Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today, we’re talking about a weekend marked by sports, politics, and a few tragedies. We’re also getting you ready for the week ahead, with advance voting starting today. In short, enough to take the pulse of the region and Quebec before diving into the day.
What to know this morning
- Advance voting starts today in Quebec: Voters can head to polling stations as early as Sunday to cast their ballots before the official day on October 5.
- Four people died in a helicopter crash in Montérégie: The aircraft went down in a field near rang des Écossais in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville on Saturday afternoon.
- Quebec’s Magdeleine Vallières Mill withdraws from the Cycling World Championships: After a crash involving 15 riders, she couldn’t defend her title.
- The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators split the preseason wins: The Suzuki brothers faced off for the first time in the NHL.
- Raspberries sold in Canada may have exceeded legal pesticide limits: A former Driscoll’s employee claims half of the imported fruit exceeded the standards.
Close to home
- Virginie Dufour unveils her commitments for eastern Laval: The Liberal candidate in Mille-Îles promises more affordable housing, better public transit, and increased support for community organizations.
- Chomedey, a Liberal stronghold that holds firm: Since 1980, the riding has always elected a Liberal member, and polls predict another win for the PLQ.
Across Canada
- Three Canadians accused of voting illegally in the U.S. face deportation: They were flagged in less than two weeks upon their return to the country.
- Ottawa and Swedish firm Saab sign a deal for six radar aircraft: The planes are designed to detect threats on Canadian soil.
Main story
Four die in helicopter crash in Montérégie
On Saturday afternoon, a helicopter crashed in a field near rang des Écossais in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville, about 50 kilometres southeast of Montreal. All four occupants were declared dead at the scene.
Emergency services contained the fire that followed the crash in under an hour. The Sûreté du Québec has opened an investigation with its major crimes unit, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is sending investigators to the site.
Federal Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon reacted on social media, saying Transport Canada will appoint an observer to oversee the investigation. He stressed that civil aviation safety is an absolute priority.
In detail
Advance voting starts today: what you need to know
Quebec voters can cast their ballots early starting Sunday, ahead of the October 5 election day. Polling stations will be open to allow those who can’t make it on the official day to have their say.
This voting period is crucial for the parties, who hope to mobilize their supporters. Voters must show up at their polling station with a valid ID.
The Suzuki brothers face off for the first time in the NHL
On Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Ottawa Senators 4-2 at the Bell Centre, but the highlight was the meeting between brothers Nick and Ryan Suzuki. Nick, the Canadiens’ captain, and Ryan, a Senators player, faced each other for the first time at the professional level.
Their parents were in the stands, and both coaches arranged a ceremonial faceoff at centre ice to mark the occasion. Nick Suzuki, 27, is coming off a record season with 101 points and a Selke Trophy. Ryan, 25, signed with the Senators this summer after a season in the American League.
The two teams then met in Ottawa, where the Senators won 4-3. The Canadiens’ main weakness was their penalty kill, as the Senators scored all their goals on the power play.
Magdeleine Vallières Mill withdraws from the Cycling World Championships
Quebec cyclist Magdeleine Vallières Mill couldn’t defend her world champion title. She was involved in a massive crash with 15 other riders, 94 kilometres from the finish, on the Montreal circuit.
She tried to continue but pulled out with five laps to go. Dutch rider Demi Vollering won the race, succeeding Vallières Mill. Quebec’s Olivia Baril, who was racing the final event of her career, also withdrew.
Coup de Cœur
The story of Virginie Dufour, who offsets her campaign’s greenhouse gas emissions by planting trees, reminds us that every action counts. In a time when the environment is often pushed aside, this local initiative deserves recognition.
To wrap up
We wish you a full Sunday, whether it’s heading out to vote, enjoying the last days of Fashion Week, or just getting some fresh air. And if you come across a raspberry bush, maybe check where it came from before you dig in. ☕