Latest news with #Fortin
Winnipeg Free Press
22-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Local cannabis growers decry ‘unfair landscape'
Growing cannabis commercially is a venture Cynthia Fortin dove into with her husband after the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years into selling, she's frustrated — and she's formed a fledgling association calling for government action. '(It's an) unfair landscape,' said Fortin, president of the three-month-old Manitoba Cannabis Growers Association. Her Steinbach-based company, 410 Farms, is one of three businesses involved in the MCGA. The association has issued a list of requests, including policy changes and consultation meetings with provincial leadership. 'Manitoba cannabis growers are struggling,' Fortin said. 'It is incredibly tough to get a foot in the door, even into the smaller retailers — never mind the big chains that have their own brands.' Canada legalized cannabis in 2018. Since then, the commercial industry has ballooned: Manitoba counts at least 230 shops; 73 opened between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. The province doesn't cap how many licences it issues to weed stores. As a result, competitors have sprouted close to one another. For example, three shops are within 600 metres of each other along Roblin Boulevard in Winnipeg. Generally, shops are seeking the cheapest products, which makes pricing extra competitive on the growers' side, Fortin and her husband Bob relayed. Roughly 30 retailers carry 410 Farms products. The business makes about 13 different items and harvests between 1,800 and 2,200 plants. Bigger entities can manufacture for a cheaper price per good, Bob Fortin asserted. 'We just can't compete, because our products are a little more craft,' he said. 'We don't do the same volume as they do.' In its list, the association underscored a desire for changes to product labelling, government procurement policies and local taxes. Highlighting Manitoba-grown cannabis — to both retailers and end customers — could generate interest, especially given a politically-charged 'buy local' movement, Cynthia Fortin said. It's already being done in Ontario for local growers, noted Jesse Lavoie, founder of TobaGrown. He oversees 1,000 plants in Manitoba. 'We would love the opportunity to put a 'Grown in Manitoba' badge on that product,' said Lavoie, who isn't part of the Manitoba Cannabis Growers Association. Twelve of more than 150 current cannabis suppliers are identified as Manitoban to retailers, per Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp., the entity that wholesales cannabis in the province. Twenty-four businesses are licensed and can act as cannabis suppliers in Manitoba, but some aren't actively in operation. Local suppliers' products account for roughly 20 per cent of catalogue listings, an MLL spokesperson wrote in a statement. 'In the last year, all but two of 233 local cannabis retailers ordered products from Manitoba suppliers,' the spokesperson continued, adding local products were in more than 99 per cent of Manitoba cannabis retailers. But allowing companies who grow outside Manitoba to sell in the province without limit is hindering local growers' success, as is banning growers' sales online, Cynthia Fortin argued. The association is calling for a repeal of MLL's 11 per cent markup on wholesale cannabis. Growers also pay a federal excise tax of $1 per gram. The Fortins said they've sent a formal request to speak to members of the provincial government. 'I would be happy to meet with members of the MCGA and listen to their concerns,' Glen Simard, minister responsible for MLL, wrote in a statement. Simard said he's 'grateful' for the feedback and encourages the association to 'cultivate relationships with retailers, promote the value of their products, and create the inventory necessary to establish a regular presence in Manitoba cannabis stores.' Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries saw $153.6 million in cannabis operation revenue last year, its latest annual report shows. To sell online, growers would need a retailer licence issued by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba, an MLL spokesperson wrote. The wholesale cannabis markup — which is on the 'low end' of the rate across Canada — is made available to Manitoba-based suppliers' peers in other provinces, the spokesperson continued. The cash is funnelled into social responsibility and law enforcement programs. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
20-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
FÉRIQUE Fund Management expands its fund family with the launch of the FÉRIQUE 100% Equity Portfolio Français
