Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning!
We’re ending the week with some great local news and developments that impact us directly. Between Laval divers shining at the World Cup and paramedics sounding the alarm, you’ll have plenty to fuel your weekend conversations. Let’s dive in.
🏊 Main Story
Two Laval Divers in the Finals at the Montreal World Cup
Laval shines at the Diving World Cup being held in Montreal. Four Canadian divers earned their spots in the finals of their events Thursday, and two of them are from our region.
Benjamin Tessier of Laval and Matt Cullen of Rosemere were part of the first group to qualify for the men’s 10-meter platform event. Margo Erlam of Calgary and Sonya Palkhivala of Pointe-Claire qualified for the women’s three-meter springboard.
“My last competition was six or seven months ago, so it had been a while,” said Tessier. “I felt a bit rusty, but after one or two dives, I found my rhythm again.”
“I felt like I was in it, and I got my bearings back. Now I just need to fine-tune things a bit more.”
Reaching the finals at the Montreal World Cup also qualifies the divers for the Super Final in Beijing in early May.
The World Swimming Federation confirmed Thursday morning that the other World Cup scheduled for next week in Zapopan, Mexico, has been canceled due to recent violence in the region. Therefore, the results of the Montreal competition are the only ones that will count toward qualification for the upcoming event in China.
Great performance from our local athletes!
⚡ Noteworthy
🚑 Nearly Half of Montreal Paramedics Considering Leaving Their Jobs
About 44% of paramedics say they plan to either change professions or retire in the next five years, according to a survey by the paramedics’ union.
Only about 17% of respondents indicated they will continue working as paramedics. The union, which represents more than 950 Urgences-santé paramedics — on strike since July 2025 — also notes its members have not received a raise since 2022.
Only 30 of the 279 survey respondents said they were satisfied with their working conditions and salary levels. About a quarter mentioned they intend to return to school.
“It’s a warning signal. We need to take it seriously,” said Claude Lamarche, president of the Prehospital Union-CSN.
🏥 New Transitional Housing Resource in Montreal
A new transitional housing resource aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness and facing mental health challenges has officially opened its doors in Montreal.
Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger announced the launch of PRISM Nord, a mixed facility with 12 beds that will provide a structured living environment as well as access to psychiatric, nursing, and psychosocial services.
PRISM Nord will accept referrals from the health and social services network, as well as community organizations.
The project will receive $500,000 in recurring funding starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
🎓 Stéphane Dion Becomes “Diplomat in Residence” at UdeM
Former federal minister and ambassador Stéphane Dion becomes the first “diplomat in residence” in the history of the University of Montreal.
In this role, Dion will share his experience in various courses, participate in panels and conferences, and support the student community in their research projects.
This new appointment marks a return to UdeM for Dion, who taught there from 1984 to 1996. He has just completed his term as Canada’s ambassador to France.
🏠 Local Stories
📊 83% of Quebecers Want Employed Immigrants to Stay
A new survey published Thursday by the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) shows strong public support for immigrants already working in Quebec. According to the poll, 83% of respondents believe those who are employed and well-established should be allowed to stay.
The Léger-UMQ survey marks a four-point increase compared to a similar poll conducted in November 2025. It also reveals that 77% of Quebecers believe the Canadian government should facilitate renewal of temporary permits for workers already settled in Quebec.
UMQ says local governments are calling for practical solutions to ensure workforce stability.
🗳️ 25% of Quebecers Believe a Referendum Would Succeed
Exactly a quarter of Quebecers believe a referendum on separation would be successful, according to a new survey for CityNews.
The 25% of respondents who think sovereignty could become reality represents the second-highest percentage in the country, behind Alberta at 27%.
The Canada Pulse Insights survey reveals that most other Canadians — 87% — outside these two provinces would prefer to remain in Canada. Support for staying in the federation is highest in Ontario (95%) and Atlantic Canada (94%).
Overall, only one in five Canadians believes a hypothetical referendum in Quebec or Alberta, held in the next six months, would pass.
The survey was conducted from February 9 to 19, 2026, among 1,510 Canadian adults.
🦞 Beijing Will Lift Tariffs on Certain Canadian Products
Canola meal, peas, as well as crab and lobster will be exempt from tariffs starting March 1.
💼 Alberta Presents a Deficit Budget
For 2026-2027, the deficit is forecast at $9.4 billion.
🔍 Ten Suspects Linked to BFM Arrested in Montmagny
The suspects were arrested for possession of narcotics and sexual offenses.
🏠 Bungalows Built by Students for Sale
At La Cité, students build bungalows that are then sold to individuals at the cost of materials.
🌳 Should Greater Montreal Create a Greenbelt?
A new study concludes there is an “urgent need to act” to prevent urbanization of the last natural spaces.
🔬 Anthropic Defends the Ethical Limits of Its AI
Advanced AIs are not reliable enough to be entrusted with control of weapons, according to its CEO.
🏅 Natalie Wilkie and Tyler McGregor Flag Bearers at the Paralympics
The opening ceremony will take place Friday, March 6, in Verona, Italy.
💛 Feel-Good Story
The Laval divers representing us on the world stage stand out by reaching the finals at the World Cup in Montreal. They wear our colors with pride and could continue their journey all the way to Beijing.
🛠️ Practical Corner
🌨️ Spring Break Forecast: Snow, Thaw, and Changing Weather
Today: cloudy, 40% chance of snow, high −1°C
Saturday: morning showers, sunny spells, high 8°C
Sunday: snow, high −6°C
Monday: sunny, high −8°C
Tuesday: snow returns
Wednesday: sun and clouds, high 5°C
Thursday: cloudy, 60% chance of snow or rain, high 6°C
For families planning outdoor activities during spring break, the forecast suggests being prepared for anything — from snow pants to lighter jackets.
👋 Before We Go
A beautiful weekend ahead, even if the weather has a bit of everything in store. If you’re heading out this weekend, dress accordingly. We wish a great spring break to those enjoying it, and to everyone else, good luck for the final stretch before the holiday. See you Monday morning! ☕