France and Canada are grappling with economic challenges, including debt burdens and fiscal difficulties. The Parti Québécois (PQ) leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has ignited a debate on Quebec's independence amidst these challenges. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the subsidy for the arrival of the Los Angeles Kings in Quebec, raising concerns about governance. At the same time, the Legault government faces strikes in the public sector. Amidst this backdrop, federal minister Jean-Yves Duclos believes that the tramway project will be chosen as the best project for Quebec, despite a six-month pause. Duclos expects an increased cost of $420 million during the delay. The Quebec government plans to communicate their strategy to minimize delays and increased costs. The project costs will be split between the Quebec government, the federal government, and the City of Quebec. [33f432ca]
Quebec is accelerating the construction of the new ÃŽle-aux-Tourtes bridge, which is currently experiencing critical traffic congestion. The construction is entering the implementation phase, with the installation of the bridge's piles starting soon. The new bridge will have three lanes in each direction for cars and trucks, as well as a four-meter shoulder for buses. It will also include a multi-purpose lane for bicycles and pedestrians. The project is expected to be partially completed by December 2026 and fully completed by December 2027. Quebec is considering measures to alleviate congestion on the current bridge, including potentially restricting truck traffic. The government is also exploring options to improve traffic flow on surrounding roads and is in discussions with trucking associations and law enforcement. The closure of the bridge has led to increased usage of public transportation, with additional train and bus services being provided. [33f432ca]
In a separate development, the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Canada over the Detroit River, has been delayed until fall 2025. The delay is due to construction disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bridge, named after a Canadian hockey player, was originally scheduled to be completed in 2024. The project is now expected to be finished in September 2025, with the bridge deck set to be completed this year. The total cost of the project has increased from CA$5.7 billion to CA$6.4 billion. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be the second bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, joining the privately owned Ambassador Bridge. [c4a83bf8]
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will also have a significant impact on the Trans Canada Trail. It will connect Windsor's Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way in Detroit, Michigan, becoming the first international border crossing to join the Trans Canada Trail. Trail users on both sides of the border will be able to walk or bike over the Detroit River via the multi-use path network. The Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail system in the world, spanning 28,000 kilometers. The hope is to spur economic growth and tourism opportunities on both sides of the border. Public consultations will be run in April to inform future operational plans for the multi-use path. [ea6ea9ab]
The City of Windsor is planning to redesign the Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain on the Detroit River. The project, led by architecture firm PARTISANS, aims to create a space that serves as a landmark and resonates with the community. Three fountain options are being explored: the Floating Fountain, the Boardwalk design, and The Arch. All three options incorporate renewable energy sources generated by underwater turbines in the Detroit River. The turbines, developed in collaboration with the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), ensure a net-zero or positive energy balance. The project positions Windsor as a model for sustainable and energy-efficient urban design. [bfb315e6]
The Peace Bridge, located between Fort Erie and Buffalo, was lit up in a spectrum of colors on April 2 to commemorate World Autism Day. The event was organized by Autism Ontario and aimed to show support for people with autism and their families. Autism Ontario is a non-profit organization that provides information, supports research, and implements programs and services for the autistic community. The Peace Bridge lighting was part of the annual Celebrate the Spectrum campaign. CEO Margaret Spoelstra highlighted the importance of people coming together for change. [971793d6]
The Batavia Park District Board of Commissioners has authorized the installation of an 8-foot by 12-foot painted rock garden near the Peace Bridge along the Fox River in Batavia. The garden will feature rocks painted by the community and is seen as a way to 'spread kindness'. The design of the rock garden will be an evolving one, with part of the area dedicated to a permanent space and rocks adhered to limestone in the shape of windmill blades. The community will be invited to paint rocks and add them to the display, making it a dynamic feature. A groundbreaking for the installation will take place during the Pitch in the Parks event on May 18, and the garden will be given a formal name later this year. [ef5db76f]
Luxembourg has slipped to eighth place in the latest Rainbow Index for LGBTQ+ rights, down from third place in 2021. The country's ranking decline reflects a decrease in its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Luxembourg Pride, an annual event that draws the LGBTQ+ community, takes place in Esch-sur-Alzette. The second city in Luxembourg has the highest unemployment rate in the country. The government of Luxembourg has ruled out providing additional funding to keep EU civil servants in the country. Amazon's main unit in Luxembourg has reported its first profit in seven years, which was attributed to a dividend payment resulting from internal treasury operations. The Luxembourg government has increased taxes on cigarettes to boost public revenue, but the hike is not expected to significantly impact tobacco tourism. Luxair and its workers are engaged in tough negotiations for a new labor deal, with workers seeking better pay and work-life balance. The Luxemburger Wort is a media outlet that reported on these developments. [890630bd]
Pennsylvania ranks in the middle at providing an accepting and safe environment for the LGBTQI community, according to the Franklin & Marshall College Global Barometers LGBTQI+ Perception Index. The survey measures the human rights lived realities of LGBTQ people across the U.S. and the world. Pennsylvania is not among the worst states in the nation, but it also doesn't land among the top tier. [8f1a7fc5]
Rainbow Railroad, an international charity, has released a new report on the state of global LGBTQI+ persecution. The report is based on 15,352 help requests from LGBTQI+ individuals fleeing violence in over 100 countries. In 2023, Rainbow Railroad received a record 15,352 requests for help, representing a 60% increase compared to 2022. The top 10 countries where requests for help originated from in 2023 were Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States, Uganda, Kenya, Türkiye, Nigeria, Morocco, Russia, and Egypt. The report highlights safety concerns, including community and family rejection, as well as violence faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. It also addresses health and welfare concerns, such as mental health issues and lack of basic needs. Since its founding in 2006, Rainbow Railroad has assisted nearly 15,000 LGBTQI+ individuals in finding safety through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and other forms of support. Rainbow Railroad supported 7,265 individuals in 2023, a 63% increase compared to 2022. The organization calls on governments worldwide to create more dedicated pathways and programs to help at-risk LGBTQI+ people and increase protection and safeguarding efforts for LGBTQI+ persons experiencing forced displacement. [b338e5a2]