While several neighborhood merchants were sounding the alarm, the mayor of Montreal unveiled the action plan for the Village of the Ville-Marie district last Thursday.

After listening to the mayor and taking note of the recommendations, I have to honestly say that the result is very disappointing. A few months after the City Ombudsman criticized elected officials for continuing with the same approach they knew was ineffective in dealing with homelessness, I would have expected that we would be offered a change of course rather than further remedial action . A few months after the UMQ mission to Finland, led by Mayor Bruno Marchand, who refused to see homelessness as inevitable, I would have expected the mayor to have something to say to us other than teach us to live with homelessness and portray them as normal proximity to downtown.

I must also say that the portrayal of the situation shows social hypocrisy. Representing the severe social problems that have been shoveled in this district for decades as “village social problems” means presenting the situation as if they originated in the village while affecting it due to actions of successive municipal governments .

Having seen all the revitalization projects for the district’s micro-districts and the city’s interventions to address the social problems of the street for more than a quarter of a century as a publisher, I realize that their growth in the Village is through the revitalization of the Faubourg St-Laurent and then the Quartier des Spectacles connected directly to the settlement east of all roadsides.

Failed Solutions

Several researchers have documented this process. The police repression was deliberately used by the authorities at the time to “clean up” the former red light. I remember all too well the police action in Émilie-Gamelin in the late 1990s to evict young people from the streets who were being sent back to the village. They had then settled in Beaudry Metro Park and Campbell Park.

I also remember the crazy street prostitution diversion project proposed by the city in 1999-2000 to rid other neighborhoods of this phenomenon by concentrating it in Centre-Sud. The city relented in the face of popular outcry, but remained deaf to citizens’ concerns that the neighborhood was becoming a large concentration of “street clientele” resources.

It doesn’t take Papineau’s head to understand that we’re setting up a joyful storm as we set up resources around the village for all street customers, including two monitored injection sites. But when you have big revitalization projects that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, you find it perfectly normal to push these people further East, and you tell yourself that gay people are tolerant and marginalized and that the Village is not a family neighborhood. Therefore, it is less problematic to solve these problems there.

Systemic Discrimination

Our community is well aware of this “clean up” by local governments over the decades. It was precisely the repression that preceded the Olympics that caused gay establishments to relocate to what is now the Village. When the mayor speaks about the struggles in our communities, it is certainly embarrassing to remember that these are often waged against the city government and its police department.

As the city recognizes the existence of systemic discrimination, it questions its propensity to require our communities to live with what would be unbearable in other neighborhoods. Apart from the declarations of love for the village by our elected officials, all we can say is that it is the last pole of the district awaiting a revitalization project.

For decades, community organizations and researchers alike have been demanding that we no longer settle for opening emergency shelters or day centers and teams of roadworkers, but that we provide supervised housing for those who wish to get off the streets. In order to be able to intervene effectively, it is necessary to stabilize people and create the conditions for follow-up. This inevitably includes the provision of a roof. Finland’s experience, which Mayor Marchand examined this winter, is conclusive in this regard.

More than 60 years after the Quiet Revolution, it is high time our governments stopped relying on Christian charities and community organizations to deal with these social problems. It is pathetic that we are still dependent on these resources, which for all their goodwill are insufficient and, above all, not suitable for psychosocial follow-up care over the years.

Many will say that such a shift in direction will take years to have an impact and that short-term results are needed. I’ve heard that argument for at least 25 years. And short-term damage control measures are here. Maybe it would be different if we had changed course 25 years ago.

Andre Gagnon, Publisher, GQ Guides

Luis Ladaria, in Mallorca in 2019.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which until recently formed the aorta of the Vatican, announces changes in the control room. The organ, called La Suprema because of its extraordinary importance, also known throughout history as the ancient Holy Office, changes its guard and the Spanish Jesuit Luis Ladaria, cardinal and until today responsible for guarding the essence of the Catholic Church, is replaced by the Argentine Víctor Manuel Fernández, known as Tucho. The change had been anticipated due to the incumbent’s exceeding the retirement age, but as so often in Francis’ era, it caught many in the Holy See off guard who had not anticipated that someone so young and, shall we say, Francis is so young Above all, the more conservative wing.

Víctor Manuel Fernández is the current Archbishop of La Plata. His appointment is a direct consequence of the advanced age of his predecessor Luis Francisco Ladaria (79), who will retire in September after five years in office. Curiously, the most important thing now could also be the age of Fernández, 61, who was ordained archbishop himself in 2013 by Francisco, with whom he has a close friendship and with whom he holds positions attributed as the progressive wing of the Church. . He is also the first Argentine prelate from his circle that Jorge Mario Bergoglio wanted to bring to Rome for a position of great importance.

