Montreal
Oscar Peterson pedestrian square pushed to 2028 over costs
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced Wednesday that the planned Oscar Peterson pedestrian square in downtown Montreal will be delayed until 2028, citing high costs. The project had been expected to transform a section of the downtown core into a public gathering space honouring the late Montreal jazz legend.
Quebec moves to extend Bill 101 to adult and vocational schools
French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge announced legislation Wednesday that would extend Bill 101 protections to adult and vocational education, redirecting roughly 27,000 students into the French-language system. The move is part of the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s ongoing effort to strengthen the use of French in Quebec institutions.
Anglophone group TALQ condemns Bill 101 extension plan
The Townshippers’ Association and anglophone advocacy group TALQ responded swiftly to the announced Bill 101 extension, with president Eva Ludvig condemning the plan. Ludvig said the redirection of 27,000 students away from English-language schools represents a serious threat to the anglophone education system.
Jolin-Barrette backs PQ leader’s federal spying fears
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette said during question period Wednesday that Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is right to fear surveillance by federal authorities. The comments came amid ongoing tensions between Quebec City and Ottawa over intelligence activities targeting provincial politicians.
Fréchette stays silent on Nemaska Lithium report
Premier Christine Fréchette declined to say Wednesday whether she had prior knowledge of an unfavourable recommendation regarding the Nemaska Lithium project. Fréchette offered no comment on the matter during proceedings at the National Assembly.
Katseye world tour coming to Bell Centre
Pop group Katseye has announced a Montreal stop at the Bell Centre as part of their upcoming world tour. A date for the show has not yet been confirmed publicly.
Canada
Carney meets Artemis II crew in Ottawa
Prime Minister Mark Carney exchanged gifts with the crew of Artemis II in Ottawa on Wednesday. The Canadian-led mission’s crew has been conducting a series of engagements across the country ahead of their planned lunar flyby.
Equinox Gold makes $7-billion bid for Orla Mining
Equinox Gold has launched a $7-billion takeover bid for Orla Mining in a deal that would create Canada’s second-largest gold producer. The proposed merger reflects continued consolidation in the Canadian mining sector amid elevated gold prices.
Osoyoos Lake levels raised after drought declaration
Water managers raised levels on Osoyoos Lake in British Columbia on Wednesday following a drought declaration prompted by unusually dry conditions in the region. The decision is intended to protect water supplies heading into the summer months.
High travel costs push Ottawans to stay home this summer
Soaring travel costs are prompting many Ottawa residents to cancel summer trips abroad and explore local options instead, giving a boost to the capital’s tourism sector. Accommodation and attraction operators in the region say they are seeing increased interest from staycation travellers.
Committee calls for federal farm research centres to stay open
A parliamentary committee issued a call Wednesday for the federal government to keep agricultural research centres and experimental farms open as Ottawa pursues cost-cutting measures. Committee members argued the facilities play a critical role in food security and innovation across Canada.
Sports
Sabres even series with 3-2 win over Canadiens in Game 4
The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, evening the series at 2-2. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was strong between the pipes for Buffalo, and Habs fans at Bell Centre said Wednesday they remain confident the team can bounce back.
Victoire beat Frost 2-1 in Game 5, advance to Walter Cup final
The Montreal Victoire defeated the Boston Frost 2-1 in Game 5 of the PWHL playoffs on Wednesday, with Marie-Philip Poulin scoring the game-winner. Montreal will now face the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup final.
Weather
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low of 7°C. West winds of 20 km/h will become light overnight.
Thursday will bring rain with about 5 mm expected and a high of 11°C, falling to a low of 6°C. Southeast winds will reach 20 km/h through the day.
