Board orders deportation for trucker in horrific Humboldt Broncos crash
The truck driver who caused the horrific bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has been ordered to be deported.
The blue and white Fleur-de-lys is waving across Quebec as the province celebrates Fete nationale, marking the holiday with neighbourhood parties, large concerts and fireworks.
It is a display of Quebec pride and nationalism that comes as a debate over whether de facto separation of the province from Canada is already underway.
In recent weeks, the Liberal opposition in Quebec's national assembly has accused Premier Francois Legault of promoting sovereignty, and of carrying out his not-so-hidden agenda of making the province a country.
Legault is a former member of the Parti Quebecois -- a party devoted to separation. But as the leader of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) he has promised never to hold a referendum and to leave old separatist-federalist divisions behind.
But opponents jumped on the announcement the party has recruited Bernard Drainville, a high profile separatist who also served in the Parti Quebecois, to run as a candidate for the CAQ in October's provincial election.
The Liberals say it is a sign that Legault is set to crank up the promotion of sovereignty. But in an interview, Drainville denied that joining the CAQ ranks continues his march towards a referendum, saying the sovereignty option simply does not have the numbers on its side.
"Quebecers have moved beyond this debate. We've been debating sovereignty and federalism for 50 years," he told CTV News Montreal. "50 years."
Polls show a majority of Quebecers would vote against sovereignty if given a chance. Those numbers have been relatively stable for over a decade. However, analyst Philippe Fournier says polling data reveals even more gloomy news for separatists about supporters. https://lactualite.com/politique/souverainete-les-electeurs-de-la-caq-et-de-qs-sont-divises/
"We see that between 60 and 65 per cent of Quebecers would vote no, including a majority of francophones which is critical," he said.
Fournier also said the younger generation is less likely to sign on.
"It is a massive change. In 1980, the majority of young voters were far more sovereigntist than the rest of the population," he said.
But Andre Pratte, former senator and journalist, argues a process of separation is already underway. He says that over time, Quebec has had fewer and fewer ties with the rest of Canada.
"I think it is important Quebec continues to work with other regions of the country to solve problems of national scope," Pratte said. "If it is the opposite then we don't have a country anymore. Then it is not separatism, not independence in the sense that we have this huge party on referendum night, but it is de facto separation."
He added that Quebec is already becoming "increasingly sovereign in all fields and jurisdictions."
Pratte points to the CAQ's bid to revive a debate over whether the province should have more powers over immigration. He also refers to Quebec's use of the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The province has shielded Bill 96, a revamped language law, and Bill 21, the law banning religious signs for some people in positions of authority, from charter challenges using the clause.
"I think there is obviously a wall being built between Canada and Quebec, and bills 96 and 21 are part of this. The fact that the majority of Quebecers are willing to push aside fundamental rights and not care I think is significant," Pratte said.
Fournier said the CAQ's latest moves are also part of a long-standing tradition that sees parties increasingly casting themselves as defenders of the interests of Quebec leading up to an election. He says that often includes stepping up fights against the federal government.
"You want to be Captain Quebec," he said.
Legault says the CAQ is not a sovereigntist, party but a nationalist party. When asked to define what that means, he explained that it is the party's role to promote and protect the French language, as well as Quebec values.
If polls are right, it seems a large majority of Quebecers may be willing to side with him.
The truck driver who caused the horrific bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has been ordered to be deported.
The three people killed in last weekend's tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
Exhausted and short on options after consulting two veterinary clinics, Kristie Pereira made the gut-wrenching decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
A gunman who is accused of killing a young Ontario man and shooting four of his family members at their small Mississauga restaurant in 2021 was allegedly part of a trio who had pledged allegiance to the listed terrorist group Islamic State, a Crown attorney said in an opening statement in the Brampton murder trial this week.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was once thought to be a thing of the past is now a public health priority for North American doctors.
A pair of Purolator transport truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. are being hailed as heroes for their efforts in helping a person in crisis.
Stopping short of offering the assurance U.S. senators are seeking, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is aware there's more work to do in order to see Canada meet NATO's defence spending target.
A toddler has died after being struck by a recycling truck in a Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.
As avian flu spreads south of the border, Canadian officials are now testing samples of milk sold in grocery stores across the country.
When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
The proprietors of Regina's sole discount theatre are aware they're carrying on a significant legacy.
When Jujhar Mann said he wanted to be a pastry chef on a grade school career project, he didn't imagine that pursuing his dream would land him on a popular Netflix baking competition.
A city known for its history, ties to outer space and southern barbecue, is also home to a Winnipeg chef dishing out dozens of perogies.
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Public libraries in Atlantic Canada are now lending a broader range of items.
Flashes of purple darting across the sky mixed with the serenading sound of songs will be noticed more with spring in full force in Manitoba.
Catching 'em all with impressive speed, a 7-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. who only started his competitive Pokémon journey seven months ago has already levelled up to compete at a world championship level.