Latest news with #Léger
Montreal Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Libman: Referendum pledge puts PQ leader in a bind
Last week's Léger poll on provincial sovereignty in Canada contained an eye-popping revelation: Among all provinces, Quebec had the greatest proportion of respondents 'opposed' to separation, at 59 per cent. Support for sovereignty was tagged at 33 per cent, near where it's been hovering for years. It's lower than support in Manitoba/Saskatchewan and well behind the 41 per cent in Alberta. Ontario was at 31 per cent. Having the highest number against sovereignty was explained by the fact that most Quebecers are already decided on the question, while in other provinces there were more who didn't answer. With a Quebec election next year, this is a warning light on Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's dashboard, putting him in a tight spot. After the separatist party suffered its worst defeat in its history, reduced to just three seats, PSPP had to consolidate the PQ base — and he defiantly committed to holding a sovereignty referendum in his first term if elected. Despite being numerically marginalized in the National Assembly, the PQ MNAs were able to generate catchy headlines, like refusing to swear allegiance to the King in the oath of office, which was subsequently changed. As voters grew weary of François Legault and his Coalition Avenir Québec government, combined with a weakened and leaderless Liberal party, the PQ suddenly found itself leading in polls as the default option where Quebecers were parking their vote, and has led ever since. The commitment to a sovereignty referendum, however, could become the PQ's biggest hurdle in transforming its current lead into a victory in next year's election. We're entering an unpredictable political maze now in Quebec, with polls containing many ifs, ands or buts: The CAQ is seemingly in free fall. Will Legault be pushed to resign, with the hope for a momentous turnaround like the federal Liberals? The Quebec Liberal Party support among francophone voters is only 10 per cent. Will its new leader — to be chosen in two weeks — be able to change that? The PQ leads the polls with 33 per cent support, but 30 per cent of its own voters are against separation — and only 24 per cent of Quebecers think PSPP would make the best premier. PSPP has had a fairly easy ride so far in opposition, left free to launch his attacks. But as federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has learned, that's different from positioning yourself as leader of a government. And the leadership question will only draw more attention as the election comes into sharper focus. Just last week PSPP was on the defensive for taking the populist position that Quebec should lower its carbon pricing — then was pressured to answer to environmental concerns and where he would account for the $1.5-billion shortfall in government revenues. PSPP generated more headlines this week with a motion calling to cut ties with the monarchy, criticizing what many saw as an archaic spectacle in Ottawa and ridiculing the notion that having King Charles read the throne speech would impress U.S. President Donald Trump as an expression of Canadian sovereignty. Many, particularly Quebecers, believe that clinging to the monarchy is a wasteful expense in this day and age. But calling the monarchy hostile toward Quebec and francophones, which PSPP also levelled at Mark Carney, comes across as foolish rhetorical excess. In the recent federal election, a majority of Quebec voters saw Carney as the adult in the room. They want stability and poise during these uncertain times with Trump in the White House. The turbulent prospect of another Quebec sovereignty referendum would bring the opposite. Once chosen, the next Quebec Liberal leader should immediately start hounding PSPP on if and when he would call a referendum, which most Quebecers decidedly don't want. Will he back down, or will the PQ's raison d'être again become its biggest obstacle to power?
