Updated News -Montreal https://updatednews.ca Stay Informed, Stay Connected Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:11:35 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://i0.wp.com/updatednews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-icon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Updated News -Montreal https://updatednews.ca 32 32 11776598 Stabbing Spree at Montreal Apartment Leaves Multiple Injured https://updatednews.ca/stabbing-spree-at-montreal-apartment-leaves-multiple-injured/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:59:56 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11972 In a shocking incident on Thursday morning, multiple people were injured in what authorities are describing as an “armed attack” at an apartment building west of Montreal. A suspect is now in custody in connection with the incident.

Although the exact details of the attack are still emerging, a reliable source has revealed that the victims sustained injuries from stabbing. The Quebec provincial police have yet to confirm the total number of victims and provide information on their conditions.

The Sûreté du Québec received the distress call just before noon, prompting a swift response to the highrise on Émile Bouchard Street in the Vaudreuil-Dorion suburb. Emergency services, including the CETAM paramedic team from the Montérégie region, were dispatched to the scene.

Renaud Pilon, spokesperson for CETAM paramedic service, reported that five ambulances were deployed, and advanced medic teams were on hand to assist. One victim, described as being in unstable condition, received advanced paramedic care during transportation to a hospital in Montreal.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident to determine the motive behind the attack and to gather more information on the victims. The community remains on edge as details continue to unfold regarding this unsettling event west of Montreal.

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15-Year-Old Dies on Quebec Ski Resort Chairlift https://updatednews.ca/15-year-old-dies-on-quebec-ski-resort-chairlift/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:51:16 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11740 A 15-year-old boy lost his life on Friday after falling off a chairlift at the Sommet Morin-Heights resort, located about 90 kilometers northwest of Montreal in Morin-Heights, Quebec. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m., as confirmed by Camille Savoie, spokesperson for the provincial police (SQ).

Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by paramedics and resort staff, the boy could not be revived. He was swiftly transported to the hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead.

The SQ is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, noting that it does not appear to be of a criminal nature. The tragedy has left the community mourning, emphasizing the importance of safety measures at recreational venues.

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5-Year-Old Fatally Injured in Quebec City Hotel; Police Probe Underway https://updatednews.ca/5-year-old-fatally-injured-in-quebec-city-hotel-police-probe-underway/ Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:54:17 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11729 In a tragic incident at Village Vacances Valcartier near Quebec City, a five-year-old child lost their life due to serious injuries caused by a pull-out bed in a hotel room. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reported that first responders received a call around 5:15 p.m. at a hotel on Valcartier Boulevard in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier.

Despite efforts, the child’s condition worsened, leading to their unfortunate death from the sustained injuries, as stated by SQ spokesperson Sgt. Stéphane Tremblay. Due to the child’s age, the investigation was automatically transferred to the SQ’s major crimes division.

As of Friday, the circumstances surrounding the child’s death remained unclear. Witnesses are currently being interviewed, and forensic identification technicians will examine the scene, according to Tremblay. The Coroner’s Office has also been notified in connection with this heartbreaking incident.

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Montreal Teens Rescue Drowning Couple in Barbados https://updatednews.ca/montreal-teens-rescue-drowning-couple-in-barbados/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:30 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11611 Montreal teenagers Emma Bassermann and Zoe Meklensek-Ireland demonstrated extraordinary courage and lifesaving skills during a beach outing in Barbados. The duo, enjoying the sun and waves, heard distress calls from Belinda Stone, a woman from South London, England. She revealed her husband, Robert, was struggling to return to shore, too far out in the ocean.

“I can swim, but I wasn’t able to actually achieve anything. I wasn’t going anywhere,” shared an appreciative Robert with CTV News.

Competitive swimmer Bassermann, 14, and Meklensek-Ireland, 13, wasted no time. After bringing Belinda to safety, they realized time was of the essence to rescue Robert. Tying the boogie board strap to Meklensek-Ireland’s ankle, they navigated the challenging current, eventually reaching shallower waters where Robert could touch the sand.

