Lasalle Closure, Election Campaign & $439M Storm Losses — Montreal Thursday

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🚨 Crime & Public Safety

Two U.S. air traffic controllers allegedly left early before the March LaGuardia crash. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association confirmed allegations that two members clocked out about an hour early before an Air Canada regional jet collided with a fire truck on March 22, killing two pilots and sending over 40 people to hospital; the FAA says it is “committed to holding employees accountable.”

Quebec's provincial election campaign officially began with the Assembly dissolved for an Oct. 5 vote. Premier Christine Fréchette met the lieutenant-governor Thursday to start a 39-day period; Leger polling for Le Journal–TVA shows tight regional races, including a 30–30 tie for the PQ and Conservatives in Quebec City and the Liberals at 40 per cent on Montreal Island.
Five campaign issues to watch include sovereignty, energy deals and cost-of-living pressures. The Parti Québécois leads in province-wide polls and its leader has promised a referendum by 2030 if elected; Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are negotiating a tentative multi‑billion-dollar Churchill Falls power deal referenced as a campaign issue.

Summer storms in Ontario and Quebec caused an estimated $439 million in insured damage. Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. says storms from June 30 to July 3 brought wind, hail and flooding; Ottawa recorded 118 mm of rain on July 1 and more than 4,500 flooded basements were reported to insurers.

Peter Cullen, the Canadian voice of Eeyore and Optimus Prime, died at 85. Cullen’s death at age 85 was reported today, noting his long career as the voice behind iconic characters including Optimus Prime.

Lasalle College remains closed as it seeks bankruptcy protection and owes nearly $48 million to Quebec. Students and staff rallied on what would have been first day of the fall semester after classes were suspended; college director general Claude Marchand said the school faces about $30 million in penalties tied to Bill 96 enrolment limits and nearly $18 million in contested repayments.

Quebec ethics commissioner to investigate Vincent Marissal.
Quebec's provincial campaign officially underway, Oct. 5 election date set.
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Cyclist commutes from Gatineau to Montreal, article explains route choice.
Students say they were used "like a bargaining chip" in LaSalle dispute.