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Laval Today. May. 13, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Laval wakes up today to a major criminal case, movement at Place Bell, and a reminder that travel plans do not always go smoothly. There are also a few political and social decisions worth a look before you head into the rest of your day.

What to know this morning

  • Arrest warrant in the Bobby the Greek case: The Sûreté du Québec is searching for a Laval resident in connection with the shooting at a Starbucks in Chomedey.
  • Canadiens lose 3–2: A strange bounce off the glass changed the course of the game.
  • Decisive game at Place Bell: The fifth game between the Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost is set to be played in Laval after a health‑related postponement.
  • Route 136 closed toward downtown: Montreal will close part of Route 136 eastbound all weekend for work, with heavy congestion expected.
  • New domestic violence bill: Quebec has introduced the Gabie Renaud bill, which would allow the disclosure of certain past domestic violence offences.

Society and politics

  • Bill 101 and adult education: Jean‑François Roberge says an expansion would shift 27,000 students from the English network to the French network.
  • Quebec polling: The Liberals and the Parti Québécois are neck and neck, while the CAQ is climbing.
  • Population decline: Quebec lost nearly 10,000 residents in 2025.

Across Canada and abroad

  • Craig Berube fired in Toronto: The Maple Leafs have dismissed their head coach after finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
  • Brandon Clarke dies at 29: The Canadian NBA player from Vancouver has passed away.
  • WhatsApp adds an incognito AI mode: Meta says it wants to better protect sensitive conversations with its assistant.
  • European Union moves to ban conversion therapy: The European Commission wants member states to prohibit the practice.

Main story

The Sûreté du Québec is searching for a Laval man in the Bobby the Greek murder case

The Sûreté du Québec has issued an arrest warrant for Denis Beaupré, a 54‑year‑old Laval resident, in connection with the death of Charalambos Theologou, also known as Bobby the Greek.

He was killed on October 1, 2025, during a shooting at a Starbucks in Chomedey near Highway 440. Two other men with him were also injured.

Police say Beaupré has been missing since October 5. He is also suspected of intentionally firing a gun without regard for the life or safety of others.

A police operation took place on May 6 at a property and residence in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, in connection with his disappearance. For Laval residents, it is a stark reminder that a major organized‑crime case that shook Chomedey is still unfolding.

In detail

The Victoire’s decisive game will be played at Place Bell after a health‑related postponement

The fifth game between the Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost is scheduled for Place Bell in Laval after Monday’s game was postponed.

The postponement was due to concerns for player safety related to an illness. The LPHF says medical evaluation determined the symptoms do not match hantavirus.

According to two people familiar with the situation cited by the Associated Press, the illness appears to be limited to Montreal. This final game will determine which team advances to the Walter Cup final against the Ottawa Charge.

Quebec introduces the Gabie Renaud bill to better inform people facing domestic violence risks

The Quebec government has introduced the Gabie Renaud bill, presented as a measure to better protect women in situations involving domestic violence.

Under the bill, anyone who fears for their safety or that of their child will be able to fill out a form online or at a police station. The Sûreté du Québec will review the request and check for past domestic violence offences involving a current or former partner.

Any relevant information would then be shared through an organization that has yet to be designated. The bill also provides for support and referrals to appropriate resources for the person making the request.

Route 136 closure in Montreal expected to complicate weekend travel

Route 136 eastbound will be fully closed from Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. between Exit 4 and the entrance from Atateken Street.

The work includes slab repairs, paving, and line painting in the Ville‑Marie and Viger tunnels. Ramps from Robert‑Bourassa Boulevard and Cathedral Street will also be closed.

The ministry expects significant congestion throughout the weekend and encourages anyone heading downtown to use public transit. For Laval residents driving into Montreal, the message is simple: check your route before leaving rather than discovering the closure in real time.

In closing

Thank you for making space for Laval en Bref in your morning.

Wishing you a smooth day, easier‑than‑expected travel, and hopefully a coffee break without sirens or surprise detours.

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Daily

Laval Today. May. 12, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we are keeping a close eye on traffic, with major work announced for Highway 13 in Laval and a significant closure coming on Route 136 in Montréal. There is also sports action at Place Bell, a criminal case resurfacing in Laval, and several Québec‑wide issues touching everything from digital justice to the audiovisual sector.

Top Stories This Morning

  • Highway 13 construction through September in Laval: Major work and closures are planned on Highway 13 in Laval through September.
  • Arrest warrant in the Chomedey shooting investigation: The Sûreté du Québec is searching for a 54‑year‑old Laval resident in connection with the killing of Charalambos Theologou at a Starbucks in Chomedey.
  • Do‑or‑die game at Place Bell: Montreal Victoire faces the Minnesota Frost in Laval after a postponement linked to illness.
  • Full closure of Route 136 this weekend: Eastbound lanes will be closed from Friday night to Monday morning in the Ville‑Marie and Viger tunnels, with heavy congestion expected.
  • Digital justice overhaul under scrutiny: The 500‑million‑dollar project is facing delays and may be audited over governance and cost issues.
  • TVA warns the crisis exceeds its capacity: Pierre Karl Péladeau is calling for rapid action and is not ruling out further cuts.

