Tag: Laval

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning!

Montreal police have struck a major blow against organized crime on social media with the arrest of 20 young people.

Canada, meanwhile, has slipped to 25th place in the World Happiness Report.

And Pierre Poilievre is settling into Joe Rogan’s studio for a podcast episode set to air this afternoon.

Grab your coffee and let’s dive into today’s news.

🚨 Top Story

Montreal police arrest 20 youths in operation targeting organized crime on social media

Montreal police say 20 young people have been arrested as part of a new initiative aimed at detecting and preventing serious crimes organized through social media.

The project, known as Aurora, is a 24‑hour surveillance operation designed to help the SPVM intervene before violent crimes targeting business owners take place.

Early findings suggest the suspects come from a variety of backgrounds, with many between the ages of 14 and 17.

Police say that over more than six weeks, specialized teams increased monitoring of online platforms where alleged criminal contracts, including arson, shootings, and home invasions are shared.

Investigators were able to prevent several planned incidents by analyzing coded language used on these platforms and identifying imminent threats. Information was also shared with other law‑enforcement agencies.

According to the SPVM, targeting these online networks helps curb youth crime and reduces the risk of escalation.

Police report 86 violent incidents targeting business owners in recent months and say 46 suspects have been arrested, about a quarter of them minors.

Authorities also note that young people recruited through social media are often not paid as promised after carrying out illegal acts. Police say this highlights the unstable and deceptive nature of these exchanges and reinforces the need for early intervention.

The SPVM says the launch of Project Aurora builds on ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes against business owners.

⚡ Noteworthy

Oil climbs to $119 a barrel as global markets plunge

Oil prices continued to rise Thursday due to the war with Iran, tightening their grip on the global economy and sending stock markets tumbling worldwide.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, briefly surpassed $119 a barrel in the morning before falling back to $112.20, still a 4.5 percent increase from the previous day. U.S. benchmark crude rose 0.8 percent to $96.23 as Iran intensified attacks on oil and gas facilities around the Persian Gulf in response to an Israeli strike on a major Iranian gas field.

Stock markets plunged: down 3.4 percent in Japan, 2.7 percent in South Korea, 2.2 percent in Germany, and 2.3 percent in the United Kingdom. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 slipped 0.7 percent.

Concerns are so high that traders now see little chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year.

Pierre Poilievre on the Joe Rogan podcast

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre sat down for an interview with The Joe Rogan Experience for an episode set to air Thursday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Poilievre said he and Rogan recorded a full episode, which can run up to three hours.

Poilievre said Thursday morning that he used the podcast to argue that the United States should remove tariffs on Canadian sectors such as steel, autos, aluminum, and softwood lumber. “I think we had a great conversation about how the United States would be better off eliminating all tariffs so we can make life safer and more affordable for Americans, while increasing paycheques and strengthening our economy for Canadians,” he said at a news conference in New York.

Poilievre recorded the episode in Austin, Texas, where he also met with Governor Greg Abbott.

Rogan’s podcast regularly tops Spotify’s charts and has 20.8 million subscribers on YouTube.

Canada slips to 25th in the World Happiness Report

A new report shows Canada has fallen to 25th place in the World Happiness rankings, with researchers pointing to heavy social‑media use as a key factor in declining well‑being among young people.

The annual report from the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford finds Finland is the world’s happiest country for the ninth straight year. Canada, which ranked 18th last year, now sits behind the United States, ranked 23rd.

In 2015, Canada ranked fifth. Since then, it has steadily declined, and this 25th‑place finish is its lowest since the report launched in 2012.

Researchers note that life‑evaluation scores among people under 25 in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have dropped significantly over the past decade. They suggest long hours spent on social media are a key factor in this trend.

🏠 At Home

Altercation in Pierrefonds–Roxboro sends two people to hospital

A 51‑year‑old man and a 41‑year‑old woman were taken to hospital after a physical altercation inside a home in Montreal’s Pierrefonds–Roxboro borough early Thursday morning.

Montreal police say the incident occurred around 3 a.m. near Athéna Street and Callas Street. According to the SPVM, the man is considered the suspect and is believed to have injured the woman as well as himself.

The woman was transported to hospital with serious injuries but is now in stable condition. The man, who was initially in critical condition, is also stable.

The investigation is ongoing.

Can the Canadian Armed Forces exclude white supremacists?

A recent investigation revealed that several members of the Canadian Armed Forces had accounts on a whites‑only dating site that allegedly promoted white supremacist ideology.

This comes nearly a year after the RCMP arrested four men, including CAF members, for allegedly plotting to forcibly seize land in Quebec using military‑grade weapons.

CFIA fines Loblaw and investigates Sobeys

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has begun issuing fines and launching investigations into major grocery chains accused of misleading shoppers by marketing imported foods as Canadian.

