Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we’re talking about gas prices climbing sharply, major changes coming out of Quebec City, and a handful of stories that directly affect daily life here in Laval, Montreal, and across the North Shore. A bit of sports, a bit of retail news, and a dose of politics to round things out.
The Essentials
- Gas is brushing up against $2 in Laval and has passed that mark in Montreal: One station on Samson Boulevard was showing 199.9¢ per litre, while Montreal crossed the $2 threshold.
- Advance voting begins in Terrebonne: Voters can cast their ballots from April 3 to 6 in this by‑election, relaunched after the previous result was overturned.
- Quebec tightens secularism rules: The newly adopted text expands restrictions on religious symbols, street prayers, and certain practices in educational settings.
- Walmart will close two Montreal stores: The Pointe‑aux‑Trembles and Côte‑des‑Neiges locations will shut down by the end of June.
- François Legault spent his final day in the Assembly as premier: He will officially step down as CAQ leader at a party convention on April 12.
Local Stories
- Gas hits 199.9¢ in Laval: A new interactive map from Régie Essence Québec now lets drivers compare prices in real time.
- Coroner investigating five deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Montreal: The inquiry concerns individuals aged 30 to 71.
- Montreal’s weather will be all over the place: Sun, rain, wind, a warm spell, then a return to the cold — a forecast with multiple personalities.
Quebec and Canada
- Quebec resumes negotiations with medical specialists: Talks had been paused since January 31.
- Canada posts a $5.7‑billion trade deficit in February: Imports rose faster than exports.
- Ottawa invests $1.4 billion in Indigenous health services: The funding targets culturally adapted care.
- Pierre Poilievre proposes suspending federal gas taxes until 2027: He says it would save drivers 25 cents per litre.
- Doug Ford opposes Chinese vehicle assembly in Ontario: The issue involves discussions between Stellantis and a Chinese partner.
Around the world
- Trump considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO: He says he is “thinking about it strongly.”
- U.S. Supreme Court skeptical of birthright citizenship decree: The hearing focused on the measure’s legality.
- Iran threatens “devastating” attacks: The warning follows statements from Washington.
- At least one person killed in an earthquake in Indonesia: The tsunami alert was later lifted.
- Artemis II has successfully launched: The ten‑day mission toward lunar orbit is underway.
Main Story
Gas prices hit a new high in Laval and surpass $2 per litre in Montreal
Gas is now selling for 199.9¢ per litre at a station on Samson Boulevard in Laval. In Montreal, some stations have already crossed the $2 mark.
At the same time, a new interactive map from Régie Essence Québec lets drivers track prices in real time across the province. Stations must update their prices within five minutes of any change.
For motorists, it makes at least one thing easier: comparing prices before filling up. When prices jump this fast, a few minutes of checking can save you a small sting at the pump. Not a huge victory, but we’ll take the wins where we can.
In detail
Advance voting underway in the Terrebonne by‑election
Advance voting runs from April 3 to 6, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eligible voters can also register and vote at their local Elections Canada office until April 7 at 6 p.m.
This by‑election follows a long electoral saga. The previous result changed after validation, then a judicial recount gave the Liberals a one‑vote lead, before the Supreme Court ultimately invalidated the result.
Another key detail: voters will use an adapted ballot, writing the candidate’s first name or initials along with their last name.
Quebec adopts new, tighter secularism rules
After amendments discussed yesterday, the Quebec government has now adopted a text that strengthens secularism rules. Municipalities will be able to authorize street prayers under certain criteria, while new prohibitions will apply in several settings.
The text bans religious symbols for daycare educators as well as teachers and staff in private schools, with grandfathering for those hired before November 27, 2025.
It also bans full‑face veils in daycares, CEGEPs, and universities for anyone receiving or providing services. Subsidized private religious schools will have three years to end selection based on religious affiliation and to stop religious instruction in class, or they will lose public funding.
Walmart to close two Montreal stores by the end of June
After yesterday’s initial reports, Walmart has now confirmed it will close its Côte‑des‑Neiges and Pointe‑aux‑Trembles stores by late June. More than 237 employees will be affected, though the company says they will be reassigned to other locations.
The Côte‑des‑Neiges store will close on June 19, 2026, and the Pointe‑aux‑Trembles store on June 26, 2026. Walmart says it will continue investing in Quebec, including a new supercentre in Sherbrooke and renovations elsewhere in the province.
For customers in Greater Montreal, this means fewer service points on the island, even if the company plans to redirect shoppers to other stores in the region.
La Victoire de Montréal clinches a playoff spot with a win at Place Bell
La Victoire de Montréal beat the Vancouver Goldeneyes 3–0 at Place Bell, officially securing a playoff berth.
Ann‑Renée Desbiens earned her sixth shutout of the season, while Hayley Scamurra scored twice. Montreal also set a league record with 12 straight games earning at least one point.
And for Laval, there’s the added pleasure of seeing Place Bell associated to a win that truly matters… a clean, drama‑free night on the scoreboard. Always appreciated.
Coup de cœur
There’s something genuinely uplifting about La Victoire clinching their spot. A team moving forward, a Laval arena at the heart of the action, and a clear, satisfying result — the kind of news that feels good in a bulletin often filled with prices, closures, and political debates.
Before we go
Thanks for starting your morning with us.
Today’s lineup is a full one, but the goal stays simple: helping you make sense of what affects our corner of the world, and what might come up in conversation before noon. ☕