Fernando Ameth Pinzon has been a Canadian citizen since 2004 but has never voted. After fleeing his native Panama following the U.S. invasion in 1989, life in Canada felt safe and stable. Voting for change seemed unnecessary. Then, U.S. President Donald Trump began threatening Canada's sovereignty and that of his home country for a second time.

The Montreal Canadiens needed to score at least one point Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes to secure the second wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.

A service called Leo Carshare is preparing to set up in Montreal. And while competitors entering the same space as the well-established Communauto have struggled in the past, Leo is confident it will see success.

Quebec's Health Ministry says it's on the verge of declaring its measles outbreak over, just as cases reach new heights in other parts of the country.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With just under two weeks until the federal election, five of the six registered candidates in Compton–Stanstead met on April 15 at the community centre in East Angus for a bilingual public debate attended by roughly 50 citizens. Organized by the CDC du Haut-Saint-François and local partners, the evening focused partially on questions from the public, with the New Democratic Party’s Valérie Laliberté absent.

Questions ranged from agriculture and immigration to trade with the U.S., inflation, and housing. Candidates had one minute each to answer, followed by limited open exchanges. Though the atmosphere remained largely respectful, several pointed contrasts emerged between party platforms.

PFAS and fertilizer safety prompt strong reactions

A question about imported biosolid fertilizers and PFAS contaminants (“forever chemicals”) drew detailed responses from all candidates. Liberal candidate Marianne Dandurand said Ottawa was already acting to regulate the full class of PFAS chemicals: “We’re collecting data, financing research, and enforcing specific standards through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said, adding that the work begun under former Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau would continue if she were elected.

Green Party candidate Sébastien Tremblay called for “very severe” Canadian standards that exceed international norms. “We shouldn’t have to justify contaminants in our agriculture,” he said.

Paul Lehmann of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), citing his background on a fish farm, voiced general support for stricter environmental standards but admitted, “I don’t have much more to add. I’m prepared for the other questions.”

Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Bresse argued that the issue isn’t just imports. “Refusing American biosolids while spreading our own is incoherent,” she said. “The real fight is getting PFAS out of our value chain entirely.”

Conservative Jacques Painchaud warned of the long-term risks posed by over 20,000 near-indestructible PFAS compounds. “We need to review importation regulations and fund more research,” he said, calling the situation a “public health concern.”

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L’article Federal candidates face off in East Angus ahead of April 28 vote est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Stanstead’s April 14 public council meeting was a packed and wide-ranging session that touched on everything from housing density to fire hall construction to the town’s growing national and international profile. Presided over by Mayor Jody Stone at the town hall, the meeting drew approximately 10 residents and was also covered by members of the German press.

A central feature of the meeting was the first question period, where residents raised concerns about infrastructure. One resident asked about upcoming work on Pierce Street and expressed frustration with persistent water issues. “There’s also a water problem on the street. The water is blocked and coming back to Rue Stanley,” he noted. Mayor Stone responded that although some asphalt repairs were planned for this summer, a decision on which streets would be prioritized had not yet been made.

The town’s finances also came under review. The financial report showed a significant increase in expenses, with $274,340.57 in accounts payable—$143,000 of which stemmed from the town’s share of the shared fire service. “More than half of that is the fire department,” explained the mayor. Council later confirmed that a special meeting will be held April 29 to finalize the construction mandate and borrowing bylaw for the town’s new fire station. Stone clarified that although the town must approve the borrowing regulation, the project would be financed by the fire department, not from municipal coffers.

Housing development was another major topic. Council unanimously adopted amendments to the zoning bylaw to increase allowable housing density in certain sectors. “We move from eight to twelve dwellings per building,” the mayor explained, particularly in the Dufferin and Rock Island areas. This shift was made possible by recent upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment plant, which previously restricted growth.

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L’article Stanstead council tackles housing, infrastructure, and national profile at April meeting est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

The Quebec government says it wants to make rent increase calculations simpler and more predictable for tenants and landlords. On Wednesday, it announced changes to how those increases will be calculated.

