Tag: Commentary & Context

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today’s news takes us through Quebec politics, transportation, Montréal life and a few very practical stories that affect daily life well beyond Laval. There’s some heavy stuff, some useful updates, and a few of those items that make you want to double‑check your ticket, your parking sign or your cheese.

And in the middle of it all, a very lucrative departure at the top of Air Canada is drawing a lot of attention.

Here’s what you need to start the day with a clear picture of what’s moving here and around us.

Top Stories This Morning

• Seasonal parking restrictions return in Montréal They’re in effect from April 1 to December 1 in most boroughs, with $100 fines.
• A recall affects certain cheeses included in HelloFresh meal kits The nationwide recall involves a possible Listeria risk.
• Cirque du Soleil cuts more jobs in Montréal Seventy positions are being eliminated at the head office.
• Ottawa sought to give airlines more leeway on passenger compensation Internal documents show pressure to maintain certain exemptions.

Society & Politics

• Lionel Carmant returns to the CAQ He says his decision is tied to his friendship with François Legault.
• Quebec wants to reduce DPJ reports for negligence Reports for this reason have increased 110% in 20 years.
• Quebec would formally recognize the rights of the anglophone community Simon Jolin‑Barrette is proposing amendments to Bill 1.

Across Quebec & Canada

• Pierre Poilievre opposes the proposed high‑speed rail project He says he would cancel it if elected.
• Air Canada’s CEO announces his departure Michael Rousseau will leave his role by the fall.
• Canada’s real GDP rose 0.1% in January Statistics Canada also estimates 0.2% growth for February.
• A federal union may boycott the early‑retirement program The PIPSC could recommend members opt out.
• Book sales decline in Quebec After several years of growth, the market dipped slightly in 2025.

Montréal & Surrounding Areas

• Welcome Hall Mission opens a new centralized kitchen in Saint‑Henri Production could reach up to 10,000 meals per day.
• Montréal considers better protections for police officers facing insults The City is studying a new by‑law after a viral video.

International

• Mark Carney denounces Israel’s illegal invasion of Lebanon Canada’s prime minister says Israel is violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Main Story

Air Canada: Michael Rousseau’s lucrative exit sparks debate

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, but it’s the scale of his departure package that’s drawing the most reaction.

The airline’s 2026 circular confirms he will receive a lifetime pension of $763,500 per year, along with stock‑based compensation currently valued at more than $13.5 million. The rules around his stock options have also been relaxed: instead of having three years to exercise them, he can now wait up to 10 years, giving him far more flexibility to cash out when conditions are favourable.

This generous retirement package comes after two language‑related controversies in five years, including a crisis‑response video posted on March 23 in which he said only “bonjour” and “merci” in French. Air Canada says its next CEO will be required to communicate in French.

For many, the contrast is striking: a leader criticized for his inability to speak Quebec’s official language leaves with compensation far beyond what most Quebecers will earn in a lifetime.

In Detail

HelloFresh recall: what consumers should check today

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the recall affecting certain cheeses included in HelloFresh meal kits remains in effect. The recall covers several varieties, grated parmesan, cheese curds, feta, goat cheese and mozzarella, due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes risk.

No illnesses have been reported, but customers are urged to check lot numbers in their boxes and discard any affected products. Other ingredients in the kits are not impacted.

Welcome Hall Mission: a new kitchen that transforms food assistance

Welcome Hall Mission has opened a new centralized kitchen in Saint‑Henri, boosting its production capacity from about 1,500 meals a day to as many as 10,000.

The facility will support the organization’s shelters, community partners and two free grocery stores. It will also serve as a culinary training space for people facing barriers to employment.

Coup de cœur

Welcome Hall Mission’s new kitchen is a reminder that a well‑designed project can nourish people in the literal sense, but also restore purpose, skills and momentum. In a period filled with stories of cuts and gridlock, this kind of initiative is genuinely uplifting.

In Closing

Thank you for starting your day with us.

Take what you need from this roundup, keep an eye on what affects your daily life, and move into your morning with a bit more clarity, and ideally, no unpleasant surprises in the fridge. ☕

Laval QC ☕ Morning Coffee Chat

Good morning,

We’re starting the day with a pretty full lineup… a mix of stories touching on health, public services, safety, politics, and a few very down‑to‑earth issues that shape our daily life.

Here’s the quick version, followed by a bit more context for the stories worth lingering on.

Top Stories This Morning

• Digital health file: specialists shift strategy The Federation of Medical Specialists is changing its approach after three years of negotiations with the Quebec government.
• Quebec and pharmacists reach a tentative agreement The deal aims to withdraw an amendment in Bill 15 that would have capped certain professional fees.
• The Canadiens look to keep their momentum After a string of strong results, the team heads into tonight’s game with a chance to solidify its playoff position. We’ll see if the trend holds.
• Montreal considers a new bylaw after misogynistic insults toward a police officer The Montreal Police Brotherhood is calling for a new municipal measure.

To Watch

• FIFA 2026 ticket fraud The Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre warns that some victims only discover the scam when their tickets are rejected at the gate.
• Public transit funding Quebec and Ottawa still haven’t reached an agreement on the new Canada Public Transit Fund.
• HelloFresh food recall Several cheeses included in certain meal kits are under a national recall due to possible Listeria contamination.
• Two men injured in a Montreal bar A stabbing in the Sud‑Ouest left two people injured; the suspect fled.

Society & Politics

• Quebec Liberals catch up to the PQ in voting intentions A Léger poll places both parties at 33% among decided voters.
• Quebec unions rethink their role Several labour organizations are meeting to reassess their image, methods, and connection with members.
• Highly educated immigrant women struggle to have their credentials recognized A new study highlights the complexity of the process and the gap between recognized qualifications and workplace reality.
• Alexandre Boulerice urged to stay with the NDP The Montreal MP is considering whether to join Québec solidaire.

In Depth

HelloFresh cheese recall affects products distributed across Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a national recall for several unbranded cheese portions included in certain HelloFresh meal kits.

The affected products include grated parmesan, cheese curds, feta, goat cheese, and mozzarella.

No illnesses have been reported, but the recall is linked to possible Listeria contamination, the kind of detail most people prefer to check before making dinner, not after.

Going Further

Quebec awards a new government data contract to Amazon

The province has given Amazon another contract to manage government data.

The key point: the data will be handled by a U.S. company rather than a local provider, raising questions about digital sovereignty and how the government chooses its tech partners.

Medical specialists shift tactics in the digital health file

After three years of negotiations with the government, the Federation of Medical Specialists is changing its strategy on the Digital Health Record.

Members will stop boycotting the system, a stance they had taken since February. The decision was made at a general assembly Thursday and shared with members the next day.

The FMSQ says it will re‑engage in order to better highlight the system’s flaws and technical issues.

The shift comes as the federation warns of potential problems with the proposed solution and says it wants to avoid being blamed for any future delays or failures.

Pamela Harvey murder solved after 47 years through forensic analysis and DNA

The Sûreté du Québec has confirmed that Pamela Harvey, who disappeared in 1978 near Greater Sudbury, was the woman found dead in Saint‑Eustache in March 1979.

The identification was made possible through forensic dentistry and DNA analysis using samples preserved since 1979 and family DNA provided in 2018.

Investigators also determined that the suspected perpetrator died in 1979. It’s the kind of case that shows how long some answers take… but that they sometimes arrive all the same.

Gilbert Rozon ordered to pay more than $880,000 to eight of nine plaintiffs

The Quebec Superior Court has ordered Rozon to pay $880,000 to eight of the nine women involved in this civil case.

The plaintiffs had sought nearly $14 million in damages. This ruling ends a 10‑month civil trial and closes a file that has occupied a lot of public space.

Coup de Cœur

There aren’t always bright, clear‑cut good‑news stories in a morning brief, but there’s something deeply human in the simple fact that some truths eventually get acknowledged. When a long silence finally gives way to an answer, even a late one, it matters.

Before We Go

Thanks for starting your day with us.