In a statement to CityNews, the CFIA listed five food companies penalized for misleading labelling or advertising, including Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos Etobicoke, both operated by Loblaw Companies Limited. Real Canadian Superstore in Ontario and Fortinos in Etobicoke each received a $10,000 fine for incidents that occurred in October 2025.

The CFIA also confirmed it is investigating labelling and advertising practices overseen by Sobeys’ national headquarters.

Three additional companies were fined for falsely presenting foods as Canadian:

• Oxford Frozen Foods in Atlantic Canada, fined $10,000 for misleading blueberry labelling
• Fresh in The City Inc. in Western Canada, fined $7,000 for misleading claims about banana bread
• Meatex Farms Ltd., also in Western Canada, fined $10,000 for misleading labelling on imported ghee products

Genie the bear finally emerges from hibernation

Genie, a black bear at the Écomusée Zoo, has now emerged from hibernation after a brief delay in her expected wake‑up date.

The zoo had initially anticipated that Genie would wake up on Tuesday and enjoy her first meal of the season, but her emergence was postponed and rescheduled for later in the week. She has now successfully come out of hibernation.

Genie’s reappearance is widely seen as a seasonal milestone. She has been hibernating since November.

Located in Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Bellevue, the Écomusée Zoo is dedicated to the preservation of Quebec wildlife.

Spring forecast: wet in the East, dry in the Prairies

As Canada prepares to welcome spring on Friday, CityNews chief meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai says much of Eastern Canada should expect wetter‑than‑usual conditions, while the West is expected to be drier.

Ramsahai says the jet‑stream pattern will likely bring very wet conditions to northwestern British Columbia, but very dry conditions to the Prairies and western Newfoundland.

From March through at least mid‑April, temperatures are expected to be cooler than average from the Great Lakes region eastward to Newfoundland.

🏙️ Around the Region

🚚 Massive fraud: thousands of trucks driving with disabled anti‑pollution systems Thousands of trucks are circulating on Quebec roads with their emissions‑control systems deliberately disabled.

📉 Canada’s population dropped by 102,000 people New estimates from Statistics Canada show the country’s population fell by roughly 102,000 people in the final months of 2025.

🚫 Court bans sperm donations by father and son Philippe Normand and Dominik Seelos are no longer allowed to promote their sperm‑donation services.

🔫 Supreme Court to review federal firearms ban The Federal Court and the Court of Appeal both refused to overturn the ban on certain firearms, and the case is now headed to the Supreme Court.

🎖️ Ottawa signs deal with Colt Canada for new assault rifles The federal government is replacing aging C7 and C8 rifles with a similar but more modern weapon.

💰 CRA seizes condo belonging to former fugitive Jean‑François Malo The federal government is seeking to recover a $2.5‑million tax debt owed by another entrepreneur.

✈️ Two men arrested at Montreal‑Trudeau Airport One of the airport’s two runways had to be temporarily closed due to an “investigation.”

✂️ Federal cutbacks: unions fear declining service quality Staff reductions outlined in departmental plans have unions worried about the impact on public‑service quality.

🎓 Higher‑education sector welcomes the budget “with relief” The Fédération des cégeps says it is relieved overall but notes a lack of investment in infrastructure.

⚽ Iran at the World Cup: FIFA can no longer “save face” A conversation with sports‑geopolitics expert Yann Roche explores Iran’s presence at the World Cup.

💫 Spotlight

Kudos to the SPVM for Project Aurora, which uses smart social‑media monitoring to protect business owners and intervene before young people commit serious crimes, a preventive approach that safeguards both potential victims and the youths themselves.

🌤️ Practical Corner

Spring officially arrives on Friday. Expect wetter conditions across Eastern Canada and drier weather in the Prairies. From the Great Lakes to Newfoundland, cooler‑than‑average temperatures are forecast through mid‑April, with plenty of mixed precipitation, rain, snow, and freezing rain, at least until the end of March.

👋 Before We Go

A busy day marked by a major police operation showing that organized crime on social media is firmly on the authorities’ radar, a Canada that’s a little less happy than before, and a Conservative leader settling into the studio of the world’s most‑listened‑to podcast.

Spring arrives tomorrow. We’ll be back then with new stories.

Happy Thursday! ☕🌸

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning. A historic day is unfolding. Three years after the deadly Old Montreal fire that killed seven people, the owner of the building has been arrested and is now facing manslaughter charges.

Meanwhile, Quebec is tabling its budget, and the war in Iran continues to escalate.

Settle in. There is a lot to cover this morning.

⚖️ Main Story

Arrest made in the deadly Old Montreal fire

Three years after the fire that killed seven people in Old Montreal, the Montreal police service (SPVM) has arrested the owner of the building.

Émile Haïm Benamor, 63, was arrested Tuesday by the SPVM’s arson and explosives unit under an arrest warrant related to the March 16, 2023 fire at Place D’Youville.

