Τρίτη 4 Απριλίου 2017

Liberals win Saint-Laurent riding byelection!!!


Liberals win Saint-Laurent riding byelection

By Giuseppe Valiante, The Canadian Press
MONTREAL — Emmanuella Lambropoulos, the 26-year-old school teacher who easily won Monday's federal byelection for the Liberals in the riding of Saint-Laurent, can credit her victory to a "perfect storm," her supporters say.
Once Lambropoulos became her party's candidate after a nomination process riven with controversy, she became the heavy favourite in a Montreal riding that has sent Liberals to the House of Commons ever since it was created in the 1980s.
"I'm sure it will hit me a little later," Lambropoulos said after a victory speech at an Italian restaurant in the riding that served as the party's byelection headquarters.
Lambropoulos claimed about 60 per cent of the vote, a convincing win over her closest competitor, Conservative party candidate Jimmy Yu, who managed less than 20 per cent of the vote.
Her real battle, as it turns out, was at the nomination level.
Alan DeSousa, the popular mayor of the borough of Saint-Laurent, was not allowed by the party to run for the nomination, and insists he was never given a reason why.
When that happened, "the Greeks had their chance," said Justine Frangouli, a member of a local Greek feminist association, who was among the 100 supporters who showed up to celebrate the victory.
"I knew we had it."
Lambropoulos had been up against former Quebec cabinet minister Yolande James, widely expected to replace Stephane Dion, the former Liberal leader who resigned his seat to become ambassador to Germany and the European Union.
Frangouli said voters in the riding were upset that DeSousa couldn't run and didn't want to vote for James, whom they accused of being "parachuted" into the riding by the party.
"Lambropoulos lived a perfect storm," Frangouli said.
John Theodosopoulos, president of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec, said some people in the riding were upset because they felt the Liberals wanted them to vote for James.
"All those things combined for a perfect storm for (Lambropoulos)," he said. "We are proud of her Greek heritage, but we are particularly proud of her credentials."
Lambropoulos worked in the Saint-Laurent riding office of Dion, who held the seat since 1996.
"I looked up to him," she said.
Saint-Laurent is a particularly diverse riding, with over half of its population born outside Canada, 40 per cent of whom arrived in the country after the year 2000.
The riding is also home to one of the biggest industrial hubs in the province, and the second biggest in Montreal.
Major aerospace firms such as Bombardier and CAE employ thousands in the riding, as do big pharmaceutical companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline.
"She is young and pure," Frangouli said of the new Liberal MP. "Pure in politics and sophisticated in her thinking."
Lambropoulos might be new to politics, but she quickly got the MP treatment by her Liberal party handlers: after only a few minutes of questions, she was spirited away from the cameras by party employees.
Four other byelections took place on Monday; the Liberals won in Ottawa and the Markham-Thornhill riding north of Toronto, while the Conservatives cruised to victory in two votes in Calgary.
By Giuseppe Valiante, The Canadian Press

Δευτέρα 13 Μαρτίου 2017

Sophie Durocher et Le Vote Ethnique!

Je ne pleurerai pas pour vous Sophie Durocher…



Je ne pleurerai pas pour vous parce que la Communauté grecque a soutenu Emmanuella Lampropoulos, qui a grandi dans la communauté, fidèle à son héritage greco-québécois et greco-canadien.

Je ne pleurerai pas pour vous Sophie Durocher, puisque, à titre de journaliste, vous devriez comprendre les faits tels qu’ils le sont :

Les Québécois constituent 80% de cette population et n’ont pas besoin de soutien extra.  Ils sont les habitants naturels de la belle province de Québec.

Stéphane Dion n’avait pas besoin de soutien extra de la part du Québec.

Il avait tout, c’était évident. Je suis certaine qu’il a été endossé par plusieurs organisations québécoises.  Et c’était juste.

Sophie Durocher, vous les Quebequois , vous êtes mainstream.

Et nous appartenons avec fierté aux communautés ethniques, nous aimons, adorons le QUEBEC et les Québécois et nous sommes fiers de parler trois langues.   

Peut-être devriez-vous commencer à apprendre à propos de la diversité du Québec !  Il n’est jamais trop tard pour arrêter d’utiliser les fameuses paroles de mon bien-aimé Jacques Parizeau contre le vote ethnique !

Justine Frangouli-Argyris
Auteure-Journaliste

I Won't Cry For You, Sophie Durocher!

