Latest news with #French-Canadian
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
My friend's French-Canadian visitors took in the Munster Hurling Championship – and naturally were totally won over
FROM ice hockey to hurling, the French-Canadian Tipperary supporters' club has been formed. Last month I got a text from my old pal Michael Anderson inquiring about GAA fixtures on the weekend of May 17/18. Michael is the Father Larry Duff in my life — minus the accidents and avalanches — he's tremendous fun. There's a sense of divilment in this Aston Villa supporter that only a mix of Arranmore Island and his Scottish blood could create. Michael's wife Marie is French-Canadian and her sister Kim was visiting with her boyfriend James earlier this month. They were flying in from Montreal. Hockey country, not a hurling stronghold. Read More On GAA They knew Ireland had our own sports, but that was it. When Mike asked about the fixtures that weekend so he and his guests could take in a game, the small ball was your only man. Mike and Marie live in Slane but had been residents of Clonliffe Road, right next to Croke Park, for the best part of a decade. They were HQ regulars but it would be empty on the weekend in question. No big deal, there was plenty of action elsewhere. Most read in GAA Hurling Keen to deliver a peak Championship experience, they hit for Thurles to take in It was a big match, with the summer on the line for both teams. Were Tipp really back or would the Déise spoil the party? 'Like something out of the French Revolution' - RTE GAA pundit Donal Og Cusack slams Dublin star's reckless swipe A detour via Kilkenny whetted the appetite as fans of the Cats and Dublin gathered ahead of the But we all know Munster is the real deal, right? The visitors' car wound its way into Thurles and Mike parked up. A happy-go-lucky parking steward, with obligatory hi-vis vest, gave them a lift to hurling's temple. Bucket hats and Bulmers. Horns blaring and 99s melting over retro jerseys. Liam Cahill versus Peter Queally. Shane Long against John O'Shea. Finches versus Yop. Noel McGrath or Ken McGrath. This was it. Tom Semple's field was awash with colour as the smells of cider and burgers filled the air. Mike's visitors were stunned by the age demographic of the crowd, as young and old from both sides poured in, sat together and mingled, all in their county colours. You wouldn't see this at a Montreal Canadiens game. 1 People from all over the world end up being amazed by the skill level of hurlers Credit: Sportsfile In true Irish sporting fashion, throw-in was delayed by 10 minutes as 28,758 punters all turned up at once. The Tipp squad gathered in a huddle in front of where Mike and the gang were perched in the old stand towards the empty Town End terrace. Amhrán na bhFiann sounded as our own Babs Keating watched his beloved blue and gold team. The crowd roared, the temperatures soared and Stephen Bennett rattled the net within 11 seconds. The Déise supporters went bananas, the Tipp fans fell silent. Following the play was a challenge for the curious Canucks, but they got there. No matter who scored, the place erupted. By half-time, the hosts were leading by three and it was into the belly of the stand to escape the heat and down a cool beer. TIPP THE BALANCE Hurling's new foursome were fully on board as the Premier powered ahead to chants of 'Tipp, Tipp, Tipp'. Oisín O'Donoghue's goal sealed safe passage to the All-Ireland series, with Bennett's 1-11 haul not enough for the neighbours. Mike's gang thought the pitch invasion was hilarious, as fans young and old streamed on to the field for selfies, autographs and a chat with the players. James was hooked and ordered a Tipp jersey online as soon as he got back to the car and they pointed for Slane. You can have all the leprechauns, Guinness or cliffs you want — this is the ultimate Irish experience. The colour, the sights, the smells, the scores, the roars. It's a reminder of how unique our games are — and the French-Canadian Tipperary supporters' club are fully on board.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Francis Scarpaleggia net worth: The financial footprint of the 39th Speaker of the House of Commons
Image: Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who represents the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis, just stepped into a pretty big role: he's now the new Speaker of the House of Commons. That's a major gig in Canadian politics. Chosen through a secret ranked ballot by fellow MPs, the Speaker keeps things running smoothly in the House—moderating debates, keeping order, and staying totally neutral. Right after winning the vote, Scarpaleggia joked with his colleagues, 'I will remind members that we are at the beginning of a mandate in the selfish hope that you will afford me a little grace period.' Fair ask, right? He's now officially the 39th Speaker of the House. So who is Francis Scarpaleggia? Francis was born in Montreal on June 6, 1957, and grew up in Laval and the Town of Mount Royal. His background is a mix of Italian, Irish, and French-Canadian roots. Education-wise, he didn't mess around, he's got an economics degree from McGill, a master's from Columbia, and an MBA from Concordia. He got into politics in the '80s, starting off as a volunteer with the Quebec Liberal Party. From 1994 to 2004, he worked behind the scenes as a legislative assistant to MP Clifford Lincoln. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo Then in 2004, he got elected as an MP himself, and he's been re-elected every time since. Before politics, Scarpaleggia had a solid career in the private sector, working with companies like Petro-Canada and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He later switched gears and taught business at Dawson College in Montreal. So yeah, he's been around the block in both business and education. These days, he lives in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, with his wife Jan Ramsay and their two daughters. Friends and colleagues say he's all about public service and staying close to his community. Low-key, but deeply committed. So what about his net worth? Well, the exact figure is unknown, Francis hasn't gone public with his personal finances, and Canadian MPs aren't required to disclose that info. But here's what we do know: as Speaker of the House of Commons, Scarpaleggia is now earning CA$309,700 a year. That includes a base MP salary of CA$209,800, plus CA$99,900 for his added responsibilities as Speaker. It's a solid income, especially stacked on top of a long career that spans the corporate world, education, and public service. At the end of the day, Scarpaleggia has got decades of experience, a steady reputation, and now, one of the most important jobs in Parliament. That kind of success speaks for itself.
Toronto Sun
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Alberta separatist group releases proposed referendum question, plans to push for vote this year
Once the group reaches its petition goal, they plan to push Premier Smith to hold the referendum this year Jeff Rath with the Alberta Prosperity Project speaks during a press conference at Hotel Arts in Calgary on Monday, May 12, 2025. The organization's draft of a referendum question for Alberta independence was released at the event. Gavin Young/Postmedia An Alberta separatist group has released a proposed referendum question on sovereignty from Canada, saying they will push the premier for a vote as soon as this year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account That is, if they can garner support from enough provincial residents. During a news conference Monday, Jeffrey Rath — a lawyer with the Alberta Property Project — pulled a blue provincial flag off an easel, revealing the question printed in large font: 'Do you agree that the province shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?' 'It's not a wishy-washy question like what they had in Quebec,' Rath said, referring to a similar separatism referendum held in 1995 that very nearly saw the French-Canadian province separate from the country. The question of Alberta separatism returned to the forefront of social debate after Premier Danielle Smith tabled legislation in late April to reduce the threshold for a petition to trigger a referendum. If passed, the legislation would significantly reduce the number of signatures required and extend the time period for signatures to be collected. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Since the federal election, the APP has seen thousands of people join, according to CEO Mitch Sylvestre. He said the party has received 220,000 pledges, leaving only 177,000 remaining to meet the required number of registered supporters. 'But our goal is to get to 600,000 pledges — to not just get the referendum but to win the referendum,' he said. Read More Starting Monday with an event at the Astoria Hall, the group plans to hold 50 town halls across the province as part of an Alberta-wide 'educational campaign on the rationale and merit of Alberta sovereignty,' Rath said. 'We intend to knock on every door at least twice,' he added, saying that if the group were to 'educate' Albertans on the real issues, the province would vote for independence. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The group, which also included Dennis Modry, former heart surgeon and group chair, and former Conservative MP LaVar Payne, painted a vision of Alberta as an independent nation with no regulations from Ottawa, no obligations to eastern Ottawa, lower provincial taxes and zero federal taxes. Residents of an independent Alberta would see oil and gas development double within five years, a free-market free-trade agreement with the United States, and a flat 10 per cent income and corporate tax, while being able to keep their Canadian passports and Canada Pension Plan entitlements. 'We'd be the lowest tax regime in North America,' Rath said. 'Who wouldn't want to locate their corporate headquarters in Edmonton or Calgary with a flat 10 per cent corporate tax rate and a flat 10 per cent income tax rate? We think we have a robust economic message to sell.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dennis Modry and LaVar Payne with the Alberta Prosperity Project take part in a press conference at Hotel Arts in Calgary on Monday, May 12, 2025. The organization's draft of a referendum question for Alberta independence was released at the event. Gavin Young/Postmedia Once the group reaches its petition goal, they plan to push Smith to hold the referendum this year. Sylvestre said the premier told him in a call last week that she plans to give Ottawa six months before holding a referendum. 