A poignant tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, the solemn procession saw a flotilla of vessels journey upriver before pausing by the Millennium Bridge for a two-minute silence and the laying of commemorative wreaths.
The parade began with vessels assembling in the Ouseburn area at 10:30 a.m., where the MVS Northumberland Freemason led the procession, followed by MVS Melita, acting as the control vessel, and joined by vessels from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, FSNE Medical and private boat owners. With many onlookers gathered on the busy Newcastle Quayside Market, the sight of the vessels was a powerful reminder of community spirit and respect.
“The Parade of Sail has become a truly meaningful tradition for our community,” said Regional Volunteer Officer Angela Carrington.
“Each year, we’re moved by the incredible support from the public who join us to honour those who served. It’s a privilege to bring people together on such a significant and reflective day.”
The parade. Credit – The Bigger Picture Agency
At 10:59 a.m., a brief address was given by the event’s Padre aboard MVS Melita, followed by the ceremonial laying of wreaths from Melita and the Tyne and Wear Fire Boat. A blast of the horn then marked the beginning of the two-minute silence, observed solemnly by the crews and the gathered audience. The silence concluded with a signal broadcasted on Channel 69, uniting the vessels in a powerful moment of shared reflection.
Since its inception, the Parade of Sail has drawn interest and support from residents and visitors alike, becoming a key Remembrance Day event in Newcastle. The Maritime Volunteer Service remains committed to honouring service and sacrifice, fostering a sense of unity on the River Tyne each year.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/dairy-and-eggs-section-at-a-grocery-store-in-canada.jpg?id=55831988&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C94%2C0%2C95"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal, it's time to check your kitchen cupboards because some popular foods are being <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/product-recall" target="_blank">recalled</a> for safety concerns. </p><p>The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued multiple <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/food-recalls-quebec-cheese-salt-chocolate" target="_blank">food recalls in Quebec</a>, and this time the list includes popular basics like <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/eggs-recalled-canada-a-salmonella-risk-2025" target="_blank">eggs</a>, chocolate, granola bars and more.</p><p>These recalls are happening for serious reasons — think <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/salmonella-outbreak-pastry-recall-canada" target="_blank">salmonella contamination</a>, undeclared allergens like nuts, and even foreign objects like metal fragments in products. </p><p>Plus, major grocery chain house-label brands like No Name, IGA and Compliments are on the list, along with other big names like MadeGood and Milka — so it's worth double-checking your pantry to stay on the safe side.</p><p>Here's the full rundown on what's been recalled, why, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.</p><h3>Cape Breton Oatcake Society oatcakes</h3><br/><img alt="Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="159848ed822a67b89270dc13deac7452" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4a885" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cape-breton-oatcake-society-oatcakes.png?id=55831836&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong></p><ul><li>Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes - English Toffee, 2-Pack — all codes where almond is not declared in the list of ingredients</li><li>Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes - English Toffee, 12 units (6 x 2 Packs) — all codes where almond is not declared in the list of ingredients</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason: </strong>Cape Breton Oatcake Society is recalling batches of its English Toffee Oatcakes due to undeclared almonds. This recall affects products sold nationally and online. People with almond allergies should avoid eating these oatcakes, as they could cause serious or life-threatening reactions.</p><p><span></span>The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notes that the recall was triggered by a consumer complaint, though no allergic reactions have been reported so far. If you have these oatcakes, check the label, and if almonds are not declared, you can return them to where you bought them.<span></span></p><p><strong>Last updated: </strong>January 22, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/cape-breton-oatcake-society-brand-oatcakes-english-toffee-recalled-due-undeclared" target="_blank">Cape Breton Oatcake Society recall notice</a></p><h3>Various brands of eggs</h3><br/><img alt="No Name Large Size Eggs, 12." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4b1329b63380171f18a8c6d5ff3b9ca0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b7a50" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/no-name-large-size-eggs-12.jpg?id=55831895&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong> </p><ul><li>Compliments Extra Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Compliments Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Compliments Large Size White Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Foremost Large Size Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Extra Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Jumbo Size Eggs, 20 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Large Size Eggs, 2 x 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs White Extra Large Size Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs White Large Size Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>IGA Extra Large Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>unbranded XLW Loose Eggs/Box size XL, 15 dozen</li><li>unbranded SW Loose Eggs/Box size S, 15 dozen</li><li>unbranded Large White Eggs, 15 dozen</li><li>Western Family Extra Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Western Family Large Size White Eggs, 30 eggs</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Burnbrae Farms is recalling shell eggs sold under several brand names — Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, No Name and Western Family — due to potential salmonella contamination. The CFIA says these eggs were sold in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario, but that they could possibly have been distributed in other provinces and territories as well. The recall applies only to eggs with specific lot codes — you can check the recall notice below for the codes and best-before dates to look out for.</p><p>The CFIA notes that food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, pregnant people, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. No illnesses have been reported so far, but if you think you got sick from consuming these products, reach out to your health care provider.</p><p>If you have these recalled eggs, throw them out or return them to the store where you bought them. If you're unsure about your purchase, contact your retailer for clarification. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 20, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-brands-shell-eggs-recalled-due-salmonella" target="_blank">Egg recall notice</a></p><h3>Sweet Cream mini pastries</h3><br/><img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b1195db73fd1bb847cc2208a368d431d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="860e6" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/image.png?id=55831928&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong> </p><ul><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie, ~4 kg (4 boxes x 30 pieces)</li><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie – Tray A, 1 kg (30 pieces)</li><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie – Tray B, 1 kg (30 pieces)</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. is recalling Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries due to salmonella contamination. These desserts were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, both sold in stores and served in bakeries, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and at catered events. </p><p>The recall follows a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/salmonella-outbreak-pastry-recall-canada" target="_blank">serious illness outbreak</a> with 61 confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning between September and December 2024. So far, 17 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, with higher risks for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. The CFIA notes that people who are infected with the bacteria can spread salmonella to other people up to several weeks after they become infected, even if they don't have symptoms.</p><p>The CFIA notes that the products may have been sold clerk-served or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not have the brand and other identifying information. If you're unsure whether certain pastries you have are affected, contact the store where you bought them. The CFIA says it's still investigating the active outbreak, and further recalls may follow. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 18, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/sweet-cream-brand-mini-patisserie-recalled-due-salmonella" target="_blank">Sweet Cream recall notice</a></p><h3>Milka chocolate</h3><br/><img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bb09d3bf454e7c345ba383ad361ba1ca" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="52be1" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=55831937&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled product:</strong> Milka Bubbly Alpine Milk "Chocolat", 90 g — best before April 25, 2025</p><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Bensus Imports is recalling Milka-brand Bubbly Alpine Milk Chocolat due to undeclared hazelnut, a potential allergen. These chocolate bars were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.</p><p>The recall was triggered by a consumer complaint, and one allergic reaction has been reported so far. Consuming this product could cause serious or life-threatening reactions for people with hazelnut allergies. If you have this chocolate at home, check the label, and if hazelnuts are not listed, you can return it to the store. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 14, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/milka-brand-bubbly-alpine-milk-chocolat-recalled-due-undeclared-hazelnut" target="_blank">Milka recall notice</a></p><h3>MadeGood granola bars</h3><br/><img alt="MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="333534b275e3f3f237e7166b43c5b492" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8e3be" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/madegood-granola-bars-chocolate-chip.jpg?id=55832012&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong></p><ul><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Banana, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 1.5 kg</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 960 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 360 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 576 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Chip Mini Granola Bars, 1.08 kg</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Chip Mini Granola Bars, 576 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 1.5 kg</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 960 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Cookies & Crème Naturally Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Strawberry Naturally Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 480 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 360 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 1.34 kg</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Vanilla Flavour, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Vanilla Flavour, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Cookie Crumble Flavour, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Cookie Crumble Flavour, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Variety Pack, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood MadeGood Variety, 35 count</li><li>MadeGood MadeGood Variety Pack, 7 count</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is recalling MadeGood-brand granola bars due to the presence of metal pieces. These bars were distributed nationally in stores and online, affecting both retail customers and institutions like hotels, restaurants and cafeterias.</p><p>Consumers are urged not to eat these granola bars as the contamination poses a physical hazard. If you have these products at home, throw them out or return them to the store where they were purchased. The recall applies to specific lots of these snacks — you can check the CFIA notice below for the codes and best-before dates to look out for.</p><p><strong>Last updated: </strong>December 12, 2024</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/madegood-brand-granola-bars-recalled-due-pieces-metal" target="_blank">MadeGood recall notice</a></p><p></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-bell-office-in-calgary-right-videotron-logo-in-front-of-their-main-office-for-montreal-quebec.jpg?id=56580194&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C36%2C0%2C36"/><br/><br/><p>For Quebecers shopping for a new internet or mobile plan, speed is the key factor — especially when you're weighing your options between trusted names like <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/bell-canada" target="_blank">Bell</a>, Videotron, and Rogers.</p><p> Sure, many of us stick with our favourite brands out of loyalty, but when you dig into the numbers, the results might surprise you.</p><p>A recent <a href="https://www.ookla.com/research/reports/canada-speedtest-connectivity-report-h2-2024" target="_blank">Ookla Speedtest</a> report compiled from millions of tests between July and December 2024 and lays it all out. The study, released in February 2025, covers everything from download and upload speeds to 5G availability and overall network reliability, giving you a clear picture of where each provider really stands. </p><p>So, whether you're streaming your favourite shows, gaming, or working from home, these insights could be a game changer for your next plan.</p><h2>Best internet service provider in Canada (fixed networks)</h2><p>On the home internet front, Bell Pure Fibre dominates with a median download speed of 332.26 Mbps and a median upload speed of 284.9 Mbps, earning an "Overall Connectivity Score" of 84.32. </p><p>In comparison, Rogers achieved a score of 79.85, while Videotron registered a score of 77.24. Despite Videotron's slightly lower performance metrics, its strong local presence continues to make it a dependable option for many households in the province.</p><p>Below are the connectivity scores for other major providers from the report:</p><ul><li>Bell Pure Fibre: 84.32</li><li>Telus PureFibre: 83.06</li><li>Rogers: 79.85</li><li>Videotron: 77.24</li><li>Cogeco: 76.87</li><li>Bell Internet: 63.27</li></ul><span></span><h2>Best mobile network provider in Canada</h2><p>According to the data, Bell Mobility leads the mobile sector with a "Speed Score" of 104.34. Bell recorded a median download speed of 99.2 Mbps, an impressive median 5G download speed of 166.60 Mbps, a median upload speed of 9.45 Mbps, and a latency of 42 ms.</p><p> Rogers trails behind with a median download speed of 77.28 Mbps but distinguishes itself with the highest 5G availability — 83.9% of its users connect to a 5G network most of the time. </p><p>Meanwhile, Videotron wasn't highlighted in the mobile rankings.</p><p>Here are the top three speed scores among Canadian providers:</p><ul><li>Bell Mobility: 104.34</li><li>TELUS: 98.72</li><li>Rogers 83.6</li></ul><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em>
<p><br/></p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em>
