World: Canada: End of a Bad Dream

FOR a fortnight, the first-floor flat in the working-class suburb of Montreal North had been under tense surveillance. Only when police were completely satisfied with the accuracy of their tips and leads did they swing into action. They routed the residents out of a four-block area. Hundreds of policemen, Mounties and troops in battle dress were rushed in to encircle the stark apartment building at 10945 Des Recollets Avenue. The electricity was cut off. A nearby school was closed so that it could be used as a helicopter pad. Finally, two hours after the siege began, a lead pipe came flying...