Choses Sauvages, Choses Sauvages III (Audiogram)

Are many other cities producing danceable post-punk like Montreal these days? Not likely — and the third album by Choses Sauvages is further proof. The five-piece have been making funky, psychedelic-leaning tunes for years now, even as members have found recognition via other projects (singer/bassist Félix Belisle is also in La Sécurité). Collaborations with fellow franco acts like comment debord (“Level up à l’intérieur”) and Lysandre (“Chaos initial”) are high points, but the biggest standouts are “Cours toujours” and the Talking Heads-esque “Faux départ.” Choses Sauvages III sees the band sounding as confident and comfortable as ever, while maintaining a sense of rawness and adventure. 8/10 Trial Track: “Cours toujours”

For more on Choses Sauvages, please visit their website. This review was originally published in the April issue of Cult MTL.

For more Montreal music coverage, please visit the Music section.

The post Choses Sauvages, Choses Sauvages III: REVIEW appeared first on Cult MTL.

Bruno-Pierre Godbout of Chandler, Que., is facing a total of 12 charges, including kidnapping, harassment, sexual assault and assault with a weapon. He is alleged to have assaulted three women between 2010 and 2025.

Montréal is known for many things, including its historic sites, art, and culinary experiences, but one of its most renowned aspects is its thrilling nightlife. The city is teeming with bars, nightclubs, concert venues, and sports complexes offering diverse options for staying entertained, whether you’re a local or a tourist. 

Among these entertainment avenues, people will find myriad opportunities to test their luck, from one of Canada’s largest casinos, Casino de Montréal, to online betting options. Here we’ll explore eight ways locals and visitors can legally participate in this long-standing pastime, and more importantly, where they can partake in them.

Legal Ways to Gamble in Montréal

Gambling in Canada is controlled at the provincial and territorial level. This means that the province of Québec regulates gambling in Montréal. Québec has a progressive attitude towards gambling, allowing most forms, including online versions of popular games. 

Legal in-person and online gambling activities consist of diverse options that cater to various interests and preferences, including:

1. Casino Games – roulette, blackjack, craps, keno, baccarat, and other table games are among the casino games that can be legally played in Québec. Live dealer and virtual versions of these games are also included in legal gaming options.

2. Poker Games – while poker games are often included at casinos, it’s not uncommon in Québec to find poker rooms where the primary gambling activity is poker.

3. Slot Games – these randomized games with entertaining themes appeal to many people and often come with a vast range of options, making them fun and engaging, whether playing at a casino or online.

4. Lottery Games – from jackpots to charitable lotteries, Québec has different lottery options for those hoping for a substantial financial windfall.

5. Instant Games – these lottery-style games, like scratch cards, are another type of gambling you’ll find in Québec. 

6. Sports Betting – in Québec, sports betting includes everything from live sports events to fantasy sports, esports, and motorsports. This creates a huge range of betting options for various interests, allowing people to add a layer of excitement to an activity they already enjoy.

7. Horse Racing Betting – across Canada, horse racing betting is one of the longest-standing legal forms of gambling. Montréal has several places where people can watch horses and jockeys take to the tracks and several venues just beyond the city that are worth the excursion.

8. Bingo – the classic game is a legal way to participate in low-risk gambling and a fun way to stay entertained. 

Gambling in Québec is controlled through Loto-Québec, which licenses land-based gambling venues and offers an online platform with plenty of gaming options. The organisation was created in 1969 to mitigate risks such as money laundering, which are often linked to illegal operators. For this reason, and to protect players, online gambling in Québec is only legal through the Loto-Québec platform. Loto-Québec’s profits are returned to the province to fund socially responsible government initiatives. 

Where to Test Your Luck in Montréal

Now that we understand the legal framework of gambling in Québec, you may wonder where to participate in these activities in Montréal. Fortunately, the city has no shortage of options; these four are among the most popular gaming destinations.

