The West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) is building a new centre to house all its members and programs under the same roof.

A program run by a Montreal-based charity is trying to help Canadians avoid homelessness — and the person behind it says the difference between having a home and being homeless is just about $11,000 per person.

By Daniel Kirchin

Local Journalism Initiative

Hooked on School Days, an annual initiative of the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, has evolved into a crucial opportunity to enhance awareness and engagement while underscoring the significance of supporting youth in their academic pursuits. Against the backdrop of labour shortages and rising living costs, discussions on education retention and motivation have become more common.

Organizations such as Centraide Estrie and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, have used this week to not only reaffirm their commitment to supporting children’s educational needs, but also to address the pressing issues faced by families in Estrie.

Andrée Mayer-Périard, President of the Réseau québécois, emphasized the importance of encouraging young individuals to stay motivated in school on their academic journey. She noted, “It is crucial to relentlessly support the efforts of every student so that they have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, especially in a year marked by various challenges affecting their academic path.”

“The Hooked on School Days serves as a reminder that academic perseverance is a collective responsibility,” she explained. “Fostering the educational success of our youth is beneficial for everyone, forming the foundation for overall well-being and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” Mayer- Périard added.

The Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative recently conducted a survey addressing the issues faced by families in the province, providing insights into Quebec residents’ opinions on educational success, motivation, and the role of support.

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L’article Hooked on School Days spotlight classroom challenges and solutions in Estrie est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Regulars of the Provisions Inc. grocery store on cartier street in Quebec City are disappointed to see their favourite store closed after 75 years in business. Quebec AM host Peter Tardif met with Yves Ledoux, a fellow business owner from right across the street, who hopes efforts to revive the store will succeed.

Two people were found unresponsive in a residence on Onulphe-Peltier Street in L'Épiphanie, Que., on Monday.

Aiva Furfaro says she wanted to learn more about the problem of pollution and share that with others.

The post QCT Online print edition – February 14, 2024 appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

Ierahkwanónhnha Olivia Moon Meloche and Iehwatsirahnì:ra’ts Gilbert had never played hockey before they tried out for the U13 Rockettes du Suroît, but you wouldn’t know that as the duo celebrated with gold medals in Brockville, Ontario, last weekend. 

“It was very shocking, I couldn’t really process it all, but it was really exciting,” said Meloche. “It was nerve-wracking. When we kept winning I was like, ‘Okay, we’re going to move on, we’re getting closer and closer.’”

Meloche pushed through the nerves, skating to a 1-0 victory with her team against the Kemptville Storm as part of the Brockville Girls Hockey Association February Freeze tournament, which took place last Friday to Sunday. 

Meloche’s mother, Karahkwenhawe Sandi Goodleaf, said the final was tense after the team sailed through the competition with a series of wins and ties.

“We were screaming and blocking our eyes sometimes!” Goodleaf said. “You could tell both teams were really trying. All their effort and energy was going into this game. It could have gone either way, and there was so much energy on the ice and cheering from the crowd. But there was great defence on our team, and the goalie played amazing.”

Goodleaf said that a large number of friends and family made the trip to Ontario from Kahnawake to support the girls.

“The atmosphere itself was great. All the family, mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, everybody, it seemed like everybody who was on the team had at least four people cheering them on,” Goodleaf said. “We had a great experience, and the girls did so well.”

Gilbert and Meloche, the only players on the team from Kahnawake, had both decided to try out for the team at the beginning of last season, and Goodleaf said it’s been incredible to watch both girls rise to the challenge. 

“I couldn’t be more proud,” Goodleaf said. “Everyone starts at like age six, and this is her first year playing,” she said of her daughter. “She went from having a hard time stopping on her skates to playing forward and scoring. It’s amazing.”

Jessica Hernandez, Gilbert’s mother, has been equally impressed by the girls’ tenacity, and was proud to see the two celebrate their victory at February Freeze with their teammates – particularly considering the language barrier at play. 

