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More than 50,000 clients are without electricity in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Montréal-Nord and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has taken over the legacy of CS:GO, continuing its tradition of highly sought-after weapon skins. CS2 cases remain a primary source of some of the most expensive and rare skins, with players spending thousands of dollars to obtain them. The value of these skins is influenced by factors such as rarity, pattern variations, condition and market demand. Some skins are even considered investment pieces due to their increasing value over time.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive skins from CS2 cases, breaking down what makes them so valuable and sought-after in the gaming community.

Top 10 Most Expensive Skins from CS2 Cases

1. AK-47 | Case Hardened (Blue Gem) – The Rarest from CS2 Cases

The AK-47 | Case Hardened is one of the most legendary skins in CS2 history, particularly the “Blue Gem” variant. This variation features a pattern where the majority of the weapon is covered in a vibrant blue hue, making it highly valuable among collectors.

Why is it expensive?

• Extremely rare pattern (scarcity of full blue coverage)
• High demand from collectors and traders
• Price tags reaching $100,000+ for the best patterns

With only a handful of perfect Blue Gem AK-47s in circulation, this skin remains an elite status symbol in CS2.

2. AWP | Dragon Lore – A Timeless Treasure

The AWP | Dragon Lore has long been one of the most expensive skins in Counter-Strike history, and it continues to dominate in CS2. Originally introduced in the Cobblestone Collection, this skin is especially valuable in Souvenir form, featuring team stickers from major tournaments.

Why is it expensive?

• Extremely rare due to limited case availability
• Iconic design and historical significance
• Souvenir editions with desirable stickers can exceed $200,000

With Cobblestone cases no longer dropping, the value of Dragon Lore skins will only rise.

3. Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem) – A Collector’s Dream

Much like the AK-47, the Karambit | Case Hardened has an ultra-rare Blue Gem pattern that commands astonishing prices.

Why is it expensive?

• Rare full-blue blade patterns
• Demand from knife collectors
• Some versions have sold for over $1 million

This knife is considered one of the ultimate collector’s items in CS2 cases, with prices continuously rising due to scarcity.

4. M4A4 | Howl – The Banned and Limited CS2 Case Skin

The M4A4 | Howl holds a special place in CS2 history as the only skin to ever be banned and discontinued due to copyright issues. Because of this, it was removed from cases, making existing versions even more valuable.

Why is it expensive?

• No longer obtainable from cases
• Unique and controversial history
• Factory New versions can sell for over $10,000

Since no more Howls can be unboxed, its rarity and exclusivity make it a prized possession.

5. Butterfly Knife | Doppler (Ruby & Sapphire) – A High-End Luxury

The Butterfly Knife is one of the most desirable knives in CS2, and Doppler patterns—particularly Ruby, Sapphire, and Black Pearl—are the most expensive variants.

Why is it expensive?

• Stunning animated finish
• High demand among collectors
• Sapphire and Ruby versions sell for $15,000+

The Butterfly Knife | Doppler Sapphire is widely considered one of the most visually appealing skins in the game.

6. AK-47 | Fire Serpent – A Classic Investment

Introduced in the Operation Bravo Case, the AK-47 | Fire Serpent is one of the most expensive AK skins due to its old-school charm and limited supply.

Why is it expensive?

• One of the most recognizable and classic skins
• Limited case drops make it increasingly rare
• Factory New versions sell for over $8,000

Despite its age, the Fire Serpent remains a strong investment choice for collectors.

7. Glock-18 | Fade – A Small but Expensive Skin

While not a rifle or knife, the Glock-18 | Fade is still among the most expensive pistol skins due to its clean fade gradient and rarity.

Why is it expensive?

• A perfect 100% fade pattern is highly valuable
• Available only in old cases, making supply limited
• Factory New versions can reach $5,000+

This pistol skin is a must-have for players who value luxury even in smaller weapons.

8. StatTrak M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web – A Deadly Beauty

The M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web is one of the most valuable knife skins in CS2, particularly in Factory New condition with a centered web pattern.

Why is it expensive?

• Crimson Web pattern rarity increases value
• Factory New and StatTrak versions sell for $10,000+

For collectors who want a stylish and prestigious knife, this is a top-tier choice.

9. Souvenir AWP | Gungnir – The New Generation of Expensive Skins

A relatively newer entry, the AWP | Gungnir has quickly gained value due to its gorgeous Norse-inspired design and rarity.

Why is it expensive?

• Limited collection availability
• One of the most visually stunning AWP skins
• Factory New versions sell for $15,000+

It’s expected that Gungnir will continue rising in price as supply diminishes.

10. Karambit | Fade – The Iconic CS2 Knife

The Karambit | Fade is one of the most iconic and recognizable knife skins in CS2 cases.

Why is it expensive?

• Full-fade patterns are the most sought-after
• One of the most stylish and prestigious knife skins
• High-end versions sell for $8,000+

Its sleek design and status as a classic make it a staple in the expensive skin market.

Why Are Some Skins from CS2 Cases So Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high price of these skins:

1. Rarity – Limited supply due to discontinued cases.
2. Pattern Variations – Some skins have specific patterns that make them unique.
3. Factory New vs. Battle-Scarred – Condition affects price dramatically.
4. Market Demand – Popular skins gain high collector interest.
5. Third-Party Trading & Gambling – Skin markets influence pricing trends.

Final Thoughts

The world of CS2 cases continues to fuel a thriving economy of high-value skins, with some reaching staggering prices. Whether for investment or pure aesthetic appeal, these skins remain status symbols in the Counter-Strike community. As time passes and supply dwindles, their value is expected to rise even further.

However, buyers should be cautious of market fluctuations and potential scams when investing in high-tier skins. It’s always best to use reputable trading platforms and verify authenticity before making expensive purchases. With the right approach, owning rare CS2 skins can be both a thrilling experience and a lucrative investment.

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The Quebec Superior Court has found that Hydro-Québec acted in institutional bad faith in its dealings with the Innu First Nation of Uashat and Mani-Utenam, failing to honour an agreement reached with the community during the development of the La Romaine hydroelectric complex a decade ago.