He is facing 15 charges that were pre-authorized by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP): seven counts of manslaughter and eight counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Two separate criminal investigations are underway. One, led by the major crimes unit, is examining the alleged intentional cause of the fire. The other, led by the arson and explosives unit, is focused on the owner’s alleged negligence in managing the building and how that may have contributed to the spread of the fire and the resulting deaths and injuries.

“We are not accusing him of setting the fire,” Chief Inspector David Shane told reporters at Montreal police headquarters. Shane also said police are not accusing Benamor of asking someone else to set the fire.

“We know the families of the victims have been waiting a long time for answers. We hope this major development can ease their suffering in some way,” Shane said.

“This case will now proceed before the Quebec Superior Court. At the same time, the investigation into the intentional ignition of the fire will remain open until it is resolved.”

Police said the investigation took time because of the complexity of the case. The arrest announced Tuesday stems from the second investigation.

Police also said traces of an accelerant were found at the scene, which may explain how the fire spread so quickly through the building.

Six of the victims were staying in illegal short-term rentals. Twenty-two people were inside the building at the time of the fire and nine were injured.

The victims were: Charlie Lacroix, 18; Walid Belkahla, 18; An Wu, 31; Dania Zafar, 31; Saniya Khan, 32; Nathan Sears, 35; and Camille Maheux, 76.

“We continue to think of the victims and their families. We also have not forgotten the other people who were there and survived the night of March 16, 2023,” Shane said. “Our priority is to deliver justice and provide all the answers. We are committed to seeing this through.”

The William-Watson-Ogilvie building, a heritage property, originally housed the offices of a flour mill. It was gradually converted into a residential building between the late 1960s and the 1980s.

The suspect is expected to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.

⚡ Noteworthy

Budget Day in Quebec

Finance Minister Eric Girard will table his budget today for the upcoming fiscal year. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, he said Quebecers should not expect costly new measures as the province works to reduce its deficit.

Today’s budget is likely Girard’s last before the fall general election, and it comes shortly before the Coalition Avenir Québec chooses a new leader next month to replace Premier François Legault. Girard said the budget will include a financial envelope for Legault’s successor, Christine Fréchette or Bernard Drainville, to use for campaign commitments.

In his fall fiscal update, Girard said the province is projecting a deficit of 12.4 billion dollars for the 2025-26 fiscal year, or 1.5 percent of GDP. The budget will focus on core services and infrastructure, as well as issues such as domestic violence and homelessness.

Quebec converting 5,000 unsubsidized daycare spots into subsidized ones

Finance Minister Eric Girard announced the conversion of 5,000 unsubsidized daycare spaces into subsidized spots at 9.65 dollars per day. The measure will be included in Quebec’s 2026-2027 budget, which the minister will present Wednesday in Quebec City. The cost is estimated at 400 million dollars over five years.

Because of the deficit, Girard promised a “responsible” and “moderate” budget with a few “targeted measures.” “The cost of living is difficult, so this is a measure for families, to help them,” he told reporters, adding that the budget will also target homelessness and domestic violence.

Since 2021, the CAQ government will have funded “60,000 subsidized daycare spaces, a major achievement,” the minister said. When asked whether he planned to help drivers, Girard answered without hesitation: “No.” He said it is still unclear whether the spike in gas prices will be temporary or persistent.

Suspected arson in vacant Saint-Michel building

A vacant commercial building was set on fire early Wednesday morning in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood. Calls to 911 alerted Montreal police (SPVM) shortly before 1 a.m. about a fire in a building on Jean-Talon Street East, near Pie-IX Boulevard.

Authorities say incendiary materials were found at the scene. No injuries were reported and the building sustained only minor damage. Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

According to initial information, a suspect broke a window of the commercial space, set the fire and quickly fled on foot before police arrived. No arrests have been made.

Still 35,000 Hydro-Québec customers without power Wednesday morning

Hydro-Québec had warned that some customers would remain without electricity overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, and more than 30,000 indeed spent the night in the dark. Despite this, the number of affected addresses continues to decline.

Early Wednesday, about 35,000 households across the province were still without power, down from 50,000 late Tuesday night. The peak, reached Tuesday morning, was roughly 320,000 addresses.

The outages were caused by branches and trees falling onto the electrical grid during Tuesday’s strong winds. Some gusts exceeded 100 km/h in certain regions.

The Montérégie remained the hardest hit Wednesday morning, with just over 10,000 customers still without power. About 8,000 were without electricity in the Laurentides-Lanaudière region. Other outages were mainly in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capitale-Nationale, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches, Laval and Montreal.

Environment Canada forecasts a sunny day for most of Quebec on Wednesday, but cold temperatures are expected. In Quebec City, the wind chill reached minus 21 C before dawn, while Montreal recorded minus 18 C at the same time.

