Raising a glass to the new JFL

Re: “Just for laughs sale bad news for Quebec” (Brendan Kelly, March 24)

Brendan Kelly was quick to tear down the sale of Just For Laughs to an American company. He even seems to take exception to the characterization of Howie Mandel as “native Canadian” — even though he was born and raised in Canada, still performs regularly in his homeland and has now put his money where his mouth is by investing in a Canadian institution.

Mandel and the ICM Group (with more Quebec investors to come) have pledged to keep the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. They are saving hundreds of local jobs, and generating millions in the local economy. In contrast, countless former Montreal-based companies have fled without ever looking back.

Mandel has made clear he understands the importance of both the English and French sides of the festival and wants them to flourish together. That should be celebrated, not denigrated.

As for Gilbert Rozon lining his pockets with the sale of Just For Laughs, it would not have been any different if he had been sold to Québécor or some other Canadian company. Rozon would be walking away a rich man, regardless of the buyers.

As a native Montrealer, Quebecer and Canadian, I shall fill my glass half full with Crystal Head vodka — founded by native Canadian Dan Aykroyd and distilled in Newfoundland and Labrador — and toast to the success and longevity of Just for Laughs/Juste pour rire.

John D. Sloat, Los Angeles, Calif.