Wishing you a good Tuesday, a perfectly warm coffee, and just enough calm to take all this in without needing a second update before noon. ☕

Laval, QC ☕ Morning Briefing

Good morning,

We’re starting today with concrete local happenings: a strike at Metro in Laval and the full return of regular service at the STL. Beyond that, we’re keeping an eye on a few Quebec and Canadian stories that are likely to make headlines today.

The Daily Rundown

• Strike at Metro’s fruit and vegetable distribution centre in Laval: An open‑ended strike began Monday and also affects the company’s head office and drivers in Rivière‑des‑Prairies.
• STL restores regular service: Service cuts introduced earlier in March have ended sooner than expected.
• Montreal municipal professionals on a one‑day strike: They’re demanding wage increases that keep pace with inflation.
• Public inquiry begins into deaths involving heavy trucks in Quebec: Hearings start Monday at the Montreal courthouse.
• Air Canada CEO announces he will step down in 2026: The company says succession planning is already underway.
• Most Canadians support banning social media for youth under 16: An Angus Reid poll puts support at 75%.

Local Stories

• Metro strike in Laval: The dispute affects 550 workers and centres on wages, subcontracting for drivers, remote work for head‑office staff, and health and safety issues.
• STL back to normal: The agency says it now has enough buses in good condition to resume full service.

Elsewhere

• Freezing rain warning for Montreal and nearby regions: Up to 10 mm expected between Tuesday and Wednesday, with potentially slippery conditions.
• Canadiens win their fifth straight: Montreal beat Carolina for the second time in six days.
• Quebec awards new contract to Amazon: Government data management will go to the U.S. company rather than a local provider.

Top Story

Strike at Metro in Laval hits a key hub for fruit and vegetable supply

An open‑ended strike began Monday at Metro’s fruit and vegetable distribution centre in Laval, as well as at the company’s head office. The movement also includes drivers from the Mérite 1 warehouse in Rivière‑des‑Prairies.

In total, 550 workers are affected. The Laval centre supplies roughly 1,000 Metro stores across Quebec, giving the conflict immediate weight.

Issues on the table include wages, subcontracting for drivers, remote‑work rules for head‑office employees, and workplace health and safety.

The union says the strike is open‑ended but has not indicated whether it could become unlimited. Metro had not commented at the time of writing.

In Depth

STL ends service reductions introduced earlier in March

The Société de transport de Laval has restored regular service after suspending part of its routes starting March 10.

At the time, major delays in routine bus maintenance, tied to parts shortages and equipment management issues, forced the cancellation of dozens of peak‑hour departures.

The STL now says it has enough buses in good condition. It has also implemented short‑term measures and begun reviewing certain processes to prevent a repeat of the situation.

Public inquiry opens into deaths involving heavy trucks in Quebec

A coroner’s public inquiry begins Monday at the Montreal courthouse into several fatal collisions involving heavy trucks.

Hearings will run over five weeks between March 30 and November 13. The review includes deaths that occurred in Boucherville and Ange‑Gardien in 2025.

The goal is to better understand the causes and contributing factors behind these collisions and to issue recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

Air Canada prepares for leadership transition as Michael Rousseau announces departure

Air Canada says CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

The company says succession planning has been underway for more than two years, and a global external search began in January 2026.

His departure follows criticism over a condolence message delivered almost entirely in English after the LaGuardia crash. In Quebec, CAQ leadership candidates reacted by saying the next CEO should be bilingual.

Most Canadians support banning social media for youth under 16

An Angus Reid poll shows that 75% of Canadians would support banning social media for youth under 16.

Among parents with children at home, support dips slightly but remains high at 70%. The poll also shows most Canadians don’t believe teens use these platforms responsibly.

Another notable detail: more respondents believe regulation should fall to parents rather than government. As usual, everyone wants a solution, just not the same one.

Bright Spot

The STL’s faster‑than‑expected return to regular service deserves a small shout‑out. When public transit runs the way it’s supposed to, it’s not flashy — but for a lot of people, it’s a genuinely good, concrete piece of news.

To Wrap Up

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this morning.

We’ll let you start your day with the essentials in hand, already a small victory before the first spilled coffee. ☕

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Saturday!

Tonight, Laval becomes the centre of Quebec politics. Meanwhile, a Canadian is preparing to circle the Moon, the Blue Jays walked it off in the ninth inning last night, and we’ve got a few local stories worth two minutes of your attention before you start your day.

---

The Essentials This Morning

CAQ debate in Laval tonight Fréchette and Drainville face off for the last time before the CAQ leadership vote on April 12. Between 300 and 400 people are expected; the event will also be streamed online.

Vaillancourt sues the City of Laval The former mayor, previously convicted, is suing the City, seemingly accusing it of being the source of a Radio‑Canada report.

Laval police HQ: faulty door, $21,000 guard Mechanical issues at the entrance of the West police station have required a full‑time security guard since February. A door replacement is imminent.

Montréal & Area

Blue‑collar strike in April Montréal’s blue‑collar workers (CUPE 301) will hold a three‑day strike from April 15 to 18. Their collective agreement expired in December 2024; the main issue is wages.

Mirko D’Agata crowned best pizzaiolo in the world The Montréal chef wins the top prize at the world’s most prestigious pizzeria competition.

Nuits Montréal The City authorizes 21 establishments to stay open later under a new nighttime certification.

Eid dinner in Pierrefonds Hilm and the CYD Centre brought together dozens of community leaders and cultural groups for an intercommunity Eid dinner Thursday night — the third of its kind at the CYD Centre.

Tributes to LaGuardia pilots The bodies of Quebec pilot Antoine Forest and first officer Mackenzie Gunther, killed in a March 22 collision at LaGuardia, were repatriated on March 26. A memorial of flowers and photos has formed at Trudeau Airport.

Quebec

CLSC for all Minister Bélanger announces that every Quebecer will be affiliated with a local CLSC, with 100 new integrated access points planned over five years and a unified digital platform, “Votre Santé.”

Medication fees & insurers An amendment would allow Quebec to cap medication fees billed to private insurers. Some pharmacists walked out in protest.

CAQ leadership: Carmant backs Fréchette The former minister supports Christine Fréchette, who now has nearly 40 caucus endorsements, compared with about 15 for Drainville.

Colabor Group The Quebec food‑distribution company, carrying $159M in debt, is finalizing four transactions to sell the business in pieces.

Across Canada

Canada & NATO Ottawa confirms it has reached the 2% of GDP defence‑spending target. Carney announces an additional $3B for Atlantic military infrastructure.

NDP — results Sunday Candidates deliver their final speeches this morning in Winnipeg. The new leader will be announced Sunday through a ranked ballot.

Carney budget adopted Bill C‑15 received royal assent Thursday, confirming a $78.3B deficit for the current fiscal year.

Blue Jays win 3–2 in opener Kevin Gausman sets a franchise record with 11 strikeouts, and the Jays win in the ninth inning to open their 50th season.

Early retirement in the federal public service The government launches its workforce‑reduction program announced in fall 2025.

International

Henry Lee dies at 87 The world‑renowned forensic scientist known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial and for building the forensic‑science program at the University of New Haven died Friday in Nevada.

Ukraine Russia launched more than 270 drones overnight, killing at least five people, including two in Odesa where a maternity ward was damaged. Zelensky visited the UAE and Qatar to discuss anti‑drone defence cooperation.

Main Story

The final Fréchette–Drainville debate takes place tonight in Laval : Quebec’s next premier will be known April 12

Tonight, Laval hosts the second and final debate in the CAQ leadership race. Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville will face off before an audience of 300 to 400 people. The event will also be streamed online and will cover health care, social services, immigration and identity, public safety, housing, and education.

Both candidates emphasized health care this week. Fréchette proposes virtual waiting rooms for non‑priority patients to avoid physical‑network delays. Drainville focuses on reimbursing certain private specialist consultations and allowing private‑sector doctors to provide services in the public system.

On immigration, both oppose Minister Roberge’s abolition of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Fréchette wants to relaunch it for two years to ensure an orderly transition. Drainville proposes grandfather clauses for temporary workers in priority sectors like health and education.

