Mandy Gull-Masty was elected as the first female Grand Chief of the Cree Nation Government in Quebec in 2021. Speaking at a regular meeting of the Cree Nation Government on Thursday, Gull-Masty cried as she announced she had accepted the Liberal nomination.

Quebec Premier François Legault isn't playing political favourites and remained tightlipped about who he'd like to see win the federal election. Still, he has a list of demands he wants the federal parties to consider.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At its March 25 meeting, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) council tackled a wide range of topics, from staffing appointments to building upgrades and legislative concerns. The meeting, presided over by chairperson Michael Murray, highlighted several key issues currently shaping the board’s operations.

Leadership transition in educational services

The council approved the appointment of Emmanuelle Gaudet as Director of Instructional Technology and Pedagogical Services, effective July 1. Gaudet will replace Eva Lettner, who is retiring at the end of August.

While welcoming Gaudet, Murray and others offered praise for Lettner’s long service. “She’s been a pillar for as long as I’ve been certainly in this chair,” said Murray. On a lighter note, he joked about recent ministerial directives that “inspired, no doubt, by news that you were intending to retire,” included a new unremunerated committee for retired administrators—“a perfect job” for Lettner, he quipped.

Request for new vocational training program

The board voted to seek ministerial authorization to add a General Building Maintenance course to its vocational training offerings. The move comes as part of a broader effort to diversify programming and respond to strong regional labour demand. If approved, the program could be run independently or in partnership with other English school boards.

Upcoming by-election in Ward 3

A by-election will be held by July 20 to fill the Ward 3 seat vacated by Commissioner Megan Séline, who resigned on March 20. The board appointed Sean Champigny as the returning officer for the election. Murray expressed regret over Séline’s departure, saying the board had “high hopes” her background would have helped the council better understand internal education processes.

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L’article School board council addresses leadership transitions, vocational training, legal challenges est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Police in Quebec’s Eastern Townships are making a case of alleged mistreatment public as a reminder of the importance of properly caring for seniors.

Streaming guide JustWatch has revealed the top 10 movies streaming in Canada. Topping the Canadian streaming charts is Sean Baker’s Academy Award-winning comedy-drama film Anora starring Mikey Madison, which is available now in Canada on Prime Video.

“Anora, a young woman from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.”

In second and third place are Wicked (Prime Video) and The Substance (MUBI).

For previous updates on the most popular movies and TV shows streaming in Canada right now, please click here.

For our latest in film and TV, please visit our Film & TV section.

The post Anora is the #1 movie streaming in Canada appeared first on Cult MTL.

Maintenance costs are growing at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal's east end while construction for the long-awaited modernization project appears to be delayed — again.

The Quebec government will invoke closure and pass the bill expropriating land in Blainville, Que., to expand a Stablex landfill, Radio-Canada has learned.

Dave "Pik" Turmel, who has been on the run for over a year, is believed to be the leader of the Blood Family Mafia.

According to a new study by Ekos, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is projected to lose his seat in Parliament in Canada’s next federal election. Poilievre currently represents the Ottawa riding of Carleton.

The study finds the Liberals polling at 50%, followed by the Conservatives at 35% and the NDP at 7%. The Liberals are projected to win 251 seats, followed by the Conservatives with 90 seats.

According to 338Canada, the odds of a Liberal victory in the coming election are 97%.

Liberal Party leader Mark Carney now leads Pierre Poilievre in net favourability by 43 points.

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

The post New Canadian election poll projects that Pierre Poilievre will lose his seat appeared first on Cult MTL.

As Montreal grapples with growing homelessness, the Catholic archdiocese in the city is forming a new real estate arm that it says will help ensure any redevelopment of church properties addresses "pressing community needs."

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante criticized the new Quebec budget presented by the CAQ government on Tuesday for its cuts to public transit funding. While praising the budgetary response to the U.S. trade war, and acknowledging the strain that that situation is putting on the province, Plante noted that reduced support for maintenance would be felt by public transit users in Montreal.