Israel kills a third senior Iranian official

Israel said Wednesday it has killed another senior Iranian official, the third in two days, as Iran responded with attacks on its Persian Gulf neighbours and on Israel, using some of its newest missiles to evade air defences and killing two people near Tel Aviv.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in an overnight strike. Iran has not immediately confirmed Khatib’s death. On Tuesday, Israel killed senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij paramilitary force of the Revolutionary Guard.

In Lebanon, Israel maintained heavy pressure with strikes that hit several apartment buildings in Beirut, killing at least a dozen people.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, remained stubbornly above 100 dollars a barrel in early trading Wednesday, up more than 40 percent since the start of the war.

Israel said two people were killed in Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv. According to the Lebanese government, Israeli strikes have displaced more than one million people in Lebanon, about 20 percent of the population. The government says 912 people have been killed and 2,221 injured.

In Israel, 14 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire. At least 13 American service members have been killed. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began on February 28, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

At Home

FMSQ issues formal notice to Santé Québec

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) has denounced what it calls “illegal reprisals bordering on bad faith” by Santé Québec in response to the union’s latest pressure tactic in ongoing negotiations.

Marie-Josée Crête, the FMSQ’s director of legal affairs and negotiations, sent a letter Tuesday to Santé Québec CEO Geneviève Biron regarding the Centres de répartition des demandes de services (CRDS).

As negotiations with the province continue to drag on, the FMSQ launched a new pressure tactic Monday and asked its members to stop offering appointments through the CRDS platform. The union argues the system is “deficient and does not meet expected standards.”

Unless Santé Québec changes course, the FMSQ says it will take “all necessary legal measures” to protect its members’ rights.

Potential strike for Quebec maple syrup workers

About one hundred workers could launch a strike at Citadelle in Plessisville, a cooperative where maple syrup from several producers is bottled. The workers, members of the United Steelworkers and affiliated with the FTQ, already hold a mandate for an unlimited general strike, approved by 85 percent.

Late Wednesday afternoon, union members will vote on a final comprehensive offer from the employer. A rejection would trigger an unlimited strike, the union said.

Local section president Marc Jalbert said the offer on the table does not meet members’ expectations and that this has been made very clear. The bargaining committee is not recommending acceptance of the offer.

Ontario clinic faces 5 million dollar lawsuit after hepatitis C diagnosis

A Burlington man is suing a local walk-in clinic and its doctor for 5 million dollars, alleging he contracted hepatitis C after being injected with a non-sterile needle during a routine medical visit. The lawsuit, filed in Ontario Superior Court by Diamond and Diamond lawyers, names the Halton Family Health Centre Inc. and Dr. Timothy Salter as defendants.

According to the claim, Allen visited the clinic in September 2023 after cutting his heel. During treatment, Dr. Salter allegedly injected him with lidocaine using a needle that was not sterile.

More than two years later, in November 2025, Allen received a letter from Halton Region Public Health warning that the clinic had used non-sterile needles with multi-dose vials of anesthetic medication. He later tested positive for hepatitis C in December 2025.

Doug Ford urges B.C. and Quebec to drop electric vehicle targets

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on his counterparts in Quebec and British Columbia to abandon their electric vehicle sales targets, arguing they make the country less competitive. Last fall, both provinces reduced or dropped their previous goals that required all new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035, but Ford says they should go further.

He argues that as the United States pulls back on electric vehicle policies, maintaining sales targets and mandates in some Canadian provinces creates a fragmented and uncompetitive environment that drives investment and production out of the country.

Quebec now aims for 90 percent of new vehicle sales to be hybrid or electric by 2035, and British Columbia has eliminated its mandate but has promised to introduce legislation this year to set new targets.

WestJet and Air Transat extend suspension of flights to Cuba

WestJet and Air Transat are extending their suspension of flights to Cuba, which has struggled this week with an island-wide power outage amid a growing energy crisis. In an email, WestJet said most travel to Cuba is cancelled until October, although two of its vacation package divisions aim to resume service in June.

Air Transat said in a travel advisory that it plans to resume flights on June 20, with refunds available for affected passengers on both airlines. The two carriers, which transport more than half a million travellers between Canada and Cuba each year, also said they will reduce flight capacity on routes to the island this summer.

Air Canada has suspended its flights to Cuba until November.

Ottawa commits funding for ammunition plants in Quebec and Ontario

Defence Minister David McGuinty says the federal government is giving a major boost to the munitions industry to strengthen domestic supplies of heavy artillery shells. Ottawa will invest more than one billion dollars in new facilities in Ingersoll, Ontario, and Repentigny, Quebec, for heavy munitions used in artillery.

The funding will be split between IMT Precision and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a subsidiary of a major American defence contractor. The goal is to rapidly increase production of 155‑millimetre shells used by howitzers and to begin producing nitrocellulose, a chemical compound used as a propellant in artillery shells.

The aim is to have nitrocellulose production operational within the next three years.

