For the past four years, Anaëlle has been actively involved in Laval’s community life. Starting as a board member, then secretary, and now as president of the Laval CRE, she shares her journey, her vision, and the challenges facing our non-profit, directly tied to Laval’s top-priority environmental issues.

 

CRE de Laval: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to get involved with the Laval CRE?

Anaëlle: « I grew up in Paris and even though I lived in the city, my mother, a botany enthusiast, instilled in me a deep respect for all living things. I studied water, energy and environmental engineering, which allowed me to explore different sectors afterwards: research, non-profits, private, and public. I had the opportunity to work in New Zealand in a municipal setting on developing a sustainable development policy, and later in Canada managing water treatment facilities. Today, I’m active in a large coalition called the Front commun pour la transition énergétique. It brings together various stakeholders to foster a socio-ecological transition grounded in social justice. »

«When I moved to Laval, I discovered a city full of environmental initiatives and natural spaces, far beyond the highway-filled image people often have of it. Laval is a beautiful territory. We have gorgeous farmland, woodlands, and aquatic and natural ecosystems... So I wanted to get involved locally, and the Laval CRE, with its mission, was an obvious choice for me.»

 

Strategy and collaboration: Anaëlle’s two guiding principles

CRE de Laval: After serving as secretary, you’re now president of the CRE. How do you see your role?

Anaëlle: « It’s truly a pleasure! Over the past few years, the Laval CRE has been strengthening its internal processes, whether in governance, human resources or financial management. Now, we have a solid foundation and can start looking ahead to the future. »

 

 The CRE’s future: reflecting the social changes we need

« When the CRE was created, the focus was on implementing sustainable development. Today, the conversation has shifted toward a socio-ecological transition, which aligns more closely with current societal priorities. Our challenge in the coming years will be to integrate this social justice aspect into the projects we’re currently undertaking, while still staying true to the original mission of the CRE. Major societal shifts are coming and I refuse to see them happen at the expense of marginalized populations who lack decision-making power and are more likely to be hit hardest.»

« My goal is to help build a clear and ambitious vision for the Laval CRE, while showcasing the incredible work of our team. Since we have a multidisciplinary team working across many topics and collaborating closely, it’s very motivating. We’re involved in greening, stormwater management, environmental education... It’s really dynamic.»

 

An example: Laval Zen

« Laval ZéN is a local initiative led by the Laval CRE. The idea is to open a dialogue with institutions, community groups and citizen collectives to collectively plan the socio-ecological transition in our territory. Always with the goal of hearing all voices and engaging as many individuals and organizations as possible.»   

« I believe this project is incredibly promising because of its approach, which uses futures thinking, but also because of how it’s being implemented locally. The relationships being built with project stakeholders will allow other initiatives to grow in the same direction. »

 

In the face of climate challenges: the importance of acting together

CRE de Laval: The news is filled with economic and social crises. Environmental issues sometimes seem pushed aside. How can we respond to this?

Anaëlle: « The environment isn’t a standalone issue—it’s at the heart of both social and economic concerns. It’s simply not true that Quebecers and Canadians don’t care about the environment. A recent survey showed that 71% ofCanadian citizens want governments to take action on environmental issues and see it as a priority.»

«Today, it’s no longer a question of social acceptability—it’s a question of political will.»

 

Environment, economy, and social justice: it’s all connected!

« The environment is central to issues like the cost of living, access to work or housing. »

« For forestry workers, for example, the impact of climate change is direct because of the huge wildfires we’ve experienced, which are sadly becoming the norm. This shows that when we talk about jobs, we’re also talking about climate change. »

« Another example is the recurring floods in Laval and rising insurance premiums linked to the increasing number of claims. To me, it’s all connected.»

« The ecological transition must go hand in hand with social justice—one cannot happen without the other.»

 

A transition we must build together

CRE de Laval: What would you say to those feeling powerless in the face of the climate crisis?

Anaëlle: « I understand that feeling. Today, we can no longer believe that individual action is enough. Recycling and composting are great, but they won’t be sufficient. We’ve reached a point where, in the coming years, collaboration and coordination among as many people as possible will be essential, because the changes we need are systemic. »