MONTREAL, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - FÉRIQUE Fund Management is pleased to announce the launch of the FÉRIQUE 100% Equity Portfolio, a new investment solution geared to long-term growth. This mutual fund will be available from June 26, 2025, to provide full exposure to global equity markets. The new fund responds to the growing demand for diversified investment solutions with full exposure to the equity markets. The FÉRIQUE 100% Equity Portfolio has a fund-of-funds structure, offering sound strategic diversification by region, sector and management style. "The portfolio has been designed and optimized to provide a simple and efficient gateway to the global equity markets," explained Francis Fortin, Vice President, Investments, at FÉRIQUE Fund Management. "It meets the needs of investors who want to take advantage of the return potential of the equity markets, while benefitting from rigorous management." The fund will be managed by FÉRIQUE Fund Management. In addition to offering regular rebalancing, the portfolio will have some of the industry's most competitive management expense ratios in its category. The new fund, which is available exclusively to engineering professionals, their families and their businesses, expands the investment options available to them, offering a solution geared to long-term growth. "Adding this fund enhances our offering so that we can better meet the varied profiles of investors who wish to invest in the FÉRIQUE Funds," Mr. Fortin added. "We're proud to continue developing solutions that support the financial independence of engineering professionals in Quebec." Founded in 1999, FÉRIQUE Fund Management ( is the manager of the FÉRIQUE Funds. It is the only not-for-profit mutual fund company in Canada dedicated solely to serving the interests of engineering professionals and their families. The company offers 18 mutual funds, including 6 portfolios representing the different asset classes required for healthy diversification. Fund management is entrusted to reputable external firms mandated by FÉRIQUE Fund Management according to their respective specialties. FÉRIQUE Funds total nearly $4.5 billion and has more than 24,000 participants as of March 31, 2025.
National Post
08-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Calgary Stampeders rookie camp: Is high-draft offensive lineman Chris Fortin already CFL-ready?
Article content Article content And before attending UConn, the native of Saint-René, Que., played with Cégep Beauce-Appalaches Condors in Saint-Georges, Que., with whom he was a two-time all-star and named the league's top offensive lineman in 2019. Article content 'Kids in Québec play CEGEP football after they're done high school and prior to university,' explained Stamps director of Canadian scouting Dwayne Cameron. 'So not only do they come to us a little bit older, but they come in a little bit more mature and have played a little bit more high-level football from the time they've been in high school — and I think that shows. Article content 'Rarely are the Québec kids overwhelmed when they first come into training camp, and it's a little bit easier for them to make that transition, I think.' Article content Fortin, 24, appears to be no exception. Article content 'We just come out just a little bit older,' he agreed. 'Because of the CEGEP, we have more time to develop and that definitely helps. On the field, some guys are more explosive and more experienced because they've been a pro for longer even if they're younger. But at the end of the day, it balances back because I'm older and I've developed in Québec and, after that, in the U.S.' Article content Article content Fortin can point to teammate and fellow o-lineman Christy Nkanu for recent precedence in such a blueprint. Article content Coincidentally — or not — Nkanu is from Montreal and was the Stamps' first-round pick — eighth overall, as well — in last year's CFL Draft, and his swift progression with the club during his rookie season was certainly praised. Nkanu, who built his skills in Québec and later the States with the NCAA's Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Washington State Cougars, is also a candidate to play centre for the Stamps. Article content 'Right now, right here, it's probably Christy,' answered Fortin, when asked about who he's looking up to for inspiration these days. 'Just because he's from Québec and been in NCAA and is the guard here. So it's kind of similar to what I'm doing right now. So probably I'm going to try to emulate what he's doing to be the best I can be right now.' Article content Article content Even if centre isn't the fit for him, Fortin boasts the promise of being a massive addition on the interior of the offensive line. Article content 'The more versatile you can be, the more availability you can have for the team,' added Fortin. 'So the more valuable you be, the better for them, because we've got — what? — six or seven o-linemen per game. So the more a guy can be versatile, the better it will be for that guy to be traveling or be on the team at the end of the day. Article content Article content 'I mean … first days of being a pro is in some ways like a dream for me to play pro football, so I'm always a little bit nervous. But same time it's just like, 'OK, now it's just football time' — different football than what I'm used to for the past five years but still football at the end of the day.' Article content Short yardage Article content
Calgary Herald
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Stampeders rookie camp: Is high-draft offensive lineman Chris Fortin already CFL-ready?
