Jean-Sébastien Marier

Rideau Canal Skateway – Daily Photo

Canadian companies now exempted from ”Buy American Act”

Canada’s International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan announced Friday that Canadian companies will now be exempted from the so-called Buy American Act.

Previously, Canadian suppliers of iron, steel and other construction materials were not allowed to bid on US public infrastructure projects financed by the multi-billion dollar recovery plan set forth by the Obama administration.

I spoke with Ian Lee, the director of the MBA program at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, and Ron Watkins, the president of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, to find out what will be the impacts of the new trade agreement between Canada and the United States.

I will post shortly the radio report I prepared for Carleton’s Radio News.

Through a Global Lens Photography Competition

Today, I registered four of my photos for Carleton’s Through a Global Lens Photography Competition.

Here are my picks for the four categories:

: Architecture – Venice, Italy, at night. (@2009 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Globalization – Young girl selling tomatoes, market of Gbegamey, Cotonou, Benin. (@2005 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Nature/Landscapes – Carleton students Samia Madwar, Kim Mackrael and Paul Moore enjoy a day out in the Gatineau hills, Quebec. (@2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: People – Cumanda Serrano is the proud owner of Bazar Salamea in Cuenca, Ecuador. (@2008 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

Omar Khadr’s rights violated, but won’t order repatriation: Supreme Court

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered judgment in Omar Khadr’s case.

I was at the court in the morning as a reporter for Radio News — the show we are producing each Friday for the coming weeks in my radio class.

The justices ruled that Khadr’s fundamental rights were violated with the complicity of Canadian officials, but added that the highest court in the land cannot order the federal government to repatriate him back.

The Supreme Court said foreign policy remains the prerogative of the federal cabinet.

I produced a 2-minute radio report on the judgment. I will upload it here soon.

For the complete judgement: http://scc.lexum.umontreal.ca/en/2010/2010scc3/2010scc3.html

Gatineau Park Cross-Country Skiing

My parents came for a visit this weekend.

Saturday, we went cross-country skiing in the Gatineau hills.

Here are some photos of our day. (Click on any photo to launch the gallery.)

Rideau Canal Skateway

The Rideau Canal Skateway opened last week.

The ”World’s Largest Skating Rink” is celebrating its forth decade of operation this season.

On Wednesday, Samantha and I hit the ice on the 4.3 km section in service between Bank Street Bridge and Mackenzie King Bridge.

Here are some photos of our evening.

: Skaters hit the ice under Bank Street Bridge. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Samantha Feder approaches Elgin Street Bridge. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Skaters enjoy good ice conditions under Elgin Street Bridge. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Samantha Feder takes a break on a bench under Elgin Street Bridge. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Samantha Feder enjoys a chilly yet clear evening on the Rideau Canal Skateway. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

: Under Laurier Avenue Bridge with The Fairmont Château Laurier in background. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

A 7.4 km section is now opened between Laurier Avenue Bridge and Dows Lake.

For up-to-date information on the ice condition, visit the National Capital Commission’s website.

Shoot & Score (UPDATED)

Stock photo. (©2010 Jean-Sébastien Marier)

Today, Samantha and I went to see her cousins play hockey.

First stop, the Sandy Hill Arena for a 5 p.m. Atom game. The local Ottawa East team won.

Next stop, the St. Laurent Complex for a 6 p.m. Pee-Wee Atom A match between the Ottawa East Nationals and the visiting Canterbury Crusaders . The latter won 6-3.

I killed two birds with one stone and interviewed a player and his dad for a radio piece I am doing on the fitness level of young Canadians for my broadcast class.

I will upload the final product in the next two weeks.

Ski de fond au Québec

Guy-Renaud Kirouac de Passion Ski de Fond a publié un message sur mes photos d’hier. Visitez son blogue pour plus d’information sur le ski de fond au Québec.