On housing, Fréchette wants to reimburse the welcome tax for first‑time homebuyers. Drainville goes further: he proposes that the province advance up to 20% of the cost of a new home, recovering that share upon resale.

Fréchette has nearly 40 caucus endorsements, including former minister Lionel Carmant. Drainville has about 15. Outgoing premier François Legault says he won’t interfere but confirmed he will be watching the debate. The new CAQ leader, and Quebec’s next premier, will be elected April 12 by the party’s roughly 20,600 members.

In Depth

Yanar Mohammed, Iraqi activist born in Baghdad and Toronto resident, assassinated March 2

Yanar Mohammed founded Iraq’s first women’s shelter and co‑founded a network of safe houses for women fleeing violence and exploitation, including Yazidi women who survived ISIS. She had lived in Toronto since 1995 after obtaining refugee status in Canada, where she worked as an architect.

On March 2, she was shot by two armed men on a motorcycle outside her home in Baghdad and died of her injuries in hospital. The week she died, she had been giving a lecture on the treatment of Yazidi women by ISIS.

Canada’s embassy in Baghdad issued a joint statement with several allied countries condemning her assassination and praising her work defending women’s rights. Iraqi authorities have opened an investigation.

Canadian feminist activists urge the public not to look away, citing rising authoritarianism and cuts to international aid as conditions that enable the kind of violence that killed Mohammed.

Jeremy Hansen will be the first Canadian to travel to the Moon on the next Artemis mission

NASA has unveiled the crew for the upcoming Artemis mission, which will circle the Moon without landing or entering lunar orbit, but will travel farther into space than any crew since Apollo. Jeremy Hansen, from Ontario, will be making his first spaceflight.

He will fly alongside commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch, who holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman (328 days). Glover is one of NASA’s few Black astronauts. The mission reflects the diversification of American astronautics since Apollo.

Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009 and named to the Artemis crew in 2023. A physicist and military pilot by training, he says looking at the Moon now feels different: “I now understand, in detail, just how much harder it is than I thought.”

In Laval, the police HQ has had a faulty door since opening : the temporary fix has cost $21,000

It’s not dramatic, but it’s the kind of detail Laval taxpayers deserve to know.

The employee entrance at the West police station has had mechanical issues since shortly after the building opened. The cause: heavy use and strong winds. Several repair attempts failed, and the City concluded a full replacement is needed. Installation of a new door is expected soon.

In the meantime, a full‑time security guard has been on duty since early February as part of a broader security contract. Cost so far: $21,289. In March, two incidents involved a guard who failed to perform his duties; he has since been replaced, and the City says supervision has been strengthened with the contractor.

The City maintains that the measures in place are effective and that repeated reports of unauthorized access “do not reflect the reality on the ground.”

Spotlight

Last night in Pierrefonds, dozens of people from very different communities sat down together for a meal. There were elected officials, organizations, cultural leaders. No cameras, no heavy agenda — just people eating and talking. It was the third gathering of its kind at the CYD Centre, and in the current climate, it’s exactly the kind of quiet event that builds something lasting.

See You Monday

Have a great day, Laval. Tonight, Quebec politics comes to your doorstep. Tomorrow, we’ll know who leads the NDP. And somewhere, a son of Ontario is preparing to circle the Moon on behalf of the entire country. Not a bad week to follow the news.

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

We’re starting the day together with what matters most — clear, direct, and without detours. A few decisions that could affect daily life, signals worth watching, and a social reality that continues to hit close to home.

Here’s what you need to know today.

⚡ In Brief

• Fire in Duvernay: firefighter injured A firefighter was injured during a fire on Kugler Street in Laval.
• Security reinforced at Laval police station Door malfunctions required a security guard after two uncontrolled access incidents.
• Upcoming strike in Montreal Blue‑collar workers will launch a three‑day strike in April amid a labour dispute.
• Toys “R” Us closing stores The company continues its restructuring and plans to close several Canadian locations, including one in Quebec.
• Sobeys removes some “Buy Canadian” signage The chain says consumers are now more influenced by price than product origin.
• Canada reaches NATO defence target The country now allocates 2% of its GDP to defence, with new investments announced.
• Mikaël Kingsbury announces retirement The Quebec champion will end his career after the Canadian championships.
• Maple syrup production down A prolonged winter has reduced this season’s output by about 30%.
• Pressure on the middle class Organizations denounce the impact of the cost of living as strike actions continue.
• Indigenous alliance to protect caribou Four nations are joining forces despite differing viewpoints.
• Arrest linked to human trafficking A Montreal‑connected suspect was arrested in Alberta in an investigation involving multiple victims.
• $20‑million research program in Montreal The MUHC is launching an initiative to attract international researchers to Quebec.

---

🧭 To Watch

• Worrying social climate A survey shows 75% of Quebecers are concerned about rising violence.
• Departures at the Sûreté du Québec A wave of early retirements is expected among senior staff.
• Controversy over social assistance reform Groups criticize Quebec’s proposed shift toward digital services.

---

⚖️ Justice & Society

• Verdict in the Meriem Boundaoui case The shooter was found guilty of murder; his accomplice was acquitted.
• Gilbert Rozon lawsuit dropped An out‑of‑court settlement ends the dispute with Julie Snyder and Pénélope McQuade.
• Arrest in human trafficking case A Montreal suspect faces several charges related to sexual exploitation.

---

🔴 Lead Story

Quebec wants every citizen linked to a CLSC

The Quebec government has announced a major reform: every citizen will now be affiliated with a CLSC to improve access to primary care.

The goal is to make the CLSC a clear entry point into the health‑care system, as access to family doctors remains difficult for many Quebecers.

The plan also includes new service points and the expansion of a centralized digital platform to simplify appointment booking.

User groups welcome the intention but criticize the implementation delays, calling them too long given current needs.

---

🕊️ In‑Depth Stories

Two deaths among Montreal’s unhoused population: a worsening crisis

Two people experiencing homelessness died within 24 hours in Montreal, reigniting debate over how the crisis is being managed.

The mayor, visibly emotional, acknowledged the limits of current interventions despite new investments to support frontline organizations.

The City plans to fund intervention teams and improve encampment management, but many say resources remain insufficient.

Beyond the announcements, these deaths highlight a persistent reality: despite available tools, people continue to die on the streets.

Toys “R” Us Canada closing more stores

Toys “R” Us Canada is preparing to ask a court for permission to put the company up for sale.

In new court filings, the chain says it has notified landlords at Centre St. Laurent in Ottawa and Woodgate Plaza in St. John’s, Newfoundland, that those stores will soon close.

The documents also show that Toys “R” Us Canada will return those two properties to their landlords, along with two other locations already closed at Niagara Pen Centre in Ontario and in Vaudreuil‑Dorion, Quebec.

These closures come as the retailer prepares to return to court next month to seek approval to launch a sale process.

Montreal man charged with human trafficking arrested in Calgary

A Montreal man accused of human trafficking has been arrested in Calgary, Alberta’s ALERT law‑enforcement teams announced Friday.

According to the agency, Neylson Benoit‑Ancion, 33, was arrested on March 12 with assistance from local police. The arrest follows an investigation launched after a Crime Stoppers tip.

He faces several charges, including human trafficking, obtaining a material benefit from sexual services, procuring, and advertising a person for sexual services.

So far, police have identified two victims. ALERT says additional victims have been identified and are encouraged to come forward.

Benoit‑Ancion has been released from custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 10.

---

💫 Spotlight

In Pierrefonds, an intercommunity Eid dinner brought together dozens of community leaders, elected officials, and organizations from across Montreal to celebrate differences while recognizing shared values of respect, compassion, and community.

---

👋 Before we go

Keeping it simple this morning after a busy week: stay informed, take a coffee break, and move forward one step at a time.

See you tomorrow.

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Thursday!

A court ruling shaking an entire industry, political pressure that refuses to fade, and social realities catching up with Montréal.

Grab your coffee… let’s walk through it together.

