Maura Forrest

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Maura Forrest.

Quebec's move to cut gasoline floor price won't be felt at the pumps, experts say

Quebec's move to cut gasoline floor price won't be felt at the pumps, experts say

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government has made a move it hopes will lower the price of gas in the province -- but observers say consumers are unlikely to benefit at the pump.

Quebec remains on board with carbon pricing, but how long will it last?

Quebec remains on board with carbon pricing, but how long will it last?

MONTREAL -- Pressure is starting to mount on Quebec to reconsider its cap-and-trade emissions pricing system after the federal consumer price ended Tuesday.

Quebec becomes last province with a price on carbon, but how long will it last?

Quebec becomes last province with a price on carbon, but how long will it last?

MONTREAL -- As Quebec becomes the last province in Canada that hasn't abandoned carbon pricing, the provincial government could start feeling pressure to align itself with the rest of the country.

Internal report finds major flaws in program to recruit foreign nurses to Quebec

Internal report finds major flaws in program to recruit foreign nurses to Quebec

MONTREAL -- Foreign nurses recruited to Quebec through a provincial government program faced "major obstacles" upon their arrival, including a lack of housing, child care and transportation, according to an internal report.

Quebec bill would expand religious symbol ban, force students to uncover faces

Quebec bill would expand religious symbol ban, force students to uncover faces

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government has tabled new legislation that would expand the province's religious symbols ban to all school staff.

Quebec committee to look at how to strengthen secularism, possible public prayer ban

Quebec committee to look at how to strengthen secularism, possible public prayer ban

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government has announced a new committee to make recommendations on how to strengthen secularism in the province, including by possibly restricting public prayer.

Quebec auto board 'fiasco' could be largest scandal since Charbonneau commission

Quebec auto board 'fiasco' could be largest scandal since Charbonneau commission

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government is grappling with a controversy that could be the biggest political scandal in the province since the Charbonneau commission, which found deep corruption in the construction industry, observers say.

Municipalities, rights groups concerned about Quebec bill on integrating immigrants

MONTREAL -- Quebec municipalities and human rights groups are voicing concerns about proposed legislation that would require newcomers to abide by a set of common values.

First Nations must not be forgotten amid Trump threats, outgoing Chief Picard says

First Nations must not be forgotten amid Trump threats, outgoing Chief Picard says

MONTREAL -- Indigenous people risk being pushed aside as Canada looks to defend itself against a possible trade war with the United States, says an outgoing regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Parti Québécois faces drop in support for sovereignty amid Trump threats

Parti Québécois faces drop in support for sovereignty amid Trump threats

With Canadians – and even Quebecers – rallying around the flag in the face of threats from the Trump administration, the sovereigntist Parti Québécois is struggling to find its footing. The Quebec opposition party has been leading in the polls for more than a year, and leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised to hold a third referendum by 2030 if...

Parti Québécois faces drop in support for sovereignty amid Trump threats

Parti Québécois faces drop in support for sovereignty amid Trump threats

With Canadians – and even Quebecers – rallying around the flag in the face of threats from the Trump administration, the sovereigntist Parti Québécois is struggling to find its footing.

Quebec EV company Lion Electric made big promises, but struggled to deliver

Quebec EV company Lion Electric made big promises, but struggled to deliver

MONTREAL -- A Quebec company once hailed as a success story in the electric-vehicle transition has struggled to deliver on many of its most ambitious plans.

Canadian children see thousands of digital ads for unhealthy food every year: report

Canadian children see thousands of digital ads for unhealthy food every year: report

MONTREAL -- Children in Canada are exposed to more than 4,000 ads for food on their mobile devices every year, with the vast majority promoting unhealthy products, according to a new report.

Amid U.S. tariff threats, a fight may be brewing over Canadian supply management

Amid U.S. tariff threats, a fight may be brewing over Canadian supply management

The federal government and the Canadian dairy industry are vowing to protect the country's supply management system in the face of threats from the United States. But some observers, and even some who work in the industry, say Canada will have to consider changes to the decades-old system that controls the supply of dairy products to appease a combative Trump...

Amid U.S. tariff threats, a fight may be brewing over Canadian supply management

Amid U.S. tariff threats, a fight may be brewing over Canadian supply management

MONTREAL -- The federal government and the Canadian dairy industry are vowing to protect the country's supply management system in the face of threats from the United States.

