Articles from Radio-Canada

A 31-year-old female construction worker died after falling from a ladder during work on the roof of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges school in Montreal. The police and CNESST are conducting a joint investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident. This incident follows another serious workplace accident in the Montreal area, where a 21-year-old worker was killed by machinery. These accidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in local construction sites.

During the construction holiday in Quebec, there was a significant increase in road fatalities, with 38 deaths reported in 30 collisions, more than double from the previous year. Factors such as human error, speeding, and distracted driving contributed to these accidents. The Sûreté du Québec has noted a high number of single-vehicle crashes and infractions for safety belt violations. Additionally, motorcyclists were heavily impacted, with 14 fatalities involving motorcycles.

Nearly 200,000 construction workers in Quebec are on a two-week vacation, with many opting not to travel to the U.S. due to political tensions under President Trump. This period has reduced construction activities, although a recent labor agreement promises significant wage increases. The Alliance syndicale de la construction and the APCHQ's new agreement could raise wages by up to 24.35% over four years, potentially impacting housing costs. Despite this, there was a slight decline in new housing starts due partially to a previous strike in the residential sector.

The article discusses the growing popularity of eco-friendly homes in Canada, which cost 4-6% more to build than standard homes but offer longer lifespans and reduced energy expenses. Key features include enhanced insulation, durable materials, and strategically oriented windows for heat conservation. Some homeowners, like Claudette Sauvé and Denis Turcotte, find the investment worthwhile due to significant energy savings, while others may find the costs prohibitive. The article highlights the need for more sustainable construction practices as the housing market expands.

Recently, sorting centers in Quebec have incinerated thousands of tons of plastic instead of recycling them, due to the lack of recycling opportunities for certain types of plastics. Notably, 17% of the plastic collected in 2023 was burned for energy production, a practice criticized by environmentalists for its impact on sustainability. This situation highlights the challenge of managing plastic waste, as only 20% of plastics placed in recycling bins are truly recycled. Meanwhile, more plastics are being exported out of Quebec for recycling, adding to concerns about the transparency and traceability of these processes.

The residential construction workers in Quebec have ratified a new collective agreement with the Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec, following a three-week strike. The agreement, supported by 83.4% of union members, includes wage increases of at least 18% over four years, with an immediate 8% raise in 2025. It also introduces flexibility in workforce mobility and enhances allowances for travel, accommodation, and safety equipment. A committee will be established to address workforce attraction and retention issues in the residential sector.

Geneviève Guilbault, Québec's Minister of Transport, secured $275 million to advance the plan for a third transportation link between Québec and Lévis. The funding, which is part of the existing budget, will support project planning and development. This commitment demonstrates the government's intention to make significant progress on the project before the next provincial elections. Current activities include geotechnical drilling to assess soil quality along the proposed corridor.

A major landslide occurred overnight in Portneuf, specifically in the Rang de la Rivière-Blanche Est area of Saint-Thuribe. Although no injuries were reported, three residences were evacuated as a precaution, with a fourth one to be evacuated soon. The local fire department and the Ministry of Public Safety responded to the incident. The situation on-site is being monitored as the ground may continue to shift.

Aéroports de Montréal plans to invest $10 billion over the next decade to enhance the capacity and accessibility of Montréal-Trudeau Airport by 2035. The project aims to accommodate 30 to 35 million passengers annually and includes the construction of new facilities such as a satellite terminal and expanded deicing stations. Montréal-Trudeau Airport is improving current infrastructure to handle future growth without increasing airport fees, relying on generated revenues and a $1 billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Severe rainfall led to floods and sewer backups across Greater Montreal, leaving extensive damage in many residential and commercial areas. Over 100,000 Hydro-Québec customers lost power, with thousands still without electricity. The intense weather resulted in substantial water accumulation in several neighborhoods, overwhelming infrastructure and causing significant property damage. Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls while government officials coordinated assistance efforts.

The Quebec government is considering two scenarios for a new transportation link between Quebec City and Lévis, costing between $5.3 billion and $9.3 billion. The project, championed by Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault, has been deemed necessary for economic security but lacks a finalized budget. Concerns remain about the project's environmental impact and potential costs, as well as the minister's analysis of the traffic data. The proposition also includes possible federal financial support and a toll system for the new infrastructure.

The article discusses a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, emphasizing the potential benefits and environmental concerns associated with LNG. The project aims to export LNG produced in Alberta by constructing a pipeline to Quebec for liquefaction and shipping. Experts argue over the impacts on local employment, economic benefits, and environmental footprint, with some claiming limited long-term local advantages and others viewing it as an energy strategy in response to global dynamics. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between ecological concerns and energy security needs.