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I Might Be Dead by Tomorrow (Tant que j’ai du respir dans le corps) from Canadian director Steve Patry is an urgent documentary set in Montreal about homelessness and the frontline workers that look out for this marginalized group. Through this unfiltered lens Patry follows the lives of several people who live or used to live on the street, while giving them a voice through this documentary. While most of us have not interacted with the outside world throughout most of 2020, the pandemic makes it twice as challenging for those living on the street, especially at night with the cold dark freezing conditions here in Montreal. However, Patry’s film helps show us how frontline workers, including the police, crisis intervention, and medical workers, invest their time with the homeless - whether that means taking them in or just listening to their issues.

The film will be a part of Cinéma Moderne’s virtual cinema repertoire starting Dec. 4. Not only is this film an important documentary but it’s a great way to support a local movie theatre during the pandemic. For more information about how you can help out during this season of need here are a few organizations that are always looking for donations during this time of year:

- CARE Montreal

- Dans la Rue

- Welcome Hall Mission

- Old Brewery Mission

- Open Door

Hadassah Alencar

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Elliott Page announces he is transgender

Famous Canadian actor Elliott Page has announced he is transgender.

The Halifax-born actor is famous for his lead roles in Juno, X-Men, and Inception. 

His pronouns are he or they.

In the announcement posted to social media he wrote “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.”

Mafia perks in Casinos prompts audit

An investigative report by TVA showed Mafia leaders have luxury perks in Quebec’s casinos.

Perks like free meals, hotel rooms and tickets to shows. 

Following this report, Finance Minister Eric Girard ordered an external audit into Casino operations.

The audit will investigate potential criminal activity, such as money laundering.

B.C. Hospitals under fire for Anti-Indigenous discrimination

An independent investigation found “hundreds of examples of racism and prejudice” in British Columbia health-care system.

Nearly 9,000 people were surveyed on their experience in the health-care system. 

84 per cent of Indigenous peoples surveyed said they experienced discrimination. 

B.C.’s health minister issued an apology following the report, saying the government plans to address the report’s recommendations.

Hadassah Alencar

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New research shows trends in the drug overdose crisis

Researchers from Universite de Montreal have found that the drug overdose crisis is more complicated than it seems.

After looking at 340 Quebec coroners reports, the researchers found the majority of overdose cases don’t involve opioids or new drugs. It’s a variety of drugs, including alcohol and cocaine.

Drug overdose has been on the rise in Montreal. The researchers told CTV news they hoped their study would help understand upcoming trends to curb the growing crisis.

Montreal increasing aid for the homeless

Montreal is offering more options for the homeless ahead of the winter season.

Mayor Valérie Plante visited a large encampment along Notre-Dame Street on Tuesday to notify residents of services they can use.

Resources include hotel accommodations, warming stations, a shuttle bus, and storage lockers.

Longueil’s Mayor operation to kill 15 deer cancelled

A controversial plan to sedate and kill 15 deer has been cancelled.

Longueil’s Mayor Sylvie Parent said she was forced to change the plan after threats against the operation. 

Instead, the city will sedate and transport the deer to a new location.

Cedric Gallant

Luca Caruso-Moro

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Quebec First Nations say vital moose populations are scarce

Quebec First Nations say the moose population around their communities is dwindling.

CTV News reports that could mean big problems for the Algonquins of Barriere Lake and Kitigan Zibi, who rely on the moose as a vital food source.

In the fall, the two communities set up barricades against hunters in La Verendrye park, north of Ottawa. 

The barricades have come down, but negotiations on the future of sport hunting in the area have begun between First Nations and the province. 

First Nations to receive support for social housing projects

Two major First Nations housing projects got the green light from Ottawa to begin construction this spring.

Pikangikum First Nation in Ontario will get a $1.25 million dollar investment to provide emergency housing and support for victims of violence.

Meanwhile, Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan will receive $2 million to house families in crisis. 

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said the homes will provide “crucial support to vulnerable people” in those communities. 

There are 22 other projects in the pipeline, according to Miller. 

Third company reports successful vaccine

AstraZeneca says it’s the third company to create an effective vaccine candidate for COVID-19.

Early tests found a reported 90 per cent success rate in preventing infection. 

But, it’s reportedly cheaper than other vaccine candidates, and can be stored in temperatures above freezing. 

Canada has pre ordered 20 million doses of the vaccine candidate, enough for 10 million people.

Before it can be given to the public, it will need to be approved by Health Canada. 

AstraZeneca has said they are looking at low-income countries as a priority.