Quebec

Canadian opposition leaders accused Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper of playing divisive politics on Sept. 24 in a French-language debate ahead of next month's election.

Harper has been promoting a law to ban the practice of Muslim women wearing face veils while swearing the oath of citizenship. The anti-niqab law is popular in Quebec.

American private equity firm TPG and China's Fosun on April 20 bought Canadian entertainment juggernaut Cirque du Soleil for an undisclosed sum as the carnival looks to expand in Asia.

The circus troupe's founder Guy Laliberte retains a small stake of the Montreal-based company he started in 1984 and will continue providing "strategic and creative input."   

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal's Archaeology and History Complex, has welcomed 100,000 visitors since the opening of the exhibition The Greeks - Agamemnon to Alexander the Great last December 12, a clear indication of the enthusiasm this fascinating and never-before-seen exhibition has generated.

As Greece's new government fights to turn the page on harsh austerity measures, it?s receiving support from an unexpected source -- Will Butler of indie rock band Arcade Fire.

Canadian star Leonard Cohen turned 80 on Sept. 21, two days before the release of his new album

Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen announced Tuesday the release of a new album next month to coincide with his 80th birthday.
     
Titled "Popular Problems," the album "sets a new tone and speed of hope and despair, grief and joy," according to his website.