Environmental groups say the fundamentals of the LNG-Québec project, which was scrapped in 2021 due to the pipeline's environmental risks, haven't changed.

The CFL team partnered with Sport’Aide, a Quebec non-profit, to raise awareness about the issue. Players visited a Montreal high school to share their experiences.

Marc Samson donates proceeds to Bleu Massawippi

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Local artist Marc Samson has turned his passion for painting into a force for environmental good, donating $4,000 to Bleu Massawippi following an art auction in December. Samson, known for his vibrant and geometric artistic style, directed 10 per cent of his proceeds to the environmental organization, aiming to help protect Lake Massawippi from ecological threats like zebra mussels.

“Why Bleu Massawippi? Because I am from Sherbrooke, and ever since I was a kid, we used to come here,” said Samson, who now resides in North Hatley. “I have a real sense of belonging to the region, to the lake. If we couldn’t swim in this lake because it’s too polluted, that would be a real sadness.”

Bleu Massawippi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem, welcomed Samson’s contribution. Executive Director Laurence Renaud-Langevin emphasized that while the donation is not earmarked for a specific project, the funds will support ongoing efforts to combat zebra mussels and improve water quality.

“We already have plans for the money,” said Renaud-Langevin. “It will go towards acquiring new technology and tools to help us navigate the zebra mussel problem we encountered a few years ago.”

One initiative the organization is investing in involves a partnership with Robonotic, a technology company developing a robotic system to detect, and potentially remove, zebra mussels. Some of Samson’s donation will support this research and implementation.

Additionally, Bleu Massawippi plans to use the funds to build water gardens in municipalities around the lake. These gardens function as natural filtration systems, helping to improve water quality and sustain local biodiversity.

Though winter slows some of the organization’s regular activities, Renaud-Langevin noted that work continues year-round. In the coming weeks, divers will enter the lake to collect winter data, filling a gap in existing research on zebra mussel activity in colder months. The organization is also preparing for the next season by bringing in interns and seeking new partners to support its conservation efforts.

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L’article Art and conservation est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

A new Léger study has found that a large majority of Quebecers are now ready to boycott the United States.

Following threats of tariffs and annexation by Donald Trump, 76% of Quebecers say they’re buying fewer products from the United States. 74% say they’re also less inclined to travel to the U.S.

71% of Quebecers no longer see the United States as a friendly country.

Earlier today, the City of Montreal announced that it had dropped Amazon from its list of suppliers, pledging to support more local businesses.

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

The post A large majority of Quebecers are ready to boycott the United States appeared first on Cult MTL.

A snowstorm in the Montreal area Thursday afternoon caused multiple collisions on Highway 10. The city began snow-clearing operations and is preparing for more snow and freezing drizzle over the coming days.

A Colombian man has been arraigned in the United States after being extradited from Canada on charges related to the smuggling of a 32-year-old Mexican woman who drowned shortly after having crossed the border into Champlain, N.Y., south of Montreal, in December 2023. 

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that the city had dropped Amazon from its list of suppliers in response to the still-looming tariff threat from the U.S. Plante pledged to buy local, or use international alternatives.

Amazon critics are also calling for a boycott following the closure of seven warehouses in Quebec, leading to a loss of 1,700 jobs in the province — 4,500 if subcontractors are included, according to the CSN union. Amazon is now facing legal action from CSN.

“The City of Montreal is stopping orders from Amazon until further notice. Despite the reprieve on tariffs, Montreal is not letting its guard down. We are combing through our supplier list to find local or international alternatives. We remain united and will buy locally when possible.”

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

The post The City of Montreal has dropped Amazon from its list of suppliers, pledges to buy local appeared first on Cult MTL.

Yvon Deshaies has pledged not to talk about Donald Trump days after saying the U.S. president 'is still my man,' despite looming tariffs which threaten local businesses.

Outliving the average lifespan of a white rhinoceros by nearly 10 years, Shaboola was the oldest animal in a zoological environment in Canada and the third oldest female in North America, according to Granby Zoo.

In this episode of This is Montreal, we look at how the rental increase formula works and hear why both tenants and landlords seem to want it to change.

All Guzzo movie theatres will be closed and put up for sale after a Quebec Superior Court judge ordered the transfer of all the chain's assets to a court-appointed trustee.

Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada says she will not seek re-election and instead is looking to become mayor of Montreal.

Mark Carney calls for a free Palestine, while Pierre Poilievre sucks up on fentanyl

While Trump lickspittle Pierre Poilievre promises to get tough on fentanyl, one Liberal Party candidate has forcefully condemned Trump’s intent to occupy Gaza.