Caucus meeting fosters collaboration in the Eastern Townships

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In an effort to strengthen connections within the Eastern Townships, Denis Kotsoros, Executive Director of the Townshippers’ Association, shared insights into a recent caucus meeting with MNAs from the region. Held Jan. 17 at the National Cycling Centre in Bromont, this gathering brought together key English-speaking and community organizations alongside provincial representatives to discuss shared challenges and foster collaboration.

“This is the first time in a long while that the Townshippers’ Association was invited to such a meeting,” Kotsoros said. He credited the pandemic for breaking long-standing lines of communication, stating, “We had to start over, rebuilding trust and confidence with political leaders after years of disconnection.” He noted that prior to this outreach effort, many political figures had little to no contact with English-speaking community organizations. “It wasn’t just us. COVID isolated many organizations,” he explained, adding that the pandemic’s fallout caused a significant lapse in advocacy efforts.

The meeting featured representatives from several organizations, including Kandy Mackey of the Eastern Townships School Board, Don Warnholtz of the Townshippers’ Association, Katie Lowry and Sophie Nagle from Phelps Helps, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sébastien Lebel-Grenier of Bishop’s University. Political attendees included MNAs Isabelle Charest (Brome-Missisquoi), François Bonnardel (Granby), Geneviève Hébert (Saint-François), and André Bachand (Richmond).

Discussions focused on socio-economic concerns impacting both the English-speaking population and the broader region. Kotsoros highlighted pressing issues, including the aging population, youth out-migration, and growing poverty. “Our communities are facing reduced entrepreneurial activity and financial instability,” he said. He elaborated that the English-speaking community often serves as a “canary in the coal mine” for Quebec’s broader social challenges. “What’s happening to us now will happen to the general community in five to ten years,” he warned, citing their minority status as a factor that magnifies the effects of socio-economic shifts.

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L’article “A community-wide challenge” est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Language Meetup, a long-running community-driven event, is gearing up for its 176th gathering this Thursday, Jan. 23, at Datoni Pronto, a Brazilian-owned pizzeria on Jacques-Cartier Boulevard. The meetup offers a welcoming space for attendees to practice languages, share cultures, and build connections.

Anna-Lissa Raymond, the primary organizer since 2016, described Jan. 17 the event as a hub for language learners and cultural enthusiasts. “We’ve been running for about 10 years, and it’s really become a family,” she said. “People just feel welcome from the get-go.”

Originally inspired by language events in Montreal, the Sherbrooke Language Meetup was initially held in bars. However, Raymond’s leadership brought a shift to more inclusive venues. “At a bar is not always where everyone feels at home,” she explained, citing the need for spaces that cater to diverse backgrounds and preferences. Winter meetups are often held indoors, while summer gatherings take place in various parks around the city, promoting exploration of Sherbrooke’s locales.

The events draw participants from all walks of life, ranging from students to retirees, with attendees speaking a wide array of languages, including French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The upcoming meetup at Datoni Pronto underscores this diversity. Owned by a Brazilian immigrant who has lived in Sherbrooke for 15 years, the pizzeria serves not only Italian cuisine but also Brazilian specialties like coxinhas, offering attendees a taste of international flavours.

“We’re excited to discover Datoni Pronto and introduce it to our community,” said Raymond. “It’s part of our mission to help people get to know these unique places.”

A typical Language Meetup evening is loosely organized, allowing attendees the freedom to converse in any language they choose or simply observe. Raymond explained that the event is designed to be stress-free. “You come as you are,” she said. “There’s nothing forced, and everybody takes you as you are. If you’re shy and just want to listen, that’s fine too.”

Raymond and her team make an effort to pair participants based on their language interests. For instance, someone learning Portuguese might be seated with a Brazilian attendee to encourage dialogue. “We try to know our people and target connections,” she said. “It’s really amazing to see those interactions happen.”

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Moviegoers will no longer be able to visit Guzzo cinemas in Marché Central in Montreal's Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough and in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

Best Friends Family Diner sits at the intersection of New York and Vermont states on the border with Quebec, just a few kilometres from Roxham Road, an unofficial border crossing where thousands of asylum seekers walked into Canada before it effectively closed in 2023.

The Quebec government is planning on building a high school in the town of Prévost, Que., about 73 kilometres northwest of Montreal.

Montreal needs to come up with a plan to avoid dismantling homeless encampments and supervise them when necessary, according to a new city-commissioned report.

With her fragile Marilyn Monroe voice, Pamela Anderson delivers a quietly dynamic performance in The Last Showgirl. Thrust into the limelight due to her body and the enduring humiliations that cascaded through her life, Anderson’s actual history lends the film an aura that transcends the story of a showgirl unwilling and unable to retire. More than just creative typecasting, though, Anderson undeniably brings a tenderness that uplifts a film that is otherwise not especially interesting. With the softness of her voice and the self-aware performance of her body, she captures a wistful elegance that wavers between delusion and grace.

Once a headliner for one of the biggest shows in Las Vegas, Shelly (Pamela Anderson) seems to love her life as a showgirl. Embracing the feathery glamour of her position, she sees herself as an artist who has sacrificed nearly everything for her craft. Her Hollywood persona imbued with softened feminine fragility is part of a larger package of being a jewel of the Las Vegas strip. But after learning that the longtime show will be closed in a couple of weeks, Shelly is forced to reckon with her past as she looks towards an uncertain future.

The Last Showgirl is a watchable film; Anderson drives a lot of the appeal, working around a screenplay that feels half-baked. The movie hits many predictable beats, a kind of Nomadland for the showgirl set. It’s a film about outsiders and artists wandering through a system that offers them very little stability and security, particularly into their old age. The ideas are interesting in a broad sense, but only feel half-examined. The movie’s narrative trajectory feels predictable and rushed-through, leaving very little room for introspection.