New bill will require Quebec newcomers to adopt 'common culture,' minister says

New bill will require Quebec newcomers to adopt 'common culture,' minister says

MONTREAL -- Quebec's immigration minister says newcomers to the province need to embrace the "common culture," as the government looks to put Quebec identity back at the forefront of the political agenda.

Quebec legislature returns for spring session amid Trump tariff threat

Quebec legislature returns for spring session amid Trump tariff threat

MONTREAL -- The Quebec legislature resumes sitting Tuesday for a spring session likely to be dominated by the threat of a trade war with the United States and a renewed focus on secularism and identity.

Quebec Liberals 'at a crossroads' as leadership race kicks off Monday

Quebec Liberals 'at a crossroads' as leadership race kicks off Monday

As the federal Liberals prepare to choose Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's successor, another Liberal leadership race is getting underway in Quebec this week. The stakes are high for the Quebec Liberals, who have been in the political wilderness for years, with dismal polling among francophone voters. Candidates and observers say the party needs to broaden its appeal beyond Montreal if...

Quebec Liberals 'at a crossroads' as leadership race kicks off Monday

Quebec Liberals 'at a crossroads' as leadership race kicks off Monday

MONTREAL -- As the federal Liberals prepare to choose Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's successor, another Liberal leadership race is getting underway in Quebec this week.

Thirty years on, is Quebec headed for another independence referendum?

Thirty years on, is Quebec headed for another independence referendum?

Ten years ago, Jean-Francois Lisee predicted that Quebec's independence movement would be reborn. "It could rise again given the right circumstances," he said in 2015. "What could trigger it, I cannot say." Three years later, as leader of the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois, Lisee lost his riding and saw his party reduced to 10 seats when the upstart Coalition Avenir Quebec...

Thirty years on, is Quebec headed for another independence referendum?

Thirty years on, is Quebec headed for another independence referendum?

MONTREAL -- Ten years ago, Jean-Francois Lisee predicted that Quebec's independence movement would be reborn.

'Smoke and mirrors': Quebec residents feel abandoned after August flooding

'Smoke and mirrors': Quebec residents feel abandoned after August flooding

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government has made payments in less than 10 per cent of the nearly 10,000 claims it has received since the remnants of Hurricane Debby hit the province in August, causing severe flooding and damage.

A timeline of the legacy of the Montreal Massacre

A timeline of the legacy of the Montreal Massacre

MONTREAL -- The Montreal massacre, which took place 35 years ago on Friday, sparked a national discussion about violence against women and drove major public policy changes, especially around gun control. Here is a timeline of some of the major events that have occurred since the 1989 mass shooting.

As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention

As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention

MONTREAL -- As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.

Quebec premier says more arrests 'urgent' after violent Montreal protest

Quebec premier says more arrests 'urgent' after violent Montreal protest

MONTREAL -- Quebec Premier Francois Legault is putting pressure on the Montreal police to arrest everyone involved in an anti-NATO protest that turned violent last week.

Arrests will take time as protesters at violent demo were masked: Montreal police

Arrests will take time as protesters at violent demo were masked: Montreal police

MONTREAL -- An anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday is stirring up talk about a controversial former bylaw that once prohibited protesters in the city from wearing masks.

Petition by RFK Jr. fan prompts Montreal council to end water fluoridation

Petition by RFK Jr. fan prompts Montreal council to end water fluoridation

MONTREAL -- Municipal officials have opted to end water fluoridation on the Island of Montreal in a move spurred by a petition from a resident who claims he has the support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Petition by RFK Jr. fan prompts water fluoridation vote by Montreal council

Petition by RFK Jr. fan prompts water fluoridation vote by Montreal council

MONTREAL -- Municipal officials are considering an end to water fluoridation on the Island of Montreal in a move spurred by a petition from a resident who claims he has the support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Quebec aims to boost access to abortion pills, clinics

Quebec aims to boost access to abortion pills, clinics

MONTREAL -- Quebec wants to improve access to abortion services as part of a new plan to counter what the government describes as an erosion of women's rights around the world.

Quebec aims to boost access to abortion pills, contraception

Quebec aims to boost access to abortion pills, contraception

MONTREAL -- Quebec wants to increase access to abortion pills as part of a new plan aimed at reaffirming the province's commitment to reproductive rights.

Quebec First Nation says government, Hydro-Quebec left it out of wind projects

Quebec First Nation says government, Hydro-Quebec left it out of wind projects

MONTREAL -- A First Nation near Quebec City says the provincial government and Quebec's hydro utility have ignored their constitutional duty to consult about four planned wind projects south of the St. Lawrence River.

