!' said Marc Tanguay, interim leader of the Liberal opposition, during a Wednesday news briefing. 'At what point does the Minister (of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault) become responsible?'Also read: Microsoft down! Massive outage strands users without email, apps Quebec Solidaire MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard said Quebecers had 'overpaid hundreds of millions for a project that probably doesn't work,' while Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis called the situation 'very embarrassing' for the government. Paradis also stressed the 'real impact' on citizens and reiterated his party's call for an inquiry into all provincial IT the SAAQ outage being blamed on Microsoft, the incident is deepening public skepticism about Quebec's digital governance and an official statement, the SAAQ confirmed the outage was related to several Microsoft-managed servers, which support key services. The organization emphasized that 'our teams and those at Microsoft are fully mobilized and working tirelessly to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.'Also read: X Global Outage: Is it restored? What we know so far Importantly, the SAAQ reassured citizens that no personal data has been compromised as a result of the technical Desrosiers, a spokesperson for the SAAQ, said clients with canceled appointments would be offered alternatives. 'We're going to offer alternatives to minimize the inconvenience on our clientele,' Desrosiers told board has not specified when services will resume or what the root cause of the Microsoft server issue SAAQclic platform, which was intended to modernize how Quebecers interact with the SAAQ, has been marred by a series of setbacks since its troubled launch in 2023. Despite Bélanger's assertion that the platform itself is not to blame this time, the outage is reinforcing public distrust toward the government's digital shift.A public commission of inquiry is already examining the SAAQclic rollout, particularly its massive cost overruns and usability issues. The current outage, though technically unrelated, comes at a time when Quebec's digital ambitions are under a read: WhatsApp faces outage for the second time, netizens react While practical driving tests continue, all theoretical exams and in-person services are suspended indefinitely. The SAAQ said it will provide updates as soon as the issue is resolved.