This week on Focus Montreal: Oct. 10

MONTREAL — Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community, bringing their stories into focus.

It airs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and at midnight.

Take a look at who we’re meeting this week on Focus Montreal:

Trans-Pacific Partnership

Canada has signed on to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement which creates a new market for 800 million people.

The  TPP covers 40 per cent of the world’s economy  and aims to increase trade among 12 major countries.

Canada’s Meat producers are among the biggest winners under the deal while the auto industry may take a hit as the North American market opens-up.

Despite fears the dairy industry would collapse with increased competition, the government is softening the blow with a 15-year $4.3 billion compensation program.

The deal was 7-years in the making and was finally signed smack in the middle of an election campaign so it has taken on lots of political undertones.

Global Montreal’s Senior Anchor Jamie Orchard speaks to former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who was a consultant on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade, about what the deal means for Quebec and Canada.

Philippe Pichet beat out five other people for the top job in Montreal’s police force. He takes over from the former chief, Marc Parent.

Pichet has been a high ranking police officer for ten years working in counter terrorism.

But few people know what kind of values he’ll hold as chief.

This week he made the rounds of the media so Montrealers could get to know him better.

Pichet stopped by Focus Montreal to discuss everything from racial profiling, to possible job cuts at the police force.

Lester B. Pearson School Board

The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) is explaining itself after sending a letter home to parents asking that their kids not get involved in teacher protests.

On Wednesday, thousands of West Island students walked out of class to support their teachers in contract talks with the province.

The board got wind of plans for the protest and sent a note to parents Friday stating they cannot guarantee the safety of students if they walk out of class.

Some parents took offense to the letter but board chair Suanne Stein Day insists the note was not politically motivated.