The dramatic rescue unfolded at Barbados Beach Club in Christ Church, earning the teens well-deserved hero status. Both being skilled swimmers, their instincts guided them through the perilous situation.

“He was having a hard time breathing, so the first words we heard out of his mouth were when he touched the sand,” Bassermann recalled.

The girls’ quick thinking and swimming prowess earned them accolades from witnesses and local authorities. Bassermann, part of the Dorval Swim Club on a Barbados training camp, and Meklensek-Ireland, daughter of the club’s national development coach, proved their mettle when it mattered most.

“If we had been weaker swimmers, it could have been a lot more disastrous,” noted Bassermann, emphasizing the importance of their training.

Upon reaching the beach, the relieved Stones expressed profound gratitude. In interviews with local news outlets, they shared how the girls’ timely intervention prevented a potential tragedy. Messages of thanks flooded a YouTube interview showcasing their heroic tale.

Despite the intense situation, Bassermann remains focused on her Olympic dreams, training about 21 hours weekly. Her dedication to the sport and quick response to an emergency underscored the importance of preparedness in unexpected situations.

Local authorities acknowledged the teens’ bravery, with a politician presenting them with a token of appreciation. Belinda Stone believes a “good guardian angel” watched over them that day, perhaps a “Canadian one,” as her husband added. The Montreal teens’ selfless actions in Barbados serve as a reminder of the impact individuals can make in the face of adversity.

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Montreal Police Issue Amber Alert for Missing 1-Year-Old https://updatednews.ca/montreal-police-issue-amber-alert-for-missing-1-year-old/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 21:00:24 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11562 An Amber Alert has been urgently issued for one-year-old Zeynab Cherrabbi El Alaoui, who was reported missing from a residence on Louis Basile Pigeon Street in the Lachine borough of Montreal. The alert was activated after the child’s abduction around 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday.

Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the child’s mother, 18-year-old Miryanna Monterrosa-Laberte. Described as approximately five feet three inches tall, weighing around 120 pounds, Monterrosa-Laberte has identifiable scars on her upper lip and forehead.

Zeynab, the missing child, is two feet (60 centimeters) tall and was last seen wearing a pale pink onesie adorned with a pink and white unicorn.

According to Montreal police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, the child was under legal custody of the grandparents. The disturbing discovery was made when the grandmother found the child missing from her bed on Tuesday morning, accompanied by an opened bedroom window.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police have located and are questioning the child’s father, a 20-year-old man residing in Laval. Authorities consider him a crucial witness in the case.

The search, extending across a 500-kilometer radius around Montreal, has not identified any specific vehicle related to the disappearance. Police urge anyone with information to refrain from approaching the suspect and instead contact 911 immediately. The urgency of the situation emphasizes the need for swift public cooperation to ensure the safe return of the missing child.

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Quebec Common Front Unions Reach Proposed Agreement with Province https://updatednews.ca/quebec-common-front-unions-reach-proposed-agreement-with-province/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 20:12:55 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11430 The Common Front, a coalition of unions representing approximately 420,000 public sector workers in Quebec, has successfully reached a proposed agreement in principle with the government. Comprising the CSQ, CSN, APTS, and FTQ, the group announced the breakthrough on Thursday afternoon, following 11 days of strikes and extensive negotiation sessions.

The proposed agreement, centered on the renewal of public sector collective agreements concerning wages and benefits, arrived at the central table. This development follows the French teachers’ union, the FAE, securing a proposed deal late on Wednesday. The Common Front’s objectives, particularly regarding wages, were anchored in safeguarding their workforce of 420,000 against inflation and achieving a general wage catch-up for all workers.

A joint statement from the leaders of CSN, CSQ, FTQ, and APTS emphasized the commitment to these principles throughout the negotiation process, stating, “And this is what has guided us throughout this negotiating blitz to reach a proposed agreement. We now want to present it to our respective authorities first.”