Caufield scores his 40th goal of the season

Cole Caufield scored the winning goal with 22 seconds left in overtime as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins 3–2 in a tightly contested rivalry game Tuesday night. Caufield buried a pass from Nick Suzuki for his 40th of the season, becoming the first Canadiens player to reach that mark since Vincent Damphousse in 1993–94.

Suzuki and Josh Anderson also scored, while Jakub Dobes made 26 saves for Montreal (37‑20‑10), which snapped a two‑game losing streak. Brendan Gallagher recorded an assist in his 900th NHL game, all with Montreal.

Poll: Two in three Canadians say Canada should remain neutral in Iran war

As war intensifies in the Middle East, a new Leger poll suggests most Canadians believe the federal government should remain neutral, while one in four says Canada should support the United States and Israel in their attacks on Iran. The poll surveyed 1,608 Canadians between March 13 and 16.

Sixty‑seven percent said Ottawa should stay neutral and support neither side, while one quarter said Canada should support the United States and Israel. Fifty‑eight percent said they oppose the war, while 25 percent said they support it.

Ninety‑one percent of Canadians said they are concerned about rising gas and grocery prices. And 82 percent said they are worried about the threat of a global economic recession leading to job losses in Canada.

Nearly 60 percent said they would support sending troops to defend a NATO member attacked by Iran. Nearly three quarters said they support expanding oil and natural gas production to offset the global shortage caused by the war.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

• Childcare: Quebec criticized for refusing to help single mothers The reform of daycare access ended agreements between CPEs and community organizations.
• Lebanon sees the “daily erosion” of its territory by Israel The state is struggling to meet the needs of a “relatively large population,” says Ghassan Salamé.
• Saskatchewan budget compared to “worn-out shoes” Scott Moe promised the deficit will be lower than Nova Scotia’s, which stood at 1.2 billion dollars.
• Record deficit in New Brunswick The province is freezing university funding, reducing the size of the public service and introducing tolls.
• Trump says he “no longer needs help” to open the Strait of Hormuz The U.S. president had asked allies for assistance earlier this week.
• CHUM transformation aims to better support Indigenous patients A single needle changed the relationship between the CHUM and Indigenous patients dealing with addictions.
• MAGA movement divided over the Iran war The conflict is deepening fractures within the movement since Donald Trump’s return to office.
• Aircraft carrier Gerald Ford faces multiple issues The world’s largest aircraft carrier measures more than 335 metres long and 75 metres wide.
• Asia hit by rising fuel prices The region imports 80 to 90 percent of the oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Emergency Measures Act: Ottawa turns to the Supreme Court A lower court ruled the government’s use of the act during the COVID‑19 pandemic unconstitutional.
• Condo developers facing delivery delays of more than two years Buyers of new condos waited more than two years beyond the promised delivery date.
• Africa Cup: Senegal stripped of title, Morocco declared winner The CAF appeals board announced its decision Tuesday.
• Deportation for involvement in “African organized crime” Guy Kwadjo Kouassi served as a “money courier” for a West African criminal network.
• Vaccination coverage declining in alternative schools Immunization rates are sometimes half the Quebec average for several diseases.

👋 Before We Go

A busy day with a historic arrest three years after the Old Montreal tragedy, a provincial budget expected to be restrained, and a Middle East war that continues to escalate.

Stay warm if you are among those still waiting for power to return.

See you tomorrow with more stories. Have a good Wednesday. ☕

Laval QC ☕ La causerie matinale

Good morning! It’s shaping up to be a turbulent day: 300,000 Hydro‑Québec customers are without power due to severe winds, Israel says it has killed Iran’s top security chief, and Pierre Ny St‑Amand, responsible for the Laval daycare tragedy, has been declared a high‑risk offender. Buckle up, it’s a busy morning.

⚠️ Main Story

Pierre Ny St‑Amand declared a high‑risk offender

Pierre Ny St‑Amand, who killed two children by crashing a bus into a Laval daycare in 2023, has been designated a high‑risk accused.

This legal designation will have significant consequences for the upcoming court proceedings and for the conditions under which he will be detained.

It also means his review hearings will be much further apart and that any potential release will be subject to stricter criteria.

The 2023 daycare tragedy deeply shocked the community and raised serious questions about safety in childcare settings.

⚡ Noteworthy

300,000 Hydro‑Québec customers without power

About 300,000 Hydro‑Québec customers are without electricity as strong winds sweep across Quebec Tuesday morning. Montérégie is the hardest‑hit region, with nearly 85,000 outages.

By 5:30 a.m., more than 70,000 customers were already without power, a number that rose quickly over the previous hour. By 8 a.m., roughly 39,732 customers were without electricity in Montreal, 76,778 in Montérégie, 13,884 in Laval and 34,191 in the Laurentians. The Laurentians, Lanaudière and Montérégie are the most affected regions.