In a way, the appointment closes an era in the control tower of the theological teaching of Ratzinger’s legacy. After the German Gerhard Müller (who left the dicastery early and was deeply at odds with the pontiff) and Ladaria, whose contribution was as vague as it was invaluable (especially on the subject of abuses), there is a remarkable change of course. And the appointment is not insignificant for the future of the church. Despite recent organizational changes made by the Pope, where the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) is no longer the number 1 Dicastery, the ancient Holy Office remains one of the key sites to decode the identity of the current Catholic Church.

“As the new Prefect of the Department of Doctrine of the Faith, I entrust you with a task that I consider very valuable. Their central purpose is to protect the doctrine that springs from faith, to give a reason for our hope, but not as enemies who point out and condemn,” the pope said in a letter published this Saturday. In addition to Francisco’s comments, the congregation, which will now lead Fernández, who is expected to be made a cardinal by the Pope soon, has been tasked with overseeing child abuse investigations.

The old Palacio del Santo Oficio, the old command room where the Inquisition judged and punished the sins of heretics of all stripes – some of the torture devices and an old dungeon still survive – is where the CDF has its offices today. Hitherto this body was the most hierarchically important of the Holy See, so that in 1965 it became known as La Suprema and its prefect was the Pope himself. But the reform of the Curia carried out by Pope Francis, which put the new great ministry of evangelization at the forefront, and a slow process of restructuring, are currently putting it in a moment of particular change.

Tucho Fernández arrives in Rome just as the investigation into the abuse of minors by the clergy is gaining global attention and a definitive response from the Holy See is required. A moment when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith must also decide whether to strengthen its character as a court or its theological aspect. Fernández’s plans and determination will be the key to understanding him.

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A veteran New York attorney shared her heartache after her 20-year-old financier left her out of the blue while another woman was in lockdown — allegedly telling her he didn’t want custody of their children.

Flobelle “Belle” Fairbanks Burden says her husband, Henry Davis, announced he wanted to end their marriage while they sought shelter from COVID on their $4.7 million Martha’s Vineyard vacation in spring 2020.

In a heartbreaking article for The New York Times, the 54-year-old described the moment she, Davis and their two younger children, then aged 15 and 12, sought shelter from the pandemic on the island.

Upon arrival on March 15, 2020, Burden, a New York-based attorney who is a descendant of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, described the stability and routine the family had in escaping lockdown, initially describing the experience as ” lovely”.

Flobelle “Belle” Fairbanks Burden (R) claims her husband Henry Davis (C) announced he wanted to end their marriage, was having an affair and didn’t want custody of the children. They were pictured with Burden’s stepmother, Susan Burden, in 2008 – the couple’s only known picture together

Burden says her marriage fell apart while she took refuge in her $4.7 million Martha’s Vineyard shelter (pictured) in the early days of COVID in March 2020

But all of that fell apart when she found out her estranged husband was in a secret relationship.

Burden wrote: “A week later on March 22 at 6am my husband told me he wanted a divorce. He packed his bag, got into his jeep and boarded a ferry. We were married almost 21 years.

“When he reached New York City, he laid out his story: He thought he wanted our lives, but he didn’t.” He thought he was happy, but he wasn’t. A switch had been flipped. He didn’t want our house or our apartment. He didn’t want custody of our children.

In the insightful article, she claims he “bought a swanky new Manhattan apartment, hired a well-known divorce lawyer,” and treated her with “a consistent lack of empathy or sentimentality.”

Burden claimed the split stunned her, recounting how the year before she and her former husband happily planted blueberry bushes in the garden of the posh estate, in a haze of what she thought was idyllic and marital bliss.

She detailed the routine they established during the placement and said the family was “delighted to use the off-season multimillion-dollar island getaway.”

Burden, who also lives in a multimillion-dollar Tribeca loft, learned of the affair from a voice message left by the other woman’s husband on March 21.

“I’m sorry to inform you that your husband is having an affair with my wife,” he said.

In a heartbreaking article for The New York Times, the 54-year-old described the moment she, Davis and their two younger children, then aged 15 and 12, sought shelter from the pandemic on the island

In the revealing article, she claims he “bought a swanky new Manhattan apartment, hired a well-known divorce lawyer,” and treated her with a “continued lack of empathy or sentimentality.”

Burden recounted how she found out Davis had been unfaithful, writing: “There was another woman, as often happens when men leave.”

Burden married Henry Patterson Davis in June 1999 at her stepmother Susan’s home in Water Mill, NY after the two met at a corporate law firm.

Their marriage was announced in The New York Times – the same publication where Burden decided to detail the implosion in harrowing detail.

She said Davis’ “steadfastness” made her fall in love with him and that he resembled her father, Carter Burden, who served as a New York City councilman from 1969-1978.

“He was tall, blond, and slim, a silhouette similar to my father’s.” He wore suits and rolled up his shirt sleeves to work. “He was an adult,” she recalled.

“When he came into my office, closed the door and kissed me, I was exhausted.”

