Laval QC ☕
Good morning!
We hope your coffee is hot, because a lot happened yesterday. Between medals, potholes, and government scandals, you’ve got plenty to fuel your conversations for the day. We’ve summarized everything for you… you’ll thank us later.
🏆 Main Story
The SAAQclic scandal comes to light
We knew something smelled bad. But the Gallant report, made public this week, confirms the extent of the damage: SAAQ deliberately misled the government and the public for years to hide cost overruns on its digital platform, SAAQclic. The final bill? $1.1 billion. Commissioner Denis Gallant, in a 586-page report, describes the information provided by SAAQ as “deceptive, false, and hypocritically reassuring.”
What’s next? SAAQ has publicly apologized and promised a major restructuring. Three ministers announced the creation of a monitoring committee responsible for implementing the report’s 26 recommendations. The Legault government is also considering legal action against SAAQ executives—and potentially against private firms involved in the project.
In short: someone will have to be held accountable. The case is far from over.
⚡ Of Note
🏅 Triple Canadian Gold in Milan-Cortina
Canada continues to shine at the Games! Blondin, Weidemann, and Maltais won gold in the team pursuit in speed skating—an exact repeat of their 2022 podium. Megan Oldham also took gold in freestyle skiing big air. And Marie-Philip Poulin? Always her, always decisive in women’s hockey.
🥌 Homan Turns the Tide in Curling
Rachel Homan’s team beat Sweden 8-6 in what will go down as the play of the competition so far: a triple takeout in the 8th end when Canada was trailing. Great curling.
📈 Inflation Slows Slightly
Inflation in Canada stands at 2.3% in January, a slight drop from 2.4% in December. Nothing to jump for joy about, but it’s heading in the right direction.
🕊️ Jesse Jackson Has Passed Away
American pastor and activist Jesse Jackson, an iconic figure in the civil rights movement, has died at the age of 84.
🏒 Fatal Shooting During a Hockey Game in Rhode Island
Three people were killed during a shooting at a hockey game. The shooter died from a self-inflicted wound.
🏠 Local Stories
🚧 Potholes in Montreal: The Root of the Problem
3,824 complaints in one month—that’s nearly five times more than at this time last year. Professor Alan Carter of ÉTS says it clearly: the real issue isn’t a lack of asphalt, it’s lack of preventive maintenance and exhausted road foundations. The city plans $684 million in roadworks in 2026, but according to Carter, they’re still patching cracks on dead bases. His lab is developing more resistant mixes—but his innovations struggle to make it to Montreal’s streets.
🏨 Montreal Strong in Tourism
The metropolis welcomed 11.9 million visitors in 2025, up 7.3%. Canadians lead the charge (+10%), and France accounts for more than 470,000 visitors. Tourist spending remains stable at $5.8 billion.
🛡️ Carney Bets on Made-in-Canada Defense
The prime minister unveiled a $6.6 billion industrial defense strategy in Montreal. The goal: prioritize military contracts with Canadian companies and create up to 125,000 jobs over ten years.
🏥 Dilapidated Hospitals: A Worrying Peak
Quebec now has 227 hospital pavilions in poor or very poor condition—a number that has more than doubled in 2026.
🚋 Gatineau Tramway: Quebec Takes Over
Quebec has withdrawn management of the tramway project from the City of Gatineau. The mayor fears the province will withdraw financial support for the project.
💛 Favorite
In Montreal, the city launches GITI, a group of 12 governmental and community partners, to move from crisis management to sustainable solutions for homelessness. Small step, big signal.
🛠️ Practical Corner
🏫 Tumbler Ridge: A Traumatic but Supported Transition
Even though the Tumbler Ridge tragedy happened across the country, many parents and teachers in Laval relate: how do you help children regain a sense of safety after such a shock?
British Columbia is installing 14 modular classrooms to give students a fresh start, with trauma support on site. It’s a reminder of the importance—here too—of having accessible mental health resources in our schools.
👋 Final Thoughts
It’s a big news day, between shining medals and reports that make you grit your teeth. But you read it all in five minutes. Now, it’s your turn. Have a great day, Laval. 💙