⚡ In 30 Seconds (The Essentials)

• End of the taxi‑permit class action in Quebec
• Air Canada’s CEO summoned to Ottawa
• Quebec tourist killed in the Dominican Republic
• Two unhoused people die in Montréal within 24 hours
• Verdict in the Meriem Boundaoui murder case
• Canada faces a shortage of air‑traffic controllers
• Growing concern over the social climate

🚖 Main Story

Taxi permits: Court of Appeal rejects class action, impact felt across Quebec — including in Laval

Quebec’s Court of Appeal has ruled that former taxi‑permit owners are not entitled to additional compensation.

The Court overturned the lower‑court decision and sided with the government, concluding that the permit was not a form of property that could be expropriated, and that the right to operate a taxi still exists — even without the structure that once made it possible to earn a living.

All permits across Quebec are affected, and the consequences are being felt: owners leaving the industry, fewer taxis available, and a market increasingly dominated by a handful of major players.

As MontréalQC recently noted, many observers are wondering what is happening behind the scenes, particularly at the government level. Between regulatory choices, economic pressures, and the interests of major transport players, the reform continues to raise questions about what is truly driving this shift.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs now plan to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

But for many former permit owners, the conclusion is already clear: a profession has disappeared, an industry has collapsed, and an essential public service has weakened across Quebec — Laval included.

🏠 Close to Home — What to Watch

Air Canada CEO summoned to Ottawa despite apology

Air Canada’s CEO will appear before the Official Languages Committee after issuing a condolence message solely in English. The situation sparked strong political and public reaction, reigniting debate over language obligations in Canada.

Two unhoused people die in Montréal within 24 hours

Two people experiencing homelessness died within a single day in Montréal. The mayor acknowledged the limits of current interventions despite available resources, as the situation continues to worsen.

Verdict in the Meriem Boundaoui murder case

The shooter has been found guilty of first‑degree murder in the 2021 Saint‑Léonard shooting. His co‑accused was acquitted. The case had deeply shaken Quebec and renewed concerns about gun violence.

🌍 Beyond Our Region — What You Need to Know

Canada short 1,500 air‑traffic controllers

Retirements are outpacing new hires, raising concerns about delays and air‑traffic management.

CUSM program aims to attract international researchers

A $20‑million initiative seeks to recruit up to 100 researchers to strengthen Quebec’s biomedical research sector.

⚡ In Brief

Quebec / Montréal / Laval

• Laval must pay $1M in the Vaillancourt case; the minister will be required to testify
• Royalmount bans dogs due to cleanliness issues
• Opposition grows to Bill 20 on housing
• Quebec universities drop in international rankings
• 75% of Quebecers concerned about the social climate
• Cottage prices expected to rise

Canada

• Dairy product recall (Québon, Natrel, Farmers)
• Trans Mountain pipeline now at full capacity
• Canada reaches 2% of GDP in defence spending
• New bill targets electoral deepfakes
• Ban on vote‑for‑donation schemes in political races

International

• U.S. troops deployed to the Middle East
• Russia claims to have shot down nearly 400 Ukrainian drones
• UN announces aid plan for Cuba

🧩 To Watch

Five arrests linked to a murder at Bordeaux prison

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with a killing inside a Montréal detention facility. They could face serious charges, including first‑degree murder.

🎭 Society & Politics

• Éric Caire to leave political life
• Gilbert Rozon ends his lawsuit

💬 Final Word

A decision reshaping an industry, tensions that refuse to fade, and social realities that demand attention.

What’s shifting isn’t just the news… it’s the balance of several systems at once.

Take care, and see you tomorrow. ☕

---

Your morning dose of Laval

Don’t miss the essentials — subscribe

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Wednesday!

A young tourist from Lanaudière has died in the Dominican Republic, freezing rain is expected tomorrow morning, and Air Canada’s CEO is making headlines over official languages. Grab your coffee and let’s go through it together.

---

⚡ In 30 Seconds (The Essentials)

💔 A 19‑year‑old from Sainte‑Julienne killed in the Dominican Republic
🌧️ Freezing rain expected Thursday morning in Montréal
💙 Wave of support in Coteau‑du‑Lac after the death of pilot Antoine Forest
🗳️ Write‑in ballot for the Terrebonne by‑election
⚖️ Quebec defends Bill 21 before the Supreme Court
🦜 Lac‑Saint‑Joseph parrots allowed to stay
🔫 Gunfire at a business in LaSalle

---

🏠 Local Stories

Air Canada CEO summoned to Ottawa

Michael Rousseau will have to explain himself before the Official Languages Committee after issuing a condolence message entirely in English to the families of the two pilots killed at LaGuardia.

The situation has sparked strong political and public backlash. His video, which includes only two words in French, “bonjour” and “merci”, generated 84 complaints to the Commissioner of Official Languages and drew sharp criticism in Quebec City, Ottawa, and across social media. Rousseau must appear for one hour no later than May 1.

---

Freezing rain expected Thursday morning in Montréal

A brief but potentially dangerous period of freezing rain is expected to sweep across Greater Montréal overnight, raising concerns about slippery roads and difficult travel during Thursday’s morning commute.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says a warm front moving into the region will begin with light snow this evening before shifting to freezing rain overnight and early Thursday. Up to two millimetres of ice may accumulate, creating slick conditions on untreated roads, sidewalks, and overpasses.

Drivers are urged to use caution, as the timing could slow down the morning rush. Temperatures should rise above freezing Thursday morning, turning precipitation to rain and reducing the risk of further ice buildup. The high will reach 9°C.

Friday will bring sunshine with a high near 0°C, followed by a sharp drop to –12°C Friday night. The weekend will be mostly sunny but cold.

---

Gunfire at a business in LaSalle

Shots were fired at a business in the LaSalle borough Tuesday night. Montréal police were alerted around 2:30 a.m. after an employee discovered a bullet impact on the door of a business on Newman Boulevard.

According to early information, a bullet impact and shell casings were found at the scene. Surveillance footage confirmed the incident occurred at 12:30 a.m., when a suspect fired at the establishment. No 911 call was made at the time; an employee later notified police. No arrests have been made.

---

🌍 Around the World & Across Canada

🏒 Jakub Dobes: the competitiveness driving the Canadiens
⛷️ Valérie Grenier wins the giant slalom in Hafjell
🎬 Canadian Screen Awards: Folichonneries and 40 Acres lead
🪖 First World War soldier identified a century after his death
🏛️ Meta fined $375M for endangering children
🛢️ Energy infrastructure at the heart of the Iran–U.S. conflict
🪖 1,000 U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne headed to the Middle East
🇷🇺 Russia: nearly 400 Ukrainian drones shot down
✈️ Runway incursions rising in Canada, warns the TSB
🧬 Mammals cannot be cloned indefinitely
⛽ The Iran conflict is influencing gas prices in Canada

---

💫 Spotlight

💙 Coteau‑du‑Lac mourns pilot Antoine Forest

Since Monday evening, hundreds of residents have been calling town hall to offer condolences, and the town’s Facebook page has been flooded with heartfelt messages. In a small community of 7,800 people, everyone knows someone connected to the family.

---

🚗 Practical Info

• Weather: Freezing rain Thursday morning, up to 2 mm of ice. High of 9°C Thursday. Sunny Friday near 0°C, dropping to –12°C at night. Cold but sunny weekend.
• Roads: Expect delays Thursday morning due to icy conditions.

---

⚡ In Brief — Other Headlines

🏥 Second death in less than a month at Donnacona Institution
💻 Delays and failures in Quebec’s digital welfare system
🎓 Quebec tries to “reset” messaging on international students
💰 Brookfield and the Caisse to acquire Boralex
🎬 Julien Lacroix announces he is stepping away
📉 Quebec universities fall in international rankings
✍️ No francophones on Mark Carney’s speechwriting team

---

💔 Top Story

Dominican Republic tragedy: young man from Sainte‑Julienne shot and killed

A 19‑year‑old from Sainte‑Julienne, in the Lanaudière region, was killed in the Dominican Republic on March 23, 2026.

Tristan Primeau‑Poitras was travelling with his family in Puerto Plata. According to local media, he was shot while riding a scooter with his brother around 5 a.m. and later died in hospital. His brother said they had left the hotel to get a sandwich.

A police investigation is underway. Local reports suggest the suspects may have been attempting to steal the scooter, but this has not been confirmed.

