Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning and happy Tuesday!
A pedestrian is fighting for their life after a crash in Terrebonne, the new terminal at Saint‑Hubert Airport will open in June, and the STM has finally reached a tentative agreement with its maintenance workers after two years of negotiations.
Grab your coffee… here’s what you need to know today.
⚡ Top Stories
Saint‑Hubert Airport to open its new terminal on June 15
The Montréal Metropolitan Airport, located in the Saint‑Hubert borough of Longueuil, has announced that its new terminal will open on June 15.
Officials say the facility will initially host operations from Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation, offering flights to destinations across Canada. More carriers may be added later on.
The airport aims to position itself as a hub for direct flights operated exclusively with quieter, more fuel‑efficient narrow‑body aircraft.
An express shuttle, the METbus, will connect the Longueuil–Université‑de‑Sherbrooke metro station to the airport’s drop‑off area, which will feature three lanes.
The 21,000‑square‑metre terminal includes nine boarding gates and a spacious lounge that can accommodate up to 900 passengers.
Construction began in August 2023. The terminal was originally scheduled to open in 2024, but the launch date was pushed back several times.
Its location is expected to improve access for more than three million Quebecers living in Montréal, Montérégie, and the Eastern Townships.
All shops and restaurants will be Quebec‑based, including a Baton Rouge, a Café Dépôt, and a convenience store.
LaGuardia crash: Pilot’s brother shares emotional tribute
The brother of pilot Antoine Forest, who died in the crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, shared a heartfelt message on social media following the tragedy.
An Air Canada plane carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck during landing Sunday night, killing the pilot and co‑pilot and injuring several others.
Cédric Forest honoured his brother in a touching message: “Safe flight, my brother. We’ve heard that phrase so many times, but this time it will be the last. You were always coming and going, always full of new projects. You’ve left us once again, too soon to say goodbye. I love you, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.”
Jeannette Gagnier, Forest’s great‑aunt, confirmed his identity. She said he saw her as a grandmother figure and had always dreamed of becoming a pilot.
STM reaches tentative agreement with maintenance workers after two years
A tentative agreement has finally been reached through conciliation between the Société de transport de Montréal and the union representing its 2,400 maintenance employees.
The conciliator’s proposal, which the union’s bargaining committee will recommend, will be presented to members in the coming weeks.
“After a final round of conciliation and a whirlwind of activity over the past few days, we have reached a responsible tentative agreement that includes compromises from both sides,” said STM CEO Marie‑Claude Léonard.
Negotiations with this CSN‑affiliated union have been ongoing for two years. Four strikes took place in June, September–October, November, and December–January, ranging from overtime refusals to essential‑service strikes.
The main issues were subcontracting and wages.
💔 A story drawing particular attention this morning:
💔 Main Story
Terrebonne: Pedestrian fighting for life after being struck by a vehicle
A pedestrian is in critical condition after being hit by a driver Monday evening in Terrebonne, in the Lanaudière region.
The crash happened around 7:50 p.m. on Philippe‑Chartrand Street in the La Plaine sector, according to a statement from the Terrebonne Police Service.
When officers arrived, they “found that a vehicle had collided with a pedestrian,” the statement said.
The victim, who suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital “where their life is in danger.”
No further information has been released for now regarding the pedestrian or the driver.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Philippe‑Chartrand Street was temporarily closed to traffic while officers examined the scene.
🌍 In the meantime, further out:
🌍 Noteworthy
World
🌍 Iran strikes Israel as uncertainty remains over possible talks Confusion persists over potential peace discussions following contradictory comments from Trump.
🌏 Is China taking advantage of the Middle East conflict? According to Philippe Leblanc, the situation presents China with an opportunity to strengthen its geopolitical influence.
🌙 NASA abandons its lunar station project This announcement is the latest shake‑up to the Artemis space program.
🛩️ Colombia: At least 66 dead in military plane crash The crash killed 58 soldiers, six air force members, and two police officers.
🇩🇰 Denmark heads into tight legislative elections Mette Frederiksen could secure a third consecutive mandate thanks to her stance against Trump on Greenland.
Canada
📚 Student visas: Auditor General calls for more investigations Conditions for 150,000 study permits may not have been respected between 2023 and 2024.
⚖️ Trial over starved child’s death: Final arguments Lawyers for Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber argue their clients had no criminal intent.
🗳️ Former NDP candidate says she would now vote Liberal Many traditionally NDP‑leaning voters say they are satisfied with Mark Carney’s record.
🏝️ P.E.I. legislative session resumes amid election rumours The reopening of the legislature in Charlottetown has been postponed twice since February 20.
Culture & Society
🎬 Céline Dion concert in Paris? Rumours resurface Posters featuring iconic Céline Dion song titles appeared across Paris on Monday.
🏛️ Honoré Beaugrand named a historical figure of Quebec The author of La Chasse‑galerie was also a journalist, editorialist, and mayor of Montréal from 1885 to 1887.
🏠 Closer to Home:
🏠 Local Stories
Coroner’s inquest: Four deaths on construction sites
Coroner Andrée Kronström began a public inquiry on Monday to determine the circumstances and all contributing factors behind the deaths of four workers on construction sites in Quebec.
