Ray Khalil temporarily assumes Laval mayoral duties during Stéphane Boyer’s recovery
Laval executive committee vice-president Ray Khalil will temporarily assume the powers of mayor while Stéphane Boyer recovers from surgery performed on October 6.
The City of Laval announced that Boyer is expected to step away from municipal duties for at least two months. Under the city charter, the executive committee vice-president exercises the mayor’s powers when the mayor is unable to act.
Khalil sought to reassure residents about the continuity of municipal operations during the October 6 city council meeting.
“Laval residents can count on the executive committee, our colleagues on city council, the city administration and myself to continue operating the municipality and providing services to citizens,” Khalil said in a statement issued by the City.
Municipal activities to continue
Boyer’s temporary absence does not change the composition of Laval’s executive committee.
According to the City, city council, the executive committee and municipal departments will continue their regular activities within their respective responsibilities.
Khalil will also represent Laval in organizations where the mayor would normally serve, including the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, the Union des municipalités du Québec and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Sainte-Dorothée councillor since 2013
Khalil has represented Sainte-Dorothée on Laval City Council since 2013 and has served as vice-president of the executive committee since 2021.
His municipal responsibilities include files related to land-use planning, environment, economic development and urban planning.
Boyer begins recovery
Boyer publicly announced in September that he had been diagnosed with a meningioma, a type of brain tumour.
According to the City, he underwent surgery on October 6 to remove the tumour and is expected to remain away from municipal duties for a minimum of two months.
Before the operation, Boyer published a video on social media that prompted a large number of messages of support. Média Laval counted nearly 1,500 comments approximately one hour after its publication.
Boyer remains officially mayor of Laval during his recovery, while Khalil temporarily exercises the functions associated with the office.
(A.G.M)
