Montreal Wins Grey Cup On Last Play In Game (This Post Will Be On Top For Today)

Montreal Alouettes' (from left) Anwar Stewart, Anthony Calvillo, Damon Duval and Avon Cobourne celebrate 28-27 Grey Cup win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Calgary on Nov. 29, 2009. Photograph by: Shaun Best, Reuters

Alouettes Triumph Over Roughriders In Grey Cup Thriller -- Montreal Gazette

Montreal 28, Saskatchewan 27; Duval completes Als rally on last-play field goal.

CALGARY – Time after time this season, Damon Duval bailed the Alouettes' offence.

He did it again Sunday night, and the Als are now Canadian Football League champions.

Duval's 33-yard field goal on the final play of the fourth quarter carried Montreal to an electrifying and incredible come-from-behind 28-27 victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 97th Grey Cup game before a capacity crowd of 46,020 McMahon Stadium spectators.

Read more ....

More News On Montreal's Victory In The Grey Cup

Complete Montreal Alouettes Coverage -- Montreal Gazette
Als take last-second Grey Cup victory -- CBC
Als beat 'Riders 28-27 on last-second Duval field goal -- CTV
A Riders goof, an Als victory -- Globe And Mail
Second time a charm for Alouettes in Grey Cup -- Toronto Star
Mystery man cost Riders -- Toronto Sun
Grey Cup was instant classic -- Canada.com
Montreal a deserving, albeit lucky, winner -- Globe And Mail
Mistake costs Riders a Grey Cup victory -- Canada.com
Als hero Duval thanks God for second chance -- Canada.com
Alouettes capitalize on Rider's penalty to win 97th Grey Cup -- TSN
Cobourne, Cahoon take Grey Cup awards -- CBC

Guitar Gods Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck To Play Bell Centre

Guitar legend Eric Clapton performs at the Bell Centre in Montreal in May 2008. Clapton and fellow ex-Yardbird Jeff Beck will play the Bell Centre on Feb. 22, 2010. Photograph by: Phil Carpenter, Gazette file photo

From The Montreal Gazette:

Ex-Yardbirds visit Montreal on Feb. 22.

MONTREAL – Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck will perform together at the Bell Centre on Feb. 22, 2010.

The tour is an offshoot of two shows the guitar giants played together at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan in February this year.

“(We) had a blast,” Beck said of the Japan shows in a press release. “Since then we have been in regular contact and talked about doing a similar show for our fans.”

Read more ....

My Comment: This is going to be a great show.

New Group Wants To Protect French Language, Curb Spread Of English

Members of Mouvement Monteregie Francais met in Longueuil on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009

From The CTV:

A new group supporting the French language launched in South Shore Longueuil on Sunday.

The Mouvement Monteregie Francais says its mission is to protect Quebec's mother tongue in the regions.

"We are a minority and we are facing a very powerful English culture," said PQ MNA Pierre Curzi, a supporter of the group.

Read more ....

My Comment: A bunch of old French Quebecers telling young non-French Quebecers to speak French. Yeah right.

N.L. Wants Upper Churchill Hydro Contract Renegotiated

From The Montreal Gazette:

Province says there is a "compelling" argument to reopen deal.

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through its energy corporation Nalcor, is asking Hydro-Québec to renegotiate the Upper Churchill contract.

Premier Danny Williams told the legislature Monday, shortly after it opened for the fall sitting, that the request was made after the province discovered a "very legitimate and compelling" legal argument that has yet to be tested in the courts.

Read more ....

My Comment: Every year the Government of Newfoundland makes the demand that the contract must be reopened .... and every year Hydro Quebec says no.

Als Fans Thrilled With Grey Cup victory

Montreal Alouettes fans at a downtown bar jump to their feet after the Als defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-27 on Sunday, November 29, 2009.

From CTV News:

It took seven years, but on Sunday night, Montreal Alouettes fans finally got what they've been waiting for.

In what was one of the most dramatic final few seconds of a Grey Cup game, the Montreal Alouettes took advantage of a penalty called on the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and kicked a 33-yard field goal to secure a 28-27 victory in front of 46,000 spectators.

Read more ....

My Comment: I have a confession .... after the 3rd quarter I went to bed. I was sad and dejected that the Als had lost .... and I did not see the point of watching any further.

Words cannot describe how shocked I was to see the headlines this morning. I was bitter at myself for missing the rest of the game .... but (yes) pleasantly surprised at the same time.

Quebec Proposes 7% Pay Hike For Civil Servants

Photo: Quebec Treasury Board president Monique Gagnon-Tremblay says the government is offering public sector wage increases of seven per cent over five years. (CBC)

From The Montreal Gazette:

Common front wants 11.25% increase.

QUEBEC – Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, who as president of Quebec's treasury board controls the purse strings of the province, proposes Monday a five-year contract and a seven-per-cent wage increase to the 475,000-member common front of public-sector employees – teachers, hospital workers, civil servants.

Read more ....

Update: Charest government tables offer -- CBC

My Comment: They are lucky to get 5% in this economy and high government debt. But unions operate on their own agenda .... taxpayers and everyone else be damn.

