Angel >> Lea Roback Born in 1903, Lea Roback was a free-thinking political activist and champion of women's rights. As a member of the communist party, she organised a 5,000-strong garment workers' strike, which led to the signing of Montreal's first collective agreement with the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. A key player in earning women the right to vote in Quebec provincial elections, and a deserving member of the Order of Quebec, Lea Roback passed away on August 28 after an accidental fall.

Insect >> Puppy mills According to findings by the SPCA, Quebec has become the main settlement for the mass breeding of dogs. Faced with filthy conditions and starvation, some lucky pups might make it to a new home. Those who aren't sold, or grow too old, are destroyed in what critics say is a less than humane manner. While other provinces and bordering U.S. states have adopted stronger animal welfare laws, SPCA director Paul Barnoti blames lax Quebec laws for a fair part of the problem.