Mark Carney further said he supports a free Palestinian state.

Poilievre couldn’t even oppose an obvious violation of international law.

Though it’s easy to be cynical about the Liberals’ record on Palestine, it’s worth noting Carney made an unambiguous statement underlining an independent Palestinian policy that puts him at odds with Netanyahu as much as Trump.

What we need from Carney now is a commitment to hold those responsible for previous violations of international law to account.

For more commentary about Montreal politics and culture, please visit Observations from Montreal.

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

The post Mark Carney calls for a free Palestine, while Pierre Poilievre sucks up on fentanyl appeared first on Cult MTL.

Restaurant dining is back, baby — and the temperature is dialed all the way up!

Last year, I predicted 2024 would be a great year for restaurants. Having recovered from the pandemic era and the rampant inflation that came with it, restaurants and patrons found themselves ready to rekindle the romance of the dining room.

There’s a lot of anticipation in 2025, and with a number of exciting restaurants rumoured to be opening in the coming months (from first-time restaurateurs and industry stalwarts alike), there’s certainly a lot to look forward to.

This year, as we compiled our restaurant guide, we were pleasantly surprised by the mix of new, relatively new and totally classic restaurants that made the selection. It’s a good sign for a dining scene to have this type of diversity and, to be honest — it reminds me of a version of our restaurant scene I worried we’d left back in the 2010s.

There’s renewed energy out there and a renewed appetite for dining out. With so much to fret about in the world these days, it really feels like now’s the time to eat while the eating’s good.

With that in mind, here’s our 2025 Restaurant Guide — it’s full of favourites throughout the city, and while it’s far from comprehensive, we think it covers a lot of bases and offers an excellent point of reference for where to eat well in the city. Bon app! ■

View Issue Now

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

The post The 2025 Montreal Restaurant Guide is here appeared first on Cult MTL.

The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow (Republic)

For his purported final album under his current moniker, the farewell from Toronto’s crown prince feels more akin to a painfully long Monday than “the Weeknd.” Over Hurry Up Tomorrow’s 22 tracks, Abel Tesfaye takes fans on a journey of his career’s past and present. From cheap rehashings of his House of Balloons era, all the way to cheap rehashings of his After Hours era, the album is a display of an artist with nothing new to offer. The Weeknd’s 14-year career has resulted in some truly magical moments. However, this curtain call finds us witnessing a magician who has already shown us his entire bag of tricks. 5/10 Trial Track: “I Can’t Wait to Get There”

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

The post The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow: REVIEW appeared first on Cult MTL.

In an intimate, interactive installation at MAI, artist Basel Zaraa attempts to answer his five-year-old daughter’s questions about the land he cannot take her to. Recreating his childhood home in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, the work offers a deeply personal yet universal story of displacement and resistance. Through one Palestinian family’s experience, Dear Laila reveals how war and exile shape everyday life, turning memory into a form of survival. Inviting in one viewer at a time, it is a testament to the power of storytelling in reclaiming lost places. All profits from ticket sales will support the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Dear Laila is on at the MAI (3680 Jeanne-Mance) from Feb. 7 to 22, free entry for Palestinians / PWYC (minimum $10). A free vernissage is happening on Feb. 6, 5 p.m.

For more on Montreal arts, please visit the Arts & Life section.

The post Dear Laila is an installation about Palestinian displacement, at the MAI Feb. 6 to 22 appeared first on Cult MTL.

Montreal police received multiple 911 calls around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday reporting the incident.

Many Quebecers, including a school in the Eastern Townships, are cancelling their trips to the United States in opposition of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have been paused for at least a month.

From 25 per cent tariff threats to calling Canada the 51st state, Quebecers are coming together with the rest of the country to find ways to showcase their Canadian patriotism and stand up to the U.S.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is urging the Quebec government to prioritize replacing the city’s oldest Metro cars, which have already outlived their life expectancy by 10 years.

A man was critically injured in Montreal after he likely slipped and fell under a city bus, according to police.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships Roots Facebook group, founded by Joel Barter, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. What began as a small online community has grown into a widely recognized historical and social hub with over 42,700 members. The group has not only preserved local history but also fostered connections among people with ties to the region.

Barter created the group in response to changes in an existing online community dedicated to the Eastern Townships. “I didn’t want to hijack the group,” he said, explaining in a recent interview that as rules became stricter and the focus of a previous group shifted primarily to landscape photography, he saw an opportunity to create a space dedicated to history and genealogy. “I had a lot of people saying, ‘Yeah, that would be cool. Can you start another one?’ So I did a little poll, and that’s how we got Eastern Townships Roots.”

