SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH AUGER SHOOTING
A Montreal couple have been arrested and accused of helping the Hells
Angels in an attempt to murder a journalist last fall.
ACCUSED IN AUGER SHOOTING CASE PLEAD NOT GUILTY
Two people arrested in connection with the shooting of Montreal crime
reporter pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday afternoon.
DUPLESSIS ORPHANS WERE OTTAWA'S FAULT: LANDRY
Quebec Premier Bernard Landry says his government is willing to
negotiate compensation for the surviving Duplessis Orphans, but he says
the blame for their plight lies with Ottawa.
GROUPS DEMAND HEALTH CARE FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS
Some health groups in Quebec are unhappy with a new move by the
provincial government. Effective immediately, most new immigrants will
have to wait three months before being eligible for free health care.
FELIPE ALOU FIRED, TORBORG TO STEP IN
Felipe Alou, team manager of the troubled Montreal Expos Major League
Baseball club has been fired.
SWEENEY TO REMAIN BEHIND BARS
André Sweeney's bail hearing has been put off until June 18 as his
lawyer has requested.
DUPLESSIS ORPHANS WERE OTTAWA'S FAULT: LANDRY
Quebec Premier Bernard Landry says his government is willing to
negotiate compensation for the surviving Duplessis Orphans, but he says
the blame for their plight lies with Ottawa.
BABY FOUND DEAD WITH BABYSITTER
The Surete du Quebec is investigating the death of a baby girl in Napierville, Que., south of Montreal.
SCHOOL BUS CRASH KILLS ONE
One person is reported dead and 10 injured after a school bus and a
pickup truck crashed Thursday in western Quebec.
TWO INFANTS STABBED TO DEATH: PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Many residents of Granby, Quebec are still trying to take in the enormity
of the tragedy after police have arrested a 22-year-old woman in the
deaths of her two daughters.
GROUPS DEMAND HEALTH CARE FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS
Some health groups in Quebec are unhappy with a new move by the
provincial government. Effective immediately, most new immigrants will
have to wait three months before being eligible for free health care.
KILLING LIKELY BIKER RELATED
The Surete du Quebec is investigating the death of a bar manager in
Ste-Adele, Quebec.
CLINICS TO MAKE CRY FOR HELP
The people who run health clinics in Quebec say it's time for the
government to improve the way health care services are provided.
TEEN WINS AWARD FOR ANTI-PESTICIDE FIGHT
A young Montrealer has won a prestigious award from the United Nations.
Jean-Dominic Levesque-Rene won the UN's environment award for his fight
against pesticides.
MOTHER QUESTIONED AFTER TWO CHILDREN KILLED
Quebec's provincial police say two children have been found dead in an
apartment in Granby, Quebec.
PROVINCE TO CUT NUMBER OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS
Highly publicized suicides have made the provincial government realize
it has to help compulsive gamblers.
POLICE SAY HOME INVASION LINKED TO DRUGS
Police are searching for four suspects after a violent evening at a home
in Ste-Thérèse, Quebec.
WORLD POLICE FORCES TO MEET TO FIGHT MONEY LAUNDERING
Police forces from around the world will meet in Montreal this October
to fight money laundering and organized crime.
MAN
ACCUSED OF KILLING BOY IS KNOWN TO POLICE
André Sweeney will be held in custody at least until his bail hearing on
Thursday.
LANDRY
WON'T APOLOGIZE FOR COMMENTS ABOUT ENGLISH
Premier Bernard Landry says he won't apologize for remarks he made about the
municipal merger court case.
DUPLESSIS
ORPHANS TO GET CASH: REPORT
A report says the Quebec government is ready to offer $30 million in
compensation to the so-called Duplessis Orphans.
TEENS
WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES FLEE GROUP HOME
Montreal police are still looking for a group of four teenagers who disappeared
from a group home in Anjou.
QUEBEC
TO CUT NUMBER OF VLTS
Loto Québec will cut the number of video gambling terminals in the province.
MAN
TO BE CHARGED WITH DRUNK DRIVING AFTER BOY'S DEATH
A 52-year-old man from Yamaska-Ouest, Que. will appear in court to faces charges
of drunk driving.
AGREEMENT
REACHED IN CONSTRUCTION STRIKE
Quebec's road construction workers and the employers association have reached a
tentative agreement on a contract.
UNPAID
DEBTS BEING LINKED TO DOUBLE MURDER
Montreal police are said to believe a history of unpaid debts is behind by a
double murder in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec.
BOY
WHO IDOLIZES HITLER TAKES STAND IN MURDER TRIAL
A Quebec teenager who is fascinated by Adolph Hitler has readily admitted to
killing a Cuban-born girl.
QUEBEC
COMMUNITY AWAITS WATER TEST RESULTS
Some residents in the Clarendon Township near Shawville, Quebec are still being
asked not to drink their well water.
OTTAWA SET TO LEND MONEY TO BOMBARDIER CUSTOMER
Members of Parliament return to the Commons on Monday, and one of the
first things on the agenda will be the discussion of lending an American
airline money so that it can buy planes from Bombardier.
FOREST FIRE PROMPTS EVACUATION OF QUEBEC TOWN
Residents of a northern Quebec town are hoping that the rains forecast
for Monday will help douse the flames that forced them from their homes
over the weekend.
YOUNG COUPLE MURDERED IN EAST-END HOME
Police are investigating the double murder of a Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec couple.
LANDRY SLAMS LIBERAL WELFARE POLICY
Premier Bernard Landry says the Quebec Liberals new welfare policies
lack credibility and consistency.
BIG O TO UNDERGO TRANSFORMATION
The tower at the Olympic stadium is being turned into office space.
DUPLESSIS ORPHANS SEE LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL
There is fresh hope for the Duplessis Orphans.
POLICE IDENTIFY MAN FOUND DEAD IN POOL
Police have released the identity of the man found dead at the bottom of
a Westmount swimming pool ten days ago.
SUMMIT PROTESTERS GRANTED BAIL
The five men charged with weapons and explosives possession during the
Summit of the Americas have been granted bail.
FIRE FORCES EVACUATION OF CREE COMMUNITY
A forest fire which prompted the evacuation of 550 people from a Cree
village in northern Quebec over the weekend is now under control.
COPS LED DIRECTLY TO STOLEN VEHICLES
Quebec police were led straight to a stash of stolen cars over the
weekend after a car thief in the Lower Laurentians picked the wrong
vehicle to steal.
POINTE CLAIRE MARCH BACKS GAYS
Two men who say it's their right to live in the suburbs without being
harassed for being gay held a march through their neighbourhood on
Sunday.
CHAREST FORMS ALLIES FOR FUNDING
Quebec Liberal leader Jean Charest says the election in British Columbia
has brought a new dynamic to federal-provincial relations. Charest says
the provinces are now in a position to force Ottawa to the table to
improve funding for health and social services.
AIDS FOUNDATION PLEADS FOR MONEY
A group that's been helping people with AIDS since the early 1990's says
it needs more money. The AIDS Montreal-Direct Aid foundation says it has
more funding than it did ten years ago, but the group says it's still
not enough.
WEATHER EXPERTS GATHER IN MONTREAL
Television weather personalities from around the world say they have to
play more of a role in informing the public about serious environmental
matters. About a hundred and twenty meteorologists and climate
professionals from about 65 countries are in Montreal for an
international festival on weather.
MONTREAL
EXPOSÉ: BARE BODIES BLANKET BLOCK
More than 2,500 people doffed their clothing in downtown Montreal Saturday
morning to pose for a New York photographer expanding his body of work.
THOUSANDS
BARE THEIR BUNS FOR PHOTO
More than 2,000 Montrealers stripped down to their birthday suits early Saturday
morning for a massive photo shoot. New York photographer Spencer Tunick is
famous for his pictures of crowds of naked people in urban settings. He was in
town to shoot some of his controversial photos with naked Montrealers.
GAYS TO MARCH ON WEST ISLAND
A gay couple who claiming constant harassment from a neighbour has
decided to fight back with a protest march in their Montreal suburb.
QUEBEC
MARCH TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT HOMOPHOBIA
A gay couple who say they're under constant harassment from a neighbour have
decided to fight back with a protest march in their Montreal suburb.
$35
MILLION DEFICIT AT MUHC
The McGill University Health Centre is carrying the largest deficit of any
hospital network in the province. It has surpassed its budget by nearly $35
million.
MUNICIPALITIES
WRAP UP MERGER TESTIMONY
Next week, Quebec's Attorney-General will tell the Quebec Superior Court why
municipal mergers should be allowed to proceed. On Friday, 19 municipalities
wrapped up their case against mergers with arguments that stressed the fragility
of the anglophone community in the province.
MONTREAL
GROUP TO EXPLORE NATIVE RIGHTS IN COLUMBIA
The Montreal group Rights and Democracy is traveling to Columbia with
representatives from Canada's aboriginal community. They're going to look at how
years of war in the South American country have had an impact on indigenous
people.
POLICE
DISMISS MAN CLAIMING HE WITNESSED BEATING
Montreal police have interviewed a man who says he saw the beating of a woman
left lying in a parking lot and say he is not a credible witness.
FALUN
GONG ACTIVIST FEARED MISSING
Practitioners of Falun Gong say they're worried about the disappearance of a
Montreal woman.
RISK
OF FOREST FIRES MOUNTS
Very dry forest conditions have forced forest fire protection officials to
extend the ban on open fires.
MEN
ARRESTED AT SUMMIT TO REMAIN BEHIND BARS
Five men arrested during the Summit of the Americas will remain in prison for at
least another few days.
PQ
ACCUSED OF HANDING OUT POSH JOBS
Liberals are accusing the Parti Québécois government of rewarding its friends
with lavish contracts and postings to Los Angeles and Paris.
CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS MIGHT BE BACK ON JOB BY MONDAY
The union representing striking construction workers says it's confident the
labour conflict will be over by Monday.
MULTIMEDIA
CITY NOT IN PERIL: MINISTER
Finance Minister Pauline Marois is denying a report in newspaper La Presse that
her ministry is re-evaluating its aid programs to the province's multimedia
sector.
COPS
HEAD OFF MONTREAL DRUG SHIPMENT
Police in Montreal say they put a huge dent in the drug traffic at the Port of
Montreal when nearly two dozen arrests were made on Thursday.
MAN
SAYS HE WITNESSED TEEN'S BRUTAL BEATING
Montreal police are following up on claims by a man who says he saw the beating
and rape of a 17-year-old woman left lying in an NDG parking lot.
RESERVOIR
MIGHT BE EMPTIED IN SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN
Police will continue searching for a missing hiker near Mont Ste-Anne, even
though the search was called off on Thursday.
CONSTRUCTION
STRIKE GETS VIOLENT
A walkout in the civil-engineering sector of the Quebec construction industry
has turned ugly.
RISK
OF FOREST FIRES MOUNTS
Very dry forest conditions have forced forest fire protection officials to
extend the ban on open fires.
QUEBEC
MIGHT DUMP "MULTIMEDIA CITY"
The Quebec government may be dumping the multimedia program setup for Montreal
several years ago.
INTERNATIONAL
DRUG RING BROKEN
Police have arrested 23 people in connection with importing cocaine, hashish and
heroine into Montreal.
LANDRY
WANTS QUEBEC TO BE A COUNTRY BY 2005
Premier Bernard Landry says he wants Quebec to be sovereign within the next four
years.
MOHAWKS
LOSE BATTLE WITH REVENUE CANADA
Residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory near Cornwall, Ont. are not exempt
from paying duty on imported goods, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday.
MEDIATOR
STEPS IN TO END CONSTRUCTION STRIKE
Construction workers, management and a government mediator will meet at four
o'clock on Thursday afternoon to try to put an end to the construction strike.
NEW
PLAN TO KEEP DOCTORS IN QUEBEC
The Quebec government has proposed a bill that would further restrict the
freedom of young doctors in Quebec.
MULRONEY
SPEAKS OUT FOR PC PARTY
Brian Mulroney and Joe Clark shared the stage at a fundraiser in Montreal on
Wednesday night to try to build support for the federal Progressive
Conservatives.
FEDERAL
OFFICIALS FEARED LAWSUIT IN CONTAMINATED WATER CASE
Internal documents from the Department of National Defence show federal
officials were on the alert for the threat of lawsuits on learning of water
contamination in wells in Shannon, north of Quebec City.
FIRE
AND BRIMSTONE FOR ANGLOPHONES INACCURATE: WESTMOUNT MAYOR
Guy Bertrand's self-described flamboyance and fire and brimstone approach to
fighting the merger law is making some municipalities uncomfortable.
SEARCH
FOR MISSING MAN MIGHT BE CALLED OFF
The search continues for Antoine Cliche, 21, who has been missing since Sunday.
WOMAN
WOULD GO TO JAIL FOR HER CAT
A woman who was fined $200 for allowing her cat to roam free in a Quebec City
suburb says she'll go to prison to prove her point.
GUARDS
ON CRESCENT STREET IRK POLICE
Montreal police are uneasy with merchants' plans to hire security guards to
patrol Crescent Street.
MONTREAL'S
BIGGEST ECSTASY BUST EVER
Police in Montreal have seized more than 850,000 tablets of the rave drug
ecstasy in the largest drug raid of its kind in Canadian history.
GRANDMOTHER
SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS
A Montreal grandmother has been sentenced to ten years in prison less time
served for the attempted murder of her grandson's father.
KEEPING
WEST NILE VIRUS UNDER CONTROL
Public Health officials in Quebec say they'll be watching for the West Nile
Virus again this year.
JACQUES
VILLENEUVE REVS UP LANGUAGE DEBATE
Quebec's Formula one hero Jacques Villeneuve has driven into trouble with some
Quebecers.
YET
ANOTHER CASE OF MENINGITIS
Another case of meningitis has been diagnosed on Quebec City's South Shore.
WORK
ON BRIDGE STALLED BY LABOUR DISPUTE
The Jacques Cartier Bridge won't be closed for construction on Tuesday night.
the federal bridge corporation says earlier this afternoon it was informed
construction workers won't be showing up for this evening's shifts.
CASE
OF MAN ACCUSED OF BEATING INFANT WRAPS UP
Closing arguments have wrapped up at the trial of a Lachine man charged with
assaulting his newborn daughter last September.
GROUP
DEMANDS INQUIRY INTO "SUMMIT OF SHAME"
Anti-globalization activists including NDP MP Svend Robinson are calling for a
public inquiry into police behaviour during what they termed Quebec City's
"Summit of Shame."
SUMMIT
PROTESTERS TO STAY IN JAIL
Five people arrested at the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City will remain in
prison for at least another week. The five men were arrested two days before the
summit actually began, charged with possessing weapons and explosives.
WESTMOUNT
SAYS MERGERS ILLEGAL
Lawyers for the city of Westmount say Quebec does not have the authority to
merge Westmount into the mega-city of Montreal.
NEW
BRIDGE MIGHT NOT SOLVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
A traffic consultant says a new bridge won't do anything to ease congestion
between Montreal and the south shore.
PRISONER
MAKES DRAMATIC ESCAPE
There was a spectacular escape from the Cowansville penitentiary on Tuesday
morning as Francis Marcoux escaped by hiding in a garbage container that was
shipped off to the local dump.
VACCINATION
UNDERWAY IN OTTERBURN PARK
A free vaccination campaign against meningitis is underway at a school in
Otterburn Park, on Montreal's South Shore.