“This budget is a severe blow to the backbone of Montreal’s economic vitality: public transit. Significant cuts in funding for maintenance will hurt the Montreal metro.”

Plante also scolded the CAQ for cancelling a tram project that would have connected Lachine and downtown Montreal. By scrapping this project, the Quebec government now owes the City of Montreal $800-million — this is the amount of money that Montreal lent for a Quebec City tram project in 2019, a loan that was made on the promise that the province would fund Montreal’s Greater Southwest tram.

“We are very disappointed by the abandonment of the Greater Southwest tram project. The Quebec government gave us its word (about the realization of that project) in 2019, when it asked us to transfer $800-million to Quebec City to fund their tram.”

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

The post Quebec budget: Valérie Plante calls out Legault government for cuts to public transit appeared first on Cult MTL.

Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey each scored two goals to help the Montreal Victoire secure the first PWHL playoff spot this season after a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Frost on Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minn.

Despite frequent infrastructure problems, the project for a new regional hospital in Drummondville, Que., was not included in Quebec’s infrastructure plan as part of the province's budget tabled on Tuesday.

Quebec nationalism and provincial issues like language, immigration and secularism often loom large in federal election campaigns, but Trump's tariffs and threat of making Canada the 51st state has reshaped the campaign so far across the province.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As of June 1, Jean-Pierre Perreault will step into the role of rector at the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), taking the helm at a time of uncertainty and ambition for one of Quebec’s largest universities. In an interview conducted on Mar. 25—just hours before the release of the provincial budget—Perreault expressed pride in the appointment and outlined a bold vision for the university’s future, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

“I’m very proud,” he said. “We will have a wind in the face based on many decisions outside, but I’m excited to take this position.” His election was confirmed by the university’s board of directors on Mar. 20 following a vote by a 43-member electoral college. That body includes representatives from the administration, unions, part-time lecturers, professors, and students. Perreault won the position with 65 per cent of the vote, defeating two other candidates, including one from the University of Victoria. “It’s a big mandate,” he said. “That’s the confidence of our community.”

According to a related press release, Perreault will be the 11th rector of the university since its founding in 1954, succeeding Pierre Cossette, who has held the position since 2017. A biochemist by training, Perreault earned his doctorate at the Université de Montréal and completed postdoctoral work at Yale before joining the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UdeS in 1993. Over the last three decades, he has served as department director, associate dean, vice-dean, and most recently as vice-rector of research and graduate studies. During his tenure, the university rose to 10th in Canada for research income. He has played a key role in major initiatives, including a graduate scholarship fund of over $25 million, contributions to the national quantum strategy, and the development of the university’s precision health and research facilities.

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L’article New rector of UdeS sets sights on growth, collaboration and student success est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In the wake of a record-setting $13.6-billion deficit in the 2025–2026 provincial budget, municipalities across Quebec—including those in the Estrie region—are voicing serious concerns about what they see as a continuing provincial retreat from funding key local infrastructure. The Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ), representing towns and cities across the province, says the government is offloading more responsibilities onto local governments without providing the financial means to match.

“We were frankly surprised,” said Martin Damphousse, president of the UMQ and mayor of Varennes, in a March 26 interview. “It’s a historic deficit, and at the municipal level, we’re forbidden by law from running a deficit at all. The contrast is stark.”

The provincial budget, tabled March 25 by Finance Minister Eric Girard, is shaped by rising trade tensions with the United States and what the government calls a “turbulent economic period.” Despite the economic uncertainty, the province is pushing ahead with major investments in innovation, public services, and infrastructure. The 2025–2035 Québec Infrastructure Plan (QIP) has been raised to $164 billion, up by $11 billion from last year.

But Damphousse says the increase does little for municipalities. “The share going to municipalities is just 4.3 per cent, or $7 billion out of $164 billion,” he noted. “That’s down from 7.5 per cent a few years ago, even though infrastructure deficits and costs have only increased.”

