Latest news with #Perron
Global News
23-07-2025
- Global News
Gatineau police make largest cocaine seizure in service's history
Gatineau police have struck a blow in the fight against drug trafficking, making the largest seizure in their history: nearly 40 kilos of cocaine worth approximately $4 million on the black market. The operation began with the arrest of 26-year-old Simon-Didier Perron, originally from Gatineau, on July 9 in Montreal. Gatineau police officers, working alongside coounterparts from the Montreal Police Department, apprehended the suspect as he was driving his vehicle in the city. It was at this time that they seized 40 kilos of cocaine. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Perron had been released pending further proceedings, but he was re-arrested during a series of five searches conducted in two homes and three residences in Gatineau on July 16. The Gatineau police intervention group and canine unit were involved in the operation, which resulted in the seizure of other evidence and the arrest of four other people. Story continues below advertisement In addition to the cocaine, the police raids resulted in the seizure of nearly 2 kilos of methamphetamine, a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition, a 2021 Mercedes GLB vehicle, small quantities of GHB and cannabis and several cell phones. Perron appeared in court on July 17 in Gatineau, where he was charged with drug trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of other substances for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm and several other firearm-related charges.
Montreal Gazette
22-07-2025
- Montreal Gazette
Police seize 40 kg of cocaine from driver in Montreal
A Gatineau man is facing a series of drug charges after police caught him with nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine while he was driving in Montreal on July 9. The Gatineau police operation began with the arrest of 26-year-old Simon-Didier Perron on July 9 in Montreal. Gatineau police officers, working with their colleagues from the Montreal police, apprehended the suspect as he was driving his vehicle and seized the cocaine. It was the largest such seizure in Gatineau police history and worth about $4 million on the black market, Gatineau police said Tuesday. Perron was released pending further proceedings, but was arrested again during a series of five searches conducted at five homes in Gatineau on July 16. More evidence was seized in these raids and four people were arrested. In total, the police seized 1,890 grams of methamphetamine, a .45 calibre pistol and ammunition, a 2021 Mercedes GLB, small quantities of GHB and cannabis, and several cellphones. Perron appeared in court on July 17 in Gatineau, where he was charged with drug trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of other substances for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm and several other firearm-related charges. This story was originally published
Montreal Gazette
16-07-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Cogeco launches wireless service in parts of Quebec and Ontario
Cogeco Inc. has launched its long-awaited wireless service in Canada, saying it plans to compete with other carriers in the market by targeting 'low-to-mid data users.' The Montreal-based telecommunications company said it has already signed up an initial cohort of customers on the new mobile service following a pre-registration period for its existing Canadian wireline subscribers. President and CEO Frédéric Perron said Wednesday that Cogeco plans to cover 12 Canadian markets in parts of Ontario and Quebec over the coming weeks, ahead of a full commercial launch of the service this fall. The company has said mobile coverage would be available across its broadband footprint. Cogeco wireless service expansion this summer Quebec: Alma, Magog, Rimouski, St-Georges, St-Hyacinthe, St-Sauveur and Trois-Rivières Ontario: Brockville, Chatham, Cobourg, Cornwall and Welland 'We're ready to go,' he told analysts on a conference call discussing the company's third-quarter earnings results. But Perron declined to share pricing details for its wireless service, saying the company wants to announce those offers to its customers first. He noted that mobile service will remain exclusive to those also subscribed to its wireline services. By offering cellphone and internet plan bundles, Cogeco has previously described its strategy as being geared toward increasing customer retention. Perron said Cogeco will also provide a 'time-limited launch bonus' for the first wave of customers signing up for mobile service. When asked by an analyst how 'aggressive' Cogeco plans to be in terms of pricing, he reiterated that those discounts wouldn't remain in place over the long term. 'It's not a strategy to go national or anything like that,' he said. 'We're a rational player. Of course, when you launch a new service, there can always be a time-limited launch offer, but that's just what it is — a time-limited launch offer.' Last year, Cogeco began offering wireless service under its Breezeline Mobile brand to customers in 13 U.S. states where it already offered broadband internet services. In Canada, Cogeco's mobile coverage is being delivered under the mobile virtual network operator framework, which allow telecoms to offer cellphone service through rival carriers' networks. The MVNO framework was put in place by the CRTC. The rules set by the regulator are meant to increase cellphone competition by giving regional carriers a presence in regions they did not previously serve, with requirements to build their own networks in those areas within seven years. 