Laval QC ☕ The Daily Chat
Good afternoon,
After a historic election night, Laval wakes up to a completely changed political map and a mayor stepping away for health reasons. Here’s what happened on our turf and what’s coming.
What to know this day
- The Parti Québécois forms a minority government: Paul St-Pierre Plamondon becomes premier with 59 seats, short of the 64 needed for a majority.
- Laval goes red: all six Laval ridings will be represented by Liberal MNAs at the National Assembly.
- Mayor Stéphane Boyer steps away for at least two months: he’s undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour; Ray Khalil takes over as interim.
- The CAQ is wiped off the map: Christine Fréchette resigns as leader after the party fails to elect a single MNA.
- Closures coming on Highway 25: the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel will be shut toward the South Shore from October 9 to 13.
Around here
- Suspicious fire in an unoccupied home in Sainte-Rose: the blaze, which broke out Monday late afternoon, is under police investigation.
In Canada
- Canadian medical plane missing: authorities have identified those on board; four Canadians and two Bermudians.
Main story
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s Parti Québécois wins the election, will form a minority government
The Parti Québécois won the provincial election, ending eight years of Coalition Avenir Québec rule. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will become Quebec’s next premier, leading a minority government.
The PQ took 59 seats, short of the 64 needed for a majority. The leader promised to work with other parties, especially on the budget.
“We will work so the budget reflects elements from other parties’ platforms, to collaborate on a viable fiscal framework,” he said in his victory speech.
Outgoing premier Mark Carney congratulated Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, saying he looks forward to working with him to support Quebec businesses and workers hit by tariffs, create good jobs, end homelessness, and build more housing.
The PQ has promised a referendum on independence, but not before Donald Trump leaves the White House.
In detail
Laval goes red: Liberals sweep all six ridings
All six Laval ridings will be represented by Quebec Liberal Party MNAs at the National Assembly. A red wave swept across Île Jésus, confirming pollsters’ predictions.
Among the Liberal wins: Dr. Cécile Tremblay in Sainte-Rose, unseating outgoing minister Christopher Skeete, who finished fourth. Caroline De Guire, former CEO of the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry, won Laval-des-Rapides, a riding that for only the second time since its creation will not be held by the party forming government.
Louis Ialenti returns Vimont-Auteuil to the Liberals, and Madeleine Féquière takes Chomedey. Virginie Dufour is re-elected in Mille-Îles.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer steps away for brain surgery; Ray Khalil takes over as interim
Laval’s mayor, Stéphane Boyer, announced he will step away for at least two months to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour. In a video posted to social media, he explained the procedure is delicate but his chances of recovery are excellent.
Ray Khalil, vice-chair of the executive committee, will serve as interim. He will represent Laval on the boards of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, and the Union des municipalités du Québec.
CAQ wiped off the map: Christine Fréchette resigns
The Coalition Avenir Québec failed to elect a single MNA, a crushing defeat for a party that held 90 seats four years ago. Christine Fréchette, who lost her own riding of Trois-Rivières, resigned as leader.
“The defeat is mine, not yours; hold your heads high,” she told her supporters.
Closures coming on Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is announcing major closures on Highway 25, including the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel, from October 9 to 13. The closure toward the South Shore will be complete from Friday 11 a.m. to Sunday 11 p.m., with a detour via the Champlain Bridge, then the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
Nightly closures are also planned toward Montreal. The ministry recommends using public transit and checking Québec 511.
Coup de Cœur
Stéphane Boyer’s announcement, delivered with a touch of humour despite the ordeal, is a reminder that resilience can take many forms. His message to those who suffer, “you are not alone,” is a precious reminder in these uncertain times.
To close
Wishing you a day full of good news and gentleness, despite the upheaval. Take care of yourself and those around you, and don’t forget to check closures before hitting the road. ☕