Laval QC ☕ Morning Briefing
Good morning,
Today, we look at what is happening around Laval and across the North Shore: a road safety blitz on Route 148, overnight lane closures scheduled on Highways 19 and 640, and comedian Mariana Mazza taking the stage at Salle André-Mathieu. Also on our radar: Montreal’s police union fights back against the dismissal of seven officers, while south of the border, US Democrats take control of both the Senate and the House.
The short version
- Safety corridor campaign in Laval: The Ministry of Transport and the Service de police de Laval handed out 300 flyers along Route 148 on Monday to remind motorists to respect the move-over law.
- Overnight closures on A-19 and A-640 this week: Northbound Highway 19 will shut down Wednesday night near Saint-Martin Boulevard East, followed by westbound A-640 on Thursday night near Route 117.
- Mariana Mazza performs in Laval: The comedian brings her third solo show, “Foie gras,” to Salle André-Mathieu on Thursday evening, offering a more vulnerable and personal set.
- Montreal police union challenges firings: Union leadership is contesting the administrative dismissal of seven SPVM officers, calling the move completely unprecedented.
- Democrats capture US Senate and House: A major blue wave flipped key Republican strongholds during Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Close to Home
- Leadership transition at Société nationale du Québec à Laval: At 86, Michel Leduc begins his final term as president, stepping into the role of volunteer CEO.
- Three new directors at SNQL: Tommy Vallée, Claude Tousignant, and Marie-Yanik Dutelly have been appointed to the board of directors for the 2026–2027 term.
Across Canada
- Intensified trade talks with the US, says Carney: The Prime Minister indicates that certain previous red lines, particularly regarding language and culture, have been taken off the table.
- Hydro-Québec scours for power to avert 2029 shortages: The provincial utility is exploring energy imports while steering clear of nuclear options.
Top Story
Upcoming overnight closures on Highway 19 in Laval and A-640
The Ministry of Transport is warning North Shore drivers of roadwork that will disrupt traffic on Highways 19 and 640 over the coming nights. Northbound Highway 19 will close at Saint-Martin Boulevard East from Wednesday, November 4 at 9:30 p.m. until Thursday, November 5 at 5:00 a.m.
The following night, westbound Highway 640 will shut down near Route 117 (Curé-Labelle Boulevard) from Thursday, November 5 at 9:30 p.m. until Friday, November 6 at 5:00 a.m. Both closures are required for pavement repair work.
Marked detours will guide drivers around the construction zones. The Ministry reminds motorists that operations could be pushed back in the event of poor weather and recommends checking Québec 511 before heading out.
In detail
Mariana Mazza returns to Laval with “Foie gras”
Comedian Mariana Mazza takes the stage at Salle André-Mathieu on Thursday evening to present her third solo show, “Foie gras.” The production takes a decidedly candid turn, exploring personal vulnerabilities and discussing her diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Co-written with contributors including Alexandre Barrette, the show represents a creative evolution that weaves humour together with deeper emotional honesty, moving well beyond her earlier stage persona.
Democrats capture Senate and House in stinging defeat for Trump
American voters delivered a sharp rebuke on Tuesday. Fueled by widespread discontent over rising consumer costs, the war in Iran, and ongoing corruption concerns, Democrats seized majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, handing President Donald Trump and his party a severe blow.
Surprise victories reshaped traditionally solid Republican ground in states like Texas, Georgia, and Kansas. In Texas, James Talarico unseated Ken Paxton in the Senate race, while Gina Hinojosa made history as the state’s first Latina governor. Georgia voters also made history by electing Keisha Lance Bottoms as the state’s first Black female governor.
Trump attempted to downplay the outcome, noting his name was not directly on the ballot. However, congressional Democrats have already pledged to use their new legislative power to open formal investigations into his administration and push through measures aimed at easing the cost of living. The remainder of his term is set to face substantial headwinds.
Montreal police union contests dismissal of seven officers
The union representing Montreal police officers announced Tuesday that it will contest the administrative firing of seven SPVM members. Union president Yves Francoeur branded the move “unprecedented,” arguing that the measure lacks any foundation within the existing collective labour relations framework.
The dismissals affect five officers from Station 39 in Montreal North and two from Station 21 downtown, following allegations involving racism, discrimination, and misconduct. SPVM Chief Fady Dagher described the decision as an exceptional step, marking a first in the force’s history.
The union insists it will defend the rule of law through formal channels. Meanwhile, the file concerning the five officers from Station 39 has been forwarded to the DPCP to assess whether criminal charges are warranted.
Coup de Coeur
Michel Leduc, 86, is concluding a decade of dedicated volunteer service at the helm of the Société nationale du Québec à Laval. His tenure stands as a powerful reminder that community commitment is measured by conviction rather than age. Leaving behind an energized organization while remaining on the board, he offers a great example of local dedication.
Before you go
Have a productive and pleasant day ahead. Keep those upcoming highway detours in mind if you are driving late, and remember to give emergency vehicles plenty of room under the move-over law. Have a great day! ☕