“Our two girls are probably two of the only English-speaking girls on the team. There might be a few that understand, but it’s majority French-speaking,” Hernandez said. “It’s been a learning process this whole year for the two of them who are coming from (Mohawk) immersion school, but they wanted to learn how to play. They weren’t sure what to expect.”

Coaches have been accommodating of the girls, giving extra explanations during practices. But, as was made clear from this weekend’s victory, language hasn’t impeded their ability to be team players. 

“I know these girls, and I know they’re capable of anything, so it’s just been really nice to see them put themselves out there for something new,” Hernandez said. “It just makes me happy that they’ve been willing to do that, because it really means they’re willing to push themselves to do anything.”

Though Meloche said it’s been hard to fit in at times due to the language barrier, she is glad she made the decision to join the team, and was particularly happy that so many people came to cheer the team on. 

“It felt good to know that they were there, that they were watching my first time winning,” she said. 

The Rockettes will continue with regular season games before the girls’ first season on the ice wraps up in March. 

[email protected]

This article was originally published in print on February 9 in issue 33.06 of The Eastern Door.

Join host Dionne Codrington on a new podcast as she goes searching for the DNA of a Changemaker by revisiting the personal stories and insights of four laureates from CBC's Black Changemakers project.

A Canadian Russian woman has pleaded guilty for her role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to send electronics to Russia for military use in the war against Ukraine.

Warner Bros. Canada has confirmed that Denis Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet will be attending a screening of Dune: Part Two in Montreal on Feb. 28. The screening will take place at Scotiabank Cinema downtown.

Warner Bros. shared the news, announcing that a forthcoming contest for the event.

“Be the first in Canada to watch Dune: Part Two on the big screen. Stay tuned to our channels for your chance to join us on February 28.”

For more on Dune: Part Two, please visit the official website.

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

The post Timothée Chalamet and Denis Villeneuve to attend screening of Dune: Part Two in Montreal Feb. 28 appeared first on Cult MTL.

La Poutine Week has announced the winners of this year’s festival, compiling the 5 best poutines in Canada for its 2024 edition, as voted by festival participants in Quebec and across the country. Over 800 restaurants across Canada participated this year, including 75 in Montreal.

The second spot went to Ashton in Quebec City for their “Rosbif Bacon Chipotle Poutine,” while Kahleigh’s Brew Barn‘s “Brew Burger Poutine” (Manitoba) took third place. In fourth place was the “Billy Bomb Poutine” from Billy K Burger in Montreal, while fifth place went to Cockney Kings Fish & Chips in Vancouver for their Bill Murray curry poutine.

The 5 best poutines in Canada from la Poutine Week 2024

1. Le Gras Dur — 1 Million Dollar poutine

“Fries, cheese curds, and a rich poutine sauce made from veal stock, beer, bacon, and caramelized onions, topped with melted parmesan, a sunny-side-up egg, and a coulis of grilled peppers and truffles, garnished with a gold leaf.”

2. Ashton — Le Rosbif Bacon Chipotle

“Roasted shredded beef, crumbled bacon accompanied by crispy onions with a tasty blend of BBQ and chipotle sauce. Bold and flavorful. Fresh. Real.”

3. Kahleigh’s Brew Barn — Brew Burger Poutine

“Fries topped with cheddar cheese, gravy, bacon crumble, ground beef, tomato, pickles, lettuce and our house made burg’ sauce!”

4. Billy K’s Burger — Billy Bomb Poutine

“Grilled chicken, bacon, crispy onion, ranch sauce, fries, house sauce, cheese curds.”

5. Cockney Kings Fish & Chips — The Bill Murray (curry poutine)

“Fun fact: The traditional Cockney slang for curry is Ruby Murray! Heard of her? Neither have we! Our curry poutine for the modern age is named for the chip bandit himself, Bill Murray, and combines classic cheese curds, our homemade curry sauce, a drizzle of our signature ‘What-What’ sauce, and is topped with a sprinkle of green onions and ‘scraps’ (that’s what we call crispy batter bits!) On the menu just in time for Groundhog Day, we promise you’re going to want to relive this experience over and over and over!”