Burden claimed that within weeks of the kiss, the then in love Davis “had had intentions of marrying her”.

“I promise to take care of myself and take on my dead father’s role as my protector.” And we got married within a year, both of us (I still think) very much in love.”

The Harvard University-educated attorney said she was left behind the year she turned 50, the same age that Davis “reached the pinnacle of professional success.”

But Burden hinted at a different side of her husband, saying he had a “rebellious past” that included “running into the law” and a string of broken romances – which she says even led some women to pursue Davis.

Burden is the daughter of the late Carter Burden (left) and New York socialite Amanda Burden (right), pictured on their wedding day in 1964

Amanda (left) penned a post congratulating her daughter (right) and captioned the picture: “A great story by a great author.” “My amazing daughter”

She complained about the isolation she felt and noted the cold demeanor of her husband, who admitted it had made her lose weight.

“I decided not to drink because I knew it would make me sadder, but I also had a hard time eating,” she said.

“In a matter of weeks I had lost 20 pounds, the self I had come to know over two decades of pregnancy and family life.”

Burden admitted she also found it hard to understand Davis’ decision to blow up their decades-long marriage, but said she found closure.

“I sometimes see him from afar in our common neighborhood,” she said.

“He looks familiar, his stance and walk, his sandy blond hair and orange sneakers, and my heart skips a little at the sight of him.” But then I remember that he’s a stranger and I walk on. “

A single image of the couple remains online alongside Burden’s stepmother while they attended the New Yorkers for Children’s Fall 2008 Gala.

Burden is the daughter of the late Carter Burden and New York socialite Amanda Burden – who posted a screenshot congratulating her daughter after the article.

“A great story by a great author.” “My amazing daughter,” she captioned the post.

Davis is still being followed online by mutual family members, but has not been seen commenting on the article on social media or otherwise.

Burden (pictured) admitted she also found it hard to understand Davis’ decision to blow up their decades-long marriage, but said she’s found closure

Burden has a long Harvard legacy and graduated with honors from New York University.

The Burden family has a long history with Harvard and several buildings have been donated in their name.

In an article about Burden’s legacy, Nitin Nohria, who served as dean from 2010 to 2020, said, “For 50 years, the Burden family has supported Harvard University and Harvard Business School with both their wealth and their wisdom.”

“We are honored to preserve the family’s philanthropic legacy through the commitment of Burden Park, the Burden Family Fellowship Foundation and the Baker Library Collection on the Business Aspects of Aviation.”

“Each of these gifts ensures that the philanthropic leadership of Mrs Burden, her sons and family will never be forgotten. “We are deeply grateful to the family for their generosity and vision.”

has reached out to Burden, Davis and other family members for further comment.

2 hours ago

Image source: Getty Images

The King of the Netherlands has officially apologized for his country’s role in the slave trade, saying he was “personally and deeply concerned”.

After the 17th century, the country grew into a major colonial power with territories around the world, and Dutch slave traders traded with more than 600,000 people.

King Willem-Alexander called the practice a “horror” on Saturday.

The royal family did nothing to prevent this, he said.

He was speaking at an event marking the 160th anniversary of the country’s abolition of slavery – it was unclear ahead of the event whether the king would apologize for the royal family’s role in the practice.

In June, a new study found that between 1675 and 1770, Dutch rulers received the equivalent of 545 million euros ($595 million) in today’s money from colonies where slavery was enforced.

During his speech in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander admitted that “the monarchs and rulers of the House of Orange have taken no steps against it [slavery]”.

“Today I stand before you as your king and as part of the government. Today I apologize,” he said.

“Today I apologize for the apparent inaction.”

Accompanied by his wife Queen Maxima, the king acknowledged that he could not speak for the nation as a whole, but told the crowd that “the vast majority” of Dutch citizens “support the fight for equality for all people, regardless of race or culture.” “. Background”.

“After acknowledgment and apology, we can work together on healing, reconciliation and restoration,” added the king.

His speech was cheered by the crowd at the Keti Koti Festival – the country’s annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery.

In the 17th century, the Dutch conquered large areas in what is now Indonesia, South Africa, Curaçao and West Papua and became a major player in the transatlantic slave trade.

Thousands of people were trafficked from Africa to Dutch colonies in the Caribbean and South America – accounting for about 5% of the total transatlantic slave trade – before the practice was outlawed in 1863.

But in the country of Suriname, during an obligatory ten-year transition period, things continued, causing untold heartache and pain.

The Netherlands generated enormous wealth from the slave trade, and in the western province of Holland alone, a study by the Dutch Research Council found that 40% of economic growth between 1738 and 1780 was due to trade.

And several Dutch cities, including Amsterdam and Rotterdam, have apologized for their role in the trade.

But the country has taken the time to come to terms with its colonial past, and it wasn’t until 2006 that the history of Dutch slavery was added to the curriculum.