PQ Leads For First Time In Two Years: Poll

Pauline Marois's Parti Québécois holds a four-percentage-point lead over Jean Charest's Liberals in a Léger Marketing poll released Monday. Photograph by: Kim Chute, The Gazette

From The Montreal Gazette:

Reluctance to launch construction probe damages Jean Charest's Liberals.

MONTREAL – For the first time in two years, the Parti Québécois is leading in a public opinion poll. The PQ got 41 per cent of support in a poll out Monday, with Liberals nabbing 37 per cent.

Quebecers' dissatisfaction with the governing Liberals has grown by 10 percentage points since June, to 60 per cent, according to the poll.

Read more ....

Update: PQ leads in new poll -- CTV News

My Comment: This poll means nothing. The poll that counts was the last election .... and we know who won that one. If polls are to be taken seriously, it will be the polls that are take 3 years from now when Quebec's political parties are getting ready for another election .... until then these polls are just a snapshot of what people feel.

U2 Show Sold Out...Again

U2 frontman Bono sings to a sold-out crowd at BC Place in Vancouver, B.C., on October 28, 2009. (Anil Sharma for ctvbc.ca)

From CT:

U2's second and final concert in Montreal in July is now sold out.

Two weeks ago, the Gillett Entertainment Group announced that the wildly popular band would play at the Montreal Hippodrome on a custom-made stage in front of 60,000 fans on July 16, 2010.

Read more ....

My Comment: They can have another show .... and it will still sell out.

97th Grey Cup Set For Kickoff

Roughriders' Darian Durant and Anthony Calvillo of the Alouettes.
Photograph by: Mark Taylor, Canwest News Service

From The Montreal Gazette:

The wait is over. After a week of interviews, festivities and parades, the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders take to the field in Calgary for the 97th Grey Cup on Sunday.

It’s the second straight Grey Cup appearance for the Alouettes, who will look to erase the memories of a loss in the 2008 Grey Cup at the hands of the Calgary Stampeders in front of their fans at Olympic Stadium.

The Roughriders, who won the Grey Cup in 2007, will be looking for the second league title in three seasons after going 10-7-1 this season and finishing atop the Western Division standings.

Read more ....

My prediction for the Als: Tough game. Few breaks. Tension and stress throughout. Close moments. Pain and agony. Triumphant finish .... of which much rejoicing then follows.

Position-By-Position Report Card For Two Competing Grey Cup Teams

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo(13) tries to get away from BC Lions defensive end Ricky Foley during first quarter CFL Eastern Final football action at Olympic Stadium Sunday, November 22, 2009 in Montreal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

From CTV:

The Canadian Press

CALGARY — The Montreal Alouettes were first in the East Division after compiling a league-best 15-3 record, while Saskatchewan finished atop the West Division for the first time since 1976 with a 10-7-1 mark.

Montreal advanced to its seventh Grey Cup appearance since 2000 with a 56-18 win over the B.C. Lions in the East Division final. The Roughriders are in their second CFL title game since '07 following a 27-17 win over Calgary in the West Division final.

Here's a post ion-by-position grading for both teams heading into the big game:

Read more ....

My Comment: But who has the spirit to win .... one thing that I have learned is that sometimes the better team does not win.

No Lines For H1N1 Vaccine In Montreal

One in every three Quebecers has now received the H1N1 vaccine, says Quebec’s minister of health. Photograph by: Francois Lenoir, REUTERS

From The Montreal Gazette:

MONTREAL- Amid concerns that Quebecers are losing interest in geting the H1N1 vaccine, vaccination centres in Montreal operated Saturday at well below capacity.

Officials were watching turnout Saturday very closely, because Saturdaywas the first weekend day in Montreal for which there were no restrictions at all on who could get the vaccine.

Read more ....

Update: One-third of Quebecers vaccinated against H1N1 -- CTV

My comment: I guess it is now time for me to get my shot.

Grey Cup More Than A Game

Saskatchewan Roughrider fans were soaking up the atmosphere in Calgary in the lead-up to the Grey Cup. (Eric Anderson/CBC)

From The CBC:

Football fans enjoy the festivities connected to the game as much as the game itself.

Athletes and fans alike are savouring the festivities leading up to the much anticipated Grey Cup game in Calgary on Sunday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders play the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium.

Extra airline flights were added between Calgary and Regina and Saskatoon, allowing many 'Rider fans to get to the game.

Other 'Rider enthusiasts took the Trans-Canada Highway to Calgary, ensuring the city would be awash in green, the team colour.

Read more ....

My Comment: I have just two things to say.... (1) I hate green. (2) Do not forget the beer.

Montreal Boxer Bute Wows Crowd With KO

Photo: Challenger Librado Andrade collapses in agony after taking a left to the midriff from Quebec champ Lucian Bute on Saturday night. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

From The CBC:

Montreal boxer Lucian Bute answered any critics he might have had with an emphatic fourth-round knockout in a rematch over Librado Andrade to retain his super middleweight title on Saturday night.

Bute and Andrade engaged in one of the more exciting fights of the year, but the end was sudden at Pepsi Colisee in Quebec City.

