Focus Montreal: December 16

Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community by bringing their stories into focus.

It airs Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and midnight.

Take a look at who we’re meeting this week on Focus Montreal:

7:25 Focus Montreal: Lafrenière reinstated as head of SPVM communications

Ian Lafrenière reinstated as head of the SPVM’s communications team

The Montreal police force (SPVM) has been under fire lately with Chief Phillippe Pichet suspended after allegations of impropriety within the force.

Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Chief Martin Prud’homme was brought in to clean house this week.

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Prud’homme started with the return of a familiar face to run the communications team, Ian Lafrenière.

READ MORE: Montreal’s interim police chief brings back a familiar face

Lafrenière has been reinstated to the position he held until 2016 when Pichet assigned him to other duties.

Lafrenière sat down with senior anchor Jamie Orchard to talk about his reappointment and what it means for the force.

7:21 Focus Montreal: Guaranteed minimum income

Guaranteed minimum income for Quebecers 

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard is promising to create a guaranteed minimum income for certain Quebecers.

It’s part of the government’s five-year anti-poverty strategy.

The $3-billion plan would boost the annual income of those who are unable to work by more than $5,000 to about $ 18,029 a year and establish a guaranteed minimum income for them.

READ MORE: Couillard’s Liberals promise guaranteed minimum income for some Quebecers

Those deemed able to work would not receive increased benefits, but could be eligible for subsidized training or job search bonuses.

The government says it would help lift 100,000 people out of poverty but some anti-poverty groups argue the plan punishes those who are able to work.

Orchard talked to Katie Hadley, the director of the West Island Community Resource Centre and Alena Ziuleva, from the Table de quartier sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île.

6:27 Focus Montreal: Tackling the Santa myth

Talking Santa with the kids

Orchard talked to Kristen Dunfield, the lead researcher from Concordia’s Centre for Research on Human Development, to get some tips on how to handle the Santa myth without damaging the kids.