Powerful winds are hitting large parts of Quebec, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h — and up to 120 km/h in some areas. Most outages are caused by vegetation coming into contact with power lines. High winds weaken trees and branches, which can fall onto the grid.

More than 1,100 workers are currently deployed across the province.

Environment Canada has issued a “yellow” wind warning for several regions, including the Eastern Townships, Quebec City, Bas‑Saint‑Laurent and the North Shore, with gusts expected to reach up to 90 km/h.

In Montreal, where temperatures reached 14°C Monday evening, the mercury is expected to drop to –8°C Tuesday. With the wind chill, it will feel closer to –16°C.

School closures in Montreal

High winds and widespread outages forced several Montreal schools to close Tuesday morning.

The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) confirmed closures at Soulanges Elementary School, Pierrefonds Community High School and the West Island Career Centre.

Electricity rates: Hydro‑Québec loses $450M

Hydro‑Québec will receive nearly $450 million less in electricity‑rate increases over the next three years. The decision, issued Monday, has a greater impact on business customers, while the Legault government has capped residential rate hikes at 3%.

Hydro‑Québec had requested annual increases of 4.8% for businesses and institutions in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The Régie instead granted 3.6% per year. The difference is smaller for residential customers.

Hydro‑Québec requested 3% annual increases for households, which it will receive in 2026 and 2027. The approved increase for 2028 is 2.6%. A typical 5½‑room apartment would see a monthly increase of $2.30. For an average‑sized home (158 m²), the monthly increase is $5.46.

Hydro‑Québec criticized the Régie’s decision. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) said in an evening statement that it was “relieved” by the ruling.

Israel says it has killed Iran’s top security chief

Israel’s defence minister said Tuesday that the Israeli military killed senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel Katz made the announcement. The Israeli military also said it killed General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij volunteer force of the Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media did not immediately confirm either death.

The killings once again target top figures in Iran’s theocracy, following the February 28 strike that killed 86‑year‑old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Larijani came from one of Iran’s most prominent political families. A former parliament speaker and senior political adviser, he had been appointed to advise the late Khamenei on strategy during nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. He also served as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, its top security body.

Born June 3, 1958, Larijani was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in January as Tehran violently cracked down on nationwide protests.

Cuba in crisis as Trump talks about “taking” the island

Cuba is facing a humanitarian crisis and continues to experience rolling blackouts. The island is limited to the 40,000 barrels of oil it produces, and no imported oil has arrived in the past two months.

The American president maintains that the only way out of the crisis is through an agreement. His Cuban counterpart wants to negotiate on equal footing, but Donald Trump renewed his pressure by saying the United States could “take” Cuba “one way or another,” without clarifying what he meant by that.

More than 400 killed in Pakistani strike on Kabul hospital

More than 400 people were killed Monday night in a Pakistani strike on a hospital in Kabul.

Israel pushes Canada to change its approach to antisemitism

Israel is mounting a broad diplomatic and public relations campaign to convince Canada to change how it addresses acts of antisemitism. From the office of Israel’s president to its ambassador in Ottawa, the message is consistent: Canada needs to do more to counter threats against Jewish communities.

“We have a very clear goal this year, and that is to create meaningful change in how antisemitism is addressed here in Canada,” Israeli ambassador Iddo Moed said during a virtual forum last week. Israeli President Isaac Herzog held a call with Jewish community leaders in the Toronto area on March 9.

Data from Canadian police forces and Jewish organizations show that reports of anti‑Jewish hate, including violent acts such as firebombings, have risen sharply in recent years.

🏙️ Local Stories

Home sales down but optimism for spring

The Canadian Real Estate Association says home sales continued to grow at a slow pace in February, but activity began to pick up toward the end of the month. The number of homes that changed hands across the country was 8.1 percent lower than in February 2025, and sales also fell 1.3 percent month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Despite a quiet start to the year, CREA senior economist Shaun Cathcart says the association still expects pent‑up demand from first‑time buyers to translate into sales in 2026. The national average selling price in February fell 0.2 percent from last year to 663,828 dollars.

CREA says there were 151,850 properties listed for sale on all Canadian MLS systems at the end of February.

Survey finds 67 percent of Canadians want to abolish tipping

A 2026 study commissioned by H&R Block Canada shows that 67 percent of Canadians surveyed believe it is time to eliminate tipping altogether, as frustration grows over digital tip prompts, rising suggested percentages and confusion about how tips are taxed.

According to the survey, 93 percent of Canadians feel annoyed when a payment machine asks for a tip in situations where tipping was never expected. Nearly the same number say tipping has become “out of control.” Another 89 percent are frustrated with businesses that request tips they consider unjustified.

Forty‑one percent actively avoid businesses known for aggressive tip prompts. Meanwhile, 79 percent enter their own tip amount rather than selecting a suggested percentage, and 89 percent believe tip percentages have become too high.