MARKETS
FROWN ON FIRESTONE-FORD TIRE FEUD
The business world is watching the corporate warfare raging between
Bridgestone/Firestone and Ford with amazement and fascination.
1,000
BOMBARDIER JOBS COULD BE CREATED
Bombardier Aerospace was in negotiations with Northwest Airlines for an aircraft
order that could reach 200 jets worth $5.8 billion, newspaper Journal de
Montréal has reported.
IGNORING
VICTIM COULD SPARK LAWSUIT
The father of a 17-year-old girl found beaten near a metro station and ignored
for hours is considering a civil lawsuit against those who ignored the girl.
MERGER
BILL CHALLENGE IN COURT TODAY
A lawyer says he'll be defending minority rights across the country as he takes
part in a challenge to Quebec's municipal merger law beginning on Tuesday.
1,000
BOMBARDIER JOBS CREATED
A report says Bombardier has negotiated a huge sale involving $5.8 billion worth
of regional jets to Northwest Airlines.
IGNORING
VICTIM COULD SPARK LAWSUIT
The father of a 17-year-old girl found beaten near a metro station and ignored
for hours is considering a civil lawsuit against those who ignored the
girl.
MISSING
MAN SPAWNS SEARCH
A man from Beaupré has been reported missing after failing to return from a
hike at Mont-Ste-Anne on Sunday.
AMERICAN
TOURIST BEATEN IN QUEBEC CITY
Police are still looking for the man who beat an American radiologist in broad
daylight outside the Quebec City convention centre.
QUEBEC'S
LANGUAGE LAWS STRETCH INTO CYBERSPACE
A couple selling maple syrup over the Internet has been fined for operating an
English-only Web site in Quebec.
VIGIL
SUPPORTS TEEN BEATING VICTIM
Two people say they're spending the long weekend outside the Vendôme Metro in
west-end Montreal to make a difference.
BIKERS
FIGHT MOTORCYCLE BANS
Thousands of motorcyclists gathered in the Montreal suburb of Longueuil on
Sunday to protest against some anti-motorcycle laws.
LET'S
HELP BOYS STOP DROPPING OUT: BOARD
A school board in Quebec is trying to keep boys in school after finding out that
75% of its dropouts were male students.
POLICE
INVESTIGATE CARJACKING IN LAVAL
Police are investigating a carjacking on Highway 13 in Laval, Que.
OTTAWA
WANTS CHINESE SPY OUT OF MONTREAL
The federal government is pressing for the deportation of a Chinese spy.
VIGIL
SUPPORTS TEEN BEATING VICTIM
A 48-hour vigil is underway by a small group of people at the Vendôme metro
station to support the 17-year-old woman who was found beaten near the metro
station.
BIKERS
FIGHT MOTORCYCLE BANS
Thousands of motorcyclists gathered in the Montreal suburb of Longueuil on
Sunday to protest against some anti-motorcycle laws.
LET'S
HELP BOYS STOP DROPPING OUT: BOARD
A school board in Quebec is trying to keep boys in school after finding out that
75% of its dropouts were male students.
BQ
URGES OTTAWA TO ACT ON IMPRISONED TUNISIAN
The Bloc Québécois is asking the Canadian government to intercede on behalf of
an imprisoned man it deported to Tunisia in January.
QUéBEC
MAN TO SUE LOTO-QUéBEC
A Québec City man wants to take Loto-Québec to court over video lottery
terminals.
SCIENTISTS
WORRY ABOUT NEXT BUDWORM INFESTATION
Scientists say they need more weapons to deal with the spruce budworm. Another
epidemic is expected in five to ten years.
CAR
SMASHES THROUGH BEAUPORT HOUSE
Two teenagers managed to escape serious injury early Sunday when the car they
were in smashed into a house in Beauport, near Quebec City.
ROAD
DEATH ON MONTREAL'S SOUTH SHORE
A man in his 50s died overnight Saturday on Highway 223 at St-Blaise, Quebec
Police say it appears the man fell asleep at the wheel.
QUEBEC
HEART SURGEONS SEE NO END TO LINE-UPS
Quebec's cardiac surgeons see no end to the long waiting lists for heart
surgery. According to a Saturday report in La Presse, the surgeons doubt the
government will wake up to the crisis until, like some cancer patients, heart
patients must start going to Plattsburgh, New York for their operations.
FIREFIGHTERS
BEMOAN LACK OF WORKING ALARM SYSTEMS
Firefighters in Montreal were kept busy early Saturday at two major fires in
apartment blocks. In both instances, they say, alarm systems in the buildings
did not go off.
TRANSIT
AGENCY RACKS UP DEFICIT
The Metropolitan Transportation Agency has delivered a "good news, bad
news" annual report.
FATHER,
MOTHER CHANGE STORIES IN BABY ABUSE TRIAL
Closing arguments are set for Tuesday morning at the trial of a Lachine man
accused of assaulting his one-month-old daughter last September.
CASTORS
NEED MORE WINS, MORE CASH
Sherbrooke's junior major hockey team, Les Castors, is hoping for a helping hand
from the business community.
CALL
CENTRE SUPERVISOR FIRED AFTER DELAYING EMERGENCY CALL
A Montreal telemarketing agency has fired one of its supervisors, after he
ordered employees not to call police regarding a young woman found beaten,
half-naked and unconscious outside their offices last Saturday.
SQ
OFFICERS TO CARRY SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES
The Sûreté du Québec is following the lead of many of their counterparts in
the rest of Canada and the United States and switching to a more powerful
sidearm.
EMPLOYEE
FIRED FOR BEING "BAD SAMARITAN"
A supervisor at a Montreal telemarketing company has been fired after a young
victim lay near the company's building for hours before workers were allowed to
alert authorities.
MAN
FOUND DEAD IN WESTMOUNT POOL
The body of a man in his 20s was discovered this morning at the bottom of a pool
at a house in Westmount, Quebec.
MAN
WHO MURDERED PARENTS WAS MENTALLY ILL
Montreal police confirm that a 35-year-old Beaconsfield man who killed his
parents and then committed suicide was mentally ill.
ENTIRE
SCHOOL TO GET MENINGITIS VACCINE
Public health officials in the Montéregie region will be offering free
meningitis vaccines for children attending Mountainview School.
QUEBEC
SPENDS $2.8 MILLION ON RESEARCH CENTRE
The Quebec government is spending $2.8 million on a Montreal-based medical
research centre.
CONSTRUCTION
STRIKE AVERTED
A strike has been averted in Quebec's residential construction sector.
GIRL
KILLED ON QUIET STREET
A tragic accident in Pincourt, Que. has resulted in the death of a 6-year-old
girl. The girl was struck by a truck while riding her bicycle on Thursday night.
NO
MORE VLTS ON QUEBEC FERRIES
Loto Québec is pulling its video lottery terminals off some Quebec ferries.
GROUPS
FURIOUS ABOUT IMMINENT RIGHT ON RED DECISION
A coalition of 40 groups is calling on Quebec's Transport minister to
immediately halt a pilot project that allows motorists to turn right on red
lights.
ALLIANCE
QUEBEC TAKES AIM AT FRENCH LANGUAGE CHARTER
Alliance Quebec wants the courts to strike down a section of the French language
charter and the bill that amends that section. The issue is bilingual status for
municipalities.
OTTAWA
TO INTERVENE IN QUEBEC'S MERGERS
The federal Commissioner of Official Languages will be allowed to intervene in
the court case against municipal mergers.
441
MORE SCHOOLS LABELED "UNDERPRIVILEGED"
Quebec's Ministry of Education is adding 441 new names to its list of
underprivileged schools.
YOUTH
CENTRE STAFF OVERWHELMED
Staff at some of Montreal's youth centres say they have more cases than they can
deal with.
FORMER
HEC DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS
The former director of financial services at the University of Montreal's
business school has been sentenced to three years in prison for fraud and secret
commissions.
AUTOPSIES
ORDERED ON MURDERED PARENTS
Police say they are still looking for a firm link between a double murder and a
suicide in Beaconsfield, Quebec.
GAROU
SURVIVES CAR CRASH
A report says rock singer Garou has survived a high speed highway crash near
Magog, Que. early on Thursday morning.
COGGER
HAS INFLUENCE PEDDLING CONVICTION OVERTURNED
Former senator Michel Cogger has been given an absolute discharge by the Quebec
Court of Appeal.
PARENTS MURDERED, MAN FOUND DEAD NEARBY
Montreal police are looking at a possible link between the discovery of
a man's body at a set of train tracks and the stabbing death of a
suburban couple.
INTERNATIONAL DRUG BUST INVOLVES SEVEN COUNTRIES
The RCMP say they've delivered a blow to a major international drug
trafficking and money laundering ring.
FATHER DESCRIBES HOW HE SHOOK HIS BABY
A Lachine man on trial for assaulting his one month old daughter
explained to police what he did the day the assaults were alleged to
have take place last September.
PARENTS WANT VACCINATIONS AFTER BOY STRUCK WITH
MENINGITIS
Some parents whose children attend a school on Montreal's South Shore
are asking authorities to make a meningitis vaccine available to all
children at the school.
MICHAUD AFFAIR NOT GOING AWAY
Yves Michaud is still crusading to prove he did nothing wrong when he
denounced ethnic voting patterns at a meeting on language in Quebec late
last year.
POLICE IDENTIFY MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Montreal police have now identified the woman who was found beaten and
perhaps raped on the weekend but they are not releasing her name.
GOOD SAMARITANS RARE IN MONTREAL
The director of Montreal's Sun Youth organization is shocked that it
took hours before anyone called to help a woman who had been beaten in NDG.
ASTRAL BUYS TELEMEDIA RADIO
Astral Media has announced an agreement to buy 19 radio stations from
Telemedia for $255 million.
YOUTHS MORE LIKELY TO BECOME GAMBLING ADDICTS
A new study shows high school students are two to four times more likely
to become compulsive gamblers than adults.
IMMIGRANTS WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR HEALTH CARDS
Immigrants coming into Quebec will soon have to wait three months before
they can get a province-issued health care card.
CAE GETS $25 MILLION FROM QUEBEC
The Quebec government is giving CAE more than $25 million. The
Toronto-based aerospace company is the world's largest manufacturer of
flight simulators.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA CASE AGAIN BEFORE A JUDGE
The trafficking trial of so-called "medical marijuana" by two members
of
Montreal's compassion club has resumed at the Montreal court house.
MAYOR
OF LACHINE STEPS DOWN
The mayor of Lachine has quit. William McCullock handed in his resignation
shortly before Lachine's council met last night. It was effectively immediately.
POLICE
NEED PUBLIC'S HELP IN IDENTIFYING VICTIM
The Montreal police have still not identified the woman who was found beaten and
most likely raped in Westmount.
HIGHWAY
TO LINK HULL AND MONTREAL
After 30 years of waiting, the Quebec highway linking Hull to Montreal will
become a reality, likely by 2007. The Quebec government has announced a
$100-million investment toward the completion of Highway 50.
TWO
MORE CASES OF MENINGITIS
Another two cases of meningitis have been diagnosed in the Quebec City region.
TWIST
IN SUSPECTED MURDER OF HANDICAPPED GIRL
Officials have been unable to confirm the cause of death of Chelsea Craig. The
14-year-old Pointe Claire resident who suffered from Rett syndrome died nearly
two months ago.
FATHER
RETURNS WITH ABDUCTED INFANT
A two-month-old baby is back with her mother after an all-night search for the
child and her father.
ISLAND-WIDE
MONTREAL WOULD CUT FIREFIGHTERS: REPORT
A Liberal MNA has obtained a leaked transition committee document indicating
there's a plan to reduce the number of firefighters across the island of
Montreal by 300.
MEDICAL
MARIJUANA CASE AGAIN BEFORE A JUDGE
The trafficking trial of so-called "medical marijuana" by two members
of Montreal's compassion club has resumed at the Montreal court house.
CHILDREN
FINDING NEEDLES BY SCHOOL
Officials at an elementary school in north-central Montreal say there have been
at least two incidents of its students finding syringes.
POLICE
HUNT FOR FATHER AND BABY
Police are looking for a man from Ville St-Laurent who left his family's home
with his two-month-old baby on Sunday.
WOMAN
ATTACKED AND LEFT FOR DEAD
A woman in her mid-thirties is still fighting for her life in hospital after
being beaten and possibly raped.
CHAREST
BACKS MAYORS IN MERGER BATTLE
Mayors of towns and cities across Quebec applauded Liberal leader Jean Charest
for taking a stand against the PQ government's plan which forces dozens of
municipalities to merge.
RABIES
SCARE ON NORTH SHORE
Public health officials are warning residents that rabies among wildlife appears
to be on the rise this year.
APOSTLES
OF INFINITE LOVE FACE LAWSUIT
A former member of the monastic religious community based in the Laurentians is
suing the community, its leader, and 13 other members for more than $2.5
million.
SHERBROOKE
KEEPS HOCKEY CLUB
The owner of Sherbrooke's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team, Les Castors,
says fans are getting a second chance... and they shouldn't blow it.
ANTI-MERGER
PROTESTERS BLOCK DOWNTOWN STREETS
About 2,500 people gathered on Friday in Montreal to protest against municipal
mergers.
LACTANTIA
MILK PULLED FROM SHELVES
Lactantia is pulling certain dairy products from Quebec store shelves.
BANDIDOS
HEAD SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS
The presumed leader of the Rock Machine biker gang, which is now known as the
Bandidos biker gang, Fred Faucher has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
MERGED
MONTREAL HAS FIRST DIRECTOR GENERAL
The current manager of Montreal's administration is moving up in the world. Guy
Coulombe will become the first director general of the new mega-city of
Montreal.
CALLS
FOR CUTS TO GAS TAX
Natural Resources Minister Jacques Brassard turned thumbs down on an opposition
request to lower gas taxes in Quebec, saying it would encourage waste.
REMEMBERING
LéVESQUE AS A BIG MAN
Renée Lévesque, who towered over Quebec politics though he stood only
5'5", will have a new statue made of him for the lawn outside Quebec's
National Assembly because people think the current statue is too short.
QUEBEC'S
NUCLEAR REACTOR SEVERELY CRITICIZED
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has severely criticized Hydro Quebec's
Gentilly II Nuclear reactor near Trois-Rivières, Que.
NORTEL
CEO SET TO RETIRE IN APRIL
Nortel Networks is starting to hunt for a new leader after CEO John Roth
announced his plans to retire and the company's No. 2 executive left the
company.
VIDéOTRON
CUTS 138 JOBS
Vidéotron is cutting 138 jobs. The company says 29 of the jobs being cut are at
the management level and 109 are unionized positions.
FOREST
FIRE WORKERS ON HIGH ALERT
The hot, dry weather has Quebec's forest fire protection service on high alert.
HOSPITAL
BENDS TO SATISFY DOCTORS
Montreal newspaper La Presse says doctors at Cité de la Santé hospital in
Laval, Que., have almost reached an agreement with management and will probably
withdraw their threat of mass resignation.
DEBATE
OVER CHOOSING HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBERS
The provincial government has decided it should appoint board members of health
and social services institutions, and they are also suggesting meetings would be
held behind closed doors.
CREES
VS. QUEBEC IN WASHINGTON
The James Bay Crees are asking the U.S. commerce department to impose duties on
exported Quebec lumber.
DOG
NABS SUSPECT STROLLING DOWN STREET
An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with a robbery at a Metro grocery
store in Laval, Que., early on Thursday morning.