Check out photos of the top 5 best poutines in Canada in the slider below.

For more on la Poutine Week, please visit their website.

For more on the Montreal restaurant scene, please visit the Food & Drink section.

The post Poutine from Montreal’s le Gras Dur voted best in Canada appeared first on Cult MTL.

Canadian Leylah Fernandez upset No. 12 seed Liudmila Samsonova 7-5, 7-6 (4) in first-round action of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Monday in Doha.

On Sunday, Quebec Liberal Party interim leader Marc Tanguay made a statement about the Legault government’s move to renew the notwithstanding clause in order to support Bill 21, preventing challenges to the so-called secularism law in court. Tanguay made it clear that the Quebec Liberals will vote against Bill 52, the notwithstanding-clause renewal bill tabled by the CAQ last week, and went a step further by calling the move “an attack on all our fundamental rights” and “contempt for our law-based society.”

“In a free and democratic society, it is simply unacceptable to use the notwithstanding clause in such a way as to prevent any recourse to justice, for all the rights and freedoms of Quebecers.”

Tanguay went on to call out not only the Legault government but the other parties in the National Assembly who will, he says, back Bill 52.

“It appears that the CAQ will have the support of the Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire. History will judge them. Quebecers want to live in a society where our rights are not only respected, but also protected by our institutions. The behaviour of these three political parties — the CAQ, PQ and QS — is further proof that the fight to defend our fundamental rights requires constant vigilance.”

An Angus Reid Institute poll last year found that most Montrealers don’t support Bill 21, the law (passed in 2019) that prevents people in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols. The ARI also found that a majority of Canadians in every province (except Quebec) don’t support the use of the notwithstanding clause, which was applied to the passing of both Bill 21 and Bill 96 by the Legault government.

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

The post “History will judge the CAQ, PQ and Québec Solidaire for not protecting the rights of Quebecers” appeared first on Cult MTL.

Dive into the Juno- and Grammy-winning producer's magic formula.

The following capsule review of Ma Mère en Feu appears in the 2024 Montreal Restaurant Guide. To read the complete issue, please click here.

Ma Mère en Feu

Established in mid-2022, the latest joint by chef and musician Beaver Sheppard (alongside fellow restaurant vet Max Corsillo) offers adventurous daily specials — ranging from blue tuna sashimi and niçoise salads to chimichangas and sticky pork bowls — as well as menu staples like the Blue (cheese) Angel Burger and Nashville XXX Fried Chicken (and their less chewy but still intense tofu alternates). That the comfort-food haven is decorated with vintage trashy restaurant signage and other kitsch knick-knacks, stocks natural wine and is connected and intertwined with the record store 180g — not to mention that they don’t deliver (“Fuck Uber”) and have lots of personality — makes a visit to the random Rosemont corner all the more worthwhile. (5868 De Lorimier)

For more on Ma Mère en Feu, please visit them on Instagram.

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

The post Montreal Restaurant Guide: Ma Mère en Feu appeared first on Cult MTL.

Unseasonably warm weather forced Carnaval de Québec to close one of its main attractions on the last day of the event.

Families and locals gathered in Saint-Tite-des-Caps, just north of Quebec City, on Saturday to welcome about 50 snowmobilers to the finish line of a 3,230-kilometre journey. The 15-day expedition focused on reconciliation and healing.

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The de facto leader of a potential new municipal party in Sherbrooke said he began the process of registering a new party out of a desire to promote healthy debate in municipal politics.

Cédrick Hamel reserved the party name Vision Action Sherbrooke with Elections Québec in early February. The reservation of a name is an optional preliminary step in the formal party registration process. Hamel, 28, was president of the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) student federation for the 2021-2022 school year, and helped organize the Jeux de la science politique (JSP), a provincewide French-language debate and political simulation competition for university students, held at Université de Sherbrooke this past January. Until recently, he worked in online sales.

