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NEWS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 29TH 2018

October 29 2018 //

Hosted by Erdene Batzorig

Stories by Erdene Batzorig

 

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LOCAL

Out of service STM metro cars find a new purpose, as two Montreal brothers set out to turn the cars into a cultural hub centre.

 

According to CTV News, Frédéric and Étienne Morin-Bordeleau purchased the MR-63 cars after they were taken out of active service two years ago.

 

The cars will be the centre pieces in the cultural hub which will feature a cafe and bar, as well as stores, galleries and event spaces.

 

Other retired trains have been distributed to artists, schools and museums.

 

NATIONAL

More and more Vancouverites are being forced to live out of their cars due to soaring prices and lack of available housing in the city.

 

According to city councillor Pete Fry, this kind of living arrangements poses a number of health and safety risks some of which are carbon monoxide poisoning, lack of access to hygiene facilities and violating parking regulations.

 

CTV News reports that the city is looking to adopt  “safe lots” – parking lots with specially designed living arrangements like toilets, showers, and outreach services.

INTERNATIONAL

Saudi women’s right activist says governments are using social media as a tool of oppression.

 

Manal al-Sharif, who spearheaded the campaign for women’s right to drive in Saudi Arabia, deleted her Twitter account live at SingularityU Nordic last week.

 

According to the Guardian, Sharif says “Twitter now is becoming a trap, and it’s being used in a very efficient way by those governments, dictatorships and tyrants to silence us, and not only that, to spread their own propaganda, their own hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.”  

 

There has been growing concern over social media’s role in enabling governments  to censor and take punitive measure against free speech.

NEWS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH 2018

October 26 2018 //

Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro

 

 
 
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Local
The CBC reports elementary schools in Montreal's west end are near or over capacity.
 
The English Montreal School Board believes it's time to open a new school in NDG.
 
The school would take residence in 4850 Coronation Avenue, and feature a new "Français Plus" immersion program.
 
National
In the mid-20th century, the Government of Canada moved Inuit with Tuberculosis out of their communities and sent them to sanitariums in southern Canada.
 
Many Inuit died in those institutions, and were buried without their family's consultation.
 
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, or NTI, a voice for Inuit living in Nunavut, is calling on Trudeau to follow through with his 2017 promise to apologize to the community. 
 
NTI is not asking for compensation, rather government aid in locating the burial sites of their community members, and counseling for survivors. 
 
International
Ethiopia has elected Sahle-Work Zewde as their first female President.
 
The Ethiopian President, who works under the Prime Minister, plays a largely symbolic, influence-based role. 
 
Prior to her election win, Zewde was the Ethiopian ambassador to multiple countries, and occupied various high-level positions within the U.N. 
 
 

NEWS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 22ND 2018

October 22 2018 //

Hosted by Erdene Batzorig

Stories by Erdene Batzorig

 

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LOCAL

Hundreds of Montrealers came together for the annual Night of the Homeless to raise awareness and help those in need. 

According to CBC, the annual event was initiated 29 years ago by the director of Maison Tangente Johanne Cooper, when she first started working at the shelter. 

She said, "When I started, I said, 'I hope one day, I have no more job.'"

The event provided haircuts, and winter clothing for those living on the streets. 

 

NATIONAL

Canada Post union workers in Victoria, Edmonton and Windsor are set to start a nationwide rotating strike on Monday.

The strike comes as a result of a year-long negotiations between CUPW and Canada Post. 

According to Global News, the primary issues to be negotiated are health and safety of letter carriers, ending forced overtime and overburdening due to service expansions. 

In a statement to the media, CUPW national president Mike Palecek said, “Our goal has always been a negotiated settlement, but we will not agree to anything that doesn’t address health and safety, gender equality and good, full-time middle-class jobs.”

INTERNATIONAL

Hundreds and thousands of demonstrates gathered in London on Saturday to march against Brexit.

According to CBC, over 670,000 European Union supporters marched to urge the U.K government to call for a second referendum. 

The protest comes after the U.K government’s multiple failed attempts to reach an agreement with world’s largest trading bloc. 

Protesters voiced their concern on how the exit could affect the unity and economy of the United Kingdom. 

Choir Boy: A Review

October 19 2018 //
The first thing I noticed upon entering the Centaur Theatre to see “Choir Boy” was that almost everyone there was a senior citizen. The second thing I noticed was that they were playing Kendrick Lamar in the foyer.
 
I can’t say that I’m an avid musical-goer and therefore am not up to date with all the pre-show protocols, but this was not what I had been expecting. Kendrick was followed by Drake, who was followed by Frank Ocean. I heard a few confused murmurs throughout the crowd, and then the lights dimmed, and the performance began.
 
