Quebec is enacting a new law, Bill 9, to further restrict public displays of religion, including banning prayer in public institutions and on public roads, with fines for violations. This builds upon the controversial Bill 21, expanding restrictions on religious symbols in public sector workplaces to include daycares, colleges, universities, and private schools. The government argues the law is part of its secularization efforts and applies equally to all, however, critics, including religious groups and organizations, condemn the bill, and some are claiming it is discriminatory. The legislation invokes the notwithstanding clause, protecting it from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to review the legal challenges to this clause.
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Consumer shopping habits are constantly evolving, with significant shifts observed in recent times. A rise in online purchases and a growing preference for sustainable products are key trends. Furthermore, the influence of social media on purchasing decisions has become increasingly prominent. These changes highlight the need for retailers to adapt and meet evolving consumer expectations.
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A Quebec man is cautioning Canadian boaters about potential risks when navigating U.S. waters after a recent incident involving the U.S. Coast Guard. The man was detained and placed in a jail cell following an encounter with the Coast Guard. Details of the encounter remain unclear, but the incident has prompted him to advise fellow boaters to be vigilant and informed about U.S. regulations. He urges them to take extra precautions to avoid similar situations.
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Canadian authorities have charged four individuals, including members of the military, with planning to establish an anti-government militia and seize land in Quebec. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seized an extensive arsenal of weapons and explosives, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, and 11,000 rounds of ammunition during searches conducted in January 2024. The accused allegedly participated in military-style training, scouting operations, and recruitment efforts, with police describing the seized cache as the largest ever found in a Canadian terrorism investigation. The investigation, which began 18 months prior to the arrests, was led by the RCMP and local police and is believed to be an act of ideologically motivated violent extremism.
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Three-year-old Claire Bell, missing since Sunday, was found alive and well near an Ontario highway on Wednesday. Public tips proved critical in locating her, leading police to expand the search into Ontario where a drone spotted her. The extensive search involved hundreds of officers, volunteers, and various resources from both Quebec and Ontario police forces. Claire’s mother, Rachel-Ella Todd, has been charged with child abandonment.
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Following a judicial recount, the Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste has won the Quebec riding of Terrebonne by a single vote, defeating incumbent Bloc Québécois MP Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné. This leaves the Liberals with 170 seats, two short of a majority government. The recount was triggered by the narrow margin of victory, falling within the automatically-triggered threshold for a recount under Canadian election rules. Recounts are also underway in three other ridings, with potential to impact final seat counts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker