Paradise O Paradise!, a new book by Sedki Chaabani, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
If you are bothered by your existence, and feel that you are a stranger perplexed by the secrets of the universe, then there will be writing ready for your rescue. If you are an utopist keeping in mind Thomas More in his Utopia or Alpharabius in his The Viewpoints of the Inhabitants of the noble City, or Plato in his Republic, then there will be writing to take you far away to no man’s land, where you can build your own kingdom and create your own state.
Sedki Chaabani has a BA in English. He taught in preparatory and secondary schools in Tunisia for many years and seconded as an English teacher in The Sultanate of Oman (5 years) and United Arab Emirates (4 years). He is a published author in Arabic, with works ranging from novels, poetry, plays, to critical essays. He is also a published author in English with a collection of poems titled Chants of Adulthood. Still to be published Taghriba (An Exile’s Epic).
Paradise O Paradise! is a 162-page paperback with a retail price of $15.00 (eBook $10.00). The ISBN is 978-1-6491-3325-0. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For members of the press, to request a review copy, visit our virtual pressroom at http://dorrancepressroom.com or to buy the book visit our online bookstore at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/paradise-o-paradise/
The Government of Quebec confirms a $30-million loan for Taiga Motors, while the Government of Canada plans to grant a loan of up to $10 million to the business. These financial contributions will support Taiga Motors’ project to industrialize the manufacture of personal watercraft, snowmobiles, electric motorization systems and battery packs. This initiative valued at $125.17 million will lead to the creation, by the end of 2023, of at least 370 well-paying jobs in Montréal and Shawinigan.
Shawinigan, Quebec, July 12, 2021 — The Government of Quebec confirms a $30-million loan for Taiga Motors, while the Government of Canada plans to grant a loan of up to $10 million to the business. These financial contributions will support Taiga Motors’ project to industrialize the manufacture of personal watercraft, snowmobiles, electric motorization systems and battery packs. This initiative valued at $125.17 million will lead to the creation, by the end of 2023, of at least 370 well-paying jobs in Montréal and Shawinigan.
The Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Mélanie Joly, along with the Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation, Eric Girard, made the announcement today accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, Jean Boulet, and the Member for Laviolette–Saint-Maurice and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (forests), Marie-Louise Tardif.
Taiga Motors’ overall project involves, among other things:
building an assembly plant for snowmobiles, personal watercraft, electric powertrains, and battery packs in Shawinigan, in the Mauricie region; and
developing new advanced technologies for electric powertrains and an electric off-road vehicle platform at its Montréal‑based technical centre. However, this component is not covered by the financial assistance granted today by the Government of Quebec.
The $30-million loan from the Government of Quebec, which includes up to $6 million that may be forgiven, is being granted through the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation’s ESSOR program. For its part, the Government of Canada intends to grant up to $10 million in financial support through CED to Taiga Motors over two years. This funding is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement between the two parties.
Quotes
“Our government is supporting the country’s businesses as they become global leaders in the manufacture of green vehicles, creating dependable jobs. Taiga Motors’ arrival in the Mauricie region is a key part of our efforts to enable the region to participate fully in the economic recovery by showcasing local talent. Our government will continue to support businesses so they can participate in efforts to build a clean-growth economy, including by investing in the manufacture of carbon‑neutral vehicles.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint‑Maurice‑Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Innovation is at the core of our government’s priorities, and we proudly support projects such as the one by Taiga Motors, which will contribute a cleaner environment. By driving a new 100%‑electric sector of activity in Quebec, the project is fully in line with our recovery plan for a sustainable, green, and innovative economy. Taiga Motors’ values also align with our priorities around electrifying transportation, the fight against climate change and structural regional economic development. By leveraging this innovative project in Shawinigan, we are also investing in the well-being of future generations.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic‒Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
“Taiga Motors has the potential to become a major player in the thriving off-road electric vehicle market. This project aligns with our willingness to invest in this manufacturing sector to create a comprehensive electric transportation industry, a niche market with high growth potential supporting a greener, more prosperous, and more sustainable economy. It is through these kinds of initiatives that Quebec stands out thanks to its creativity and spirit of innovation.”
Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation
“The trend towards electric vehicles is growing fast right around the world. Taiga Motors, which specializes in recreational vehicles, has everything it needs to position itself at an advantage on this market. By building a new plant in the Mauricie region, the business will be able to benefit from a stimulating business environment and a qualified workforce to pursue its growth.”
Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region
“Taiga Motors has been a source of pride in the Mauricie region since it was created in 2015, at the Centre d’entrepreneuriat Alphonse-Desjardins Shawinigan. This cutting-edge business is now moving into high gear with this ambitious project. Establishing its new plant in Shawinigan will enable our region to further develop its expertise in electric transportation and give a substantial boost to the Mauricie economy in this time of recovery.”
