On Tuesday, severe thunderstorm warnings will be in effect as the storms begin to develop in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach up to 70 km/h, raising concerns about power outages in vulnerable areas.

The eastern part of Quebec faces the heaviest rainfall, with forecasts predicting accumulations of up to 60 mm by Thursday evening. This is particularly concerning given the recent dry spell.

As temperatures drop sharply overnight—from a high of 19 degrees Celsius to a low of just 7 degrees—the cold front will introduce a dramatic change in conditions. Benoit Chartier noted, “C’est un moment que l’on attend avec impatience chaque printemps,” referring to the anticipated arrival of stormy weather.

The afternoon will see the highest risk of thunderstorms, with regions like Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, and Saguenay expected to experience severe weather alerts. “C’est en après-midi que le risque d’orages sera le plus élevé,” a meteorologist commented.

This situation matters not only for residents but also for local infrastructure. Authorities urge caution, especially regarding potential damage to the electrical grid. “Il ne faudrait tout de même pas négliger la possibilité de dommages au réseau électrique,” officials warned.

The upcoming storms highlight an unusual pattern this year—severe thunderstorms typically occur later in the season. The early onset could mean increased risks for communities already facing challenges from previous weather events.

As we approach this significant weather event, preparedness becomes crucial. Communities should stay informed through local news and heed any thunderstorm warnings issued by meteorological services.

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The winter season has lingered longer than usual this year. Ski resorts across the province have welcomed the recent snowfall, which ensures good conditions for late-season skiing. Montreal alone received nearly 10 centimeters during the day due to a potent weather system moving in from Western Canada.

Key snowfall predictions:

• Up to 15 centimeters in northern and eastern sectors of Quebec.
• Nearly 10 centimeters recorded in Montreal.
• 25 centimeters reported in Estrie over the weekend.

Officials have noted that this unusual weather follows a few centimeters of snow that fell over the weekend in southwestern Quebec. Kathleen Maynard, a meteorologist, stated, « Ça va commencer en neige dans la région de Montréal et aller jusqu’à Québec, au Saguenay, au Bas-Saint-Laurent et en Gaspésie. »

This unexpected snowstorm challenges the typical end of winter season around the spring equinox. As one local remarked, « C’est encore l’hiver ! »

The province’s ski resorts are likely to benefit significantly from this late-season snowfall. Many enthusiasts are eager to take advantage of what could be one last chance for winter sports before summer fully arrives.

With the current weather system being closely monitored, residents and businesses alike prepare for potential disruptions and opportunities alike as they navigate this unexpected return of winter.

The post Neige: May Snowstorm Set to Blanket Quebec in Surprise appeared first on News Canada.

Initially, fears ran high. The urgency of the situation led to a public appeal for assistance. Authorities sought help from the community to locate her. This call to action proved effective; within a short time, she was found safe and sound.

The decisive moment came when the police confirmed that Cassandra had been located thanks to tips from the public. “She was found safe and sound thanks to help from the public,” stated officials from the Sûreté du Québec. This highlights not only the effectiveness of community involvement but also underscores how quickly situations can turn around with collective effort.

In this case, the biological parents were also sought in connection with the incident. They have since been located and are currently being met by police for questioning. The dynamics of family relationships can be complex — especially when they involve legal and emotional dimensions like abduction.

Public appeals often serve as critical tools in missing person cases. They mobilize communities, drawing attention to urgent matters that might otherwise fade into obscurity. In this instance, the swift response from both law enforcement and citizens played a pivotal role in Cassandra’s recovery.

While she is safe now, questions linger about what led to this alarming incident. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the motivations behind the alleged abduction or what will happen next for Cassandra and her parents.

This incident serves as a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience — how quickly life can shift from fear to relief. It also raises important discussions about parental rights versus child safety. Where do we draw the line?

As more information becomes available, it will be essential to consider all perspectives involved in this case. The complexities surrounding custody issues often require nuanced understanding and careful handling.

For now, though, Cassandra Levasseur’s return is a victory for public engagement and law enforcement collaboration. It demonstrates that when communities come together — lives can be saved.