'It will take some time before wireless becomes material in a positive way to our bottom line,' said Perron. The wireless launch announcement came as the company reported a profit attributable to owners of the corporation of $20.5 million in its quarter ended May 31, up from $19 million in the same quarter last year. Cogeco said its profit amounted to $2.13 per diluted share for the quarter, up from $1.97 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. But analysts took a negative view of the company's results, in which Cogeco also revised its 2025 guidance. Cogeco said it was lowering its revenue projections for the current fiscal year to a 'low single-digit decline,' compared with its previous projection from last October of 'stable' revenue for the year. It said it expects 'additional pressure' on its revenue, particularly in the U.S., driven by increased competition. Meanwhile, Cogeco said it was undertaking 'several cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies' across the organization to minimize the effect of lower than expected revenue. For the quarter, Cogeco's revenue totalled $758.5 million, down from $777.2 million in the same period last year. On an adjusted basis, Cogeco says it earned $2.40 per diluted share in its latest quarter, down from an adjusted profit of $3.02 per diluted share a year ago. Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi warned that Cogeco 'might need to take a more aggressive approach in the coming months to stem the subscriber bleeding' it has recently seen in U.S. markets. 'We think it is concerning that in the last 12 months, the company has lost almost five per cent of its internet subscriber base in the U.S. and close to 11 per cent of its video service accounts,' said Yaghi in a note. 'As we look at the U.S. market, large cable companies have started to provide price locks and even reduced prices while offering free wireless services in order to stabilize their subscriber base. Cogeco has still not made that U-turn move yet.'
Hamilton Spectator
16-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Cogeco launches Canadian wireless service, plans to be in 12 markets in coming weeks
Cogeco Inc. has launched its long-awaited wireless service in Canada, saying it plans to compete with other carriers in the market by targeting 'low-to-mid data users.' The Montreal-based telecommunications company said it has already signed up an initial cohort of customers on the new mobile service following a pre-registration period for its existing Canadian wireline subscribers. President and CEO Frédéric Perron said Wednesday that Cogeco plans to cover 12 Canadian markets in parts of Ontario and Quebec over the coming weeks, ahead of a full commercial launch of the service this fall. The company has said mobile coverage would be available across its broadband footprint. 'We're ready to go,' he told analysts on a conference call discussing the company's third-quarter earnings results. But Perron declined to share pricing details for its wireless service, saying the company wants to announce those offers to its customers first. He noted that mobile service will remain exclusive to those also subscribed to its wireline services. By offering cellphone and internet plan bundles, Cogeco has previously described its strategy as being geared toward increasing customer retention. Perron said Cogeco will also provide a 'time-limited launch bonus' for the first wave of customers signing up for mobile service. When asked by an analyst how 'aggressive' Cogeco plans to be in terms of pricing, he reiterated that those discounts wouldn't remain in place over the long term. 'It's not a strategy to go national or anything like that,' he said. 'We're a rational player. Of course, when you launch a new service, there can always be a time-limited launch offer, but that's just what it is — a time-limited launch offer.' Last year, Cogeco began offering wireless service under its Breezeline Mobile brand to customers in 13 U.S. states where it already offered broadband internet services. In Canada, Cogeco's mobile coverage is being delivered under the mobile virtual network operator framework, which allow telecoms to offer cellphone service through rival carriers' networks. The MVNO framework was put in place by the CRTC. The rules set by the regulator are meant to increase cellphone competition by giving regional carriers a presence in regions they did not previously serve, with requirements to build their own networks in those areas within seven years. 