Budget highlights: growth and cuts

According to a series of press releases, the government’s overall approach in Budget 2025–2026 is to weather economic instability through targeted spending while planning to restore balance by 2029–2030. It includes $12.3 billion in new measures over five years to stimulate the economy and support Quebecers. Here’s how some of that breaks down:

Wealth creation and innovation 

A total of $5.4 billion is earmarked over five years to stimulate economic growth. This includes:

– $4.1 billion to help businesses hit by U.S. tariffs, fund export and investment projects, and encourage diversification.

– $604 million to boost innovation through the new research, innovation and commercialization tax credit (CRIC) and other initiatives.

– $759 million to support regional development, including the forestry sector, tourism, critical mineral exploitation, and rural internet connectivity.

Services for Quebecers 

Another $6.8 billion over six years is set aside to improve public services:

– $3.9 billion will go toward healthcare, including funding for frontline care, youth protection, and vaccinations.

– $1.1 billion is allocated to education and youth development, with funds for recreation, sports, and converting childcare spaces into subsidized options.

– $550 million will support vulnerable individuals, including $303 million for housing needs.

– $717 million will promote Quebec culture and identity, and $636 million will fund justice, sustainable development, and road infrastructure.

Tax system overhaul

The government says it has reviewed 170 tax measures and is introducing changes projected to free up $3 billion over five years. Highlights include:

– Replacing outdated tax credits with streamlined systems like the new CRIC.

– Ending electric vehicle toll exemptions by 2027 and introducing an annual road contribution from EV users.

– Eliminating lesser-used or outdated tax breaks to better align with current economic and environmental priorities.

According to Minister Girard, “We are taking action to help our businesses by focusing on their capacity to innovate and on the contribution of our regions.”

Mixed blessings for the Estrie region

For Estrie, some budget measures may bring modest benefits. Notably, $250 million is planned for local road maintenance in 2026–2027. There’s also $94.7 million for the forestry sector over three years—a significant nod to the economic importance of forestry in the region. Housing measures include $228 million over three years for low-rent housing and $175 million over five years to support the accommodation of vulnerable individuals.

But Damphousse says these investments are too little and too late.

“These are over three to five years, often with no funding this year. When you break those amounts down annually, it becomes very small. Meanwhile, our needs are immediate and growing,” he said.

The strain is especially acute when it comes to housing and infrastructure. Municipalities are being asked to contribute land for new schools and adapt their infrastructure to meet climate challenges—costs they can’t afford without more support.

“In Estrie, we’re right next to the U.S. border,” Damphousse pointed out. “With the tightening trade environment and tensions over things like cross-border library services, we’re worried these pressures will get worse.”

He added that municipalities in the region are also being hit hard by increased costs related to policing services.

“In many small communities—including places like Ayer’s Cliff—people are already complaining that SQ services are too expensive and don’t meet expectations,” he said. “Now the government is withdrawing more of its support. That means even higher costs for local governments.”

Fears of property tax hikes

Asked whether the growing financial burden will force municipalities to raise property taxes, Damphousse admitted that pressure is mounting.

“Municipalities always try not to raise taxes—it’s never popular. But as responsibilities increase and services are stretched, it’s harder to avoid,” he said. “We’ve already seen it with rising property valuations. Unfortunately, those increases end up reflected in tax bills.”

With housing costs, homelessness, climate resilience, and service demands all on the rise, local governments say they need more than words of support.

“It’s not just about money—it’s about fairness,” Damphousse said. “We’re expected to deliver more with less, and that’s not sustainable.”

An erosion of local democracy?

In a final note of concern, the UMQ also flagged the government’s decision to eliminate the provincial tax credit for donations to municipal political parties as of January 2026. Damphousse said the change could discourage political participation at the local level.

“It’s a small thing, but it matters,” he said. “Anything that puts a barrier in front of citizen engagement is a step in the wrong direction.”

Call for partnership

In its official statement, the UMQ stressed that municipalities are “critical players” in Quebec’s economic, social and environmental development. The organization is calling for a renewed, stable partnership with the province to ensure regions like Estrie can thrive.

“We need to work together to support the regions and protect the quality of life for Quebecers,” Damphousse concluded. “That starts with recognizing municipalities as full partners—not just service providers.”

