Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning!
We’re ending the week with several important stories that touch our daily lives. Between a major Supreme Court decision, soaring gas prices, and the upcoming provincial budget, there’s plenty to think about this morning. Grab your coffee — let’s dive into the news.
⚖️ Main Story
Supreme Court orders access to CPEs for asylum seekers
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Quebec discriminated against asylum‑seeking women by introducing regulations that denied them access to subsidized daycare spaces. This is the third ruling against the Quebec government on this matter.
In today’s decision, the Court states that excluding asylum seekers from subsidized daycare risks marginalizing them from society.
The case began with a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo who sought asylum and obtained a work permit. The province then refused access to Quebec’s heavily subsidized daycare network for her three children.
They were denied because Quebec’s rules only granted access once refugee status had been formally approved by the federal government.
Spaces in the highly sought‑after network cost about nine dollars per day.
This ruling now forces Quebec to amend its Reduced Contribution Regulation to allow asylum seekers to access CPEs as soon as they obtain a work permit.
⚡ The Essentials
Gas prices surge across Quebec
Drivers filling up this morning definitely felt the sting: gas prices jumped by 10 to 20 cents per litre across the province.
In Montreal, some stations were displaying $1.65 per litre for regular gas and $2.13 for diesel on Thursday.
The war in Iran, combined with disruptions in the gasoline supply chain, is pushing fuel prices sharply upward here and around the world. Prices are expected to keep rising as long as the conflict continues.
With diesel surpassing $2.00 in several regions, there are growing concerns about rising transportation costs — and the added pressure this will place on consumers.
Man in his 50s shot in Longueuil
A man in his fifties was shot Thursday afternoon in the Longueuil area of Montérégie. He arrived at Pierre‑Boucher Hospital around 3:15 p.m. with what police described as a gunshot wound.
Officers were later dispatched to an address on boulevard Nobert in connection with the incident. “The scene has been secured,” the SPAL said.
Authorities say no further information will be released for now to avoid compromising the investigation.
Man in critical condition after crash in Saint‑Louis‑de‑Gonzague
A man in his sixties is in critical condition after a violent crash Thursday evening in Saint‑Louis‑de‑Gonzague. The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Route 236 when the driver veered off the road for reasons that remain unclear.
The vehicle ended up overturned in a ditch. The driver was trapped inside, and firefighters used extraction tools to free him.
He was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Edward Gebrael, Saint‑Thérèse mentalist, captivates Quebec
Mentalist and hypnotist Edward Gebrael, based in Saint‑Thérèse, has been performing in the Montreal region for more than a decade. Known professionally as Edward “The Mentalist,” he has built a reputation captivating audiences ranging from corporate clients and schools to television viewers across Quebec.
Gebrael sees mentalism as an art rooted in perception and influence. “Mentalism is an art. It’s the ability to read someone’s thoughts through techniques like neurolinguistic programming, thought control, and thought influence.” His profile rose significantly after his appearance on Quel talent.
His ambitions now include larger productions and new formats. “My next step is obviously to produce bigger shows, go on tour, and also create a TV special.”
🏠 Stories We’re Following
💰 Quebec budget to be tabled on March 18
Finance Minister Éric Girard will table the 2026–2027 Quebec budget on March 18, ahead of the vote to choose François Legault’s successor as premier. The next leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec will be selected on April 12 by party members.
Girard says presenting the budget before March 31 “ensures continuity of public services and provides the necessary predictability.” He also says both CAQ leadership candidates, Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville, were consulted during the process.
For his final budget before the general election scheduled for next October, Girard promises a “sober and targeted” document. It will be the eighth budget he presents.
👶 Deaths now outnumber births in Quebec
New data released Thursday by the Institut de la statistique du Québec shows that deaths now exceed births in the province. This is the second consecutive year this has happened, and the gap continues to widen.
In 2025, 78,200 babies were born, while 80,450 people died. The year before, Quebec recorded 77,400 births and 78,800 deaths. In 2024, the fertility rate fell to 1.33 children per woman, the lowest level ever recorded.
This trend is partly offset by international immigration, which added 156,700 people in 2024. Without immigration, Quebec’s population would already be shrinking.
