Laval QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning,
Laval wakes up to major health‑care news today: Quebec is releasing $300 million for phase 2 of the long‑awaited renovations at Maisonneuve–Rosemont Hospital. Meanwhile, the economy is shifting, federal politics are being reshaped ahead of key byelections, and a few local files deserve a closer look before your first coffee.
In Brief
- $300M released for Maisonneuve–Rosemont Quebec unlocks funding for phase 2 of the hospital’s renovation project.
- Gilles Vaillancourt sues Laval for $3M The former mayor is taking the city to court.
- Liberal convention in Montreal without Trudeau First major gathering under Mark Carney, with the party polling at 45%.
- CAE laying off 280 workers in Montreal Nearly two‑thirds of the affected positions are in Quebec, mainly in Montreal.
- Côte Saint‑Luc overpass work resumes April 13 Repairs continue until late 2026, with day and night closures.
To Watch
- Plateau‑Mont‑Royal revises noise bylaw New proposal aims to balance nightlife and residents’ peace; vote expected May 4.
- Iran–U.S. truce extended by two weeks Washington and Tehran agree to a temporary halt in hostilities.
- Oil prices expected to stay high this year Partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts fuel and heating costs.
- More federal accommodation requests being denied Unions say refusals have increased since the return‑to‑office push.
Quebec Politics
- CAQ leadership to be decided by Sunday Christine Fréchette or Bernard Drainville will succeed François Legault.
- François Legault: “I tried to stay” Quebec’s 32nd premier reflects on his years in office in an interview with Patrice Roy.
- Terrebonne: clash of two electoral machines Liberals and the Bloc mobilize heavily ahead of Monday’s byelection.
🔴 Main Story
$300 million released for phase 2 of Maisonneuve–Rosemont
Quebec is releasing $300 million to launch the second phase of renovations at Maisonneuve–Rosemont Hospital. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger confirmed the news after meeting with hospital leadership, saying the funds for preparatory work have been “available for several weeks.”
The CIUSSS de l’Est‑de‑l’Île‑de‑Montréal says discussions were positive. A call for tenders is expected in May, and the plans should be made public before the provincial election this fall.
The HMR Coalition is welcoming the announcement cautiously, citing the project’s many delays. “Until the excavator actually starts digging, we’ll remain doubtful,” said union president Denis Cloutier.
In‑Depth Stories
Liberal convention: first major gathering without Trudeau
The Liberals are meeting in Montreal for their first major convention without Justin Trudeau in more than a decade. The event comes as the party, now led by Mark Carney, welcomes a wave of floor‑crossers and sits just two seats away from a majority, according to media reports.
Running from Thursday to Saturday, the convention lands just days before three byelections on Monday — and one day after a fifth opposition MP crossed the floor to join the Liberal caucus. Polling aggregator 338 Canada places the party at roughly 45% support nationwide.
Carney will address members Saturday afternoon, his first speech to a convention since winning the leadership. The last political convention dates back to 2023, when Trudeau responded to opposition criticism. Since then, the Liberals won the 2025 election and several Conservative MPs have defected.
Jean‑François Roberge under ethics investigation
Quebec Immigration Minister Jean‑François Roberge is under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner for sharing internal analyses of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) with CAQ leadership candidates Bernard Drainville and Christine Fréchette.
Both candidates propose reinstating the PEQ with “grandfather clauses.” Media reports say Roberge evaluated their scenarios: Drainville cited an impact of 18,000 new permanent residents, while Fréchette’s scenario was assessed at between 123,800 and 126,800.
Commissioner Ariane Mignolet will determine whether Roberge violated Article 17 of the Code of Ethics, which prohibits using or disclosing non‑public information for personal benefit or to favour others. The request for an investigation came from Liberal leader Marc Tanguay and Québec solidaire MNA Étienne Grandmont.
Environment Canada launches hybrid AI‑powered forecasting model
Environment and Climate Change Canada will roll out a new forecasting model this spring that combines artificial intelligence with traditional meteorology. The agency says the hybrid system will improve the accuracy of alerts, especially for winter storms and heat waves, with major systems predicted more than 24 hours earlier than today.
The model was tested alongside the current system and will also refine the timing of weather events and storm‑tracking accuracy. Six‑day forecasts will now be as reliable as current five‑day forecasts.
ECCC says meteorologists will remain essential for interpreting results and communicating risks to the public.
💫 Coup de Cœur
Some of us still miss baseball… and miss even more the unmistakable voice of Rodger Brulotte.
The final tribute held at Stade IGA was a reminder of how certain voices become landmarks in our lives. For decades, he accompanied the summer evenings of thousands of Quebecers. Seeing him honoured one last time in a stadium shows the quiet but lasting mark a true enthusiast can leave behind.
Before We Go
Quebec is finally unlocking funds for major hospital projects, Ottawa heads into a decisive political weekend, and Canada’s weather forecasting is about to get a technological upgrade.
Have a great day, and see you tomorrow ☕