Read more ....

My Comment: Boxing is becoming very popular in Quebec. 16,000 fans showing up on a hockey night .... that says volumes.

Washington 4 Montreal 3

Washington Capitals' Brooks Laich is checked by Canadiens' Josh Gorges during action at Montreal's Bell Centre on November 28, 2009. Photograph by: Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images

Habs Come Up Short In Shootout -- Montreal Gazette

MONTREAL – It’s difficult to stop Alexander Ovechkin but the Canadiens did their best to contain the Russian superstar and his offensive-minded teammates Saturday night before losing 4-3 in a shootout.

Niklas Backstrom, the third Washington shooter, scored the only goal in the shootout to spoil a strong effort from Carey Price and the undermanned Canadiens.

Read more ....

More News On Last Night's Game

Capitals score late, beat Habs in shootout -- Canada.com
Caps hang on for shootout win in Montreal -- CBC
Backstrom gives Capitals shootout win over Habs -- Yahoo Sports
Backstrom gives Capitals shootout win over Habs -- AP
Shootout goal lifts Caps past Canadiens -- Washington Times
Rookie Karl Alzner Plays Important Role in Washington Capitals Win Over Montreal -- Bleacher Report
Ovechkin steals the show as the Capitals down the Canadiens 4-3 in a shootout -- Canadian press

H1N1 Measures Curb C. Difficile In Quebec

Photo: A health worker applies disinfectant to her hands at a Montreal hospital. (CBC)

From CBC News:

The fight against the swine flu seems to be having another positive effect in Quebec hospitals — combating the deadly C. difficile bacteria, Dr. Alain Poirier, the province’s chief public health officer, said Friday.

Last month, Quebec hospitals registered their lowest rate of infections from C. difficile in five years. And the swine flu pandemic may be partially responsible, Poirier said.

Read more ....

My Comment: Cleanliness and disease .... another example (among many) that proves that there is a correlation.

There's No Shortage Of Things To Watch For In 2009 Grey Cup Contest

From CTV:

CALGARY — The practices are over, long film sessions complete. All that's left to do now is play the game.

The 2009 CFL season will come to an end Sunday when the Montreal Alouettes square off against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 97th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium.

The showdown features the best two teams in the CFL this season. Montreal finished atop the East Division standings with a league-best 15-3 record while Saskatchewan took first in the West Division for the first time since '76 with a 10-7-1 mark.

Read more ....

My Comment: The Als should win .... I repeat .... the Als should win.

Montreal Grand Prix Confirmed For 5 Years

Formula One drivers whip through the hairpin at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal 2007. Photograph by: Dave Sidaway, Gazette file photo

From The CBC:

A Quebec City hotel says it wants to promote pride in the French language by offering discounts to francophones.

As part of its “Franco-friendly” campaign, the Chateau Laurier hotel, just steps from the Plains of Abraham, said it will offer a 15 per cent discount to Acadians and French-speaking people from outside Quebec.

“We are extremely proud to be not only the first ‘French-friendly’ establishment in the Americas but also to be the establishment that francophones can count on to valorize their cultural heritage,” the hotel’s president, Alain Girard, said in a statement.

Read more ....

More News On The Return of The Grand Prix To Montreal

Formula One racing returning to Montreal -- Canada.com
Montreal back on the F1 schedule -- AP
Formula One race headed back to Montreal -- CTV News
Canada back on the Formula One schedule, beginning in 2010 -- Canadian Press

Montreal News And Weather -- November 27, 2009

MONTREAL NEWS AND WEATHER

Return of Canadian Grand Prix to be confirmed Friday -- CTV

Petitions demand inquiry into construction industry -- Montreal Gazette

Kahnawake radio host dies after contracting swine flu -- CTV
Kahnawake mourns DJ -- CBC

Inoculations protect public: MDs -- Montreal Gazette

Wal-Mart allowed to close unionized Saguenay store: SCOC -- CTV
Wal-Mart wins at Supreme Court -- CBC
Court backs Wal-Mart shutting union shop -- Montreal Gazette

Two AMT lines to shut down if there's a CN strike -- CTV

Bombardier Aerospace to lay off 715 workers in Montreal area -- CTV

La Presse workers agree to concessions -- Montreal Gazette

Delta-KLM to close Montreal call centre -- CTV

Men who beat victim to death apologize to his family -- Montreal Gazette
Guilty plea expected Friday in teen's beating death -- CTV

Police seek 2 suspects in café firebomb -- CBC
Cops search for 2 suspects in firebombing -- Montreal Gazette

Surprise: Montreal Transit Fares To Rise In 2010

Montreal Transit Corp. bus drivers are concerned about cutting off cyclists.
Photograph by: Dave Sidaway, Montreal Gazette

From The Montreal Gazette:

Proposed increase would be between 1.75 and 2.25 per cent.

MONTREAL - The worst kept secret in local public transit is about to become public knowledge - Montreal transit fares will rise in 2010.

