| Centre de justice de proximité |
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| Quebec is now experiemnting with public legal information clinics in three cities in the province, including one that opened recently in Montreal. The goal is to increase people's access to justice by offering free information about legal questions and court procedures. more info |
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| Autorité des Marchés Financiers |
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| The AMF is Quebec's capital markets regulator. Its website is a go-to place to find out whether a financial consultant or firm is legally registered. AMF registration is largely considered a good indication of honesty. |
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| BMO Eco Smart Mortgage |
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| The Bank of Montreal introduced a 5-year fixed closed mortgage that rewards customers for making smart choices for their home and the environment. more |
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| New Rent-Hike Guidelines In Effect |
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| The Régie du logement has lowered the amount of monthly rent increases allowed for renovations. For the first time in nearly thirty years, this amount has dipped below $3 per $1,000 of work done, to $2.42 per $1,000. |
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| Home Inspection Rules to Tighten Up |
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| As of 2010, the Quebec Association of Building Inspectors is tightening its standards, effectively becoming the strictest in North America. This should come as good news to potential homebuyers, as the new rules should better point out possible costly surprises. more info |
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| Heritage Open House Day |
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| Real-estate agents organize this annual event in the fall by hosting open houses in over 50 heritage properties, distributed across Old Montreal and along the Lachine Canal. more info |
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| Free Hockey Camp for Disadvantaged Youth |
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| Glenn Dore's Safety Crew holds a free annual hockey skills camp with Sun Youth for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year's 5-day event, which took place at the Pierrefonds Sportsplex, had 22 participants aged between 8 and 10. |
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| Play it Fair! @ Angrignon Park |
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| The program, organized by various day camps, is designed to educate children about human rights. More than a thousand kids gather to play games and participate in activities. more info |
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| Wanjira's "Yoga in the Park" |
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| This annual event is held in Centennial Park. Wanjira hosts it for a donation with all proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. more info |
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| Home Renovation Tax Credit |
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| Revenue Canada announces a 15% Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) for renovation work done on residential dwellings in 2009. more info |
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| New Daycare Registration Service |
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| A new website will allow parents to register their children for a variety of services, thereby facilitating the waiting list and subscription process. more |
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| A Protection in the Event of Fraud |
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| When dealing with a real estate agent, the Fonds d'Indemnisation du Courtage Immobilier can compensate you in the case of fraud, dishonest transactions or misappropriation of funds. more info |
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| The Association des Acupuncteurs du Québec |
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| The AAQ is a non-profit organisation committed to the spread and awareness of traditional Chinese medicine. more info |
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| Save 10% on Your Heating Bills |
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| Windows account for up to 25% of your home's heat loss. Look for Energy Star qualified windows and patio doors, which are 20% to 40% more airtirght and efficient than conventional models. More info here and here. |
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| Westmount Snow Removal |
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| Never place snow from your private driveway and walkway on public sidewalks. Whatever you do, make sure you do not obstruct public pathways with snow or equipment. Failure to abide by these regulations can result in fines levied on home owners. |
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| Flying to the US? |
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| As of January 31, 2008, if you are flying to the US, a US law requires you to present a valid Canadian passport. Visit www.canada.gc.ca for more info. |
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| Pesticide-Free Montreal |
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| The use of pesticides outside buildings and homes is prohibited in Montreal. For alternatives, visit the Ville de Montreal website. |
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| Simplified Passport Renewal Process |
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| Starting August 15, 2007, it will be easier to renew your Canadian passport. Applicants will no longer have to submit a guarantor declaration. More info |
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| Parks Bylaw to be Enforced |
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| As of July 2007, the borough council for Pierrefonds-Roxboro will start enforcing a bylaw prohibiting dogs in the borough's parks. |
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| Atwater Library & Digital Literacy |
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| The educational project aims to teach technology to low-income youth from nearby communities. More info. |
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| Last English School at PAT Closed |
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| McLearon School, Pointe aux Trembles' last English language school, closed its doors for good on June 22, 2007. |
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| Foreign Work Experience to Gain Recognition |
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| Immigration Canada is opening foreign referral offices to help immigrants get their credentials recognized in Canada. more info |
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| Do-It-Yourself Courses @ Home Depot |
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| Home Depots across Montreal are giving DIY courses on home renovation. more info |
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| Salsa Nights @ Verdun Greenhouse |
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| Verdun's Municipal Greenhouse, on LaSalle blvd, holds a salsa night every Monday in the summer. Call 514-765-7150 for more info. |
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