Aesthetically, the film’s soft-toned pastel colour scheme looks quite beautiful. Otherwise, though, the handheld aesthetic and pop-editing feels a little too Tumblr to have any deep impact. The movie lacks a cohesive vision, swinging from naturalism to artifice without much consideration. With very little of the showgirl performances being shown, we rely heavily on how people describe the show to understand it. On one hand, it allows us to buy into Shelly’s delusion that what she’s engaged in might be high art; on the other, the reveal that it’s cheap burlesque borders on a cruel joke on an already vulnerable character.

Outside of the show, the way the film deals with family feels very half-hazard. Anderson’s relationship with her daughter seems like an afterthought, and the consequences of her life choices don’t carry much weight. The parallels between that relationship and the ones that Shelly develops with some of her young colleagues searching for parental figures leave a lot to be desired. They reveal an aspect of Shelly’s personality that are unlikeable, but the casual self-centredness she displays feel more like plot points than fully embodied ideas.

Among the supporting cast, Dave Bautista is a clear standout. He delivers a subdued and sympathetic role as the show’s producer. Like Anderson, Bautista’s career has long been defined by his physicality and here we see the full range of his acting ability. With the exception of Jamie Lee Curtis, who delivers an embarrassingly messy and inconsistent performance, much of the rest of the actors are good to serviceable.

In the end, there isn’t much to say about The Last Showgirl. It’s a film that has some interesting ideas conceptually but ultimately doesn’t really go the full distance to explore them. At best, it’s a beautiful tribute to Pamela Anderson, a charismatic performer who is rarely given the chance to showcase the full range of her talents. ■

The Last Showgirl is now playing in Montreal theatres.

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With a polar vortex in effect in Montreal and across much of Canada and the U.S. this week, nearly 200 emergency shelter spaces for the homeless have opened at the YMCA Downtown and at the STM premises in Ville Saint-Laurent.

The YMCA Downtown opened 135 spaces on Sunday night, to remain in place for a minimum of three nights (from 5 p.m. till 9 a.m.), while the STM is providing 60 additional spaces.

Overnight low temperatures between -20 and -25 C are expected in Montreal as the polar vortex continues through Wednesday.

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Tariffs proposed by Donald Trump would clearly have a direct impact on Canadian exporters, but the effects would not end there, especially if a trade war ensues.

Bonin won the Stanley Cup four times — first in 1955 with the Detroit Red Wings and then three years in a row with Montreal from 1958 to 1960.

Local community leaders honoured with King Charles III coronation medals

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a celebration of dedication, service, and community spirit, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton—Stanstead, awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals to 21 individuals on Jan. 16 at the Old Lennoxville Golf Club. The recipients, selected for their significant contributions to the region, join a distinguished group of only 30,000 Canadians to receive the honour.

“These medals are awarded to people for whom this recognition truly means something,” Bibeau shared during an interview prior to the event. “Community organizations in the riding were invited to nominate individuals who are deeply involved in their communities, and every single nomination was accepted.” She emphasized the heartfelt importance of the awards, which honour individuals whose efforts have positively impacted collective well-being.

The list of medal recipients includes a diverse range of community builders, each with their own remarkable story of service, as outlined by information from Bibeau’s office:

Robert Parenteau served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1982, including deployments in Germany and Bosnia. As a former commander of the 52nd and 55th Field Ambulance units, he has been a steady presence in military and civilian volunteering, notably with the Sherbrooke Optimist Club and Sherbrooke Youth Symphony Orchestra. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Parenteau is recognized for his mentorship of young cadets and his active role in organizing community events aimed at fostering youth development. His dedication to service extends to coordinating local fundraising efforts to support military families in need.

Mathieu Poisson, a landscaping instructor at Coaticook Vocational Training Centre, has inspired students to excel through Skills Canada competitions, helping them achieve national and international recognition. Under his guidance, students have developed innovative projects that showcase their creativity and technical skills. Mr. Poisson’s commitment to education includes organizing workshops and hands-on training sessions that prepare his students for real-world challenges in landscaping and environmental design.

Matthew Farfan, Executive Director of the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network, is celebrated for his tireless efforts in preserving the heritage and history of Quebec’s English-speaking communities. A prolific writer and researcher, he has authored numerous books and articles that document the unique cultural fabric of the Eastern Townships. Mr. Farfan’s leadership extends to collaborating with local museums and historical societies to promote educational programs and exhibitions.

Jack Garneau, a longtime municipal councillor, has contributed over three decades to community service across Sawyerville and Cookshire-Eaton, along with volunteering for local organizations. In addition to his municipal roles, he has been instrumental in organizing community festivals and advocating for infrastructure projects that benefit local residents. Mr. Garneau’s steadfast dedication to his community has earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Luc Ouellet, a former Canadian Armed Forces officer, now leads efforts to expand the Coopérative du Ruisseau de Weedon, working towards creating 40 new housing units. His extensive experience in logistics and infrastructure has been pivotal in shaping sustainable housing solutions for the region. Mr. Ouellet also volunteers his time mentoring young professionals in project management and community development.

Gilles Denis, owner of a Cookshire grocery store, has championed cultural projects like an art gallery and a house of culture, fostering local artistic expression. Beyond promoting the arts, Mr. Denis has been a generous supporter of local charities and initiatives aimed at alleviating food insecurity. His entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on the community.

Eugène Gagné, mayor of Weedon and deputy prefect for the MRC du Haut-St-François, has been a force in cultural and housing initiatives, including the new cooperative housing project in Weedon. His leadership extends to environmental advocacy, where he has championed sustainable development practices. Mr. Gagné’s involvement in numerous committees underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.

Elizabeth Keeler, a Champlain College student, has been a role model for youth leadership, organizing events and volunteering with Phelps Helps in Stanstead. She has also spearheaded initiatives to promote mental health awareness among her peers and collaborated with local organizations to enhance educational opportunities for youth. Ms. Keeler’s energy and passion for community service inspire those around her.

Derek Spiers, a former Royal Navy serviceman, now advocates for veterans through Veterans UN-NATO, helping break isolation for those with PTSD. His outreach efforts include organizing support groups and facilitating access to mental health resources for veterans. Mr. Spiers’ dedication has helped create a strong network of support for veterans and their families.