The post Cassandra Levasseur: A Safe Return After Alleged Abduction appeared first on News Canada.

The infected individual, who is adequately vaccinated against measles, visited several large retail stores, including Dollarama, Costco, Winners, and Maxi, on April 6 and 8. Additionally, they were present at the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus on April 7, 8, and 9. This pattern of activity during the contagious period raises significant concerns about potential exposure to the virus among the general population.

Symptoms of measles typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Given the three-hour window of exposure following the presence of the infected person, anyone who visited these locations during the specified times is considered a contact of a confirmed case. Health officials are urging these individuals to monitor for symptoms until the end of April.

“Les personnes qui se trouvaient dans les endroits identifiés durant les dates et heures indiquées sont considérées comme des contacts d’un cas confirmé de rougeole,” stated the Direction de la santé publique, emphasizing the importance of vigilance among those who may have been exposed. The highly contagious nature of measles, combined with the fact that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing symptoms, highlights the critical role of immunization in public health.

Despite the vaccination status of the infected individual, the ongoing epidemiological investigation aims to determine the exact location of the disease acquisition. As it stands, the total number of cases may increase as health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The public is reminded that measles can spread rapidly, particularly in settings where individuals congregate.

Dr. Sara Jeanne Pelletier noted, “Au moins, le vaccin protège contre les complications et aussi on peut s’attendre à une contagiosité diminuée.” This statement underscores the importance of vaccination not only for individual protection but also for community health. The current outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can arise when vaccination rates decline or when individuals remain unvaccinated.

As the investigation unfolds, health officials are working diligently to trace contacts and provide guidance to those who may have been exposed. People who frequented the identified locations are advised to keep a close watch for any symptoms that may arise. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact source of the second case, but the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

In summary, the emergence of a second measles case in Quebec amidst an ongoing outbreak raises significant public health concerns. With the potential for further infections, the community must remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring symptoms and adhering to health guidelines. The situation is evolving, and continued updates from health authorities will be crucial in managing this outbreak effectively.

The post Rougeole: Measles Outbreak in Quebec: Second Case Confirmed appeared first on News Canada.

The caracara huppé, a bird of prey belonging to the falcon family, is primarily found in Central and South America. Its presence in Quebec is unusual and has sparked interest among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. According to Jean-Sébastien Guénette from QuébecOiseaux, “Ce serait la cinquième mention pour le Québec. La première fois qu’un [caracara huppé] a été vu, c’était en 2012 et la dernière fois, en 2024.” This highlights the rarity of the bird’s sightings in the province.

The phenomenon behind such occurrences is often attributed to “vagrancy,” where birds stray far from their typical habitats in search of new territories. Guénette elaborates, stating, “C’est un oiseau qui se perd. Quand il se disperse, pour chercher de nouveaux territoires par exemple, il peut déborder de son aire de répartition.” This behavior can lead to unexpected sightings in areas far removed from their usual range.

Current environmental conditions may have played a role in this sighting. The ongoing migration period, coupled with favorable south winds, could have aided the caracara huppé in its journey northward. Guénette noted, “Les oiseaux profitent des vents du sud pour s’aider à migrer. Donc, oui, ça pourrait arriver que l’oiseau ait été déporté plus loin que ce qu’il avait prévu.” Such winds can significantly influence migratory patterns, leading to the appearance of species in non-native regions.

Despite its formidable appearance as a bird of prey, the caracara huppé is not considered a threat to humans or pets, as it tends to be quite fearful. In its search for food, it typically consumes small mammals, birds, and carrion, which are more readily available in the milder climate of the season.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts are encouraged to track the bird’s sightings in real-time on platforms like ebird.org, where they can share and receive updates on rare bird appearances. This community-driven approach not only fosters a greater appreciation for avian diversity but also aids in the conservation efforts for such rare species.

As the caracara huppé continues to capture the attention of birdwatchers in Quebec, observers remain hopeful for further sightings and the potential for more frequent appearances of this rare bird. Details remain unconfirmed regarding its future movements, but the excitement surrounding this sighting underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and research into migratory patterns and vagrancy in birds.

