LAVAL, Que. – Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer issued a highly anticipated health update following a 13-hour brain surgery to remove a golf ball-sized tumour. An online post on the 38-year-old’s Instagram and Facebook accounts declared “Success” indicating the operation went well. The message was accompanied by a photo of Boyer in his hospital bed. Giving a thumbs-up despite a bandage on his head and a heavily swollen face, Boyer wrote, “I look like a boxer who has lost his match. But it is quite the contrary.” Boyer has served since 2021 as mayor of Quebec’s third-largest city, focusing on public safety, and city finances during his five years in office. On Sept. 7, he went online to reveal that an MRI had uncovered a brain tumour after he experienced months of headaches and vision problems. A week later, Boyer posted an image of the MRI scan, calling it a shock to see the white mass lodged between his eye and brain. He paired that photo with an image of himself holding a box of doughnuts. “There’s not just negatives to receiving this diagnosis,” he wrote at the time. “Stress and everyday problems suddenly seem more mundane, less serious. I take things as they come. That’s why I got my favourite doughnuts to share at the office. I urge you to do the same and to treat yourself and others well.” Days later, Boyer shot a video of himself from his hospital room while wearing a gown, announcing the big day had arrived. “Doctors will remove the tumour lodged between my brain, my eye, and an important artery,” said Boyer in the video. He went on to describe some of the risks of the operation, including paralysis, hemorrhaging and losing his eyesight, but added that his chances of a full recovery were excellent. Boyer expressed gratitude for modern medical advances. He noted that while access to health services can be difficult in Quebec, he could see first-hand the competency of health-care workers. Boyer also encouraged people to appreciate the era in which we live. “There are problems,” Boyer said. “Yes, there is Trump, tariffs, and potholes, but there are also good things. Let’s take time to appreciate the positive things, and the people around us. Let’s take time to love one another.” He also sent a message offering support to others struggling with health issues, reminding them they are not alone, that he would think of them and wished them well. Thousands of people across Quebec, including fellow politicians, sent messages of support and shared their own health battles. In Laval, many were anxious to get news of his surgery. “We are sorry about his condition, and we hope we will be better fast. We hope the best for him,” said Louise Godin, who has lived in Laval for decades. “I like him a lot, I voted for him and I pray for him,” added resident Adil Hamdouna. “He is young, it really makes you think about life.” Ray Khalil, the vice-chair of the city’s executive committee, will fill in as interim mayor while Boyer recovers. His recovery period is expected to take at least two months. In his post-surgery update, Boyer said he looks forward to being back in office to discuss public finances and water systems.