FLAHIFF'S SENTENCE UPHELD
The conviction and sentence of a former Quebec Superior Court judge were
upheld in a Montreal courtroom on Wednesday.
FULL STORY: click
here
HILTON GETS SEVEN YEARS
Dave Hilton Jr. has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The former
world champion boxer has been convicted of sexually assaulting two girls under
the age of 14. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
HEALTH MINISTER VOWS TO STOP DOCTORS'
RESIGNATIONS
Quebec Health Minister Rémy Trudel says draconian measures will be put in
place to stop the flood of resignations of emergency room doctors in Montreal.
FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC HEART PATIENTS SUFFERING
A report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information says Quebec
heart patients might be faring worse than those from other provinces because
Quebec lacks a specialty centre for heart surgery. FULL STORY: click
here
PREMIER DEFENDS PROVINCE'S INVESTMENT IN HABS
Premier Bernard Landry is defending the involvement of the province's
pension fund to help finance the purchase of the Montreal Canadiens. FULL STORY:
click
here
POLICE FOIL KIDNAPPING ATTEMPT
Police have foiled a Montreal man's kidnapping of his five-year-old son.
FULL STORY: click
here
MUNICIPALITIES WON'T CO-OPERATE WITH MERGER PLAN
Fourteen municipalities on the island of Montreal have decided to stop all
co-operation with the transition committee for the island. FULL STORY: click
here
PRINCE AMONG JAZZ FEST PERFORMERS
Organizers of the 22nd edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival
have unveiled their programming for this summer's event. FULL STORY: click
here
DOCTORS SAY THEY'RE BURNED OUT
More than half of the emergency room doctors at Sacre Coeur hospital say
they'll quit their jobs this summer. FULL STORY: click
here
PARENTS DEMAND INQUIRY INTO TEEN'S DEATH
The parents of Michael Kibbe want a public inquiry into their son's death.
Kibbe died after allegedly jumping over a wall near a downtown Montreal police
station in February. FULL STORY: click
here
PHOTO RADAR COMING TO QUEBEC HIGHWAYS
Transport Minister Guy Chevrette is hoping new photo radar units on Quebec
highways will cut the number of traffic deaths. FULL STORY: click
here
HABS OWNER BAILED OUT BY PROVINCE
Quebec's pension fund, the Caisse de Dépôt is helping Colorado businessman
George Gillett buy the Montreal Canadiens hockey team and the Molson Centre.
FULL STORY: click
here
MORE SEATS FOR ALOUETTES FANS
The Montreal Alouettes are getting financial backing from the City of
Montreal for renovations to Molson Stadium. FULL STORY: click
here
WATER NOT LIKELY CONTAMINATED IN QUEBEC TOWN:
EXPERT
A specialist in tropical diseases says the water around
Ste-Justine-de-Newton is not likely to be contaminated with the bacteria
leptosperosis. FULL STORY: click
here
CIVIC EMPLOYEES NOT BEING PAID TO HELP IN
RE-ELECTION: MAYOR
Montreal mayor Pierre Bourque is dismissing new charges that he's using city
money to help get re-elected. FULL STORY: click
here
JAGGI SINGH FREED ON BAIL
Anti-globalization activist Jaggi Singh has been released on bail on the
order of a Quebec court judge. FULL STORY: click
here
MORE CAA TOW TRUCKS TORCHED
Longueuil police are trying to find out who's behind a series of tow truck
fires in the city. Five trucks have been set on fire since the weekend. FULL
STORY: click
here
ALLEGED MAFIA BOSS TO STAY IN QUEBEC PRISON
An alleged kingpin of the Italian Mafia has been ordered imprisoned for at
least four more weeks. FULL STORY: click
here
WATER RISK FROM ANIMAL SHELTER
The head of the public health department in the Monteregie says there's no
reason to panic about the water in Ste-Justine-de-Newton. FULL STORY: click
here
ANTI-MENINGITIS CAMPAIGN CONSIDERED
Health officials on the South Shore of Quebec City will consider Friday
whether to launch a mass vaccination campaign against meningitis. FULL STORY: click
here
DEADLY WEEKEND ON QUEBEC ROADS
It was a deadly weekend on Quebec's highways, with at least 10 fatalities
recorded. FULL STORY: click
here
WOMEN'S HELP LINE MAY HAVE TO SHUT DOWN
A support line for women who've been victims of conjugal violence might be
forced to close. FULL STORY: click
here
INDUSTRY TOLD FUR IS FASHIONABLE AGAIN
Montreal is hosting its annual fur trade show this week. An estimated 4,000
buyers from around the world are expected to take in the four-day North American
Fur and Fashion Exposition. FULL STORY: click
here
MARCHERS CALL FOR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
A march in support of the legalization of Marijuana wound its way through
the streets of Montreal yesterday. FULL STORY: click
here
CANADIANS JOIN 'MILLION MARIJUANA MARCH'
Thousands of people rallied to champion the legalization of marijuana
Saturday at rallies in dozens of cities around the world. FULL STORY: click
here
TEENS INJURED IN OVERCROWDING AT YOUTH FAIR
More than 2,000 teenagers kept police and officials at the Olympic Stadium
busy yesterday afternoon. FULL STORY: click
here
TEENS HURT IN STAMPEDE AT MONTREAL STADIUM
Riot police held back thousands of angry teenagers at Montreal's Olympic
Stadium Saturday when organizers said a youth fair inside was full. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC GROUP SUSPENDS INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS IN
INDIA
The Quebec organization that oversees international adoptions has suspended
its operations in India. FULL STORY: click
here
RIVER BED STILL CONTAINS LIVE ARTILLERY
The river that runs by the towns of Shannon and St. Gabriel de Valcartier
near Quebec City is littered with live rounds of artillery. FULL STORY: click
here
DELIBERATIONS SET TO BEGIN AT MURDER TRIAL
Deliberations are expected to begin on Monday in the second degree murder
case of Sacha Montreuil. FULL STORY: click
here
TOP DRUG ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAKES CASE FOR SAFE
INJECTION SITES
The RCMP's top drug-enforcement officer says Canada should consider
providing safe injection sites for users of drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
FULL STORY: click
here
WORKERS HANG ONTO JOBS AT CASH STRAPPED COMPANY
Employees at the Expro chemical plant in Saint Timothee, near Valleyfield,
have a reprieve. FULL STORY: click
here
OFFICIALS WON'T EXTEND MENINGITIS VACCINE
PROGRAM
Public health officials in the Quebec City area say they will not extend the
meningitis vaccine program to the south shore of the city. They say the
situation there is under control, but residents are worried the bacteria have
crossed the river. FULL STORY: click
here
MAJOR INVESTMENT IN PAPER MILL
Joint investors will spend $300 million to upgrade the Wayagamack paper mill
in Trois-Rivieres. FULL STORY: click
here
PRESIDENT OF SAQ GETS FIRST CLASS PERKS
Liberals have revealed that the President of the SAQ rides around in a
chauffeur-driven Jaguar paid for by taxpayers. The Liberals embarrassed Finance
Minister Pauline Marois into revealing the sweet compensation package received
by the president of the liquor board. FULL STORY: click
here
MICHAUD ASKS TO TELL HIS SIDE OF STORY
Yves Michaud may get his chance to tell his side of the story. A Parti
Quebecois MNA has tabled a petition from Michaud asking for an opportunity to
rebut the unanimous motion adopted last year condemning his comments on Jews and
the ethnic vote. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING MOTHER
Police are searching for a 26-year-old woman in a forest on Quebec City's
south shore. Nathalie Godbout is a mother of two from Saint-Romuald who
disappeared without a trace last fall. She has not been seen since September of
2000. FULL STORY: click
here
RCMP OUTDOES SQ AT SUMMIT
The RCMP outdid the Surete du Quebec when it came to the use of tear gas and
rubber bullets at the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
HUMAN WASTE BEING USED FOR FERTILIZER
The company that runs Sherbrooke's water treatment plant is marketing a
fertilizer that's part human waste, part quicklime. GSI Environment says it's
not having a problem selling the product. It's moving 14,000 tonnes a year of
the stuff. FULL STORY: click
here
PARKING LOT RAGE IN LAVAL
There's been a case of parking lot rage in the St-Dorothy district of Laval.
A 29-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning to face
several charges in connection with pointing her gun at another shopper. FULL
STORY: click
here
QUEBEC HALTS ADOPTIONS FROM INDIA
The agency that overseas international adoptions in Quebec has put a stop to
adoptions from India. FULL STORY: click
here
CALL FOR HELP LANDS MAN IN JAIL
A 74-year-old man, Laszlo Szabo, is suing a hospital and a detention centre
for $125,000. His lawyer says authorities locked him up, although he was
physically and mentally ill. FULL STORY: click
here
PARKING LOT RAGE IN LAVAL
There's been a case of parking lot rage in the St-Dorothy district of Laval.
A 29-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning to face
several charges in connection with pointing her gun at another shopper. FULL
STORY: click
here
ACTIVIST SINGH BACK IN COURT
Activist Jaggi Singh, who opposes globalization and free trade, has pleaded
not guilty to breaching bail conditions. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBECERS HAPPY WITH POLICE PERFORMANCE AT
SUMMIT
Seventy-nine per cent of Quebecers are satisfied with the work done by
police during the summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
NEW PLANT IN MIRABEL
Pharmaceutical multinational Aventis is poised to announce a $254-million
investment in a new Quebec plant. FULL STORY: click
here
FRUIT OF THE LOOM TO LAY OFF 654 EMPLOYEES
Fruit of the Loom has announced it will close its plant in Trois-Rivieres in
September and 654 people will lose their jobs. FULL STORY: click
here
PARENTS WANT TO BE PART OF MENINGITIS VACCINE
PROGRAM
Parents of children who attend a school on Quebec City's south shore are furious
with the public health department. They want their children included in the
vaccination program against meningitis. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC MAY HAVE TO GET RID OF VIDEO POKER
Public Security Minister Serge Ménard says the day may come when Quebec
will have to get rid of its video poker machines They bring in hundreds of
millions of dollars a year in revenue. FULL STORY: click
here
ANOTHER CASE OF MENINGITIS IN QUEBEC CITY AREA
Meningitis has struck in the Quebec City area, for the 17th time since the
beginning of the year. FULL STORY: click
here
SKULL POSES MYSTERY FOR POLICE
Police are looking into the discovery of a human skull in Rigaud, west of
Montreal. FULL STORY: click
here
MORE THAN HALF OF ANGLOPHONES FAIL HISTORY EXAM
A Grade 10 history exam administered in English is being criticized by a
social studies consultant. Walter Baslyk says the exam was one of the shoddiest
exams ever given. FULL STORY: click
here
COMPENSATION FOR LOST TOBACCO SPONSORSHIP
The Quebec government is giving $4 million to two major summer events in
Montreal. It's an attempt to compensate for lost sponsorships from big cigarette
companies. FULL STORY: click
here
LANDRY AGREES TO WORK WITH ROMANOW
Quebec Premier Bernard Landry says the provincial government will now
cooperate with Roy Romanow's national health commission. Landry had earlier
criticized the creation of a federal inquiry into health care. FULL STORY: click
here
HILTON STRIPPED OF TITLE
Convicted sex offender Dave Hilton Jr. has been stripped of his World Boxing
Council super-middleweight title. Hilton has been in prison since being
convicted in March of sex crimes against two teenaged girls. FULL STORY: click
here
CROWN LAWYERS ACCEPT OFFER
Quebec's Crown prosecutors agreed by a one-vote margin to accept a contract
offer from the provincial government. The vote was 109 for the deal and 108
against. FULL STORY: click
here
CITY WORKERS GET RAISE
In a last-minute deal, the city of Montreal is giving most of its employees
an extra 1% salary increase. Blue collar workers will get a 2% raise. The deal
will cost the city $5.5 million. FULL STORY: click
here
SEVEN FOREST FIRES IN QUEBEC
Quebec's forest fire prevention agency says at least seven forest fires are
burning in the province. SOPFEU says they're located near Cowansville, in the
Outaouais and north of Montreal. FULL STORY: click
here
LANDRY GETS OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
Premier Bernard Landry is getting an official residence. In November, he
will be moving into a 2,800 square foot apartment in the Price Building in
uptown Quebec City. FULL STORY: click
here
BIKERS SENTENCED FOR GANGSTERISM
Eight members of the Blatnois bike gang, from the Mauricie region of Quebec,
will serve sentences ranging from three-and-a-half to 10 years. FULL STORY: click
here
TAX SNOOPS GET FIRED
Seven employees of the Quebec Revenue ministry have been fired for snooping
into confidential tax files. Revenue Minister Guy Julien announced the firings.
FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC CONSIDERS WIDE USE OF MENINGITIS VACCINE
The Quebec government will decide within a few weeks whether to make a
meningitis vaccine available across the province. FULL STORY: click
here
CASINO SUICIDE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT GAMBLING
A Montreal man's decision to commit suicide outside the Montreal Casino
could be seen as a cry for help from all Quebecers who are compulsive gamblers,
said the founder of a gambling treatment centre. FULL STORY: click
here
"IRON-CLAD" RULE INTENDED TO SNUFF
ALLIANCE INFIGHTING
Stockwell Day will expel Canadian Alliance MPs from caucus if they publicly
criticize or question his leadership as part of a disciplinary crackdown, his
new whip says. FULL STORY: click
here
ELDERLY WOMAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER
A 50-year-old woman will be charged with attempted murder, after allegedly
stabbing her 41-year-old roommate, who is now in critical condition in hospital. FULL STORY:
click
here
PARENTS OF LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN PLEAD FOR
FUNDING
Parents of children with learning difficulties are pleading with education
minister Francois Legault. FULL STORY: click
here
TOWER AND CRASH VICTIM COME DOWN
A 330-metre communications tower near Shawinigan, Que was brought down at
six o'clock on Friday night. It was badly damaged when it was hit by a small
plane on Sunday. The pilot's body is trapped in the wreckage. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
BIKER CASES PUT ON HOLD ... AGAIN
Proceedings have been delayed again in the case against Maurice
"Mom" Boucher and others charged with being involved in criminal biker
gang activities. FULL STORY: click
here
MORE RESEARCH INTO PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
The Quebec government is giving more than $3.5 million to a Montreal-based
research centre that helps people with disabilities. FULL STORY: click
here
EXPOS GAMES TO BE BROADCAST ON ENGLISH RADIO
The Expos have secured English-language radio coverage by signing a two-year
deal with a new Montreal all-sports station. FULL STORY: click
here
PROSECUTORS STRIKE DEAL WITH PROVINCE
Quebec Justice Minister Paul Bégin says an agreement in principal has been
reached with the Crown prosecutors. FULL STORY: click
here
LANDRY HOLDS OFF ON BYELECTIONS
It appears Bernard Landry is backing away from calling byelections in a
number of vacant ridings. FULL STORY: click
here
SINGH SUPPORTERS VOW TO DEMONSTRATE FOR HIS
RELEASE
Social activist Jaggi Singh will remain at the Orsainville prison near
Quebec City at least until next Thursday. A Quebec judge has denied his bail
request. FULL STORY: click
here
BAGOTVILLE BASE MAY BE CONTAMINATING WATER: MP
The Bloc Québécois says drinking water near the Bagotville military base
in the Saguenay could be contaminated. FULL STORY: click
here
FEE FOR FLYING OUT OF DORVAL COULD RISE
It may cost $20 instead of $10 per person for a departure tax to fly from
Dorval in the near future. FULL STORY: click
here
SINGH DENIED BAIL
Well known activist Jaggi Singh has been denied bail. Singh was arrested on
Friday during demonstrations against the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
UNWARRANTED ARRESTS IN QUEBEC: UNION LEADERS
A group of union leaders and student organizations says many people were
arrested without cause at the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
CALLS TO STANDARDIZE 911
Quebec's 911 centres say they want universal standards when it comes to
responding to emergencies. FULL STORY: click
here
GAMBLING HELP DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH: CRITICS
A social worker who counsels problem gamblers says Loto Québec should be
doing more to fight gambling addiction. FULL STORY: click
here
HERO EMERGES FROM SUMMIT
A Quebec City man may be nominated for a hero's citation for helping a
police officer who was being attacked by protesters at the Summit of the
Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
JUDGE STRIKES DOWN SEIZURE OF BANK DOCUMENTS IN
GRAND-MèRE AFFAIR
The seizure of documents at the Montreal house, office and cottage of a
former president of the Business Development Bank of Canada has been quashed.
FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
TWO ARRESTS IN SUSPECTED VIGILANTISM KILLING
Two men have been charged in connection with what could be a case of
vigilante justice. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
NEW MENINGITIS VACCINE SOON AVAILABLE
A new vaccine against meningitis will be available in Quebec within the next
10 days. The vaccine was just approved by Health Canada and has been used
successfully in Britain to protect against type-C meningitis. FULL STORY: click
here
SUMMIT PROTESTER REMAINS BEHIND BARS
Bail hearings were held Wednesday morning for 20 protesters who have been
held in detention since last weekend's Summit of the Americas demonstrations in
Quebec City. FULL STORY: click
here
MOTHER SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR KILLING
AUTISTIC GIRL
Line Lafond has been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with
the death of her foster daughter. The toddler, who was three years old, had
autism. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE SUSPECT VIGILANTISM IN MAN'S MURDER
Laval police are investigating whether four men took the law into their own
hands on Tuesday night. A 48-year-old man died after being brutally beaten and
stabbed. FULL STORY: click
here
MINISTER VOWS TO GET TO BOTTOM OF CASES OF
MISTREATED PROTESTERS
Quebec's Public Security minister says complaints are justified about the
treatment of arrested protesters at Orsainville jail. FULL STORY: click
here
MCDONALD'S BEING A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN:
MINISTER
Quebec Labour Minister Jean Rochon says McDonald's appears to be acting as a
good corporate citizen. FULL STORY: click
here
MONTREAL PAYS TO CLEAN UP GRAFFITI
The city of Montreal is putting $1 million into a pilot project to clean up
graffiti and posters from the down-town area. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE ARREST HUSBAND IN WOMAN'S MURDER
The Sûreté du Québec have arrested a 32-year-old man in the murder of his
wife in St-Antoine-des-Laurentides, Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here
HADFIELD DOING CANADA PROUD
It was another long day in space for Chris Hadfield as the Canadian
astronaut completed his second spacewalk, and finished the installation of the
Canadian robotic arm. FULL STORY: click
here
ARRESTS MADE IN THEFT OF SUMMIT SECURITY PLANS
Two people have been arrested in connection with the theft of Summit of the
Americas security plans from a Sûreté du Québec vehicle last Friday. FULL
STORY: click
here
NATIVE TO HEAD QUEBEC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Dr. Stanley Vollant, a surgeon at the Baie Comeau Hospital, has been elected
president of the Quebec Medical Association. FULL STORY: click
here
MINISTER APOLOGIZES TO ARRESTED PROTESTERS
Quebec's Public Security Minister says he's sorry for the jail
conditions endured by some protesters arrested at the Summit of the
Americas in Quebec City.
FULL STORY: click
here
LANDRY SAYS AMERICAS AGREE WITH QUEBEC STAND ON
FREE TRADE
Quebec's premier says the leaders at the Summit of the Americas made
significant progress toward freer trade in the hemisphere.
FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC MAYOR WOULD THINK TWICE NEXT TIME AROUND
Quebec City's mayor says he won't welcome anything like the Summit of
the Americas to his city again.
FULL STORY: click
here
BETTER TREATMENT IN WAR ZONES: ARRESTED
PHOTOGRAPHER
An accredited photographer arrested during the Summit of the Americas
will stay in jail at least until Wednesday.
FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE IDENTIFY MURDER VICTIM, 19
A 19-year-old Montreal man identified as Mike Dasylva, has died from his
injuries after he was stabbed on Sunday morning.
FULL STORY: click
here
SUPREME COURT COULD DECIDE WHETHER FRAUD ARTIST
SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS
The Quebec Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction and sentence of
Montreal lawyer Nathaniel Salomon.
FULL STORY: click
here
Summit vows to
fight poverty, widen free trade 
WebPosted Sun Apr 22 19:30:53 2001
QUEBEC CITY - The leaders of the Western Hemisphere ended the Summit of the Americas Sunday by promising a new era of free trade, with economic co-operation tied to democratic principles.
INDEPTH: Summit
of Americas 2001
 |
A signing ceremony in Quebec City wrapped up the three days of talks on establishing a free trade zone from the Arctic to Argentina by the end of 2005.
The final document, called "The Declaration of Quebec City," promises by 2015 to reduce by half the number of people in the Western Hemisphere living in extreme poverty.
|
"We are united in our determination to leave to future generations a Hemisphere that is democratic and prosperous, more just and generous, a Hemisphere where no one is left behind," the document says.
The "democracy clause" commits nations to furthering democratic ideals if they want to benefit from the proposed huge hemispheric free trade zone.
At the final session, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said the 34 leaders at the Summit of the Americas have given a "clear and unequivocal commitment to democracy." He made a similar statement at a news conference Saturday night.
But Sunday's document stopped short of recommending specific penalties for any member state that abandons its democratic system. It's possible they could be ostracized – Cuba, for instance, was the only country in the Hemisphere not invited to take part in the talks in Quebec City.
"There is no question in my mind that we have challenges ahead of us," U.S. President George W. Bush said Sunday. "Also, there is no question that we can meet those challenges."
 Fox, Chrétien, and Bush held separate meeting after summit |
Bush repeated an earlier pledge to push hard for free trade when he returns to Washington, including Congressional approval to speed up negotiations.
Mexican President Vicente Fox called the free trade plan "a great step for the entire Hemisphere," and emphasized that the negotiations themselves have been made much more open.
The decision to televise some of the talks, for instance, and to release a draft proposal of the text have taken the process out of "dark rooms behind doors," Fox said.
FROM APRIL 21: 'Democracy
clause' key to free trade deal: PM
At the closing ceremony, Chrétien did not offer any further details on how all the nations of North, Central and South America, excluding Cuba, will proceed with putting together the largest free trade zone in the world by December 2005.
The prime minister said the nations would "conduct consultations" if any states had problems, singling out Haiti. He asked Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to "quickly implement all commitments" to democratic change.
While the leaders were announcing their initiatives the streets were quiet, a distinct change from the previous two days when a small portion of the estimated 30,000 demonstrators fought running battles with riot police.
FROM APRIL 21: Police
fire water cannon, tear gas in Quebec City
More than 430 people were arrested, including about 30 on Sunday. Fifty-seven demonstrators were reported to have suffered injuries. At least 46 police officers were also injured during the protests, including one who suffered a heart attack.
DEMOCRACY IS A PREREQUISITE TO FREE TRADE
The 34 leaders attending the Summit of the Americas will release a political
declaration on Sunday which will include a so-called "democracy
clause." FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC POLICE DEFEND TACTICS
Police in Quebec City are defending the actions they took on the second day
of clashes with protesters. Police escalated their attacks on demonstrators,
using water cannon, rubber bullets, tear gas and smoke bombs. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC MAYOR PRAISES HOST CITY
Quebec City's mayor has praised police for their patience at the Summit
of the Americas.
FULL STORY: click
here
CLEANUP CREWS ERASE MEMORY OF SUMMIT PROTESTS
Life is beginning to return to normal in Quebec City. All weekend,
demonstrators and police clashed during protests against the Summit of the
Americas. On Monday, the politicians, residents and cleanup crews began to
survey the damage. FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS TAKE PART IN CLEANUP
Workers in Quebec City are now faced with the task of cleaning up after
the Summit of the Americas as streets are covered with broken bottles,
stones and garbage. The remnants of weekend demonstrations.
FULL STORY: click
here
BETTER TREATMENT IN WAR ZONES: ARRESTED
PHOTOGRAPHER
An accredited photographer arrested during the Summit of the Americas
will stay in jail at least until Wednesday.
FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE IDENTIFY MURDER VICTIM, 19
A 19-year-old Montreal man identified as Mike Dasylva, has died from his
injuries after he was stabbed on Sunday morning.
FULL STORY: click
here
LAFLEUR SELLS OFF MEMORIES
Former Montreal Canadiens superstar Guy Lafleur has auctioned most of
his personal hockey memorabilia for about US$400,000.
FULL STORY: click
here
CRASHED PLANE COULDN'T BE SEEN 300M ABOVE GROUND
Work will begin to recover the body of a pilot after his plane crashed into
the top of a television tower just outside Shawinigan, Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here
STREET ARGUMENT LEADS TO MONTREAL MURDER
Montreal police say a 19 year old man has died after being stabbed early
Sunday morning on a popular strip of Saint-Laurent Boulevard. FULL STORY: click
here
DOCTORS LOOK AT SHARING DUTIES
Doctors from the Quebec Medical Association have agreed to look for ways to
share certain medical tasks with other health care workers. FULL STORY: click
here
CHRéTIEN LABELS FIRST DAY "SUCCESS"
As police and protesters clashed outside, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
declared the first full day of the Summit of the Americas "a great
success." FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
POLICE SUBDUE ROWDY DEMONSTRATORS
As leaders of the Western Hemisphere tried to lay the groundwork for a trade
agreement Saturday, protesters and riot police continued to trade more than
words over a security barrier outside. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE FIRE WATER CANNON, TEAR GAS IN QUEBEC
CITY
For the second day in a row, protesters and riot police exchanged more than
just words at a summit on expanding free trade throughout the Western
Hemisphere. FULL STORY: click
here
VIOLENCE, ARRESTS AS SUMMIT OPENS
Riot police and protesters clashed as the Summit of the Americas was about
to get under way Friday, after a small group of demonstrators yanked down part
of a security fence. FULL STORY: click
here
SUMMIT SESSION OPENS WITH U.S. PROMISE
U.S. President George W. Bush began the first working session of the Summit
of the Americas on Saturday with a promise that he will get trade promotion
authority by the end of the year. FULL STORY: click
here
PM CALLS SOME PROTESTERS 'EXTREMISTS'
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien opened the Summit of the Americas Friday night
praising free trade and condemning violent protests against it. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE DEFEND SUMMIT SECURITY
In spite of Friday's clashes with protesters Quebec police say security
inside the perimeter was never really in danger. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
ARSON SUSPECTED IN MAJOR FIRE
A major fire destroyed three buildings in the east-end of Montreal Friday
night. More than 120 firefighters battled the flames on Ontario street near
Pie-IX boulevard. FULL STORY: click
here
NO ENTRY: PROTESTERS BEING TURNED AWAY AT BORDER
Customs and immigration officials say traffic at the Canadian/American
border is increasing. FULL STORY: click
here
SUMMIT SUSPECT ACCUSES POLICE OF SETUP
One of seven people detained after the seizure of weapons apparently
destined for Summit of the Americas protesters claims they were set up by
police. FULL STORY: click
here
FREEDOM OF PRESS: WATCHDOG ON GUARD AT SUMMIT
The Federation of Professional Journalists of Quebec has set up a committee
to monitor freedom of the press during the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
FRENCH STUDENTS QUARANTINED
Approximately 35 agriculture students visiting from France as part of an
exchange program have been quarantined in a Montreal-area hotel. FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS BREACH BARRICADE, DELAY SUMMIT
Riot police and protesters clashed as the Summit of the Americas was about
to get under way Friday, after a small group of demonstrators yanked down part
of a security fence. FULL STORY: click
here
PM BLAMES SUMMIT VIOLENCE ON 'EXTREMISTS'
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien opened the Summit of the Americas Friday night
praising free trade and condemning violent protests against it. FULL STORY: click
here
PEOPLE'S SUMMIT OUTSCORING
AMERICAS SUMMIT: PM ADVISER
About 2,000 demonstrators marched in Quebec City Thursday night before
today's opening of the Summit of the Americas. And Prime Minister Jean
Chrétien's top summit adviser says the activists are winning the public
relations war. FULL STORY: click
here
FREEDOM OF PRESS: WATCHDOG ON GUARD AT SUMMIT
The Federation of Professional Journalists of Quebec has set up a committee
to monitor freedom of the press during the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
FRENCH STUDENTS QUARANTINED
Approximately 35 agriculture students visiting from France as part of an
exchange program have been quarantined in a Montreal-area hotel. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE SUSPECT ARSON IN ROXBORO BLAZE
Montreal police are looking for three suspects in connection with a fire in
Roxboro, Que. FULL STORY: click
here
LAWYERS FIGHT PLAN TO TRY BIKERS IN JAIL
Defence lawyers could try to stop the construction of a special courthouse
near Quebec's Bordeaux Jail for the trials of about 100 suspected members of the
Hells Angels motorcycle gang. FULL STORY: click
here
HILTON SHOULD GET SEVEN YEARS: CROWN
The prosecution is seeking a seven year sentence for Dave Hilton. FULL
STORY: click
here
BORDER RESERVE ALLOWS PROTESTERS THROUGH
Scores of American anti-free trade protesters are on their way to the Quebec
City summit, having crossed the border into Canada on Thursday. FULL STORY: click
here
CITY TAXES MAY JUMP AFTER MEGACITY MERGER
It's impossible at this time to pinpoint how high municipal tax-bill jumps
could be after the Montreal megacity is created, the chairman of the committee
overseeing the merger says. FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS WINNING PR WAR, SAYS PM'S ADVISER
About 2,000 demonstrators marched in Quebec City overnight before the
opening of the Summit of the Americas - just the latest incident that had a top
adviser to the prime minister admitting the activists are winning the public
relations war. FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS WINNING PR WAR, SAYS PM'S ADVISER
About 2,000 demonstrators marched in Quebec City overnight before the
opening of the Summit of the Americas - just the latest incident that had a top
adviser to the prime minister admitting the activists are winning the public
relations war. FULL STORY: click
here
CANADA'S REPUTATION IS ON THE SECURITY LINE: PM
As police began sealing a four-kilometre perimeter in Quebec's capital city
Thursday night, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien defended the heavy security that's
in place for the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC CITY CLOSES SUMMIT PERIMETER
The perimeter in Quebec City allowing only people with official passes
inside the fence dividing Quebec City for the Summit of the Americas has now
been closed. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
SUMMIT SUSPECT ACCUSES POLICE OF SETUP
One of seven people detained after the seizure of weapons apparently
destined for Summit of the Americas protesters claims they were set up by
police. FULL STORY: click
here
SENTENCING DATE SET FOR HILTON
Dave Hilton Jr. will find out on May 9 how long he'll spend in prison for
sexually assaulting two teenage girls. FULL STORY: click
here
DAY OF RAGE AT BORDER RESERVE
About 300 protesters bound for Quebec City are gathered at the border
crossing on the Akwesasne Reserve near Cornwall, Ont. FULL STORY: click
here
SEVENTH SUSPECT COMES FORWARD AFTER SUMMIT
WEAPONS SEIZURE
In Quebec City, seven young men are in police custody after the first
arrests leading up to this weekend's demonstrations. FULL STORY: click
here
FREEDOM OF PRESS: WATCHDOG ON GUARD AT SUMMIT
The Federation of Professional Journalists of Quebec has set up a committee
to monitor freedom of the press during the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
HILTON SHOULD GET SEVEN YEARS: CROWN
The prosecution is seeking a seven year sentence for Dave Hilton. FULL
STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGELS LEADER TO STAND TRIAL AGAIN
A high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is going back to court. Maurice
Boucher, known as Mom, will have to stand trial on charges that he ordered the
killing of two prison guards in Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
"MOM" BOUCHER TO STAND TRIAL AGAIN
A high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is going back to court. Maurice
"Mom" Boucher will have to stand trial on charges that he ordered the
killing of two prison guards in Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT UNLIKELY: EXPERT
A noted international economist says while the Free Trade Area of the
Americas may be desirable, it's unlikely to come into being. FULL STORY: click
here
COMPANY BLAMED FOR WORK SITE DEATHS
A Blainville, Que. company is being blamed for the deaths of three of its
workers. FULL STORY: click
here
CHILDREN IN FRENCH SCHOOL BELONG IN ENGLISH
SCHOOL: AQ
Alliance Quebec says there are about 2,000 children in French schools who
should be transferred into English schools. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC POLICE CHARGE SIX WITH POSSESSION OF
EXPLOSIVES
Police have arrested six people, all Canadians, who they say were involved
in transporting bomb-making material to Quebec City, just days before the
official opening of the Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
MEXICO'S FOX IN OTTAWA FOR PRE-SUMMIT MEETINGS
Prime Minister Jean Chrétién is warming up for the Summit of the Americas
by meeting with Mexico's president. FULL STORY: click
here
CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES APPREHENSIVE ABOUT FREE
TRADE
Leaders of Caribbean countries are making their way to Quebec City for this
weekend's Summit of the Americas with as much apprehension as anticipation for
what free trade will bring for their economies. FULL STORY: click
here
JUDGE RULES SUMMIT FENCE
CAN STAY
The protective fence surrounding the site of the Summit of Americas can stay
in place, after a Quebec judge ruled Wednesday that the measure is consitutional.
