Therefore, we need more companies to invest into Clarington and create jobs to reduce that burden on residents. Therefore, my pledge to you is that I will dedicate myself and use my 25 years experience and expertise to attract investments, new companies in Clarington. The benefit to us residential taxpayers is that the pressure to increase taxes will be greatly reduced by the added taxes paid by these new companies. It also means that the need to commute and lose 1 to 2 hours per day will be drastically reduced for many of us. It also means that the town will have more funds to build long needed new schools, to develop the lakefront with family parks, to improve roads and reduce gridlocks, and better transit. This focus on attracting investments to Clarington is a definite skill required from anyone looking to earn your trust as a Regional Councillor.

Additionally, to the high management positions I held, I have created and operated a large alpaca farm, and totally understand the need to protect our green lands, while expanding the number of businesses. I am pleased by the fact that I helped several individuals’ entrepreneurs to create their own farms and generate income for their families. Bernard earned a reputation as a coach dedicated to help his clients be successful.  

When for family reasons, we decided to move to Ontario, Christie and I chose Bowmanville, for its feeling of a small family town. A town where neighbors say ‘Hi’ to each other and are ready to help when a crisis hits. Having more jobs created in Clarington also means that people will buy here and enjoy that small town feeling. Thus, avoiding the risk for Clarington of becoming a ‘bedroom community’. 

These new people working in Clarington will contribute to more and better services for all, including people with special needs, it will also mean growth for our local shops.

Bernard is passionate about improving the wellbeing and prosperity of our community.

 walking downtown, they need to feel and be safe in our town. Crime is unfortunately part of our society, but that does not mean we cannot work at controlling it. As a collectivity we must ensure that our Police force is sufficiently supported and well financed. Alone, the Police cannot see what’s happening in each part of our town. We as residents must help them identify areas of trouble. In my capacity as President of the Shaughnessy Association I was continuously in touch with the commandant of our precinct. I Organized regular educational and informative meetings between the police and the residents. We were, as much as the privacy law allowed it, informed of the evolution of crime. With the Police, we created a summary document of direct lines to specific officers, emails, with various links to click when reporting an incident. It also included which incident should be reported in which link, etc. The Police and social service educated us on how to identify various crimes, small or big, they educated us on what to do and most importantly what not to do.  This did not solve crime all together, but it helped improve the situation.

Safety / Security issues will be part of my top objectives.

A small-town feeling

One of the reasons Christie and I chose Bowmanville is exactly for that small family town feeling where neighbors say ‘Hi’ to each other, offer help when required. I know our town is changing, I know it is growing but we can make it in a way to really enjoy it. I firmly believe in inclusivity, in welcoming people from all parts of the world, my upbringing and adulthood are a testimony of that. I was born in North Africa, raised in France, worked, and traveled around the world, and chose Canada as my country.

I know the pandemic has changed our lives, some things have and will remain changed forever, some will come back to what they were.

I am a fervent proponent  of outdoor family activities like closing a small street in the winter to install a small skating rink, having a theater where families will be able to see affordable shows, and how about a nicely developed waterfront with activities for all.

Another way of maintaining that small town feeling is by inviting newcomers to  ‘Potluck,’ spring and fall cleaning, followed by a barbecue, a corn on the cob in the fall. These are ways to maintain that feeling. I will work on that, should you decide to trust me and elect me.

Clarington at the top of the list of growing municipalities in Ontario, the GO train is a long-time promise, too long for some. The GO train will be an excellent argument for companies to come here. We need to learn from our neighboring cities and improve on their learning.

Teenagers and young adults need to be offered services specifically designed by them and for them. It has been demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between the number of activities targeted at our young generations, and their wellbeing. It certainly is more complex than this, but we need to work at the roots and keep our young adults engaged and safe.

Let’s work together to maintain / restore that small town feeling.

I will work with the municipality and the other instances to create / adjust the urban plan. It must provide for better transit within town, better accesses and public transit that is efficient and reliable. I will work on this important subject to ensure that the flow of incoming new resident does not create even more problems.

Infrastructure

Schools, daycare should be planned at the same time as areas are being developed, transit in and out of areas should be planned with safety in mind. I will work with the region, the municipality, the builders, School Boards and the other instances to create / adjust the urban plan. It must provide for better transit in and out of  town, better accesses and public transit that is efficient and reliable. I will work on this important subject to ensure that the flow of incoming new residents does not create even more problems.

 and will relentlessly work at creating social / affordable housing. It should be properly planned and done in a way that it integrates with other types of buildings. Having lived in 3 continents I know what could happen if it is not done properly. I have seen the consequences of the bad, and the benefits of the good. Because of lack of proper planning, many cities around the world are experiencing difficulties in integrating everyone into the society.

Social housing should not be different from any other developments, it should be now and for the future a place to live, raise kids and enjoy life with dignity.

I firmly believe that we can achieve just that by working closely and collaboratively with our municipality, the Provincial and Federal governments, the social associations as well as the builders. I will work hard at getting everyone to the table and come up with sensible solutions.

I firmly believe that we can achieve just that working closely and collaboratively with our municipality, the Provincial and Federal governments, the social associations as well as the builders. I will work hard at getting everyone to the table and come up with sensible solutions.