Biography
Deeply rooted in Saint-Laurent, Alan DeSousa grew up, studied, and raised his two sons, Martin and Victor, in the very community he proudly represents today. For residents, he is simply “Alan”: an approachable mayor who understands the daily realities of families, workers, and businesses.
A seasoned professional, Alan has been a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) since the early 1980s. His private-sector career began in taxation at Ernst & Young, before he became Vice-President of Finance at BioChem Pharma Inc., a Canadian publicly traded company of international stature. In 2005, he was awarded one of the highest honors of his profession, the prestigious title of Fellow (FCPA), in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments.
Alan’s political journey began in 1990 when he was first elected as a Saint-Laurent city councillor. Since 2001, citizens have continuously renewed their trust in him as borough mayor. He has also played an important role beyond Saint-Laurent, serving as Vice-Chair of Montréal’s Executive Committee, as a member of the Montréal Metropolitan Community, and as Interim Chair of the Green Municipal Fund Council.
Under his leadership, Saint-Laurent has become a recognized leader in sustainable development, responsible urban planning, and quality of life. Some of his major achievements include:
- Implementing a pioneering environmental policy requiring all new municipal buildings to be LEED Gold certified — including the Bibliotheque du Boisé, the first LEED Platinum library in Canada and the Maison Robert Belanger, first restored 220 year-old LEED Silver patrimonial house in Canada.
- Planning the Bois-Franc neighborhood, celebrated for its sustainable design, architectural harmony, and focus on public transit.
- Protecting local heritage through innovative regulations preserving the wartime houses of the Norvick district.
- Playing a decisive role in Montréal’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design in 2006, positioning design and architecture as central drivers of the city’s economic and cultural growth.
A visionary and a unifier, Alan DeSousa has made Saint-Laurent an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-looking community — where economic development goes hand in hand with ecological transition and citizens’ quality of life.
For his fellow residents, he remains above all simply “Alan”: a mayor deeply connected to his community.