“What we’ve proposed to the new board (of the Montreal Transit Corp.) is that the STM fall into line with what the Agence métropolitaine de transport and other transit agencies have already announced, which is an increase between 1.75 and 2.25 per cent,” says Montreal city councillor and STM finance committee chairperson Marvin Rotrand, adding the increase will be proposed at a meeting of the transit authority’s board of directors on Dec. 8.

Read more ....

Update: Montreal transit fare increase proposed -- CBC

My Comment: I am not surprised at all .... and I doubt that anyone else is.

Olympic Torch In Montreal Dec. 9, 10

Photo: Monique Worth, left, a Montreal executive commitee member, and Guylaine Bernier, a former Olympic rower, promote the coming visit of the Olympic torch. (CBC)

From the CBC:

The Olympic torch will visit Montreal Dec. 9 and 10, officials announced Thursday.

The torch will arrive the morning of Dec. 9 at Olympic Stadium to mark the city’s Olympic connection.

The next day, the torch will be carried through 12 different cities and boroughs on the island.

The day-long celebrations will wrap-up with a party at Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal, said Monique Worth, Montreal’s executive committee member responsible for sports and recreation.

Read more ....

My Comment: I can never understand how people can get excited over a little flame on an odd looking torch .... but lets face it, that torch has its own press corps and thousands of people seeing it everyday.

I have suggested to anyone who would listen that instead of a torch, we should instead have a grapefruit that symbolizes what we think of the Olympics. Have that grapefruit travel from one city to another, and publicize it everyday on the news. My bet ..... thousands will still show up everyday to see that stupid grapefruit.

Sigh .... unfortunately it is not going to happen. Or as my family puts it .... I am just an old and miserable person who likes to rant once in a while.

Calvillo Wins 3rd Outstanding Player Award

Anthony Calvillo poses with the CFL Most Outstanding Player Award in Calgary on Thursday. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

From CBC:

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player for a second consecutive year on Thursday night in Calgary.

It was Calvillo's third time overall winning the award, having first taken the honour in 2003. The quarterback threw 26 touchdown passes, completed 72 per cent of his passes and was intercepted just six times. He was third in passing yards (4,639).

Read more ....

My Comment: It is nice to win these small awards .... but the one that counts is on Sunday.

Trial Begins For Child Star-Turned-Murder Suspect

Didier Buzizi has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder

From CTV:

A former child actor turned rapper is now on trial for the murder of a fellow Rwandan native.

Didier Buzizi was born in Rwanda, but grew up in Quebec, winning the hearts of his new countrymen with his role on the soap opera Fred-dy.

The series portrayed two restaurant owners who befriended young people in difficulty, one of which was played by Buzizi.

Read more ....

My Comment: To be killed over a bottle of liquor .... you got to be kidding.

Plan For New Provincial Electoral Map Unfolds

From The Montreal Gazette:

Bill also amends funding rules: Move to regulate political contributions is decried as smokescreen by opposition.

A bill to redraw Quebec's electoral map, establishing 126 protected ridings while banning anonymous political contributions and making other changes in the province's party financing law, was presented yesterday in the National Assembly.

Democratic Reform Minister Claude Béchard said he wants Bill 78 to be adopted unanimously by June.

Read more ....

My Comment: The financial reforms are long overdue, but I will need to have more information on the electoral riding changes to comment.

Montreal Grand Prix Details Out On Friday

Lewis Hamilton steers his car by the hairpin during the qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal in 2008. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

From The CBC:

The details of a final agreement to bring back the Canadian Grand Prix will be unveiled Friday at 3 p.m, Radio-Canada reported Thursday.

The five-year, $75-million deal will reportedly include $15 million in annual government contributions. That includes $5 million from the federal government; $4 million from the province and $5 million from Tourism Montreal — paid for by a special tax on hotel rooms.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is big news. I will have more on this development at the end of the day.

Montrealers Urged To Get Flu Shot

Photo: Dr. Richard Lessard, Montreal's director of public health, says not enough Montrealers are being vaccinated. (CBC)

From The CBC:

Not enough people in the Montreal region are getting vaccinated against the swine flu, says Dr. Richard Lessard, the city's director of public health.

Wednesday was the first day the H1N1 vaccine was offered to members of the general public in eight regions of the province, including Montreal.

So far 500,000 Montrealers have been vaccinated since the campaign began a month ago, but Lessard said health care officials hope to vaccinate three times that number — or about 80 per cent of the city's population of 1.8 million.

Read more ....

Update: Health officials continue to urge Quebecers to get flu shot -- CTV

Plateau Plans To Scale Back On Snow Removal

The Plateau-Mont-Royal borough says it has to bring
snow clearing costs under control. (CTV File Photo)

From CTV News:

Plateau-Mont-Royal residents should prepare to see more snow on roads and sidewalks on weekends this winter since the borough plans to cut back on snow removal.

The borough intends to continue plowing snow on Saturday and Sundays, but the snow wouldn't be carted off in trucks until after the weekend.

Newly-elected Projet Montreal city councillor Alex Norris says the move is necessary to bring snow clearing costs under control.

"We estimate that every weekend we do that we can save $150, 000," said Norris.

Read more ....

My Comment: The cutbacks in services are now starting. Expect more in the next year or two.

