Gaétan Guindon, the mayor of Denholm in Outaouais, appeared before the Quebec Municipal Commission for an ethics hearing. He is accused of using municipal funds to purchase alcohol and using a city credit card for personal expenses. The hearing took place at the Hôtel V in Gatineau and concluded in the afternoon. The DEPIM's lawyers allege that Guindon violated rules by using a credit card linked to the municipality's bank account for personal expenses, including buying $3,470.71 worth of alcohol over three years. The defense argued that using the municipal credit card was not a violation and that alcohol expenses were not prohibited before a municipal rule was adopted in March 2022. The judge plans to make a decision on the allegations by March.

In Outaouais, Quebec, cancer patients are experiencing delays in surgical operations due to a strike, affecting individuals like 69-year-old Debbie Groves, whose oncological surgery was postponed. Despite her personal distress, Groves supports the healthcare professionals' strike for better working conditions. The CISSS de l’Outaouais has reported that 8 major and 13 minor oncological surgeries have been rescheduled, with a commitment to prioritize these cases in the surgical program.

Hassan Diab, a Lebanese-Canadian, was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Paris court for a 1980 bombing of a synagogue. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada will closely watch the decision and its implications. Diab, who has always maintained his innocence, received the verdict while in Ottawa. The case has drawn significant attention and support from various groups, including Amnesty International Canada. The article highlights the reactions from Diab, his supporters, and the Canadian government.

In Gatineau, municipal councillor Steve Moran has requested that Mayor France Bélisle publicly retract statements she made about him regarding the Îlot de la Caserne housing project. Moran alleges that Bélisle's accusations of his interference and disrespect in the project are unfounded and have harmed his integrity and effectiveness as a councillor. Bélisle had criticized Moran for allegedly demanding additional social housing units from the developer, which she claimed violated ethical guidelines. Moran refutes these claims, stating his actions were in the public's interest and did not involve any personal gain. Both parties declined interviews on the matter.

The City of Ottawa's fraud and abuse hotline receives 5 to 10 complaints daily about OC Transpo bus drivers violating traffic rules. Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon reported over 1000 complaints in 2022, leading to a decision to stop handling these cases unless new concerns arise. OC Transpo's General Manager, Renée Amilcar, emphasized the seriousness of the issue and outlined a plan for driver retraining and stricter measures to address the complaints.

The Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) has refused Canada Carbon's request to mine graphite on agricultural land in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, citing potential negative impacts on agriculture and the environment. The decision is supported by local officials and environmental groups, who view it as a protective measure for the region's agricultural and water resources. Canada Carbon has 30 days to respond to the preliminary decision.

The Ottawa Distress Centre successfully launched the new national 988 crisis line, designed to provide immediate support for suicide prevention. The center, one of 40 across Canada, was prepared to handle calls and texts from the moment the line went live. The initiative, supported by unanimous federal vote in 2020, aims to offer accessible mental health support. The center's team, including 15 English-speaking and 12 bilingual responders, received extensive training to manage the expected volume of calls. The first day saw 46 calls handled by the Ottawa team alone. Future plans include hiring additional staff based on call volume and ongoing collaboration with partner organizations to enhance service delivery.

Nearly one in three kindergarten children in Outaouais had developmental gaps in at least one area during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the latest report from the Quebec Survey on Child Development at Kindergarten (EQDEM). The region, along with Laval, has a significantly higher proportion of vulnerable children compared to the rest of Quebec. Despite the pandemic's impact, the results show stability compared to pre-pandemic data, which is seen as a positive sign by public health officials. The CISSS of Outaouais plans to increase resources and launch initiatives to support vulnerable children and their families.

The municipal court in Gatineau has decided not to issue imprisonment warrants for individuals with unpaid municipal fines, particularly those experiencing homelessness. This decision aligns with the penal procedure code and aims to adopt a more humane approach. The court session saw payment agreements and compensatory work arrangements being made. Legal experts and city officials have expressed concerns about potential congestion in the justice system due to this procedural change. The Ministry of Justice of Quebec had previously reminded municipal courts of the prohibition on such imprisonment practices, leading to the suspension of numerous warrants earlier this year.

A report detailing the French services offered by the City of Cornwall will be presented to the municipal council. The report, requested by Mayor Justin Towndale, reveals that 46.14% of the city's employees can provide services in French, with 19 designated bilingual positions. Recommendations include revising the city's bilingualism policy to actively offer services in French and incorporating best governance practices. The initiative is positively received by local francophone organizations, who see it as a crucial step towards better representation and service for the francophone community. The city's chief administrator, Mathieu Fleury, plans to consult with the community to further refine the services.

A video showing a teenager being beaten near a high school in Ottawa has sparked outrage on social media, leading to a petition with around 4900 signatures demanding concrete actions from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). The incident, which occurred near Gloucester High School, is under active investigation by the Ottawa Police Service. The OCDSB and the school are also conducting their own investigations and providing support to the victim and his family. Ontario's Education Minister, Stephen Lecce, condemned the violence and emphasized the need for safety for all students.

The federal government of Canada is considering reducing up to 50% of its office spaces over the next decade, driven by the hybrid work model. Paul Thompson, Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada (SPAC), highlighted the potential for significant office space reduction, emphasizing the need for investments to maximize market value. Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre, supports the reevaluation, hoping it will lead to the conversion of spaces for social housing and community use. The outgoing director general of the National Capital Business Association, Marc Chénier, views the move as positive for taxpayers in the long term, despite short-term economic challenges. Local government officials, including Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle, seek more information on the federal plans. The process of divesting surplus properties is expected to span several years, aiming to provide the best value for taxpayers while considering federal employees' needs.

