Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we’re looking at a very real warning here in Laval, a few decisions that could affect your wallet, the question of social‑media access for younger users, and some broader stories worth a quick look.
There’s a bit of justice, a bit of energy, and even a reminder that sometimes the best plan is simply to look up at the sky.
What to know this morning
- Laval police warn about counterfeit $100 bills: A warning from the Laval Police Service about fake $100 bills circulating in the city.
- Quebec will reimburse land‑transfer taxes for first‑time buyers: The refund can reach up to $5,875 and applies retroactively to January 1, 2026.
- Gas prices may rise: A federal measure will be in effect from April 20 to September 7.
- Kenneth Law will plead guilty to assisting suicide: The 14 murder charges will be withdrawn.
- Climate change is reducing nighttime lulls in wildfire activity: The number of hours conducive to fires has been increasing for decades.
- The Lyrid meteor shower is about to peak: It will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere, with good viewing conditions expected.
To watch
- Mirabel enters the F‑35 file: Lockheed Martin is expected to confirm Tuesday that L3Harris will handle maintenance for Canada’s F‑35s.
- Court of Appeal overturns the verdict against coach Richard Gauthier: Both convictions and the sentence have been annulled.
- A new bill aims to speed up approval of agricultural products: Farm groups support a faster provisional approval process.
- Nunavut to take control of its lands and resources on April 1, 2027: Devolution will take effect in one year.
Elsewhere
- The Strait of Hormuz is back in the news: Iran has closed it again as alternative export routes are considered.
- Catherine McKenna criticizes Canadian oil‑industry leaders: She warns of delays in the transition to renewable energy.
- Finland’s forestry model faces scrutiny: Environmental concerns are emerging just as Quebec signs a cooperation agreement with Finland.
- Nathalie Baye dies at 77: A major figure of French cinema and four‑time César winner, she passed away in Paris. Her career includes more than 80 films, from Spielberg to Xavier Dolan.
Top Story
Laval police warn about counterfeit $100 bills
Counterfeit $100 bills are circulating in Laval, especially during person‑to‑person transactions on platforms like Marketplace. Several residents have reported receiving fake bills, and victims are never reimbursed, regardless of the loss.
The Laval Police Service is urging caution and reminding the public of a few simple checks: unique serial number, transparent security strip with visible numbers, matching portrait, micro‑numbers in the maple leaf, shifting metallic reflections, and raised texture. If in doubt, you are not required to accept a bill. Ask for another payment method instead, or refuse the transaction.
To make exchanges safer, a neutral meeting zone is available at SPL headquarters, 2911 Chomedey Blvd. Any information about counterfeit currency can be reported confidentially to the Info‑Police Line: 450‑662‑INFO (4636).
In Detail
Quebec will reimburse up to $5,875 in land‑transfer taxes for first‑time buyers
The Quebec government is introducing a new measure to help first‑time buyers enter the housing market. Eligible households will be able to recover up to $5,875 in land‑transfer taxes, often called the “welcome tax.” The measure applies retroactively to January 1, 2026.
The refund will take the form of a refundable tax credit. It will cover the first $5,000 paid in full, plus 25% of the next portion, up to $875. The maximum refund is therefore $5,875.
The amount will gradually decrease for properties over $750,000 and will no longer apply once the value reaches $1 million. First payments are expected in fall 2026.
The government estimates that 38,000 households will benefit each year, with an average refund of about $3,700. The measure complements existing programs for first‑time buyers.
Ottawa considers limiting social‑media access for youth under 16
The federal government is seriously examining the possibility of banning social‑media access for youth under 16. Culture Minister Marc Miller confirmed the option is on the table after Liberal Party members adopted a non‑binding resolution.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says several avenues are being studied, and a panel of experts will now assess the impacts of stricter regulation.
Australia adopted a similar measure in December 2025. In Canada, the discussion is part of ongoing work on a bill addressing online harms.
The issue directly affects families, schools, and everyday digital habits, and even at this early stage it’s likely to spark plenty of kitchen‑table conversations.
Canada Post changes raise concerns in rural areas
Already discussed yesterday from the perspective of the gradual end of home mail delivery, the transformation of Canada Post still raises concerns, especially in rural areas. The important point today is not so much the novelty of the shift as the persistence of concerns about service accessibility.
Even when a decision feels distant on paper, it becomes very real once it affects local services. For many, the key issue isn’t just change, it’s accessibility, and that’s never a small detail when it comes to everyday mail.
Rising gas prices could hit drivers harder
Gas prices may climb this summer, as a federal measure takes effect from April 20 to September 7.
In Laval, where driving is part of daily life for many, this kind of announcement never goes unnoticed. The wallet knows it well: a gas tank is anything but discreet.
Coup de Cœur
There’s something uplifting about a meteor shower passing above everything else. Between bills, traffic, and public policy, taking a few minutes to look up is still a very good idea.
In Closing
Thanks for starting your local news moment here. Keep an eye out, keep your wallet alert, and leave a little room for what deserves a second look. ☕