'I Didn't Ask,' Earl Jones's Wife Says

Maxine Jones says she had no idea where husband Earl Jones's money came from.
Photograph by: ., Montreal Gazette file photo

From The Montreal Gazette:

Deposition: Money man's spouse swears she never knew the source of their millions.

MONTREAL - Hundreds of thousands of dollars flowed through Maxine Jones's bank account annually, and she never questioned where the money was coming from.

The source was an "in trust" account containing funds deposited with Earl Jones by his alleged victims, and money from that account paid for the weddings of the couple's daughters, the purchase of condos in Dorval, Mont Tremblant and Boca Raton, Fla., and such expenses as curtains, carpets, furniture and landscaping.

Read more ....

My Comment: She may not have asked, but I am sure that she enjoyed the lifestyle that it gave. Ignorance is never a good excuse in front of the law.

Quebec Proposes New Party Financing Rules

Photo: The proposed bill was tabled by Claude Bechard, the minister
responsible for electoral reform. (Nov. 25, 2009)

From the CBC:

The Quebec government has tabled a bill aimed at cleaning up political party financing in the province.

The move comes following allegations of widespread improper party fundraising and political corruption.

Bill 78, tabled by Claude Béchard, the deputy house leader and minister responsible for election reform, calls for a ban on anonymous donations.

For the first time, the province’s party financing laws would also apply to races for the leadership of provincial and municipal parties.

Read more ....

Update #1: Liberals propose changes to party financing, riding boundaries -- CTV
Update #2: Bill to ban anonymous gifts to politican parties presented in National Assembly -- Montreal Gazette

My Comment: These financial fund raising changes are long over due .... especially on the municipal level. As for the number of ridings, this has to chnage also. It is ridiculous that some ridings are represented by populations that are half of what the ridings on the island of Montreal are represented with.

Calvillo's Big Day Worth CFL Weekly Award

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo is enjoying what could be the finest season of his career. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

From The CBC:

Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo was named CFL offensive player of the week Tuesday after leading the Alouettes to a 56-18 rout of B.C. in the East Division final.

Calvillo, a unanimous pick for the honour, threw five touchdown passes in last Sunday's victory, tying a CFL post-season record. He went 19-for-28 on the day for 312 yards.

Read more ....

My Comment: He is definitely ready for this weeks Grey Cup.

Quebec Law On 'Fundamental Values' Passes First Hurdle Unanimously

The Quebec government voted unanimously to accept the “fundamental values of the Quebec nation” on Tuesday, which includes the dominance of the French language. Photograph by: Tim Snow, Montreal Gazette

From Canada.com:

QUEBEC — The Quebec government voted unanimously to accept the "fundamental values of the Quebec nation" on Tuesday, which includes the dominance of the French language.

The Parti Quebecois bill, which is on its first reading, also included the equality of women and men and the separation of religion and the government.

Bill 391 would modify the province's human-rights charter, giving the three values, plus "Quebec's historical heritage," precedence over other rights.

Read more ....

My Comment: This law on "fundamental values" ignores everyone who is not French. Indians and native peoples .... they do not exist. The Inuit .... they do not exist. The English and immigrant communities .... they do not exist.

In any other country in the world this law will be regarded as culturally racist and discriminatory .... but not in Quebec.

Quebec's Construction Industry Under The Spotlight

Premier Jean Charest speaks in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Novemebr 24, 2009. Charest is rejecting calls for a public inquiry into allegations of fraud, collusion and price-fixing in the construction industry.

Political Debate Heats Up In National Assembly -- CTV News

Alleged illegal acts in the construction industry and fundamental Quebec values were at the centre of a debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois said the governing Liberals should call for a public inquiry to investigate reports of fraud, collusion and price-fixing in the construction industry.

Read more ....

Update #1: No need for inquiry, says FTQ-Construction -- CBC
Update #2: Inquiry would be 'inquisition,' construction union boss says -- The Montreal Gazette

My Comment: My initial inclination was too think that a public probe wold be a waste of money, but with police officers and prosecutors saying that a probe is now necessary .... there must be some serious problems that need to be resolved.

Montreal 5 Columbus 3

Canadiens' Sergei Kostitsyn trips Blue Jackets' Rostislav Klesla at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night. Photograph by: Phil Carpenter, The Gazette

Habs Take Blue Jackets To Cleaners -- Montreal Gazette

Price keeps score close as teammates rally in third.

MONTREAL - The Canadiens acquired defenceman Marc-André Bergeron because of his offensive skills and they paid a dividend Tuesday night as he scored two goals, including the winner, in a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Canadiens went into the game without eight players from their opening night roster, but netminder Carey Price kept the score close and his teammates rallied from a 3-2 deficit with three goals in the third period.

Read more ....

