Latest news with #Comeau
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Montreal's Festival sur le Canal cancelled this year after 17 editions showcasing local talent
For the first time in 17 years, the show won't go on for Montreal's Festival sur le Canal, with organizers citing financial headwinds as the motive for this year's cancellation. Typically held in mid-June along the banks of the Lachine Canal in the Sud-Ouest borough, the summer concerts take place rain or shine. Admission is free, with festivalgoers encouraged to pay what they can. But this year, the financial strain is forcing organizers to cancel the shows. Carl Comeau, co-founder of the festival, said his team is working hard to solve the issue. They released a statement on their website and social media Friday to share the news. "It was a tough announcement for us," he said. "We've created something really nice that the community wants, that the community's going to lose now." Comeau says production costs have surged by about 40 per cent since coming out of the pandemic, adding that public and private funding has been difficult to secure in some cases. These production costs include sound equipment, fencing and security. He said the "biggest" issue is the amount of paperwork required to apply for funding. "It is mind-blowing for somebody that has a full-time job, that has to find financing for my festival every year," he said. But despite these financial challenges, he refuses to cut artist fees to balance the budget. "Our festival has always been proud of showcasing up-and-coming artists," he said. "In most cases, this is their big show of the summer and to have to negotiate them down because our budget can't afford to book them is just not right." Many venues and festivals across the city have been grappling with similar financial struggles. Festivalgoers, seen here along the Lachine Canal in 2017, celebrate the start of summer every year at the Festival sur le Canal. (Molly Kohli/CBC) Comeau emphasized that, ultimately, he and his team want the majority of funding to go toward artists, artisans and the overall experience. The festival has long served as a platform for local talent, giving artists an opportunity to share their music with Montrealers and others. Samuel Sabourin, singer and tenor banjo player in the Quebec band Le Diable à Cinq, says he was saddened by the cancellation of this year's edition. "For local artists, those festivals are so important in our development. It's so accessible... and fun festival to play," said Sabourin. Having performed at the festival last year, the artist noted that the event allowed people to discover new artists for free, making it more accessible. "Lots of family, lots of people alone, just taking a rest there, listening to music. For us, it was a really nice venue," said Sabourin. Comeau says he and his team are working hard to figure the situation out and remain hopeful that a few supportive phone calls will come through. In the meantime, he says people should support local artists. "We shouldn't support local just because there's a crisis," said Comeau, referencing the current tensions between Canada and the U.S. "Let's look in our neighbourhoods, let's support our local communities."
CBC
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Montreal's Festival sur le Canal cancelled this year after 17 editions showcasing local talent
For the first time in 17 years, the show won't go on for Montreal's Festival sur le Canal, with organizers citing financial headwinds as the motive for this year's cancellation. Typically held in mid-June along the banks of the Lachine Canal in the Sud-Ouest borough, the summer concerts take place rain or shine. Admission is free, with festivalgoers encouraged to pay what they can. But this year, the financial strain is forcing organizers to cancel the shows. Carl Comeau, co-founder of the festival, said his team is working hard to solve the issue. They released a statement on their website and social media Friday to share the news. "It was a tough announcement for us," he said. "We've created something really nice that the community wants, that the community's going to lose now." Comeau says production costs have surged by about 40 per cent since coming out of the pandemic, adding that public and private funding has been difficult to secure in some cases. These production costs include sound equipment, fencing and security. He said the "biggest" issue is the amount of paperwork required to apply for funding. "It is mind-blowing for somebody that has a full-time job, that has to find financing for my festival every year," he said. But despite these financial challenges, he refuses to cut artist fees to balance the budget. "Our festival has always been proud of showcasing up-and-coming artists," he said. "In most cases, this is their big show of the summer and to have to negotiate them down because our budget can't afford to book them is just not right." Many venues and festivals across the city have been grappling with similar financial struggles. Comeau emphasized that, ultimately, he and his team want the majority of funding to go toward artists, artisans and the overall experience. The festival has long served as a platform for local talent, giving artists an opportunity to share their music with Montrealers and others. Samuel Sabourin, singer and tenor banjo player in the Quebec band Le Diable à Cinq, says he was saddened by the cancellation of this year's edition. "For local artists, those festivals are so important in our development. It's so accessible... and fun festival to play," said Sabourin. Having performed at the festival last year, the artist noted that the event allowed people to discover new artists for free, making it more accessible. "Lots of family, lots of people alone, just taking a rest there, listening to music. For us, it was a really nice venue," said Sabourin. Comeau says he and his team are working hard to figure the situation out and remain hopeful that a few supportive phone calls will come through. In the meantime, he says people should support local artists. "We shouldn't support local just because there's a crisis," said Comeau, referencing the current tensions between Canada and the U.S. "Let's look in our neighbourhoods, let's support our local communities." WATCH | Why are many Canadian arts festivals struggling to keep afloat: Canadian arts festivals pushed to the brink by inflation, stalled funding 1 year ago Duration 2:03 Numerous Canadian arts festivals are struggling to stay afloat with some having to cancel or pause events this year. Organizers point to post-pandemic inflation as a major cause, combined with government funding that isn't keeping pace with rising costs.