'It will take some time before wireless becomes material in a positive way to our bottom line,' said Perron. The wireless launch announcement came as the company reported a profit attributable to owners of the corporation of $20.5 million in its quarter ended May 31, up from $19 million in the same quarter last year. Cogeco said its profit amounted to $2.13 per diluted share for the quarter, up from $1.97 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. But analysts took a negative view of the company's results, in which Cogeco also revised its 2025 guidance. Cogeco said it was lowering its revenue projections for the current fiscal year to a 'low single-digit decline,' compared with its previous projection from last October of 'stable' revenue for the year. It said it expects 'additional pressure' on its revenue, particularly in the U.S., driven by increased competition. Meanwhile, Cogeco said it was undertaking 'several cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies' across the organization to minimize the effect of lower than expected revenue. For the quarter, Cogeco's revenue totalled $758.5 million, down from $777.2 million in the same period last year. On an adjusted basis, Cogeco says it earned $2.40 per diluted share in its latest quarter, down from an adjusted profit of $3.02 per diluted share a year ago. Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi warned that Cogeco 'might need to take a more aggressive approach in the coming months to stem the subscriber bleeding' it has recently seen in U.S. markets. 'We think it is concerning that in the last 12 months, the company has lost almost five per cent of its internet subscriber base in the U.S. and close to 11 per cent of its video service accounts,' said Yaghi in a note. 'As we look at the U.S. market, large cable companies have started to provide price locks and even reduced prices while offering free wireless services in order to stabilize their subscriber base. Cogeco has still not made that U-turn move yet.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX:CGO)
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Southwick turns out for Memorial Day services
SOUTHWICK — On Memorial Day the nation stops to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military, and the residents of Southwick joined their fellow citizens to give their own thanks for their sacrifice. 'Today is a solemn occasion to reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who gave their lives so that we might live in freedom,' said Jason Perron, U.S. Air Force veteran and keynote speaker for the ceremony at the town's War Memorial. 'Those heroes came from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different stories but they shared a common commitment to defend the values and ideals that make our nation strong. They faced unimaginable challenges and dangers and many paid the highest price,' Perron said. 'As we pause here today, let us remember their names, their faces, and their stories. Let us also honor the families who carried their memories with love and pride, even in the midst of loss,' he said. 'Let us live with gratitude and let us strive to build a world worthy of their sacrifice,' he said before recalling the words of former President John F. Kennedy. 'As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,' Kennedy proclaimed in 1963. Before Perron, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga spoke of the men from Southwick who paid the ultimate sacrifice, which included Herbert Castle in World War II, Richard Power and William Alamed during the Vietnam War, Stephen Wentworth in the Beirut bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in 1983, and Travis Fuller during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 'Their courage alongside countless others from our community remind us that freedom is not free. It is paid for with bravery of those who stood in harm's way from the battlefields of World War II to the conflicts of today,' Boldyga. 'Let's carry the spirit of Memorial Day with us. Let's pledge to continue to make our community a place where veterans are supported, where freedom is cherished, and community thrives,' he said. Select Board member Diane Gale also spoke of the men and women who were lost. 'I offer tribute to those who sacrifice life and limb and gave honor to all who fell for the fight for freedom … They all paid a debt they didn't owe and one we can never repay,' she said. As the ceremony opened, Shirley Odell, a Gold Star mother who lost her daughter, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Nancy R. Odell-Liupakka, in 1987 in Italy, placed wreaths on the granite markers inscribed with the names of the town's men and women who served in the military. Father Matthew Guidi of Our Lady of the Lake Parish offered the invocation. 'Let us never forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure freedom would be our legacy. Their names may face with the passing of generations, but we will never forget what they've done,' Guidi said. And he asked for peace. 'Let us demand that no other young men or women follow them to the soldier's grave unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just,' Guidi said. During the ceremony, the Southwick Regional School Marching Band played a melody of service-related music, and as it closed, the haunting and plaintive melody of taps. The ceremony was organized by American Legion Post 338 and its commander Darcie Rock spoke of the families left behind. 'As we pause to remember our fallen comrades, we need to take time to give thought to their families, their friends and to those who loved them. We cannot measure the depth of their loss nor can we comprehend the true measure of their sorrow. We will never forget their loved ones, their value, their sacrifice and the many good things they have earned for us,' she said. Read the original article on MassLive.