More News On Last Night's Hockey Game

Price paces Habs to comeback vs. Columbus -- CBC
Bergeron scores twice as Canadiens come back to beat Blue Jackets 5-3 -- Canadian Press
Habs hand Blue Jackets third loss in a row -- Reuters
Bergeron powers Canadiens past Blue Jackets -- National Post
'It was another great game for Carey': Lapierre -- Montreal Gazette
Jackets' net is wide open for business -- Montreal Gazette
Tuesday's Three Stars: Bergeron powers up, Price checks out -- Yahoo Sports

Ninth Firebombing In Three Weeks

Ferrari Bar andre Ampere Ave. in RDP
Photograph by: Google Maps

From The Montreal Gazette:

Montreal police were investigating on Tuesday the ninth arson attack at a bar or coffee bar in about three weeks.

At 3:55 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call triggered automatically by a fire alarm inside the Ferrari Bar on André Ampere Ave. near Armand Bombardier Blvd. in Rivière des Prairies, Montreal police Constable Olivier Lapointe said.

When they arrived they saw that the window in the front of the bar had been broken and a small fire had already burned itself out, indicating the use of a Molotov cocktail, Lapointe said.

Read more ....

More News On The Spate Of Cafe Firebombings In Montreal

Coffee, tea - or else -- Globe And Mail
Latest Montreal bombing may not be Mafia-related: expert -- Canada.com
Montreal police investigate ninth firebombing in three weeks -- National Post
Another Montreal café firebombed -- CBC
Another firebomb attack against Montreal eatery -- CTV

H1N1 Vaccine Available For Everyone Wednesday

A vial of the H1N1 vaccine at a Montreal clinic (Nov. 20, 2009)

From The CBC:

Some regions of Quebec will begin vaccinating members of the general public against swine flu starting Wednesday, Health Minister Yves Bolduc said Tuesday.

Until now, the province has focused on vaccinating priority groups most at-risk of catching the H1N1 virus, including young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

Read more ....

Update: Swine flu vaccine available to all starting Wednesday -- CTV

Alouettes Confident Ahead Of Grey Cup

From The CBC:

After crushing the B.C. Lions in a 56-18 win in the CFL Eastern Final Sunday, the Montreal Alouettes were quick to point out that they finished the regular season with the best record in the league.

A day later, those same Alouettes assured reporters that that confidence should not be mistaken for cockiness as they prepare for Sunday's Grey Cup game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Calgary.

Read more ....

More Grey Cup News

Alouettes brimming with confidence ahead of trip to Calgary for Grey Cup -- Canadian Press
Painting the town green -- Toronto Sun
A Breakdown Of This Year's Grey Cup teams -- TSN
Riders head to Grey Cup focused on task at hand -- Canada.com
Riders QB Darian Durant welcomes underdog role against Montreal in the Grey Cup -- Canadian Press
Hundreds cheer at rally for Saskatchewan Roughriders in advance of Grey Cup game -- Canadian Press

Quebec Decides To Cut Emissions By 20%

Cleaner air: Quebec's plan would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 11 tonnes per person to eight tonnes by 2020. Photograph by: PIERRE OBENDRAUF, THE GAZETTE, The Gazette

Quebec Takes Lead On Emissions -- Montreal Gazette

Plans 20% cut. But PQ says Charest is being naive.

Quebec now has the most ambitious climate-change plan in North America, but several environmental groups say the province still hasn't gone far enough.

While Quebec is to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels, groups like Greenpeace Québec and La Coalition Québec-Kyoto said yesterday that what's needed is a 25- to 40-per-cent cut.

Read more ....

Update #1: Quebec to cut emissions by 20 per cent -- CBC
Update #2: Quebec plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions -- CTV

My Comment: The de-industrialization of Quebec continues, with even more manugacturers probably leaving when these emission standards are introduced.

The Radicalization Of The PQ Continues

Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois favours forcing immigrant and francophone parents to send their children to French-language daycares. Dave Sidaway, Canwest News Service Files

Charest Says PQ 'Radicalizing' Language Policy Under Marois -- Canadian Press

MONTREAL — Premier Jean Charest said the Parti Quebecois has become more radical after opening the door to imposing language restrictions from pre-kindergarten to college.

He said fringe elements were exerting more influence over the party's current leader - Pauline Marois - than they did any of her predecessors.

"Madame Marois is radicalizing the Parti Quebecois," Charest told a news conference Monday.

Read more ....

More News On Premier Charest's Remarks About The Radicalization Of The PQ

Marois 'radicalizing' PQ: Charest -- CBC
Parti Quebecois debate language, immigration, identity at weekend meeting -- Canadian Press
Gaga over baby talk -- National Post
Pauline Marois should know better -- Montreal Gazette
The old nous-vs.-them PQ is back -- Montreal Gazette

My Comment: Yup .... the politics at fear is back, with the old nous-vs.-them line being pushed around.

New Double-Decker Commuter Cars

The electrified Deux-Montagnes line is among several routes that will get double-decker cars.

From CTV News:

Montreal-area commuter train lines will be getting new double-decker train cars over the next several months, beginning with the Mont-Saint-Hilaire line.

The cars are made by Montreal transport giant Bombardier, and they have 142 seats as well as toilets and wheelchair access.

The Mont-Saint-Hilaire line will get one new car per month until next spring . The Dorion-Rigaud line will also get its next-generation cars in the spring.

Read more ....

My Comment: These are so long overdue.