Boston Globe
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Fiber art has long been ‘treated like a little sister' to fine art. These makers hold it up in all its glory.
'Now it's like Exhibitions include ' Advertisement 'We realized we had our finger on the pulse of something,' Comeau said. Ellen Solari, "Garden of Wonder." Cotton embroidery thread on recycled fabric. In "Liberty's Reach" at Three Stones Gallery, Concord. Ellen Solari The artist took her cue from Comeau has seen the medium's fortunes fall and rise. 'There have been times I've had conversations, and fiber art is treated as a little sister or adjacent to fine art,' she said. 'I wanted it to be held up in all its glory.' There's long been a perceived boundary between craft and art that a handful of artists — such as Advertisement 'Over the last decade, fiber art has come to the fore,' said Beth McLaughlin, artistic director and chief curator at Fuller Craft Museum. She sees it as a response to rising temperatures in politics. 'For centuries, it's been a medium for sociopolitical commentary and for people who don't usually have a voice,' McLaughlin said. Recent examples, she added, are ' Virginia Mahoney, "What if ... 2" (detail). Watercolor and words on paper woven into reclaimed plastic net, steel, thread. In "Holding Thoughts" at Boston Sculptors Launchpad Gallery, Boston. Virginia Mahoney Needlework, McLaughlin said, is a 'gentle way to express resistance. In some way, it's the opposite of a hard-hitting political message.' While Gather 2025 honors social justice themes, there's much more. 'Many of the organizations focus on resistance,' Comeau said, 'but I don't want to shortchange the huge part of our population that focuses on making beautiful things.' Art stars like Hicks and Lewis may be inspiring, but it's the everyday stitchers, weavers, felters, and braiders who fuel much of the rising passion for fiber art. Threads from ' Connection and care 'hearken back to a long tradition,' Comeau said. 'Predominantly women, but also men at sea during war. Groups gather together over needlework, and it's the way a community coalesces and cares for each other.' 'We wanted to focus on the Advertisement Jodi Colella, "Josephine." Hybrid sculpture, ceramic, lace, cotton, wool, stitched mending, nylon, fiberfill. In "The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction" at the Nave Gallery, Somerville. Will Howcroft Healing can come from the touch of soft materials and with a practice's quiet, meditative repetition. 'One crochet loop is not enough,' Comeau said. Such activities 'calm you down. They help you in this time when there's a lot of stimulation in our lives. The process and experience with soft materials allows us to rest.' Then, there's the connection with other makers. 'The community is the most important thing,' Comeau said. Part of fiber art's resurgence stems from the community and learning on social media. 'Tiny Pricks' took off on Many textile makers celebrate their medium's traditions. The 'It was the only lace made in America as a lace community,' said Mary Mangan, the group's librarian. In Europe, so-called 'lace towns' are communities known for their lace-making traditions. Ipswich lace, she said, is characteristically black silk (although sometimes white linen) with a heavy outline thread. In 1791, a report made about Mary Mangan, Ipswich Lace Shawl detail. Silk thread, bobbin lace. Mary Mangan 'Weaving Threads of Lace History,' featuring several dozen lacemakers, will be 'the largest gathering of Ipswich lacemakers in, we think, 200 years,' Mangan said. Gather 2025 is pulling area makers together. Will there be a Gather 2026? Advertisement 'There's no definitive plan,' Comeau said. 'We'll have an evaluation process and make the decision. We'd like new leadership to step up with visions of the future, and we'll support them.' McLaughlin wants more. Gather 2025 'reflects how wonderfully rich fiber art is in the past and today. The traditions, and what's to come,' she said. 'Maybe a whole year next time?' GATHER 2025 Sites throughout Greater Boston. Through May 3. Michelle Lougee, "Carrier Bag," postconsumer plastic. In "The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction" at Nave Gallery. Michelle Lougee Cate McQuaid can be reached at
CBC
02-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
What the 'Free the Beer' case can teach us about interprovincial trade
Gerard Comeau thought nothing of his 2012 trip from New Brunswick to Quebec and back again to pick up a carload of beer. He lived close to the border in Tracadie, N.B., and the prices were cheaper in Quebec. It seemed like a no-brainer. He certainly didn't expect a police sting, a five-year legal battle and a Supreme Court of Canada decision saying he didn't have the right to purchase that beer without impediment. "I can go buy any material anywhere in Canada. You can go buy 20 shirts in Quebec, no problem. Why wouldn't you be able to buy beer," said Comeau, over a decade after that fateful beer run. But Comeau's quest to "free the beer" is once again in the spotlight as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens Canada with tariffs and interprovincial trade gets another look. The looming threat of those tariffs has Canadian premiers vowing to remove interprovincial trade barriers, which the federal government says could add an estimated $200 billion to Canada's economy. Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand announced on Feb. 21 that the federal government would remove 20 of the 39 exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, with most related to government procurement. "One of Canada's strongest trading partners is Canada. We are all hands on deck to promote freer trade here at home," Anand said in a statement. Those who have been pushing for free internal trade say it's about time. Others say it's still not enough, and if Canada is going to make it through Trump's trade war, more needs to be done. But not everyone is convinced. Comeau gets caught Comeau had no idea he was driving his beer into a trap in 2012. Court documents say the RCMP in New Brunswick were concerned about how often people were going to Quebec to buy beer, so they set up a two-day sting to crack down on it. Comeau bought a lot of beer, along with two bottles of whiskey and one bottle of liqueur. The purchase was well over what was allowed. So, on his return trip, the RCMP pulled Comeau over, slapped him with a nearly $300 fine and confiscated his booze. Comeau was determined to fight the fine, as it came with a provincial offence. That's when Toronto lawyer Arnold Schwisberg approached Comeau about taking on his case pro bono, funded by the Canadian Constitution Foundation. "I say this with admiration. Mr. Comeau is Joe Canadian. He is so relatable," said Schwisberg. Schwisberg had long thought the provincial trade laws were unconstitutional, specifically those around buying booze, and he wanted a chance to challenge them in court. He felt Comeau had the perfect case. "I truly believed then, as I believe now, that the interprovincial trade impediments in Canada are compromising our country's economic strength. And this is only now being recognized, even though there was an opportunity before the Supreme Court in 2017," said Schwisberg. Arguing free provincial trade The crux of his argument was Article 121 in the Canadian Constitution, which states: "All articles of the growth, produce, or manufacture of any one of the provinces shall, from and after the union, be admitted free into each of the other provinces." Schwisberg emphasized a literal interpretation of the word "free" and argued that the fine on Comeau was unconstitutional. Comeau was acquitted in provincial court by Judge Ronald LeBlanc in 2016. He even got his confiscated beer back. But that turned out to be just the battle, not the war. Bill Richards, who had represented the Crown, appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and it heard the case. "To interpret free as literally would have repercussions for provincial powers. Agriculture schemes and public health and environmental controls are not barriers designed to impede trade but [are] incidental," said Richards, looking back on the case. In April of 2018, the nine-justice panel unanimously agreed with Richards. They stated that provinces have the right to restrict the importation of goods from another province, as long as the primary aim of the restriction is not to impede trade. It found the Constitution's language applied to something like a tariff, but it didn't mean there could be zero restrictions. Schwisberg was disappointed, but not totally surprised, by the decision. "I realized that this had the potential to affect virtually every aspect of the Canadian internal economy. But I also recognized that there would be billions and billions of dollars of interests, that would make it very, very difficult to bring about this change," said Schwisberg. Why do these barriers exist? Part of the reason for these barriers is the difference in standards between different parts of Canada. Provinces and territories often have different rules and regulations around the creation of products such as booze and dairy. This affects a number of different Canadian products. Most Canadian wineries, breweries and distilleries can't sell or ship directly to consumers in other parts of the country. Most provinces have their own liquor retailers that have different rules related to selling, storing and labelling alcohol, though people are still able to buy alcohol from retailers in other provinces. It just comes with some limits, as Comeau found out. But Brian Lee Crowley says it's time for more of those barriers to come down. Crowley is the founder and managing director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. "If Canadians decide that they're willing to sort of bite the bullet and remove the trade barriers and upset some of the producer groups that are protected by those barriers, I think we will be able to raise our standard of living quite quickly," said Crowley. But there was pushback from industry in 2017, as many interest groups put their concerns to the Supreme Court, and there is pushback now. Removing those barriers would mean big changes for some industries in Canada, including dairy, egg and poultry, which rely on the supply management system to keep prices stable for farmers such as Mark Ricka. "It definitely gives me anxiety, right? It definitely makes you worry that the whole industry across the country would be up on the chopping block," said Ricka, a third-generation dairy farmer in Chilliwack, B.C. He says he understands it on some level. Who wouldn't want cheaper groceries? But he has concerns. He says some provinces would be able to produce milk cheaper, and therefore, sell it at a