Articles from Radio Canada En continu

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plans to install platform screen doors at 74 metro stations in Toronto, a project estimated to cost $4.1 billion. This safety measure has been under consideration for over a decade, especially following incidents of people falling onto the tracks. Although not yet funded, the TTC proposes a $44 million pilot project at the TMU station, due to its high traffic and frequent service interruptions caused by people on the tracks. The installation aims to enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve public perception, with potential work beginning in 2026 if funding is secured.

ArcelorMittal is closing its steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, to focus its operations in Montreal. The decision affects 153 employees, though it is unclear if they will be laid off or given positions in Montreal. A joint committee has been established to explore future options, and the closure is attributed to the company's efforts to enhance competitiveness and long-term profitability. There are additional concerns about the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel as a factor in this decision.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the original six teams in the Women's Professional Hockey Federation (LPHF) following the expansion draft which introduced teams in Seattle and Vancouver. While this expansion offers more opportunities for women in hockey, it weakens the existing teams by requiring them to give up key players. Danièle Sauvageau, the general manager of the Montreal Victoire, expresses optimism about drafting new talents and sees this as a chance to strengthen the league. The overall aim of the expansion is to ensure competitiveness and growth while maintaining balance within the league.

The Parti Québécois warns that Bill 69, a proposed energy law, could cost Quebec consumers a billion dollars by allowing Hydro-Québec to pass on more costs to customers. The bill would enable tariff increases, and costs from agreements with Indigenous communities and municipal redistributors, to be transferred to consumers. Minister Christine Fréchette argues that the bill is necessary to cap residential tariff increases at 3% and enable wind power initiatives, expected to bring significant savings and create jobs. This bill, yet to be fully studied, aims to increase Hydro-Québec's electricity production by 30% by 2035.

The article discusses the potential economic implications of a new pipeline in Canada that could be funded by taxpayers. Economic forecasts and decreased oil prices make private investment unlikely, suggesting government intervention. Increased electric vehicle sales and global shifts towards renewable energy threaten future oil demand. The Trans Mountain project's challenges are highlighted, but potential economic benefits from energy exports are acknowledged.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported a 4% decline in average house and condominium prices in the Greater Toronto Area in May compared to the previous year, making the market more affordable. This decrease is attributed to fewer transactions and more properties being listed, enhancing buyers' bargaining power. Confidence issues related to the ongoing US-Canada trade war also contributed to the restrained market activity. A total of about 6,200 properties were sold, down 13.3% from the previous year, while new property listings increased by 14%.

The Quebec government has appointed two women, Renée Amilcar and Ann MacDonald, to lead the newly established Mobilité Infra Québec agency, which will focus on managing complex public transport projects. This marks a shift in the traditionally male-dominated transport sector. Amilcar, who previously managed Ottawa's public transit system, and MacDonald, who has a background with Bombardier Transport Canada and VIA Rail, will oversee the East Montreal tramway project as their first task. This initiative aims to regain control of major transport developments and decrease dependency on private organizations.

Canadian minister Dominic LeBlanc discussed concerns with U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the U.S. decision to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. The Canadian government, alongside ex-Quebec Premier Jean Charest, criticized the tariffs as unlawful and harmful to Canada's economy, impacting the export of Canadian steel and aluminum. This move by the Trump administration is seen as part of a broader strategy of applying global tariffs to extract concessions in trade agreements.

The preconstruction condo market in Ontario, particularly in Toronto and Hamilton, faces significant challenges as unsold units remain high. Buyers are deterred by steep construction costs, government taxes, and risks such as possible fraud and legal complications. Some industry experts believe that future economic stabilization may revive interest, but others remain skeptical given the high prices and the potential for construction issues. Additionally, recent fraud cases have highlighted regulatory deficiencies in the industry.

There is ongoing opposition to a nuclear waste burial project at Chalk River, led by Indigenous leaders and elected officials. The Kebaowek community has been opposing this project for nearly a decade due to environmental and rights concerns. The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories argue that their project poses no contamination risk, but a Federal Court has acknowledged the lack of proper consultation with the Indigenous communities. Various advocacy groups and municipalities are also voicing their opposition to this project being built close to the Ottawa River.

The city of Montreal will convert eight major streets into pedestrian-only zones this summer, spanning a total of 7.3 kilometers across six boroughs. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to over 1300 businesses and foster more community-friendly spaces. The project involves a $12 million investment over three years, supported by the Quebec government. However, it also poses challenges for motorists who will face disruptions due to concurrent major roadworks.

The article discusses the debate in Quebec over whether to abolish the carbon pricing on gasoline, with 56% of Quebecers in favor of removal for a potential 10-cent per liter price reduction. Despite reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990-2022, the government faces challenges in communicating the benefits of its carbon pricing. The decision contrasts with federal actions, and social acceptance of the policy is low, impacting Quebec's inflation. Quebec Premier François Legault must decide whether to maintain or abandon the system under political pressure.