David Gilbert Woodard, a retired firefighter and longtime volunteer, continues to serve Stanstead through various community roles. Whether assisting seniors with transportation or supporting local schools, Mr. Woodard exemplifies the spirit of selfless service. His decades of involvement with the Stanstead Legion highlight his unwavering commitment to veterans and their families.

Eleanor Ford-Beaulieu, a retired nurse and educator, remains active in palliative care volunteering, offering comfort to patients in their final hours. She has also played a vital role in training volunteers for end-of-life care, ensuring that patients and their families receive compassionate support. Ms. Ford-Beaulieu’s kindness and expertise have touched countless lives.

Keith Langevin, a 50-year member of ANAF Unit #318, has become a cornerstone of the organization’s activities and history. His leadership in planning events and fostering camaraderie among members has strengthened the organization’s community presence. Mr. Langevin’s contributions extend to mentoring younger members and preserving the unit’s legacy.

Kevin McIver, former president of Unit #318, is recognized for guiding the unit through financial difficulties and supporting provincial operations. His strategic vision and commitment to volunteerism have revitalized the organization, ensuring its continued success. Mr. McIver’s efforts have also inspired others to take on leadership roles within the community.

Andrew Letemplier, director of the ANAF volunteer committee, brings cheer to isolated members and aids in numerous community events. From organizing holiday drives to coordinating transportation for medical appointments, Mr. Letemplier’s generosity has made a tangible difference in the lives of many. His positive attitude and unwavering dedication embody the spirit of community service.

Normand Roy, co-founder of Bobines Fish Farm, revolutionized aquaculture in Quebec with sustainable practices, leaving a legacy through his family and published memoirs. His innovative approach to fish farming has set a benchmark for environmental responsibility. Mr. Roy’s contributions to the industry have earned him recognition as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture.

Peter McHarg, a city councillor in Ayer’s Cliff and long-time Ayer’s Cliff Fair board member, has supported municipal and cultural events for over 40 years. His dedication to preserving local traditions and fostering community engagement has enriched the region’s cultural heritage. Mr. McHarg’s tireless efforts continue to inspire future generations.

Brian Jackson Merrett, a photographer dedicated to architectural heritage, inspired conservation movements in Montreal and beyond. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of preserving historical landmarks. Mr. Merrett’s legacy lives on through his photographs, which serve as a testament to the beauty and significance of Quebec’s architectural history.

Marcella Davis Gerrish, mayor of North Hatley, has devoted over 35 years to the community, focusing on recreation and mutual support. Her initiatives have included creating programs for youth and seniors, fostering intergenerational connections. Ms. Davis Gerrish’s leadership has been a driving force behind many community improvements.

The Hon. David Price, a former MP and mayor of Lennoxville, has contributed extensively to veterans’ affairs and local governance, continuing his work with Grace Village Care Foundation. His advocacy for seniors and veterans has led to numerous community enhancements. Mr. Price’s dedication to public service remains a source of inspiration.

Sharon McCully, publisher of The Record, has led initiatives like Operation Backpack and Secret Santa, providing vital support to families and children. Her work in journalism has highlighted local issues and amplified the voices of marginalized communities. Ms. McCully’s efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many.

Benoit Tremblay, a dedicated Cadet Instructors Cadre officer and director general of North Hatley, exemplifies the spirit of giving back through countless hours of volunteerism. His mentorship of young cadets has shaped future leaders, and his involvement in local projects has strengthened the community’s fabric.

Each of these individuals embodies the medal’s purpose: recognizing passion and community commitment. The event underscored the importance of collective support and the significant impact of local contributions.

As Bibeau aptly summarized, “It is their work and dedication that strengthen our communities and make them vibrant and inclusive places to live.”

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L’article Exceptional contributions est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Chimney fire in North Hatley contained

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A tragic and busy day for local fire crews unfolded on Jan. 16, as a man in his 60s died after falling through thin ice on Lake Memphremagog near Fitch Bay. Later that afternoon, firefighters responded to a chimney fire in North Hatley, underlining the critical importance of winter safety.

Fatal incident on Lake Memphremagog

At approximately 11:50 a.m., emergency services were called to Lake Memphremagog after a man was reported to have fallen through the ice. His family, concerned when they could not reach him, alerted authorities, who arrived roughly 15 minutes later.

According to Stanstead Township Fire Battalion Chief Brian Wharry who led the recovery, the call involved teams from Station 2 in Fitch Bay and Station 3 in Ayer’s Cliff. Using a Polar 75 rescue boat and ropes, the certified ice water rescue team reached the man, who was unconscious by the time firefighters arrived. “The rescue operation was carried out under very challenging conditions due to the thin ice,” Wharry said in an interview the same day.

Despite the team’s rapid response, the man was eventually pronounced deceased. On Jan. 17, Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Laurie Avoine confirmed the cause of death as hypothermia. Wharry noted that the ice was only a few inches thick where the man fell, adding, “We are seeing more freeze-thaw cycles, which result in weaker ice that is far less predictable.”

Dany Brus, director of Régie Incendie Memphrémagog Est, emphasized in an earlier conversation that knowledge of local ice conditions is essential for safety. “You need to know the lake,” he said. “Some areas may look safe but can be dangerously thin.” Brus also stressed the importance of safety measures, such as carrying ice picks and checking ice thickness before venturing out.

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L’article Man dies after falling through ice on Lake Memphremagog est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Kati Tabin had a goal and an assist for her first two points of the season as the Montreal Victoire held off the Ottawa Charge 2-1 Sunday in a Professional Women's Hockey Game before a sold-out crowd at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.

After a period of mild winter temperatures, Quebec is set to experience extreme cold weather in the next three days.

A new study by the Angus Reid Institute has found that just 26% of Americans support Donald Trump placing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the United States. Canada is preparing retaliatory tariffs that will take effect as early as Jan. 20, when Trump is sworn in.

A previous Angus Reid study found that Trump voters were far more likely to support major tariffs on goods imported from China, Mexico and India rather than the United Kingdom and Canada.