While the government continues to frame its budget as forward-thinking and balanced in the long run, municipalities say the current gap between responsibility and funding is becoming unmanageable. Whether the province will respond to their concerns remains to be seen.

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L’article Municipalities feel squeezed as Quebec tables record deficit budget est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Bill 93 would force the City of Blainville to sell a piece of land to a private company to expand its toxic waste dump. Opposition parties are worried the CAQ government is preparing to invoke closure and force the law through.

Champlain panel highlights efforts to revitalize Indigenous tongues

By William Crooks

In a growing effort to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, Champlain College-Lennoxville will host a public panel discussion this Thursday, March 27 at 12:30 p.m. in the college lobby. The event brings together educators and learners dedicated to revitalizing the ancestral languages of Quebec and neighbouring regions, as part of the United Nations’ Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–32).

Organized by the Kchi al8msakw Indigenous Language Learning Centre—part of a collaborative project involving Bishop’s University, Université de Sherbrooke and Champlain College—the panel will feature three speakers actively engaged in Indigenous language teaching and revitalization.

“This is really a chance for people to learn what it means to teach and learn Indigenous languages in 2025,” said Andrew Fletcher, who coordinates the initiative and co-organized the panel. “We want to talk about both the challenges and the potential of these efforts.”

The event will spotlight three Algonquian languages: Abenaki, Innu, and Penobscot. Philippe Charland, a Quebecois linguist, will share insights into the revitalization of Abenaki, the original language of the Eastern Townships. Though not Indigenous himself, Charland teaches Abenaki at Bishop’s, Université de Sherbrooke, and in the community of Odanak. According to Fletcher, “There are very few people today who can speak Abenaki fluently, and no one who speaks it as a first language anymore.”

Joining him will be Gaëlle Mollen, an Innu language teacher from the Canadian Museum of History. With roots in both Innu and Chadian heritage, Mollen will speak about her experience teaching a language that, while still widely spoken in parts of Quebec’s North Shore, faces its own long-term sustainability challenges.

The third panelist, Ann Pollard-Ranco,  is a Penobscot language learner from Maine. She will bring the perspective of someone immersed in revitalization from the learner’s side. “We wanted to make sure the panel represents both teaching and learning,” said Fletcher.

The format of the event is designed to foster dialogue. The panel will be divided into three thematic sections: the complexities of learning Indigenous languages, the realities and resources needed for teaching them, and how these languages can be more visibly and meaningfully integrated into everyday environments.

“Learning an Indigenous language takes longer than learning something like Spanish or German,” Fletcher explained. “Not because it’s harder, but because the reference points are fewer. There’s less material out there, and the grammatical structures can be very different.”

To help address these gaps, Fletcher and his team are developing new pedagogical tools. “We’re publishing an English–Abenaki vocabulary and an introductory grammar guide,” he said. “It’ll be the first of its kind in English, and we’re aiming to have it out before the summer.” These materials will be made available to both academic institutions and the Abenaki community itself, with copyrights held by the community for use in their own programs.

Fletcher said the revitalization effort includes plans to offer an Abenaki language course at the college level. “We’re getting quite close to finalizing it,” he noted. “The idea is to make it available not only to Champlain students but also to members of the wider community.” While an official announcement has yet to be made, the goal is to support ongoing interest in Indigenous languages through formal education and informal community workshops.

The discussion will also explore the role of language in place and identity. “We’ll talk about how language exists in the landscape—like the Kwigw8mna building here at Bishop’s,” said Fletcher, referring to the newly named building using an Abenaki word. “We want to see more of that—more Indigenous names on campus, more presence in the public space.”

Ultimately, the hope is to foster a network of learners and educators who can sustain these efforts beyond the classroom. “Success isn’t just about creating fluent speakers—though that’s certainly the dream,” said Fletcher. “It’s about creating a living connection to the language, whether through classes, conversation, signage, or simply awareness.”