Kanesatake Mohawks Don't Want SQ: Report

Photo: Serge Simon, a Kanesatake resident, says drug dealers work with impunity in the community. (CBC)

From The CBC:

New native police force favoured, Diabo says.

Most residents in the Mohawk community of Kanesatake are not happy with how Quebec's provincial police are patrolling their territory and they want a new native force created to target criminal activity, according to a report obtained by CBC's French-language service.

Read more ....

My Comment: Anyone who spends anytime in or beside a reservation knows that criminal gangs run the place. It could be smoke shops, marijuana operations, or a conduit for the smuggling of contraband .... but they run the place. If the native community police force does not follow their rules, they will burn down the Police Chief's home or the Police station.

The problem in many of these communities is that the locals keep on electing band council representatives who only wish to keep the criminal status quo in place. Too many "under the table" jobs are dependent on things remaining the same .... any change is feared and opposed.

Montreal's Cafes Are Being Firebombed

Cafe Nouba was firebombed Nov. 23, 2009, just eight days after a similar firebombing. The owner, John Zoumis, pleaded with the attackers to leave his establishment alone. Cafe Nouba is on St. Laurent Blvd. the Plateau. Photograph by: Pierre Obendrauf, Montreal Gazette

2 More Montreal Cafés Firebombed -- Toronto Star

'I have no idea who did this,' eatery owner says, but theories abound as string of attacks rattle city.

MONTREAL–Another two Italian cafés in Montreal have been firebombed.

The latest incidents, which occurred early Monday morning, bring to eight the number of café-bars targeted since Oct. 28. Like the other incidents, there was little damage to the premises, but a lot of rattled nerves.

Read more ....

More News on The Firebombing of Montreal's Cafes

Two more Montreal cafes firebombed -- CTV
Two more Italian cafes firebombed in Montreal arson string -- Canadian Press
Café owners urged to speak up about attacks -- CBC
Montreal restaurateur thinks ex-partner's debt behind firebombings -- Canada.com

PQ Declares War Against Immigrants And The English Community

PQ Leader Pushes French To Front -- Canada.com

MONTREAL -- Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois is back and she wants to take on the issue of the importance of French in Quebec more aggressively than ever.

In her closing speech at a Parti Quebecois' meeting in Montreal yesterday, she promised to make small companies more French and impose mandatory studies in French at the college level. These measures will eventually be added to the Parti Quebecois' platform, the leader said.

Read more ....

More News On The PQs Renewed War Against The English And Immigrants

Marois talks tough on French language, culture -- Montreal Gazette
Parti Quebecois leader says crackdown on use of English in Montreal necessary -- Canadian Press
PQ leader vows to halt erosion of French -- CBC
Convention maps out PQ ideals -- CTV
Charest government's 'inertia' is eroding French: Marois -- Montreal Gazette
PQ delegates want to crack down on English -- Examiner

My Comment: Imposing mandatory studies on French in English colleges is a direct attack against higher education in Quebec. It is bad enough that they want to force babies in daycares to a French environment .... but college. In college you focus your studies on engineering, science, law, etc .... but French?

300,000 Watch As Santa Claus Arrives In Montreal

Olivier Bolduc (from left), Alicia Drouin and Gabrielle Tremblay lean over the guardrail to catch a glance of the big guy during the annual Santa Claus Parade along Ste. Catherine St. in Montreal on Nov. 21, 2009. Photograph by: Allen McInnis, Montreal Gazette

From The Montreal Gazette:

MONTREAL - In a consumer society where many mutter, “Bah, humbug” at the first sign of tinsel and carols, Mario Veilleux and Murielle Pitre are true Christmas believers.

The Laval couple packed their three daughters into the car at 9 a.m. to nab a front-row spot on Ste. Catherine St. near Stanley St. for yesterday’s 11 a.m. Santa Claus parade.

“We come for the holiday spirit,” said Pitre, 40, who had a temporary tattoo in the shape of a snowflake on her cheek. Daughters Jessy, 13, Karolane, 8, and Alexis, 6, sported red reindeer antlers.

Read more ....

My Comment: I was surprised to learn about this story yesterday. I remembered when the Santa Claus parade occurred in December .... I guess no more now.

Vaccination Of General Public May Start Soon

A vial of the H1N1 vaccine at a Montreal clinic (Nov. 20, 2009)

From CBC:

Some regions of Quebec may soon be able to start vaccinating members of the general public against the swine flu as early as next week, public health officials said Friday.

On Thursday, some regions were able to begin vaccinating seniors against the H1N1 virus as officials announced they will receive a larger-than-expected shipment of vaccine next week.

Next week the province is expected to receive 1.1 million doses of the vaccine, roughly double what it has received on a weekly basis so far.

Read more ....

Update #1: H1N1 vaccine open to all soon: Health Minister -- CTV

Update #2: H1N1 - vaccine campaign We'll all be eligible before Dec. 7 -- Montreal Gazette

My Comment: I walked by a clinic yesterday .... and it was empty. I guess the panic to get a flu shot has now subsided.

U2 To Play Second Show

More than 300 employees will assemble the massive stage over a two-month period. (U2.com)

From CTV:

A hit song of theirs may have been called One, but on Saturday, U2's magic number was two.