The next steps involve union leaders meeting with their members to outline the content of the proposed agreements. Subsequently, members will vote to ratify or reject the agreement. The unions’ leaders clarified that the negotiation round will be officially concluded when working conditions, practice conditions, and salary conditions are deemed satisfactory.

The Common Front represents public workers across various sectors, including education, health, social services, and higher education.

The announcement by the Common Front of unions in Quebec on Thursday signifies a significant breakthrough in the intense negotiations, potentially averting the looming threat of an unlimited strike in early January, as previously declared earlier this month.

Sonia LeBel, President of the Treasury Board, took to social media on Thursday to share that the terms of the proposed deal will be kept confidential until union members have the opportunity to vote on it.

While the Common Front moves towards a resolution, the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) continues its individual negotiations with the government, facing ongoing pressure. On Thursday, the FIQ disclosed that it had submitted a new proposal to the employer and is currently “awaiting a response.” The FIQ represents 80,000 nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals, and the update was posted on its Facebook page.

To facilitate the negotiation process, the Ministry of Labour appointed a conciliator at the FIQ’s request, aiming to bring the two parties closer to a mutually acceptable deal. The developments in these negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the labor landscape in Quebec’s public sector in the coming days.

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11-Year-Old Quebec Hockey Player Fatally Struck by Puck https://updatednews.ca/11-year-old-quebec-hockey-player-fatally-struck-by-puck/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:28:10 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11300 An 11-year-old boy tragically passed away several days after being struck by a puck in the throat during a minor hockey league practice in Saint-Eustache, northwest of Montreal. Saint-Eustache police confirmed the devastating news on Friday, expressing their deepest condolences to the grieving family, friends, and loved ones.

The incident occurred at the Walter-Buswell complex, prompting an immediate rush to transport the child to a Montreal hospital for treatment. Despite wearing the required protective equipment, including mandatory neck guards, the young player succumbed to his injuries.

A press release from the Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association conveyed profound sadness over the tragedy. Jean-Philippe Labrèche, the association’s president, acknowledged the overwhelming emotional support shown by many and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

While the case is under investigation, authorities stated that there is currently no indication of foul play. The police have informed the Coroner’s Office and are actively assisting with the ongoing investigation to uncover the causes and circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Hockey Quebec, deeply affected by the terrible incident, offered its support to the grieving family. Jocelyn Thibault, the general director, and Claude Fortin, the president of the administrative council, expressed shared sorrow with all those impacted by the tragedy in a statement issued on Friday.

Quebec’s Minister for Sport, Isabelle Charest, described the loss as “sadness without words” in a social media post. She expressed being “devastated” by the news and conveyed condolences and thoughts to the young player’s family, friends, and teammates.

Following the heartbreaking incident involving the 11-year-old hockey player in Saint-Eustache, the City of Saint-Eustache has confirmed the availability of psychosocial support for the player’s teammates and loved ones. In a statement issued before the confirmation of the boy’s death, Mayor Pierre Charron expressed the city’s deep empathy and commitment to supporting the affected community and families.

“We have all been affected by this news. All our energy is currently focused on supporting the community and the loved ones of the families most directly affected by this situation. On behalf of myself and the City Council, I send my best wishes to this young sportsman and his family,” Mayor Charron stated in the Thursday release.

The Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association, recognizing the need for support during this difficult time, provided contact information for those seeking assistance. Individuals can call the 811 line or reach out to Sport’Aide at 1-833-211-2433.

As the community grapples with the profound loss, the provision of psychosocial support underscores the collective effort to help those affected cope with the emotional impact of this tragic event.

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Second Gunfire Attack Targets Jewish School in Montreal This Week https://updatednews.ca/second-gunfire-attack-targets-jewish-school-in-montreal-this-week/ Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:34:27 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=11114 A Jewish school in Montreal was targeted by gunfire for the second time this week. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, where gunshots were reported on Deacond Road, near Van Horne Avenue. The Jewish School Yeshiva Gedola had bullet holes in its facade, but no one was inside, and there were no injuries. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle speeding away after the shots were fired.