Americans are twice as likely to oppose Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods (50%) than support them.

“Donald Trump has talked extensively about increasing the number and intensity of tariffs on foreign nations, a move that economists predict could have compounding and disastrous outcomes for the U.S. and the rest of the globe. A tariff is a form of tax imposed on imports from another country. It is notable that in broadly accepted economic theory, tariffs are paid for by consumers in the home nation. Tariffs are thought to protect domestic industries, but often at the cost of efficiency. Critics have noted that while Trump and his economic advisors have stated that they will use tariffs to reduce America’s trade deficit, it actually grew in his first term by 25% after his administration imposed tariffs on goods including steel and aluminum.”

A universal tariff of 10% is estimated to cost each American household an average of $2,000 per year, while a 20% tariff would cost the average American household $3,900 per year.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from Jan. 10 to 13, 2025, among a representative randomized sample of 2,027 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.

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Vincenzo Mercadante, owner and master tailor at a men's clothing store in Montreal's Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood, is hanging up his hat and sewing supplies after 50 years.

Police say Madeleine Teasdale has cognitive issues and may have difficulty orienting herself.

Westmount Mayor Christina Smith announced she will not be seeking re-election.

Abby Boreen scored twice to lead the Montreal Victoire to a 4-2 win over the visiting Minnesota Frost in front of 10,172 fans at Place Bell in Laval, Que., on Friday.

Canadian law enforcement may be battening down the hatches, but groups helping migrants near Roxham Road say they aren't seeing a surge of asylum seekers. For now, at least.

In Montreal, highs are expected to reach –15 C, with overnight lows dropping to between –20 C and –25 C, according to Gina Ressler, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Grade five students at Genesis Elementary School in Laval, Que., got a visit from chef Chuck Hughes, who showed them how they can help out in the kitchen.

Some are grieving; some will dance on its grave. Hershey's Canada says it's discontinuing Cherry Blossom, the novelty candy that consists of a syrupy maraschino cherry encased in milk chocolate.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has issued a statement to mark the fourth anniversary of the death of homeless Montrealer Raphaël André. The Innu man died of hypothermia in a portable toilet near the corner of Parc Avenue and Milton in 2021.

Plante stated that André’s death is still upsetting, and “a painful reminder of the urgency to act” on the issues of homelessness and housing in Montreal.

“Every Montrealer deserves a roof over their heads — it is a question of dignity. Surviving on the streets is not a way of life. The real solution is housing. Housing with appropriate services is not too much to ask. We will not stop fighting to ensure that the right to housing is respected for everyone, including the most vulnerable in society.”

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

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One of Canada’s leading child welfare experts says that Canada has committed “a huge breach of good faith negotiations” after the government announced that it would not be participating in national negotiations on a $47.8 billion settlement deal regarding child welfare, instead pursuing discussions for a deal with only chiefs in Ontario.

“I would have never, ever, in all these years, ever even contemplated entering into an arrangement with Canada that satisfied some children and left other children out,” said Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which is a party in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) complaint that the settlement stems from. “That’s just unacceptable.”

The Caring Society has filed another motion with the CHRT, demanding that Canada be forced to restart negotiations at a national level. Right now, the government said it is negotiating a deal with the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), which serves the whole of Ontario, and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations in Ontario, both of which are also parties to the original complaint. 

The Ontario regional chief, Akwesasne’s Abram Benedict, who heads up COO, said that his regional leadership felt that the deal couldn’t wait any longer, and decided to forge ahead with an Ontario-specific agreement in the best interests of children. 

“This is not a process that we’re arguing for Ontario to get a better chunk of the pie,” he told The Eastern Door. “The rights holders are the communities, and I have 133 of them in our region that have overwhelmingly said ‘We want to advance reform today,’ so that’s what we’re going with.”

Benedict said that the timing of the deal is particularly urgent – with a federal election looming, it’s likely that the next federal government will be a Conservative one, which he said leaves the future of the settlement agreement uncertain.

“We know the political climate now,” he said. “This cannot wait.” 

But by negotiating separately with COO and NAN and refusing to resume negotiations at a national level, Blackstock said that the government could be putting the welfare of First Nations children in provinces other than Ontario on the line. 

“If this is the precedent, that Canada is found to be discriminating against all children in the country, and then Canada gets to pick and choose where it ends the discrimination and how, then how is that lining up with the overall goals of self-governance and reconciliation?” Blackstock said. “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission said that discrimination needed to end for all children, not just some of the children.”

The settlement agreement had been proposed after nearly 20 years of negotiations, after the CHRT said that the federal government’s chronic underfunding of on-reserve child welfare services amounts to discrimination. The CHRT ordered Canada to compensate children who had been discriminated against and make an agreement with First Nations leadership to reform the system. 

The deal had been brought before the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in October of last year, with around 65 percent of chiefs ultimately voting against the settlement deal. 

Some advocates, including the Caring Society, argued that the deal didn’t go far enough and included measures that would potentially diminish communities’ rights in protecting their children.

Benedict said that after the deal was rejected, Ontario chiefs discussed their opinions on the matter, and leadership was ultimately given the mandate to push for an Ontario agreement.

“We immediately began pushing politically and lobbying the government for that,” he said. “It took some time and a lot of pressure, a lot of lobbying the government. But they came back and said that they’re in a position that they will advance an Ontario-specific reform for the First Nations child welfare program.”

According to Benedict, negotiation teams from COO, NAN, and Canada have been meeting to review the existing agreement and pare it down to an Ontario-specific agreement. 

In a written statement to The Eastern Door, Jennifer Kozelj, press secretary for Patty Hajdu, the government’s minister of Indigenous services, confirmed that negotiations had already begun with COO and NAN to reach a standalone deal in light of the vote at the AFN last year.

“If approved, this agreement would have ensured the long-term sustainability of key investments already being made to prevent children from being taken into care, supported First Nations to have flexibility in using their resources to support their children who are currently in care to stay connected to family and community, and helped young adults transition to independence,”  Kozelj said. “However, the Assembly of First Nations voted to reject the deal.”