I would like to answer to Sophie Durocher and her article on ethnic voters and Quebec nationalism!



I won't cry for you Sophie Durocher ...

I won't cry for you because the Greek Community supported Emmanella Lampropoulos who grew up in the community being faithful to her heritage as a Greek-Quebecer and as a Greek Canadian.

I won't cry for you Sophie Durocher who, being a journalist you should understand the real facts:
Quebecers are the 80% of this population and they don't need any extra support. They are the natural inhabitants of beautiful Quebec.


Stephan Dion did not need any extra support from Quebec.

He had it all, it was just obvious.I am sure he was endorsed by various Quebec organizations. And it was fair. 

Sophie Durocher you are the main stream.

And we proudly belong to the ethnic communities, we love, adore QUEBEC and the Quebecers and we are proud to speak three languages.

Maybe you should start learning about Quebec's diversity Sophie Durocher! It's never too late to stop using my beloved Jacques Parizeau's famous words against the ETHNIC VOTE!

Justine Frangouli-Argyris
Author/journalist
Montreal
Quebec

Δευτέρα 6 Μαρτίου 2017

All You Would Want to Know About a Notary’s Work in Quebec!



Justine Frangouli-Argyris

You may think that a notary is an elderly man enclosed in an old dusty office, his mind overwhelmed with tedious bureaucratic details. However, in today’s world, a notary can be an elegant, sophisticated lady who works around the clock, juggling both motherhood and community service at the same time.



I recently contacted such a young female notary who is constantly lending her expertise by providing answers to questions one would ask about various notarial issues. Her name is Evangelia-Angie Pelonis and she is the proud mother of two young children. Besides being a hard-working professional, Ms. Pelonis is involved in various non-profit organizations at the same time.

Evangelia-Angie Pelonis is a Montreal notary who completed her legal studies at Université de Montréal and was received by the Chambre des notaires du Québec in February of 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), a Bachelor of Law, and a graduate certificate in notarial law. 

 How do the roles of lawyer and notary differ?

Lawyers and notaries have the same background in that both professional orders require a law degree for admittance. Following a bachelor of laws, a future notary will need to complete a master’s degree in notarial law, and a four month articling period before they can be admitted into the order of notaries. It therefore takes at least 4 years of university in addition to the articling in order to become a notary.

Notaries play three roles in their daily practice: public officer, officer of the court and legal advisor. To sum up a list that’s too exhaustive to list here, we primarily advise clients on any legal matter and draft contracts for them to sign with the intention of avoiding legal conflicts and confusion. What sets us apart from lawyers (attorneys) is mainly the fact that we cannot represent clients in litigious situations. If a file of ours becomes contested then we must recuse ourselves since we need to remain impartial and therefore cannot represent one party against another.

 Is this divison of responsibilities becoming less defined? For example, is a notary not able to handle an uncontested divorce today?

 There are many fields in which notaries and lawyers overlap. We can do lots of things lawyers can and vice versa. Since notaries are impartial and often serve as mediators and problem solvers, the tendency towards preventive justice and out of court settlements means that our role is more important than ever in the legal sphere today.

 Notaries now have the capacity to handle uncontested divorces since the 21st of February. We were not able to in the past because it was argued that divorce is of a contested nature in and of itself, which is something that I do not personally agree with. We are actually very well positioned to handle divorces due to our knowledge and practice of marital law on a daily basis. All marriage contracts signed in Quebec must be done so before a notary, which of course includes the legal advice that comes with it, and we already settle dissolutions of marriages due to death; it is only logical then that we may submit divorce agreements to the courts in the case of a couple who agrees upon the terms of their separation.

 What requests represent the bulk of your workload?

 Real estate transactions typically represent an important part of the average notary’s workload. This is the case because every mortgage (hypothec) signed in Quebec has to be instrumented by a notary. We are also experts in title examinations, and in solving problems that exist, and preventing problems that may arise.

 The second largest segment of my practice personally, is estate law. The notarized will is the only kind that does not need to be probated following death, so we are very often solicited to draft and sign our clients’ wills. To this we add the signing of the protective mandate, which is also commonly known as a “living will”; it is basically a power of attorney only valid in the case where the person who signed it is declared legally incapable of representing themselves.

 We counsel clients on, and also handle, estate liquidation following someone’s death. We can settle an estate from start to finish, which relieves the burden from the liquidators or the heirs.

