Laval QC ☕ Morning Coffee Chat
Good morning,
Today’s news leans heavily on the wallet and the everyday: an ongoing Metro strike in Laval, gas prices that remain painfully high in Montréal, and rising fees from airlines.
There are also a few files worth keeping an eye on across Quebec, Canada, and abroad.
Top Stories
- Metro strike in Laval : More than 550 employees at Metro’s Laval distribution centre and other sites have walked off the job, while fruit and vegetable shortages are appearing in some Montréal stores.
- Gas above $2/L in Montréal : Several Montréal stations were still showing 202.9 cents per litre on Monday.
- New fees at WestJet : The airline will add a temporary surcharge on certain companion‑voucher bookings starting April 8.
- UPDATE: Iran conflict now hitting energy infrastructure : Israel has targeted petrochemical complexes, a new escalation that continues to push energy prices upward.
- Nunavik still facing tuberculosis : A new study calls for more investment, especially in basic services and radiography access.
- Headlights deemed too bright : Transport Canada is looking into a growing number of complaints from drivers.
- Temporary car shelters must soon come down in Montréal : Deadlines are approaching in several boroughs, with possible fines for late removal.
Noteworthy
- April 13 byelections in Quebec: Practical voting information has been released.
- Caribou protection plan still delayed: Ten years after promises were made, Quebec has yet to present its strategy.
- Maple season off to a slow start: Harvests are lower than in previous years at this point in the season.
- VR games to keep seniors active: The tool is being used with people living with dementia to support physical activity.
- Easter Monday schedules: It’s always worth double‑checking before heading out, since many stores and services may be closed or running on reduced hours.
Canada & Beyond
- Porter adds fuel‑related fees: The rise in fuel costs is now affecting some reward bookings.
- Tensions persist in Brampton around pro‑Khalistan movement: A demonstration was held outside a Hindu temple.
- Samsung to discontinue Samsung Messages: Affected users will need to switch to Google Messages by July.
- Blue Jays look to rebound: Toronto is trying to recover from a rough stretch against the Dodgers.
- Humboldt Broncos memorial continues to progress: Work is ongoing eight years after the tragedy.
- Steve Bannon could see conviction overturned: A U.S. Supreme Court order opens the door to dropping the case.
Main Story
Metro strike in Laval hits as shortages already appear in some aisles
More than 550 employees at Metro’s Laval distribution centre, the company’s head office, and the Mérite warehouse in Montréal have launched a strike after rejecting the employer’s wage proposals.
The union says workers are demanding higher wage increases, better working conditions, and an end to subcontracting for drivers.
The timing is delicate, with fruit and vegetable shortages already visible in some Montréal stores. For readers in Laval, this is the kind of very concrete issue that can quickly show up in the grocery cart.
In Depth
Gas remains above $2/L in Montréal… and the pressure isn’t easing
Several Montréal gas stations were still displaying 202.9 cents per litre on Monday. The increase is tied to tensions surrounding the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which is driving up oil prices.
Even though the news focuses on Montréal, the impact reaches far beyond the island. For many households in Laval and the North Shore, daily travel adds up quickly — in litres and in sighs.
WestJet adds a temporary surcharge, and Porter follows
Starting April 8, WestJet will apply a temporary $60 surcharge on certain bookings made with a companion voucher, citing rising fuel costs.
Porter is also adding a temporary surcharge on some reward bookings. Air Canada, for its part, does not apply fuel surcharges on regular tickets, though some vacation packages include an extra fee.
In short, fuel prices are now showing up not only at the pump but also on some airline tickets. The household budget didn’t ask for a combo deal.
Headlights deemed too bright draw Transport Canada’s attention
Transport Canada is looking into a growing number of complaints about headlights that are too powerful or poorly adjusted — an irritant drivers are reporting more often.
The issue isn’t just brightness: vehicle height, headlight alignment, and the increased use of LEDs all play a role. For many drivers, it adds eye strain and a sense of insecurity, especially on poorly lit roads.
Study calls for better basic services to curb tuberculosis in Nunavik
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says fighting tuberculosis in Nunavik requires more investment in basic care, especially radiography services, along with better coordination and greater Inuit involvement in decision‑making.
As of April 2, 2026, 38 cases had already been reported in the region. The study also highlights the long travel required for many patients to access essential exams or care, and the need for stronger support for families.
Coup de cœur
The use of virtual‑reality games with seniors is a reminder that a good idea doesn’t need to be complicated to be useful. If it helps people stay active longer, that’s already a small, very human victory.
Before We Go
The morning starts with a lot of practical concerns, groceries, gas, and getting around.
Wishing you a very kind of day, the kind Laval knows well, with just enough happening to keep one eye open before the second coffee. ☕