FULL STORY: click
here
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ARE
BEING DEGRADED: JUDGE
Jehovah's Witnesses have won a major court ruling in Quebec Superior Court.
FULL STORY: click
here
BOVé ARRIVES IN QUEBEC CITY HASSLE-FREE
Well-known French farm activist José Bové says civil disobedience is the
best way for protesters at the Summit of the Americas to get their message
across. FULL STORY: click
here
BREAST CANCER CENTRE WOULD REDUCE WAIT
A new breast cancer centre is expected to dramatically reduce the amount of
time that women in the Montreal area have to wait for diagnosis or treatment.
FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
GAS PRICES SOAR
The price of a litre of gasoline has hit 88 cents per litre at gas stations
in and around Montreal. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBECERS DON'T AGREE WITH LANDRY ON TRADE
A new poll suggests the majority of Quebecers don't agree with Premier
Bernard Landry on the best way to protect the province from the negative effects
of globalization. FULL STORY: click
here
GIVING MONTREALERS MORE POWER
The committee overseeing the creation of "one island one city" in
Montreal says it wants to hand more power back to citizens. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
GUILTY PLEAS IN FUTURE SHOP SHOOTING
Two people set to begin their trial in connection with a shooting at a
Future Shop in Montreal last January have pleaded guilty. FULL STORY: click
here
"RODENT REVENGE" STRIKES CONDO
DEVELOPMENT
It's being called "Rodent Revenge." A bitter turf war has broken
out between people in a new condominium development in Gatineau, Quebec and the
original inhabitants of the area: hundreds of groundhogs. FULL STORY: click
here
NO SUMMIT-TO-SUMMIT MEETING
Amid the celebratory feelings aroused by the official opening of the
alternative summit organizers of the People's Summit in Quebec City were also
angry they won't be allowed to meet the heads of state arriving later this week
for the official Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
IMMIGRATION WON'T GIVE REASON FOR EXPELLING
MEXICAN STUDENTS
Two university students from Mexico have been sent home by Canadian
Immigration authorities. The students were on their way to the People's Summit
in Quebec City. FULL STORY: click
here
ARBITRATION AWARDS VERMONT
MILLIONS FROM HYDRO-QUEBEC
Hydro-Quebec gets to keep selling electricity to a group of utilities in
Vermont under a decade-old contract, but it has to refund those customers
millions of dollars. FULL STORY: click
here
LANDRY CANNOT BE TRUSTED: OTTAWA
A member of the federal cabinet says Premier Landry won't be addressing the
leaders of the hemisphere when they meet in Quebec City because Landry can't be
trusted. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
LANDRY CONCERNED ABOUT QUEBEC SOVEREIGNTY UNDER
EXPANDED FREE TRADE
The dream of some Quebecers in favour of sovereignty could be at risk under
a hemispheric free trade agreement, says one of the organizers of the People's
Summit, which began Monday in Quebec City. FULL STORY: click
here
CANADIANS EMBRACE FREE TRADE: SURVEY
As Quebec City braces for the Summit of the Americas, a new survey shows
Canadians seem to sympathize with both sides in the debate. FULL STORY: click
here
THOUSANDS CONVERGE IN QUEBEC AS PEOPLE'S SUMMIT
BEGINS
With dozens of world leaders preparing to
attend another Summit of the Americas on Friday, thousands of their critics are
gathering on Monday in the same spot to hold a meeting of their own. FULL STORY:
click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
CRACKING DOWN AT THE BORDER
Some participants in the People's Summit are saying they got rough treatment
entering Canada. FULL STORY: click
here
GROUP FURIOUS THAT QUEBEC IS EXCLUDED FROM
SUMMIT TALKS
Quebec union leaders, artists and activists gathered in the Place des
Ameriques in downtown Montreal on Monday afternoon. FULL STORY: click
here
ROLLING SUMMIT HEADS TO QUEBEC
It's being called it the Peoples' Rolling Summit: 19 anti-free trade
activists cycling to Quebec's Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
AKWESASNE OFFERS ACCESS TO SUMMIT
Radio-Canada says American protesters with criminal records will be able to
make it to the Summit of the Americas by going through the Akwesasne Mohawk
reserve. FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS CONVERGE ON
QUEBEC FOR 'PEOPLE'S SUMMIT'
Hundreds of people opposed to global free trade gathered in Quebec City
Monday to mark the opening of an alternative summit in advance of this week's
official Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
GROUP FURIOUS THAT QUEBEC IS EXCLUDED FROM
SUMMIT TALKS
Quebec union leaders, artists and activists gathered in the Place des
Ameriques in downtown Montreal on Monday afternoon. FULL STORY: click
here
NO NEED TO FEAR MENINGITIS OUTBREAK: DOCTOR
The director of the Montreal area Public Health Department, Dr. John Carsley,
says there's no reason for alarm over another meningitis death. FULL STORY: click
here
BABY DIES OF MENINGITIS
A five-month-old baby from Laval, north of Montreal, has died of meningitis
at Ste-Justine Hospital. FULL STORY: click
here
ONE DEAD AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH
One person is dead as a result of a car crash near La Baie, Quebec, in the
Saguenay region. FULL STORY: click
here
AMERICAN DISSIDENTS TO BE SMUGGLED ACROSS
BORDER: REPORT
Radio-Canada says U.S. protesters with criminal records will be able to make
it to the Summit of the Americas by going through the Akwesasne Mohawk reserve.
FULL STORY: click
here
PROTESTERS IN QUEBEC OUT TO HAVE FUN: CHRéTIEN
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is under the gun after suggesting protesters
at this week's Summit of the Americas in Quebec City will be there to have fun.
FULL STORY: click
here
STABBING VICTIM RUNS TO NEARBY GAS STATION
Police say the stabbing victim in Montreal's Ahuntsic district is in serious
condition in hospital, but that doctors do not fear for his life FULL STORY: click
here
MCDONALD'S STABBING VICTIM DIES IN HOSPITAL
Montreal police say a man who was stabbed at a McDonald's restaurant on
Friday has become Montreal's 15th murder victim this year. FULL STORY: click
here
NEW CASE OF MENINGITIS REPORTED IN QUEBEC CITY
A new case of meningitis has been confirmed in the Quebec city region. FULL
STORY: click
here
NEW QUEBEC CARRIER WOULD TAKE ON AIR CANADA
The director of a consumer advocacy group says he's optimistic Quebec could
support a new regional airline on routes where Air Canada has cut back service.
FULL STORY: click
here
PEOPLE'S SUMMIT' SET TO
START IN QUEBEC
With dozens of world leaders preparing to begin another Summit of the
Americas on Friday, thousands of their critics are about to gather in the same
spot for a meeting of their own. FULL STORY: click
here
MONTREAL COP ADMITS
SELLING SECRET FILES
A disgraced Montreal police officer and his ex-partner pleaded guilty
Saturday to a crime that has angered and sickened the force. FULL STORY: click
here
POLICE STILL LOOKING FOR MOTIVE IN MCDONALD'S
STABBING
Police investigators in Montreal are still trying to determine the motive
for a stabbing attack in a McDonald's restaurant in Saint Laurent on Friday
afternoon. FULL STORY: click
here
PLAYING WITH FIRE COSTS THREE-YEAR-OLD HIS LIFE
A three-year-old boy who accidentally started a fire in his family's
Montreal North apartment on Friday morning has died. FULL STORY: click
here
LITERACY PROGRAMS MAY HELP
BATTLE HOMELESSNESS
The sight of a homeless person selling "street" newspapers has
become common in many big cities. But some of Canada's homeless face an extra
challenge since they can't read or write. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC POLICE OFFICER
ADMITS SELLING SECRET FILES
A disgraced Montreal police officer and his ex-partner pleaded guilty
Saturday to a crime that has angered and sickened the force. FULL STORY: click
here
ACTIVISTS SAY IT'S TIME
FOR A NEW PARTY ON THE LEFT
Left-wing activists in Quebec are trying to form a political party capable
of taking on the Parti Quebecois and the Liberals in the next election. FULL
STORY: click
here
DUPLESSIS ORPHANS HOLD
RALLY FOR RECOGNITION
A small group of protesters greeted people going to easter celebrations at
Mary Queen of the World Church in Montreal on Friday. FULL STORY: click
here
TEEN KILLED IN HIGHWAY
CRASH
Police say the female killed in a car accident on Friday morning was not
wearing a seat belt. FULL STORY: click
here
COP'S ARRAIGNMENT STALLED
The arraignment for Alain Desaulniers and two other men has been put off
until Saturday. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITONAL STORY: click
here
POLICE HUNT FOR HIT AND RUN SUSPECT
A man in his 30s is dead after an accident on Quebec's Eastern Townships
Autoroute. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC ON HIRING BLITZ
The Quebec government is launching a huge hiring campaign. FULL
STORY: click
here
GM PLANT TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY
Production at the General Motors manufacturing plant in Boisbriand, Quebec
will halt for a two-week period next week. FULL STORY: click
here
BAD CONNECTION ON QUEBEC PHONES
There are phone problems in eastern Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here
FLOODING THREAT HAS EASED
Civil protection officials say flooding from melting snow southwest of
Montreal has eased and that the Chateauguay River situation is stable. FULL
STORY: click
here
CLERMONT DEAD AT 59
Nicolas Clermont, who produced some of the best-known films made in Canada
during the last 20 years, has died of cancer. FULL STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGELS SUSPECT RELEASED ON BAIL
Prosecutors say they're considering their options following the decision to
grant bail to one of two men arrested as part of the province-wide sweep against
the Hells Angels. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC COP ACCUSED OF SELLING FILES TO CRIMINALS
A veteran Montreal police officer and his retired partner have been charged
with leaking confidential information to organized crime groups. FULL STORY: click
here
COP ACCUSED OF LEAKING INFORMATION
A police officer with the Montreal Urban Community force has been arrested
and charged with leaking confidential information to organized crime groups.
FULL STORY: click
here
MUGESERA SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED: JUDGE
A federal judge has ruled a Rwandan man living in Quebec City should not be
charged with crimes against humanity. Léon Mugesera is accused of inciting
hatred and genocide in Rwanda in 1992. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGELS SUSPECT RELEASED ON BAIL
Prosecutors say they're considering their options following the decision to
grant bail to one of two men arrested as part of the province-wide sweep against
the Hells Angels. FULL STORY: click
here
CEGEP STUDENTS CALL FOR GENERAL STRIKE
Students at several of Quebec's CEGEPs are calling for a general strike
during next week's Summit of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
PQ SPEAKER WILL NOT BE REPRIMANDED
The Parti Québécois used its majority in the National Assembly to kill a
Liberal bid to reprimand the Speaker. FULL STORY: click
here
MAYORAL CANDIDATE LOSES SUPPORT
A Montreal city councillor with the opposition MCM party says she won't
support the MCM leader for the job of mayor. Hélène Jolicoeur says Michel
Prescott is not up to the job, so she's supporting Gérald Tremblay instead.
FULL STORY: click
here
AIDS GROUP ACCUSES HEALTH BOARD OF WRONGDOING
A coalition of groups fighting AIDS has filed a complaint with Quebec's
ombudsman. It says the Montreal regional health board is breaking the province's
health law. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC PRISON GUARDS REACH
TENTATIVE DEAL
Quebec's 1,700 jail guards reached a tentative deal with the provincial
government Thursday in a labour dispute highlighted by an illegal strike
earlier in the week. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
NO VERDICT UNTIL
AUGUST IN STICK SWINGING CASE
A Sherbrooke Castors hockey coach will have to wait until Aug. 30 to find
out if a judge is going to find him guilty of assault in a stick-swinging
incident last year. FULL STORY: click
here
TEEN WOUNDED IN
STREET FIGHT IN QUEBEC CITY
A street fight in Quebec City between 50 youths has sent one teen to
hospital with stab wounds. FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
MENARD CHANGES TUNE
ON ANTI-GANG LAW
Quebec's public security minister appears to be generally satisfied with
Ottawa's proposed anti-gang law. FULL STORY: click
here
CITY BIDS FOR 2006 GAY GAMES
The City of Montreal is gearing up to host the 2006 Gay Games. FULL STORY: click
here
FOOT AND MOUTH SCARE CANCELS FAIR
The spring Holstein fair in Victoriaville, Que., has been cancelled for fear
of the spread of foot and mouth disease. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC SPEAKER SLAMS DELAYED RELEASE OF SUMMIT
TEXT
The speaker of the Quebec National Assembly says he thinks there's a secret
deal to keep a translated draft of the Free Trade Area of the Americas
negotiating texts from the public. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC USES WEB TO SHAME LANGUAGE OFFENDERS
The government of Quebec is using a Web site to publically post the names of
companies that break its language laws. FULL STORY: click
here
SUSPECTS RELEASED IN BAR MURDER CASE
Five of seven people detained by police for questioning in the murder of a
bar owner have been released from custody. FULL STORY: click
here
MCUNION IN RAWDON
Employees at the McDonald's restaurant in Rawdon, Que. are on their way to
becoming unionized. The CSN union has submitted a certification request to
represent the 28 employees at the restaurant. FULL STORY: click
here
ROYAL VIC OPERATING ROOMS TO STAY CLOSED
The Royal Victoria Hospital will keep its operating rooms closed for four
months, rather than three as originally planned. FULL STORY: click
here
OBSERVERS FIGHTING FOR ACCREDITATION
The Quebec Human Rights League says it's continuing negotiations to get
accreditation for all 35 observers it is sending to next week's Summit of the
Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
CROWN PROSECUTORS WALK OFF THE JOB AGAIN
Crown prosecutors have walked off the job across Quebec, declaring today a
study day.
FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
MONTREAL, QUEBEC LEAD COUNTRY IN HOUSE PRICE
JUMP
For the eighth consecutive month in February, Ottawa-Hull posted the largest
year-over-year rise in new-house prices across the country.
FULL STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGEL RETURNS TO CANADA IN SHACKLES
The vacationing head of the Hells Angels Nomads was escorted back to
Montreal from Jamaica on Tuesday on an RCMP jet to face 13 murder charges, the
Toronto Sun reported Wednesday.
FULL STORY: click
here
BIKERS AND MAFIA SET PRICES OF COKE TOGETHER
A top-level Hells Angel called a meeting last July to set the price of
cocaine. Unknown to Normand Robitaille, he was being recorded.
FULL STORY: click
here
MONTREAL FLORIST BATTLING LANGUAGE WATCHDOG
Everything is not all rosy between a Montreal florist and the Commission de
Protection de la Langue Francaise, Quebec's language watchdog.
FULL STORY: click
here ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
Prosecutors claim major victory for
anti-gang law
QUEBEC CITY - Eight bikers charged under the federal anti-gang law have pleaded guilty
to more than 80 charges in Quebec City. In a surprise move, lawyers for the defense
entered guilty pleas to charges ranging from kidnapping to drug charges.
- IN-DEPTH: Biker
Gangs
Prosecutors are calling it a victory for the federal anti-gang
legislation. "Well, let's just say that this year is a good year for law
enforcement," said Crown prosecutor Robert Roulleau.
The
guilty pleas are part of a bigger picture and he says that picture shows a
situation where police are gaining ground in the fight against organized crime.
Roulleau
negotiated the deal with the defense. He agreed to drop some charges in return
for the guilty pleas. He says it is a major victory for the anti-gang
legislation.
"I
don't like to gloat. I'm not a football player, I won't do high fives."
In
total, the eight bikers pleaded guilty to 87 charges ranging from kidnapping to
aggravated assault. The men were charged after using violence and intimidation
to gain control of the drug market in the Trois Rivieres area.
The
court had already heard how three of the men attacked a local drug dealer,
smashed him in the face with a baseball bat, and then repeatedly hit him with a
wooden beam.
Roulleau
says the case has increased importance because the men were also charged under
the federal anti-gang law which makes it illegal to be part of a criminal
organization. He says this is the first time in the history of the law that
anyone has pleaded guilty to charges of participating in the activities of a
criminal gang.
"You
know what a plea of guilty means? It means there won't be an appeal. The
anti-gang legislation was challenged constitutionally. We won regarding that.
And now people are pleading guilty to those charges. So I believe that is a
victory."
Lawyers
for the defense refused to make any comment on why the bikers pleaded guilty.
Lawyer Diane Roy would only say the men are satisfied with the decision. She
said the men all agreed to enter the guilty pleas voluntarily.
All
eight men will be back in court on May 1 for sentencing.
In
another development, Quebec provincial police have arrested seven people in the
death of a bar owner who had banned bikers from his establishment.
Francis
Laforest refused to allow bikers to use his bar north of Montreal as a hangout.
He was beaten to death with a baseball bat in broad daylight outside his home in
Terrebonne, Quebec.
The
beating death raised public anger. Several thousand people protested in the
streets after the beating.
One of the seven arrested is a member of the Rowdy Crew, a Hell's Angels affiliate. The others were friends and associates of Rowdy crew members.
CHINESE MAN SENTENCED IN U.S. FOR EXPORT
VIOLATIONS; CONSPIRED WITH CANADIANS
A Chinese citizen was sentenced Tuesday to 2½ years in federal prison for
trying to illegally export parts for missile guidance systems to his homeland. FULL STORY:
click
here
ARRESTS IN BAR OWNER DEATH
The Sûrete du Québec has arrested seven people in connection with last
October's death of bar owner Francis Laforest. He was beaten to death after he
refused to allow bikers to use his bar as a hangout. FULL STORY: click
here
SURPRISE IN BIKER COURT CASE
The trial in Quebec City of eight men charged under the federal anti-gang
law has ended. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC SPEAKER SLAMS DELAYED RELEASE OF SUMMIT
TEXT
The speaker of the Quebec National Assembly says he thinks there's a secret
deal to keep a translated draft of the Free Trade Area of the Americas
negotiating texts from the public. FULL STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGELS OPERATED LIKE A BANK: SQ
A Surete du Quebec police officer says the Hells Angels organization in
Montreal distributed 4,000 kilograms of cocaine and hashish a year. Richard
Depatie has begun describing the multimillion-dollar illegal drug operation at a
bail hearing for two of the men arrested in last month's provincial raids. FULL
STORY: click
here
LIBERALS TAKE PQ STRONGHOLD
Voters in Montreal's Mercier riding are sending a Liberal MNA to the
National Assembly for the first time in 25 years. The Liberals won Monday's by-election
thanks in part to a split in the sovereignist vote. FULL STORY: click
here
CINAR BEING SUED BY SUBSIDIARY'S FORMER OWNERS
Cinar Corp. revealed Monday that it is being sued by the former shareholders
of Twin Sisters Productions, a company Cinar bought last year. FULL STORY: click
here
DRUG BUST AT WEST ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
MUC Police have arrested eight students at Macdonald High School in
Ste-Anne-de- Bellevue, Que. They have also picked up two adults in connection
with a drug dealing operation at the school. FULL STORY: click
here
RESSAM MAY BECOME INFORMANT
A published report says American prosecutors may use convicted terrorist
Ahmed Ressam as an informant. The Globe and Mail says he could be used to help
convict more members of his Islamic extremist cell, which is based in Montreal.
FULL STORY: click
here
PRISON GUARDS END PRESSURE TACTICS
Prison guards across Quebec started returning to work on Tuesday morning.
The return comes after Quebec's Essential Services Council ordered them to end
their pressure tactics on Monday. FULL STORY: click
here
LIBERALS TAKE MERCIER RIDING
Voters in Montreal's Mercier riding are sending a Liberal MNA to the
National Assembly for the first time in 25 years. The Liberals won Monday's
by-election thanks in part to a split in the sovereignist vote. FULL STORY: click
here, FOR ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
DRUG BUST AT WEST ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
MUC Police have arrested eight students at Macdonald High School in Ste.
Anne de Bellevue. They have also picked up two adults in connection with a drug
dealing operation at the school. FULL STORY: click
here, FOR ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
WALKER PLEADS GUILTY IN AMERICAN COURT (U.S. FUGITIVE
FLED TO MONTREAL)
A U.S. businessman has pleaded guilty to charges he fled to Canada to avoid
appearing in court on sexual assault charges. FULL STORY: click
here
"OUR WORK IS DONE HERE", SAYS POTHOLE
CREW
City Says Potholes Are Filled, Time To Move On - The city of Montreal has
declared a truce with its potholes. But critics are declaring the potholes the
victors. FULL STORY: click
here
RESSAM MAY BECOME INFORMANT
A published report says American prosecutors may use convicted terrorist
Ahmed Ressam as an informant. The Globe and Mail says he could be used to help
convict more members of his Islamic extremist cell, which is based in Montreal.
FULL STORY: click
here
HELLS ANGELS OPERATED LIKE A BANK: SQ
A Surete du Quebec police officer says the Hells Angels organization in
Montreal distributed 4,000 kilograms of cocaine and hashish a year. Richard
Depatie has begun describing the multimillion-dollar illegal drug operation at a
bail hearing for two of the men arrested in last month's provincial raids. FULL
STORY: click
here
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SLAMS PETTIGREW
The speaker of the National Assembly is questioning the credibility of
Federal International Trade minister, Pierre Pettigrew. Jean Pierre Charbonneau
says he finds it difficult to believe that it will take weeks to translate the
draft of the Free Trade Area of the Americas pact. FULL STORY: click
here
LIBERALS TAKE BACK PQ
STRONGHOLD IN BY-ELECTION
Quebec Liberal leader Jean Charest says the next provincial election has
begun, and his party has won the opening round. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC JAIL GUARDS WALK
OFF JOB
Guards at 18 Quebec provincial jails left their posts Monday to hold a
one-day "study session", after reaching an impasse in contract
negotiations over salary. FULL STORY: click
here
MILLIONS FOR MONTREAL'S
FINANCIAL SECTOR
The Quebec government has set aside $33 million to help Montreal's financial
sector over the next 3 years. FULL STORY: click
here
BIG MOVIE WANTS MONTREAL
EXTRAS
Producers of the movie, "The Sum of All Fears" put out a call
today, for Montrealers to help out in a big scene. FULL STORY: click
here
ESSENTIAL SERVICES COUNCIL
ORDERS END TO PRISON GUARD WALKOUT
Quebec's Essential Services Council has ordered the province's jail guards
to end their pressure tactics. FULL STORY: click
here
FLOODS CLOSE STRETCH OF ROAD NEAR BORDER
Warmer weather is causing flooding near the Quebec-U.S. border in
Huntingdon. FULL STORY: click
here, FOR ADDITIONAL STORY: click
here
FRUIT OF THE LOOM SUES
MONTREAL FIRM FOR ESPIONAGE
Fruit of the Loom is suing competitor Gildan Activewear Inc., accusing the
Montreal company of stealing trade secrets to grab a competitive edge in the
cutthroat apparel business. FULL STORY: click
here
FORMER BDC CHIEF CALLS FOR
GRAND-MERE INQUIRY
A key figure in the controversy surrounding Jean Chretien's ownership of a
golf club in his Quebec riding has joined calls for a public inquiry into the
affair after authorities seized documents on a $615,000 loan to the Grand-Mere
Inn from his home and office. FULL STORY: click
here
AMERICAN PRESIDENT POISED
TO DEAL BLOW TO NHL TEAMS
U.S. tax cuts could create major change - American President George W.
Bush has more say on which free agents the Montreal Canadiens will sign than
Habs General Manager Andre Savard. FULL STORY: click
here
SUMMIT FENCE TO BE CONTESTED IN COURT
A Quebec Superior Court will hear an application for an injunction against
the security fence designed to separate delegates from protesters at the Summit
of the Americas being held in Quebec City at the end of the month. FULL STORY: click
here
QUEBEC PRISON GUARDS WALK OFF THE JOB
Quebec's prison guards walked off the job at 7 o'clock Monday morning to
pressure the government to hear their demands. They called the day a study day,
but their demonstrations could paralyze activities at courthouses and detention
centres around the province. FULL STORY: click
here
PROSECUTORS CONTEMPLATE WALK-OUT
Quebec's crown prosecutors have unanimously rejected the latest contract
offer from the provincial government. The government offered a nine-percent wage
hike. FULL STORY: click
here
MERCIER VOTERS GO THE POLLS
The Quebec's Liberals hope to steal back a seat in Monday's by-election.
About a dozen high-profile Parti Quebecois and Liberal politicians blitzed the
Mercier riding on Sunday. FULL STORY: click
here
FOOT AND MOUTH ALERT AT QUEBEC PORTS
Inspectors at Quebec's ports are keeping a sharp eye out for foot and mouth
disease. In Quebec city last week, a ship loaded with military equipment was
sent back to England because some of the equipment was suspected of carrying the
disease. FULL STORY: click
here
CEGEP SUMMIT STRIKE?
CEGEP student associations are threatening a general strike in protest
against the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Quebec City. The associations
think it could be necessary for them to show their disagreement with the
proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas. FULL STORY: click
here
SHORTAGE OF WOMEN TO RUN FOR LOCAL OFFICE
The two main candidates for the job of mayor of Montreal say they'll try to
attract more women to run for their parties in November's election. Women
currently only make up about a quarter of Montreal's city council. FULL STORY: click
here
FORMER MONTREALER GUILTY OF TERRORISM
Ahmed Ressam could be sentenced to a maximum of 130 years in prison. The
jury in Los Angeles took 10 hours to decide Ressam was guilty of terrorist
conspiracy. FULL STORY: click
here
"MOM" BOUCHER APPEARS IN COURT ON MORE
MURDER CHARGES
More arraignments are underway at the Montreal courthouse following last
week's arrest of motorcycle gang members across Quebec. FULL STORY: click
here
MORE BIKERS FOUND GUILTY
Two members of the Evil Ones outlaw motorcycle gang in Granby have been
sentenced to time in prison. FULL STORY: click
here
MONTREAL LAWYER FIGHTS
QUEBEC BARRICADES
As work progresses to erect three-metre high barricades that will seal off
parts of Quebec City during the upcoming Summit of the Americas, a lawyer in
Montreal is going to court on Monday to try to have them taken down. FULL STORY:
click
here, Summit
of the Americas
website
WATCH YOUR SPEED! POLICE
START THEIR CRACKDOWN
Ontario police have their sights set on drivers who go slow, but in Quebec
cities and towns the radar guns are pointing at motorists who push their pedals
too close to the metal.. FULL STORY: click
here
MORE
TAX ON GAS AND CAR REGISTRATION
Transit
authorities are recommending to add 1.5 cents per liter tax on gasoline and $30
on car registration to support the mass transit system of the Suburban Montreal.
It was reported that the plan was submitted in 1999.
GAY
STRIP BAR SHOOTING HURT THREE
Police
are still looking for two men, one mulatto and the other white both
weighing about 200 lbs. According to reports two brothers and a doorman
were shot on an heated argument with he shooters.
3
HOMELESS MEN CAUGHT ON CAMERA KILLING ANOTHER
Police
charged three homeless men for second-degree murder after the body of another
homeless man identified as Gaetan Ouellette
was found dead inside a Bank of Montreal ATM branch on Ste. Catherine &
Bleury streets. All men charged men have lengthy criminal records according to
police.
FIRE
GUTTED 249 ST. JACQUES BLDG.
It took
25 fire trucks with 80 firemen to stop the burning building on St. Jacques, at
Old Montreal adjacent to the building occupied by the Montreal Gazette which
fire authorities say's could be caused by faulty electrical wirings. The Gazette
issue of today was delayed in printing due to the fire.
MAYOR
PIERRE BOURQUE HARD SELL ON ONE ISLAND, ONE CITY
Mayor
Pierre Bourques' bid to become the first mayor of the planned
mega city is deemed to be a failure in the eyes of many Montreal residents. An
alternative candidate might have a good chance of vesting the coveted post.
Former provincial minister Gerald Tremblay is running for the post but it's not
clear whether the opposition headed by Michel Prescott, leader in city council
is backing Tremblay.
Bikers caught in crackdown charged via video
WebPosted Thu Mar 29 20:30:31 2001
MONTREAL
- The first of
128 people arrested in an unprecedented crackdown on illegal biker gangs
appeared before a judge via video conferencing Thursday.
- IN-DEPTH: Biker
Gangs
The crackdown began Wednesday and led to the arrests of
those suspected of being Hells Angels bikers or their associates. Police are
still looking for 11 others.
- BACKGROUND: Quebec's
motorcycle gangs
- FROM MARCH 28, 2001: 'Biggest
ever' anti-gang raid nets at least 100 people
So
far, police have seized a stash of cash including $8.6 million Cdn and $2.7
million US and a haul of drugs including 120 kilos of hashish and seven kilos
of cocaine.