Marie-Louise Tardif, Member for Laviolette–Saint-Maurice and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (forests)
“The confirmed funding for Taiga Motors and the decision to locate in Shawinigan are of great benefit to the city and its electric transportation strategy. The business will be a leader in producing electric vehicles for motorized sports. This niche market comes in addition to the market for electric vehicle charging stations, which is already established in our region, and all the related businesses in our area. This future plant is a dream facility that all Quebec and Canadian cities would want to have themselves. Above all, it aligns with a 21st-century economy focused on environmental issues and the future.”
Michel Angers, Mayor of Shawinigan
Quick facts
Taiga Motors was founded in 2015 to design, manufacture and commercialize fully electric recreational vehicles. It currently employees approximately 100 people.
Since it was launched, the business has developed three electric snowmobile models and two electric personal watercraft models, including the powertrain, battery, and smart connectivity. Taiga Motors holds the intellectual property for several strategic elements of these components.
The ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Government of Quebec, aims to support investment projects in Quebec with the aim of boosting competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development.
CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
Associated links
To learn more about CED and its priorities, visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
Stay connected
Follow CED on social media
Follow the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation on social media Website in French only
Sources
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Fanny Beaudry-Campeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
Tél. : 418 643-5270
Maude Méthot-Faniel
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region
Tel.: 438-526-8750
Hugo Lemay
Riding Office for the Member for Laviolette–Saint-Maurice and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (forests)
Tel.: 819-539-7292
Information
Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Head of Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation
Tel.: 418-691-5698, ext. 4868
Cell: 418-559-0710
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca
The governments of Canada and Quebec, in partnership with the City of Trois-Rivières, announced a total of $36.6 million in funding to renovate and modernize the J.-Antonio-Thompson Theater.
The announcement was made today in the presence of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Pablo Rodriguez, Lieutenant of Quebec and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Nathalie Roy, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Jean Lamarche, Mayor of Trois‑Rivières.
The work will include: expansion of the reception area, ticket office and foyer; the replacement of approximately 100 seats; the reorganization of the dressing rooms and seats to allow for better viewing; the expansion of the artists’ rooms, the addition of multifunctional rooms for special events and the repair of the roof, insulation and electrical installations. Thanks to this project, the J.-Antonio-Thompson Theater will be able to compete with Quebec’s major performance venues by ensuring greater accessibility for people with reduced mobility and improving the comfort and experience of all spectators.
The Government of Canada is investing $10 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Quebec is also investing $10 million through the Cultural Infrastructure Development Assistance Program (PADIC). The City of Trois‑Rivières will for its part contribute more than $16.6 million to the project.
Across the country, Canadians and Quebeckers are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Together, Canada and Quebec are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure the health and safety of the population, support businesses and promote job creation, economic growth and investments in cultural infrastructure.
“Investing in cultural infrastructure helps build strong, vibrant and inclusive communities. The renovation of the J.-Antonio-Thompson Theater will improve the accessibility of this heritage site and encourage the presentation of high-calibre cultural events in the Mauricie region. Canada’s infrastructure plan is strengthening our communities and creating jobs for today and tomorrow.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“These investments will allow cultural infrastructure to compete with leading establishments and attract high-quality arts events. In return, these events will contribute to the local and provincial economic recovery and create opportunities for local artists, while improving the well-being and cultural experience of Quebeckers. That is why I am personally delighted with the project to renovate the magnificent J. Antonio Thompson Theater.”
Pablo Rodriguez, Lieutenant of Quebec and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
“The improvement of a place of this magnitude will have a beneficial impact on the economic revival of the cultural milieu and for the economy of the region. Its new installations will consolidate the status of the J.A-Thompson room as a major cultural dissemination hub in the Mauricie region. Thanks to this partnership, an investment in a project of this magnitude becomes possible and only makes winners. First, the citizens of Trois-Rivières who will have access to a quality cultural offer in an inviting setting of which they will be proud, then our performing artists and creators, who will be able to work in places designed for highlight them.”
Nathalie Roy, Minister of Culture and Communications
“This is excellent news for the cultural dynamism of Trois-Rivières. This work is more than mortar, brick and concrete. It is an investment in our economy, our quality of life and also our creativity. It is a real tonic administered to institutions and organizations that contribute to better social and community life in our towns and villages. The improvement of this place of diffusion anchored in the region’s identity will ensure that it will be able to continue to play for a long time a beneficial role on the dynamism of our region while confirming its status as a cultural landmark and will continue to be a source of pride for the citizens of Trois-Rivières.”