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney (recently acclaimed for his work on 2016 Oscar-nominated “Moonlight”) and directed by Mike Payette, “Choir Boy” follows a group of young men involved in choir throughout their graduating year at Charles R. Drew Prep, a religious school for African-American boys with a reputation of instilling obedience, strength, and intelligence. Main character Pharus is the only openly gay student at the school and the musical is centered around his desire to lead the choir and to be respected by other students. While it touches on a multitude of heavy themes - religion, race, love, sexuality, growing up - it never feels as if it spreads itself too thin. 
 
Though many subjects are toyed with, by far the most touching is the piece’s portrayal of black masculinity. At the beginning we think we understand the good guys and the bad guys, but as the story evolves and we realise that all the characters are much more than meets the eye. Intimate moments such as phone conversations with family back home and chat in the showers give the audience a look at the softer, more gentle sides of each character, as well as their motivations for how they behave. As conflict arises, we can see it coming like a slow motion car crash, and we feel more upset than angry because we know that there is no one at blame. It is rare to find such a well-rounded take on masculinity, let alone black masculinity, and it was endearing to see the expression, creativity, humour and (for lack of a better word) “manliness” displayed alongside the vulnerability. 
 
While I was expecting more “it’s showbiz baby” type singing-and-dancing, the acting in “Choir Boy” is peppered with acapella gospel and r&b classics that are performed beautifully, and somehow manage to bring both relief, and emotional intensity to the play’s more potent parts. The stripped-down nature of the music is dazzling, often using five-part harmonies and solo performances to mirror the intimacy that builds within the narrative. 
 
Choir Boy is scheduled to hit broadway at the end of this year. For more information on Montreal showings, go to https://centaurtheatre.com/choir-boy.html.

NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH 2018

October 17 2018 //

Hosted by Luca Caruso-Moro

Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro

 

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LOCAL

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the school board for Quebec’s inuit territory of Nunavik, has called an emergency meeting to address a spike in youth suicides this month.

CBC News reports there have been 13 deaths in the region, one victim was still in elementary school.

People close to the issue are calling to increase mental health support services.

NATIONAL

The Liberals are moving to end solitary confinement in federal prisons

Inmate segregation would still happen, however inmates would be provided with mental health services and an increased amount of time outside their segregated cells.

There is no cap on the amount of time inmates might remain in segregation.

INTERNATIONAL

Cyclone Titli has ripped through Eastern India.

Landslides and heavy rain continue to affect the region.

Local reports said 12 people have died.

NEWS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 2018

October 15 2018 //

Hosted by Erdene Batzorig

Stories by Erdene Batzorig

Produced by Erdene Batzorig

Local:

The STM garage sale was the hottest place to be on Sunday, as hundreds of Montrealers lined up to buy a piece of transit memorabilia.

 

The sale was held at the Bellechasse garage, which has been the home to the city’s fleet since 1941 and is set to be demolished next year.

 

According to CBC, the sale will not be the last of its kind. STM has said more items will be available for sale as renovations at metro stations continue.

 
 
National:

A new agreement between the British Columbia government and First Nations communities recognizes that Indigenous right are inherent.

 

According to the Globe and Mail, this new approach is set to build a collaborative and ongoing government-to-government relationship that can adapt to changing circumstances over time.

 

The First Nations and the government are set to develop a constitutionally protected treaty on the issues of self-government, jurisdiction and land ownership.

While administrative and operational policy matters would be included in supplementary agreements

 
 
International:

Canada has promised a $50 million contribution to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency.

 

According to CBC, over a two year period the money will assist the health and education efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

 

The Canadian Foreign ministry hopes the money will help with efforts to improve poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in the region.

 

NEWS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12TH 2018

October 12 2018 //
Hosted by Jessica Barile

Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro

 

 

 

 

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Local:
Parti Québécois has won another election seat nearly two weeks after the election. 
 
A ballot recount was ordered in Gaspé after the party said they found that there were reportedly zero votes for any major party except the Liberals. 
 
The CBC reports Elections Québec is looking into the situation.
 
 
National:
The case that sparked protests across Canada in 2015 is now being heard in the Supreme Court. 
 
Ontario trucker Bradley Barton was acquitted for the murder of Cindy Gladue, an Indigenous woman. 
 
Gladue was found in a bathtub in Barton's Edmonton motel room on June 21, 2011. She was 36. 
 
Gladue was a sex worker, her vaginal tissue was brought to the court as evidence in 2015, which was seen by protestors as wildly disrespectful.
 
The Supreme Court will decide whether or not to re-open the case.
 
