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Laval Today. july. 25, 2026

Laval QC ☕ Weekend Briefing

Good morning,

Today we’re keeping an eye on a file that directly affects public services in Quebec, while Laval and the North Shore remain very present in the news with a judicial case and the aftermath of Tuesday’s storms. We also stop in Montreal, where public safety, sports and a community initiative are making headlines.

What to know this morning

  • Quebec shelves artificial intelligence projects in its public services: Several pilot projects, including a conversational robot planned for Quebec.ca, have been abandoned after a series of technical and organizational obstacles.
  • A Laval man faces trafficking charges in Ontario: A 23‑year‑old man from Laval was arrested by police.
  • Two tornadoes confirmed near us after Tuesday’s storms: Harrington in the Laurentians and Saint‑Donat in Lanaudière were both hit.
  • A 45‑year‑old man was stabbed in downtown Montreal: The attack occurred early Saturday morning in Ville‑Marie and no arrests had been made at the time of publication.
  • A pastry shop in LaSalle was targeted by arson: The fire caused minor damage and no one was injured.
  • The Alouettes meet Hamilton in an important matchup: Montreal can take a more comfortable lead in the East and secure the tiebreaker against the Tiger‑Cats.
  • A recall targets a Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bar in Canada: The product contains undeclared pistachios and may pose a serious risk for people with allergies.

Elsewhere in Quebec and Canada

  • Quebec sends three water bombers to British Columbia: SOPFEU is assisting in the fight against wildfires.
  • Nine provinces ease rules on direct alcohol sales: The movement is progressing, but some barriers remain.
  • Canada maintains its position on energy drinks: While the United Kingdom follows Quebec’s lead for youth, Ottawa is not changing course.
  • A Canadian intern at NATO was arrested in Belgium: The arrest is linked to an espionage case.

Main story

Quebec drops several artificial intelligence pilot projects in public services

Quebec has abandoned several pilot projects related to automation and artificial intelligence in its public services. Among them was a conversational robot intended for Quebec.ca.

The obstacles were numerous. The robot struggled with fluid exchanges, handling more complex requests, error management and response times.

Two automation projects were also abandoned. The difficulties involved data access, certain security limitations, a lack of internal expertise and processes that were not ready for this type of tool.

The chatbot project for Quebec.ca will not be deployed this year, and no new timeline has been set. Even the steps planned to formally assess its feasibility were not completed.

In detail

A Laval man among three people charged with trafficking in Ontario

A 23‑year‑old man from Laval was arrested at an ONroute on Highway 401 after the Ontario Provincial Police located a vehicle linked to a minor reported missing in Quebec. Officers discovered that two of the occupants were victims of human trafficking.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of about 500 grams of cocaine, several weapons, nearly 1,500 dollars in cash and materials associated with drug trafficking and human trafficking. The three suspects face charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, human trafficking, trafficking a minor and possession of proceeds of crime.

Mathis Bourgeois, 23, of Laval, also faces charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failing to comply with a probation order and having cannabis and alcohol readily available in a vehicle. For our editorial team, the fact that someone from Laval is involved in such a serious case added a local angle that didn’t go unnoticed.

Two tornadoes confirmed in the Laurentians and Lanaudière after Tuesday’s storms

A tornado struck Harrington in the Laurentians with winds reaching 175 km/h. Power poles, trees, barns and homes were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

A second tornado was confirmed in Saint‑Donat, in Lanaudière. Classified EF0, it produced winds up to 115 km/h and damaged trees near Lac Beauchamp.

For residents of Laval and the North Shore, it is a clear reminder that weather alerts are not just decorative notifications.

A man seriously injured in a stabbing in downtown Montreal

A 45‑year‑old man was found injured near Sainte‑Catherine and Saint‑Marc streets in Ville‑Marie after a conflict in a nearby alley.

The attack occurred around 4 a.m. near Sainte‑Catherine and Chomedey. The man was taken to hospital in critical condition, then stabilized.

No arrests had been made at the time of publication.

A community initiative in Montreal focused on learning as much as leisure

In Côte‑des‑Neiges–Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce, Camp Valiquette is adding learning activities to its sports and arts programming for youth.

Depending on age group, children and teens can take part in general knowledge activities, typing, chess and basic financial literacy. The organization also offers after‑school programs, activities during school breaks, help with résumés and opportunities for volunteering and employment.

The initiative relies on partnerships with CLSCs, youth centres and churches to make certain programs more accessible at reduced cost or free of charge.

Coup de Cœur

There is something simple and powerful in an initiative that gives young people more tools, more guidance and more momentum. This kind of patient work does not always make noise, but it strengthens a community from within.

