Tag: Christine Fréchette

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Laval Today. Oct. 7, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we’re thinking first of Mayor Stéphane Boyer, who underwent delicate surgery to remove a brain tumour. We’re also looking back at Christine Fréchette’s resignation and what the new minority government could mean for immigration in Quebec.

What to remember this morning

  • Mayor Stéphane Boyer operated on for a brain tumour: He’s away for at least two months, and Ray Khalil is acting mayor.
  • Christine Fréchette resigns and leaves politics: The former CAQ leader hasn’t ruled out a possible return.
  • PQ wants to cut permanent immigration to 35,000 a year: Refugee advocates worry immigrants are becoming scapegoats.
  • Canadiens lose 6-4 to Hurricanes in home opener: Despite the loss, fans remain confident for the season.

In our backyard

  • Ray Khalil to fill in while Stéphane Boyer is away: The executive committee vice-chair takes over as acting mayor for the coming months.
  • FC Supra signs 17-year-old defender Eliakim Awonongbadje: He becomes the first player in club history to move from a development contract to a professional one.

Main story

Mayor Stéphane Boyer undergoes surgery for brain tumour, away for at least two months

Laval’s mayor, Stéphane Boyer, had surgery Tuesday to remove a tumour lodged between his brain, his right eye and a major artery. In a video posted to social media, he said the operation wasn’t without risk, mentioning he could lose his sight, become paraplegic or suffer a hemorrhage. He added, though, that his chances of recovery were excellent thanks to advances in medical technology.

Boyer, 38, kept things in perspective with a touch of humour, joking about everyday challenges like tariffs and potholes, before sending a message to those struggling physically or mentally: “Tell yourselves you’re not alone. Today, I’ll be thinking of you.”

While he’s away, executive committee vice-chair Ray Khalil is acting mayor. He’ll also represent Laval on the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain and the Union des municipalités du Québec.

In detail

Christine Fréchette resigns, leaves politics

The day after the CAQ’s crushing defeat—no seats and just 13% of the vote—Christine Fréchette announced her resignation as party leader. “I leave with the feeling I served Quebec as best I could,” she said. She didn’t rule out a return to politics, but said it will be up to the party’s bodies to find a new leader.

PQ wants to cut immigration, advocates worry

The new PQ government plans to cut the number of permanent immigrants admitted to Quebec to 35,000 a year, a drop of about 10,000. Groups like the Conseil Migrant denounce a trend of making immigrants scapegoats, pointing to their crucial role in the economy and for an aging population. To pass, the change will need support from at least one opposition party.

Canadiens fall 6-4 in home opener

The Carolina Hurricanes won 6-4 at the Bell Centre Tuesday night. Taylor Hall scored twice, and Sebastian Aho added a goal and two assists. Despite the loss, several fans stayed optimistic, noting the season is just getting started. Ivan Demidov missed the game with a lower-body injury.

Coup de Cœur

Stéphane Boyer’s story reminds us that even the most active elected officials can face illness. His transparency and humour, even in the toughest moments, offer a lesson in resilience that reaches far beyond city hall.

To close

Wishing you a day marked by solidarity and kindness, with a thought for those going through hard times. And for hockey fans, remember the Canadiens face the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Until then, let’s take care of ourselves and each other. ☕

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Laval Today. Sep. 20, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

This morning, we’re rounding up the news that touches Laval and Quebec: a busy night for Laval firefighters, local athletes heading to the World Championships, and a provincial election campaign heating up. Plenty to start the day informed.

What to know this morning

  • Two suspicious fires in Laval in one night: A historic home in Sainte-Rose and a vacant building in Chomedey were ravaged by flames, and investigators with the Service de police de Laval are on the case.
  • Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds: A record delegation for the club, which will compete at the age-group World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
  • Fréchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking: The CAQ leader cited a “greater openness” to shale gas, reacting to a La Presse poll.

Close to home

  • Fire destroys very old Laval home: A house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Côte in Sainte-Rose was completely destroyed by a fire overnight Saturday. Firefighters limited the spread, but the property is a total loss.
  • Suspicious fire in City of Laval building: A blaze hit a vacant building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey, and suspicious elements were found. The investigation has been handed to the Service de police de Laval.
  • Chaotic back-to-school at école des Ormeaux: Teachers are denouncing a late decision to dismantle multigrade classes a week before the start of school, causing stress and disorganization.

Main story

Two suspicious fires rock Laval in the same night

Saturday night was a busy one for the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval, which fought three nearly simultaneous blazes, two of them suspicious.

The first, reported at 1:46 a.m., hit a vacant City of Laval building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey. When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the second floor. Crews launched an interior attack and discovered suspicious elements, leading the Service de police de Laval to open an investigation. Damage is estimated at about $200,000.

The second, reported at 2:15 a.m., ravaged a house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Côte in Sainte-Rose. The 26 firefighters deployed managed to limit the spread of flames that were beginning to reach Hydro-Québec equipment. The property is a total loss, with damage estimated at about $316,000 for the building and $25,000 for its contents.

No hypothesis is being ruled out as to the origin of these fires, which could be accidental or criminal.

In detail

Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds

A delegation of 11 athletes from Triathlon Laval will compete at the age-group World Championships from September 23 to 27 in Pontevedra, Spain.

According to club president Annie-Claude Bédard, it would be one of the highest totals for a single club in Canada. Qualifiers include Danielle Levert, 66, and Mélodie Dao, 18, showing the wide age range represented.