Blackstock said that the Caring Society’s motion aims to force the government to continue speaking with chiefs other than just those in Ontario, and that they should be compelled to listen to the decision made by the majority of voting chiefs at the AFN.

“The sad part of all of this is that we have an evidence-based plan to end the discrimination, we have a workable plan, it’s not that this is a problem without a solution. But Canada has to be willing to do it,” Blackstock said. “We’re not talking about asking for billions and billions of dollars more. We’re talking about structuring the money in a way that ends the discrimination for kids.”

The Caring Society has been successful with multiple CHRT motions against Canada, and Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) executive director Derek Montour said that he’s confident in Blackstock’s leadership on this issue.

“Cindy is a fighter, she’s what got us to this point, because of her drive, her determination, and her will to keep going,” he said. “To me, their latest offer is an attempt to not go the full nine yards. They want everyone to say ‘Oh, they have an agreement, we better jump on the bandwagon so that we actually get an agreement.’”

He said that Canada must negotiate with all First Nations – not just those in Ontario – to ensure they comply with the CHRT’s orders that they end discrimination in the child welfare system. 

“They gave specific orders on how to end that discrimination, and so I’m confident and hopeful with the motion that the Caring Society has made, and I’m supportive,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s in the court’s hands.”

Ghislain Picard, head of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and AFN regional chief, said that Canada’s refusal to negotiate with other regions could have implications for the kind of compensation and supports places other than Ontario might receive. 

“It’s very, very frustrating that it’s come to this, as a region I think we’re probably better suited than anyone to respect the realities that we have in our province,” he said. “To hear that there’s negotiations at the regional level for one region but the door is closed for other regions is very frustrating.”

This announcement is the latest in ongoing disappointments from the federal government regarding child welfare, Blackstock said. At the end of December, it was announced that Canada would be challenging a separate CHRT order that said the government must urgently address backlogs in the Jordan’s Principle program.
“The concern is that when Canada deploys these manoeuvres, it’s children who pay the price, time and time again,” she said. “Canada never learns that lesson. They always put themselves first.”

CHRT decisions can take several months to be reached, but Blackstock told The Eastern Door that the Caring Society has asked for an expedited schedule as part of their motion.

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The author of this editorial penned an op-ed for the Toronto Star many years ago along with Onawa K. Jacobs when Justin Trudeau was elected prime minister.

Although there was a lot of cautious hope, almost nothing came to fruition concerning the advancement of our rights, land and culture, not to mention sovereignty and profit-sharing or back rent, so to speak, and now, nothing further will come as he announced he’s stepping down.

We knew, because he’s a politician, that speaking through a forked tongue, out of both sides of his mouth, was normal, but we figured he’d at least give better guidance to end up at something that looks like true reconciliation, and not just pay the same lip service we’re used to from past leaders.

Sure, we hated Stephen Harper’s right-wing policies and his outright ignorance and arrogance towards our communities (remember the failed First Nations Education Act?), but we were sort of duped into thinking the left, which is supposed to be more progressive and open to fixing past injustice, was better.

They aren’t, at least not by much.

When the best we can hope for in a foreign political system that dictates far too much of our lives is someone who won’t shit on us as much as the last guy, it’s a pretty sad state for our proud nation.

The question is, who will step up?

And we don’t mean by fighting the system from within and running for federal or provincial office. There are a few of those already and not much is really changing. Or at least not quickly enough.

We mean by actually standing up and drawing a line in the sand, as proud Onkwehón:we nations.

We need more truth with this reconciliation salad we’ve been served, and a whole lot less promises.

There was plenty of Trudeau hate (you’ve seen the bumper stickers, the online chatter, and surely you know all about the convoy and the truckers in Ottawa), but they hated him because they disagreed with his ideology. Not because they sided with us and our issues.

We are fighting on many fronts here and the toughest one is fighting through the outright ignorance and racism that exists in this country. 

Will Pierre Poilievre fill the void and claim the top spot in this country? We really hope not. There’s ignorant and then there’s Poilievre. He certainly won’t help our cause.

Our only hope for now is another Liberal government, minority probably, with someone who actually cares about changing this colonial reality we live in and making our communities better. Do they exist? We haven’t seen them yet.

The closest we can get is maybe someone like NDP MP Charlie Angus or former Ontario premier Bob Rae, current Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, who seem to have learned from a lifetime of politics and use proper terms and respectful dialogue in their own way of protecting Indigenous rights, when speaking to blowhards about our issues.

What we don’t want is another lame duck who does nothing to advance our future goals, who leaves us in a lurch and refuses to hurry up the process of providing clean drinking water, land back, resource extraction, reparations, real reconciliation, and an equal seat at the table.

We’ve had enough of that, and we know how the story ends, with a promising beginning, an unsatisfying middle, and an end that leaves us wanting something more tangible, something real. Something we surely deserve.

So far, Liberal or Conservative means the same thing to us because it’s all a bunch of BS, as they stall; waiting for people to build on our lands, waiting for our residential school survivors to pass on, and waiting for us to give up and call it a day, assimilating into a society that has already taken too much from us.

That will never happen.

Steve Bonspiel

The Eastern Door

There was a lengthy debate at the Council table this past Monday, after a proposal was brought forward over the possibility of hiring an Indian registry administrator. 

The Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) office in town is expected to relocate to Montreal sometime this year, meaning unless a solution is found, community members will be forced to cross the Mercier Bridge to renew their band cards.

“A lot of community members were not happy about that. Specifically, the elders,” said Council chief Jeremiah Johnson, who oversees membership. “Community members wanted to have services in town, so we were discussing ways that service could still be available to the community members.”

Right now the table is considering housing an ISC employee that could work out of one of their own offices, inviting the federal government to host service clinics in town, or the possibility of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) taking on the job itself – something the band council has previously done before, Johnson said. No decision came out of the debate. 

“It was a long discussion, and it turns out that we haven’t gotten anywhere yet with it, because there’s concern about doing Canada’s job for them, in relation to registering federal Indians,” the Council chief said. 