In closing

We wish you a light evening and a Sunday that moves at your own pace, without surprises and with a bit of rest for the mind. Some days call for a good coffee and clear information. That is already plenty. ☕

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Laval Today. May. 31, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The daily chat

Greetings,

Today brings a mix of concrete updates, practical information and a bit of unsettled weather. Between the border, the storms, the wildfires, rail transport and a few stories that directly affect Quebec and Montreal, here is the clear version to fuel your conversations.

Update on our schedule

We are staying with you, but easing the pace a little. Part of the team is heading into vacation time, and we are also taking this moment to fine‑tune the site, review some tools and prepare what is coming for the summer.

We will continue publishing, but not every day. Expect at least two editions per week while things settle back into place.

Thank you for being here, for reading us and for keeping Laval Today alive. We will keep you in the loop.

What to know today

  • Canada introduces new border measures related to Ebola Travellers who have recently stayed in certain African countries will be assessed upon arrival.
  • Montreal under a severe thunderstorm watch Rain, lightning, strong winds, hail and possible power outages are expected through Monday.
  • Ottawa adds 10 aircraft to wildfire response The federal government says it wants to strengthen its capacity as 65 fires are already active across the country.
  • CPKC keeps operating despite a strike Nearly 300 signal workers are on strike, but the company says its operations continue in Canada.
  • Crossing into the United States is not more difficult, says CBSA The topic is resurfacing as electronic device inspections reached a record high last year.
  • Quebec launches the experimental phase of a cultural data bank for artificial intelligence The project aims to better represent Quebec society and Indigenous languages in AI systems.

To watch

  • A meteor spotted as far as Montreal Reports came in after an object about one metre wide entered the atmosphere near Boston.
  • Shawinigan gathering An event condemned by the City that revives broader concerns about identity, culture and how to hold this conversation without dehumanizing people.
  • CHUM expands a telehealth program for addiction care Twenty‑four Indigenous communities in Quebec are already participating.
  • Tour de l’Île draws thousands of cyclists More than 15,000 participants for an edition tied to the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Games.

Across Canada

  • Poilievre calls for an emergency debate on the economy He describes the situation as a recession and wants Parliament to address it.
  • Ottawa must choose a supplier for its submarine fleet by July Two bidders remain in the running.
  • Organizations urge Ottawa to curb youth nicotine use They want stricter measures on vaping.
  • Canada misses the bronze at the world hockey championship The team lost to Norway.
  • Canadian women win gold in artistic swimming It is their second medal at this World Cup.

Top story

Ottawa strengthens wildfire response with 10 new aircraft as 65 fires are already active

The federal government says it has leased 10 new planes and helicopters to increase Canada’s wildfire‑fighting capacity. Provinces and territories will be able to request their use through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

The aircraft include heavy‑lift helicopters, water bombers and a support plane. The goal is to add resources to provincial fleets when pressure increases.

Sixty‑five fires are currently burning across the country, including six that are out of control.

Quebec also maintains its own resources: 17 water bombers, other aircraft and several helicopters, with the option of calling in private support if needed.

It is estimated that about 80 percent of fires could be avoided since they are linked to human actions. In short, this is not the week to play backyard fireworks expert.

In detail

Montreal prepares for severe thunderstorms with possible power outages

Rain, lightning, strong winds and hail are expected through Monday.

Power outages are possible and officials remind the public that lightning can cause injury or death. Early next week should calm down with a gradual return of sunshine.

U.S. border remains accessible despite increased electronic inspections

Crossing into the United States is not more difficult, says the CBSA.

At the same time, American border officers inspected a record number of electronic devices last year. It does not change the overall conclusion, but it explains why the topic keeps resurfacing.

Strike affects CPKC signal workers but trains keep running

A union representing nearly 300 CPKC signal workers says its members have been on strike since Sunday morning.

These workers handle installation, maintenance, testing and repairs of signalling and communication systems from Vancouver to Montreal.

The company says contingency measures are in place and operations continue. The dispute involves pay, recruitment, retention and work‑life balance.

Quebec moves ahead with a cultural data bank to better anchor artificial intelligence here

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec has launched the experimental phase of a cultural and government data bank in French and Indigenous languages.

The goal is to improve the presence of Quebec realities in AI systems, which currently lack sufficient data on Quebec society, economy and culture.

The project is still experimental, with an estimated budget of about 10.5 million dollars over five years through 2030. Access to the data would be tightly controlled.

Coup de Cœur

The CHUM project with Indigenous communities is a reminder that a useful service is not just about technology. When a tool is designed to adapt to people rather than the other way around, the result is often something simpler, more dignified and more human.

In closing

Wishing you a solid start to the week, a coffee that is still hot when you drink it, and just enough clarity to get through everything without rolling your eyes too often. ☕