As caterpillars eat N.B. maple leaves, syrup producers consider insecticide solution

MONTREAL – The Bloc Québécois leader says he’s in no hurry to trigger a federal election and will instead stick with his plan to extract gains from the minority Liberal government.

Yves-François Blanchet made the comments to reporters today after his party’s stunning byelection victory in the former Liberal stronghold of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, in Montreal’s southwest.

Blanchet says the NDP’s decision to end its agreement with the Liberals that had propped up the minority government gave his party the momentum it needed to win the riding by just 248 votes.

With the victory, which was announced early this morning, the Bloc has 33 seats that when coupled with the Liberals’ 154 seats create a majority in Parliament.

Blanchet says he will evaluate what the Bloc can gain from the Liberals in exchange for his party’s support, adding that among its demands is more money for seniors.

Bloc candidate Louis-Philippe Sauvé won the LaSalle—Émard—Verdun riding with 28 per cent of the vote, holding off the Liberals and NDP in a tight race.

Blanchet says the victory — which gives the Bloc its second seat on the Island of Montreal — demonstrates that voters have options outside of the Liberals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – Mila Mulroney has been named the 11th chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, the alma mater of her husband, former prime minister Brian Mulroney.

Brian Mulroney died Feb. 29 at the age of 84.

Mila Mulroney issued a statement today saying the university in Antigonish, N.S., was the place where her husband was inspired to become involved in politics and his experiences there helped form his values.

She says that over the past 50 years, she has spent many days at the campus and has met many of her husband’s fellow graduates.

The statement says she is “humbled and honoured” to take on her new role.

Dennis Flood, chairman of the university’s board of governors, said Mila Mulroney’s experience as a philanthropist and her international profile will bring “invaluable strengths” to the university.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

The Northern Super League has fleshed out its front office with four appointments.

Jose Maria Celestino da Costa was named vice-president and head of soccer operations while Marianne Brooks was appointed vice-president of partnerships, Kelly Shouldice as vice-president of brand and content and Joyce Sou as vice-president of finance and business operations.

The new six-team women’s pro league is set to kick off in April.

“Their unique expertise and leadership are crucial as we lay the foundation for not just a successful league in Canada, but one that stands among the top sports leagues in the world,” NSL president Christina Litz said in a statement. “By investing in top-tier talent and infrastructure, the Northern Super League is committed to creating a league that will elevate the game and set new standards for women’s professional soccer globally.”

Da Costa will oversee all on-field matters, including officiating. His resume includes stints with Estoril Praia, a men’s first-division team in Portugal, and the Portuguese Soccer Federation, where he helped develop the Portuguese women’s league.

Brooks spent a decade with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, working in “partnership sales and retention efforts” for the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Warriors, and Rogers Arena. Most recently, she served as senior director of account management at StellarAlgo, a software company that helps pro sports teams connect with their fans

Shouldice has worked for Corus Entertainment, the Canadian Football League, and most recently as vice-president of Content and Communications at True North Sports & Entertainment, where she managed original content as well as business and hockey communications.

Sou, who was involved in the league’s initial launch, will oversee financial planning, analysis and the league’s expansion strategy in her new role.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.