Casino de Montréal

The Casino de Montréal was once the largest casino in Canada, and while it no longer holds this title, it still offers a host of ways to test your luck. You’ll find classic casino games like table games and slots, as well as an arcade where you can have immersive gaming experiences without placing wagers. In addition, you’ll also find a huge range of entertainment options at the facility, from comedians and musicians to themed nights and dancing. From its attention-grabbing facade to its countless offers, this casino will undoubtedly deliver if you crave a fun night out.

Playground Casino

With 44 poker tables, the Playground Casino is a prime place to test your ability to read opponents, bluff, and try new strategies. If you’re intimidated by the table, you can try out one of the thousands of gaming machines, which allow you to play poker, baccarat, and more, without the pressure of a live dealer and other players. The Playground Casino is known for hosting major poker events, including the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker Circuit. It’s garnered a reputation for being a place where serious poker players and novices can test their skills and enjoy a bite to eat at several onsite restaurants and lounges. 

Paris Courses de Montréal

Montréal was once home to the Hippodrome racetracks, a historic site that had been operating since 1872, but the tracks were closed in 2009, leaving Montréal without a live horse racing destination. However, the Paris Courses de Montréal offers an alternative for those who miss the experience of live horse racing. The site lets visitors watch live races on big screens while placing bets and enjoying food and drinks. It delivers the excitement and social elements of a day at the races, even if horses aren’t on site.

Loto-Québec Online

Online gambling holds a unique allure that differentiates it from in-person options like the Casino de Montréal and the Playground Casino. It allows players to indulge in their favourite gambling activities in a more relaxed and casual way.

Sites like Megaways slots, BetMGM, and DraftKings are popular ways to play slots, poker, and other games online in other areas of Canada. However, in Montréal, these games are reserved for the Loto-Québec platform. The platform provides virtual versions of all legal gambling options in Québec. This means you can indulge in sports betting, slot games, table games, lotteries, and more from your devices, making it a popular online destination. Whether you’re visiting the city or living there, the wide array of options is sure to keep you entertained.

The post 8 Ways You Can Try Your Luck in Montréal appeared first on Cult MTL.

McGill University has obtained a 10-day court order against a pro-Palestinian student group forbidding protests on campus.

The world of online slots attracts millions of players due to its simplicity and diversity. However, the external ease hides complex mechanisms that make each slot machine unique. Different mechanics affect the frequency of winnings, their size, and the overall gameplay.

Trends developers change regularly. For example, today the main hit is Chicken Road Casino. It is a crash game that has exploded the gambling industry and has already brought players millions of winnings.

The time of classic slots is passing. Crash gameplay is characterized by simplicity, speed, and flexibility. Now the user can influence the gameplay and reconfigure the random number generator to suit their needs. Of course, it becomes easier for gamblers to win and fight for jackpots.

Classic slots and their features

Classic slots remain popular due to their simplicity and nostalgic atmosphere. The basis of such machines is three reels and a limited number of paylines, which makes the gameplay predictable and understandable. Most often traditional symbols such as fruits, sevens, and bars are used.

One of the main features of classic slots is the high frequency of small wins. This makes them attractive for beginners who want to learn the basics of the game without significant risks. In addition, the low variance of such machines allows you to stay in the game longer even with a small bankroll. However, it should be borne in mind that large wins in such slots are extremely rare.

Complex mechanics of modern slots

Modern slot machines offer players much more variety thanks to the introduction of complex game mechanics. One of these innovations is slots with cluster payouts, where winnings are formed by groups of symbols rather than traditional lines. These mechanics allow for more opportunities to win on each spin.

Another popular feature is Megaways, which increases the number of paylines to several thousand. Such slots are characterized by high variance, which makes them especially attractive for experienced players. Additionally, bonus features such as free spins, multipliers, and cascading wins are introduced, which adds intrigue and increases the chances of a big win.

