Laval Today. Apr. 21, 2026

Laval, QC ☕ The Morning Catch-Up

Greetings,

This morning, we start in Laval with a story that remains both painful and important, while Quebec moves ahead on health care and unveils a new cabinet. There are also a few practical things to keep in mind today, from gas prices to flooding in the region, plus several stories worth watching a little more closely.

What to know this morning

• Laval police renew their appeal in January’s fatal crash: Reminder: investigators are still looking for witnesses and footage in the Jan. 5 collision that killed two children.
• Quebec and specialist doctors have reached an agreement in principle: The framework agreement still needs to be approved by FMSQ members.
• Christine Fréchette unveils her cabinet today: She wants to show that all regions will be represented.
• Île Mercier Bridge is closed to vehicles: The closure is linked to rising water levels on the Rivière des Prairies.
• The Canadiens play Game 2 against Tampa Bay tonight: Montreal heads into the game with momentum after an overtime win in Game 1.
• Canada Post lost $1.57 billion in 2025: The corporation is continuing with its transformation plan.

Around here

• Longueuil’s mayor has welcomed her first child: Catherine Fournier announced the birth of a baby boy named Henri.
• Montreal is gradually warming up after a cold start to the week: Temperatures are expected to climb to 17 C by Thursday.
• An exhibition in Beaconsfield will support the Liam Foundation: Art by the Water returns from April 24 to 26 with about 200 paintings.
• The Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary: More than 600,000 people are expected in Montreal from May 21 to 24.

Society and politics

• An open letter is calling for stronger action against femicides: Nearly 600 signatories are asking for a law and better support for women’s shelters.
• Charles Milliard is once again adjusting his position on Bill 96: He says a Liberal government would review the law before deciding whether the notwithstanding clause is still necessary.
• More than 4,700 federal public servants want early retirement: Those departures are expected to help Ottawa reduce the size of its workforce.
• A Canadian tourist was killed in Mexico: An investigation has been promised following the shooting at the Teotihuacán pyramids site.
• A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck northern Japan: A tsunami advisory was issued and an 80-centimetre wave was observed at one port.
• Apple will change leadership in September: John Ternus will replace Tim Cook as chief executive officer.

Main story

Quebec and specialist doctors finally find common ground

The Quebec government and the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec have reached an agreement in principle to renew their framework agreement.

The deal still has to be approved by FMSQ members later this week. The details are not yet known, but the fact that an agreement in principle is now on the table already changes the tone of a file that had been dragging on for quite some time.

For residents, this does not mean everything will be fixed today, but it is still an important signal in a health care system that rarely needs less attention.

In depth

Christine Fréchette’s new cabinet will quickly set the tone for the government

Christine Fréchette is set to present her cabinet today.

She has said she wants to send the message that all regions will be represented, while also building a team that mixes continuity with new faces. People will be watching this closely, because it will say a lot about the government’s priorities in the coming weeks.

For people in Laval and across the North Shore, this kind of announcement may seem a little far removed at first. Still, the place given to regions, the economy, and major public files always ends up shaping everyday life here too.

Flooding is already making travel more difficult near Montreal

Île Mercier Bridge, in Montreal’s L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève borough, is closed to vehicles because of rising water levels on the Rivière des Prairies.

Pedestrians can still use the bridge, but vehicle traffic is suspended until further notice. De l’Anse-à-l’Orme Road is also closed in the area.

At the same time, we are learning that at least 14 per cent of municipalities in Quebec still do not have an emergency measures plan. The contrast is not especially reassuring. On one side, crews are active on the ground. On the other, some municipalities are still not fully prepared on paper.

Worth a moment

There is something genuinely valuable in stories that remind us a community also depends on memory, vigilance, and people who take the time to speak up. A witness who comes forward, a neighbour who shares an image, a resident who stays alert, none of that is flashy, but it is often how things truly move forward.

Before you go

Take your time this morning, especially if you need to spend a lot of time on the road.

And if the day starts a little sideways, remember that a good coffee, clear information, and ten cents off at the pump is not a bad start at all.