Hamel said his experience working on the organization of the JSP, a yearlong process, gave him the idea of “the importance of healthy debate” in politics. By founding a party, he said he hopes to strengthen debate at the municipal level. The current city council, divided between members of Mayor Évelyne Beaudin’s Sherbrooke Citoyen slate (six seats) and independents (eight seats), has made headlines in recent weeks as a contentious work environment; in a recent interview with Radio-Canada, Coun. Annie Godbout (independent; Rock Forest) called for the council to appoint an external mediator to help defuse what she described as a “climate of tension.”

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L’article “Healthy debate” top of mind for aspiring party leader Cédrick Hamel est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

FREQUENCE founder Magalie Boutin talks about the two-pronged goal of her organization.

Two world records went down, a trio of Canadians ran personal-best times and their teammate, sprinter Andre De Grasse, lowered his season best in the 60 metres at the 116th Millrose Games indoor track and field meet on Sunday in New York.

Some members of Montreal’s Jewish community are denouncing 'censorship' after Élise Gravel, one of Quebec’s most popular children’s book authors, was accused of antisemitism in her online posts.

Montreal has long been known as a haven for artists, thanks to its vibrant culture scene and rock-bottom rents. But as rents rise and former industrial neighbourhoods are redeveloped, some artists are being priced out or evicted.

Once indicators of distress are detected, trains can be signaled to slow down and someone could go up to the person in need and offer help, according to the Société de transport de Montréal.

Marielle Thompson swept away her competition this weekend at a World Cup ski cross event in Bakuriani, Georgia, claiming gold in the women's big final on Sunday. The 2014 Olympic champion from Whistler, B.C., is now on a streak of three consecutive wins and has won gold in four of the last five World Cup events this season.

The Benny Library in NDG is launching its Spice Club next Saturday and we'll be there to get things started. We hear from the librarian behind the idea, Véronique Savoie. She's hoping to expand her own spice palette and she'll have the details for those of you who feel the same way.

Valentine’s Day is approaching in just a few days, and all couples are excited to make this day special and heartwarming. Whether it’s being celebrated by a married couple, one that’s been dating for a long time or a couple in a long-distance relationship, February 14th is the special day to express the romance and love that one has for their beloved partner. 

Also, there are several ways to surprise your love and have flawless Valentine’s celebrations. Moreover, along with delighting their heart with the best Valentine’s Day gifts and sweet treats, there are several activities to ensure a memorable time for lovebirds. 

According to the latest information, at least 41% of couples celebrate a romantic dinner date at home, especially married couples. Also, the rest (31% and 35%), of couples plan some outdoor activities to mark the occasion. 

However, the motivation behind every type of celebration is just to strengthen the bond and make their relationship truer, happier and unforgettable. Moreover, if you’re looking for a unique idea, besides by the traditional activities, here are a few suggestions.

1. Get Excited With A Romantic Retreat

It is well said that food and mood are linked together and are the best way to win hearts. So, this Valentine’s Day, get excited by planning a romantic retreat through breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It would make Wednesday super interesting as this Valentine’s Day falls on this day, and every couple gets the chance to spend the best time with a delicious lunch. Also, it makes the relationship stronger, and one can have memorable Valentine’s Day celebrations. 

2. Make A Valentine’s Day Playlist That Is Favourites Of Partner

Every man and woman loves the romantic songs or playlists that their beloved partner gives. So, this Valentine’s Day, a list of playlists that one’s wife, husband, boyfriend, or girlfriend loves to listen to every time and become happier. Also, it will help to express the words that one is unable to say to their partner in the form of songs. It would bring a big smile to their beautiful face and love more than before. 

3. Send Romantic Love Messages Throughout The Day

Romance is all about making one’s beloved partner feel special or giving adorable and memorable times. So, apart from music and food, send romantic love messages through texting or posting on social media or other platforms. It will show the value, appreciation, and respect that one has for someone special and is sure to win hearts. Also, it will spread romantic vibes and help to strengthen the bond to make the relationship happier and stronger. 

