Microsoft has announced that Skype will officially close in May, urging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams for communication.
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Category: General
The Cost of Homesteading: Backyard Chickens, Canning Vegetables, and More
Homesteading has become a popular lifestyle choice for people seeking greater self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature. Whether it’s raising backyard chickens for fresh eggs, growing your own vegetables, or preserving food through canning, the allure of a simpler, more independent way of life is undeniable. However, while homesteading can be rewarding, it’s […]
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New travel advice has been issued for Canadians flying during March break
If you’re heading out for March break, listen up! With airports about to be packed with vacationers escaping the cold, officials have issued new travel advice to help Canadians avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach or a bustling city, a little preparation can make all the difference!
On Friday, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) issued a fresh travel notice to help Canadians get through security smoothly, and you’ll want to take note if you’ve got a flight booked.
First things first: airport security. If you’ve ever been stuck in a slow-moving line while someone digs through their bag for a laptop or tosses out a water bottle, you know how frustrating it can be. CATSA wants to keep things moving smoothly, and that starts with packing smart.
Before leaving home, check out CATSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool. It’s an easy way to see if your items should go in your carry-on, checked luggage, or stay at home entirely.
If you’re bringing anything that might need extra screening — like electronics or liquids — keep them in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag. That way, you won’t be the person holding up the line while frantically searching for your laptop.
For liquids, aerosols, and gels — basically anything you can pour, spread, or spray — each container must be 100 ml or less and fit into a single 1L clear, resealable plastic bag. If it’s bigger than 100 ml, it has to go in your checked luggage.
If you’re travelling with kids, keep in mind that certain baby items like formula or breast milk are allowed in larger quantities, but they’ll need extra screening. The same goes for medications — just make sure they’re in their original packaging.
One common mistake that slows down security lines? Overpacking. If your carry-on is stuffed to the brim, it’ll take longer to search if you get pulled aside for extra screening. Keep things simple, and if you’re unsure about an item, double-check before you leave.
March break is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so be ready for crowds. Even if screening lines are fully staffed, delays can happen, especially during peak hours. The best thing you can do is be prepared, stay patient, and give yourself extra time!
On that note, timing is everything when it comes to airport travel. CATSA recommends arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international or U.S. departures. Sure, it might seem excessive, but time can disappear quickly between traffic, parking, check-in, and security. Giving yourself a buffer means you can actually relax before your flight instead of sprinting through the terminal Home Alone-style.
If you’re picking up any duty-free goodies, make sure you follow the rules, especially if you have a connecting flight in Canada. Your duty-free purchases must be sealed in an official security bag and include an itemized receipt. To avoid any issues, check that your bag has these required security features: a checkmark, a circular arrow, and a red border.
If your items aren’t packed properly, they could be confiscated at security, and that’s not the kind of souvenir you want from your trip.
In February, the Government of Canada also urged March break travellers to triple-check all travel documents. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date (some countries won’t let you in otherwise), and check if you need a visa for your destination. The last thing you want is to have your trip ruined because of an expired passport or missing paperwork.
It’s also smart to sign up for flight alerts from your airline so you’re notified of any delays or last-minute changes.
If you’re travelling internationally, check the latest Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination, too, as these can give you a heads-up on potential safety concerns, health risks, and entry requirements.
Lastly, keep digital and paper copies of your travel documents, including your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary. You never know when having a backup might come in handy. Safe travels!
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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.
How the Epstein Files blew up in Trump’s face
The Trump administration utterly botched a hyped release of “Jeffrey Epstein files” Thursday, a saga that resulted in disappointment among the MAGA faithful, finger-pointing among Trump aides, and — unsurprisingly — claims of deep state sabotage. Epstein, the well-connected financier who was indicted for sex trafficking underage girls and died in prison in 2019, has […]
Who needs weather reports anyway?
More layoffs have hit the federal government, this time at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States’s main weather forecaster and the world’s premier research agency for the seas and the skies. CBS News reports that 880 employees were cut across NOAA, about 7 percent of the workforce, including earth scientists, meteorologists, computer […]
Blaqbonez, Phyno and Young Jonn Link Up on “W For Wetego”
Blaqbonez is kicking off the year with a bang. The hip-hop sensation just dropped a sizzling new single, “W For
Quebec cities dominate Canada’s new quality of life ranking — Here’s where Montreal landed
Do people in Quebec love where they live? The numbers say yes.
Not all Canadian cities offer the same quality of life, and fresh data from Statistics Canada sheds light on where residents are feeling the most content.
The quality of life ranking is based on Canadian Social Survey data collected between 2021 and 2024 from cities across all 10 provinces, painting a clear picture of overall well-being in the country’s biggest urban centres.
As it turns out, Quebec is home to the happiest big cities in Canada, with Quebec City, Laval, and Montreal claiming the top three spots for life satisfaction among the country’s 15 largest cities.
Quebec City
Quebec City stands at the pinnacle of the quality of life rankings among Canada’s major urban centers. An impressive 62.3% of its residents report high life satisfaction, the highest percentage recorded.
The city also leads in sense of purpose (66.9%) and hopeful outlook (72.1%). However, despite these positive indicators, community belonging is relatively lower at 41.7%, suggesting potential areas for enhancing local engagement.
Laval
Adjacent to Montreal, Laval secures the second spot with strong performances across multiple dimensions. Life satisfaction is reported by 57.8% of residents, while a sense of purpose is felt by 66.0%. The city excels in social support, with 76.7% of individuals having someone to rely on. Interestingly, Laval boasts the lowest loneliness score at 60.3%, yet its community belonging stands at just 44.3%.
Montreal
As Canada’s second-largest city, Montreal ranks third in quality of life. Half of its population (50.1%) expresses high life satisfaction, complemented by a strong sense of purpose (57.0%) and a hopeful outlook (63.0%). Despite its metropolitan scale, Montreal maintains a commendable sense of community, with 45.8% of residents feeling a sense of belonging.
Quebec’s small towns also got some love in the rankings, with Sainte-Julie emerging as one of Canada’s top spots for quality of life.
At the other end of the scale, Toronto ranked last among major cities, with residents reporting the lowest levels of life satisfaction and the highest rates of loneliness among the pack.
Here’s how Canada’s 15 biggest cities ranked:
- 1. Quebec City, QC
- 2. Laval, QC
- 3. Montreal, QC
- 4. Winnipeg, MB
- 5. Calgary, AB
- 6. Ottawa, ON
- 7. Halifax, NS
- 8. Brampton, ON
- 9. Hamilton, ON
- 10. Edmonton, AB
- 11. Mississauga, ON
- 12. London, ON
- 13. Surrey, BC
- 14. Vancouver, BC
- 15. Toronto, ON
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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.
How evolution might explain impatience
DC Studio/Shutterstock Nobody likes to wait, and we are willing to pay to avoid it. Expedited shipping, fast food and
Beaumont search team accused of ‘preposterous’ smear campaign
The team leading the renewed search for the Beaumont children has come under fire, accused of engaging in a farcical
Obasa Storms Lagos Assembly Again, Louts Take Over Premises
At about 12 noon on Friday, February 28, ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made another dramatic entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, this time accompanied by a group of louts who forcefully took possession of the premises. Naija News learnt that the latest development unfolded as the substantive Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, along with […]
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