Quebec premier warns of a possible influx of migrants following Trump's election

Quebec premier warns of a possible influx of migrants following Trump's election

Quebec Premier Francois Legault is raising concerns about the prospect of a wave of migrants coming to the province following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election. Legault says he wants to be sure that Canada's border and airports are well-protected, and he plans to follow up with the federal government every week about the number of new arrivals...

Quebec premier warns of a possible influx of migrants following Trump's election

Quebec premier warns of a possible influx of migrants following Trump's election

MONTREAL -- Quebec Premier Francois Legault is raising concerns about the prospect of a wave of migrants coming to the province following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election.

Montreal summit ends with pledge to return Ukrainian children deported to Russia

Montreal summit ends with pledge to return Ukrainian children deported to Russia

MONTREAL -- More than 45 nations signed a pledge in Montreal on Thursday to repatriate to Ukraine the civilians, prisoners of war and children taken by Russia since it invaded the country nearly three years ago.

Foreign affairs minister seeks support for plan to return deported Ukrainian children

Foreign affairs minister seeks support for plan to return deported Ukrainian children

MONTREAL -- Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says she hopes countries from around the world will support a plan to bring back Ukrainian children who have been deported to Russia since the war in Ukraine began nearly three years ago.

Quebec says private colleges are selling citizenship. The data tells another story

Quebec says private colleges are selling citizenship. The data tells another story

MONTREAL -- Quebec wants to cut its share of international students to ease housing pressure and protect the French language, but a recent uptick in study permits has mostly gone to people from francophone countries where the province has explicitly sought to attract more students.

How a Montreal school reignited a debate over secularism and Bill 21 in Quebec

How a Montreal school reignited a debate over secularism and Bill 21 in Quebec

MONTREAL -- An investigation into a climate of fear at a Montreal primary school has reignited a debate about secularism in Quebec's education system, with the provincial government pledging to consider new measures to keep religion out of classrooms.

Quebec government tables legislation to limit number of international students

Quebec government tables legislation to limit number of international students

MONTREAL -- Quebec has introduced legislation to cap the number of international students in the province, part of a larger push by the government to reduce temporary immigration.

Quebec premier takes heat for paying students to 'renovate their basement'

Quebec premier takes heat for paying students to 'renovate their basement'

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government is facing criticism for a program that paid students to learn a construction skill -- as less than half the graduates are certified to work in the industry.

In its 25th season, Quebec satirical news show 'Infoman' is still going strong

In its 25th season, Quebec satirical news show 'Infoman' is still going strong

MONTREAL -- In an interview nearly a quarter-century ago, Jean-Rene Dufort said he was afraid of his own shadow.

Air Canada deal avoids shutdown, brings relief to passengers and business groups

Air Canada deal avoids shutdown, brings relief to passengers and business groups

Travellers, business groups and politicians expressed fervent relief on Sunday after Air Canada and the union representing thousands of its pilots negotiated a new labour deal and averted a disruptive, countrywide shutdown.Canada's largest air carrier announced shortly after midnight Sunday that it had reached a tentative, four-year collective agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association.

Air Canada deal avoids shutdown, brings relief to passengers and business groups

Air Canada deal avoids shutdown, brings relief to passengers and business groups

MONTREAL -- Travellers, business groups and politicians expressed fervent relief on Sunday after Air Canada and the union representing thousands of its pilots negotiated a new labour deal and averted a disruptive, countrywide shutdown.

Liberal candidate in Montreal byelection says campaign is about her -- not Trudeau

Liberal candidate in Montreal byelection says campaign is about her -- not Trudeau

In the final stretch of a Montreal byelection campaign widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, the Liberal candidate wants people to focus on her -- not her leader. The byelection in LaSalle--Emard--Verdun should have been Laura Palestini's to lose. The area has been a Liberal bastion, by and large, for decades. A diverse riding in...

Liberal candidate in Montreal byelection says campaign is about her -- not Trudeau

Liberal candidate in Montreal byelection says campaign is about her -- not Trudeau

MONTREAL -- In the final stretch of a Montreal byelection campaign widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, the Liberal candidate wants people to focus on her -- not her leader.

Montreal mayor faces criticism for blocking comments on social media accounts

Montreal mayor faces criticism for blocking comments on social media accounts

MONTREAL -- Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante's decision to restrict access to her social media accounts is facing pushback over concerns it could stifle criticism.