Benefits of progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpots are some of the most popular features in online slots. The basic idea behind such machines is to accumulate a portion of players’ bets into a total prize pool that can reach millions of dollars. Every spin in a progressive slot becomes a potential life-changing chance.

Such slots attract players with high volatility and the possibility of ripping off a huge score. However, it is worth considering that the probability of winning the jackpot is extremely low. To increase the chances, it is recommended to play at maximum stakes, as in some machines jackpots are available only if this condition is met.

Innovative approaches in the design of slot machines

Modern developers strive not only to surprise players with complex mechanics but also to offer a unique visual and sound experience. Themed slots inspired by movies, TV series, and mythology create an immersive atmosphere. High-quality graphics and animations combined with a thoughtful soundtrack turn every spin into a real adventure.

Interactive elements such as mini-games and storylines allow players to feel part of the story. This is especially true for players who are looking for not just excitement, but also exciting entertainment. Such innovations make the process of playing the game more dynamic and interesting.

Game mechanics are the most important part of online slots, determining their popularity and appeal to players. From classic models to sophisticated innovations, each offers unique features and experiences. Choosing the right slot depends on the player’s preferences and strategy. Regardless of the type chosen, slots continue to be one of the most exciting forms of online entertainment.

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The first leaders’ debate ahead of the 2025 federal election in Canada is taking place in Montreal tonight, but the time has been moved up from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET in order to reduce the conflict with the crucial Habs game at 7 p.m. The Montreal Canadiens need one point to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

The Bloc Québécois made the request to the Leaders Debates Commission yesterday to change the time of tonight’s French-language debate, which airs on Radio-Canada and will be streamed on the CBC, CTV and Global news websites, apps and YouTube channels.

The English-language leaders’ debate, which will also take place in the same Radio-Canada studio in Montreal, is scheduled for tomorrow night, April 17, at 7 p.m. ET.

The 2025 federal election is Monday, April 28, with advance polls open in most ridings this weekend, from April 18 through April 21. Advance voting is already underway on university campuses across Canada.

For more on the 2025 federal election, please visit the Elections Canada website.

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

The post Tonight’s federal leaders’ debate time changed due to crucial Montreal Canadiens game appeared first on Cult MTL.

People cannot live without power because it helps them stay connected and makes things easier in circumstances like blackouts. Portable power stations have become pretty common and popular because they are quite an affordable and quieter option than traditional fuel generators. These portable power stations have compact energy hubs that make them useful for various situations like camping or off-grid living. 

Many brands have portable power stations, and some provide the best high-capacity devices that can charge fast and are solar-compatible. However, there is a big question: Do you need it? And is it worth buying?

What Is a Portable Power Station?

A portable power station is a rechargeable battery pack with many sockets and ports, like AC sockets and USB ports or DC carports, that help you acquire stored energy when you run out of electricity. There are many traditional power banks, but you cannot carry them around and use them whenever or wherever you need them. With a portable power station, everything becomes easy, and you can use it for laptops and even mini-fridges.

The Benefits: What Do You Get for the Price?

Portable power stations may seem like a big upfront investment, but the long-term value they bring makes them totally worth it. From everyday convenience to emergency backup, here’s what you really get when you bring one home:

1. Multi-Use Versatility

Some brands have the best portable power stations that you can use in different situations, like when you are out camping, working from your van, or dealing with a power outage at home. Whatever it is, you can use it as your backup power. These portable power stations can charge your phone, laptop, and small appliances like coolers or kitchen gadgets.

2. Emergency Readiness

Power outages could be frequent and inconvenient. They can be an obstacle in your work, but with portable power stations, especially the Delta series, you don’t have to compromise on your important work and chores because appliances can run for hours. Wi-Fi routers, LED lights, fans, and even refrigerators—everything can run easily for several hours on power stations. They are becoming an essential tool for creative freedom. Artists and musicians can power amps, lights, projectors, or recording gear on the go with no outlets required. 