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Desrochers, who has been a familiar voice on the 15-18 show for over a decade, will now host a show at 7 AM on Saturdays and 6 AM on Sundays. This change is part of a broader reorganization following the death of popular host Franco Nuovo, which has prompted ICI Première to rethink its lineup.

Meanwhile, Monic Néron, who previously hosted the Mimosa show on Saturday mornings, will transition to the weekday afternoon slot from 3 PM to 6 PM starting August 17, 2026. Néron expressed her excitement about the new opportunity, stating, “C’est le rêve d’une vie.” With an average of 54,000 listeners per minute, she aims to create a friendly and entertaining atmosphere for her audience.

The programming changes reflect a strategic response to evolving listener preferences and the need to honor the legacy of Franco Nuovo. Desrochers’ move to weekend mornings is seen as a way to inject fresh energy into the early weekend broadcasts.

As both hosts prepare for their new roles, the anticipation builds among listeners who have followed their careers. Desrochers’ long-standing connection with her audience is expected to bring a new dynamic to the weekend shows.

In the coming weeks, ICI Première will likely provide additional details about the new programming schedule and any further changes that may arise. For now, both Desrochers and Néron are poised to make their mark in their respective new time slots, promising an engaging listening experience for their fans.

The post Annie Desrochers Takes on Weekend Mornings at ICI Première appeared first on News Canada.

Founded in 1978, Venmar has been a staple in Drummondville, recognized as a center of excellence in research and development as recently as 2016. However, the company has faced mounting challenges, including economic uncertainty, a decrease in orders, new tariffs, and rising transportation costs, all contributing to the decision to relocate production activities to the United States and Mexico.

The factory is expected to continue operations until July 2026 to fulfill existing orders, with a complete shutdown planned for November 2026. As the news broke, local leaders and employees expressed their concerns. Jean-François Houle, a local representative, remarked, “Nous aimerions bien faire quelque chose pour empêcher un tel dénouement. Mais en l’absence de communication de la direction, que pouvons-nous faire ?” This sentiment reflects the frustration and helplessness felt by many as they await further information from the company.

Christine Fréchette, who recently became Quebec’s premier, securing 58% of the vote in the CAQ leadership race, faces the challenge of addressing the economic fallout from such closures. As the first leader of the CAQ other than François Legault, her administration will need to navigate the implications of this closure on the local economy and workforce.

In addition to the factory closure, Drummondville has been grappling with a series of suspicious fires that have prompted police investigations. “À ce stade-ci, il est trop tôt pour établir avec certitude des liens entre ces événements,”

As the community braces for the impact of the factory’s closure, uncertainties linger. The exact number of employees who may avoid layoffs remains unclear, and the influence of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on the closure decision is still unconfirmed. These factors add to the anxiety surrounding the future of the workforce in Drummondville.

With Venmar’s closure, the economic landscape of Drummondville is set to change significantly. The loss of 350 jobs will undoubtedly affect families and the local economy, prompting a need for immediate action and support from local and provincial leaders. As the situation develops, the community will be watching closely for any signs of hope or assistance in navigating this challenging transition.

The post Drummondville Faces Uncertainty as Venmar Announces Factory Closure appeared first on News Canada.

Under the new structure, the principal holder will bear the responsibility for the debt and will build a credit history, while the additional holder will have limited rights and will not accumulate a credit history. This alteration has raised concerns among financial experts and consumers alike regarding the implications for financial autonomy and power dynamics within couples.

Johanne Leblanc, a budget adviser, expressed her concerns, stating, “C’est particulier comme procédure. On ne consulte pas personne et on change les habitudes.” This sentiment reflects a broader unease about the lack of consultation and the potential for abuse of control over financial information.

The principal holder will have the discretion to choose what information to share with the additional holder, which could lead to imbalances in financial transparency and trust. As Leblanc pointed out, “The structure itself changes the balance of power without a new agreement between them.” This change could redefine the relationship between partners without their explicit consent.

