Laval mayor takes temporary absence amid brain tumour operation
Posted October 6, 2026 9:20 am.
The City of Laval announced that Mayor Stéphane Boyer will take a temporary leave of absence for a minimum of two months as he undergoes surgery to remove a golf-ball-sized tumour from his brain.
Officials say Ray Khalil, vice-chair of the Executive Committee, will take over the mayor’s duties during Boyer’s absence.
“It is with great humility that I take over as deputy mayor for the next few months. Laval residents can count on the Executive Committee, my colleagues on the municipal council, the city’s administrative services and myself to continue keeping the municipality running and providing services to citizens,” said Ray Khalil, Executive Committee vice-chair and deputy mayor. “We wish our mayor, Stéphane Boyer, a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in good health.”
Boyer took to social media early Tuesday morning to address his constituents while wearing a hospital gown. He explained that the surgery to remove his tumour is risky and could lead to a loss of eyesight, paralysis or hemorrhaging.
The 38-year-old mayor went on to say that he felt confident overall and that the chances of recovery following a successful operation are “excellent.”
“In Quebec, access to healthcare is often difficult, hospitals are often in poor condition, but I can see for myself that the people are competent,” he said.
The activities of the Municipal Council, the Executive Committee and the municipal administration will continue in accordance with their respective responsibilities and the applicable provisions during Boyer’s absence.
Boyer announced at the beginning of September that a tumor had been detected in his brain.
He had then announced that he would reduce his public activities this fall to take care of himself, but that he would continue to fulfill his duties as mayor of Laval.
Boyer has been mayor of Laval since 2021. Elected at the age of 33, he became the youngest mayor in the city’s history.
The mayor has also been living with ankylosing spondylitis for several years, a condition characterized by inflammation of the spine that causes stiffness and pain.
—With files from The Canadian Press