This marks the third shooting targeting a Montreal Jewish school within the week. On Thursday, bullet holes were found at Yeshiva Gedola and United Talmud Torahs of Montreal Inc. These incidents are being investigated as hate crimes, according to Montreal police (SPVM).

Michael Mostyn, CEO of the Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith Canada, expressed deep concern, stating, “How in the world can this be going on in a civilized country? We certainly hope Montreal police can get to the bottom of this and keep the Jewish community safe.”

Notably, SPVM statistics from October 7 (the start of the Israel-Hamas war) to November 7 reveal 73 hate crime incidents targeting Jewish communities in the city, along with 25 incidents targeting the Arab-Muslim community.

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Montreal Man Fatally Injured in Music Festival Attacks in Israel https://updatednews.ca/montreal-man-fatally-injured-in-music-festival-attacks-in-israel/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=10691 The family of Alexandre Look, a Montreal resident, has confirmed his tragic death over the weekend during a violent attack orchestrated by Hamas at a music festival near the Gaza-Israel border.

Alain Look, Alexandre’s father, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our son Alexandre Look. He left us today in Israel following a terrorist attack.”

In a testament to his son’s heroism, Look expressed, “Like a true warrior, he left like a hero, wanting to protect the people he was with.” He further described Alexandre as a force of nature with a unique charisma and unparalleled generosity, adding, “The world will never be the same without you.”

The Chabad of Westmount Educational Centre also confirmed the tragic news on its Facebook page, expressing shock, disbelief, and profound grief over the devastating attacks on Israel. They disclosed that Alain and Raquel Look, members of their community, lost their son Alex during the attacks. Alex was visiting Israel and tragically lost his life while heroically and selflessly saving others and fending off the attackers.

In his obituary, Alexandre Look is remembered as a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Described as a beloved figure within Montreal’s Côte Saint-Luc community, the obituary portrays Look as someone known to many since his youth. His infectious smile could brighten any room, and his kind-hearted nature endeared him to everyone he met.

The community is left heartbroken by this tragic loss, with the obituary acknowledging that the pain of Alexandre’s passing will be most profoundly felt by his family, who cherished and loved him unconditionally.

Alexandre Look is lovingly remembered as a beloved son, brother, and friend to those close to him.

Quebec Premier François Legault also extended his condolences to the Look family through a social media post on Monday. He expressed his sympathy and shared, “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Quebecer Alexandre Look, who lost his life in one of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I am saddened by the dramatic circumstances of his death, at the age of 33.”

The tragic loss of Alexandre Look serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll and devastating impact of conflicts in the region, leaving family, friends, and communities mourning the untimely passing of a cherished individual.

An emergency relief fund has been established to provide support to the Look family during this challenging period.

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WestJet Temporarily Suspends Toronto-Montreal Flights https://updatednews.ca/westjet-temporarily-suspends-toronto-montreal-flights/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:54:58 +0000 https://updatednews.ca/?p=10599 Travellers commuting between Toronto and Montreal will have to seek alternative options for the winter season as WestJet has temporarily suspended its service between the two cities. WestJet spokesperson Madison Kruger confirmed that the route will resume in April, ensuring the continuity of this connection.

Kruger emphasized WestJet’s unwavering commitment to Eastern Canada and mentioned the airline’s plans to expand its presence in the region. This expansion includes an increase in non-stop flights to Western Canada and the provision of more affordable leisure and sun travel options throughout Canada.

WestJet’s decision to temporarily suspend the Toronto-Montreal route follows its announcement in late September regarding the integration of budget airline Sunwing Airlines into the primary WestJet brand. WestJet had acquired Sunwing, which is based in Toronto, in May.

This isn’t the first time WestJet has adjusted its Eastern Canada routes over the past year. In May, the airline reduced the frequency of flights between Ottawa and Toronto to one flight per day, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Additionally, in 2022, WestJet suspended direct flights between Ottawa and Halifax in the fall season and did not operate winter flights from destinations such as Charlottetown, Fredericton, and Quebec City.

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