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Trump Signals Iran War Deal ‘Soon’ as Strait of Hormuz Stays Open, Easing Market Fears

                                   U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal to end the Iran war could come “soon,”   President Donald Trump said a deal to end the Iran war could come “soon,” a comment that helped calm global markets as the vital Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping. The waterway, which handles roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply, has been a central concern for investors since the conflict began. With tankers continuing to move through the strait, oil prices have stabilized after weeks of volatility. Analysts note that even the perception of reduced risk in the region can ease pressure on global inflation, particularly in energy‑dependent economies like Canada. For Canadian households, a more stable oil market could help limit further increases in gasoline, transportation, and food costs. Equity markets reacted cautiously but positively,...
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Quebec Auto Board Scandal: A Digital Transformation Gone Awry

The Quebec government is facing what could be its most significant political scandal since the Charbonneau Commission, which exposed widespread corruption in the construction industry. The controversy centers around the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and its troubled digital transformation project, SAAQclic.

Initially intended to modernize services like vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, the SAAQclic platform has instead become a symbol of mismanagement. The rollout in early 2023 was marred by technical glitches, leading to long queues and public frustration. A recent report by Quebec's auditor general revealed cost overruns of $500 million, bringing the total project cost to over $1.1 billion.

The fallout has been swift. Éric Caire, the Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology, resigned amid allegations that government officials were aware of the platform's issues before its launch. Premier François Legault has announced a public inquiry to uncover the truth, pledging transparency and accountability.

Observers have drawn parallels to the Charbonneau Commission, which investigated corruption in Quebec's construction sector. While the current scandal does not involve allegations of corruption, it highlights systemic issues in project oversight and governance. The inquiry's findings could have far-reaching implications for the Coalition Avenir Québec government, already under pressure in the polls.

This unfolding saga serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of poorly managed public projects and the importance of accountability in governance.

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