Friends and relatives paid tribute to Tristan on social media, saying he “brought light everywhere he went.”

---

👋 Before We Go

A day marked by tragedy in the Dominican Republic, weather that demands extra caution tomorrow, and a mix of local and international stories to follow.

Stay safe on the roads Thursday, bundle up… and have a good Wednesday ☕

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Tuesday!

A pedestrian is fighting for their life after a crash in Terrebonne, the new terminal at Saint‑Hubert Airport will open in June, and the STM has finally reached a tentative agreement with its maintenance workers after two years of negotiations.

Grab your coffee… here’s what you need to know today.

⚡ Top Stories

Saint‑Hubert Airport to open its new terminal on June 15

The Montréal Metropolitan Airport, located in the Saint‑Hubert borough of Longueuil, has announced that its new terminal will open on June 15.

Officials say the facility will initially host operations from Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation, offering flights to destinations across Canada. More carriers may be added later on.

The airport aims to position itself as a hub for direct flights operated exclusively with quieter, more fuel‑efficient narrow‑body aircraft.

An express shuttle, the METbus, will connect the Longueuil–Université‑de‑Sherbrooke metro station to the airport’s drop‑off area, which will feature three lanes.

The 21,000‑square‑metre terminal includes nine boarding gates and a spacious lounge that can accommodate up to 900 passengers.

Construction began in August 2023. The terminal was originally scheduled to open in 2024, but the launch date was pushed back several times.

Its location is expected to improve access for more than three million Quebecers living in Montréal, Montérégie, and the Eastern Townships.

All shops and restaurants will be Quebec‑based, including a Baton Rouge, a Café Dépôt, and a convenience store.

LaGuardia crash: Pilot’s brother shares emotional tribute

The brother of pilot Antoine Forest, who died in the crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, shared a heartfelt message on social media following the tragedy.

An Air Canada plane carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck during landing Sunday night, killing the pilot and co‑pilot and injuring several others.

Cédric Forest honoured his brother in a touching message: “Safe flight, my brother. We’ve heard that phrase so many times, but this time it will be the last. You were always coming and going, always full of new projects. You’ve left us once again, too soon to say goodbye. I love you, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.”

Jeannette Gagnier, Forest’s great‑aunt, confirmed his identity. She said he saw her as a grandmother figure and had always dreamed of becoming a pilot.

STM reaches tentative agreement with maintenance workers after two years

A tentative agreement has finally been reached through conciliation between the Société de transport de Montréal and the union representing its 2,400 maintenance employees.

The conciliator’s proposal, which the union’s bargaining committee will recommend, will be presented to members in the coming weeks.

“After a final round of conciliation and a whirlwind of activity over the past few days, we have reached a responsible tentative agreement that includes compromises from both sides,” said STM CEO Marie‑Claude Léonard.

Negotiations with this CSN‑affiliated union have been ongoing for two years. Four strikes took place in June, September–October, November, and December–January, ranging from overtime refusals to essential‑service strikes.

The main issues were subcontracting and wages.

---

💔 A story drawing particular attention this morning:

💔 Main Story

Terrebonne: Pedestrian fighting for life after being struck by a vehicle

A pedestrian is in critical condition after being hit by a driver Monday evening in Terrebonne, in the Lanaudière region.

The crash happened around 7:50 p.m. on Philippe‑Chartrand Street in the La Plaine sector, according to a statement from the Terrebonne Police Service.

When officers arrived, they “found that a vehicle had collided with a pedestrian,” the statement said.

The victim, who suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital “where their life is in danger.”

No further information has been released for now regarding the pedestrian or the driver.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Philippe‑Chartrand Street was temporarily closed to traffic while officers examined the scene.

---

🌍 In the meantime, further out:

🌍 Noteworthy

World

🌍 Iran strikes Israel as uncertainty remains over possible talks Confusion persists over potential peace discussions following contradictory comments from Trump.

🌏 Is China taking advantage of the Middle East conflict? According to Philippe Leblanc, the situation presents China with an opportunity to strengthen its geopolitical influence.

🌙 NASA abandons its lunar station project This announcement is the latest shake‑up to the Artemis space program.

🛩️ Colombia: At least 66 dead in military plane crash The crash killed 58 soldiers, six air force members, and two police officers.

🇩🇰 Denmark heads into tight legislative elections Mette Frederiksen could secure a third consecutive mandate thanks to her stance against Trump on Greenland.

Canada

📚 Student visas: Auditor General calls for more investigations Conditions for 150,000 study permits may not have been respected between 2023 and 2024.

⚖️ Trial over starved child’s death: Final arguments Lawyers for Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber argue their clients had no criminal intent.

🗳️ Former NDP candidate says she would now vote Liberal Many traditionally NDP‑leaning voters say they are satisfied with Mark Carney’s record.

🏝️ P.E.I. legislative session resumes amid election rumours The reopening of the legislature in Charlottetown has been postponed twice since February 20.

Culture & Society

🎬 Céline Dion concert in Paris? Rumours resurface Posters featuring iconic Céline Dion song titles appeared across Paris on Monday.

🏛️ Honoré Beaugrand named a historical figure of Quebec The author of La Chasse‑galerie was also a journalist, editorialist, and mayor of Montréal from 1885 to 1887.

---

🏠 Closer to Home:

🏠 Local Stories

Coroner’s inquest: Four deaths on construction sites

Coroner Andrée Kronström began a public inquiry on Monday to determine the circumstances and all contributing factors behind the deaths of four workers on construction sites in Quebec.

The four deaths under review are: • Vito Fundaro, June 19, 2024, in Montréal • Médrik Lincourt, August 4, 2025, in Terrebonne • Maxime Forget, August 21, 2024, in Brownsburg‑Chatham • Mario Ross, April 4, 2025, in Drummondville

Fundaro died after being struck by a pole that fell from a high‑rise building. Lincourt died when the bucket of an excavator detached and fell into an excavation where he was working. Forget, who was acting as a traffic signaller, was crushed by a backhoe during a reversing manoeuvre. Ross, assigned to traffic control, was fatally struck by a truck backing up to access the site.

The first witnesses heard, from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and the CNESST, explained the role and operations of their respective organizations. The RBQ reported that in 2024–2025, it employed 110 inspectors and carried out 14,284 inspections. The CNESST employs 314 inspectors, including 200 in facilities and 86 dedicated to construction sites.

In 2024, the CNESST recorded 74 accidental deaths across all sectors, including 16 in construction (22%). Hearings continue until March 27 and will resume in the spring and fall.

Four provinces call for more power in appointing judges

The premiers of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are jointly asking the federal government to give them more authority in appointing judges to their superior courts and courts of appeal.

In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, they argue that active provincial participation would ensure judicial appointments “appropriately reflect the diversity and unique needs of each province and territory.”

The premiers want the federal government to choose from a pool of candidates recommended and approved by the provinces.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser says this is not something his government is considering at the moment.

He says the federal government already consults provinces and territories during the process to gather feedback, and that the current system works well.

National Bank CEO urges faster action

The CEO of National Bank of Canada says the bank is not changing its strategy due to the war in the Middle East, but he is urging Canada to respond more quickly to growing international threats.

Speaking at the bank’s financial services conference in Montréal, Laurent Ferreira said the country must move faster to reduce internal trade barriers and increase energy supplies.

He argues that Canada should look to export more liquefied natural gas to the West, transport more gas eastward to Ontario, Quebec and beyond, and even consider reviving the Keystone pipeline project to the United States.

Ferreira says that because the world is “dangerous,” Canada must set politics aside and start thinking about the future and what the country can offer.

He adds that Canadian banks are well‑capitalized and ready to support government efforts.

Canadians making fewer trips to the United States

New data from Statistics Canada shows that the number of Canadian residents making round trips to the United States declined in January 2026 compared to last year.

StatCan reports that Canadians made 2.1 million round trips to the U.S. in January, a 22% drop from January 2025. This marks the 13th consecutive month of year‑over‑year decline.

Meanwhile, trips to Canada by U.S. residents fell 0.3% compared to January 2025.