Winnipeg Free Press
27-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Data analysis complete in New Brunswick's mystery brain disease; results in summer
FREDERICTON – The office of New Brunswick's chief medical officer says it has completed the first step of data analysis in its investigation into an undiagnosed neurological illness that has affected more than 400 people. Chief medical officer Dr. Yves Léger announced today that results from the analysis have been turned over to the Public Health Agency of Canada for scientific review, which will offer formal feedback. Léger says the findings will help the province determine next steps in caring for these patients, most of whom are in the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas. Their symptoms include memory problems and bursts of intense pain. Léger says the investigation could determine whether environmental substances have any role to play in patients' health, and results are expected this summer. In 2022, the Health Department under the province's former Progressive Conservative government said a team of six neurologists and other health experts found no evidence of a neurological illness after their investigation of 48 patients. And another study released earlier this month also found no evidence to support claims of a mystery brain disease in New Brunswick, suggesting the media may have played a role in feeding patients' fears. Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. That study was compiled by researchers with the University of Toronto, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network and other Canadian institutions This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Most Quebecers Want Province's Carbon Tax Removed: Poll
There are now twice as many Quebecers who want the province's carbon tax removed than those who want to keep it in place, according to a new poll. Polling firm Léger released the results of a new The results were published on the same day that Statistics Canada released the inflation StatCan noted that Quebec had the hottest inflation in the country due to fuel prices not falling, as they had elsewhere in Canada. With the federal government setting the fuel charge rate to zero last month, and British Columbia Quebec's carbon system currently adds approximately 10 cents to a litre of gasoline. The federal system previously added over 17 cents to a litre of gas, but didn't apply to Quebec, which has its own carbon pricing system. Related Stories 8/23/2023 5/20/2025 The Léger poll on the carbon tax also looked at voting intentions of the respondents. Among all the parties, only supporters of left-wing Québec solidaire were in favour of maintaining the carbon tax. The most favourable to getting rid of the tax are supporters of the Quebec Conservative Party (74 percent), followed by Quebec Liberals (68 percent), the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (59 percent), and the separatist Parti Québecois (53 percent). The Parti Québécois is currently Even though there is almost a consensus among supporters of Quebec parties to drop the carbon tax, Quebec's National Assembly The move followed Prime Minister Mark Carney fulfilling a Liberal leadership race promise to remove the consumer carbon tax on April 1. The Léger poll, conducted on the behalf of Québécor media entities, shows a continued notable shift among Quebecers on climate change policies. Since the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Canada, Quebecers have become more favourable to building a new pipeline on their territory. A lack of 'social accessibility' had been previously cited by the government a reason to not go ahead with oil and gas projects such as GNL Québec. Carney said last week he would support the building of new pipelines if there was a national consensus on the matter. Meanwhile, some of his cabinet ministers have already Léger also probed Quebecers on pipelines in its latest poll. Fifty-five percent of Quebecers supported the idea of building an East-West pipeline, while 26 percent were opposed to it. Similar to the stance on the carbon tax, only supporters of Québec solidaire were opposed to the pipeline. Supporters of the Quebec Liberal Party were most in favour at 75 percent, followed by Quebec Conservatives at 70 percent. Eastern Canada currently receives its fuel from pipelines coming from the United States and shipments from other foreign countries. Meanwhile, the vast majority of Western Canadian oil is exported south of the border.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to prevent flooding in your home and basement: Expert tips as parts of Canada deal with rainfall warnings, flood alerts
As parts of the country continue to be pelted by heavy rain, strong winds and cold temperatures, many Canadians are on high alert for signs of flooding in their homes and basements. According to a recent Léger poll conducted on behalf of Allstate Canada, 10 per cent of Canadians with basements have experienced basement flooding. As we grapple with wet weather, it's a perfect time to reassess whether you have all the safeguards in place to protect your home from water damage. According to Allstate Canada, the average cost to repair a water-damaged basement has risen nearly 20 per cent over the past five years — approximately $40,000 according to the Government of Canada. Luckily, Jake Allemang, founder and president of Mechanical Flood Protection, which operates in Ontario and Nova Scotia, says there are many steps you can take to protect your home from basement flooding. Below, he shares what you can do to prevent water