 Given the persistent strength of the real estate market, notaries have been very busy. How long do you see the condominium market can last?

 What most people don’t realise is how few notaries there are in Quebec. There are currently only 3800 notaries in the entire province. When all mortgages have to cross the desk of a notary, that makes for quite a busy profession!

 We are continuing to see a steady and strong real estate market in Quebec. The prices of homes seem to have stabilized and continue to increase, however at a slower pace than we saw during the decade of 2000-2010. As for the condominium market, demand is still high, however supply is also high. What we see in this case is that condos in desirable areas (ex: Downtown, Griffintown, Bois Franc, Plateau Mont-Royal and some parts of Laval) remain relatively easy to sell. We currently do feel, however, that it is a buyer’s market at the moment.  

 Do you receive inquiries concerning client's issues with their properties or dealings back home in Greece? What kind are those?

 Many of our clients are of Greek origin, so we are often asked about how to handle their properties back home. Often we are asked questions about land disputes, mostly regarding vacant land or agricultural land. Many clients of Greek origin have taken advantage of the transfer of property to their children that was possible without tax consequences up to a few years ago (γονικη παροχη). We also help Canadians settle estates in Greece, which is not an easy task from a distance; it takes longer than it would in Quebec, but eventually ends up settled.

 How does one go about finding a trustworthy notary? What should he or she look out for?

 Direct referral is the way most of our clients come to our offices, so it’s a good idea to ask family and friends if they’ve used a notary they were happy with. Like with many things, the lowest price should not be someone’s priority when looking for a notary.  Instead, one should look at the notary’s qualifications and experience in certain types of files. Also, because notaries and their clients can have long term relationships, it is important that the client and the notary feel comfortable working together.

 Can a Quebec notary help with affairs in other parts of Canada? In the US?

 We cannot act as lawyers in the rest of Canada or in the US because our jurisdiction is limited to Quebec. However we can sign notarised deeds relating to Quebec matters anywhere in the world. I myself have signed acts in Greece, Mexico and Florida.

 We can however help a client from Quebec who is dealing outside the province be it by signing a power of attorney, affidavit, or any legal documents that need to be signed before a notary or commissioner of oaths. We also help foreigners deal with property they have in Quebec, often from a distance, via powers of attorney. Since we are not familiar with laws and procedures in other jurisdictions, we keep a wide network of legal professionals in other provinces, states and countries.

 How important is it for an individual to have a will? What should they be conscious about?

 Every adult should have a proper will; I can’t stress this enough. Many people do not know what happens to their estate when they die without a will, and do not like what they hear when we explain the law to them. The only way to override the law is to prepare a will, ideally with a notary in order to benefit from the legal advice and knowledge. People should be conscious of the fact that a will provides surviving family members with peace of mind, tax savings and avoidance of heavy legal requirements should minor children inherit from their parents or other family members, only to name a few advantages. We have had many estates fall into court procedures because of issues that would have been avoided with a simple meeting with a notary to prepare a notarized will.

 How difficult is it to play well the roles of a wife, a mother and a busy notary?

 I am lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family. The adage of “it takes a village” rings very true in our household. My husband has been supportive during my career path since I was an articling student, and has provided nothing but encouragement and motivation. Along with sharing all household and parenting tasks equally, this allows for me to enjoy both my career and my family. My parents and parents-in-law are integral parts of our and our children’s’ lives, and thankfully love to cook and feed everyone!

 The struggle for that famous “balance” does certainly always hang in the background, but I am learning that we don’t need to do everything, instead we should focus on the things that are the most important to us. I also believe that if we seek perfection in every aspect of our lives, there is a good chance we will be disappointed with the outcome. I take things one day at a time, and think that it’s very important to keep an open and honest dialogue with those we love most.

 Do you mix yourself in the Greek Community things?

 I have always been involved in the Greek community to varying degrees throughout the years, and hope to increase my participation in the coming years. Maintaining my Greek cultural background and ensuring that my children get the chance to do this as well is very important to me.


Κυριακή 15 Ιανουαρίου 2017

Osteoporosis, The Bone Enemy!

The Commitee of Health and Women Issues of The Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal cordially invites you to its first medical seminar on Osteoporosis.
Come learn all about osteoporosis prevention and treatment, from our guest speakers presented by Dr. Georgia Vriniotis:
 Dr. Stavroula Christopoulos (endocrinologist), Catherine kalfantis (nutritionist) and Irma Pappas (physiotherapist).