This year, 65 percent say they feel less embarrassed pressing “no tip,” and 67 percent say they are doing it more often. The survey also shows that 57 percent describe themselves as frugal tippers, while 36 percent consider themselves generous.

The results are based on a survey of 1,545 Canadians conducted by the Angus Reid Forum between February 19 and 23.

Arson attack at a barbershop in Ville‑Marie

A barbershop in Ville‑Marie was the target of an arson attack Monday night. Montreal police were called around 2 a.m. for a fire that had broken out in a business on De Maisonneuve Boulevard West, near Bishop Street.

When officers arrived, the fire had already been extinguished by an employee who was on site at the time of the incident. The building sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported.

According to police, the suspect broke the shop’s window, entered the building and attempted to set it on fire before fleeing on foot. The investigation has been turned over to the SPVM’s arson unit.

Genie the bear: spring emergence delayed

Spring will have to wait a little longer, as the expected emergence of Genie the black bear from hibernation at the Écomusée Zoo has been postponed. The zoo had planned for Genie to wake up Tuesday morning for her first meal of the season, but that wake‑up has now been delayed.

Staff say she showed no signs this morning that she was ready to leave her den. Her emergence is considered a popular marker of spring.

Genie has been hibernating since November. Located in Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Bellevue, the Écomusée Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of Quebec wildlife.

Laval seeking 700 million dollars for health projects

Laval is asking for nearly 700 million dollars for its hospital, youth centre and an alternative housing facility.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

🌬️ Manicouagan wind farm impact study filed The Innu Council of Pessamit is the majority shareholder in the project with a 39 percent stake.

🚊 Gatineau tramway: agency wants a new cost estimate Mobilité Infra Québec says the project’s current estimates no longer reflect inflation or market conditions.

📊 Quebec cancels satisfaction surveys ahead of election The Treasury Board says the decision is meant to save money and is not related to the October vote.

📺 Vertical micro‑series arrive in Quebec Born in Asia, the format has taken off in the United States and is now making its way to Quebec.

🏥 Problems piling up in Quebec’s digital health record Translation issues, cost overruns and unintuitive software continue to plague the DSN system.

🏥 New hospital under consideration in Drummondville The health minister says the government will study the possibility of building a new hospital. “We are not backing down.”

🎓 Estrie school criticized for illegal fees Without a permit for three years, the Enfants‑de‑la‑Terre school is accused of operating like a private institution.

👜 “Celebrity stylist” accused of selling counterfeit goods A retailer has allegedly been deceiving clients for more than 10 years by selling fake designer handbags.

🍁 Loblaw fined again for “maple‑washing” A Fortinos store promoted a French cheese as if it were a Canadian product. The fine is 10,000 dollars.

🚢 Quebec sailors in “relative safety” in the Persian Gulf They “have thick skin,” but the situation is “far from normal,” says a Desgagnés Group adviser.

🏒 Montreal’s fight against addiction needs momentum A lack of adapted resources can slow the path to sobriety for people seeking help.

🚆 VIA Rail told to improve service Poor on‑time performance has major consequences, according to Canada’s auditor general.

🌾 Saskatchewan wonders if the honeymoon with Carney will last After a decade of tension with Justin Trudeau, the dynamic has shifted under Mark Carney.

🌍 Africa remains unexplored territory for globe‑trotter Carney The prime minister has visited 25 countries but has not made a single bilateral visit to Africa.

🚀 Ottawa invests 200 million dollars in space launches Funding will support the Canso spaceport and three Dartmouth‑based providers in Nova Scotia.

🚄 High‑speed rail: Doug Ford wants a stop in Kingston Ontario’s premier wants the future high‑speed line to follow Highway 401 and include a Kingston stop.

🏙️ Toronto considers opening its own grocery stores City council will study the motion at its next meeting on Wednesday, March 25.

💰 New Brunswick budget: organizations hope to be spared The provincial government is set to table its budget on Tuesday.

🇮🇱 Iranian Jews hope to return to Iran Support for the war remains nearly unanimous among the 200,000 Iranian Jews living in Israel.

🇺🇸 Greg Bovino, Trump’s anti‑immigration figurehead, to retire Greg Bovino, a senior ICE official, will retire in the coming weeks.

💊 Recreational drugs and stroke risk Using recreational drugs significantly increases the risk of stroke, with certain drugs linked more strongly to specific types of strokes.

🤖 AI baby slop raises concerns for children “AI baby slop” refers to highly stimulating audio and video of random objects and sounds on YouTube, often served to children when the algorithm queues it after a parent selects a different video.

☄️ All DNA bases detected on asteroid Ryugu The discovery suggests that key building blocks of life are abundant in the solar system.