Compared to last year, StatCan notes that: • round trips by Canadians to overseas countries increased 10.6% • overseas travel to Canada decreased 2.1%

In January, the top three countries of residence for overseas visitors to Canada were Mexico, the United Kingdom, and France.

Money plays a major role in Canadians’ relationships

A new H&R Block Canada survey suggests that financial considerations strongly influence why Canadians stay in relationships.

According to the data: • nearly 73% of Canadians believe people stay in marriages or common‑law relationships for financial reasons • 80% say life is more affordable as a couple

Money also appears to influence commitment: 27% of respondents say they would consider leaving their partner if they won the lottery.

Nearly one in four Canadians likes the idea of a “renewable five‑year relationship contract” instead of a lifelong marriage.

The survey also found that 83% of Canadians believe couples often stay together for the sake of their children, while 40% say marriage is mainly practical when kids are involved.

More than half believe married or common‑law couples receive more tax benefits than single people. Conversely, 63% say single Canadians should receive more tax relief since they do not share living expenses.

In Brief

⚖️ Bill 21: Seven Supreme Court judges hear the case Canada’s highest court began hearing arguments on Monday, starting with the appellants.

🐾 End of pet bans in leases? The Administrative Housing Tribunal has allowed a tenant to keep their dog despite a no‑pets clause, raising questions about the future of such restrictions.

🏠 Airbnb mobilizes hosts to pressure Montréal Airbnb has urged its hosts to ask Montréal’s city council to loosen short‑term rental regulations.

🚚 Truck pollution: Doctors denounce serious negligence Quebec authorities were aware of widespread fraud involving truck anti‑pollution systems for at least three years and did nothing, according to physicians.

⚖️ Fonderie Horne: Delaying targets will have consequences Public health officials warn of increased risks of neurodevelopmental issues in children if emission targets for the Horne smelter are pushed back.

🏥 Forced hospitalization: Quebec wants to ease criteria A fatal stabbing in a Montréal convenience store has reignited debate over the application of Law P‑38 concerning dangerous mental states.

🗳️ Maïté Blanchette Vézina joins the Conservatives The former CAQ MNA will run for the Conservative Party of Quebec in the next election in the riding of La Peltrie.

---

💫 Spotlight

The brother of pilot Antoine Forest, Cédric, shared a moving tribute following the LaGuardia tragedy: “Safe flight, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.” A moment of grief that reminds us of the humanity behind every tragedy.

---

🚗 Practical Corner

Saint‑Hubert Airport: The new terminal will open on June 15 with Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation. A METbus shuttle will connect the Longueuil–Université‑de‑Sherbrooke metro station to the airport.

Terrebonne: Philippe‑Chartrand Street in the La Plaine sector was temporarily closed Monday night following a collision involving a pedestrian.

---

👋 Before We Go

A day marked by tragedy in Terrebonne, good news for air travel with the new Saint‑Hubert terminal, and finally a tentative agreement at the STM after two long years.

Take care on the roads, and have a great Tuesday! ☕

---

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Monday! Two Canadian pilots have died in an accident in New York, gas prices in Montreal are nearing $2 per litre, and 55,000 Quebec students have launched a week‑long strike to protest austerity in education. Grab your coffee — here’s your morning news roundup.

✈️ Top Story

Tragedy in New York: Two Canadian pilots killed in collision at LaGuardia Airport

A regional Air Canada aircraft struck a fire truck on a runway while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night.

A pilot and co‑pilot based in Canada were killed, authorities confirmed.

The airport is expected to remain closed until 2 p.m. Monday as the investigation continues.

There were 72 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft, a Jazz Aviation flight operated on behalf of Air Canada.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

🎗️ Amber Alert lifted: Two children found safe The two children were abducted Saturday evening in the Trois‑Rivières area.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches on through the snow in Montreal As tradition dictates, the 201st edition of the Irish parade kicked off at noon.

💧 Water infrastructure: A public safety issue Political parties in Quebec are being urged to prioritize water infrastructure. “Funding water services is now a matter of public safety.”

🗳️ Jani Bellefleur‑Kaltush running in Duplessis for Québec solidaire Bellefleur‑Kaltush is a filmmaker from the Innu community of Nutashkuan.

💼 PSPP stands firm on federal job cuts PSPP says federal public servants would lose their jobs in an independent Quebec.

⚖️ Bill 21: Pivotal debate begins at the Supreme Court The Supreme Court will hear the challenge to Quebec’s secularism law this week.

💔 Removing the hijab at work: A heartbreaking choice for some The secularism law in schools forces some workers to comply or lose their jobs.

🤝 Quebec’s community sector demands emergency bargaining table On the eve of an 11‑day strike, community groups say they’re running out of patience.

👶 $10‑a‑day daycare: Cheaper, but not accessible The federal program launched in 2021 has led to a surge in demand.

🧩 Autism in women: Rising diagnoses spark debate More and more adult women are receiving this diagnosis — a trend dividing experts.

🌾 Quebec farmers feeling the impact of the war in Iran Soaring oil and fertilizer prices could send production costs skyrocketing.

🦆 Avian flu: Alberta poultry farmers on alert More than 2.5 million birds have died in Alberta since 2021.

⛷️ Significant avalanche risk in British Columbia The northeast, the Sea‑to‑Sky region, and the Interior are all at risk.

🌡️ Earth accumulated record heat in 2025 According to the UN, 2015–2025 are the 11 hottest years ever recorded.

🚗 Ottawa–Stellantis deal: Brampton plant could have closed The 2022 agreement allowed for a potential closure before 2035 under certain conditions.

🎥 Gisèle Pelicot opens up on Tout le monde en parle “That woman wasn’t me”: Pelicot appeared on the show to discuss her new book Et la joie de vivre.

🎲 Can betting sites predict the future? News‑related betting platforms are exploding in popularity — raising major ethical concerns.

🏗️ Waterloo real estate project raises ethical questions A development involving local officials is drawing scrutiny. One expert says it raises “reasonable doubt” about ethics.

⚖️ Sexual harassment at the Canada Border Services Agency Women experienced sexual harassment at CBSA, according to seven reports. “It’s horrible, but at least they spoke out.”

🏒 Team Canada falls in world curling final The national team led by Kerri Einarson came up short against Switzerland.

🌍 Israel strikes Tehran, IEA issues warning Israel says it expects “several weeks of fighting” and launched new strikes Monday morning.

🇮🇷 Trump announces ‘very good negotiations’ with Iran The president says he delayed strikes on Iranian energy sites by five days.

🛂 ICE deployed in some U.S. airports starting Monday ICE officers will assist agents with passenger security screening.

🇨🇺 Cuba prepares for possible U.S. invasion “Our army is always ready,” said the deputy foreign minister.

⚡ Power restored in Cuba after nationwide blackout It was the second nationwide outage in less than a week.

🇫🇷 Former French prime minister Lionel Jospin dies at 88 He is remembered for the 35‑hour workweek, universal health coverage, and the PACS.

🗳️ Municipal elections in France: The left keeps Paris, Lyon and Marseille Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire succeeds outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo in Paris.

---

⚡ Economy & Society

Montreal gas prices heading toward $2 per litre

Driving in Montreal became more expensive over the weekend as gas prices crept closer to the $2‑per‑litre mark, with the war in the Middle East now entering its fourth week.

The average price for a litre of gas in Montreal was $1.90 on Monday. Some Montrealers reported paying as much as $2.34 on Sunday, according to Essence Montréal.

Diesel prices were significantly higher, with some drivers saying they paid up to $2.55 per litre. The national average on Sunday was $1.72.

Global oil and gas prices have been rising steadily since the United States and Israel launched missile strikes against Iran.

55,000 Quebec students launch week‑long strike over austerity

More than 55,000 CEGEP and university students across the province have begun a week‑long strike to protest austerity measures in the education sector.

Thousands of students from various student unions voted in favour of the strike, organized by the Coalition de résistance pour l’unité étudiante syndicale (CRUES), running from March 23 to 27. CRUES is planning a rally in Montreal on Monday evening.