The MCK already has its own established process for deciding who is and isn’t a Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawake under its own registry, so from his perspective, hiring someone who could register people as belonging to the community in the eyes of the federal government is out of the question. 

The federal government should continue providing the services it’s always provided through the ISC office across from the hospital, Johnson said, floating the idea of the government coming to host bi-monthly clinics in town. 

“That is something I’m very much against. I’m very supportive of our own registry, of our own membership law, and the only people who should determine who First Nations people are First Nations people, not the government,” he added. “So far, it looks like if we did have somebody here, we’d end up having to pay their salary, and we’re not going to pay somebody to make fake Indians, you know what I mean?”

News that the ISC office would be relocated to downtown Montreal came out last February, after The Eastern Door learned about the imminent move. It’s set to operate out of the Guy-Favreau complex near Place des Arts, known for housing a Passport Canada office.

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The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) is now suing the property owner and company involved in the fuel spill that happened nearly one year ago in Chateauguay. The band council had initially only filed its lawsuit against the City of Chateauguay, only adding the two new defendants late in December. 

The MCK is now seeking $617,000 in damages from all three defendants –– up from $500,000 it had initially demanded earlier in the summer. The lawsuit before Quebec Superior Court was first filed back in late July. 

The band council maintains diesel fuel from the spill in the city’s industrial sector traversed into Kahnawake, a result of the city’s fire department being negligent in its duty to manage and control the spill. It led to a contamination of the Suzanne River in the community, the MCK maintains, which prompted a costly cleanup.

The newly modified application now alleges La Pétrolière N&R Sol Inc. and the property owner associated with the address where the spill happened – a numbered company, 9251-4991 Quebec Inc. – are just as much at fault as the city is.

Legal counsel for the MCK brought forward new allegations against the late Michel Boisvert, the president and shareholder of La Pétrolière, in particular. The company, known for selling heating oil out of 2325 Ford Boulevard, owned the fuel tanker that spilled there on February 1, according to the MCK’s application.  That business is no longer active, according to Quebec’s business registry, which listed it as being under the control of liquidators.

It’s important to note Boisvert himself isn’t being sued. The man passed away in late February shortly after the spill, after suffering a brain aneurysm. 

The MCK is alleging Boisvert failed to adequately clean up the diesel spill, citing two separate non-compliance warnings sent to him and his company by Quebec’s environmental ministry back in late February. Those letters mentioned his failure to inform the ministry about the spill as soon as it happened, and also cited him for taking too long to get a cleanup started, according to the MCK’s application.

Up until that point, the cleanup had involved Boisvert collecting some of the diesel fuel, which he promised to set aside elsewhere, as well as the laying of absorbent material by the city’s fire department. 

“Notwithstanding Mr. Boisvert’s alleged commitments to control the fuel spill and decontaminate the site, the tanker remained at the place for several days after the fuel spill, as did the absorbent applied by the fire department,” the MCK alleged in its legal filing.

The band council maintains his company is also at fault because the remediation work it eventually did carry out, after Boisvert’s death, didn’t extend to Kahnawake. That cleanup began in April and was carried out by a specialized cleanup company it had hired. 

The Eastern Door requested an interview with MCK grand chief Cody Diabo about this lawsuit, but couldn’t arrange an interview before deadline. 

Legal counsel for the city and property owner have since notified the court they intend to contest the suit. La Pétrolière, meanwhile, has yet to formally respond with legal representation. 

Chateauguay has yet to fill a detailed defense in response to the allegations brought forward by the MCK as of this July, which have yet to be proven in court.

In April, Quebec’s environmental ministry told The Eastern Door it didn’t believe the spill that happened in the city’s industrial sector in February is linked to diesel fuel found in the Suzanne River in Kahnawake just days later.

Éric Allard, the city’s mayor, has said similarly, disputing the spill site in Chateauguay as the source of the pollution found in Kahnawake early last year.

The Eastern Door reached out to the lawyers representing the property owner named in the lawsuit, but no comment was provided by deadline. The Eastern Door also reached out to Éric Levesque, listed as a liquidator at La Pétrolière, but also did not hear back.

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Of all the classic Universal monsters, the Wolf Man stands as perhaps the purest cinematic creation. Sure, the Mummy was also ostensibly created for the silver screen, but its reign as a monster pales in comparison to the Wolf Man for the purest of reasons: it’s just a stupid mummy. Movies have had a major hand in shaping the werewolf myth to the point where it has pretty safely moved away from its inception in George Waggner’s 1941 The Wolf Man, in which a middle-aged Welsh man is bitten by a wolf in the moors and spends the rest of the movie series begging for sweet release. Werewolves on film have now taken on a distinctly metaphoric flavour, with its most popular metaphor being puberty (Ginger Snaps, Wes Craven’s ill-fated Cursed). Leigh Whannel’s Wolf Man is, like his previous film The Invisible Man, a very loose retelling of the 1940s original… but unlike that film, it doesn’t really seem interested in standing in for or saying anything at all.

Whannel’s Invisible Man starred Elisabeth Moss as a woman whose abusive husband, having suddenly taken his own life, appears to reappear as a ghost or invisible ectoplasm of some kind to stalk her as she tries to move on with her life. Whannell presented a robust — if not exactly subtle — metaphor for abusive relationships in the form of slick, vaguely James Cameron-ian sci-fi horror. One would assume that Whannell’s approach to Wolf Man, which shares essentially no DNA with its ostensible source material besides its lead eventually exhibiting furry, lupine characteristics, would similarly try to weave modern problems into a timeless story. Instead, this bizarrely truncated boilerplate horror movie is concerned with a very familiar problem: it’s not-so-secretly about trauma.

Blake Lovell (Christopher Abbott) is a New York City writer with a harried journalist wife (Julia Garner) and vaguely precocious pre-teen daughter (Matilda Firth). Between jobs and faced with a bruised marriage, Blake discovers that his late father (Sam Jaeger) has officially been declared dead after having gone missing for several years. He, Charlotte and little Ginger decide to relocate to the Oregon cabin he has inherited despite his long-buried resentments of his father imposing an alpha-dog, rough-and-tumble lifestyle on him as a child. The second they even close in on the rustic mountain farm, however, the family is attacked by a mysterious creature roaming the woods that wounds Blake, eventually causing him to start slowly and painfully transforming into the titular lupine fella. 