Two years after the launch of the Grand Chantier for families by the Legault government, measures to address the labor shortage in early childhood education appear to be effective, according to a CPE and a union in Outaouais. Programs like Parcours travail-études and RAC96, which offer remuneration and lead to qualified educator status, are highlighted. The CSMO-ÉSAC promotes these programs during the National Week of Early Childhood Educators. The Quebec government aims to hire 18,000 new early childhood educators by 2026. The programs are seen as beneficial by various stakeholders, including the STCPEO-CSN and CPE Le Lièvre et La Tortue, despite ongoing challenges in meeting qualified educator ratios.

The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) conducted a significant drug seizure in an apartment on Jacques-Cartier Street in the Pointe-Gatineau neighborhood. Responding to a disturbance call, police discovered a loaded firearm and a substantial quantity of synthetic drugs, along with trafficking paraphernalia and cash. Four individuals were arrested, with two later released. The remaining two, men from Ottawa, faced charges related to restricted firearm possession, drug trafficking, and possession of trafficking materials. The SPVG's Criminal Investigations Office obtained a search warrant leading to the seizure. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The mid-term budget of the Ford government includes increased infrastructure spending, particularly for housing construction, addressing the needs of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. The budget allocates $1.8 billion over three years for municipal infrastructure projects and housing, with specific investments in education and road infrastructure in Ottawa. Local leaders, including the mayors of Clarence-Rockland and Ottawa, express satisfaction with the budget's direction, highlighting the importance of infrastructure to support population growth and development.

It has been 15 years since Shannon Alexander and Maisy Odjick were last seen on September 6, 2008, in Maniwaki. An event was organized in the community to commemorate this anniversary, featuring traditional dance and drumming performances. The girls, who were 17 and 16 at the time of their disappearance, were initially treated as runaways by authorities, a point of criticism by the families and the Kitigan Zibi community. The case is now handled by the Sûreté du Québec and the Ontario Provincial Police, with no new credible leads since December 2020. The Réseau enfants-retour continues to support the families and maintain hope. Laurie Odjick, Maisy's mother, organizes annual events to help with healing and raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Michèle Audette, a senator and former commissioner of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, has been influenced by the case and considers Laurie Odjick one of her mentors.

The dispute between the University of Ottawa and Professor Verushka Lieutenant-Duval over the use of the 'N-word' has been resolved through a confidential agreement. The arbitration process concluded with mutual satisfaction, though the details remain undisclosed. The Association of Part-Time Professors (APTPUO) highlighted the media storm and loss of anonymity faced by Lieutenant-Duval, criticizing the university's reactive measures. The University of Ottawa maintained that the professor was not suspended or dismissed and that their actions were necessary due to student complaints and the broader context of addressing racism. Lieutenant-Duval continues to teach at other institutions but no longer at the University of Ottawa.

Gatineau faced a derecho on May 21, 2022, marking the first crisis for new mayor France Bélisle. The city's response was criticized, especially in comparison to Ottawa's actions. Bélisle reflects on the crisis, acknowledging areas for improvement in crisis management and customer service. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to situations and ensuring citizens receive necessary services, while also discussing the role of elected officials during emergencies.

Hundreds of people braved the cold in Ottawa to pay their respects to former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who served from 1984 to 1993. Attendees, including his family and former colleagues, shared personal anecdotes and expressed admiration for his impact and legacy. The event highlighted Mulroney's significant political achievements and personal connections, with many remembering him fondly for his kindness and leadership.

A report presented to the Russell municipal council highlights a shortage of affordable housing, particularly affecting low-income seniors and disabled individuals. The Comité ad hoc sur le logement abordable et réalisable (CLAR) found that the lack of affordable housing is becoming critical in the Prescott and Russell counties, with over 1,000 people on the waiting list for income-adjusted housing. Marc Lalonde, the committee's president, emphasized the need for integrated economic and community development to address the issue. The report includes six recommendations and urges the Russell municipal administration to act swiftly and strategically.

The Municipality of Russell in Eastern Ontario has hired Tim Welch Consulting to assess its affordable housing needs and develop an action plan. A report presented to the municipal council highlighted a shortage of affordable housing, particularly affecting low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The federal government offers over $100 million for housing, requiring municipalities to conduct housing evaluations to access these funds. The consultant will organize various consultations and events, with a final report due by September 2024. The municipal council unanimously supported hiring the consultant to address the housing needs and create an action plan.

The article discusses the impact of fake news stories on Facebook during the U.S. election, highlighting concerns from various media outlets about the role of misinformation in influencing public opinion. Buzzfeed News conducted an analysis revealing that hyper-partisan pages were mixing true and false information in their stories. The New York Times also commented on the issue, noting the difficulty in discerning the authenticity of news on social media. Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, acknowledged the problem and outlined steps the company plans to take to combat fake news, including better detection and third-party verification. Despite a temporary removal of Zuckerberg's post on the topic, which was attributed to an error, the debate continues on Facebook's responsibility in curbing the spread of false information. Buzzfeed Canada's Craig Silverman provided a guide for users to report fake news on the platform.

The article discusses the importance of responsible and accurate media coverage of Indigenous communities. It highlights recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, which emphasizes the need for media to be more representative of Indigenous communities, provide opportunities for Indigenous journalists, and include education on Indigenous history and law in journalism schools. The article provides specific advice on improving Indigenous story reportage, such as decolonizing language, using correct terms, listening respectfully, and being sensitive to the complexities of Indigenous communities. Contributors to the guide include Nahka Bertrand, Leena Minifie, Ossie Michelin, Cara McKenna, and Jerome Turner, all of whom are associated with Ricochet Media's Indigenous Reporting Fund. The article also mentions additional resources like CBC reporter Duncan McCue's online guide and tips from Angela Sterritt of CBC.