The group gained traction quickly, with Barter using his own collection of family photos and postcards to engage early members. Over time, participation has remained strong as new contributors have come forward with their own materials. “I’ve been lucky where, once every year, there’s one or two people that post a lot, and then when they run out, someone else comes on board,” he explained. He also credits daily engagement strategies, such as changing the group’s profile picture every morning, for keeping members active. “People wake up, see the new photo, and start talking about it. It maintains dialogue on a daily basis.”

Barter’s interest in history stems from his childhood, influenced by his grandfather’s local knowledge and the writings of historian David Hosking. This passion has fueled Eastern Townships Roots, which has led to some remarkable discoveries. One of the most significant was a chance connection with Hosking’s son, who had joined the group under an alias. “I thought it was the real David Hosking at first!” Barter recalled. “It was pretty cool to find out his son had been following the group and was part of it.”

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L’article Eastern Townships Roots marks five years of community connection est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Quebec businesses brace for impact

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec businesses are facing uncertainty as new possible tariffs imposed by the U.S. threaten cross-border trade. With industries from Christmas tree farming to granite production bracing for potential economic shocks, local business owners are strategizing on how to navigate the shifting trade landscape.

Christmas tree growers fear major losses

Jimmy Downey, owner of Downey Tree Farm and Nursery in Hatley and a board member of the Quebec Association of Christmas Tree Producers, emphasized the stakes for the industry. “Quebec exports nearly two million trees to the U.S. each year,” he said. “For producers, a 25 per cent tariff is a major hit.”

Downey, whose nursery sends between 40-50 per cent of its transplants south, explained that price hikes could drive customers toward artificial trees. “We’re already at a breaking point where consumers hesitate to pay for a natural tree when an artificial one is just a few dollars more,” he said. If prices climb, many customers may switch permanently. “Once they go artificial, we lose them for years.”

The industry is exploring alternative markets in Mexico, Aruba, and Central America, but Downey stressed the challenge of finding new buyers quickly. “It takes 10 to 15 years to grow a Christmas tree. American buyers can’t just replace our supply overnight. For the next 15 years, someone will have to absorb that 25 per cent.”

Adding to the pressure, Quebec has historically been a Christmas tree powerhouse due to its cold climate, which naturally preserves trees for longer periods and eliminates pests. “Our trees are fresh and pest-free when shipped, unlike those from warmer regions where pests can survive transport,” Downey said.

Downey also highlighted the impact on seasonal workers who depend on the Christmas tree industry. “If exports drop, that means fewer jobs for the people who cut, bundle, and ship the trees. The ripple effect could be massive for small towns that rely on this seasonal employment.”

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L’article Trade war fallout est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

With U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat temporarily on hold, Canadian policymakers are refocusing on an issue closer to home: interprovincial trade barriers. Despite years of promises to create a freer flow of goods and services within the country, progress remains slow. Why is it so difficult to break down these barriers? We spoke with Renaud Brossard, vice-president of communications at the Montreal Economic Institute, to find out.

Quebec manufacturers are announcing layoffs they are attributing to the threat of United States tariffs, expected to come into effect in a month. 

The threat of tariffs and lingering economic volatility has prompted the Quebec government to reconsider a pipeline project bringing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from western Canada to the province before shipping it overseas. 

Canadian pantyhose-maker Sheertex is temporarily laying off 40 per cent of the company's staff, in part because of tariffs the U.S. has promised to place on Canadian goods, the company's CEO said on Wednesday.

When it comes to home decor, window treatments often get overlooked. Yet, the right blinds and shades can transform your space, adding both style and functionality. Investing in custom blinds shades might seem like a splurge, but the benefits they bring make it worth every penny. Here’s why.

Elevate Your Home’s Aesthetic

Custom blinds shades are designed to fit your home’s unique style. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom-made window treatments come in a variety of colors, materials, and textures. Whether your decor leans modern, rustic, or classic, custom options ensure a perfect match that enhances your interiors.

Imagine having blinds that align perfectly with your living room’s color palette or shades that add a touch of luxury to your bedroom. This level of personalization not only makes your home look polished but also creates a cohesive design throughout.

Perfect Fit for Any Window Size

Standard blinds often fall short when dealing with unique or oversized windows. Custom blinds shades, on the other hand, are tailored to your window dimensions. This ensures a snug fit that not only looks professional but also functions flawlessly. No more gaps letting in unwanted light or uneven blinds that ruin the aesthetic.

