Laval QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning! We’re kicking off the week with a little mix of everything that makes up our daily lives: gas prices climbing, potholes pretending to be lunar craters, and speaking of the moon… a real blood moon on the way. From Montreal to Kirkland, there’s plenty to chat about over your morning coffee. Let’s dive in.
⛽ Main Story
Gas prices rising across Quebec due to Middle East conflict
Gas prices at the pump are up in many Canadian cities as fears surrounding U.S.–Israeli attacks in Iran push global oil prices higher.
Gasbuddy.com showed a Canadian average of 135.8 cents per litre for regular unleaded on Monday afternoon, up 1.7 cents from Sunday and 4.2 cents from last week’s average.
Toronto’s average price hit 135.2 cents per litre (+5.8 cents). Vancouver saw a 4.1‑cent increase, Montreal 2.3 cents, while Calgary remained stable.
April crude contracts were trading near US$71 a barrel… almost a 6% jump.
A key focal point of the current conflict is the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s crude oil passes.
Analysts at S&P Global Energy warn the war could lead to the largest oil‑supply disruption in history. Data shows that on Sunday, only five tankers crossed the strait, compared to about 60 per day recently.
Monday’s price increase of US$5–10 per barrel falls within the range analysts expected based on the “fear factor” associated with the outbreak of war. Some concerns were already priced in before the conflict began.
A long‑term disruption to shipping or damage to oil infrastructure in Gulf countries could push prices even higher. A shorter conflict with reversible impacts could mean the current spike won’t last.
In short: expect to pay a bit more at the pump this week.
⚡ The Essentials
Montreal police searching for more victims of former hospital employee
Montreal police (SPVM) are asking the public for help identifying additional potential victims of a former hospital worker accused of sexual assault. Abdelaali Laaziz, 49, a former employee at Maisonneuve‑Rosemont Hospital, was arrested on February 1 in connection with an alleged incident in December 2025.
Police believe there may be more victims. Laaziz worked as a patient care attendant and allegedly used his position to commit sexual acts on certain patients.
He is 5’7″, weighs about 156 kg, has brown hair and eyes, and primarily speaks French.
Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police station or Info‑Crime Montréal at 514‑393‑1133.
71‑year‑old pedestrian dies after being struck by SUV
Montreal police confirmed that a 71‑year‑old pedestrian died Sunday after being struck by an SUV in Ahuntsic‑Cartierville.
The SPVM received a 911 call around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, about a collision on Grenet Street near Mésy Street. The victim was unconscious when officers arrived.
He was transported to hospital in critical condition and died the following day.
The driver, a 59‑year‑old man heading north on Grenet Street, was not injured and remained at the scene.
Early reports suggest the victim may have felt unwell and collapsed while crossing the street.
The investigation is ongoing.
Tire blowouts surge in Montreal due to potholes
CAA‑Québec reports a 48% increase in service calls compared to last winter. Potholes are wreaking havoc on local roads.
Drivers are urged to be extra cautious, especially in areas with frequent freeze‑thaw cycles.
Kirkland blue‑collar workers on strike Wednesday and Thursday
Kirkland’s blue‑collar municipal workers will hold a two‑day strike on March 4 and 5.
Essential services will continue, as confirmed by the Administrative Labour Tribunal. Garbage, compost, and recycling collection are handled by subcontractors.
On‑call workers will be available for tasks such as spreading abrasives and clearing sidewalks and streets.
The legendary Peel Pub is reopening
The Peel Pub on Peel Street is reopening with new investors, nine months after closing. The pub is expected to open in time for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
In a Facebook post, new co‑owner Tony Fewkes announced the reopening and a hiring fair to recruit staff.
Recruitment events are being held Monday and Tuesday.
🏠 Quebec & Ottawa
What’s moving today in Quebec and Ottawa.
Caroline Proulx will not run in the next election
Caroline Proulx, Minister responsible for Housing and the Status of Women, will not seek re‑election. The Berthier MNA, first elected in 2018, said Monday she wants to put her experience “to work for other projects and causes.”
“As I approach 60, I want to look at the future differently,” she wrote on social media.
Proulx served as Tourism Minister from 2018 to 2025.
Last fall, she temporarily stepped away from politics to grieve. “A few months ago, I lost my mother suddenly and violently.”
Crown withdraws charge against Frank Stronach
Prosecutors are seeking to withdraw a sexual assault charge against billionaire Frank Stronach as his trial continues in Toronto. Crown prosecutor Jelena Vlacic said there is no longer a “reasonable prospect of conviction” for the charge, which concerns an alleged 1986 incident.
Stronach’s lawyer argues the judge should instead issue a not‑guilty verdict.
Last week, the Crown withdrew a forcible confinement charge involving the same complainant.
Stronach, 93, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to alleged incidents spanning decades.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet wants to “restore his honour”
The cardinal is seeking $100,000 from Pamela Groleau, who publicly accused him of inappropriate touching. The case stems from allegations made public in 2022.
Four‑year‑old girl dies after cross‑country skiing accident
The child was injured in a cross‑country skiing accident in Val‑des‑Monts on February 22 and has died. Authorities remind the public to exercise caution on trails, especially when conditions change rapidly.
Regional county municipalities refuse to create flood‑zone maps
They fear legal action and are requesting adequate funding from the Quebec government.
India and Canada announce agreements on rare earths and uranium
The two countries have signed a series of agreements, including a strategic partnership in the energy sector.
Ottawa strengthens consular support for Canadians in the Middle East
The government says it has no reports of Canadians injured or killed in the hostilities. About 85,000 Canadians are currently in the region.
Director of Quebec’s Tel Aviv office repatriated
Escalating tensions in the Middle East are forcing the Legault government to reassess its diplomatic presence in the region.
💡 Spotlight
Total lunar eclipse visible Tuesday morning
Quebecers willing to wake up early Tuesday will be treated to a rare celestial event: a total lunar eclipse that will turn the Moon a coppery red. The phenomenon, commonly known as a “blood moon,” will be visible across much of North America, including Canada, in the hours before dawn. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses require no eye protection.
Key times (Eastern Time):
3:44 a.m. — Penumbral eclipse begins
4:50 a.m. — Partial eclipse begins
6:04 a.m. — Totality begins (Moon turns red)
7:03 a.m. — Totality ends
8:17 a.m. — Partial eclipse ends
9:23 a.m. — Eclipse ends completely
For many Quebecers, especially in the eastern half of the province, totality will occur close to moonset, making a clear horizon particularly helpful. Amateur astronomer Philippe Moussette explains: “The farther west you are in Quebec, the better. In Quebec City, for example, totality begins at 6:03 a.m., but the Moon sets at 6:17.”
The Moon will be in the constellation Leo. On Sunday, March 8, a few days after the eclipse, Venus and Saturn will appear in a close conjunction, offering another striking pre‑dawn sight.
Time change: clocks move forward next Sunday
It’s time to wake up early this weekend as daylight saving time begins. Most Canadians will move their clocks forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Despite the lost hour of sleep, sunsets will be later.
Ontario passed a bill in 2020 to stay on permanent daylight saving time, but it will only take effect if Quebec and New York State adopt similar legislation.
A government consultation lasting more than a year found that 91% of Quebecers do not want to change the clocks twice a year, and three‑quarters prefer permanent daylight saving time.
In September 2025, Justice Minister Simon Jolin‑Barrette said simply: “No decision has been made.”
👋 Before we go
A week that begins with plenty of news, from local issues to international events that hit our wallets. If you can wake up early Tuesday morning, take a look at that blood moon. And don’t forget: on Sunday, we move the clocks forward. Have a great week! ☕