3. Solar Charging = True Independence

If you are going to buy from a good brand, then you can get one of its best features, which is solar compatibility. These power stations can be charged by using the sun, and they are perfect for travellers and tiny home dwellers.

4. Eco-Friendly Operation

Generally, power stations don’t make noise. They are eco-friendly and reduce noise pollution. Power stations are much better than traditional gas generators because they don’t release harmful smoke.

Are They Worth It?

Well, it totally depends on your needs—whether you have a purpose for its use—but for most people, it’s a yes.

For Frequent Power Cuts

Some areas have heavier power outages than others, and in such situations, a power station could be really helpful and a total game changer. Some of the brands have many portable power stations that are quieter and come in handy as a rechargeable backup option.

For Campers and Travelers

People who live in vans or work while travelling can really benefit from a portable power source. A portable power station can charge anything, such as a drone or lights, and it will make your trip easier and more convenient.

For Remote Workers

Blackouts can be really stressful if you are stuck somewhere and can’t connect to people. In such situations and remote work, a power station would help maintain connectivity by charging your laptop, phone, and modem so that you stay productive and do not end up in isolation.

For Occasional Users

Sometimes, people who don’t travel often or have a stable power grid don’t need a high-end portable station. They can opt for a smaller, entry-level model like the River series, which would be perfect for short trips or minor blackouts.

On a Tight Budget?

There are many options that can fit into your budget. You can start with small and expand later by adding solar panels or other options. If you want, you can buy a portable power station from EcoFlow.

Conclusion

Portable power stations are great for most people because nowadays, people want convenience when using chargers, and they work through laptops and phones. So its power stations work best for areas where power outages are frequent and for people who love travelling.

The post Are Portable Power Stations Worth It? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis appeared first on Cult MTL.

The following is a capsule review of the Montreal restaurant Candide. To read the 2025 Montreal Restaurant Guide, please click here.

Candide

“Love and precision, warmth and refinement, but in the end, Candide is an excuse to make people smile.” John Winter Russell’s celebrated restaurant is always carefully considered and thoughtfully executed. It’s got all the makings of a Michelin-Star restaurant. (551 St-Martin)

For more on Candide and to make a reservation, please visit their website.

For more on the food and drink scene in Montreal, please visit the Food & Drink section.

The post Montreal Restaurant Guide: Candide appeared first on Cult MTL.

The project, called Morea, which was given the green light in March by the suburb of Mirabel, north of Montreal, will feature more than 20 attractions, including slides, a lazy river, spas and a surfing wave pool — over 150,000 square feet of entertainment space.

Two events were held Sunday to call attention to the deaths of three people after police intervention - two of which took place in Montreal. One of those people was 29-year-old Abisay Cruz whose death has led to anxiety within the Saint-Michel community, according to protestors.

Four groups supporting women victims of violence joined forces on Sunday to call for amendments to Bill 91. They called for systematic screening by trained mediators and voluntary participation in family mediation.

Ruth Ellen Brosseau is attempting a political comeback in Quebec, 14 years after she won a surprise victory as a federal New Democrat and became the face of the Orange Wave that made the NDP the Official Opposition.

Éliot Grondin didn't let up, defeating Frenchman Aidan Chollet in Sunday's big final about 24 hours after clinching the men's snowboard cross overall World Cup season title in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que.

Former Liberal justice minister and internationally renowned human rights expert Irwin Cotler says Bloc Québécois candidate Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe deserves support this election, regardless of his political affiliation.

The growing cost of renovating FACE — a bilingual school near downtown Montreal — is prompting the Quebec government to scrap the project altogether.

According to a new study by the Angus Reid Institute, 7 in 10 Canadians (69%) agree that all federal party leaders should get their security clearance, including Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who has failed to do so.

Liberal (89%), NDP (81%) and Bloc Québécois (75%) voters are those most likely to agree with the sentiment. A plurality of Conservatives (44%) say the same.

