Federal government now posting passport wait times online as long lineups continue

PARIS (AP) — The French transport minister is expected to meet with cycling associations on Monday following the death of a cyclist in Paris after a dispute with a driver.

The 27-year-old cyclist, Paul Varry, was allegedly deliberately run over last Tuesday by an SUV driver, who now faces preliminary charges of murder. The incident has sparked protests across France, with demonstrators calling for safer roads for cyclists and an end to “motorized violence.”

Varry, a dedicated advocate for urban cycling, was known for his work improving cycling infrastructure in Saint-Ouen, a northern suburb of Paris. Hundreds gathered on Saturday to honor him, including cycling groups like Paris en Selle, which vowed to continue his fight for safer roads.

Transport Minister François Durovray, in a post on X, expressed his deep sympathy for Varry’s family and said that cyclists “have a place on the road,” vowing to address safety concerns. He called Monday’s meeting an opportunity to listen and act on behalf of France’s cycling community, which has been shaken by Varry’s death. The tragedy has reignited national debates on road safety and cyclist protection as France sees an increasing number of cyclists in its urban centers.

Alexis Fremeaux, co-president of the French Federation of Bicycle Users, said that “Paul’s death, killed by a motorist in Paris, has resonated deeply.

“It stirred such emotion because this kind of murder is exceptional. But the violence that cyclists face on the roads today — every cyclist has experienced it. Whether it’s threats, being put under pressure, being endangered, or even deliberate collisions — every cyclist has a story to tell.”

Cycling advocates hope that Varry’s death will spark action and lead to What they say are long-overdue reforms to improve road safety.

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ZURICH (AP) — Canadian national team captain Jessie Fleming, former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema are among more than 100 women’s soccer players who have signed an open letter protesting FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco.

The letter calls the deal, which includes sponsorship at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, “much worse than an own goal,” citing Saudi Arabia’s record on the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people and the impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production on climate change.

“As well as funding the Saudi regime, Aramco is one of the biggest polluters of the planet we all call home. In taking Aramco’s sponsorship, FIFA is choosing money over women’s safety and the safety of the planet — and that’s something we as players are standing against, together,” Fleming said in comments via campaign group Athletes Of The World.

Fellow Canadians Erin McLeod, Emma Regan, Samantha Chang and Nyla Peterkin also signed their names to the letter.

Sauerbrunn voiced concern for women who are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.

“The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money,” said Sauerbrunn.

The letter calls on FIFA to replace Aramco “with alternative sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights and the safe future of our planet,” and to give players a voice on the ethical implications of future sponsorship deals.

“This letter shows that as players this is what we don’t want to stand for and accept within women’s football. It’s simple: this sponsorship is contradicting FIFA’s own commitments to human rights and the planet,” Miedema said.

FIFA’s deal with Aramco was announced in April as part of ever-closer ties between Saudi Arabia and world soccer’s governing body. FIFA is expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 men’s World Cup in December. It is the only candidate for the tournament.

“FIFA values its partnership with Aramco and its many others commercial and rights partners. FIFA is an inclusive organisation with many commercial partners also supporting other organizations in football and other sports,” world soccer’s governing body said in an emailed statement Monday, adding that commercial revenue is reinvested into developing women’s soccer.

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Metro is expanding its Moi Rewards program into Ontario later this week after rolling it out in Quebec and New Brunswick last year.

It’s the latest loyalty program launch as they become an increasingly important strategy for retailers to attract and keep customers.

“Now we’re bringing our own program that’s had a success in the Quebec market, and we think that’s going to bring more value to our customers,” said Alain Tadros, Metro’s vice-president and chief marketing officer and head of digital strategy.

Like many loyalty programs, Moi Rewards users will get personalized promotions and be able to redeem points to pay for purchases. The program officially rolls out on Oct. 24.

It’s also the first time that Metro’s discount banner Food Basics will have a loyalty program, the company said.

Customers will earn points just by shopping at Metro and Jean Coutu stores, but can earn additional promotional points through offers at Metro, Food Basics and Jean Coutu, said Tadros. He said there are a total of 277 Metro-owned grocery stores in Ontario and nine Jean Coutu pharmacies.

He said Metro’s app offers the lowest threshold for redeeming points at $4.

“It’s been a key to our success in Quebec, in getting our customers engaged in the program,” said Tadros.

Metro first introduced Moi Rewards in Quebec and New Brunswick in May 2023.

As part of the Ontario rollout, Metro is also partnering with RBC’s Avion Rewards. While in Quebec the company offered a Moi RBC Visa credit card, in Ontario they are offering card linking, meaning shoppers can earn additional Moi Rewards points by using an RBC card, including on purchases not made at Metro-owned stores, said Tadros.

“The RBC partnership allows customers to actually double dip,” he said, adding that the company plans to bring the card-linking option to Quebec as well.

The loyalty program marketplace is a competitive one, with all the major Canadian grocers offering some kind of program — not to mention offers from non-grocery retailers, as well as food and beverage chains.

A survey last year by Givex found that 57 per cent of Canadians belong to between two and four loyalty programs, and one in five respondents said they belong to at least five.

The Givex survey found that more than half of Canadians see grocery programs as the most valuable kind among them, and are particularly valued by lower-income households. A fifth of the respondents said they use rewards or points from a loyalty program when making a purchase about once a month.

Tadros said he hopes Moi Rewards’ lower redemption threshold and RBC partnership, among other attributes, will help it stand out among the competition.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2024.

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