 
International:
The Democratic Republic of Congo is deploying troops to prevent attacks on aid workers during the most recent Ebola outbreak.
 
The Red Cross said they have been met with violence in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the DRC
 
118 people have died due to Ebola since the outbreak began two months ago. 
 
 
 

NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 2018

October 10 2018 //

Hosted by Luca Caruso-Moro

Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro

 

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LOCAL

The CAQ has declared the crucifix hanging on the back wall of the national assembly will stay.

The religious symbol will remain, while the Coalition has vowed to barre public servants from wearing religious insignia

According to the CBC, the CAQ said they are prepared to fire teachers who refuse to take off their religious garb, however may allow some wiggle room for working-teachers.

The ban, therefor, would only affect new hires.

NATIONAL

SOL MAMAKWA “Karlena Kamenawatamin was a 13 year old girl from Bearskin Lake, a remote fly-in community in my riding. Karlena took her own life early yesterday morning.”

That’s Ontario New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa speaking out in remembrance of 13-year-old Karlena Kamenawatamin, who took her own life in late September.

SOL MAMAKWA “This is a health crisis. This is a mental health crisis. This is an intergenerational trauma crisis. This is a housing crisis.”

Mamakwa says the suicide rate among Indigenous children under 15 in his riding is 50 times higher than the national average

INTERNATIONAL

JAIR BOLSONARO “Brasil acima de tudo, Deus acima de todos!”

“Brazil above everything, God above everyone” is the slogan of far-right, former army captain presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro won 46.7 per cent of the primary vote in Brazil’s sunday election. About 3 per cent shy of an outright victory.

Brazilians will head for a second round of voting on October 28th.

 

Striker & Unleash The Archers: The Next Generation of Power Metal

October 9 2018 //

On this legendary day, Edmonton’s power metal outfit Striker and British Columbia’s Unleash the Archers invaded the shores of Montreal.

The show started with Montreal local’s Distoriam, who have been going a bit more strong on the bigger shows that have been coming our way. They started things off with a bang; their musicianship has gotten much more superior since I last saw them. I was generally impressed by their set.

Next up we had Valfreya. Previous times I have seen them, they weren’t my favorite, but this performance caught my attention! They had a lot of energy and stage presence, more than usual. I do not know if it was due to a lineup change, but it was really fun to watch them play.

Next up was Striker, who I was really excited for. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning, jumping up and down, knowing I was finally going to see the band that everyone at the station was talking about. Man, did it ever meet my expectations. The sheer amount of energy these guys put on stage is incredible; never have I seen such young musicians going in with their full potential.

Starting off with Phoenix Lights, they ripped the stage and caused the crowd to go wild. The song is so much better live, more in your face and punchy. Born to Lose was very energetic, and the lights they had were synced to the music, adding flare and contrast to their set. I was mainly looking forward to hearing some new stuff off of Play to Win, their upcoming album. They played Heart of Lies, and that was a treat.

So what is the verdict of Striker’s performance?

Unbelievable, energetic, incredible musicianship, great stage presence, pure Canadian goodness.

So we finally come to the headliner, Unleash the Archers. I was a bit concerned that Striker might have stolen the show, but much to my dismay, I was floored by their stunning performance. Brittney Haye’s vocal performance was stellar, and the band themselves were very tight. They played classic songs such as Tonight We Ride and Time Stands Still. The songs they showcased were mainly from their new album Apex, opening up the set with Awakening. I felt like a elf going on a quest into battle, as the band has a fantasy vibe going on throughout the whole night. I’m very proud of them for putting on such a great show.

NEWS FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6TH 2018

October 6 2018 //

Hosted by Luca Caruso-Moro

Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro

 

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LOCAL

Quebec elected 52 female candidates to provincial seats in the October 1st election.

Women now hold 41.6 per cent of the seats in Quebec, the highest percentage in Canadian provincial government.

NATIONAL

The leader of a Roman Catholic archdiocese in Nova Scotia knelt and asked for forgiveness from residential school survivors this week.

The CBC reports Archbishop Anthony Mancini apologized for the involvement of St. Mary’s Basilica in the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School.

The school opened in 1923, and closed in 1967. Expo 67, the premier of Hair, and the release of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band also took place that year.

Children attending the school were not allowed to speak their own language, were given numbers for names, and many underwent serious sexual, physical, and psychological abuse.

INTERNATIONAL

Jason Van Dyke, a white police officer in Chicago has been found guilty for the murder of 17-year-old African American Laquan McDonald.

He was also convicted of 16 counts of aggravated battery.

Laquan Mcdonald, who was armed with a knife, was shot 16 times on October 20, 2014

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