Latest news with #Montréal
CBC
14 hours ago
- General
- CBC
Quebec language office pressed transit agency for months before Habs playoff run
Social Sharing Quebec's language watchdog contacted the Montreal transit agency at least six times in the wake of a complaint about using the word "go" on city buses to cheer on a local soccer team. The watchdog — the Office québécois de la langue française — asked for multiple updates on the agency's efforts to remove the word, and kept the complaint open for nine months until "go" had been scrubbed from more than 1,000 city buses in Montreal, according to emails obtained by The Canadian Press. The correspondence contrasts with the office's public comments responding to an April report in the Montreal Gazette that revealed how the transit agency had replaced the expression "Go! Canadiens Go!" on its buses with "Allez! Canadiens Allez!" to appease the watchdog. The news report, coinciding with the Montreal Canadiens' first home game of the Stanley Cup playoffs, prompted a public outcry and elicited a declaration from French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge in support of the expression "Go! Habs Go!" At that time, the watchdog said it had "contacted the [transit agency] to inform it of the complaint and remind it of its obligations under the French language charter." But the office didn't share details about the length of its review and the number of times it pressed transit officials for updates. The internal correspondence reveals how an adviser for the language office sent at least six emails to the transit agency between May 2024 and January 2025, informing the agency of a complaint and asking about its plans to fix the problem. The documents were obtained under access-to-information law. The complaint, received on April 29, 2024, related to city buses displaying the expression "Go! CF Mtl Go!" – a reference to Montreal's professional soccer club. WATCH | 'Go' has got to go: No more 'Go! Canadiens Go!' on Montreal buses after language watchdog intervenes 1 month ago Duration 2:36 The transit agency initially responded to the language office in June 2024, explaining that such slogans give bus drivers "a way to salute national sports teams." Using the word "go" kept the message shorter and prevented it from scrolling across the buses' electronic displays, the email explained. Still, the agency agreed to remove the word, but warned the process could take several months. In response, the adviser asked why the change couldn't be made "over a few days when the vehicles are in the garage." The transit agency replied that each bus had to have its display changed manually, using a USB key. In July, the language watchdog informed the agency that the complaint would remain open until all the buses had been changed. The adviser then followed up two more times over the fall and winter to request updates. Eventually, the transit agency reported in January that 1,002 of its 1,104 buses had been updated, and the remaining 102 buses were out of service. The language office then agreed to close the complaint, on condition that each of the remaining buses would be updated before returning to service. In an email statement to The Canadian Press, a spokesperson for the language watchdog said the correspondence is "part of a normal process for handling a complaint." The language office never received a complaint about "Go! Habs Go!" and was never informed that the transit agency was planning not to use the word "go" in relation to the hockey team, said Gilles Payer. He said the office would not have pursued a complaint about "Go! Habs Go!," since the expression is a trademark, which does not need to be translated. Context is important when using 'go,' says minister's office A spokesperson for Roberge told The Canadian Press the minister was not aware of the issue until the change was first reported in April. But the documents show his own ministry was informed of the complaint shortly after it was received and intended to participate in the review. According to Quebec's French language charter, complaints involving public bodies must be flagged to the French Language Ministry. The ministry did not respond to questions about its role in response to this complaint. Roberge's spokesperson Thomas Verville said the language office received more than 10,000 complaints last year. "The minister does not intervene in the complaints received" by the office, he said. "That would be political interference." Still, Roberge announced in April that he had held "several discussions" with the language office, and that any future complaints about the expression "Go! Habs Go!" would "be deemed inadmissible." He said the slogan has been used for decades to support the Montreal Canadiens. He also said employees of the language office were receiving threats. Verville said there is a "huge difference" between using the word "go" in reference to the Montreal soccer team as compared to the Montreal Canadiens. He said fans of CF Montréal typically chant "Allez Montréal" during matches, while "Go! Habs Go!" has long been part of Quebec culture. He added Roberge spoke out specifically to defend the expression "Go! Habs Go!," which was not the subject of the original complaint. He did not say whether the minister opposes the use of the word "go" in reference to other sports teams. A spokesperson for the transit agency said it is still in discussions with the language office to "obtain official confirmation that we are allowed to use the word "go" in a sporting context and that we will not be penalized if we do so."
National Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
Porter Airlines Inaugurates Nonstop Montréal-Newark Service
Article content Article content TORONTO — Porter Airlines is expanding its New York network with the inauguration of non-stop service between Montréal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on June Article content Up to two daily roundtrip flights are operated on Porter's 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, meaning no middle seats for all passengers. Daily flights will now operate year-round based on strong demand seen for the summer schedule. This is the third nonstop route to Newark offered by the airline, joining Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Ottawa (YOW). Porter recently launched a fourth route to the New York area with daily nonstop Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to LaGuardia service. Article content The scheduled flight times are as follows: Article content Passengers will enjoy Porter's signature elevated economy experience, featuring complimentary beer and wine, and premium Canadian-made snacks. Added benefits such as enhanced legroom, priority boarding, checked baggage, and dedicated check-in are available à la carte through the PorterClassic fare or all-inclusive in PorterReserve. Article content The route expands Porter's presence in the New York metropolitan area, joining the airline's existing Newark services and recently-launched Toronto Pearson – LaGuardia route. Connections via Montréal give passengers easy access to Porter's coast-to-coast domestic network, including Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Passengers can explore Europe through our partner Air Transat's network via Montréal. Article content 'This route reinforces our commitment to serving both of these popular cities. Travellers connecting through Montréal now have even more options when further exploring Canada and the United States with Porter.' Article content 'ADM Aéroports de Montréal is very pleased to be helping Porter expand its transborder offering at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport by adding Newark Liberty International Airport to its service. While continuing to meet the needs of various traveller groups, this new addition by Porter also provides a range of options for passengers departing from YUL.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media contact: Article content Article content Article content
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Unions slam Quebec government for adopting law limiting strikes
Members of the FAE teachers union march to begin their strike, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press) Quebec's bill limiting the scope of strikes was adopted Thursday, and labour unions are calling it a 'dark day' for all workers. 'The premier and his labour minister have clearly failed to grasp the extent of the damage that this new legislation will cause,' said the heads of nine major unions in a news release. The Coalition Avenir Québec and the Liberals voted for the bill, while the Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire voted against it. It passed with 94 votes. Labour Minister Jean Boulet said the bill intended to 'take into consideration the needs of the population' and said, 'whether it's a strike or lockout, it's important to find the right balance.' There were 759 work stoppages (90 per cent of which were strikes) in Quebec in 2024, the highest of all Canadian provinces. He said some strikes go on for 'very long periods of time' with 'many different damages.' Under the new law, arbitrators can determine the content of a collective agreement in order to end a labour dispute in certain cases. Workers must now maintain 'minimum services,' rather than 'essential services,' during a strike or lockout to ensure the 'well-being of the population' and avoid 'disproportionately affecting the social, economic or environmental security' of the population. The Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), Centrale des syndicats démocratiques (CSD), Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), Fédération Autonome de l'Enseignement (FAE), Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), Syndicat de la fonction publique et parapublique du Québec (SFPQ) and Syndicat de professionnelles et professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ) all came out against Bill 89. Minister turning 'everything upside down' The unions say there was already a 'fragile balance' between workers and employers. 'Trade unions cannot understand why Jean Boulet wanted to turn everything upside down, except to subject all employees to the whims of employers and to please employers and a cabinet with anti-union tendencies,' they said. 'The framework surrounding the exercise of the right to strike, which was limited overall, offered workers the opportunity to improve their conditions within clear guidelines. The minister seems to have found excuses to trample on their rights.' Québec Solidaire's Alexandre Leduc called the law 'discriminatory' and 'authoritarian,' saying it gives the Labour Minister too much power to break strikes. He sided with the unions, pointing out that there are already provisions protecting essential services when it comes to labour disputes that have proven successful. Boulet pushed back saying the decisions will be handed down by impartial and independent parties like the Labour Tribunal and arbitrators. Leduc maintained that strikes are preceded by months of negotiations, and 'it's not fun for anyone to go on strike' but it is one of the only tools to demand better working conditions and 'improve the quality of life for the middle class.' He also said employers often stall negotiations, but 'no one talks about that perspective.' Law could end up before the courts The unions say the impact of the bill will be felt even by non-unionized workers. 'The gains achieved through bargaining exert positive pressure on non-unionized sectors, forcing employers to adjust to remain competitive. The government is attacking the entire Quebec workforce by limiting workers' ability to defend and improve their working conditions,' they said. Pay equity, the establishment of the public child care network, the minimum wage, and parental leave are 'just some of the gains achieved through union mobilization,' they added. Interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay agreed with Boulet on the importance of 'striking a balance' while respecting the fundamental right to strike. Unions can contest the law in court, he said. The unions believe the law would not hold up in court. Meanwhile, they say the Labour Minister is 'not open to discussion' to find a mutually satisfactory solution, and 'trust has been broken.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Inter Miami vs. CF Montréal: match preview, kickoff time, and key stats for May 28 MLS game
Inter Miami set to host CF Montréal in key MLS matchup Inter Miami CF (6W-3L-5D, 23 points) returns home to Chase Stadium to host CF Montréal (1W-9L-5D, 8 points) on Wednesday, May 28, in a 2025 Major League Soccer regular season fixture. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. Inter Miami comes into the match following a 3-3 draw on the road against the Philadelphia Union. Goals from Tadeo Allende and Lionel Messi helped narrow an early deficit, while Telasco Segovia scored a 95th-minute equalizer after entering as a second-half substitute. The result marked the first time in club history that Inter Miami came back from a two-goal deficit in the 85th minute or later. Also read: Inter Miami vs Orlando City live streaming: Prediction, Start time, TV channel, how to watch MLS online The team will aim to secure three points at home as they continue to compete in a tightly packed Eastern Conference. Inter Miami has been strong offensively this season and is seeking to improve consistency on the defensive end. CF Montréal remains at bottom of Eastern Conference standings CF Montréal visits South Florida following a 2-2 draw against LAFC in their last MLS regular season match. The Canadian club currently sits in 15th place in the Eastern Conference with just one win, nine losses, and five draws, collecting a total of eight points through 15 matches. Live Events Forward Prince Owusu has been Montréal's top performer this season, contributing four goals and two assists. The team continues to struggle defensively and has yet to find consistent form under pressure. Wednesday's matchup will mark the 11th meeting between Inter Miami and CF Montréal in MLS play. Inter Miami holds a record of three wins, six losses, and one draw against the Canadian side. The most recent encounter between the two clubs resulted in a 2-3 victory for Inter Miami on the road in May 2024. Also read: Vancouver Whitecaps shock Messi's Miami to reach historic championship final With both teams looking to climb the standings, the fixture presents an opportunity for Inter Miami to capitalize on home-field advantage and for Montréal to seek a rare road result.
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Quebec residential construction workers have walked off the job
Article content MONTREAL — Workers in Quebec's residential construction sector are now on strike. Article content Article content The workers walked off the job at midnight after last-minute talks failed to yield a deal. Article content The employer, the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Quebec, said it made a final offer on Tuesday that included an 18 per cent salary hike over four years. Article content Article content Article content