cheaper price than he may be able to in B.C. And that could put him out of business. Will it change? Crowley says those who support supply management have a lot at stake and are well-organized. And they have political support. Liberal leadership contenders Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland, as well as representatives from the Conservatives and NDP all provided statements to CBC saying they support Canadian farmers and supply management. Those political leaders have also voiced their support for improved internal trade within Canada. But what about those whose livelihoods would be at risk if those trade barriers were knocked down? Crowley says there's a solution for that. Crowley says research into supply management has shown people are paying a premium on products such as dairy and eggs. The competition created by reducing trade barriers would bring down the prices of those goods for consumers, and with more money in people's pockets, government would be able to step in to help the industries affected by those changes. "One of the great things about economic growth is that means governments can take a share of that growth and use it to compensate the losers. That's a part of the role of government," said Crowley. Comeau still buys his beer in Quebec. While plenty of alcohol trade barriers remain, the provinces made a deal in 2018 to raise personal exemption limits on alcohol, letting Canadians carry six cases of beer, two cases of wine and six litres of spirits across borders. So as long as Comeau doesn't go overboard, he can buy his beer worry-free. And even though the barriers didn't come down in 2018, Schwisberg is hopeful they may come down yet. "It is the perfect time to further the Canadian dialogue about how we're going to strengthen our country economically by addressing the fact that it has been more difficult to trade with the Canadian province than it has been to trade with another sovereign nation, and that can't continue," Schwisberg.
CBC
28-02-2025
- Health
- CBC
Neguac firefighters help deliver baby when ambulance wasn't available
Social Sharing When paramedics were delayed getting to a call last weekend on the Acadian Peninsula, two firefighters jumped in to help a woman giving birth. "It's special, it's quite an achievement," said Neguac Deputy Fire Chief Bernard Comeau in French in an interview with Radio-Canada. He and his colleague Travis Strang responded to the call. Comeau said he is proud of the help they provided, but admits that this type of call is outside his professional scope — and very stressful. "This is not the first time that we have responded to medical calls. We have the necessary training to do so, but it also requires the willingness of firefighters to respond to this type of call. It's a big responsibility." Firefighters helping more often Comeau said the paramedics arrived on scene about 40 minutes after the 911 call was made, and that he and his colleague worked with paramedics once they arrived to tend to the newborn. While he is clear to put no blame on the paramedics, Comeau said firefighters having to respond to medical calls is a growing problem. "Someone has to do something. At the end of the day, it's the citizens who pay," Comeau said. "The government has to ensure that the service is provided." While firefighters have good medical training, Comeau said there's a limit to what they can do. He said they also have limited access to specialized medical equipment in their vehicles. "One day, I would hate to see a firefighter have to respond to a medical call while there is a house burning on the other side of our district. It would be disastrous," Comeau said. According to Ambulance New Brunswick's website, the targeted response time in rural areas is 22 minutes or less, 90 per cent of the time. Radio-Canada asked Medavie, which manages Ambulance New Brunswick, for comment on Comeau's rescue and did not immediately receive a response. Not a new problem, mayor says Ambulance response times in the region are not a new problem, said Neguac Mayor Georges Savoie, who has highlighted the issue several times. "It's not the first time. It's an old problem," Savoie said in French in an interview with Radio-Canada. "This is another instance that confirms the problem with Ambulance N.B., which is not always present in the area." Neguac has its own ambulance station. However, the district it covers is large and paramedics are sometimes called to other nearby areas, Savoie said. "Our ambulance is sometimes moved to cover ambulances in Bathurst. It doesn't make sense," he said. "The same thing is happening everywhere in the province, ambulances are being moved because there aren't enough of them." Savoie also doesn't blame the paramedics, but the system, adding that delays to unload patients at hospitals can also take up time. He hopes to discuss the problem with the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission, he said. Last week, three associations of firefighters, municipalities and paramedics appealed to the province, demanding reform of paramedic services. They spoke of long-standing structural problems, excessively long response times and the lack of financial resources devoted to the service in rural regions. Premier Susan Holt said she was in favour of changing the system, but did not give any concrete solutions. The provincial ambulance service contract is up for renewal in 2027.