A second concert will be added to the U2 stop in Montreal to be held at Hippodrome this summer.

U2's 360-degree tour promoters announced Saturday the second show will be held Saturday, July 17, 2010. Tickets for that show go on sale at noon Monday, Nov. 30. Prices range from from $30 to $250.

Read more ....

Montreal 58 British Columbia Lions 18

Alouettes cornerback Mark Estelle kisses the trophy after winning the CFL Eastern Division final against the Lions Sunday. Photograph by: John Kenney, The Gazette

Alouettes Headed To The Grey Cup -- Montreal Gazette

MONTREAL ­ And this was the team that was supposed the give the Alouettes trouble? Never has a trip to the championship game appeared so easy.

In one of the most one-sided playoff games in franchise history, the Als steamrolled over the British Columbia Lions, 56-18, Sunday afternoon in the East Division final before 53,792 Olympic Stadium spectators. The Als established a team record for most points in a playoff game, surpassing the 48 against Hamilton on Nov. 17, 1956.

Read more ....

More News On Yesterday's Football Game

Calvillo throws five TD passes as Alouettes blow out B.C. 56-18 in CFL East final -- CTV
Alouettes off to Grey Cup after devouring Lions -- CBC
Alouettes rout B.C. Lions to punch Grey Cup game ticket -- Canada.com
Calvillo throws five TD passes as Alouettes blow out B.C. 56-18 in CFL East final -- Canadian Press
Hungry Alouettes feast on Lions -- Toronto Star
Alouettes know better than to engage in premature celebration -- Vancouver Sun
Calvillo leading this quest -- National Post

Traveling. Regular Blogging Will Resume Tomorrow

Montreal News And Weather -- November 20, 2009

MONTREAL NEWS AND WEATHER

Quebec seniors can get H1N1 vaccine -- Montreal Gazette
Cavendish Mall runs out of flu vaccine -- CBC
Seniors in some regions can get vaccinated -- CTV
Quebec starts vaccinating seniors against H1N1 -- CBC

PQ wants to restrict access to English daycares -- CTV
PQ wants language law applied in daycares -- CBC

Soldiers set up mobile signals system in Montreal area -- Montreal Gazette

La Presse strikes deal with unions -- CBC
La Presse reaches agreement in principle -- CTV

'Vine lady' to get a refund and an apology from Beaconsfield -- Montreal Gazette

Rosemont apartment block goes up in flames -- CBC
Five-alarm fire in Rosemont -- CTV

Cops not asked to probe attempts to rig bids -- Montreal Gazette

Man shot dead in Little Burgundy -- CBC
Montreal's 28th homicide -- CTV
Man shot dead in Little Burgundy -- Montreal Gazette

1991 cold case reopened -- CTV

La Presse Strikes Deal With Unions

From CBC:

An agreement in principle has been reached at Montreal newspaper La Presse, warding off a holiday season closure.

Managers at the daily newspaper said they struck a deal with their union counterparts at about 3:30 a.m. Friday morning.

The deal covers three of the newspaper's unions and the majority of employees, including editorial and newsroom staff.

Read more ....

Update: La Presse reaches agreement in principle -- CTV

My Comment: The unions had little if any choice. Their industry is dying, and the profits that use to be there are no longer there.

Quebec Seniors Can Now Be Vaccinated

People over age 65 will be able to join the lineups for the H1N1 swine flu vaccine earlier than anticipated. Photograph by: Marcos Townsend, Gazette file photo

Quebec Seniors Can Get H1N1 Vaccine -- Montreal Gazette

Move follows Ontario's decision to open doors to everyone.

MONTREAL – All Montreal Island residents age 65 or more can come immediately to a vaccination clinic to get their inoculation against H1N1 flu, public health authorities announced late Thursday – after Ontario had thrown open the doors to its vaccination clinics to every single one of that province’s residents, effective immediately.

Alberta said it expects to follow Ontario’s footsteps early next week.

Quebec is taking a much different approach.

Read more ....

Update #1: Quebec starts vaccinating seniors against H1N1 -- CBC
Update #2: Seniors in some regions can get vaccinated -- CTV

My Comment: After Ontario changed their policy, Quebec had no choice.

PQ Wants To Restrict Access To English Daycares

Photo: Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois says access to English daycares should be limited in Quebec. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

From The CTV:

The Parti Quebecois wants to amend Quebec's language law to restrict access to English daycares.

PQ leader Pauline Marois is calling for a change that would limit access to English daycares to the children of parents educated in English in Canada.

She says the amendment is necessary because the presence of the French language in Montreal has faded considerably.

Marois says Premier Jean Charest has done nothing while the French language has been disappearing from Montreal.

Read more ....

Update: PQ wants language law applied in daycares -- CBC

My Comment: The reason why the French language is dying in Montreal is simple .... French families are fleeing Montreal's high taxes and an unwillingness to send their children to schools that are dominated by ethnic communities.

As to the idea that children under the age of 5 are now to be used as pawns by the PQ to push their separatist agenda .... please .....

Aislin Cartoon