Jean Boulet, Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Mauricie Region
“We welcome today’s announcement with great joy. Thanks to these contributions, we are counting on a very-large scaled production offer, while greatly enhancing the spectator experience. With this support, we are reaffirming Trois-Rivières’ leadership position in cultural offerings both in Mauricie and provincially. The J.-Antonio-Thompson room is already recognized as one of the most beautiful in Quebec. It’s a gem. I am very happy for Trois-Rivières and for all lovers of cultural products: this is what we are doing for them. ”
Jean Lamarch, Mayor of Trois-Rivières
Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-941-0660
Chantalle.Aubertin@canada.ca
Louis-Julien Dufresne
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Culture and Communications
418-380-2310
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
The Québec Bridge, originally built as a railway bridge, was designed to link the two shores of the St. Lawrence River and the railways in Quebec and the United States, which was then operated by 11 railroad companies.
A masterpeice of engineering, a historic structure and a strategic asset
The first construction
The Québec Bridge, originally built as a railway bridge, was designed to link the two shores of the St. Lawrence River and the railways in Quebec and the United States, which was then operated by 11 railroad companies.
The design included two tracks for trains and one lane of roadway. At the time of its construction, the Bridge was the longest clear span bridge in the world, including all types of bridges, with an opening measuring 1800 feet (549 metres) between its main pillars. To this day, the Québec Bridge is the longuest cantilevering bridge in the world.
Its construction dates back to October 2, 1900, when then Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, placed the first cornerstone. Unfortunately a few years later, on August 29, 1907, the south section of the Bridge’s frame collapsed, killing 76 workers, including 33 Mohawk workers from the Kahnawake community.
On August 17, 1908, the Minister of Railways and Canals tasked 3 engineers, including the Canadian H.E. Vautelet, with carrying out necessary changes to the bridge’s basic design. This led to the use of nickel alloy steel to increase resistance to breakage.
In 1913, construction restarted, and the central span was built in Sillery Cove from May to July 1916. However, the Bridge tragically collapsed for a second time, on September 11, 1916, causing the death of 13 workers and injuring more than 14 others. To this day, the collapsed central span rests at the bottom of the river.
Final construction
On September 20, 1917, the construction and installation of a new span were successfully completed connecting the two sides of the St. Lawrence River. On October 17, 1917, the first locomotive, with two passenger cars carrying 400 passengers, crossed over the river to the south shore and back. The Prince of Wales, future King Edward VIII of England, officially inaugurated the Bridge on August 29, 1919.
Configuration of the bridge decks
In 1929, a roadway was added to the Bridge’s two rail lines to accommodate the needs of residents in the greater Québec City area, and it operated as a toll bridge for cars from 1929 to 1942. In 1949, federal authorities decided to change the configuration of the decks by repurposing one of the rail lines for car traffic. To meet the growing traffic between the shores, a third roadway was added in 1993.
Cultural value
The Québec Bridge is both an architectural gem and a national historical site. On May 23, 1987, the Bridge was designated a Historical Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers to highlight the technical challenge of its construction at the beginning of the century. At the time, this honour had been awarded to only four other civil engineering works worldwide. On November 24, 1995, the Government of Canada designated the Bridge a National Historic Site, recognizing it as the most important bridge in the history of Canadian civil engineering.
Strategic connection
Today, the Québec Bridge continues to allow passengers and goods to move freely between the two shores of the St. Lawrence River and to other destinations in Canada and North America. Over 33,000 vehicles, including 404 public transit buses, and approximately 10 VIA Rail passenger trains and 3 CN freight trains cross the Québec Bridge every day. Furthermore, the Bridge supports 1000 pedestrian and cyclist crossings per day in the summer months.
Strong and effective enforcement of Canada’s environmental and wildlife protection laws is one of the concrete ways we are delivering on our commitment to providing clean air, clean water, and conserving wildlife species and their habitat.
On February 18, 2021, in Granby courthouse, Pete Persons Terre Sable & Gravier Inc. was sentenced and fined a total of $15,000 after pleading guilty to two offences under the Species at Risk Act. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.
On June 5, 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada wildlife enforcement officers visited quarries and sandpits in the Estrie region of Quebec to carry out inspections to verify compliance with the Species at Risk Act and to carry out public education and outreach concerning bank swallows (Riparia riparia).
During those activities, officers discovered a sandpit containing three bank swallow nesting sites, two of which were active or in use. Officers met a heavy machinery operator working for the company in the area and informed him of the presence of the swallows and the nesting sites, as well as the responsibility to ensure that work activities did not disturb the birds or their nests. On a subsequent follow-up visit on July 31, 2019, officers discovered that two nesting sites, one of which was active on June 5, had been destroyed with heavy machinery.
It is an offence under the Species at Risk Act to kill or harm a wildlife species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened or to damage or destroy the residence of a listed species. The bank swallow was listed as a threatened species under the Act, on November 2, 2017.
On February 18, 2021, the company pleaded guilty to two counts under the Act, for having destroyed nests of bank swallows, and in doing so, harming individuals of a wildlife species that is listed as threatened, and damaging or destroying the residence of one or more individuals of a wildlife species that is listed as threatened.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.
