What did us good this week

Our columnists return to news that has delighted them in recent days.

The convictions of Marjane Satrapi

The director and author of Persepolis and of Chicken with plums politely refused the Legion of Honor that the French government wanted to give him. The Franco-Iranian claims to disagree with French policy towards her country of origin. Examples: denial of visas to Iranian dissidents, lack of support for the women’s revolution… “Supporting the women’s revolution in Iran cannot be limited to photos with victims or celebrities […] When you have a people fighting for democracy […] we must support him. » This is called having principles.

Nathalie Collard, The Press

Night skiing on Mount Royal

Where is happiness, where is it? He is on Mount Royal, a good winter evening. Cross-country skis on your feet, a headlamp on your head, a little snow falling and the lights of the city in the distance: what more can you ask for in life? Hundreds of Montrealers have understood that snow is rare and that we must take advantage of it when it is there. What a pleasure to see the mountain swarming with nocturnal athletes on skates, skis or bikes, equipped with lamps and reflectors – even the dogs are decorated to be clearly visible. Thank you, Frederick Law Olmsted, for providing us with such a gem in the middle of town.

Philippe Mercury, The Press

Chrétien’s response to Trump

It was well felt, Jean Chrétien’s surprise exit aimed at responding to Donald Trump’s threats against Canada. His “wake up” to the president-elect rang true. Just like his appeal to local politicians. “Regarding retaliatory tariffs: When you are attacked, you have to defend yourself. But we also have to play offense,” he wrote. A few days later, Justin Trudeau and his provincial and territorial counterparts agreed to respond to Washington in a “robust” manner. It remains to be hoped that Albertan Danielle Smith will come to her senses. Not defending the country’s interests at all costs would be an aberration.

Alexandre Sirois, The Press

An inspiring accountant

How inspiring is the story of Myckaël Charbonneau. The Quebec student obtained the best mark in Canada on the final exam to become an accountant in 2024. He does not work in a large accounting firm, but at Maison d’Hérelle, a community organization housing people with dementia. HIV/AIDS. “I am proud to represent the community world. I don’t work to make money. At Maison d’Hérelle, we help people,” he confided to our colleague Jean-Philippe Décarie.

Vincent Brousseau-Pouliot, The Press

Read Jean-Philippe Décarie’s column