The four deaths under review are: • Vito Fundaro, June 19, 2024, in Montréal • Médrik Lincourt, August 4, 2025, in Terrebonne • Maxime Forget, August 21, 2024, in Brownsburg‑Chatham • Mario Ross, April 4, 2025, in Drummondville
Fundaro died after being struck by a pole that fell from a high‑rise building. Lincourt died when the bucket of an excavator detached and fell into an excavation where he was working. Forget, who was acting as a traffic signaller, was crushed by a backhoe during a reversing manoeuvre. Ross, assigned to traffic control, was fatally struck by a truck backing up to access the site.
The first witnesses heard, from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and the CNESST, explained the role and operations of their respective organizations. The RBQ reported that in 2024–2025, it employed 110 inspectors and carried out 14,284 inspections. The CNESST employs 314 inspectors, including 200 in facilities and 86 dedicated to construction sites.
In 2024, the CNESST recorded 74 accidental deaths across all sectors, including 16 in construction (22%). Hearings continue until March 27 and will resume in the spring and fall.
Four provinces call for more power in appointing judges
The premiers of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are jointly asking the federal government to give them more authority in appointing judges to their superior courts and courts of appeal.
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, they argue that active provincial participation would ensure judicial appointments “appropriately reflect the diversity and unique needs of each province and territory.”
The premiers want the federal government to choose from a pool of candidates recommended and approved by the provinces.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says this is not something his government is considering at the moment.
He says the federal government already consults provinces and territories during the process to gather feedback, and that the current system works well.
National Bank CEO urges faster action
The CEO of National Bank of Canada says the bank is not changing its strategy due to the war in the Middle East, but he is urging Canada to respond more quickly to growing international threats.
Speaking at the bank’s financial services conference in Montréal, Laurent Ferreira said the country must move faster to reduce internal trade barriers and increase energy supplies.
He argues that Canada should look to export more liquefied natural gas to the West, transport more gas eastward to Ontario, Quebec and beyond, and even consider reviving the Keystone pipeline project to the United States.
Ferreira says that because the world is “dangerous,” Canada must set politics aside and start thinking about the future and what the country can offer.
He adds that Canadian banks are well‑capitalized and ready to support government efforts.
Canadians making fewer trips to the United States
New data from Statistics Canada shows that the number of Canadian residents making round trips to the United States declined in January 2026 compared to last year.
StatCan reports that Canadians made 2.1 million round trips to the U.S. in January, a 22% drop from January 2025. This marks the 13th consecutive month of year‑over‑year decline.
Meanwhile, trips to Canada by U.S. residents fell 0.3% compared to January 2025.
Compared to last year, StatCan notes that: • round trips by Canadians to overseas countries increased 10.6% • overseas travel to Canada decreased 2.1%
In January, the top three countries of residence for overseas visitors to Canada were Mexico, the United Kingdom, and France.
Money plays a major role in Canadians’ relationships
A new H&R Block Canada survey suggests that financial considerations strongly influence why Canadians stay in relationships.
According to the data: • nearly 73% of Canadians believe people stay in marriages or common‑law relationships for financial reasons • 80% say life is more affordable as a couple
Money also appears to influence commitment: 27% of respondents say they would consider leaving their partner if they won the lottery.
Nearly one in four Canadians likes the idea of a “renewable five‑year relationship contract” instead of a lifelong marriage.
The survey also found that 83% of Canadians believe couples often stay together for the sake of their children, while 40% say marriage is mainly practical when kids are involved.
More than half believe married or common‑law couples receive more tax benefits than single people. Conversely, 63% say single Canadians should receive more tax relief since they do not share living expenses.
In Brief
⚖️ Bill 21: Seven Supreme Court judges hear the case Canada’s highest court began hearing arguments on Monday, starting with the appellants.
🐾 End of pet bans in leases? The Administrative Housing Tribunal has allowed a tenant to keep their dog despite a no‑pets clause, raising questions about the future of such restrictions.
🏠 Airbnb mobilizes hosts to pressure Montréal Airbnb has urged its hosts to ask Montréal’s city council to loosen short‑term rental regulations.
🚚 Truck pollution: Doctors denounce serious negligence Quebec authorities were aware of widespread fraud involving truck anti‑pollution systems for at least three years and did nothing, according to physicians.
⚖️ Fonderie Horne: Delaying targets will have consequences Public health officials warn of increased risks of neurodevelopmental issues in children if emission targets for the Horne smelter are pushed back.
🏥 Forced hospitalization: Quebec wants to ease criteria A fatal stabbing in a Montréal convenience store has reignited debate over the application of Law P‑38 concerning dangerous mental states.
🗳️ Maïté Blanchette Vézina joins the Conservatives The former CAQ MNA will run for the Conservative Party of Quebec in the next election in the riding of La Peltrie.
💫 Spotlight
The brother of pilot Antoine Forest, Cédric, shared a moving tribute following the LaGuardia tragedy: “Safe flight, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.” A moment of grief that reminds us of the humanity behind every tragedy.
🚗 Practical Corner
Saint‑Hubert Airport: The new terminal will open on June 15 with Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation. A METbus shuttle will connect the Longueuil–Université‑de‑Sherbrooke metro station to the airport.
Terrebonne: Philippe‑Chartrand Street in the La Plaine sector was temporarily closed Monday night following a collision involving a pedestrian.
👋 Before We Go
A day marked by tragedy in Terrebonne, good news for air travel with the new Saint‑Hubert terminal, and finally a tentative agreement at the STM after two long years.
Take care on the roads, and have a great Tuesday! ☕