Latest news with #Plamondon
Montreal Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Why is the PQ resonating with so many Quebecers right now?
Opinion The results of the Arthabaska byelection confirm what polls have been saying for months: a vast majority of Quebecers want the Legault government out. On Monday, only 7.2 per cent of voters gave their support to the Coalition Avenir Québec candidate. Even Premier François Legault conceded that this poor outcome is an indication of Quebecers' discontent. The next general election will be held a little over a year from now — Oct. 5, 2026 — and it is easy to predict what the main theme will be: change. Quebecers will wonder which party best represents this ever-important political value. In Arthabaska, as in the two previous byelections won by the Parti Québécois, voters concluded that the separatist party is the most credible alternative to the CAQ. Why? One reason is that, considering his relative youth (he is 48) and the fact that he has never been in government, PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon personifies change. His style of direct, sincere, thoughtful politics also differs from the stuff of many career politicians. Veteran pollster Jean-Marc Léger noted on Tuesday that 30 per cent of Parti Québécois voters are federalists. Instead of voting Liberal as would be expected, those Quebecers choose to support the PQ because Plamondon's party is perceived as the one with the best chance of winning and therefore, of sending the CAQ government packing. In Monday's byelection, the Quebec Liberal Party had a strong local candidate. They also, finally, have a new, well-known leader. Despite those assets, Chantale Marchand received only 9.3 per cent of the byelection votes. Clearly, voters in Arthabaska did not consider the QLP as the party through which one could express their longing for a fresh start. This is a weakness that leader Pablo Rodriguez will have to address quickly if he wants his party to be competitive come October 2026. Another reason for the PQ's success is the rapid decline of Québec solidaire. No one expected QS to win in Arthabaska, a traditionally conservative riding. Still, in the 2022 general election, they had obtained 9.2 per cent of Arthabaska votes ; on Monday, their score fell to an anemic 1.5 per cent. Voters, specifically young voters, who were attracted to the societal changes proposed by the leftist party may have switched their vote to the PQ, notwithstanding some major differences between the positions of the 'péquistes' and that of the 'solidaires' on immigration, for example. After the 2022 election, some commentators predicted the death of the party founded by René Lévesque. To Plamondon's credit, he succeeded in bringing the PQ back from the brink. His commitment to hold a third referendum on sovereignty was thought to be an obstacle to growing the party's base. That has not happened yet, and it remains to be seen whether things will change when Quebecers are called upon to choose the province's next government instead of simply voting for their local MNA. In his victory speech Monday night, Plamondon emphasized concrete issues that concern Quebecers — ineffective public services, the increase in the cost of living, the worrisome state of the province's finances, uncontrolled immigration — rather than separation. Is this the beginning of a strategic turn where, even if still committed to hold a third referendum on independence, the PQ will first and foremost promise a competent government ('un bon government'), as they have often done in the past? Of course, a lot can happen in the next year. However, for now, Plamondon and his party are clearly being perceived by many Quebecers as the most credible alternative to the Legault government. Strategically, that is a very enviable position to hold. This story was originally published
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ed Sheeran tribute act flies 3,000 miles to sing in Framlingham
A Canadian Ed Sheeran tribute act who took himself on a 3,000-mile (4,828 km) pilgrimage inspired by the star said he could "feel" the singer's presence in a Suffolk town. Benoit Plamondon has flown to the UK from his home in Quebec City, where he believes he is Canada's only Sheeran tribute Plamondon is staying with his friend Hayley Judge, from south London, who claims to be the UK's only female Sheeran tribute pair travelled to Framlingham Castle in Suffolk, which Sheeran wrote about in his song Castle on the Hill, where they filmed their own videos and performed his songs. "I knew him from the songs on the radio," Mr Plamondon said of how he discovered Sheeran."As soon as I saw a video of Shape of You live with the looper, I told myself I need that thing."Then I bought the single looper, the dual looper, so Ed Sheeran, you've cost me an arm and a leg." The two musicians met online a few years ago through their love of Sheeran and would regularly chat on FaceTime. Ms Judge, accompanied with a sign that read Welcome Mr Sheeran, picked Mr Plamondon up from the airport which was when the pair met in person for the first Tuesday they took a visit to Framlingham Castle."I feel like I'm in the songs now, it's amazing, we can understand everything, we can feel it," Mr Plamondon said of the area."I need to shake his hand and just say, 'Thanks man, you've made me a better performer', I need to see him one day."Ms Judge agreed it was a "special" place and felt "unreal", with both agreeing Sheeran's essence could be felt. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Ottawa Citizen
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
OCDSB supervisor to reintroduce final exams for Grade 9 and 10
