A year after Raphael Andre's death on Montreal street, advocates ask what's changed
Exactly a year ago, 51-year-old Raphael Andre died overnight just steps from the shelter where he'd been keeping warm during the day.
Andre's death made headlines beyond Canada last year, but those who work with the homeless in Montreal say there still aren't enough services during COVID-19 to keep them out of danger.
Just last week, a 74-year-old man froze to death in his makeshift shelter in NDG when, according to those who knew him, he could no longer seek shelter in his usual last resort, a nearby McDonald's, due to public health restrictions.
Andre, who was Innu, had been using the Open Door shelter as a place to eat and shower. But under COVID-19 rules, it was forced to close the night of Jan. 18, 2021.
Andre was under the influence at the time and sought shelter in a porta-potty on the nearby street, where he fell asleep and died.
Raphael Andre froze to death overnight on Saturday just steps from a downtown Montreal shelter closed for curfew. (Photo: Facebook)
After his death, Resilience Montreal and other partners opened a warming tent in Cabot Square, just west of downtown, naming it after him.
Its organizers say it's seen tens of thousands of visits in the last year, another sign of how serious the need for services is.
Nakuset of the Montreal Native Women's Shelter says the tent is not enough, and there needs to be a building in the same area that's open overnight.
Her organization started a new local shelter but it's only open during the day.
For now, the warming tent will stay open until at least March 21.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Monkeypox: What is it and how does it spread?
A growing number of countries, including Canada, the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and the U.K, are reporting an unusual outbreak of monkeypox. Here is what we know about this rare virus.
Canada inflation: How we compare to other G7 nations
With a meeting of G7 finance ministers underway this week, a CTVNews.ca analysis found that while Canadians are feeling the pain of record-high inflation, among G7 nations we are surpassed by Germany, the U.S., and the U.K.
Poilievre faces backlash for comments on Jordan Peterson podcast
Some are calling attention to a comment about 'Anglo-Saxon words' that Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre made while appearing as a guest on controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson’s podcast. The term has been used by those on the far-right to differentiate white people from immigrants and people of colour.
Prince Charles and Camilla wrap up Canada visit in Northwest Territories
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have started their journey to Canada's North for the final day of the royal visit. The couple's plane departed from Ottawa International Airport for Yellowknife ahead of another busy day scheduled in the Northwest Territories.
Ukrainian troops surrendering at Mariupol registered as POWs
Hundreds more Ukrainian fighters who made their stand inside Mariupol's bombed-out steel plant surrendered, bringing the total to over 1,700, Russia said Thursday, amid international fears about the fate of the prisoners in Moscow's hands.
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
Camille Vasquez takes centre stage in Johnny Depp - Amber Heard trial
The spotlight in a Virginia courtroom has turned to attorney Camille Vasquez this week.
OPINION | Don Martin: Premier Jason Kenney deserved a better death
There's a lesson for Canada's political leaders in the short life and quick death of Jason Kenney as premier of Alberta, writes Don Martin in an exclusive opinion column for CTVNews.ca.
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
Toronto
-
One person arrested after Lamborghini stolen during Toronto home invasion
One person has been arrested and at least one other suspect remains outstanding after a luxury SUV was stolen during a home invasion in Toronto.
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Atlantic
-
NEW
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
-
NEW
NEW | Masks no longer required in Nova Scotia public schools next week
Starting next week, students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks in Nova Scotia public schools.
-
Saint John police seek man wanted on two warrants
The Saint John Police Force is looking for a man wanted on two warrants.
London
-
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
-
More hate-related property damage in London, Ont.
Just one day after hate symbols were spray painted on a north London, Ont. playground, police are investigating more graffiti-style property damage.
Northern Ontario
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Province offering $50K reward in northern Ontario cold case
There is a renewed appeal in the investigation involving a northern Ontario teen murdered in her home more than three decades ago.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Calgary
-
Jason Kenney has quit as UCP leader. What happens to the party and government now?