The panel is open to all, and Fletcher encourages anyone curious about Indigenous languages to attend. “Even if you’re just interested or wondering what it’s all about, this is a great place to start.”

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L’article Celebrating culture through language est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

By William Crooks

Jim Manson, a historian with deep roots in the Eastern Townships, is set to deliver a talk on April 13 at the Bruck Museum in Cowansville, honouring the remarkable contributions of Marion Phelps to local history. The event, part of the QAHN Heritage Talks 2025, will explore Phelps’ legacy and her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the region’s past.

Manson, who studied under Phelps as a child, recalled how she inspired his love for history from an early age. “She was somebody committed to expanding people’s knowledge of history in the region,” he said. “She really promoted the idea of local history and the fact that it was important to us.”

Born in 1908, Phelps grew up in Stukely Township, where she attended local schools before training as a teacher at Macdonald College. It was there that she stumbled upon a book by Catherine Day on Eastern Townships history—an experience that changed her life. “She had never heard of the Loyalists before reading that book,” Manson explained. “From that day forward, she was committed to not just finding out more about Eastern Townships history but also trying to interest other people in it.”

Phelps taught for decades, spending much of her career at Cowansville High School. However, her work extended far beyond the classroom. After retiring in 1962, she became a fixture at the Brome County Historical Society, volunteering in the archives for over 40 years. From behind her desk, she assisted countless researchers, preserving historical records and ensuring that the region’s heritage was not forgotten.

“She didn’t get paid for it,” Manson noted. “All the work she did, she did as a volunteer. And we’ll never see those days again, I don’t think. Just her selflessness, her complete commitment to encouraging young people in particular to learn something about their history—to be proud of their history.”

Throughout her life, Phelps remained deeply concerned about the decline of local history education, particularly in English-speaking communities. Manson recalled that she often worried about how to instill a love of history in future generations. “She was aware that a lot of Anglophones were leaving the region and that exposure to history in schools was being reduced. She wanted to do something about it.”

In 2001, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) established an award in her honour to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to local history. At the award’s inaugural ceremony, Phelps was introduced by Manson himself. “It was fitting,” he said, “that it was held at Macdonald College, the place where her journey into history really began.”

Even in her later years, Phelps remained active. She continued working at the archives well into her 90s and, according to Manson, remained as sharp and dedicated as ever. “I remember her telling me, ‘I won’t be working full-time anymore—I’ll be working part-time,’” he said with a chuckle. “And she was about 96 or 97 at the time.”

Phelps passed away in 2013 at the age of 105, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the region’s history. Her funeral, held several months after her passing, saw Manson delivering her eulogy, an honour he describes as deeply meaningful. “To me, she was somebody I looked up to, somebody I respected—not just for her knowledge but for everything she gave to this community.”

The upcoming talk will highlight these aspects of Phelps’ life, bringing her story to new audiences. “She did so much to promote local history right up until the end of her life,” Manson said. “That’s what I really want to bring out.”

Following Manson’s lecture, attendees will be invited to share their own memories of Phelps in an open-mic session. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m., and seating is limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

L’article Marion Phelps – A lifelong champion of Townships history est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Canada needs another inquiry into foreign interference — this time focused on the one party on the receiving end of outside help.

In recent days, we’ve learned Danielle Smith asked Trump to pause his tariff war to benefit Pierre Poilievre — but not stop it entirely, which would benefit all Canadians.

We’ve also learned that Poilievre is alleged to have considered using back channels (J.D. Vance’s friend, Tory MP Jamil Jivani) to ask Trump to back off because it’s damaging his campaign.

Poilievre is alleged to have benefitted from Indian government agents who worked to raise funds and support for his 2022 leadership campaign. Poilievre refuses to get his security clearance, bogusly claiming it would prevent him from speaking freely. This is utter nonsense.

It is abundantly clear that foreign interference is only benefitting — and potentially even being sought by — a single federal political party.

The Conservatives already benefit from biased media coverage (from the CBC no less), an American-owned national newspaper network that effectively acts as their propaganda arm and from a number of American-funded libertarian think tanks and third-party advertisers connected to American-owned Big Oil. 