Student assessments for Grades 9 and 10 will be reintroduced, beginning this September, says the supervisor appointed by the province to oversee Ottawa's largest school board. Article content The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is one of the few boards in Ontario that does not include exams or summative assessments in Grades 9 and 10, said supervisor Robert Plamondon in an email to parents. Article content Article content Article content 'Although the OCDSB had had final evaluations in Grade 9 and 10, those evaluations have not included a final exam which will better prepare them for more consequential evaluations in Grade 11 and 12,' said Plamondon. Article content Article content 'Following a review of our Student Success Days and feedback from teachers and parents, I have directed staff to reintroduce exams or summative assessments in Grade 9 and 10, beginning in September 2025,' he said. 'This practice will ensure students are prepared for their next courses or post-secondary pursuits.' Article content In 2022, a spokesperson for then-education minister Stephen Lecce said local decisions are made by schools and boards to determine if they will administer an exam to determine a final grade for secondary students. In January 2023, Grade 9 and 10 students at the OCDSB had a week off unless their teachers asked them to come in to finish incomplete work. According to the OCDSB, exams were scrapped to better support the mental health and well-being of students. Article content Article content Plamondon was appointed supervisor on June 27 as the Ford government announced it would be taking control of four school boards, including the OCDSB. The province said it has appointed a supervisor to the OCDSB to address concerns of financial 'mismanagement' and growing deficits. Article content In his email, Plamondon, who has had a 35-year career in governance, finance, public policy and public administration, said the OCDSB's operating challenges go beyond budgeting. Article content 'Despite the dedicated efforts of teachers and staff, confidence among parents in the OCDSB has declined,' said Plamondon in the email. 'Many believe the board lost focus on the fundamentals of education — impacting both trust and student enrolment.' Article content According to figures released last December, enrolment at the OCDSB increased by over 200 students in the school year starting in September 2024, but that was almost 1,000 fewer students than it projected the previous spring. Meanwhile, enrolment in the city's other school boards has far outpaced growth at OCDSB. Article content The past year has been a tumultuous one for the board. Last month, trustees approved $18.1 million in budget cuts to its $1.244-billion budget. Three trustees have resigned in less than a year. Article content Plamondon said since he was appointed, he has met with central board staff, representatives of principals and vice principals, the federation of nine unions representing the district, some trustees, incoming and outgoing student trustees, students and other outgoing staff. Article content 'As the OCDSB supervisor, I am mandated by the Minister of Education to ensure the financial sustainability of the District. However, my top priority is student success and well-being. Achieving this requires strong engagement from staff — especially teachers — and from parents. It also requires that we direct our resources to where they matter most: the classroom,' said Plamondon. Article content Article content 'As I told school leaders, I work for the students, and by extension, their parents. This also means supporting educators, those who have chosen one of the most meaningful careers in society.' Article content Plamondon also addressed the OCDSB's elementary program review, which included changes to French immersion, phasing out alternative schools and some special education classes, as well as controversial school boundary changes. Article content 'Conversations are continuing with the ministry about this, and I will update you as soon as I have news to share,' he said. 'While the discussion continues, I want to assure parents that no students will be required to move schools for the 2025-2026 school year.' Article content Changes to boundaries were not slated to begin until the school year starting in September 2026. Trustees heard in April that there would be opportunities to 'grandparent' children at their current schools as school boundaries change. Article content 'Although supervision means elected trustees have no decision-making authority, I have asked staff to take extra steps to ensure the District remains open and responsive to parents, students, and the broader community,' he said. Article content
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base releases new details about forever chemical contamination, clean-up
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base held a tour Thursday to address a chemical spill that threatened water quality on base and, according to the City of Dayton, their customers for the last decade. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6, base environmental officials provided new details on the PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, found on base. PFAs, or forever chemicals, were often used in firefighting foam decades ago, before we knew about the dangers. Base environmental workers have created huge containment and treatment centers. TRENDING STORIES: Local woman accused of trying to open airplane door mid-flight Child in the back of stolen car found safe at local gas station, 1 in custody Neighbors concerned about safety after 3 shootings on same street in matter of days 'There were two releases that occurred at the hazardous material storage facility,' Greg Plamondon with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base said. Base environmental leaders say the PFAs chemicals that were released were both firefighting foam and concentrated liquid used to make the foam. 'So the fire suppression system over-pressurized for one of the releases and a relief valve failed,' Plamondon said. Plamondon says environmental crews worked to clean it up back in 2015, but some of the PFAs still seeped into the ground, groundwater and surface water. Base officials moved to implement highly technical clean-up sites where water is collected, aerated, then goes through sand filtration and then absorbent treatment. 