They
also confiscated 26 buildings, 30 vehicles and 70 firearms, including three Uzi
machine guns and a grenade launcher.
|
|
Many
of those arrested spent their first night behind bars in a special wing of the Bordeaux
prison in Montreal's north end.
They
were arraigned Thursday by video conferencing in groups of 10.
Three
specially appointed judges read the charges to a camera in a Montreal courtroom
then the suspects entered their pleas.
They
face charges ranging from murder to drug trafficking.
Officials
felt a video link was safer and more practical than transporting all the
suspects to court.
Among
those facing charges is Maurice 'Mom' Boucher, the suspected leader of Quebec's
Hells Angels. He could face 13 new murder charges.
Boucher
is already serving a jail term for ordering the assassination of two prison
guards. Boucher's son will also be charged with eight counts of murder. (CBCNews)
Aftermath of biker
raid still being felt
MONTREAL - Police are still looking for 11 people in their
province-wide raid against the Hells Angels, while 128 people are already under
arrest.
|
Police are watching to see what will happen with
Quebec's drug market |
Tom
O'Neil from the RCMP says the Nomads were specifically targeted in Wednesday's
raids. Of the 11 people still wanted, some are believed to be in Canada. O'Neil
says others are living abroad and four others haven't been seen in six months.
The
Nomads are alleged to be at the front line of the biker war between the Hells
Angels and their rivals the Bandidos.
In
all, police say they seized guns, money, homes and vehicles in the raids. Now
they're looking for where the gang keeps its wealth.
Police
estimate the Hells Angels make a profit of $1 billion every year selling drugs
on the streets.
The
next question is: who will take over those lucrative markets?
"There
is a possibility that the other chapters may take the place of the Nomads, and
try to take over their market," O'Neil says. "We can't predict what
the other chapters will try to do".
Police believe the Hells Angels sold about 100 kilograms of drugs in Quebec every month.
Quebec budget includes
tax cuts, help for poor
QUEBEC CITY - Quebec's Finance minister has tabled a budget that
gives middle- and- low-income earners a modest tax break.
|
It's
on top of a 13 % tax reduction announced last year.
Pauline
Marois' first budget includes income tax reductions of $3.5 billion over the
next three years, with $1 billion of that in the current fiscal year.
That
amounts to an average tax break of 7% or about $500 per household this year.
The
Finance minister also pumping an additional $2 billion into health and social
services, and $730 million will go to education.
Debt being reduced
The
provincial debt is also being reduced by $500 million.
Quebec's
debt load currently stands at more than $100 billion.
Marois
is also setting aside $300 million to fight poverty and another $800 million
for the regions.
That
spending is over a three-year period.
Budget contains tax cuts,
help for poor
WebPosted Mar 29 2001
5:18 PM EST
QUEBEC CITY - Quebec's
Finance minister has tabled a budget that gives middle- and- low-income earners
a modest tax break.
|
It's on top of a 13 % tax reduction announced
last year.
Pauline Marois' first budget includes income tax
reductions of $3.5 billion over the next three years, with $1 billion of that
in the current fiscal year.
That amounts to an average tax break of 7% or
about $500 per household this year.
The Finance minister also pumping an additional
$2 billion into health and social services, and $730 million will go to
education.
Debt being reduced
The provincial debt is also being reduced by
$500 million.
Quebec's debt load currently stands at more than
$100 billion.
Marois is also setting aside $300 million to
fight poverty and another $800 million for the regions.
That spending is over a three-year period.
Quebec Budget 2001 - 2002
By J. d'Amarillo (March 30, 2001)
Quebec's New Finance Minister announced yesterday her first budget since taking office for the coming year. It has been described as a mix bag of tax cuts that will benefit the low income earners. The budget also focuses on putting a bit of money on health and education with $500 million going to tax reduction. Pauline Marois also added that the government will cut taxes by $3.5 billion by the next three (3) years and spend about $300 million to fight poverty.
The opposition leader, Jean Charest called it, "a pre-electoral slush fund." Accounting analyst across the province agreed that the budget does not go far enough to have a major impact on the economy.
The budget was seen overall as a preamble to the coming provincial elections. For more information on the provincial budget click on the following links below:
For more
news scroll down and click on selected news to view
Murder victim's father suspects government cover-up
Artists promised added space at city hall
Trucker to undergo psychiatric evaluation
Quebec Liberals slam PQ budget
Quebec budget has money for regions
Quebec budget contains tax cuts, help for poor
MRI machine stolen, patients left waiting
Suspects named in Adult school stabbing
High-tech summer jobs evaporate
Ontario could offer fewer tax cuts
Aylmer mayor would fight mergers as MNA
Evacuation order lifted after gas leak avoided at Quebec town
School Violence Can it be Stopped Before it Gets Worst
By J. d'Amarillo (March 16, 2001)
Better late than never, the Montreal English School Board dusted off the cob webs on a program created back in September 1998. Montreal certainly is no stranger to school violence. Before Santana High School or the Columbine tragedy, we've had our own taste of hell in the Ecole Polytechnique Massacre. We mourned and honored the victims by building a monument in their memory. It is also a reminder that these young women were victims of a heinous act by a man who had an inexplicable hate for women.
The man responsible for this violent act was alleged to be mentally unstable. What makes a person become like this and could it have been prevented? That tragic event happened over 10 years ago, Dec 1989. Now, we are reminded again by the recent tragic shooting in Santana High School in Santee, California by a 15 year old Andrew Williams. The crime was cold and calculated but this time the offender had given warning signs. He made it known around school and friends of his intentions but people brushed it off as a joke. He was a scrawny boy taunted by his school mates, a victim himself of school bullies, a form of school violence. Was this an act of revenge?
How many times can tragedies like this happen before we take notice. Well it seems our schools are taking notice. The Montreal English School Board has taken a proactive step under it's Community Services Department, Multicultural/Multiracial Education Division.
Mr. George Koutsoulis, a representative of the school board came to Edward Murphy School at the east end of Montreal to implement a program he created called, "CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS." It is a manual explaining how to handle conflicts and mediate a solution before it gets out of hand. The process is a positive step in the right direction with the participation of the students. Mr. Koutsoulis will be instructing a group of bright young girls and boys from grade 5 selected to act as mediators. The students themselves will be conducting their own affairs under the watchful eye of the Principal and teachers.
Edward Murphy School is one of many that Mr. Koutsoulis will be visiting. It is a long journey for him. High praises and thanks to him for bringing civility and the real world to our kids.
And Their Off - Premier Landry in the Lead
By J. d'Amarillo (March 13, 2001)
It looks like Quebec's Premier Landry is campaigning for the next referendum. He's turned up the heat by promoting his style of politics since he took over former Premier Bouchard. He openly challenged the Federal government and remark in a radio interview that Canada is useless to Quebec.
This time Finance Minister Paul Martin is fighting back. He said, "Quebec Premier Bernard Landry is verging on barbarity in his claim that belonging to Canada has been economically useless to his province." He suggested that the Quebec Premier should concentrate the economy and working with the rest of the country to fend off an impending world economic crisis. "This is a time for all Canadians to pull together, instead of attacking Canada and all Canadians," remarked Martin.
A reluctant Prime Minister Chretien reluctantly said, "People in Quebec love to be Canadians and consider the country a great success." "When he attacks Canada he does not score politically. He might please radicals within the Parti Quebecois, but dumping on Canada and at the same time asking Canadians to make a partnership with him, there's a kind of a contradiction."
Premier Landry did not outline any definitive plans to achieve his vision. He did say that, a new economic and political relationship with the rest of Canada will be modeled after the EU (European Union).
Jean Charest Critical of Premier Landry
By J. d'Amarillo (March 12, 2001)
Opposition leader Jean Charest in his speech last Friday hammered Premier Landry. He said that, "Landry is ignoring Quebecers and insulting Canadians." He pointed out that Landry was ignoring the majority Quebecers by forcing the issue of another referendum on independence. This ongoing issue will be a set back for Quebec.
Jean Charest was equally critical of Diane Lemieux for her comments. He said, "her remarks say more about her own lack of culture." He pointed out that, former Premier Bouchard recognized that he did not get another mandate to push for another referendum. Despite winning the election by getting the majority of seats in Quebec parliament, he lost the popular vote to the jean Charest's Liberals.
Date Rape Drug Circulating the Streets of Ottawa and Nearby Area
By J. d'Amarillo (March 11, 2001)
Women beware the date rape drug known as GHB or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, were seized on a police raid in a small community north of Ottawa. Gatineau Police reported that they arrested seven men between the ages of 19 and 21 and a minor, 16-year-old girl. In addition to the GHB, they seized 100 grams of marijuana and 80 ecstasy pills. The offenders face drug trafficking and possession charges, as well as breach of probation and proceeds of crime charges.
Det-Sgt. Robert Filiou of the Gatineau police drug squad said, "This is one hell of a dangerous drug." The drug is clear, tasteless, odourless and it takes 15 minutes after ingestion to take effect. He added that it becomes lethal when mixed with alcohol. This drugs were used mostly by men preying on women in bars or dates by slipping a small amount of the liquid into the drink and the victim is literally incapacitated by the drug.
This drug acts as a depressant on the central nervous system and produces euphoric feelings. Adverse effects include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, amnesia, seizures, hallucinations and difficulty breathing.
The GHB drug found it's way to nightclubs and bars in Toronto, Montreal and the United States. Gatineau police are investigating four other cases they believe this same drug was used on women in the past few months. They also arrested a known suspect in his car on Friday. They confiscated 39 four-milliliter vials filled with GHB. A bottle containing five ounces of the drug and two bags containing 150 empty vials were also seized. "There was enough liquid there to fill more than 100 tubes," Filiou said.
Missing Kids Found
By J. d'Amarillo (March 10, 2001)
Two kids, age 4 & 6 were reported missing by their mother. The boys were playing in an area besides the St. Michel quarry. A vehicle passed by and the driver spotted the 4 years old boy near the fence at the mouth of the quarry. The boy had no jacket and shoes. The passerby alerted authorities and the ambulance came minutes later. They took the boy to St. Justine's Hospital, he suffered a bit of hypothermia. While he was in the ambulance he manage to draw a map of the quarry directing authorities where to find his older brother.
The police cordoned off the area to the St. Michel quarry and teamed up with firefighters and dogs. They were successful in recovering the 6 year old boy. He was suffering from hypothermia as well. Both kids are recovering in St. Justine's hospital.
Pierre Bourque's Plan for a Train Link
By J. d'Amarillo (March 10, 2001)
We may see a train link between downtown Montreal and Dorval airport soon. Montreal's Mayor Bourque proposed a train link between the two. He commissioned a study on the project and is looking forward to getting a recommendation soon. A detailed plan of the project hasn't been revealed as yet.
Potted Plant Thief Gets Suspended Sentence
By J. d'Amarillo (March 9, 2001)
Pierre Andre de Repentigny and an accomplice pleaded guilty last month to a theft charge. The crime took place midnight of May 1999, the two men broke into a Zellers store in LaSalle, a Montreal suburb. They got away with stealing potted plants when a patrolling police cruiser spotted them and stop their vehicle.
The two men were waiting for the officer when without warning Constable Francois Charron fired a single shot from his gun. The bullet pierced the rear window right through Repentigny's seat before entering his back.
The judge gave the two men suspended sentences. However, it is unfortunate for Constable Charron. He is facing disciplinary charges before Quebec's police ethics committee. The charges alleged that the constable showed lack of judgment and the misuse of a firearm. the hearing will take place this spring of 2001.
Diane Lemieux a Political Sophomore
By J. d'Amarillo (March 9, 2001)
Controversy erupted just a day after Premier Landry's confirmation. Diane Lemieux, on her first day as minister for culture, communication and language remarked, " there's no such thing as an Ontario culture." "We are less able to identify it than Quebec culture, which is part of our lives and history."
She was ask why she expressed herself in those term. Lemieux defended herself by explaining that, "we export a lot and we are francophone in an anglophone universe, so in that sense there's something very particular to like about Quebec.''
The remarks made no sense to most Canadians, especially Quebecers. For Ontarians it was a low blow and an insult to their culture. Prompting a response from them challenging her to visit Ontario and experience the culture for herself. She found herself back-tracking and having to explain herself. Many describe her as "slipping from her own banana peel or putting her feet in her mouth." It is still too early to tell given that mistake like this is common amongst sophomore.
One thing that we can truly expect at this point is that she had given pundits and satirist ammunition to criticize her and make fun of her.
There is Hope for Deported Filipina Domestic
By J. d'Amarillo (March 9, 2001)
Melca Salvador, came to Montreal to work as a nanny via the government's "domestic work program." The contract is very specific and is usually a minimum of two years. Once she reach the two year period, she becomes eligible to apply for an immigrant status. However, an unexpected turn of events, she later discovered upon her arrival that she was pregnant. She lost her job as a result of that, and wasn't able to fulfill her contract, making her ineligible to apply for immigrant status. She supported herself by working under the table. Until, she found a way to solve her problems. She later gave birth to a baby boy in Montreal.
She did apply to stay under immigration's "humanitarian grounds" category, but was later rejected and ordered to leave the country. Her profile since her arrival did not satisfy the criteria for her to be eligible to stay in Canada despite the fact that she had her baby in Montreal. Technically speaking it wasn't enough to convince Canadian immigration.
People in behalf of Melca Salvador protested in front of Immigration Canada and appealed to authorities to let her stay in Canada. It has been a long and difficult road for her but there is hope that immigration authorities may reverse their decision and allow Melca to stay.
Congratulations to Premier Bernard Landry and Cabinet
By J. d'Amarillo (March 8, 2001)
Bernard Landry, 64 years of age was sworn in early today as the 28th Premier of Quebec. There were major changes in comparison to Lucien Bouchard's administration. Premier Landry's top cabinet position his deputy premier, Pauline Marois who is also minister for finance and economy. Remy Trudel took over as health minister and social services.
A controversial but humble servant loyal to his former boss was instrumental in decreasing Quebec's deficit of 6 billion dollars. He wasted no time in promising to make Quebec a country. There are no timetable or a specific plan to achieve their goal but Pauline Marois, finance minister will use public funds to finance another campaign for Quebec independence.
Landry co-founded the PQ party with Rene Levesque back in 1968. His dream of Quebec independence go way back to his youth as a student activist in the late 50's. He held a dynamic role in the PQ administration under four PQ leaders. He had a brief retirement from politics when Robert Bourassa's Liberals won the election in 1985 and he lost his seat.
His return to politics was under Jacques Parizeau's government in 1994. He never challenge Bouchard for the PQ leadership in 1996, but serve loyally under him. He considered retirement back but unexpected turn of events persuaded him to stay on and seek the leadership of his party. Now, as leader and premier he is more determined than ever to push his dream of an independent Quebec.
His political opponents and pundits are anxiously awaiting for the real show when he will be naming his cabinet. Although, it is apparent that there is dissention within PQ rank and file, because of their physical absence. Former Premier Bouchard broke tradition by not being present in the swearing in ceremony.
Landry's administration composed of the following ministers:
-
Paul Begin - Justice
-
Serge Menard - Public Security
-
Louise Beaudoin - International Relations
-
Louise Harel - Municipal Affairs
-
Guy Chevrette - Transport
-
André Boisclair - Environment
-
Sylvain Simard - Treasury
-
Gilles Baril - Industry and Commerce
-
Linda Goupil - Family, Women and Elderly
-
Agnes Maltais - Youth protection
-
Diane Lemieux - Culture and Communication
-
Francois Legault - Education and Youth
-
Nicole Leger - Anti-poverty Department
RCMP Raid on a Gym
By J. d'Amarillo (March 8, 2001)
RCMP officers seized $50,000 worth of steroids in a exercise gym.
