The mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, followed his passions and convictions throughout his youth. We will live with him his trip to several countries and the most important trip of his life, that of Percé in Montreal, on foot, when he raised $7000 for autism.

It is very important for him to understand the reality of what another person can feel in his life. Why did he choose politics? I never asked him the question, because his accomplishments in his youth so dazzled me that I found myself in the presence not of a politician, but of a man for whom humanitarian aid is very important.

You are a native of the Vimont district in Laval.

We lived in Vimont with our parents Michel and Nicole Charbonneau who allowed us to live an extraordinary family life. In Saint-François, there is a street that bears the name Boyer in homage to my grandfather who was the first citizen to live on this street.

Your grandfather had several jobs in his life.

He was a baker and he also worked in schools, but there is one thing that still fascinates me today, he cut ice cream in the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and then sold it to buyers.

You like to read.

At the age of 4, at 5 a.m., in the family kitchen with my parents, I learned to read by reading the Great Geographical and Encyclopedic Atlas of the World.

Your father was a construction contractor.

Dad had two businesses, one of which made steel door frames. Moreover, the first job of the children was to work at the factory on weekends, and then during the summer. Mom was in charge of the company's accounts.

Your father was a trendsetter.

Dad had several women working for him at the factory, because he always believed that a woman had a place in the construction world.

Finding solutions to a problem.

My father taught me a facet of life that is very important to me, and even more as mayor: "I have to find solutions to a problem".

You did your secondary 4 in New Zealand.

There was an exchange program in New Zealand and, to my surprise, my parents approved my school project. My host family allowed me to experience the outdoors every weekend as we hiked in the mountains, canoeing and sailing.

You played field hockey.

It was when I was just starting out in New Zealand when I didn't really understand the rules that were explained to me in English. Most importantly, I learned the importance of the camaraderie that exists within a sports team.

What life lessons did you learn on this journey?

Above all, I learned not to be afraid to learn about other cultures and to integrate myself into their social life.

You were obliged to condense your secondary 4 and 5 on your return.

When I returned to Laval, despite the fact that the leaders of my school had assured me that my courses would be recognized, I had to condense my secondary 4 and 5.

You have chosen to live your Compostela in Quebec.

I took a year off from my studies. I wanted to live the experience of Compostela, but, finally, I decided to carry out this adventure in Quebec to help young autistic people.

From Percé to Montreal to raise funds for autism.

My friends worked at a summer camp with autistic children. I wanted to do my part to help these young people, so I decided to walk from Percé to Mount Royal, in Montreal, to raise money.

42 days later, you have arrived at your destination.

I went along route 132 and other roads. One evening, two families I did not know invited me to stay with them; the other nights, I slept in my tent near the road, in a wood.

You lived in South Africa.

Before finishing my studies, I decided to go and work for almost two years in the ambulance service in South Africa as a dispatcher, which covered one of the 21 villages. I communicated with them in English as well as possible, because there were 12 languages ​​that I had to try to master.

Were you accepted in your village?

We must understand the situation at the time with injustices against blacks. I was the only white man who lived in this village. The village was literally split in two, whether I could stay with them.

Have you been threatened with death?

On a few occasions, I was surrounded by citizens with weapons who threatened me with death if I did not leave their village. Yes, I was scared.

Nelson Mandela is a mentor for you.

He taught me that instead of using physical confrontation to settle a dangerous situation, you have to rise above violence.

You loved the adventure abroad.

Accompanied by members of my cohort at UQAM, we went to live with families in Mexico. I also discovered Asia. My many trips have allowed me to learn English, Spanish and a little Mandarin.

You lived in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal.

When I was studying at UQAM and the University of Montreal, I lived on Delorimier Street near Mont-Royal. I frequented the bars and restaurants in the area.

You have been in a relationship for five years.

Camille Simard Lavoie and I share a great life as we enjoy the outdoors, short two-day trips with no destination planned. My spouse chooses local canteen restaurants rather than gourmet meals, because I like ready-to-eat meals. His complicity and his understanding of my work make me a better person.