Life expectancy now exceeds 82 years, and the share of residents aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 21.7% in 2025 to 27.7% in 2050.
⚖️ Cardinal Ouellet trial: another alleged victim testifies
At the defamation trial launched by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the defence called another alleged victim to testify. “He rubbed his pelvis against me,” the woman said.
👶 Lévis couple arrested for mistreating newborn
The alleged events occurred more than a year ago, on January 1, 2025.
🎭 Death of Jacques Michel: “a great loss for Quebec”
Several public figures, including Nathalie Simard and Sylvain Cossette, expressed their sadness on Thursday.
🌲 Eastern Quebec leads in winter eco‑routes
In Bas‑Saint‑Laurent and Gaspésie, there are 118 km of roads where the MTMD does not use de‑icing salt.
⛰️ Mont‑Orford saga: 20 years of citizen activism
Mont‑Orford Park was created in 1938.
🦁 Miller Zoo’s polar winter
A look inside the Miller Zoo’s winter challenges, where lions and hyenas face extreme cold.
🇯🇵 Carney signs strategic partnership with Japan
The agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and technology.
✈️ Canada charters first flight to repatriate citizens
A Dubai–Istanbul flight will carry up to 180 Canadians fleeing the Middle East on Saturday. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says a chartered flight is scheduled to leave Dubai for Istanbul, transporting Canadians out of the war zone.
The government has also block‑booked seats on several Air Arabia flights, securing about 50 seats per flight, and reserved 200 seats on four separate flights from Beirut to Istanbul in the coming days.
Anand confirmed that Canada has four chartered buses with 180 seats leaving Qatar for Saudi Arabia starting Saturday.
More than 108,000 Canadians in the region have registered with Global Affairs Canada, and about 3,500 have requested assistance.
🗳️ Conservatives want a vote before any Middle East involvement
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will defend its allies “when justified.”
🛡️ Canada could assist Gulf countries
General Carignan says Ottawa is monitoring the situation and “could consider” providing military support to its “partners.”
🚫 Trump demands Iran’s unconditional surrender
The U.S. president says he is prepared for a prolonged conflict if necessary.
💼 EQB approved to buy PC Financial
The Competition Bureau has approved EQB Inc.’s proposed acquisition of PC Financial. The company behind EQ Bank announced the deal to purchase PC Financial from Loblaw for $800 million.
🇺🇸 United States: 92,000 jobs lost in February
Unemployment has risen to 4.4%. This unexpected setback is renewing fears of a recession.
🏛️ First Nation calls for minister’s resignation
The Kashechewan First Nation has been under a state of emergency for 60 days due to a drinking‑water crisis.
📺 ICI RDI and CBC now on Prime Video
ICI RDI is not yet available on the TOU.TV platform, but that could be considered.
🏒 Canadian para‑hockey team ready for U.S. showdown
The on‑ice rivalry between the two countries will heat up again as the Paralympic tournament begins.
🇺🇦 Ukrainian parasport as a remedy for war
In Ukraine, parasport serves as rehabilitation for wounded soldiers and as a source of national pride.
🏎️ Oscar Piastri dominates Australian Grand Prix
The second free practice session belonged to the Australian driver.
🌧️ Practical Corner
Weekend forecast
Residents can expect shifting weather conditions as the final weekend of March Break approaches. A mix of sun and clouds is forecast today, with a high of 4°C and northeast winds around 20 km/h.
Rain will continue Saturday, with 5 to 10 mm expected and a high of 9°C. Winds will shift from southeast to southwest around midday.
Sunday will remain cloudy and windy with a high of 5°C, followed by clearing skies overnight and a low of 2°C.
A mix of sun and clouds is expected Monday and Tuesday, with highs near 13°C, though there is a 60% chance of showers on Tuesday.
Time change this weekend
Clocks spring forward overnight Saturday to Sunday. At 2 a.m., they jump directly to 3 a.m., costing an hour of sleep but adding an hour of evening daylight. Don’t forget to adjust your devices — and maybe plan for an extra coffee Sunday morning.
👋 Before We Go
We wrap up the week with the items that directly affect our wallets and daily lives. Between rising gas prices and major Supreme Court decisions, there’s a lot to take in. And don’t forget the time change this weekend. Happy Friday, everyone! ☕