Local

  • REM extends to the West Island: The extension toward Anse‑à‑l’Orme is set to open Monday with four new stations and free access before launch.
  • 2026 census deadline is today: The final day to submit the form is May 12.
  • Canadiens play Game 4 at the Bell Centre: Montréal will try to take a 3‑1 lead in its series against the Sabres.

Justice and Society

  • Arrest in a long‑unsolved LaSalle murder: A man already detained in Drummondville will be charged with first‑degree murder in a case dating back to 2007.
  • Dozens of federal prosecutions affected by Project South: The investigation continues to ripple through the justice system.
  • Teaching licences revoked at Bedford Elementary: The decision follows findings of a toxic and regressive work environment.
  • Head of the Public Service Commission resigns: She denounces a culture of secrecy surrounding Bill 7.

Québec to Watch

  • Audiovisual unions denounce pressure tactics: They say employers are trying to roll back protections in the collective agreement.
  • Digital Health Record slowed but did not crash: Santé Québec cites faulty equipment and says nearly 20,000 users have already logged in.
  • Éric Girard defends investment in Nemaska Lithium: The minister stands by the decision despite criticism from the sustainable development commissioner.
  • CAA‑Québec again ranks the Outaouais as having the worst roads: The region tops the 2026 list once more.

Main Story

Highway 13 construction will disrupt travel in Laval through September

Major work begins May 18 on Highway 13 southbound between Dagenais West and Highway 440, with lane shifts and reduced capacity for the entire project. The Ministry of Transport plans partial and full closures, including a long‑term shutdown between Sainte‑Rose and Highway 440, where traffic will be diverted to the two‑lane service road. During the morning rush, an extra contraflow lane will be added to maintain three lanes heading south.

Drivers should expect night closures in both directions, ramp closures, reduced speed limits and significant congestion. Marked detours will be in place during full closures, and Québec is urging motorists to allow extra travel time and check Québec 511 before heading out. The work is scheduled to continue until late September, with the goal of improving safety and road conditions on this heavily used corridor.

In Detail

Arrest warrant issued in the Chomedey fatal shooting

The Sûreté du Québec has issued an arrest warrant for Denis Beaupré, a 54‑year‑old Laval resident, in the investigation into the October 1, 2025 shooting at a Starbucks in Chomedey.

Charalambos Theologou, known as “Bobby the Greek,” was killed in the attack and two other men were injured. The SQ says the suspect has been missing since October 5.

A police operation was carried out May 6 in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, in connection with his disappearance. The case remains active with concrete developments in a file that had already marked Laval.

Place Bell hosts a decisive Victoire game after illness‑related postponement

The decisive game between Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost will be played at Place Bell in Laval after being postponed Monday.

The postponement was made for safety reasons linked to illness. The league says the symptoms observed do not match hantavirus.

The stakes are high: the winner advances to the Walter Cup final against the Ottawa Charge. For Laval, it puts Place Bell at the centre of another major sports moment.

Digital justice project faces delays and possible audit

Québec’s 500‑million‑dollar digital justice overhaul is raising concerns due to delays, fragmentation and unclear total costs.

Several components have been pushed to 2029. The Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology is considering an audit to clarify governance, budgeting and overall coherence.

The scale of the project and the difficulty of tracking dozens of sub‑projects stand out. After other major public tech transitions, public patience is wearing thin.

TVA says it can no longer shoulder the crisis alone

Pierre Karl Péladeau says the crisis at TVA now exceeds the company’s capacity to respond. He points to falling advertising revenues, competition from global platforms and declining cable subscriptions.

He is not ruling out further cuts or cancelled productions. He is calling for less administrative burden, more union flexibility and a rebalancing of advertising rules.

At the same time, unions in the sector say they are facing pressure to reduce negotiated working conditions, including minimum pay and social protections. The picture is one of a sector under intense strain on both the employer and worker sides.

Coup de Coeur

The REM extension toward Anse‑à‑l’Orme is a reminder that better access to public transit can change habits and bring closer together parts of the region that often feel far apart. When the network grows, it is more than a new line on a map.

Before You Go

Thanks for starting your morning with us.

Give yourself a little extra time on the road, keep an eye on what is moving here and elsewhere, and we will be back tomorrow, one story at a time. ☕

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Daily

Laval Today. May. 7, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today brings a mix of concrete local news, provincial decisions that shape daily life, and a few files that show just how connected our region is to the rest of the province and the country. From public safety in Laval to energy drinks in pharmacies and major political choices in Québec, here’s what you need to start your day, without the unnecessary noise.

Top Stories

  • $8K penalty for Liberal MNA Lakhoyan Olivier recommended by ethics commissioner: The ethics commissioner recommends an $8,000 fine for Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier for partisan activities carried out in her constituency office.
  • Québec’s electoral map partially redrawn: The number of provincial ridings would increase from 125 to 127.
  • The debate over energy drinks is intensifying: After the withdrawal of these products at Familiprix, the Order of Pharmacists and several chains are urging Quebec to consider age restrictions.
  • Is Québec’s Digital Health Record the cure for managing our medical information? The tool is meant to centralize patient health data.