Legault government heads into fall session after resignation of high-profile minister

Legault government heads into fall session after resignation of high-profile minister

MONTREAL -- As the fall session of Quebec's legislature kicks off this week, Premier Francois Legault will have to fend off claims his government is past its best-before date, even as he works to shepherd a pivotal energy bill into law.

As Quebec promises action, residents demand an end to illegal dumping in Kanesatake

As Quebec promises action, residents demand an end to illegal dumping in Kanesatake

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government says it has an "action plan" to fight illegal dumping of contaminated soil in a Mohawk community west of Montreal, but residents of Kanesatake and the neighbouring town of Oka say they've yet to see the signs of a permanent fix.

No photos of Trudeau on campaign signs in Montreal riding ahead of byelection

No photos of Trudeau on campaign signs in Montreal riding ahead of byelection

One familiar face is conspicuously absent from a federal byelection campaign in Montreal that could have major implications for the Liberal government. As candidates embark on the home stretch of the campaign in LaSalle--Emard--Verdun, their election signs are everywhere -- at major intersections, on side streets, fixed to lampposts, beneath stop signs. Alongside photos of the candidates are images of...

No photos of Trudeau on campaign signs in Montreal riding ahead of byelection

No photos of Trudeau on campaign signs in Montreal riding ahead of byelection

MONTREAL -- One familiar face is conspicuously absent from a federal byelection campaign in Montreal that could have major implications for the Liberal government.

Montreal's Concordia University reports big drop in enrolment following tuition hike

Montreal's Concordia University reports big drop in enrolment following tuition hike

MONTREAL -- One of Quebec's three English-language universities is reporting a nearly 30 per cent drop in enrolment of out-of-province students following a controversial tuition hike announced last year by the provincial government.

Montreal byelection to have most candidates in federal election history

Montreal byelection to have most candidates in federal election history

- An upcoming byelection in Montreal will have the longest ballot in the history of Canadian federal elections, breaking a record set earlier this summer in Toronto. At least 91 candidates will be on the ballot for the Sept. 16 byelection in LaSalle--Emard--Verdun, according to Elections Canada. Seventy-nine of them are linked to the Longest Ballot Committee, a group protesting...

Montreal byelection to have most candidates in federal election history

Montreal byelection to have most candidates in federal election history

MONTREAL -- An upcoming byelection in Montreal will have the longest ballot in the history of Canadian federal elections, breaking a record set earlier this summer in Toronto.

Federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez being sought to lead Quebec Liberal Party

Federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez being sought to lead Quebec Liberal Party

MONTREAL -- A spokesperson for Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez says he is fielding "a lot of requests" to join the race to lead the Quebec Liberal Party.

Quebec government has only recouped about one-third of pandemic-era fines so far

Quebec government has only recouped about one-third of pandemic-era fines so far

MONTREAL -- More than two years after Quebec lifted most of its COVID-era public health measures, the province has only recouped a little over one-third of the $68 million it issued in pandemic-related fines.

Local family used swastikas to accuse Quebec municipality of racism

Local family used swastikas to accuse Quebec municipality of racism

MONTREAL -- A small Quebec community has been locked in a drawn-out battle for the last two years with a local family that accuses it of being "the most racist city in the world."

Montreal failed to address school flushing sewage into river for years

MONTREAL -- A Montreal elementary school has been inadvertently flushing raw sewage into a nearby river for years, and the city, despite identifying the problem in 2021, is only now taking action to fix it.

Canada Day festivities attract hundreds at ceremonies, parties across the country

Canada Day festivities attract hundreds at ceremonies, parties across the country

The Maple Leaf flew on lampposts, flagpoles and patios across the country on Monday as cities from coast to coast welcome thousands of revellers for Canada Day. Under a cloudless July sky, thousands of people dressed in red and white made their way to Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park for the annual Canada Day celebrations in the national capital. People were...

Montreal's most popular radio personality will host his last show Friday

Montreal's most popular radio personality will host his last show Friday

MONTREAL -- It's the end of an era for a giant of Quebec media.

Love it or list it: Canada’s most famous fixer-upper

Love it or list it: Canada’s most famous fixer-upper

You might think dead rodents in the walls of the Canadian prime minister’s official residence would be cause for alarm, but you’d be wrong. After all, the pests are only the latest indignity to befall the 155-year-old mansion at 24 Sussex Drive. The government has deemed the 34-room stone building an uninhabitable fire trap with leaky plumbing and asbestos in...