Yves-François Blanchet shaken by Vancouver attack; Bloc candidates dance and sing
Article content
QUEBEC CITY — As Canadians from coast to coast mourned the loss of at least 11 lives in a car attack in Vancouver Sunday morning, Bloc Québécois candidates awaited their leader's visit with singing and dancing in a festive atmosphere.
Article content
The scene took place at the Bloc Québécois' Quebec—Centre riding headquarters, where leader Yves-François Blanchet was about to meet with candidates and volunteers in this battleground where they hope to win the seat of former Liberal cabinet minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
Article content
Article content
'C'est décidé, le bleu du Québec nous appelle. Ooohhh c'est décidé, le bleu du Québec nous appelle,' sang Desbiens in one of the songs, which can be translated as 'It's decided, the blue of Quebec is calling us. Ooohhh it's decided, the blue of Quebec is calling us'.
Article content
This morning, in Quebec City. Waiting for their leader @yfblanchet , @BlocQuebecois candidates are very festive. pic.twitter.com/qr5Y95u54Q
— Antoine Trépanier (@atreps) April 27, 2025
Article content
Article content
They then enthusiastically welcomed Blanchet in his final lap before election day. The room was filled with dozens of people, the majority of whom did not participate in the singing and dancing.
Article content
'It would be terrible, terrible, for anybody to imply in whatever way that our people lack compassion for those who suffer because we are the end of a campaign,' said Blanchet when asked about his people's behaviour.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
14 minutes ago
- CBC
UN treaty aims to protect international waters and their inhabitants
World leaders, scientists gather in France for UN Ocean Conference 12 hours ago Duration 1:57 Social Sharing UN Secretary General António Guterres on Monday urged world leaders to ratify a treaty that would allow nations to establish protected marine areas in international waters, warning that human activity was destroying ocean ecosystems. Speaking at the opening of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Guterres cautioned that illegal fishing, plastic pollution and rising sea temperatures threatened delicate ecosystems and the people who depend on them. "The ocean is the ultimate shared resource. But we are failing it," Guterres said, citing collapsing fish stocks, rising sea levels and ocean acidification. Oceans also provide a vital buffer against climate change, by absorbing around 30 per cent of planet-heating CO2 emissions. But as the oceans heat up, hotter waters are destroying marine ecosystems and threatening the oceans' ability to absorb CO2. WATCH | The last time the Earth was this hot, here's what the ocean did: The last time the Earth was this hot — here's what the ocean did 18 days ago Duration 1:24 Sea levels will rise — by metres, not centimetres — and the time to prepare is now. Drawing on ancient clues and the latest science, Johanna Wagstaffe explains what Earth's past reveals about our coastal future — and why smart planning today could protect millions in the decades and centuries to come. "These are symptoms of a system in crisis — and they are feeding off each other. Unravelling food chains. Destroying livelihoods. Deepening insecurity," said Guterres. The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, would permit countries to establish marine parks in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and are largely unregulated. So far, only an estimated one per cent of international waters, known as the "high seas," have been protected. The drive for nations to turn years of promises into meaningful protection for the oceans comes as President Donald Trump pulls the United States and its money out of climate projects, and as some European governments weaken green policy commitments as they seek to support anemic economies and fend off nationalists. U.S. won't ratify treaty — and isn't bound by it The United States has not yet ratified the treaty and will not do so during the conference, said Rebecca Hubbard, director of The High Seas Alliance. "If they don't ratify, they are not bound by it," she said. "The implementation will take years, but it is critical we start now and we won't let the U.S. absence stop that from happening." WATCH | Scientists want a ban on deep-sea mining. Trump wants to fast-track it: Scientists want a ban on deep-sea mining. Trump wants to fast-track it 5 days ago Duration 1:59 A group of leading ocean and climate scientists, including Canadians, is calling for a ban on deep-sea mining just as U.S. President Donald Trump moves to fast-track undersea mining approvals. French President Emmanuel Macron, the conference's co-host, told delegates that 50 countries had now ratified the treaty and that another 15 had promised to do so. The treaty will only come into force once 60 countries ratify it. Macron's foreign minister said he expected that would happen before the end of the year. The United States has not sent a high-level delegation to the conference. "It's not a surprise; we know the American administration's position on these issues," Macron told reporters late on Sunday.
Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Investigation into Maplehurst jail continues + Why survivors are pushing for restorative justice
Good morning. This is the Monday, June 9 edition of First Up, the Star's daily morning digest. Sign up to get it earlier each day, in your inbox. Here's the latest on the investigation into Maplehurst Jail, the push to bring back restorative justice for sexual assault survivors and a housing program for the city's homeless that's undergoing some changes. Also, things are looking up for Canada-India relations, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Prime Minister Carney's invite to the G7 summit in Alberta. Here's what we know. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW DON'T MISS Maplehurst officials told investigators footage of their crackdown on inmates was lost Officials said the footage was lost due to 'technical' issues. An internal investigation alleges otherwise. Judge slams jail guards' 'disgusting and gross' treatment of prisoners at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton These sexual assault survivors are pushing Ontario to allow restorative justice Here's why survivors want Ontario to allow restorative justice, and how the process works. In charged cross-examination, defence suggests woman demanded sex with Hockey Canada players Infantilized. Re-traumatized. Silenced: Why Ontario won't give these sex assault survivors what they want A housing program helping the city's homeless was cut in half The program's targets are being reduced from 350 units a year to 175. Here's why. Bullet holes, drug dealer takeovers, mould and struggling tenants. What it's like living in one deeply troubled Toronto public housing complex. WHAT ELSE Immigration consultant Kubeir Kamal said married applicants have 'historically' submitted applications with 'non-accompanying' spouses to gain an advantage but it's become more common. Kubeir Kamal Canada is cracking down on immigration applicants over spouses. Here's how applicants are boosting their scores. Allan Woods: Why some Canadians are alarmed by Mark Carney's pledge to act with urgency. Mark Carney will make a defence announcement today as NATO eyes a spending boost. Here's what to expect. Ukraine said Russia launched the biggest overnight drone bombardment of the war. A teen is dead after a shooting in Toronto's Weston neighbourhood. Here's what residents said about the incident. Since last fall, six infants in Ontario were born with congenital measles from unvaccinated mothers. Her car wash deal was revoked for sharing. Here's why Petro-Canada won't refund the balance. Bruce Arthur: Here's what the CFL's new commissioner needs to consider ahead of the upcoming season. Lesley-Anne Scorgie: Here's how to downsize and keep the most money possible. Here were the surprises and top moments from the 2025 Tony Awards. Kevin McGran: Here's where Mitch Marner could end up, and how he'd fit in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took control as the Thunder beat the Pacers to even NBA Finals. POV It's time to talk about what COVID did to Toronto, and to us. CLOSE UP Juggler Ben Burland entertains the kids. Richard Lautens/ Toronto Star NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE: Juggler Ben Burland showed off his tricks for SickKids' 150th birthday party on Saturday. Actor Ryan Reynolds, hockey champion Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser and Mayor Olivia Chow were all present for the festivities. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@ I will see you back here tomorrow. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
Toronto Star
3 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Why some Canadians are alarmed by Mark Carney's pledge to act with urgency
Canadians elected Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government based on its pledge to act with urgency and fix things — the country's economy, its security and its standing on the world stage. But with the unveiling of a bill to supercharge the economy and early efforts to improve the country's adversarial relations with India and China, there's growing concern that Carney's plans to boost Canada could involve unsavoury trade offs.