Close to Home

  • Montreal urges Québec to act as water infrastructure deteriorates: More than 10 percent of the city’s water infrastructure is rated in poor or very poor condition.
  • Laval police renew call for information in 2024 attempted murder case: Reminder: Laval police are seeking the public’s help in the investigation involving businessman Ali Chaaban, which they link to extortion.

Society & Politics

  • Milliard stumbles by referring to “two official languages”: His comments fuel criticism from the CAQ and PQ over the status of French.
  • Québec Solidaire to table bill on use of the notwithstanding clause: The debate over this constitutional tool returns to the forefront.
  • Superior Court overturns “flawed” inquiry report on Tamara Thermitus: The ruling finds the report was unreasonable and tainted.
  • “Serious breach of dignity”: Innu man’s death recalls Joyce Echaquan case: The Québec Ombudsperson identifies several failures in the care provided to Philippe Pinette.

Across Canada and Beyond

  • Carney government wants faster pipeline approvals: An announcement is expected later this week.
  • Canadian Armed Forces must refocus on defending Canada, says Gen. Carignan: She argues the military has lost sight of its core mission by being too involved in humanitarian work abroad.
  • Hantavirus: three Canadians isolating after cruise ship outbreak: Two Ontarians and one Quebecer are affected.
  • Hantavirus: dozens of passengers left the ship after the first death: The outbreak has caused three deaths and several illnesses.
  • Alberta separatism: fertile ground for foreign interference: A report claims Russian and American actors are already trying to exploit divisions. How neutral such a document truly is remains an open question.

Main Story

Chomedey MNA faces recommended $8,000 fine

The ethics commissioner of the National Assembly is recommending an $8,000 penalty against Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier for using her constituency office and public resources for partisan purposes. According to the report, her staff and office space served as a “war room” supporting Pablo Rodriguez’s 2025 Liberal leadership campaign.

The investigation found that staff members were asked to take part in partisan activities during work hours, and that the MNA attempted to influence their responses during the inquiry. The commissioner also notes that messages and images were deleted from a professional chat channel after the investigation began, and that Lakhoyan Olivier activated disappearing‑message features to limit access to the conversation history.

Beyond the actions themselves, the commissioner highlights a lack of cooperation and a “lack of respect” toward staff, which increases the seriousness of the violations. The report even recommends amending the ethics code to require mandatory ethics training for newly elected MNAs at the start of their term.

Politically, the fallout is already visible. Liberal leader Charles Milliard confirmed that Lakhoyan Olivier will remain expelled from caucus and will not run for the party in the next election. Québec Solidaire MNA Ruba Ghazal says the sanction is insufficient and is calling for broader answers about internal PLQ practices. The case unfolds against the backdrop of Pablo Rodriguez’s resignation last December following allegations related to his leadership campaign financing.

In Depth

Three Canadians isolating after hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship

The hantavirus outbreak detected aboard the MV Hondius continues to have repercussions in Canada. Two Canadian passengers have returned to Ontario and are now isolating under daily monitoring by public health authorities. A third Canadian, from Québec, was not on the ship but may have been exposed during the return flight. He is also isolating as a precaution.

All three individuals are asymptomatic, and health officials say they pose no risk to the public. Ontario says it is receiving regular updates, noting that four Canadians were aboard the Hondius. Global Affairs Canada says the Quebecer is not considered a high‑risk contact by the World Health Organization.

Hantavirus, transmitted through exposure to the droppings or saliva of infected rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness. The outbreak on the ship, which departed Argentina in April, has resulted in three deaths and several other cases, prompting medical evacuations to the Netherlands.

Beyond these specific cases, the episode highlights how quickly public attention shifts toward rare and dramatic threats, while more common and steadily rising public‑health issues struggle to draw the same vigilance. For the authorities, the real difficulty is maintaining a consistent response, whether it involves an exotic virus on a ship or well-known infections that progress more quietly.

Québec to add two ridings to its electoral map

The government and opposition have agreed to increase the number of provincial ridings from 125 to 127.

The change comes just months before the next election. Redrawing the map has already caused friction, especially around how seats are distributed between regions.

It’s not the flashiest topic of the morning, but it’s the kind of decision that directly shapes political representation. And when it comes to electoral boundaries, the lines often matter more than they seem.

Coup de Cœur

Some mornings feel heavy, and others just need a small reminder to stay balanced. Tomorrow, the Canadiens get another shot at the Sabres, and it’s comforting to know that a few simple, shared rituals still exist. In a week where everything seems to be debated, questioned, or scrutinized, a hockey game can sometimes be the easiest way to catch your breath.

Closing

Take what you need from this bulletin and leave the rest for later.

A good morning doesn’t have to be perfect to be solid. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of clarity, an honest coffee, and a few reliable markers to start the day. ☕