4. Have Effective Communication Openly And Honestly

In any relationship, effective communication plays a vital role in strengthening the bond and making it happier. So, this Valentine’s Day, forget every argument and try to communicate effectively, honestly, and openly by giving quality time. It will allow both partners to share their hidden thoughts, beliefs, and suggestions that they have for the future and increase mutual understanding. 

5. Head To The Romantic Movies

Another interesting tip that one can opt for to strengthen the bond and relationship is heading towards romantic movies either at home or visiting the theater. One can go with movies such as Holidate, a Love Story, Sleepless in Seattle, The Legends of the Fall, and other romantic movies. These movies are perfect for every couple, where they can unveil into the world of romance and love. 

6. Plan Dinner Under The Sky

Want to give a unique surprise to a beloved partner? Well, this Valentine’s Day, along with a surprise with the best and most adorable Valentine gift for husband or other beloved partner, plan a dinner under the sky and give the best memories. One can delight the hearts with favorite food and beverages or by doing some special activities like dancing and music. In this way, after receiving gifts and enjoying a memorable time, it will provide unforgettable moments and have wonderful Valentine’s celebrations. 

7. Remove All Gadgets Aside And Spend Quality Time Together

Valentine’s Day is all about having a romantic and memorable time with loved ones. So, give a special place in the hearts of beloved partners by spending quality time together and removing all gadgets aside. It will keep away distractions, and both can share memories and thoughts for the relationship or future planning. It is important because the ultimate goal and success of any relationship is to stay together with love, affection, and happiness.

8. Play Romantic Games Together To Understand Emotions

If willing to have fun and romantic moments this Valentine’s Day, one can go by playing games together that include mind games and other games that help to understand emotions. One can choose games like truth or dare, heart toss, scavenger hunt, name the lovesong, or other outdoor games. It will provide the best time, and both can have memorable moments that will forever be kept in their hearts. 

Bottom Line

Valentine’s Day is the best opportunity to have memorable and fun-filled times with a beloved partner. Also, the above ideas are the best that one can opt for to strengthen the relationship and have a memorable time. 

Besides, along with these ideas, try to impress the heart with truthfulness and loyalty because wrong words and activities can hamper the relationship and make it worse. However, if both partners have mutual understanding, respect, and selfless love, no one can break their bond and live happily with their beloved partner forever.

This article was produced in partnership with Flower Aura.

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

The post Romantic Couple Activities To Strengthen The Bond This Valentine’s Day appeared first on Cult MTL.

The province's hospitals are faced with a shortage of oxygenators, key medical tools needed to perform heart surgeries.

Set in a barbershop in Montreal's east end, Lex Garcia's latest story about family, grief and masculinity.

Canadian aerials skiers reached the podium in both the men's and women's events at the World Cup stop in Lac-Beauport, Que., on Saturday.

The tablets are green in colour and are marked with "80" and "OP." Public health authorities are advising Quebecers to administer Naloxone to stop overdoses.

Canadian short track speed skater William Dandjinou continued his winning ways  at a World Cup event in Dresden, Germany, on Saturday. The Montreal native finished the men's 1,500-metre final in two minutes 11.460 seconds to win his second straight gold medal in the distance.

Canadian athletes crowded the podium at a World Cup ski cross event in Bakuriani, Georgia on Saturday. Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., won her second World Cup gold medal in as many races while teammate Brittany Phelan, of Mont-Tremblant, Que., took silver.

Now that public health officials in Montreal have flagged a measles case, here's what you need to know about the virus and how to keep it at bay.

Members from Montreal's Chinese and Indigenous communities came together as part of the Lunar New Year festivities. For the event's organizer, it was a step toward decolonizing Chinatown.

Two giants of modern art are on show at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, starting Feb. 10. We speak with Anita Feldman, the San Diego curator of the exhibition that highlights the lives and work of painter Georgia O'Keeffe and sculptor Henry Moore.

Students from a school in Saint-Lazare, Que., discovered their work online after googling their teacher's name and visiting his website. The Lester B. Pearson school board says it's investigating.