“Pierre Poilievre has resisted calls to receive the security clearance necessary to read classified materials related to foreign interference. The Conservative leader contends that this would prevent him from speaking freely about these issues, while Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney has called his decision irresponsible. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh previously stated that he believes Poilievre’s unwillingness to get his security clearance is ‘disqualifying’ for his pursuit of leading the nation as prime minister.”

This is the second study that finds Canadians largely in agreement that security clearance should be sought by all federal party leaders.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from March 28 to 31, 2025 among a representative randomized sample of 2,131 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

The post Large majority of Canadians believe Pierre Poilievre should get his security clearance appeared first on Cult MTL.

The Canadiens, who hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, gave themselves a four-point cushion over the New York Rangers with six games remaining.

The arson squad with Montreal police is investigating a major fire at a business on Lacordaire Street in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve that spread to neighbouring buildings. Five people were arrested including an 18-year-old man and four others who are minors.

Torpedo bats are all the rage right now in baseball, including with big Major League Baseball stars. Employees at the B45 Baseball factory in Quebec City are ramping up production to keep up with demand.

A man and a woman, both 68, died on Friday night after their vehicle collided with a transport truck on Highway 55 near St-Wenceslas, Que. 

Canada's Éliot Grondin won a snowboard cross silver medal at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que., on Saturday to claim the overall World Cup season title.

The Festival sur le Canal, an annual event along the banks of the Lachine Canal, has been cancelled this year due to lack of funding. Co-founder Carl Comeau blames rising production costs and the amount of paperwork required to secure funding.

While hockey fans in the city have waited three decades for the return of the Quebec Nordiques, and a decade has passed since the city built an arena hoping to lure an NHL franchise back, a new opportunity may give Quebec City the professional hockey it thirsts for.

The Conservative Party of Canada has dropped a Quebec candidate after he harshly criticized Liberal candidate and Polytechnique shooting survivor Nathalie Provost online.

Does CTV work for the Poilievre campaign? Or are they just spineless hypocrites?

Doing your job well is all it takes for a woman journalist to get cancelled in Canada.

One tweet from Pierre Poilievre spokesperson Sebastian Skamski created a far-right social media shit-fit that led CTV to kibosh Rachel Gilmore’s election fact-checking segment.

Were it not bad enough that CTV folded like a cheap umbrella to Conservative pressure, they provided Gilmore with no support as she contended with the onslaught of harassment kicked off by the Poilievre campaign and their supporters.

But here’s the kicker: Gilmore has faced so much harassment simply for doing her job that she was literally invited to address the United Nations about it.

When a conservative man experiences any amount of scrutiny, they can bitch and moan their way into a book tour and a podcast.

Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro, Pierre Poilievre — none of these men became household names on merit, they simply cried the loudest. The entire conservative movement is composed of insufferable cry babies aided and abetted by spineless corporate media.

It is absolutely disgraceful that CTV would cancel Gilmore, not because of anything she did wrong, but because one Conservative man made a single baseless claim that was amplified by bots and right-wing rage farmers.

Does CTV work for the Poilievre campaign? Or are they just spineless hypocrites?

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

The post Does CTV work for the Poilievre campaign? Or are they just spineless hypocrites? appeared first on Cult MTL.

A traffic control worker has been killed on the job after he was hit by a heavy-duty truck in Drummondville, Que., about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal.

Quebec's Court of Appeal has refused the provincial government's request to allow arbitrary police traffic stops to continue until a legal challenge of the practice is heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.

The city is tackling St-Urbain Street this year in an effort to attract more public transit users and active commuters. It says some westside street parking will be scrapped to make way for a bus lane and wider bike paths, among other uses.

If passed, Bill 98 would impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 on anyone who intends to influence election results, spreads false information on the campaign or candidates, or disseminates deepfakes about politicians.

Milda Graham says gymnastics has been a part of her life for decades. She’ll represent Canada in the International German Gymnastics Festival in Leipzig this spring.