Mohamedali Jetha (Bloc Québécois)

Burundi-born Mohamedali Jetha grew up in the Congo before coming to Laval in 1974. Graduate of Collège Bois-de-Boulogne, he went to work as a machinist at Bombardier in 1978. A syndical and social affairs representative, he is involved in issues of health and safety on the job. He is well-known for his militancy within the ranks of the BQ and PQ, for his work in organizing numerous kitchen parties in the Pakistani and Lebanese communities, for his volunteer activities in various Laval organizations, and for his work as a member of the executive of the PQ in Chomedey and as vice-president of the BQ in Laval-Les Îles.

Mr. Jetha emphasizes five priorities, starting with greater support for cultural communities, a need he says MP Raymonde Folco has ignored. Fighting poverty is another priority for Mr. Jetha, who notes in society precarious financial situations which are becoming more and more alarming. Recognition of Law 101 is also an election priority of the BQ candidate, who deplores the incapacity of certain merchants to serve customers in French. Mr. Jetha tops off his top five list with demands for the government to withdraw Canadian Forces from Afghanistan quicker than presently foreseen and to respect the Kyoto Accord.