With Jason Kenney having stepped down as leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, who is now leader of the province?
-
Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter among finalists for Jack Adams Award
Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter is among the three finalists for the Jack Adams Award, presented annually to the National Hockey League's coach of the year.
-
Keeping bees as a pet? City of Calgary now has a licence for that
Aspiring amateur apiarists have the opportunity to bring bee colonies into their own backyards as part of a new City of Calgary program
Kitchener
-
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
-
Assault charges withdrawn against Kitchener teacher accused of taping students
The woman was charged with two counts of assault in November after an investigation into “allegations she taped two children with masking tape while in the classroom,” Waterloo regional police said at the time.
-
Animals believed to have perished in Hanover, Ont. fire
Everyone is believed to have escaped a fire in Hanover, Ont. Thursday morning, according to Hanover police.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver mayor speaks out against soccer friendly between Canada, Iran
Vancouver's mayor spoke out against an upcoming soccer game between Canada and Iran Wednesday, the day after the prime minister also condemned the match.
-
Mountie seriously injured after crash into Burnaby building
An RCMP officer was taken to hospital with serious injuries Wednesday after an unmarked police SUV collided with another vehicle and crashed into a building.
-
B.C. spending scandal: Judge to issue decision in case against former legislature clerk
The former clerk of the British Columbia legislature is expected to hear a judge's ruling today following a Vancouver trial that ended in March.
Edmonton
-
Jason Kenney has quit as UCP leader. What happens to the party and government now?
With Jason Kenney having stepped down as leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, who is now leader of the province?
-
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Possible contenders for UCP leader waste little time after Kenney resignation
Even as the smoke cleared from the shocking resignation of Jason Kenney Wednesday evening, several of his challengers were sending out Zoom invites amid hints of leadership campaigns to replace him.
Windsor
-
Over 2,000 pounds of pot hidden as 'foam pool toys' seized at Detroit-Windsor border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than a ton of marijuana labelled “foam pool toys” at the cargo facility at the Ambassador Bridge.
-
Advance polls open in Windsor-Essex. Here’s where to go
Eligible Windsor-Essex residents eager to cast their ballot in the provincial election can head to the advance polls.
-
Wallaceburg man charged after police seize cocaine, meth and oxycodone
A 60-year-old Wallaceburg man is facing charges after police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and MDMA.
Regina
-
SGI begins mailing out rebate cheques
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has begun mailing out rebate cheques to customers across the province.
-
Riders, Blue Bombers to play first pre-season game May 31 following CFL deal
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will play their first pre-season contest of the CFL season on May 31, at Mosaic Stadium according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
-
Masters and Trudeau discuss funding for infrastructure during recent Ottawa visit
Existing and future funding for infrastructure projects from the federal government was one of the main topics that Mayor Sandra Masters discussed with Justin Trudeau during her recent trip to Ottawa.
Ottawa
-
Here's when gas prices will drop below $2 a litre in Ottawa
Gas prices are set to fall 13 cents a litre over the next two days, giving drivers some relief at the pumps ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
-
Judge orders Melnyk-owned company to turn over documents in LeBreton dispute
A judge has ordered a company owned by late Senators owner Eugene Melnyk to turn over documents in a legal fight with Trinity Development Group about an ill-fated bid to redevelop LeBreton Flats.
Saskatoon
-
Brother of alleged Sask. group home sexual assault victim worries his days were 'filled with dread'
A man whose brother lived in a group home in Hepburn, Sask. and was allegedly abused by a worker is speaking out.
-
Riders, Blue Bombers to play first pre-season game May 31 following CFL deal
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will play their first pre-season contest of the CFL season on May 31, at Mosaic Stadium according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
-
MLA removed from Sask. legislature during heated session
Nadine Wilson, the Independent MLA of Saskatchewan Rivers, was removed from the Saskatchewan legislature after refusing to apologize for comments made towards the government, following Wednesday’s fierce Question Period session.