Former PQ Strategist Now Promoting Federalism
By J. d'Amarillo (March 8, 2001)
Claude Morin, a former member minister under Rene Levesque's cabinet in the early 80's, is now promoting federalism. He was one of the brightest minister at the time and the architect of the failed PQ referendum of the 80's. He still maintains that Quebec can still achieve independence but not right now. It reflects on the remark by Premier Bouchard's "winning condition" strategy.
However, his reputation was in question when it was alleged that he was a mole for the RCMP for 20 years after leaving public office.
Morin's book (The Helpless Prophets) released this week reveals his views on Quebec politics. His opinion on the next referendum should be focused on a reformed federalism.
Summit of the Americas in Quebec City
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
The summit is being held in Quebec City hosted by Prime Minister Jean Chretien. It is a Federal initiative that annoys the PQ government. Prominent guest addressing the summit includes heads of states, President George W. Bush from the United States of America and Chile's President Ricardo Lagos.
For the past week since the summits announcement, PQ ministers including Bernard Landry were voicing their criticism about the whole affair, further increasing tension between governments. Landry's invitation to the summit is limited to a welcoming capacity.
This is the third summit of the Americas, focusing on free trade across the continent. The issues on the agenda ranges from a broader perspective, including political and human rights issues.
Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital Closed It's Operating Room
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
Last week the Royal Victoria closed it's operating room due to mould contamination in the ventilation system. All major surgical procedures were postponed or diverted to the Montreal General. It was promised that the operating rooms will be available by mid-week but the actual situation suggest that it will take some time to fix the problem.
Hospital Spokesperson, issued a statement that the mould contamination was contained but not controlled. It meant that the aging ventilation system will have to undergo extensive renovations. The Director of Professional Services said, that there is no risk to patients. The hospital's union of workers are very concerned given that very little is known about the extent of the contamination.
Former Federal Minister Running for South Shore Mega City Mayor
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
Former Federal Liberal MP Jacques Olivier threw his hat for Mega City Mayor of Longueuil. He was formerly the MP for Longueuil for 12 years back in the mid 80's. The current Mayor of this south shore city is Claude Gladu. He plans to run, not as mega city mayor but as a councilor for what would become the Longueuil borough.
New City Bylaw to Aid Fight Against Biker Gangs
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
The new bylaw was the response of the City of Montreal to block the Bandidos gang from building a bunker at the east side of Montreal. The municipal law also prevents other gang groups from doing the same thing. The new bylaw, prohibits renovations that is considered to be within the description of a bunker. The town of Blainville followed Montreal's lead in issuing the bylaw.
Good News for MUC Transit
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
The MUC transit corporation released it's annual report this week. They were happy with the results of last year's performances in comparison to previous years. They cited an increase of 1.6% in transit users. The crime rate fell by 23% and also adding a 48% decrease in vandalism (i.e.. graffiti).
Computer & Internet Subsidy Used for Games and MP3's
By J. d'Amarillo (March 7, 2001)
There was a report that Quebec's Family for Internet Program spent thousands of dollars for people to use the computer and internet for playing games and downloading MP3 music.
A study was commissioned by the provincial government, administered by The Montreal Gazette for Three families. The result of the study found that the children were more interested in playing games and downloading music. Alleging that the program is not accomplishing what it was intended for.
However, we find that the study wasn't indicative of the actual use of computers at home. Using three families as a basis for the study does not reflect the case for every family. Although, games, videos and MP3 music are common, it is a novelty for many children or adults.
The study failed to report that eventually these people move on to other things. It is also known that beginners tend to focus on the common things like games, but as their knowledge grow, people tend to explore more worthwhile endeavors.
The process takes a bit longer to hit critical mass but our findings show a "Big Success" for Quebec government's computer literacy program.
Quebec Nursing Shortage
By J. d'Amarillo (March 5, 2001)
Quebec Health care is in dire need of Nurses. Health Minister Pauline Marois unveiled her plan on March 5, 2001 to remedy the problem. Her first priority is education, increasing enrollment for Nursing programs in CEGEP and Universities. There is also a plan to shorten the program, enabling nurses to start work earlier. The report suggests that only half of the numbers that enrolled complete the program. The second recommendation is to relieve nurses of their administrative duties by hiring support personnel to take over. The plan also includes hiring nurses from other countries.
Currently, Quebec is short about 1,500 nurses. However, the plan does not include money in hiring more nurses. The Health Ministry's plan will be incorporated with the existing framework.
The shortage is the result of cut backs by both Federal and Provincial governments. The Health Care Sector is still feeling the after effects of those budgetary constraint.
Biker Gang Striking Back at Against Law Enforcement
By J. d'Amarillo (March 1, 2001)
Two officers from the anti-gang squad were traveling in an unmarked police vehicle along route 116 along Ste-Madeleine in the Monteregie region. The officers where attacked by a biker gang group in a minivan as the gang tried to drive them off the road. The officers escaped by driving into a snow-bank and called for back-up. The gang members suspected of participating in the attack were taken into custody.
Language a Major Issue in Quebec's PQ Party
By J. d'Amarillo (March 1, 2001)
Latest Crop Poll statistic reveal that 27% of Quebecers support sovereignty back into the PQ's agenda, while 67% opposed such move. This prompted the PQ national council to hold a vote on language, "the issue of forcing non-French (allophone) speaking people in Quebec to French language CEGEP school." The moderate wing of the party won the vote. The defeat of that motion caused the president of the PQ party's Mercier riding to walk out of the meeting.
Quebec Government's Plan to Increase Immigration
By J. d'Amarillo (March 1, 2001)
Quebec is facing a serious problems in decreasing population, especially those of the baby boomers. The plan was drawn to compensate for the decreasing numbers in the work force, that contributes to supporting the aging population headed towards retirement.
First preference are given to French speaking countries like Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon to name a few. The projected numbers for the year 2000 is about 30,000. However, the current statistic shown that those numbers were surpassed by over 2,000 people. The government is planning to increase those numbers to 45,000 by the year 2003. Quebec is a vast country under populated in comparison to other cities in North America.
The other challenges that Quebec is facing is integration of new immigrants. Conforming to the culture of the province.
Four Rock Machine Members Convicted
By J. d'Amarillo (March 1, 2001)
The first conviction carried out under the Federal Law, Anti-Gang Legislation. Four member, sentenced were Philippe Cote, Mario Filion, Eric Leclerc and Simon Lambert. A sentence under this law carries a maximum 14 years. The main witness in the case is the leader of the gang that these men worked for. Peter Paradis turned police informant and crown witness was the key to getting these men convicted.
The stage is set for other trials to follow under this law. However, this conviction is only a small part of numerous gang activities across the country. The other side of the issue is bringing these criminals to justice, which falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement.
In another unrelated event dealing with the Rock Machine Biker Gang, now known as the "Bandidos," since the merger with the Texas based biker gang. The Bandidos gang in Montreal is headed by Michel Bertrand, convicted back in 1995 for plotting to kill a rival gang leader. He has made a bid to buy a commercial property (building) situated at the east side of Montreal on Orleans avenue, besides Maisonneuve College. The Bandidos plan to convert the building into their headquarters.
Although, no laws were broken, authorities can't block the sale of the property to the Bandidos gang. The best they can do is to persuade the owner, Gloria Salzani not to sell the property to the gang. The outcome of the sale is not known as yet and Ms. Salzani is not available to comment.
Threat of a Strike by Private Daycare
By J. d'Amarillo (March 1, 2001)
The Quebec government's $5 dollar a day daycare program is in jeopardy. Participating private daycare centers across the province are asking to increase the $5 dollar a day fee to $10. The owners stated that it is impossible for them to operate on this budget and had to apply an additional charge to parents.
The government's present position stands. Minister in Charge, Nicole Leger added that any daycare charging more than $5 dollars will face closure, saying that it is illegal to do so.
St. Patrick's Day Parade this Sunday (March 18, 2001)
Montreal is a city rich in it's Irish heritage, as symbolized in the flag of the city. A parade held every year on a Sunday commemorates the Irish. Participants are from all walks of life and different cultures. The parade commence in the afternoon at the west side of Ste. Catherine's street corner Atwater, traveling to the east side of town. You can rest assured that all Montrealers will be present for the event.
Snow Storm Warning in Effect for the East
By J. d'Amarillo (March 5, 2001)
Billed as "the biggest snow storm of the seasoned," comparing it to the one we had back in 1971. It hit the eastern United States Early Monday (March 5) morning. Flights for major airports across the east had been cancelled, a major storm warning in effect. For Montreal it is business as usual, causing a slight inconvenience.
Coronation of Bernard Landry
By J. d'Amarillo (Feb. 28, 2001)
Mr. Landry will be sworn in as Premier of Quebec next week. The feisty politician is again attracting media attention by saying that it is an insult to call Quebec a Province in reference to the likes of Sasketchewan.
The rhetoric comes at the heels of a leadership campaign, a kick-off to the upcoming provincial election. He is focused on putting the "NATION OF QUEBEC" at the forefront of his agenda. We finally have a hardcore separatist at the helms of the PQ Party. We can expect more from Mr. Landry and possibly be looking at another referendum.
Montreal Paramedics Refuse Assistance to Injured Person
By J. d'Amarillo (Feb. 28, 2001)
Two (2) Montreal Paramedics allegedly refused to help an ailing man, because they just finished their work shift. The victim was with two other gentlemen at the time of the incident. They were coming out of the bar when the ailing man started to experience breathing problems. They approached the ambulance requesting assistance from the paramedics. Instead of helping the man the paramedics allegedly said to take their friend to a Nearby Hospital, Montreal Cardio Institute. The man later died that same night.
Urgence Sante is investigating the allegations. They feel that the incident was serious enough to warrant the suspension without pay of the two paramedics involved. It is not known whether the police is investigating for criminal charges.
Outbreak of Meningitis in Quebec Eastern Township of Cowansville
By J. d'Amarillo (Feb. 23, 2001)
In light of the meningitis outbreaks in Quebec, it is prudent to know the signs of the disease. Early detection is key to preventing irreparable harm. Please click on the following link, http://my.webmd.com/content/asset/adam_disease_viral_meningitis
Quebec Pharmacist Protest Against the Provincial Government
By J. d'Amarillo (Feb. 23, 2001)
A majority of Pharmacist across Quebec shut down operations on February 22, for half a day in protest against the government's provincial drug plan. The association representing 1,435 out of 1,580 Quebec pharmacies had been in negotiation for 14 months with the government to get more money to cover higher cost. Negotiations broke down resulting in the Association of Quebec Pharmacist to apply pressure on the government. One of the actions where to close operation for half a day and the threat to pull out of the drug insurance plan by Friday of this week.
In response to the pharmacist, the provincial government responded by tabling a legislation this Thursday, forcing Quebec pharmacist to remain within the confines of the drug plan. Pharmacist defying the order will be penalized. The Association of Pharmacist said that no further actions will be taken to avoid the penalties and they are looking for a legal recourse to challenge the law.
The Provincial Insurance Drug Plan covers Quebecers without a private insurance drug plan or company group insurance. Quebec Pharmacist are working hand in hand with the government to administrate the plan. Due to increased operational cost the pharmacist is asking for more money. At the heart of the negotiations is the settling of fees. For example, the pharmacist are currently getting $6.61 for each prescription they fill under the drug plan, and they are negotiating for $8.15 per prescription fee. However, the province's counter offer was $7.47. The two sides are far from settling this matter, prompting Quebec Pharmacist to take stronger actions by their threat to withdraw from the drug insurance plan. The two sides are far from coming to an agreement and Quebecers relying on the drug plan may find themselves in the middle of the battle.
Movement Against Bill 170 - "DémocraCité"
By J. d'Amarillo
The protest against Bill 170 continues, the movement is called "DémocraCité." In light of today's developments more and more people in the Montreal suburbs are joining in the protest against Bill 170, "the Municipal Merger."
More details can be seen in their website, http://www.democracite.org
Suréte du Québec's Crackdown on Ville-Marie Tunnel Speeders
By J. d'Amarillo (Feb. 16, 2001)
The Ville-Marie Tunnel is a well known hazard since it's creation. Motorist passing through the freeway usually exceed speed way beyond the legal limit, creating a danger to everyone using the tunnel. It has been a long time coming but Suréte du Québec is taking action. The Ville-Marie Tunnel is now being closely monitored by SQ officers, Motorist beware.
The War Against Organized Crime Continues
Drummondville, Quebec was the scene of a police raid against the Hells Angel biker gang. The arrest took place after a 15 month drug trafficking investigation. Canada's anti-gang Bill C-95 was legislated to help the war against organized crime. Critics of this law say that Bill C-95 violates the constitution. The law will be tried first in Quebec Courts against the Hells Angel. The defense is challenging the law, and either way a precedence will be set for future court cases.
School Changes Around the Island of Montreal
Several schools in and around Montreal are closing in favor of new school openings. Some schools were merged to make way for the new revised city map. Further changes may take place at the end of the school year.
Canada's Economy Downgraded for 2001
According to the TD Bank economist forecast, they don't expect any recession for both Canada and The United States. However, they project that there will be a slow down in the first half of the year and expect it to pick up by the end of 2001. They also projected that our economy is in better shape than The United States.
Pierre Bourque Running for Mayor of the Montreal - Mega City
Pierre Bourque announced his plan to run for the mayoralty race for the Mega City of Montreal. There are no prominent candidates running against Mr. Bourque at this time.
PQ Leadership Race or Ceremonial Succession
Deputy Minister Bernard Landry is toying with the idea of running for the post vacated by Premier Bouchard. The 63 year old veteran told the media that he is not ready to comment. However, he sought the advise of some cabinet ministers, friends and family.
Mr. Landry is one of the founding fathers of the PQ party. He is a hardcore supporter of Quebec for "French only and Independence." Although, he serve as Finance Minister under Premier Bouchard. The Two (2) men differ in their approach.
Mr. Landry commented, if he does seek the leadership of the party. He wants it to be a legitimate race. He is heavily favored amongst members in and outside of his political party. The poll suggest as well as PQ party insiders, he is a shoe-in as the next Premier of Quebec.
The War Against Organized Crime Continues
Drummondville, Quebec was the scene of a police raid against the Hells Angel biker gang. The arrest took place after a 15 month drug trafficking investigation. Canada's anti-gang Bill C-95 was legislated to help the war against organized crime. Critics of this law say that Bill C-95 violates the constitution. The law will be tried first in Quebec Courts against the Hells Angel. The defense is challenging the law, and either way a precedence will be set for future court cases.
School Changes Around the Island of Montreal
Several schools in and around Montreal are closing in favor of new school openings. Some schools were merged to make way for the new revised city map. Further changes may take place at the end of the school year.
Canada's Economy Downgraded for 2001
According to the TD Bank economist forecast, they don't expect any recession for both Canada and The United States. However, they project that there will be a slow down in the first half of the year and expect it to pick up by the end of 2001. They also projected that our economy is in better shape than The United States.
Pierre Bourque Running for Mayor of the Montreal - Mega City
Pierre Bourque announced his plan to run for the mayoralty race for the Mega City of Montreal. There are no prominent candidates running against Mr. Bourque at this time.