Article content And it's not out of reach, given where he's from and the path he took to get to Calgary. Article content Fortin played 41 games over four seasons (2021-24) with the NCAA's Connecticut Huskies, seeing action at centre, tackle and guard during his career, highlighted by being the starter at left guard during the 2024 season. Article content Article content And before attending UConn, the native of Saint-René, Que., played with Cégep Beauce-Appalaches Condors in Saint-Georges, Que., with whom he was a two-time all-star and named the league's top offensive lineman in 2019. Article content 'Kids in Québec play CEGEP football after they're done high school and prior to university,' explained Stamps director of Canadian scouting Dwayne Cameron. 'So not only do they come to us a little bit older, but they come in a little bit more mature and have played a little bit more high-level football from the time they've been in high school — and I think that shows. Article content 'Rarely are the Québec kids overwhelmed when they first come into training camp, and it's a little bit easier for them to make that transition, I think.' Article content Article content Fortin, 24, appears to be no exception. Article content 'We just come out just a little bit older,' he agreed. 'Because of the CEGEP, we have more time to develop and that definitely helps. On the field, some guys are more explosive and more experienced because they've been a pro for longer even if they're younger. But at the end of the day, it balances back because I'm older and I've developed in Québec and, after that, in the U.S.' Article content Fortin can point to teammate and fellow o-lineman Christy Nkanu for recent precedence in such a blueprint. Article content Coincidentally — or not — Nkanu is from Montreal and was the Stamps' first-round pick — eighth overall, as well — in last year's CFL Draft, and his swift progression with the club during his rookie season was certainly praised. Nkanu, who built his skills in Québec and later the States with the NCAA's Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Washington State Cougars, is also a candidate to play centre for the Stamps. Article content 'Right now, right here, it's probably Christy,' answered Fortin, when asked about who he's looking up to for inspiration these days. 'Just because he's from Québec and been in NCAA and is the guard here. So it's kind of similar to what I'm doing right now. So probably I'm going to try to emulate what he's doing to be the best I can be right now.' Article content Article content Even if centre isn't the fit for him, Fortin boasts the promise of being a massive addition on the interior of the offensive line. Article content 'The more versatile you can be, the more availability you can have for the team,' added Fortin. 'So the more valuable you be, the better for them, because we've got — what? — six or seven o-linemen per game. So the more a guy can be versatile, the better it will be for that guy to be traveling or be on the team at the end of the day. Article content 'I mean … first days of being a pro is in some ways like a dream for me to play pro football, so I'm always a little bit nervous. But same time it's just like, 'OK, now it's just football time' — different football than what I'm used to for the past five years but still football at the end of the day.' Article content
Montreal Gazette
30-04-2025
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
Patients are choosing hypnosis over anesthesia in Quebec hospitals
Health News By In her mind, 14-year-old cancer patient Michelle Yaa Henewaa was flying first class on her way to go shopping in downtown Tokyo. In reality, doctors were puncturing her back to collect spinal fluid at the Montreal Children's Hospital, where she lay on an X-ray table in a dimly lit radiology room. Yaa Henewaa did not receive any anesthetic for the procedure. Instead, she opted to be hypnotized to manage the pain. Hypnotist and medical imaging technologist Vicky Fortin snapped her fingers behind Yaa Henewaa's head as she counted down from 10 and described the dreamlike shopping trip in Tokyo, a technique used in hypnosis to help the patient dissociate. 'This trip is coming to an end,' Fortin whispered as doctors wiped blood from the patient's back. Yaa Henewaa is one of more than 400 patients at the Children's Hospital who have chosen hypnosis over anesthetic, Fortin said. Increasingly in Quebec hospitals, health-care professionals have been offering hypnosis to patients who need alternative pain management. When Yaa Henewaa's T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in January 2024, she had a cancerous mass in her chest. The doctors told her anesthesia would be too risky because when her organs relaxed under anesthetic, the mass could press against the airways, making it hard to breathe. She said she was 'freaked out' the first time she was hypnotized because she still had some awareness of her surroundings during the procedure, which she said wouldn't have been the case were she sedated. Despite the peculiarity of the experience, she was excited to try hypnosis because she 'never believed' it was possible to use it as pain relief in a medical setting 'until they did it.' 