Laval, QC ☕ The morning rundown
Good morning,
Today we have a wide-ranging mix that touches on our daily routines and bigger issues alike. We look at the potential end of the seasonal time change, street safety, and some genuinely uplifting local milestones that set a great tone for the week ahead.
Need to know this morning
- Clocks fell back overnight, and it might just be the last time: Quebeckers earned an extra hour of rest, but the provincial government indicates the tradition is nearing its end, with draft legislation on the way to scrap seasonal clock changes.
- An 18-year-old cyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle fleeing police: The collision occurred at the corner of Jeanne-Mance and Henri-Bourassa in Montreal as the car fled the Sûreté du Québec. The BEI is investigating.
- The Canadiens secured their fifth straight victory: Josh Anderson tallied two goals and an assist in a 5–4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- A Republican majority in the House appears “virtually impossible”: Heading into the midterm elections, President Trump’s party faces historical mid-term seat losses.
Around town
- Eight Laval locals celebrated at the Forces AVENIR gala: Six high school students and two educational staff members were recognized for their dedication and resilience.
- A Laval remedial educator honoured for welcoming immigrant students: Abir Abdo earned two medals for her “Boussole” program, designed to assist newcomers in settling into their new environment.
- Over 8,000 visitors gathered for Halloween in Vieux-Sainte-Rose: The celebration offered local merchants a chance to showcase their shops and connect with area residents.
Across Canada
- Canada set to become the EU’s first “associate member,” says Carney: The initiative aims to deepen ties between Canadian and European industrial sectors.
- Roberts Bank Terminal 2 designated a project of national interest: The federal status will accelerate timelines for the Vancouver port expansion.
Lead story
Clocks turned back overnight, and it may be the final time
Quebeckers adjusted their clocks back by one hour late Saturday night, but that routine may soon be history. The Quebec government has reiterated its commitment to ending seasonal time shifts, with Justice Minister Marie-Claude Sarrazin confirming that upcoming legislation will formally abolish the practice.
“We will proceed thoughtfully and sensibly by taking the time to consult experts, the general public, and those opposed to the change, ensuring we validate what appears to be a clear consensus that shifting our clocks is a relic of the past,” the minister stated in a release.
Provincial officials will ultimately have to select between permanent daylight saving time and standard time. Elsewhere across the country, moves toward permanent daylight time have sparked debate over potential health and safety drawbacks.
In tandem with US clock adjustments, the Canada Border Services Agency updated operational hours across 26 land crossings. The shift aims to keep border procedures seamless and prevent travellers from encountering unexpected closures.
In depth
Teen cyclist killed after collision with vehicle fleeing SQ pursuit
Quebec’s police oversight agency, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), has launched an investigation into the death of an 18-year-old cyclist on Friday at the intersection of Jeanne-Mance and Henri-Bourassa streets in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
Preliminary details provided to the BEI indicate that an unmarked Sûreté du Québec cruiser was patrolling the neighbourhood around noon when officers spotted a vehicle committing a highway safety violation. When police attempted an interception, the motorist fled and struck the young cyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six BEI investigators have been assigned to examine the police actions. The SPVM was called in for support and is handling a separate criminal probe into the crash. Investigators are urging any witnesses to reach out through the BEI website.
Eight Laval honourees recognized at Forces AVENIR gala
Six Laval high schoolers and two school staff members were celebrated during the 2026 Forces AVENIR gala, an annual event dedicated to recognizing, honouring, and fostering student leadership.
The student recipients—from Curé-Antoine-Labelle in Sainte-Rose, Saint-Maxime in Chomedey, and Horizon Jeunesse in Auteuil—stood out for spearheading extracurricular initiatives, helping their communities, and showing remarkable determination in their academic paths.
Among the honourees was Joshua Getho Joanis, a student managing fine motor challenges who transitioned into the standard curriculum, became school president, is set to graduate, and earned admission to a college music program. Taïsiia Dobrovolska, prime minister of the Saint-Maxime student parliament, was recognized for her leadership, including teaming up with the City of Laval to upgrade schoolyard amenities.
Laval remedial educator recognized for welcoming newcomer students
Abir Abdo, a remedial educator at École secondaire Saint-Maxime, received two medals at the 2026 Forces AVENIR gala for her “Boussole” project, created specifically for immigrant students in integration classes.
“Arriving in Quebec as a teenager means losing your bearings. You feel completely uprooted, living with a life decision you didn’t make yourself,” she shared after accepting the honour.
Organized around five themes, the program blends educational exercises and field trips to help students discover Quebec and build community ties. Over 300 youths have benefited from the project, which includes workshops alongside Nourrir d’Abord and visits with local seniors studying French.
“It is amazing to watch them flourish and fall in love with Quebec,” Abdo said. “That’s my main goal: for them to love Quebec just as much as I do.”
Community spotlight
Abir Abdo’s work is a touching reminder that real community integration happens through genuine, hands-on care. The “Boussole” initiative goes far beyond language lessons and school subjects by creating a real sense of belonging and connecting young newcomers directly to their neighbourhood. It is precisely these kinds of grassroots efforts that leave a lasting mark on our community.
Wrapping up
Have a wonderful Sunday and make the most of that extra hour of rest. Take it slow, enjoy a warm coffee, and maybe take a stroll around the neighbourhood. We will be back tomorrow with your next edition of Laval Today. ☕