With such a limited cast and what amounts to a single location, Wolf Man takes the form of cabin-fever body horror of the most generic variety. Things go bump in the night; Garner and Frith scream while a CGI-augmented Abbott roars and hollers and smashes shit around the cabin. There are some squirm-inducing setpieces in the middle of the film as Blake’s new form rips through his human flesh, but with so little potential for chaos spread across only three cast members, one assumes that the deepest terror should be psychological. The film’s opening scene features Blake as a boy (played by a child actor who looks so much like Abbott that, in a surprising twist on kidcasting tropes, it becomes rather unsettling) being verbally abused by his ill-defined father. This should be, by any stretch of the imagination, the psychological bedrock of the film, and yet it seems underbaked and pointless in the scope of the film.

One could perhaps applaud the film for avoiding any and all clichés of the werewolf movie: no silver bullets, no full moons, no puberty… but what does that leave us? Abbott made up to look like a grotesque wax figure of Ray Liotta as he snarls around, half wolf man and half rotting zombified humanoid. In its best moments, I had a begrudging respect for the film’s attempts at creating genuinely unpleasant moments, but they float unmoored in a movie that spends its entire running time on the verge of becoming something.

Unfortunately, Wolf Man’s January release date and abortive runtime (though it’s listed as being 103 minutes everywhere online, it clocked in at least 20 minutes less when I saw it) strongly suggest this is a tinkered-through dump job. Whatever its flaws are, they’re the result of a film that seems to have been fine-tuned to bring maximum adrenaline at the expense of just about anything else. We’re meant to care deeply about these characters because they’re the only characters we meet — but everything we ever see them do is generic and truncated and meaningless, rapidly chucked out of the way to get to the gory bits faster. 

I can’t really theorize what Whannell actually had in mind for this project, but given the fact that he’s a director who has put some amount of thought into his work in the past, I find it hard to believe that his pitch for this project was simply “the guy turns into a wolf.” Wolf Man is put together with a decent amount of care and thought, but there’s nothing of substance linking any of it together. It’s as generic and as witless as any major horror release of the last 10 years, with little to set it apart from any number of streaming shelf-fillers. Whose fault that is we’ll probably find out eventually, but as it stands, there’s not much to it. ■

Wolf Man opens in Montreal theatres Friday, Jan. 17.

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

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Online gambling has revolutionized how players enjoy their favourite pastimes. With unmatched convenience, a vast selection of games, and unparalleled accessibility, it’s no surprise that this phenomenon has made its mark worldwide. Montreal, in particular, has emerged as a thriving hub for online gaming, combining its innovative spirit with a growing appetite for digital entertainment.

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The post These Are Most Sought-After Online Casino Bonuses Targetting Montreal Players appeared first on Cult MTL.

Falen Iakowennaiéwas Jacobs is now taking on a more active leadership role as director of education at the Kahnawake Education Center (KEC), now that her onboarding process has wrapped up.

She officially began in August, and spent the entire fall working closely alongside her successor Robin Delaronde, who’ll continue to mentor her until the end of the academic year.

“When I applied for the position, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but anything that’s worth it, I’m sure is not,” said Jacobs, previously KEC’s associate director. “I’m ready to put in the work. I’m here. I’m dedicated. I’m committed to seeing our vision and the community’s vision for education continue to move forward, and it’s been a great experience so far.”

Her education at McGill University in educational leadership has boosted her confidence, she said. She’ll soon graduate with a master’s from the university – and is currently juggling her current role alongside her final semester there.

This year KEC’s focus is on fostering better relationships, Jacobs said. Student and family engagement coordinators have now been appointed at each school in the hope of getting parents involved in running their schools, she said, mentioning the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee. 

Leadership at KEC also began the academic year by updating each school’s success plan. 

Shared goals revolving around literacy, numeracy, language and culture, and wellness form the foundation of each success plan, with each shared goal providing a framework through which each school can set its own individual goals, Jacobs said. 

“Leadership has been working with their school success teams over the past few months and getting plans and projects in motion. So that’s been a great success,” Jacobs said. 

Starting this winter, she’ll also be dedicating time to creating a new program to foster more professional development in the organization. The idea is to identify leaders within the school system, said Jacobs, who said she hopes to see the program up and running in the coming months. 

Asked about challenges faced over the fall, Jacobs pointed to absenteeism. It’s not an issue unique to Kahnawake. Ever since the pandemic, schools have been struggling to get students to commit to being in the classroom. 

“The pandemic and those few years when there were lockdowns and the move to online learning, we’re still seeing some big impacts from that,” the education director said. “We’re really trying to promote the importance of regular attendance, and working with students and families to ensure that they’re able to get children to school.” 

In the first term, Jacobs took the difficult decision to publicly denounce aggressive behaviour from parents and guardians toward staff. She did so in November, when she sent out a stern letter saying there was zero tolerance for threats of physical. It’s an issue KEC has already dealt with for years, Jacobs said, but incidents had started to become more frequent over the fall. 

“We’re trying to connect back to our ways, which are all about respect,” Jacobs said about her decision to get the letter out to parents. “It wasn’t something that I took lightly, because it could have been received negatively or positively. Fortunately, the feedback that I did hear was that it was received positively. There was some negative feedback, of course, we can’t always please everybody.

“We still have those incidents that pop up, but we handle them accordingly,” she added.

Outdoor learning initiatives at their schools have also now been boosted through additional training over 30 of their teachers completed that certified them as forest and nature school practitioners. The training was provided by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, and Jacobs said she hopes to form a new cohort so more staff can be certified through its program. 

“The children love outdoor learning. They’re making connections. There are so many benefits, and cross-curricular benefits to outdoor learning,” the education director said. “You can do math, and you can learn science, and all of these things, but how do we help students to make connections to our ways and our culture?” 

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