Gerald Tremblay resigns as Montreal mayor
Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay resigned on Nov. 5, following allegations of corruption made at the Charbonneau Commission. Tremblay stepped down, despite repeatedly denying the allegations made against him.
Quebec Premier Pauline Marois pressured Tremblay to resign as a result of accusations that the former mayor’s party engaged in bribery.
The mayor made his final speech in the city’s Hall of Honour, where he called his decision “the ultimate sacrifice” after 25 years of public service and blamed the corrupt nature of politics for his downfall. In his speech, Tremblay hinted that he was betrayed by some of his trusted associates and was forced to take responsibility, which ultimately led to his resignation.
The Montreal City Council will elect the next mayor in a secret ballot vote on Nov. 16. This interim mayor will hold the position until the next public election in Nov. 2013.
Explosion at Sherbrooke factory kills three
Last Thursday, an explosion at a biochemical plant in Sherbrooke, Quebec, claimed the lives of three people and hospitalized 18 others.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., a blast from inside Neptune Technologies et Bioressources Inc. ignited a fire that rapidly spread throughout the plant. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control by 3:45 p.m., but were concerned by the toxic fumes from the large quantities of acetone—a dangerous chemical—at the plant. While officials report that most of the debris is not toxic, a perimeter has been made around the site to ensure the safety of civilians.
While the cause of the explosion remains unknown, Executive Officer of Neptune Technology Michel Chartrand stated that the employees’ health is the company’s priority. Of the 18 injured, two are still being treated for immediate shock and serious burns in the Sherbrooke University Hospital. Four others were transferred to other hospitals in Montreal.
‘Superbugs’ uncovered in Canadian hotels
Antibiotic resistant bacteria have been uncovered in six major hotel chains assessed in tests by CBC Marketplace. Released last week, the study examined hotels in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto, including Best Western and Holiday Inn chains, according to CBC News.
The identified ‘superbugs’ are c. difficile and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although they are common, these bacteria have the potential to cause fatal infections, especially if contracted by people with weakened immune systems. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MRSA kills over 15,000 Americans each year.
The study found that areas of high bacterial contamination include comforters, faucets, and remote controls. Using hidden cameras, Marketplace also captured footage of hotel staff using cleaning practices that facilitate the spread of bacteria—for example, one housekeeper used a toilet brush to clean a sink.
Five of the six hotel chains have issued responses expressing shock at the findings. Both EconoLodge and Sheraton have indicated their intentions to re-assess cleaning practices at their hotels.
Canada becomes home for cyber-crime
The Public Safety Department is concerned that Canada is becoming a host nation for cyber-crime activity, according to departmental briefing notes obtained by the Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act.
While countries in Eastern Europe, East Asia, and Africa have traditionally been the locations of organized malicious online activity, the notes suggest this trend may be shifting to countries like Canada, the United States, and France. According to Websense, a digital security company, Canada ranked second in the world for hosted phishing sites last spring. The company also said malicious Canadian sites tend to stay up longer than those in other countries.
The discussion draws attention to the challenges inherent in regulating online behaviour without invading citizens’ privacy. According to a presentation prepared by the Justice Department, it is difficult for legislative changes to keep up with the fast pace of technological advancements, leading legislators to prefer ‘technology neutral’ laws.
Canada fosters relationship with Philippines
Last Saturday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed a military memorandum of understanding that allows the Philippines to buy military equipment from Canadian firms. The deal between the Filipino defence department and the Canadian Commercial Cooperation is expected to enable the Philippines to better defend its territory.
Prime Minister Harper and President Benigno Aquino III signed the deal at Aquino’s presidential palace in the Philippines. At a news conference, both leaders emphasized how Canada’s involvement in Filipino security issues has cultivated a stronger relationship between the two countries.
The Philippines is currently the largest source of Canadian immigrants, and approximately 600,000 residents of Filipino descent currently reside in Canada. Acquino, who has been president since 2010, has initiated an anti-corruption campaign to encourage investors from other countries like Canada to do business with the Philippines.