'When the needle was going in, I could feel something,' Yaa Henewaa said immediately after the procedure. 'But when (Fortin) continued to talk, I was lost again (in a trance).' Hypnosis is an ancient technique dating back thousands of years and has been studied by European physicians since the 18th century, according to a 2024 medical journal article. Hospitals across Quebec started researching hypnosis as a pain management alternative in the 1990s, according to David Ogez, a clinical psychologist who trains hypnotherapists through the Société Québécoise d'Hypnose (SQH). Its use as a substitute for anesthesia in Quebec hospitals has become increasingly common over the last 10 years, particularly after the Children's Hospital medical-imaging department participated in a hypnotherapy pilot project in 2019, Fortin said. 'We need to learn that pain is not zero or 100; it's somewhere in between sometimes, and we don't need to feel nothing to be able to go through a procedure and be comfortable,' Fortin said, adding that hypnosis can spare a patient the potential risk that comes with general anesthesia. The idea for the pilot project came from a medical conference in France, Fortin explained, where a McGill University Health Centre staffer attended a panel on hypnosis in medical imaging. Ogez said medical hypnotherapy is already common in Europe, particularly France and Belgium. Medical hypnosis research is vibrant in Quebec, too, he said, and the SQH has been researching the subject since the mid-20th century. Ogez has been training health-care practitioners across the province to become hypnotherapists, including in Gaspé, Sherbrooke and Quebec City. Hypnosis is used for pain management for 'surface level' medical procedures, said Ogez, such as colonoscopies, biopsies, dental work, needlework and catheter insertions. It's not used for major operations like open heart surgery, but Ogez said hypnosis is a useful tool for pain management during small yet painful procedures. Ahead of the procedure, the patient chooses somewhere they would like to 'travel' during their trance, Fortin explained. Yaa Henewaa chose shopping in Tokyo; another teenage cancer patient, Sofia Pezet, said she had chosen 'a day at school' or 'soccer practice' as her destinations, because she has been absent from both since her non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis two months ago. The hypnotherapist then asks the patient to focus on something like their breathing, the sound of the hypnotist's voice or their fingers moving from side to side. Then they count down from 10, at each step cueing the patient to deepen their relaxation before the hypnotist begins describing their trip. Fortin said one trick is to engage all the patient's senses, which makes the story more lifelike. 'She can walk and she feels the floor, the movement and then the sounds of the car in the street and the smell of the food,' Fortin explained after the procedure. She said it was helpful that Yaa Henewaa chose a story involving an airplane. 'The plane is a good tool to do a dissociation. You leave everything behind and you fly away,' Fortin said. 'The more you will dissociate the patient from their body in the story, the deeper they will go into trance, and the less they feel.' In order for hypnosis to work, the patient also must be willing and open to getting hypnotized. Fortin said anyone can be hypnotized, but Ogez emphasized that kids are strong candidates. 'It's easy for children because they have a lot of creativity' and imagination, he said. 'We tell them a story, they get right into it. With adults, on the other hand, we need to distract their rationality a little more,' he said. The patient also must be older than eight or the medical team might determine that the patient should not be put in an 'altered state' because of other confounding factors, said MUHC child life specialist Anna Paliotti, who also performs hypnosis at the Children's Hospital. Anyone can be a hypnotist, Fortin said. Being a doctor isn't a prerequisite — all that's needed is to go through a 60-hour training course, learn the basic techniques of hypnosis, and practise. Many patients are hypnotized because sedation is too dangerous. But for some it's a preference. When Yaa Henewaa was hypnotized in March, the cancerous mass in her chest was much smaller than it was during her initial diagnosis. She has received anesthetic several times over the last year, having gone to the hospital at least twice a month since early 2024. She chose to be hypnotized again in part because she wouldn't have to face the side-effects of anesthetic, including drowsiness and numbness. After waking up from the spinal tap, she said she felt 'pretty normal.' 'The aftermath is pretty cool because with the anesthesia sometimes I feel dizzy and stuff for almost my whole way home,' she said. 'This one is OK.' Leora Schertzer montrealgazette Leora Schertzer is a reporter at the Montreal Gazette who thrives on the chase. Whether it's making a documentary about sewage or investigating a Nazi gold scandal, it's the novelty and adrenaline that keep her in this challenging industry. Send her tips at lschertzer@
