Victims of 2011 flood suing province

Those who lost homes, cottages, businesses, and farms in the 2011 Lake Manitoba flood are suing the province for $260 million.

The victims are arguing that an excess of water was sent into the area due to the use of the Portage Diversion, which re-routed water from the Assiniboine River to Lake Manitoba.

The lawsuit statement, which the province has 20 days to respond to, claims that the Manitoba government did not adequately warn victims of the flood and have not provided sufficient compensation.

Hundreds arrested on one-year anniversary of Montreal student protests

Police arrested 294 individuals on Mar. 22 during a protest on the anniversary of the 2012 Montreal student protests, which began due to proposed tuition increases.

The majority of Friday’s protesters were each fined $654 for walking against traffic.

Many criticized the Montreal police, claiming that the authorities responded too quickly as they arrested protesters under municipal bylaw P-6, which concerns “the prevention of breaches of the peace, public order and safety and the use of public property.”

Final debate sets stage for Liberal leadership voting

Six liberal leadership candidates took part in the final debate on Mar. 23 in Montreal, QC.

Discussion surrounding strategic voting caused tension between Justin Trudeau and Joyce Murray, with the former advocating against the approach, claiming that it would lead to NDP leader Thomas Mulcair becoming the next prime minister.

The topic stemmed from Murray’s recent decision to ask Green Party leader Elizabeth May to withhold from running a candidate in the Newfoundland by-election, after Conservative Cabinet Minister Peter Penashue resigned.

Trudeau is widely perceived to be the probable winner over Murray and the remaining candidates, which include Deborah Coyne, Karen McCrimmon, Martha Hall-Findlay, and Martin Cauchon.

Party members will select a new leader on Apr. 14.