'If one fails or needs maintenance it can be taken out of service and not stop treating water,' Terry Bauer, a construction engineer, said. Bauer is a construction quality control manager who works with two systems like this. 'This is one of the first of its kind in the country, here and at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina,' Bauer said. 'So, we're cutting edge at the moment.' Base leaders showed News Center 7 another clean-up site on Area A at a former firefighter training facility, where more PFAs were used and leaked. The biggest concern is safe drinking water on base and in the nearby areas. The base took two wells off-line until they built a major water treatment center in 2018. 'It gets down to non-detectable, and the laboratory's detection limits are around two parts per trillion,' Raymond Baker with American Water said. The EPA's recommended guidelines for PFAs is four parts per trillion, according to base leaders. So the treatment plant is working to remove the forever chemicals. News Center 7 is reaching out to the City of Dayton for information on the impact to their well fields. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
What Mark Carney Can Learn From John Diefenbaker
Commentary Review of On April 28, after President Donald Trump again remarked that Canada should become the The protection of Canadian nationhood and freedom is a recurring theme in True North history, as Bob Plamondon shows in his new biography of John Diefenbaker, ' Plamondon, author of other books such as As Plamondon recounts, when attending the United Nations General Assembly in 1960, Prime Minister Diefenbaker was outraged by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's attacks on the United States and his call for the U.N. to 'uphold the sovereign rights of states and to press for the re-establishment of international relations on a sound legal basis.' The man they called 'Dief the Chief' was unsparing in his response. Related Stories 11/22/2023 5/7/2025 'Mr. Khrushchev, in a gigantic propaganda drama of destructive misrepresentation, launched a major offensive in the Cold War,' he said in his address. 'I ask [Khrushchev] this question: how many human beings have been liberated by the U.S.S.R.? Do we forget how one of the postwar colonies of the U.S.S.R. sought to liberate itself four years ago and with what results? How are we to reconcile the tragedy of the Hungarian uprising in 1956 with Chairman Khruschev's confident assertion of a few days ago in this Assembly?' According to Plamondon, Diefenbaker 'confronted the Russian bear and triumphed on the world stage by standing up for the rights of all people to freedom and democracy.' More importantly, the address was heard in Soviet prison camps, and was particularly inspiring to those in jail for advocating for Ukrainian independence. With the freedom of Ukraine once again under threat by Russia, Carney should take up Diefenbaker's example of defending democracy abroad. Additionally, Carney should learn also from Diefenbaker's unyielding commitment to defending Canadian liberties at home. During the height of World War II, Diefenbaker's anti-communist views did not prevent him from chastising the government for curtailing the rights of free speech for Canadians sympathetic to communism. As a member of Parliament, he criticized the federal government for its 'Mr. Speaker, ... I do not believe the minds of liberty-loving Canadians, however much they hate communism, have become so apathetic in six years of domination by a state in a period when the political doctrines of regimentation have been in effect,' he said in the House of Commons As prime minister, Diefenbaker would translate his lifelong commitment to Canadian liberties to his advocacy for a Canadian Bill of Rights. According to Plamondon, the bill was the signature achievement of Diefenbaker's prime ministership: 'There is little doubt that it would not have been enacted without his vision and leadership.' The Bill of Rights was the first affirmation of individual rights and freedoms at the federal level in Canadian history; its To further assert Canadian nationalism, Diefenbaker stressed the necessity for a unified Canadian identity which transcends race and ethnicity. His opposition to what we call 'identity politics' today is demonstrated by his mantra of One Canada, eschewing hyphenated descriptions such as German-Canadian. As the first prime minister of neither British nor French ancestry, Diefenbaker 'rejected the view that Canada's founding was a coming together of two races,' according to Plamondon. This conviction prompted Diefenbaker to extend voting rights to indigenous Canadians, as well as using the Bill of Rights to further guarantee protection of individual and civil liberties of First Nations and Inuit peoples. 'I believe,' he proclaimed, 'that today, our Indians should no longer be in the position of second-class citizens in the country in which they indeed were the first citizens.' Diefenbaker's respect for indigenous rights played out in the landmark 1970 Supreme Court case of As former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien wrote in the foreword to Freedom Fighter, Diefenbaker 'was undeniably a proud and passionate Canadian. He devoted his life to public service and inspired others to do the same.' Although Chrétien and Diefenbaker were from opposing parties, both men understood the value of governing by common sense and trusting the judgment of the people. In his victory speech, incumbent Prime Minister Mark Carney proclaimed that he would represent Canadian citizens 'no matter where you live, no matter what language you speak, no matter how you voted.' This is something Diefenbaker would say—and mean. Dief the Chief is an example to follow, especially his unyielding fight for Canadian liberty and sovereignty. Chuong Nguyen is the host of the Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