It begs the question: Does Canada have a Conservative Party, or a foreign interference party?

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

The post Canadians need an immediate inquiry into foreign interference with the Poilievre campaign appeared first on Cult MTL.

According to figures obtained by Radio-Canada, schools across the province are facing overcrowding. That means an estimated 34,500 students will either be sent to other schools, put in spaces not intended as classrooms or assigned to modular classrooms.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking in Quebec on Day 4 of the election campaign, says he will let working seniors earn up to $34,000 tax free, let them keep their savings in RRSPs until age 73 instead of 71 and keep the retirement age at 65.

The McGill Community for Lifelong Learning has been around for 35 years. It offers in-person and online lectures on various subjects.

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

Le Mousso

Let’s be honest — Michelin has a type, and that type is le Mousso. Run by the iconoclastic, self-taught chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard, Le Mousso is a product of the Golden Era of Nordic cooking, rendered with the very best local ingredients. From artful plating (and the hand-thrown ceramic plates themselves) to the overall refinement of the dishes, Le Mousso is an easy prediction for a Michelin Star. (1025 Ontario E.)

For more on Le Mousso 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: Le Mousso appeared first on Cult MTL.

Data for 2024 suggests that Canada is home to 90 casinos. In a world where physical venues are closing for a variety of reasons, should Canadian players worry about the future of the industry? History has shown that scarcity can quickly become a self-perpetuating concern for businesses in a number of industries.

While it may initially appear to give an air of exclusivity, it can spiral out of control and lead to the pricing out of regulars who are forced from a space they once inhabited. Additionally, if travel becomes a prerequisite for frequenting a business due to a local shortage, it can restrict the profitability and success of those that remain. This is often because visitors prioritise more accessible pastimes or services.

With all that in mind, should we be worried about the country’s casino industry and what do the figures really mean in a global context?

The Shifting Sands of Doing Business in the Modern Age

Firstly, it has to be stated that the casino industry as a whole is largely in rude health and in no real danger. Many will see the closure of any physical venue as a dent in the entire industry. However, the modern age has meant that this is a market that doesn’t exist solely in bricks-and-mortar.

The late 20th and early 21st Century saw a major change for casinos when the first online examples entered the fray. Since then, it has been a rapidly evolving landscape that has refused to stand still. As such, the health of the industry must take into account the enduring success of the online outlets.

Looking at Karamba casino in Canada as an example, there’s no real difference between what is offered at a traditional venue and a digital site. All of the games, like roulette, blackjack, and slots, are included. Further, live casino games replicate the casino experience by streaming real-life dealers managing the games, as you would see on a real casino floor.

Numbers Must be Taken in Context to Understand Reality

Additionally, while a headline figure like 90 casinos might seem to be a cause for concern, the underlying narratives are actually much more nuanced. As is often the case, it’s beneficial to make comparisons with our peers in order to understand what the state of play is. In particular, it’s worth looking at our neighbours to the south.

With Las Vegas and Atlantic City as their world-famous flagship destinations for casino gaming – as well as tribal casinos dotted throughout the country – the United States is much more closely associated with the industry. And, while they certainly have a healthier number of venues, the numbers aren’t as far apart as you might guess.

The US is estimated to have between 1,500 and 2,100 casinos. At the higher end, per capita, that means there’s around one casino for every 160,000 people in the country. For Canada, this comes in at around one for every 444,000. It is a clear difference, but only a little over twice the casino proliferation here in the Great White North.

Canada Not Uniquely at Risk but Nowhere Too Big to Fail

While these figures show that the story isn’t as worrisome as it might initially sound, it is worth noting that even Las Vegas is seeing closures of iconic casinos. Forbes reported in 2024 that The Mirage would close its doors in the same summer to be demolished. Yes, it is going to be replaced by the Hard Rock Casino, but it indicates that change is likely in even the most iconic of venues.

The industry itself doesn’t seem to be struggling. However, in a world where real estate is king and businesses like retail are increasingly moving online, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that the number of casinos in Canada will change soon. If that is the case, though, it isn’t the case that it will disappear.