February 19, 2017, 2:00pm -4:00 pm
Hellenic Community Center; 5757 Av Wilderton, Montreal, QC H3S 2K8

Admission is free thanks to our sponsors Phillips Lifeline and Slawner Ortho.

As osteoporosis prevention begins at birth -all ages are welcome!

**Coffee and light snack will be served**
**seminar will be given in both Greek and English**


 

 

 

Τετάρτη 11 Ιανουαρίου 2017

Irene of Eternal Youth!


Irene Argyris, beloved wife of Steve Argyris, left us this week. She was my closest aunt, by marriage, of Ted's family. Stricken by cancer, she left  with head held high as she never accepted to fight the deadly disease with chemotherapy, but, rather, spent her last summer in Lefkada enjoying her family, her beautiful home and the deep blue Ionian sea.

Irene lived an uncompromising end just as she lived an uncompromising life, always displaying a unique youthfulness which you thought would never end, even as the years passed. I first met Irene when she had just turned fifty, the year I was engaged to Ted and entered the Argyris family. I met her in Valaoritou Street, in downtown Athens, and admired her for her elegance, her charm and her laughter.

 She was a Canadian of Greek origin and that made her very proud.  Although she was born in Montreal, she spoke Greek perfectly and adored her country of origin. She returned to Greece every summer, to roam with friends on the islands and to end up, every August, with Steve, in Lefkada, where they would enjoy the beaches and the local food at the tavernas as if there were no tomorrow.

When I came to settle in Montreal, Irene opened her arms and her home to me as I was trying to adapt to the unknown reality of this wintry city. She always invited us for dinner, preparing the table, every time, as if it were a big celebration. She would always set crisp tablecloths and fine porcelain and, of course, serve the most beautiful and delicious dishes.

Those days will remain engraved in my heart and in my memory for the love, the generosity and the welcoming hug that Irene showed me. And I will never forget the evenings that we enjoyed with resounding, carefree laughter while Irene shared family stories that helped add to the understanding of my adopted home.


Every holiday, Irene would invite us to her festive feasts. At Christmas, she would serve roast pig accompanied by many other wonderful delicacies that she would prepare under the expert guidance of her father, Peter Glezos. For Easter, she would offer the best tripe soup that would be followed by the traditional roast lamb, expertly seasoned and decorated by Steve.

Her mother, Mary, and Peter were always present and I never tired of hearing the story, over and over, of how Peter secretly wed the beautiful Mary, who was an unacceptable "foreigner." And it never ceased to amaze me how Peter Glezos, of Naxos, was so proud of his origins that he knew every village and beach on the island even though he had never once visited Greece.

At these gatherings, Irene would display a class and tidiness that she inherited from her grandmother, Irene Glezos(Glezaina) from Naxos. Irene was religiousely devoted to her Greek grandmother, whose name and grace she inherited, but she also cultivated a long and close relationship with the cousins from her father’s family. However, it is that matriarchal figure of Irene Glezos, her gracious grandmother, that remains engraved in my mind as a result of the narratives related to me by my Aunt.

Irene managed to create a perfect balance in her life between Canada and Greece. In Montreal, she was the cosmopolitan teacher of cosmetology who had many friends and entertained in a Canadian way, albeit without forgetting the Greek traditions. In Lefkada, which she frequented much more often after her retirement, she would enjoy her wonderful home, always hosting acquaintances from back home. There, she would transform into the consummate “Lefkaditissa” and enjoy her many local friends.

Irene leaves behind her beloved husband, Steve, who stood heroically by her side until the very end and her daughter, Maria, who, in turn, also inherited the tidiness and the openness of character of her mother.

In Lefkada, she leaves her beloved granddaughter, Stephanie, who grew up spending her summers there with her grandparents. Today, Stephanie is married to Sotiris Kirolivanos and they have a wonderful daughter, Violetta.

Irene, I will always remember your agility, your enthusiasm and your zest for life. I will always remember you “YOUNG” as you never grew old, even while passing the martyrdom of the pains of illness.

Give my warmest greetings to my "butterfly," Konstantina, and to my parents. And kiss Mary and Peter for me.

Til we meet in the heavens,
My love,
Your niece,
Justine Frangouli-Argyris