The group has denounced cuts to education, saying hiring freezes have weakened student services and led to deteriorating infrastructure on campuses.

CRUES argues that the 2.4% increase in education spending announced in the 2026–2027 budget is insufficient.

According to estimates from the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS), the education sector would have needed a 3.8% increase to keep up with rising costs.

Global economy threatened by war in Iran

The head of the International Energy Agency warned Monday that the global economy faces a “major, major threat” due to the war in Iran. “No country will be spared from the effects of this crisis if it continues in this direction,” Fatih Birol said at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra.

The crisis in the Middle East has had a worse impact on oil than the two combined oil shocks of the 1970s, and a worse impact on gas than the Russia‑Ukraine war. Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran early Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump also warned that the United States will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

The oil crises of 1973 and 1979 resulted in a combined loss of 10 million barrels per day. “And today — just today — we have lost 11 million barrels per day, meaning more than two major oil shocks combined.”

The International Energy Agency has released 400 million barrels of oil — “a historic move. We have never released this much oil onto the markets.”

---

🏠 At Home

Victory at the Housing Tribunal: “No‑pets” clauses violate the Charter

The Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL) has ruled that “no‑pets” clauses in leases violate tenants’ rights. In a decision issued on March 12, the tribunal found that clauses prohibiting tenants from owning animals contravene the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

In her ruling, administrative judge Suzzane Guévremont wrote that “a general prohibition on keeping an animal in a dwelling constitutes an oppressive and unacceptable intrusion into a person’s family life, at the very centre of their private life: their home.”

In a statement released Monday, the Montreal SPCA — which intervened in the case — welcomed the decision. The organization notes that, on average, nearly two animals per day are surrendered to the SPCA for this reason.

MPs return to Ottawa: Auditor General’s reports and the war in Iran

Members of Parliament return to the House of Commons today, where the government is expected to face tough questions about new Auditor General reports and the ongoing war in Iran.

Canada’s Auditor General, Karen Hogan, is set to table three audit reports this morning: on reforms to the international student program, recruitment at the RCMP, and the overhaul of the federal public service pay system. MPs will likely be pressed on these reports as well as the conflict in Iran.

Ottawa has indicated it is considering helping Gulf nations and could contribute to efforts to unblock fuel shipments, while stressing it has no intention of joining the U.S. military campaign.

Rumours of party‑switching continue to circulate on Parliament Hill. Three by‑elections will be held on April 13, which could potentially give the Liberals a majority in the House of Commons.

Three April 13 by‑elections could reshape the House of Commons

Three by‑elections will take place on April 13, and the results could affect both the composition and the lifespan of Parliament.

The votes will be held in two safe Liberal seats in the Toronto area and in a contested riding in Quebec, north of Montreal.

Voters in Scarborough Southwest and University—Rosedale will choose new MPs after two former Liberal cabinet ministers resigned.

Bill Blair left his seat to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, while Chrystia Freeland has taken on several new roles, including economic adviser to the Ukrainian president and CEO of the Rhodes Trust.

The third by‑election is in Terrebonne, which was the closest race in the country last April — the Liberals won by a single vote on election night. A legal challenge was filed, and the Supreme Court of Canada overturned the result in February.

If the Liberals hold the two Toronto seats, they will have 172 MPs and a majority in the House of Commons. And if they win in Terrebonne, they will gain that crucial extra vote.

Annette Ryan appears before the Finance Committee

Ottawa’s pick for the next federal budget watchdog must face questions from MPs before she can be confirmed as the next Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Annette Ryan, a longtime public servant and current deputy director at Canada’s financial intelligence agency, Fintrac, was named earlier this month as the cabinet’s choice for the role.

Her appointment must be approved by both the House of Commons and the Senate, and she will take questions from MPs at the Finance Committee this afternoon.

The interim PBO, Jason Jacques, saw his mandate expire in early March, leaving the position vacant… meaning the office cannot publish reports or undertake new work for parliamentarians.

---

💡 Society & Consumer Affairs

Canadians increasingly choosing ad‑supported streaming

Canadians subscribed to streaming platforms faced rising costs again last year, as a new report estimates that the 10 largest providers increased prices by an average of 7%.

The annual Couch Potato report, released Monday by Convergence Research, says consumers continue to turn to services like Netflix, Crave and Disney Plus, even though these streaming giants have raised prices repeatedly in recent years.

The report says ad‑supported plans offer “significant” savings — on average 42% less — compared to similar ad‑free options.

Last year, Netflix increased the monthly cost of its Canadian standard plan with ads from $2 to $7.99, while the price of its standard ad‑free plan rose by $2.50 to $18.99.

Disney Plus also rolled out a price increase for its ad‑free plans in the fall.

Wealth inequality in Canada: 86 billionaire families equal 6.2M households

Canada’s wealth gap is widening, to the point where concentration at the top offsets much of the gains at the bottom.

A recent report from Canadians for Tax Fairness and B.C. Policy Solutions found that 86 billionaire families held as much wealth in 2023 as the 6.2 million least‑wealthy families in the country.

Dylan Dusseault, executive director of Patriotic Millionaires Canada — a group of wealthy Canadians advocating for higher taxes on the rich to combat extreme inequality — reacted to the findings.

Economist Jim Stanford, director of the Centre for Future Work, highlights the loopholes wealthy Canadians benefit from, including preferential tax treatment on capital gains.

---

🌨️ Weather & Practical Corner

Montreal Weather

Days will be milder this week, but nights will remain cold.

Monday: Cold start with a wind chill of –13°C. High of 2°C. 60% chance of snow showers this evening. Low of –8°C.

Tuesday: Sunny with a high of 4°C. Gusts up to 40 km/h. Clouds moving in late afternoon.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud, high of 2°C. Possible snow in the evening. Low of –2°C.

Thursday: Snow or rain, high of 6°C. Rainy evening. Low of –9°C.

Friday: Sunny, high of –4°C. Low of –14°C.

Practical Info

Gas: The average price in Montreal hit $1.90 per litre on Monday, with some stations posting as high as $2.34 per litre.

---

💫 Spotlight

Kudos to the Administrative Housing Tribunal for ruling that “no‑pets” clauses in leases violate Quebec’s Charter of Rights — a decision that could prevent nearly 730 animals a year from being surrendered to the Montreal SPCA.

---

👋 Before We Go

A day marked by tragedy in New York, soaring gas prices, and thousands of students mobilizing for the future of education.

Meanwhile, the war in Iran continues to send shockwaves all the way here.

Stay warm, keep an eye on your gas budget, and take care of yourself. Have a good Monday! ☕

---

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Saturday! A teen has lost her life in a tragic accident in Vaudreuil‑Dorion, the REM is experiencing technical issues this morning, and Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville face off today in their first debate to succeed François Legault. Grab your coffee — here’s your news roundup.

💔 Top Story

A teenage girl dies in a Vaudreuil‑Dorion accident

A teenage girl died after being struck by a vehicle Friday night in Vaudreuil‑Dorion, in the Montérégie region.

Emergency services were called around 8:30 p.m. to the scene of the tragedy, which occurred on Boulevard de la Gare.

“The victim was a minor from Vaudreuil‑Dorion. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene,” said Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Frédéric Deshaies.

“A collision‑scene reconstruction specialist arrived to conduct a detailed analysis in order to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” he added.

The SQ spokesperson said he could not comment on the cause of the crash so as not to interfere with the ongoing investigation. No additional details were available regarding the driver involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

🏙️ The Rundown

🏛️ Rodger Brulotte: Quebec mourns a baseball legend Sports columnist and commentator Rodger Brulotte has died of cancer at age 79. Quebec’s political class, including the premier, paid tribute to him on social media.

⚰️ Farewell to Franco Nuovo Funeral services for Franco Nuovo were held Friday at Notre‑Dame‑de‑la‑Défense Church in Montreal’s Little Italy.

👶 Childcare: Quebec urged not to use the notwithstanding clause The Supreme Court ruled that excluding asylum seekers from subsidized daycare is discriminatory.

💰 Quebec’s public finances remain fragile Deficits continue to pile up, and the path back to balance relies on shaky assumptions.

