Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community and brings their stories into focus.
It airs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and midnight.
Take a look at who we’re meeting this week on Focus Montreal:
The Jordan ruling
Hundreds of potentially violent criminals are walking free without a trial due to huge backlogs in Canada’s court system.
In Québec, close to 600 cases have been tossed out.
Last week, a Montreal man became the first Quebec murder suspect to have charges stayed under the Supreme Court of Canada’s Jordan ruling.
The ruling from last July limits the length of time considered reasonable to get a case to trial.
The federal government is preparing for an emergency meeting to tackle the issue.
In Quebec, Premier Philippe Couillard said the province is working to improve the situation, including hiring new judges and Crown attorneys.
Legal analyst Philip Schneider joined senior anchor Jamie Orchard to discuss the Jordan ruling and its impact on the criminal justice system.
Meet Lightspeed’s Dax Dasilva
Dax Dasilva is one of Montreal’s biggest startup success stories.
His company, Lightspeed, develops point-of-sale software that allows small businesses and independent companies to compete on the global market.
His business savvy earned him recognition, but for many, it’s his social conscience that sets him apart.
When Lightspeed outgrew its offices on Saint-Urbain Street, Dasilva converted the space into a non-profit cultural centre devoted to the promotion of arts and culture.
The centre is called Never Apart. Its mission is to break down the separations in society and promote social change and unity.
Dasilva has been particularly involved in promoting the city’s LGBTQ community.
Dasilva dropped by Focus Montreal to share his story.
Supporting muscular dystrophy research
Every year at this time, Muscular Dystrophy Canada holds a big event in Montreal to raise funds for important research into the disease.
Once again this year, the cabaret-style evening at the Ritz-Carlton is sponsored by the Tenaquip Foundation — an organization that has given $10 million to charitable organizations over the past 10 years.
The soiree raises funds for research, equipment and support services.
The evening, which takes place next Wednesday, includes a cocktail party and live auction.
Longtime volunteer Judy Martin sat down with Global’s Jamie Orchard to discuss the event and how the funds raised benefit the organization.