damage. There are two main causes of flooding that aren't related to plumbing concerns: Overland When water crosses land (often from a river or stream) and enters a home, that's called overland flooding. "It typically happens during major weather events like a hurricane or very bad rainstorm," says Allemang. Groundwater "Groundwater flooding is more sinister than overland flooding because, essentially, the water table rises over time and becomes unable to absorb water," says Allemang. "Then it creates hydrostatic pressure on your basement floor or walls." Issues with plumbing, such as broken or burst pipes, clogged drains or appliance malfunctions, can also cause flooding. In older communities with combined sewer infrastructure, sewer backups can be a problem, too. "If there's a heavy rainstorm, it could overwhelm the system," says Allemang. The result is the contents of the sewer flowing backward into people's homes. Even if you have flood insurance, you won't get back the priceless items or the time and space you lose during repairs. To reduce the chance of water damage in your home there are several steps you can take. Keep your eavestroughs clear: Regularly clean leaves (and ice) out of your eavestroughs so they can effectively collect water from your roof. Purchase downspout extensions: Direct rainwater away from your foundation by adding extensions to your downspout. "It's an easy trick that only costs about $10 for 10 feet," says Allemang. Place water sensors in basement corners: Place sensors in the corners of the basement and near the sewer or water-main entrance. While sensors won't protect you from flooding, they will sound an alarm at the first sign of water, giving you a chance to retrieve important items. Sump pump with a backup power source: Move groundwater away from your home and keep the water table low, even during a power outage. Backwater valve: Prevent sewer backflows with a valve that automatically closes if it senses fluid moving the wrong way. Smart leak detector: Automatically scan your plumbing system each day and, in the case of a leak, cut off the water supply. Turn it back on via an app. Allstate Canada's poll found that many homeowners use their basements to store expensive and priceless items: a fridge or freezer (55 per cent), skis and bikes (41 per cent), photo albums (40 per cent), entertainment equipment (32 per cent) and important financial, legal or tax documents (28 per cent). Even if you've installed flood prevention systems, there are other ways to help protect your items: Keep things elevated by placing them on shelves or hanging them on the wall Store items in plastic bins, not cardboard boxes Move your most important objects or bins upstairs Wet spots are a sign that you could be at risk for flooding. "You'll start noticing moisture spots on the floor, especially where the floor meets the wall," says Allemang. Before too long, you'll want to have a flood prevention or waterproofing company come in to assess your options, whether they involve installing or repairing drainage systems, redirecting water, sealing cracks or re-grading the landscape around your home. In the interim, use a dehumidifier to keep the space dry. Basement flood protection subsidies may be available at the municipal level (like in Toronto), so it's worth doing your research. However, "I have installed 296 sump pumps in the last year, and not one of those customers has ever gotten any kind of subsidy as far as I know," says Allemang. Flood insurance is often an optional add-on. Read your home insurance policy carefully and discuss additional coverage options with your insurance provider. Insurance companies will often provide a discount on coverage if you have flood protection devices installed. "We've seen savings of five to 15 per cent," Allemang says. If you get to the point where your home is flooding, there isn't a ton you can do. Shut off your water main: If you're able to safely access the shut-off valve (it's often located near the water meter), turn off your water. Stay out of the water: Electrified water can cause severe electric shock, while contaminated water can result in illness. Call a remediation company: They can safely pump out the water and use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce damage.
Winnipeg Free Press
22-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
P.E.I. residents are happy with police, dissatisfied on responses to drunk driving
CHARLOTTETOWN – A new survey says a majority of Prince Edward Island residents are generally satisfied with policing in their communities, but many said they are unhappy with the way officers respond to specific societal problems. The poll, conducted by Léger on behalf of the P.E.I. government, asked 926 Islanders what they thought of police responses to issues such as crime and addiction and mental health calls. Sixty-two per cent of respondents said they trusted police; 61 per cent said officers were professional. However, only 26 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with police responses to substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues, and 34 per cent said they were dissatisfied. Thirty-six per cent said they were neutral; five per cent did not answer. Thirty-nine per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with the way police address violent crime, with 17 per cent dissatisfied. For impaired driving, 39 per cent were satisfied and 45 per cent dissatisfied. A news release from the government says the survey's results will help modernize policing in the province. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
