Quebec government takes action with additional funding for children’s breakfasts

Quebec school boards will be receiving additional funding to serve breakfasts in all primary schools located in disadvantaged communities as part of the Quebec government’s Educational Services Strategy.

The additional funding expands the current school meal program and ensures that a greater number of children have an equal chance at success.  The initiative, championed by Breakfast Club of Canada, also recognizes the importance of a healthy breakfast in fostering academic performance.

"This is a big day for the Club and the partners, contributors and numerous donors who have been speaking up, and stepping up, for 23 years,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. "We greet this announcement with great pride and enthusiasm.” 

Already active in 312 schools in Quebec and capitalizing on the expertise gained over the past 23 years, Breakfast Club of Canada is eager to work with the school communities that choose to partner with the Club to implement breakfast programs in more than 400 new schools. And the Club is ready to accommodate the additional demand. 

Debbie Thomas is equally as pleased about this announcement, and is proud of the ongoing support from TMG brokers who contribute to the Breakfast Club of Canada each year. 

"Not only are we proud of the funds that we have raised to ensure more children in Canada have the opportunity to begin their day with a nutritious breakfast, but of the way our brokers and staff have gotten involved in local communities across the country, raising awareness and volunteering in the schools directly,” she said. "Since we started TMG has raised over $250,000 – that’s over 250,000 healthy breakfasts served to hungry children.”

Breakfast Club of Canada’s core philosophy is that children deserve to start the school day with a nutritious breakfast in an inclusive, caring environment. Over the years, the Club has helped shed light on the positive impacts and outcomes of school meal programs. 

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported and continue to support Breakfast Club of Canada,” added Mr. Germain. "Their commitment has made a difference for hundreds of thousands of children across Quebec. But neither the public sector nor the private sector can win this fight alone. By joining forces today and tomorrow, we will be giving kids the best possible shot at success and helping them live up to their full potential. Together, we can make it happen.” 

TMG The Mortgage Group expands to Quebec as Le Groupe Hypothécaire TMG

Claude Girard, new Regional Vice-President
 Le Groupe Hypothécaire TMG

Canada’s largest independent mortgage brokerage, TMG The Mortgage Group is excited to announce that as of April 2, 2018, it will be operating in all 10 provinces. The company will expand to Quebec, operating under the name of Le Groupe Hypothécaire TMG.

Leading the TMG expansion and taking on the role of Vice President for Quebec will be industry veteran Claude Girard.

Claude has 30 years of financial industry experience – the last eight years as Assistant Vice-President for Laurentian Bank. In his role at the bank, Claude developed strong mortgage broker relationships and grew the channel exponentially.

Claude is also well-known in the mortgage community as the representative of the Quebec region for Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC).  In 2017, he was elected for a second consecutive term and also serves as Treasurer on MPC’s Executive Board of Directors.

Claude is a leading voice for the broker channel in Quebec, working closely on provincial regulatory matters as it pertains to the mortgage broker industry.

 “I am thrilled to be given the responsibility to grow the TMG footprint in the province of Quebec,” Claude said. “I believe with the support of TMG management and systems we have something new and significant to offer brokers in Quebec. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that more and more Quebecers use the services of a mortgage broker” 

“Claude is a highly respected leader and mortgage industry executive. We are fortunate that he chose TMG as his next opportunity,” said Mark Kerzner, President of TMG The Mortgage Group. “ I look forward to working alongside Claude to meet the needs of brokers in Quebec and providing tools and options to help them exceed their business objectives. We have long sought to enter Quebec but have waited for the right leader to represent our company, Claude is that person.”