Instead, this is an industry that has very much embraced the online sphere and used it to elevate itself to a popularity that it had never experienced prior. Maybe we’ll just see a different kind of casino.

The post Does the Casino Remain a Big Draw for Canadians? A Look at Canada’s Gaming Venues appeared first on Cult MTL.

The Canadian government announced it will give more than $1.1 billion to Quebec in additional funding to support the extension of Montreal Metro's Blue line and the construction of Quebec City's tramway.

A 43-year-old Montreal woman died Friday night in a single-vehicle crash in Iroquois, Ont.

While Loto-Québec says it is adopting the self-checkout to offer customers more convenience, gambling addiction and public health experts argue that increasing access to gambling isn’t helpful.

Benjamin Lopez Steven - 604-723-3426

Patricia McIntyre got a knock at her door one night in Île-Bizard. To her surprise, it was a bailiff with Revenue Québec documents alleging she had violated the province’s short-term rental rules. She and her husband were facing fines of $3,750 each. 

Merchants on Monk Boulevard in Ville-Émard are concerned that rising rents will push them out of the community they serve. Local officials are also sounding the alarm following recently announced closures, including the street’s SAQ liquor store.

Quebec is the first province to publicly cover costs of long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication Apretude. Experts say it's a much-needed, long-awaited tool — and they're pushing to make it and other HIV prevention medications completely free.

The Montreal SPCA says a weekend crow-hunting tournament near Quebec City has no place in the province.

I’ve seen a lot of recent worry — some of it deeply disingenuous and aimed solely at discrediting the Liberals now that the party is leading in the polls — about how Prime Minister Mark Carney’s current cabinet doesn’t include a Ministry for Women and Gender Equality, a Ministry for Labour and a Ministry for Official Languages.

If I thought these three very vital ministries had been permanently eliminated, I would be the first one on the frontlines calling this out. 

As it stands, Mark Carney’s current 24-member streamlined cabinet is transitional and specifically targeted to address the Trump threat. If the Liberals form the next government, I expect that those ministries will be fully restored, and ministers will be appointed to those important roles. This short-lived cabinet has at-most a 45-day life span, since elections will soon be called. It has one focus and one focus alone: fighting Trump’s tariffs and the existential threat that they pose to Canada’s sovereignty and economy.

There can be no Canadian ministries for women and gender equality, labour and official languages if there’s no Canada.

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

The post Mark Carney’s temporary cabinet is specifically designed to fight Trump appeared first on Cult MTL.

Massimo Siciliano and Nicolas Daigle were sentenced to 30 and 32 months in prison, respectively. Their lawyers tried unsuccessfully to convince the court that they were eligible for community service.

The challenge in adapting popular Disney animated films into “live-action” spectacles is two-fold: how do you bring to life the unlimited possibilities and artistry of animation to the real world and, at least in the case of Snow White, how do you update a nearly century old film for a new audience. Despite what some unhealthily invested adults may want you to believe, let’s not forget these movies are fundamentally intended for children. They not only need to appeal to a new generation of kids who live in a far different world then 1930s America, but imbue the story with the values and lessons more reflective of our current moment.

In that sense. Marc Webb’s Snow White isn’t a total failure. There are some sincere attempts at creating a colourful and rich movie that more often than not transcends the cheap look of a lot of contemporary Disney movies. The tricks are simple; stuff the background with coloured flowers as often as possible, use coloured gels and actually embrace (at least at times) engaging montage. This isn’t big brained stuff, but it does make a difference. While large portions of the movie, particularly in the second half, still looks like a bunch of theatre kids running around the woods in off-the-rack costumes — they could have done worse.

The changes to the storyline remove focus from Snow White’s dream of being swept away by a handsome prince. Her quest becomes rooted instead in becoming a strong and empathetic leader, following in her parents footsteps by leading with kindness and grace. Rachel Zegler, an exceptional talent, sells this almost naive perspective with self-awareness and earnestness. If the film succeeds in any way, it’s almost solely due to her charisma and talent. Her presence lights up the screen; it’s easy to understand how the character’s around her naturally fall for her.