From bay windows to patio doors, custom solutions are made to handle any window shape or size. Plus, the seamless fit adds an extra layer of insulation, keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Enhanced Light Control and Privacy

Custom blinds shades give you the flexibility to control natural light in your home. Whether you prefer soft, filtered sunlight or complete darkness, custom options make it easy to achieve the perfect ambiance. For example, zebra shades allow you to alternate between light-filtering and blackout modes, offering versatility for any time of day.

Privacy is another crucial factor. With custom blinds, you can ensure your home stays private without sacrificing style.

Superior Material Quality

Off-the-shelf window treatments often use lower-quality materials that wear out quickly. Custom blinds shades are crafted with durability in mind, using premium fabrics, metals, or woods that stand the test of time. This not only ensures longevity but also keeps your home looking fresh for years to come.

Premium materials also provide additional benefits, like UV protection for your furniture and floors. By investing in custom blinds, you’re also protecting the rest of your home from sun damage.

Energy Efficiency That Saves You Money

Did you know that custom blinds shades can reduce your energy bills? Properly fitted window coverings help regulate indoor temperatures by keeping heat out in the summer and retaining warmth during the winter. Options like therma shades provide excellent insulation, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.

This energy efficiency doesn’t just save you money, it also reduces your environmental footprint. For homeowners looking to go green, custom window treatments are a small yet impactful step in the right direction.

Easy Maintenance and Advanced Features

Maintaining custom blinds shades is surprisingly easy. Many options are designed with low-maintenance materials that repel dust and are simple to clean. Plus, modern advancements mean you can choose motorized or cordless systems for added convenience and safety.

Motorized blinds can be controlled with a remote or smartphone app, letting you adjust them without leaving your couch. Cordless options are perfect for homes with children or pets, eliminating potential hazards while keeping your windows looking neat.

A Long-Term Investment in Your Home

While the upfront cost of custom blinds shades might be higher, they’re a long-term investment that pays off. Their durability means you won’t have to replace them frequently, saving you money over time. Additionally, high-quality window treatments can increase your home’s resale value by making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Investing in custom blinds shades is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about functionality, energy savings, and enhancing your daily life. From creating a polished look to boosting comfort and efficiency, these window treatments truly transform your space.

The Bottom Line

Custom blinds shades are more than a luxury; they’re a smart investment for any homeowner. With their perfect fit, superior quality, and practical benefits, they’re worth every penny. So why settle for generic options when you can elevate your home with custom solutions designed just for you? Start exploring your options today and discover how these window treatments can make a difference in your home.

The post Why Custom Blinds Shades Are Worth the Investment for Your Home appeared first on Cult MTL.

Quebec City’s mayor says booing the hockey players — aged 11 and 12 — doesn’t send the right message.

Gilles Lehouillier, who served as mayor for more than 10 years, was a champion of the idea of a third link between Quebec City and Lévis.

Lengthy decontamination work has forced hundreds of elite athletes to train elsewhere ever since a fire broke out at the base of the Olympics Stadium tower on March 21, 2024.

Short-term rental owners in Chelsea, Que., have until March 1 to find $750 to pay the municipality, or risk losing their permits. That's a sharp increase from the previous rate of up to $85.

Did you have That One Teacher who recognized your potential? Supported you? Had a positive impact on your life? We want to hear your story.

Despite looming tariffs, the mayor of Louiseville, Que., has recently voiced his support for U.S. President Donald Trump. Now, a resident and business are considering pulling donations to the town.

With all parties seemingly unified in the face of a common threat, the province’s leaders are focusing on readying Quebec’s economy for the looming tariffs from the U.S., and any other similar challanges in the future.

Jean Charest on trade, Trump, and the future of U.S.-Canada relations

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With Donald Trump currently serving as President of the United States, Canada faces a rapidly evolving trade landscape that could have significant economic repercussions. Trump has taken a firm stance on trade policy, threatening to impose tariffs on key trading partners and pushing for a re-evaluation of long-standing agreements.

According to The Globe and Mail, the latest round of tariff threats has raised concerns among Canadian manufacturers, particularly in the auto and agricultural sectors. Meanwhile, CBC News reports that federal officials are preparing countermeasures to protect domestic industries and mitigate potential economic fallout. Against this backdrop, lawyer and former Quebec Premier Jean Charest provides insight into how Canada can navigate these challenges and protect its economic interests.

“I’m part of two councils,” Charest explained from Florida in a Feb. 4 interview. “One is the U.S.-Canada Trade Council, which is a private sector organization. The other is the Prime Minister’s advisory committee, which is a group of people selected by the prime minister to be debriefed on negotiations and to offer advice.” While these groups operate independently, they share a common goal: addressing the challenges posed by the evolving U.S.-Canada trade relationship.