Moreover, the designation of principal and additional holder cannot be altered after the initial setup, further entrenching the new dynamics. Critics argue that this rigidity may push clients to seek alternative products, as the loss of symmetry in shared credit could disrupt household budgeting for couples who previously relied on equal access to credit.

As Desjardins modernizes its credit card system, the implications of these changes are becoming increasingly clear. Observers note that this is not a niche adjustment; rather, it represents a fundamental shift in how shared credit is perceived and utilized. The new system may lead to significant changes in household financial management, with potential repercussions for many couples.

In summary, the upcoming changes to Desjardins’ credit card offerings are set to reshape the landscape of shared credit in Quebec. As clients navigate these new structures, the conversation around financial autonomy and relationship dynamics will likely intensify. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will be received by the broader public and what alternative solutions may emerge in response to the new system.

The post Desjardins carte de crédit: Desjardins Credit Card Changes: A Shift in Power Dynamics appeared first on News Canada.

The Ontario ridings involved are University—Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, while the Quebec riding is Terrebonne, a seat the Liberals narrowly won by one vote in the spring 2025 election. However, the Supreme Court of Canada annulled that election result, necessitating this byelection.

Should the Liberals win two of the byelections, they would increase their seat count to 173; winning all three would elevate them to 174 seats. This potential gain is crucial for the Liberals, as it would allow them to implement their agenda more swiftly.

Recent polling indicates that 53 percent of Canadians want the federal Liberals to win enough seats for a majority government, while 47 percent oppose this outcome. “Just over half of Canadians want the federal Liberals to win enough seats in Monday’s byelections to give Carney a majority government,” a pollster noted.

The byelections follow a series of departures among Members of Parliament and controversial ballot counting, which have added to the stakes. The Liberals have also gained five defectors from other parties, including four former Conservatives and one from the New Democratic Party.

Steven MacKinnon, a Liberal MP, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The federal government will continue that impulse of working across party lines.” This sentiment reflects a broader strategy as the Liberals seek to solidify their position.

As the polls open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time, observers are keenly watching the results. The outcome of these byelections could redefine the balance of power in Canada’s political arena.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final voter turnout and the impact of recent political maneuvers on the electorate’s decision-making process. The coming hours will be pivotal in determining whether the Liberals can capitalize on their current momentum.

The post Canada Elections: Liberals on the Brink of Majority in Crucial Byelections appeared first on News Canada.

Fréchette, who is 56 years old, is only the second woman to serve as premier of Quebec, following in the footsteps of Pauline Marois. Her ascent to leadership comes after a notable career, including her role as the CAQ’s Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, and her election as the MNA for Sanguinet in 2022.

Her leadership campaign was characterized by a strong focus on pressing issues such as economic growth, immigration policies, housing, and healthcare, reflecting the concerns of many Quebecers. The support she garnered from 41 MNAs and the CAQ’s youth wing underscores her appeal within the party and her potential to lead effectively.

Fréchette’s election is significant not only for its historical context but also for the implications it holds for the upcoming provincial election scheduled for October 5, 2026. With 77.1% of CAQ members participating in the leadership race, her victory signals a desire for a new style of governance, as she herself noted, “You have voted for another style of leadership so that a new generation can lead Quebec.”

François Legault, who led the CAQ to two consecutive majority governments since 2018, acknowledged the tensions that often accompany leadership transitions, stating, “A leadership race creates tensions, it’s normal.” His tenure has been marked by significant policy changes and a strong party presence in Quebec politics.

Fréchette’s background includes experience as a deputy chief of staff to former Parti Québécois minister Jean-François Lisée and a position on the board for the Conseil du statut de la femme, showcasing her long-standing commitment to public service and women’s issues.

As Quebec enters this new chapter under Fréchette’s leadership, the focus will likely remain on addressing the economic challenges and social issues that have been at the forefront of public discourse. Her ability to navigate these complexities will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding her specific policy initiatives and how she plans to implement her vision for Quebec’s future. The political landscape is poised for further developments as Fréchette settles into her role and prepares for the challenges ahead.

The post Christine Fréchette Takes the Helm as Premier of Quebec appeared first on News Canada.