Laval QC ☕ The Morning Brief
Good morning,
We have a rich mix of local and national stories to get your day started: an arrest linked to a Montréal-Nord homicide, an inspiring recovery journey from Terrebonne, and major league accolades for the Alouettes. We are also breaking down Ottawa’s latest budget commitments on homelessness.
The short version
- Laval man arrested in connection with Montréal-Nord murder: Xavier Bitondo Nanga, 24, was taken into custody by the SPVM and charged with first-degree murder over a 2022 shooting.
- Terrebonne 22-year-old supports youth facing addiction: Alice Daudelin, three years sober, is studying social work and interning at Portage, the centre where she underwent treatment.
- Davis Alexander and Tyson Philpot earn top CFL honours: The Alouettes quarterback was voted Most Outstanding Player, while the receiver took home Most Outstanding Canadian.
- Federal budget targets end to homelessness: Ottawa has earmarked $11.2 billion over four years toward that goal.
Close to Home
- Storytelling meets comedy in Laval cabaret: “Les Contours” is on stage this Friday at Théâtre du Bout de l’Île, featuring Catherine Robert and Simon Trottier.
- The Show Sisters moves to a larger Laval venue: Sophie Chainel’s second annual production will take place November 21 at Théâtre Marcellin-Champagnat.
- New family pizzeria opens in Sainte-Rose: Mickey’s NY Pizza debuted in mid-October and is already drawing steady local crowds.
Across Canada
- Bank of Canada maintains 2% inflation target: The central bank’s renewed mandate confirms its existing benchmark target.
- Health Canada authorizes new mRNA flu shots: Moderna’s vaccines received regulatory approval, though they will not be rolled out this flu season.
Top Story
Laval man arrested in connection with Montréal-Nord murder
Montreal police have arrested two men, including 24-year-old Laval resident Xavier Bitondo Nanga, in connection with the fatal shooting of Jayson Colin in Montréal-Nord in August 2022.
Xavier Bitondo Nanga and Steves Charles, 26, were arrested on October 28 in Laval and the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough. Both have appeared in Montreal court and are now facing charges of first-degree murder.
The shooting occurred on August 10, 2022, in the parking lot of a Montréal-Nord high school. Colin, 26, was rushed to hospital after being shot but later died of his injuries. A second person was also wounded in the incident.
A first suspect, who was a minor at the time of the shooting, was charged with first-degree murder in 2025 and is still awaiting trial.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) said the latest charges stem from the ongoing work of its Major Crimes Unit.
In detail
Terrebonne 22-year-old supports youth facing addiction
At 22, Alice Daudelin has been sober for nearly three years after developing an alcohol dependency during her teenage years throughout the pandemic. What began as occasional drinking gradually took over her life, affecting her studies, relationships, and ability to hold down a job.
At her lowest point, Daudelin says she would sometimes stay up drinking until 5 a.m., sleep into the late afternoon, and miss school. Her relationships with family and friends suffered, and she began losing jobs, including one she loved teaching singing lessons to children.
After several attempts to regain control, she eventually entered a residential treatment program at the Portage rehabilitation centre with the support of her mother and those close to her. What was expected to be a six-month stay ultimately lasted more than eight months, a period she now considers a turning point in her recovery.
Today, Daudelin is studying social work and completing an internship at Portage, working alongside the staff who support young people in treatment. Returning to the organization in a different role has been especially meaningful for her.
By helping young people facing challenges similar to those she once experienced, she hopes to show that it is possible to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.
Davis Alexander and Tyson Philpot earn top CFL honours
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has been named the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Player, while receiver Tyson Philpot has been recognized as the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian. The two teammates learned of their awards during a team photo session, where each was tasked with surprising the other with the announcement.
Alexander led the CFL in completion percentage (72.1 per cent), touchdown passes (35) and completions of 30 yards or more (37), while finishing second in passing yards with 5,257. He became just the second quarterback in Alouettes history to surpass 5,000 passing yards in a season, joining Anthony Calvillo.
Philpot enjoyed a record-setting campaign, establishing Canadian marks with 124 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards in just 16 games. He also led the league in catches of 30 yards or more (14) and yards after catch (750).
Both players emphasized that the awards reflect the efforts of the entire organization, crediting their teammates and coaching staff for the team’s success.
The Alouettes finished the regular season with a league-best 14-4 record and will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Saturday’s East Division Final, with a trip to the Grey Cup in Calgary on the line.
Federal budget targets end to homelessness
The Carney government says it wants to end homelessness in Canada within the next decade. Tabled Thursday, the 2026 federal budget includes $11.2 billion over four years and $17.8 billion over 10 years to support housing, mental health, addiction treatment, and social service initiatives.
Ottawa plans to fund supportive and transitional housing projects while expanding the supply of non-market housing. The strategy also calls for the construction of 200,000 new homes over the next decade, along with new community facilities focused on mental health and addiction treatment.
According to the federal government, approximately 65,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Canada during a national count conducted in 2025.
Coup de Coeur
Alice Daudelin’s journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only achievable, but can grow into a dedicated mission to help others. Moving from personal struggle to guiding youth through addiction shows that reaching back to help those on a similar path is often one of the most rewarding ways to rebuild.
Before you go
Have a great Friday exploring what Laval has to offer, from a new bite in Sainte-Rose to a live performance this weekend. Take pride in the small wins, and we will see you back here tomorrow morning. ☕