Navigating a shifting trade landscape

Charest described the current period, in which Trump has delayed his 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods by 30 days, as an opportunity for Canada and the U.S. to develop a common understanding of trade priorities. “This period will allow us to read from a common song sheet in regards to what are the facts and what are the issues,” he said. One of the most pressing matters is the use of tariffs as a political tool. “The use of tariffs to try to sanction Canada is way, way, way disproportionate,” Charest stated. He stressed that any meaningful discussion must start with recognizing the deep economic interdependence between the two countries. “It isn’t just a matter of saying, ‘I’m bigger, you’re smaller.’ It’s a lot more complex than that.”

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L’article Canada at a crossroads est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Feb. 3 meeting of the North Hatley town council, presided over by Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish with about 10 residents in attendance, discussions focused on securing funding for the town’s master plan, addressing the ongoing deer issue, and various municipal projects.

Master plan funding secured

The town received confirmation that the roughly $122,000 necessary to fund the master plan, provided by an anonymous donor through the Ottawa Community Foundation, will move forward as planned. The money will be disbursed in phases according to the payment schedule agreed upon with the hired consulting firm. Mayor Davis-Gerrish confirmed receipt of a letter from the foundation detailing the funding arrangement. The master plan is a unified project aimed at renewing the town’s downtown core and is available on the town’s website.

In addition, a steering committee has been formed to oversee the master plan’s development and ensure transparency between the firm and residents. The committee will include Mayor Davis-Gerrish, Councillor Danielle Dupré, and three citizens. The committee’s mandate is to facilitate communication and ensure the project meets its intended objectives.

Deer overpopulation remains a concern

The ongoing deer problem was a major topic of discussion. Residents expressed frustration over the growing deer population and its impact on local vegetation. One resident pointed out that the animals have become unafraid of humans, saying, “They just stand there and look at you.”

Council members acknowledged that multiple communications have been issued to residents regarding feeding restrictions, but the issue persists. It was noted that some residents continue to feed birds, inadvertently attracting deer. The council is exploring various management strategies, including sterilization programs like those used in other regions. A guest speaker is expected to present potential solutions to the public in April.

The council also referenced deer culls, conducted on occasion in Quebec, where the meat can be processed and distributed. However, it was cautioned that if the town were to pursue a cull, community support would be necessary to avoid backlash.

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L’article North Hatley council discusses master plan, deer problem, local projects est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Quebec's police watchdog has launched an investigation after a motorist, allegedly fleeing from police in one of three cars stolen overnight, caused a multi-vehicle collision in a Montreal suburb.

A new documentary, La Fête des Pères (Father’s Day), premieres Tuesday night at the Cinéma du Musée in Montreal. Directed by Montreal filmmaker and one of CBC Quebec's 2024 Black Changemakers Ayana O’Shun, the film delves into the profound impact of absent fathers on Black families across North America. For O’Shun, this exploration isn’t just societal, it’s deeply personal.

A track switch issue disrupted service on Montreal’s light-rail network on Tuesday morning, forcing commuters to take shuttle buses during rush hour.

While the imminent threat of the United States imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods was seemingly averted on Monday, the fact that it’s merely been delayed for one month suggests that the possibility of the U.S. inflicting serious harm to our economy is still very real. Momentum for a boycott on U.S. products — and, more importantly, a drive to buy Canadian instead — was building in the lead-up to the Trump-imposed “deadline.” Today, many Canadians are still pledging to buy Canadian and calling for others to proceed with these changes to shopping and consumption habits — even if it means tempering your dependency on American products and services.

On the upside, it’s actually fun to learn about what products are Canadian and how to determine their Canadian-ness, and to explore the Canadian alternatives to U.S. products that we buy. While there are lots of brand graphics, lists and charts floating around on social media, resources like Made in CA have made it their sole mission to keep Canadians informed about how to buy Canadian groceries, home, personal and pet care products, electronics, clothes, furniture, toys and games, sports equipment, tools and more.

For the full list, please visit the Made in CA website.

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

The post Tariffs or no tariffs — Buy Canadian anyway appeared first on Cult MTL.

As it prepares to move to Atwater Avenue, Resilience Montreal is seeking $350,000 from the province to cover for its operational shortfall. The day shelter serves up to 1,000 meals a day to unhoused people in downtown Montreal.

The post ‘We did not ask for this,’ Trudeau says in response to Trump’s tariffs appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The post Bonhomme’s Ice Palace only days away from welcoming visitors appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.