'She says she owes it to Alberta to give it six months and, after that, if she doesn't come over to our side, then there's going to be a problem,' he said, adding that if she decides against the referendum vote, she would be acting contrarily to the desires of her electoral base. The premier has reiterated in previous news conferences that while she would support the outcome of a separatism referendum vote, it does not mean she's in favour of Alberta leaving Canada. Since the federal election, Smith has made a number of demands of Prime Minister Mark Carney, ranging from dropping federal energy and climate policies, and changing the federal transfer system within the next six months so Alberta gets more money from Ottawa. But Albertans won't be moved by 'whatever little box of chocolates Mark Carney can bring to the table,' Rath said, and can decide which is more valuable for them — that or a country without federal regulation or federal taxes. 'They can decide what is more valuable to them.' DDesai@
Calgary Herald
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Alberta separatist group releases proposed referendum question, plans to push for vote this year
An Alberta separatist group has released a proposed referendum question on sovereignty from Canada, saying they will push the premier for a vote as soon as this year. Article content Article content That is, if they can garner support from enough provincial residents. Article content During a news conference Monday, Jeffrey Rath — a lawyer with the Alberta Property Project — pulled a blue provincial flag off an easel, revealing the question printed in large font: 'Do you agree that the province shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?' Article content Article content 'It's not a wishy-washy question like what they had in Quebec,' Rath said, referring to a similar separatism referendum held in 1995 that very nearly saw the French-Canadian province separate from the country. Article content Article content If passed, the legislation would significantly reduce the number of signatures required and extend the time period for signatures to be collected. Article content Since the federal election, the APP has seen thousands of people join, according to CEO Mitch Sylvestre. He said the party has received 220,000 pledges, leaving only 177,000 remaining to meet the required number of registered supporters. Article content 'But our goal is to get to 600,000 pledges — to not just get the referendum but to win the referendum,' he said. Article content Article content Starting Monday with an event at the Astoria Hall, the group plans to hold 50 town halls across the province as part of an Alberta-wide 'educational campaign on the rationale and merit of Alberta sovereignty,' Rath said. Article content Article content 'We intend to knock on every door at least twice,' he added, saying that if the group were to 'educate' Albertans on the real issues, the province would vote for independence. Article content The group, which also included Dennis Modry, former heart surgeon and group chair, and former Conservative MP LaVar Payne, painted a vision of Alberta as an independent nation with no regulations from Ottawa, no obligations to eastern Ottawa, lower provincial taxes and zero federal taxes.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canada's silent power: How natural resources, cultural influence, and policy make it a global economic force in 2025
Canada, often overshadowed by larger Western powers, stands as a formidable force in 2025 due to its robust economy, rich natural resources, and unique cultural landscape. With provinces like Alberta and Quebec leading in energy and renewable sectors, and a strong French-Canadian influence shaping inclusive policies, Canada's strategic positioning and diversified economy underscore its significant role on the global stage Canada's economic landscape in 2025 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Alberta and Quebec: Pillars of Canada's economic prowess Alberta: The energy powerhouse Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Quebec: The renewable energy leader Canada's strategic resources and global influence Cultural capital as economic strength Political dynamics: Conservative vs. Liberal approaches French-Canadian influence and policy dynamics Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Economic challenges and resilience As of May 2025, Canada's nominal GDP is approximately $2.545 trillion, positioning it as the ninth-largest economy globally. The Bank of Canada projects a real GDP growth rate of 1.8 per cent for 2025, driven by increased household spending and housing activity, despite challenges such as slowing population growth and trade economy is highly developed and diversified, encompassing sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, mining, and services. It is one of the few developed nations that are net exporters of energy, with significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and uranium. The country is also a leading exporter of agricultural products, including wheat and canola, and holds substantial mineral resources like gold, nickel, and trade relationships further underscore its economic significance. In 2022, the US and Canada engaged in over $962.9 billion in bilateral trade, making Canada the single largest global customer for American goods and services. Such robust trade ties highlight Canada's integral role in the North American and global stands as Canada's leading oil-producing province, accounting for approximately 79.2 per cent of the nation's oil production. The province's vast oil sands contribute to Canada's position as holding the third-largest oil reserves globally. Alberta's energy sector significantly impacts exports and GDP, with oil and gas comprising a substantial portion of its exports. In 2022, Alberta's exports to the US were valued at $183.8 billion, reflecting its critical role in Canada's trade energy, Alberta has been diversifying its economy, expanding into technology, renewable energy, tourism, and finance. This diversification aims to reduce dependence on oil and foster sustainable economic is renowned for its renewable energy capabilities, producing most of Canada's hydroelectricity and ranking as the second-largest hydroelectricity producer globally. In 2019, Quebec's electricity production amounted to 214 terawatt-hours, with 95 per cent derived from hydroelectric power stations. The province's public utility, Hydro-Québec, operates 63 hydroelectric power stations and 28 large reservoirs, positioning Quebec as a potential clean energy forestry industry also plays a vital role in its economy. In 2024, the forest sector employed over 61,000 workers and exported $11.3 billion in forest products to global markets. The federal government announced a total investment of over $13.3 million in 2025 to boost the competitiveness and resiliency of Quebec's forest sector, supporting innovation and sustainable abundance of natural resources extends beyond energy and forestry. The country is a significant producer of uranium, with Saskatchewan's McClean Lake and Cigar Lake mines supplying crucial uranium oxide concentrate for nuclear reactors. In 2022, France imported over 2,943 tonnes of Canadian uranium, highlighting Canada's strategic role in global energy Canada's participation in international organizations such as the United Nations , G7, G20, NATO, and the Commonwealth amplifies its voice on the global stage. The country's commitment to humanitarian and development goals, along with its reputation for good governance, enhances its soft power and influence in international like Montreal exemplify the economic potential of cultural industries. Home to renowned festivals and institutions like Cirque du Soleil, Montreal's cultural sector contributes 6% to the city's GDP and provides over 130,000 jobs. This cultural capital not only boosts the economy but also enhances Canada's global political landscape plays a crucial role in shaping its resource and cultural policies. The Conservative Party, under leaders like Pierre Poilievre, advocates for aggressive resource development, proposing initiatives like a national energy corridor and fast-tracked approvals for pipelines. This approach emphasizes economic sovereignty and aims to reduce dependence on US contrast, the Liberal Party , led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focuses on balancing traditional resource development with environmental sustainability. Trudeau's administration has faced criticism for policies perceived as hindering Alberta's oil industry, leading to tensions and discussions of provincial bilingual framework, with French and English as official languages, reflects its commitment to inclusivity. French speakers constitute 23 per cent of the population but represent 29.2 per cent of the federal public service, including 32 per cent in management roles. This overrepresentation underscores the significant influence of French Canadians in shaping national integration of French cultural values into policymaking has led to a more inclusive and diverse approach to governance. This contrasts with the United States, where cultural and linguistic diversity is less institutionalized at the federal level. Comedian Bill Burr humorously remarked, "Just because you're north of the border, they're still white men," highlighting perceptions of homogeneity. However, Canada's official bilingualism and multicultural policies demonstrate a structured commitment to faces several economic challenges, including a rising unemployment rate, which reached 6.9 per cent in April 2025, the highest since November 2024. This increase is attributed to US tariffs impacting key sectors like manufacturing. Additionally, the services sector has experienced contraction for five consecutive months, with the S&P Global Business Activity Index at 41.5 in these challenges, Canada's economic fundamentals remain strong, with significant natural resources, a diversified economy, and robust trade relationships. Strategic development of northern territories and continued investment in cultural industries can further bolster Canada's economic resilience.