🎤 La Zarra takes back control with a new album After the Eurovision storm, the Quebec singer returns next Friday with a self‑produced second album, Der Himmel.

🦆 The great snow goose migration Thousands of snow geese are flying more than 3,000 km to Bylot Island in the North.

🏛️ France‑Élaine Duranceau endorses Christine Fréchette Fréchette now has twice as many caucus endorsements as her opponent, Bernard Drainville.

🇺🇦 Zelensky asks Washington for a timeline for talks with Russia Several rounds of discussions between Kyiv and Moscow have taken place in recent months.

📺 Telecommunications: Should customer service be regulated in Canada? Spain has adopted reforms that impose deadlines for resolving disputes.

💻 OpenAI could open a Canadian office Opening a Canadian office is part of OpenAI’s commitments to strengthen its safety practices.

🛢️ Washington eases sanctions on Iranian oil The Trump administration wants to curb soaring energy prices caused by the Middle East war.

🇻🇪 Venezuela’s president continues purging the military Since President Maduro’s abduction, Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he is in charge of Venezuela.

🎸 BTS electrifies Seoul with a massive comeback concert The seven K‑pop members had been on hiatus since 2022 while completing their military service.

🎥 Elon Musk: California jury finds he misled investors A California jury ruled that Elon Musk misled investors during the Twitter acquisition. His lawyers say he intends to appeal.

📰 Judge overturns Pentagon restrictions on the press The new policy had led to most major media outlets losing their accreditation.

🇱🇧 In Tyre, Lebanese residents defy Israel’s evacuation order Radio‑Canada visited the southern Lebanese city, located in an area classified as “red” by Israel.

🏛️ PQ: Federal public‑service cuts in a sovereign Quebec The PQ leader said transition measures would be put in place for affected workers.

🇨🇦 Canada outlines criteria for potential Middle East support Canada remains vague on the Strait of Hormuz but offers some assurances to its Gulf allies.

📺 Online Streaming Act targeted by U.S. bill The law requires major foreign platforms to help fund Canadian content.

🔍 Umar Zameer case: Trust in Toronto police shaken Three experts analyze the crisis of confidence affecting the Toronto police.

🚁 In Ukraine, at the heart of the drone war Journalist Marie‑Eve Bédard reports from near the front line in Ukraine.

💳 AccèsD: New credit‑card balance display causing confusion The displayed amount excludes authorized but unbilled transactions and payments still being processed.

---

🔹 Key Highlights

Ottawa cutting 12,000 federal public‑service jobs

Federal departments and agencies plan to eliminate more than 12,000 full‑time equivalent positions over the next three years as part of the Carney government’s spending review.

Among the planned job cuts: • 1,793 positions at Public Services and Procurement Canada • 900 at Statistics Canada • 942 at Health Canada

The Canadian Space Agency plans to end work on the LEAP Lunar Rover mission. The Canada Revenue Agency will close business units that no longer align with government priorities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada will reduce the Low Carbon Economy Fund. Library and Archives Canada will gradually scale back its access‑to‑information and privacy‑related functions.

Federal unions are sounding the alarm, concerned about the scale of the cuts.

First CAQ leadership debate: Fréchette and Drainville face off today

Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville, the two candidates vying to succeed François Legault, will face each other for the first time today in Quebec City.

They will debate major issues including the economy, public finances, infrastructure, transportation, regional development, and Canada–U.S. relations.

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) expects around 300 people to attend the debate, held at Espace Saint‑Grégoire, a former church converted into an event venue.

The debate will also be streamed online.

The CAQ has just under 20,600 members eligible to vote for their next leader.

Most NDP leadership candidates in no rush to enter Parliament

Four of the five candidates in the federal NDP leadership race say they won’t be in a hurry to enter the House of Commons if they win, a stance the only sitting MP in the race calls “a bit strange.”

Filmmaker Avi Lewis says that if he becomes leader next week, his priority will be preparing party activists for an election.

Three other candidates, union leader Rob Ashton, farmer Tony McQuail, and social worker Tanille Johnston agree that securing a seat in the Commons is not their immediate priority.

Voting in the six‑month leadership race ends March 28. The new NDP leader will be announced March 29.

Israel threatens to intensify strikes on Iran; Trump talks withdrawal

Israel’s defence minister warned Saturday of stepped‑up attacks on Iran, while the U.K. condemned Tehran for targeting a joint U.S.–U.K. base in the Indian Ocean. The Middle East war has now entered its fourth week.

The Iranian strike on the Diego Garcia air base, roughly 4,000 kilometres from Iran, suggests Tehran has longer‑range missiles than previously acknowledged.

Also on Saturday, Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was hit by an airstrike, according to an official Iranian news agency. Authorities say there was no radiation leak.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he is considering reducing military operations in the Middle East, even as the U.S. deploys three additional amphibious assault ships and about 2,500 Marines to the region.

Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia kills two

A Russian drone attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least two people, a Ukrainian official said, ahead of expected talks between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Regional head Ivan Fedorov said a man and a woman were killed and two children injured when a Russian drone struck a private home Saturday morning.

The attack comes as U.S.–Ukraine talks are expected later today in Miami, according to Ukrainian state media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday night that he has sent an official delegation to the U.S. to restart discussions, suspended for several weeks, under American mediation, in hopes of ending the Russian invasion.

Justin Timberlake: Video of his 2024 arrest released

Justin Timberlake struggled to complete sobriety tests requiring him to walk in a straight line and stand on one leg after being stopped in the Hamptons in 2024 by police who suspected him of impaired driving. The video footage was released Friday.

The recordings, which run about eight hours, include the initial traffic stop. According to Sag Harbor police, Timberlake ran a stop sign, drifted out of his lane, and exited his BMW smelling of alcohol in June 2024.

He later pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024. He was fined $500, ordered to complete 25 hours of community service, and had his licence suspended for 90 days.

Iran executes three young men, raising fears of a wider crackdown

A 19‑year‑old star wrestler and two other young men were executed in Iran this week, alarming human‑rights groups who fear a wave of executions as authorities, facing relentless U.S. and Israeli attacks, try to suppress public dissent.

The three men are the first to be executed among the tens of thousands arrested during a January crackdown on nationwide protests. Rights groups say more than 100 others could face death sentences.

Wrestler Saleh Mohammadi was hanged early Thursday morning along with Mehdi Qasemi and Saeed Davoudi in Qom, south of Tehran. They were convicted of “moharebeh,” or “waging war against God,” for allegedly killing two police officers during protests.

Amnesty International says the convictions stemmed from “grossly unfair trials” based on confessions obtained under torture.

Russia blocks protests against Telegram censorship

Authorities in nearly a dozen Russian regions have recently used various pretexts to block protests against internet censorship and the government’s move to restrict the popular messaging app Telegram. In most cases, they succeeded.

The Telegram crackdown is the latest step in Russia’s effort to bring the internet under state control. Thousands of websites and platforms are already blocked, as are many VPNs used to bypass censorship.

Telegram, Russia’s second‑most‑popular messaging app after WhatsApp, is widely used by government agencies for official communications.

Authorities are now urging users to switch to MAX, a government‑backed messaging app critics call a surveillance tool.

Unconfirmed media reports suggest a full Telegram ban could be implemented in the coming weeks. The app had 93.6 million monthly users in Russia in December 2025, representing 76% of the population.

---

🚇 Practical Corner

REM: Service interruption at Édouard‑Montpetit (toward Brossard)

REM service is interrupted at Édouard‑Montpetit station this Saturday morning on the Brossard‑bound line due to technical issues.

Trains on the A1 Brossard line are not stopping at this station. Service remains normal on the A4 Deux‑Montagnes line.

If you need to get off at Édouard‑Montpetit: • Get off at McGill • Transfer to the A4 Deux‑Montagnes line at Platform 1

The transit agency has not provided an estimate for when service will resume.

👋 Before We Go

A difficult day, marked by the tragedy in Vaudreuil‑Dorion — a reminder of how fragile life can be.

An important debate for Quebec’s future is happening today.

And the REM is having technical issues this morning.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Have a good Saturday ☕