Category: General

CVS has promised a probe after an employee closed the store at 5.01pm – despite a customer waiting for a

Several fast-food restaurant chains have announced some hot new menu offerings and deals, ranging from St. Patrick's Day-themed specials to a pizza charcuterie board.

President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. The meeting, which commenced at 4:15 p.m. following Tinubu’s arrival, is expected to address key issues affecting the oil-rich Niger Delta region. As the meeting began, President Tinubu […]

The post Breaking: Tinubu Meets PANDEF Leaders In Aso Rock, Observes Minute Silence For Edwin Clark appeared first on Naija News.

Alcohol deliveries could soon become a common sight in Montreal.

On March 11, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) announced that it is adapting to Quebecers’ changing drinking habits with a series of major changes, including the introduction of micro SAQ Agency stores and a new delivery pilot project.

Starting in April, the SAQ will test six urban micro SAQ Agency stores, designed for customers who don’t regularly visit SAQ locations or need alternatives when stores are closed. These mini-agencies will offer a selection of around 30 products, including spirits-based coolers, wines, and spirits. If successful, the concept will expand to around 100 locations in urban areas within a year. The micro-agencies will be hosted within existing businesses that already hold liquor permits, such as grocery and convenience stores.

“To maintain our long-term performance, we have to evolve how we do business, be more in sync with all our customers, those of tomorrow as well as today,” said Jacques Farcy, President and CEO of the SAQ in a press release.

Another key change is the launch of a delivery pilot project in June, using collaborative platforms to meet the demand for convenience.

Customers in Montreal will be able to order around 150 SAQ products through these platforms, with delivery handled by couriers who will pick up orders directly from SAQ stores. If the test run proves successful, the service will expand across Quebec.

The SAQ also stated that its choice of platform will consider the “current context with the American administration and the impact of its decisions on the Quebec economy.” Earlier this month, it was announced that the Crown corporation would be pulling all U.S.-made alcohol from its stores in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Additionally, the SAQ plans to open 34 new SAQ Agency stores in under-served regions like Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, and Chaudière-Appalaches. Meanwhile, five underperforming stores, including locations in Stanstead, Gatineau, Baie-D’Urfé, Quebec City, and Ville-Émard, will close as their leases expire in fiscal 2025-2026.

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Barrier repair works on the M6 following a major crash which gridlocked Preston for more than 18 hours have been completed. National Highways North West said work had been finished […]

Montreal may be home to some of the world’s top hospitals, but we certainly aren’t getting any points for our waiting room times.

According to data from Index Santé, Quebec’s ERs have been overwhelmed since early January, but the situation in Greater Montreal is even more intense.

As of March 10, 2025, the province’s average emergency room occupancy was 120%, but multiple hospitals in and around Montreal were operating at over 150% capacity — with some way beyond that.

Where ERs are most overwhelmed

On the North Shore, Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme was the most overloaded, with an occupancy rate of 206%, meaning more than double the number of available stretchers were in use. Over in Saint-Eustache, the ER was at 154% capacity, with 54 patients for 35 stretchers.

On the island of Montreal, the most overwhelmed ER was at Lakeshore General Hospital, operating at 171% capacity (53 patients for 31 stretchers). Several other hospitals also far exceeded the provincial average:

• Jewish General Hospital – 192%
• Royal Victoria Hospital (MUHC – Glen Site) – 167%
• Verdun Hospital – 154%
• Santa Cabrini Hospital – 150%

On the South Shore, Hôtel-Dieu de Sorel was nearing 188% capacity (32 patients for 17 stretchers), while Anna-Laberge Hospital in Châteauguay had 49 patients for 32 available beds.

How long are ER wait times?

According to updated government data, as of March 10, the average ER stay in Quebec was 4 hours and 41 minutes, but patients waiting on stretchers were stuck there for an average of 16 hours and 45 minutes.

Health officials are urging the public to consider other options before heading to the ER, such as booking an appointment with a family doctor through Rendez-vous Santé or calling Info-Santé (811). Just keep in mind that as of publication, the wait time for 811 was already 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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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 Editorial Standards page.