“We’re developing and we’re seeing a push on the elite athlete side here,” says Bédard, who credits head coach Éric Douville for the success.

The club also organizes the Triathlon de Laval every June at the Centre de la nature.

Fréchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking

Shale gas became a campaign issue Saturday, as CAQ leader Christine Fréchette said Quebecers are more open to fracking, notably because of trade tensions with the United States.

Referring to a La Presse poll, she said: “I think Quebecers have shifted their perspective and I believe there is greater openness to these possibilities.”

The CAQ banned shale gas exploration and production in 2022. Fréchette, however, said she is not yet ready to say whether Quebec should move forward, and that it would require “social acceptance.”

Four firefighters injured during exercise in Blainville

Four firefighters with the Blainville fire service were injured Saturday during a training exercise when part of a roof collapsed.

According to the Association des pompiers de Blainville, they were treated and transported to receive the necessary care. None of their injuries are life-threatening.

The CNESST and Blainville police are to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Coup de Cœur

The Triathlon Laval delegation heading to Worlds is a wonderful illustration of what perseverance and community spirit can accomplish. With athletes from 18 to 66, this club proves that sport can bring all generations together and inspire an entire city.

To close

Wishing you a beautiful day, with a little time to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re on the road or at home, enjoy every moment. See you tomorrow! ☕

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Laval Today. Sep. 19, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we’re covering a busy news cycle: the election campaign heats up with promises and debates, the sports world holds its breath with the cycling world championships in Montreal, and we’re watching a Supreme Court decision that touches Terrebonne. A good way to start the day.

What to remember this morning

  • Supreme Court annuls federal election in Terrebonne: A postal code error is deemed “likely to undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” overturning the one-vote victory of the Liberal candidate.
  • Baby found in a Montreal encampment reignites the homelessness debate: CAQ leader Christine Fréchette promises a $250 million emergency fund and is set to meet with Montreal’s mayor.
  • World cycling championships set up in Montreal: The event, running from September 20 to 27, will cause major traffic disruptions starting Saturday.

In Canada

  • Carney at the UN General Assembly: The prime minister will attend the event in New York from Monday to Wednesday, without delivering a speech, but with meetings planned.
  • FBI temporarily halts collaboration with RCMP: The controversy over the words used to describe the September 11 attacks has ruffled the American agency.

Main story

Supreme Court invalidates federal election in Terrebonne due to Elections Canada error

The Supreme Court of Canada explained Friday its decision to overturn the one-vote victory of the Liberal candidate in the Terrebonne riding during the 2025 federal election. The error, made by Elections Canada in the postal code, is deemed “likely to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.”

This decision, made public, aims to preserve public confidence in the electoral process. The error, though technical, was considered serious enough to justify annulling the vote.

In detail

Discovery of a baby in an encampment shakes up the Quebec election campaign

The discovery, on September 11, of a one-year-old child living with their mother in an encampment on Notre-Dame Street in Montreal has sent shockwaves through the campaign. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called the situation a wake-up call and threatens to act if the province does not.

CAQ leader Christine Fréchette announced the creation of a $250 million emergency fund for homelessness and is set to meet with the mayor. Her opponents have also reacted: Liberal leader Charles Milliard promises $60 million a year to reduce homelessness to zero, while Québec solidaire and the Parti québécois propose a superminister for homelessness, with Paul St-Pierre Plamondon committing to take on that role.

World cycling championships coming to Montreal

From September 20 to 27, Montreal will host the UCI Road World Championships. The courses will use the cobblestone streets of the Old Port and Mount Royal, turning the city into a vast racecourse.

Starting Saturday, significant traffic disruptions are expected in the Montreal area. Drivers will need to plan their trips accordingly.

FBI temporarily suspends collaboration with RCMP

The FBI temporarily stopped sharing information with the RCMP after an internal CBC memo told journalists not to call the September 11 attacks “terrorist” without attribution. A directive revealed on August 26 was later changed to allow direct reference to historical events. According to the New York Times, this controversy led FBI officials to cancel meetings and warn their Canadian counterparts that they would be unreachable, creating a noticeable chill between the two agencies.

The freeze was only aimed at the FBI; other US agencies continued their exchanges. The New York Times couldn’t determine whether President Trump or his advisers knew about the interruption, but the Bureau’s director, Kash Patel, had publicly criticised Canada after the memo leak, and his decision could have disrupted joint operations with the RCMP, which regularly works with the FBI on cross-border security cases.

Communications picked up around the 25th anniversary of the attacks, but the episode adds to the broader tensions between Ottawa and Washington, marked by trade disputes and political friction. Canada has always called 9/11 a terrorist attack, a position reaffirmed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, while the Republican Party revoked CBC/Radio‑Canada’s media accreditation for their upcoming convention in response to the controversy.

Coup de Cœur

The 25th annual Pow Wow of McGill University and John Abbott College, held Friday at the MacDonald campus, illustrates the strength of community ties. As Kim Tekakwitha Martin, Dean of Indigenous Education at John Abbott College, points out, this event is an opportunity to bring communities together and celebrate Indigenous traditions in a spirit of reconciliation.

To close

We wish you a great day, whether you’re on the road, at work, or off. Take time to savor the little moments, and don’t forget to check for detours if you’re planning to travel near Montreal this weekend. See you again on monday!