The admirable attempt to reframe the story also takes it off track however. The movie works best when it sticks to the original. The interjection of new subplots and characters only barely work to a more discerning audience, though they might sell better with young children. Among the film’s changes, perhaps the most successful among them, is the bolstering of Dopey as a character – which lends the movie a tenderness that emphasizes its “lead with kindness” ethos in a way that feels personalized and relatable. 

Unfortunately, Snow White has a big problem, a Gal Gadot problem. Unable to rise to the occasion, Gadot attempts to lean into camp to sell a role that extends far beyond her talents. She seems uncomfortable in her skin and unable to sell even the most throwaway lines. As some right-wing trolls call for a boycott of the film due to Zegler’s casting (she’s not white enough, apparently), the only affirmative action going on in this film is continuing to hire an untalented hack who supports Israel’s genocide against Palestine. Gadot’s presence is more than just a black mark on this particular film but reflective of a media conglomerate that’s long been far too happy and eager to get into bed with the American military and propagate its values. If this becomes a radicalizing moment for some viewers, as the pro-Israel Captain America film was earlier this year, all the better. 

Snow White isn’t a total mess, but it can’t stand up to the original. The desire to remake popular Disney classics isn’t rooted in a benevolent desire to create new stories for young people, but ultimately in a rather craven desire to cash in. Though better than some of the other recent attempts at creating “live-action” adaptations of popular animated films, these movies don’t hold anything to the artistry and sensitivity of the original movies. Though admirable that they attempt to reframe Snow White’s quest from lovelorn princess into a strong leader, it’s just not enough to make this film wholeheartedly worth recommending. ■

Snow White opens in Montreal theatres on Friday, March 21.

For our latest in film and TV, please visit our Film & TV section.

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Pierre Poilievre has done irreparable damage to the Conservative Party

Conservatives are by far the most likely to have positive impressions of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and make up almost the entire population that wants Canada to become the 51st state.

We know who the traitors are.

Unsurprisingly, Conservatives are least likely to support retaliatory tariffs, and least likely to be supporting more Canadian businesses during our trade war with the U.S.

Conservatives are also the most likely to buy into disinformation.

Progressive Conservatives of the past are no more. Pierre Poilievre has essentially turned the CPC into an alt-right party. This explains why he’s been endorsed by a variety of fascists, fraudsters and alt-right influencers like Alex Jones and Elon Musk.

Poilievre’s constant lies and division have done irreparable damage to the Conservatives. A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute found that the CPC is now the party that a plurality of Canadians say they would never vote for. ‘Never Vote Conservative’ has become a reality.

Right now, Mark Carney has the confidence of the electorate, leading Pierre Poilievre in net favourability by 37 points, and putting the Liberals in majority territory ahead of Canada’s next election.

After years of Poilievre’s division and rage-baiting, Canadians now want unity and strength. And they see that in Mark Carney.

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

The post Pierre Poilievre has done irreparable damage to the Conservative Party appeared first on Cult MTL.

After a week spent seeking a lifeline, Hudson's Bay says it has found a way to keep six stores open. Canada's oldest company is back in court today to seek permission from an Ontario judge to liquidate all its other stores, and hopes to begin that process starting Monday.

A Quebec coroner has revised his initial report into the death of a Mexican boxer after a Radio-Canada investigation found that her medical records had been falsified or were inaccurate. 

The U.S. government is closing the access Canadians use to the Stanstead, Que., library, an iconic building that straddles both borders, according to town and library officials.

Major raids targeting grandparent scam networks and their leaders take time, effort and co-ordination between police forces. Court documents show it can take hundreds of hours of surveillance, including stakeouts and wiretaps, to build a case against a major grandparent scam network.

A “sophisticated” human smuggling organization run from Montreal posed a threat to national security through its connections to an international network that trafficked in forged Canadian passports, according to allegations in files obtained by CBC News from an RCMP-led investigation.