Quebec Premier shifts focus

After two stunning byelection defeats on Monday, Quebec Premier Bernand Landry said that he will shift his focus, at least for now, from sovereignty to the economy. His Parti Quebecois lost two ridings long considered sovereigntist fortresses, including that of former Premier Lucien Bouchard, while barely holding on to two more. The leader of the separatist PQ party told reporters, ``we will adapt our action in the months to come to the message we've received.''

Federal government announces airline aid

Ottawa announced $160 million in emergency aid to airlines Tuesday. While Air Canada has asked for up to $2 billion, Transport minister David Collenette said that the recent package was strictly aimed at compensating Canadian air carriers which ``through no fault of their own'' were restricted from flying for several days following the Sept. 11 attacks. Air Canada will receive $100 million of that aid.

Coffey retires

Paul Coffey, one of hockey's most celebrated defencemen, announced his retirement on Wednesday. In 21 seasons with the NHL, Coffey won four Stanley Cups and was named to the starting line of four all-star teams. ``My family is where my life is at right now,'' said Coffey, 40. He will in Toronto with his wife, Stephanie, and two children, Savannah and Blake.

Montreal police evict squatters

Police in riot gear evicted 30 to 40 people from an abandoned school building Wednesday morning, arresting five of them for allegedly obstructing justice. The squatters took over an old heritage building in July to protest the lack of affordable housing in Montreal. The city offered the empty school building instead, but later issued an eviction notice, saying the squatters had broken an agreement by defacing it.