👋 Before we wrap up

A busy day with major power outages, a sharp escalation in the war in Iran, and important decisions here at home. Stay warm if you are without power, and take good care of yourself. We’ll be back tomorrow with, hopefully, a calmer news cycle for us to discuss. ☕⚡

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning and happy Monday. It was a big night for Canadian cinema at the Oscars, with several awards going to creators from here. Meanwhile, Quebec’s medical specialists are launching a new pressure tactic today, and Mark Carney celebrated his 61st birthday in London. Grab your coffee and let’s start the week with the stories that matter.

🎬 Main Story

A Triumphant Night for Canadian Cinema at the Oscars

The Quebec animated film The Girl Who Cried Pearls won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film on Sunday during the 98th Academy Awards.

The short film, directed by Montrealers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, was produced by the National Film Board of Canada. It has screened at more than 40 festivals and has already received multiple awards.

Set in early 20th‑century Montreal, the film tells the story of a poor boy who falls in love with a mysterious young girl who cries pearls at night.

For the filmmakers, the Oscar represents more than recognition for a single project. “We see this as the result of several decades of public policy,” Szczerbowski said in a phone interview, praising Canada’s cultural funding system.

The duo had previously been nominated for Best Animated Short Film in 2007 for Madame Tutli‑Putli.

It was also a major night for Canadian animation overall. The Oscar for Best Animated Feature went to Toronto’s Maggie Kang for KPop Demon Hunters, which she wrote and co‑directed with Chris Appelhans.

The film’s song Golden, performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, became the first K‑pop song to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Canadian artists working on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein also had reason to celebrate. Production designer Tamara Deverell and set decorator Shane Vieau won the Oscar for Best Production Design, while Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey were part of the team honoured for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won Best Picture. The ceremony also saw Michael B. Jordan win Best Actor, and Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw become the first woman to win Best Cinematography.

Before Sunday, Anderson had never won an Oscar. One Battle After Another earned six awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish performer to ever win in that category.

Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the horror thriller Weapons, a victory that comes 40 years after her first nomination.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Rob Reiner, who was killed along with his wife Michele Singer Reiner in December. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of murder. Billy Crystal, a close friend, led the tribute. The In Memoriam segment also honoured those lost in 2025, including Catherine O’Hara, Diane Keaton, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Brigitte Bardot and Val Kilmer. Barbra Streisand paid tribute to her The Way We Were co‑star, Robert Redford.

⚡ The Essentials

Quebec Medical Specialists Launch New Pressure Tactic Today

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec is beginning a new phase of pressure tactics as negotiations with the provincial government continue to stall.

Specialists will no longer offer appointments through the Centres de répartition des demandes de services (CRDS), the platform that normally distributes consultation requests from family doctors and nurse practitioners. Appointments will now be handled through alternative methods, such as direct email referrals.

The federation says the move should not harm patients. Its president, Dr. Vincent Oliva, argues the CRDS platform has always been completely dysfunctional.

Health Minister Sonia Bélanger says she hopes patients will not be affected. Only 20 percent of appointments currently go through the CRDS, although the government wants that number to reach 100 percent.

The framework agreement with specialists expired on March 31, 2023.

False Alarm at Quebec City Airport Leads to Overnight Evacuation

Access to Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport was restricted for several hours overnight after a threatening call was made to 911 around 10:10 p.m. Sunday.

As a precaution, the terminal was evacuated and airport grounds were closed to traffic. Quebec City police secured the area and examined a potentially suspicious object. A police dog handler, investigators and bomb technicians from the Sûreté du Québec were also called in.

Police later confirmed the threat was unfounded. Shortly before 3 a.m., airport officials announced that operations had returned to normal.

United States and China Begin Trade Talks in Paris

The discussions will be led by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the Chinese Vice Premier.

AI Is Eating Up Global Microchip Supplies

Several industries say they are preparing for possible microchip shortages within the next year as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence puts pressure on global supply chains.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

Montreal Wants to Remove All Garbage Bins from Parc La Fontaine

A new pilot project is drawing criticism from blue‑collar workers who fear the park could turn into a pigsty.

Referee Attacked During Minor Hockey Game in Lac‑Etchemin

Police were also present on Sunday following the incident, which was captured on video the day before.

The Canadiens Looking for Risk‑Management Experts

A recurring theme that disappears for a game or two, only to return right on cue.

Gallagher, Matthews and the Challenge of Fighting Time

Both the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs have a veteran player in decline, writes columnist Martin Leclerc.

La Victoire Falls 4–3 in Overtime Against the Fleet

La Victoire de Montréal lost 4 to 3 in overtime to the first‑place Boston Fleet, despite holding a 3–0 lead in the third period. The team is now trying to focus on the positives.

Unlike in 2024, when Montréal dropped three straight playoff games in overtime to Boston and was swept out of the postseason, there are still eleven regular‑season games left and the team intends to move forward.

The lineup faced significant adversity. Defender Erin Ambrose remains on long‑term injured reserve, and captain Marie‑Philip Poulin left the game in the first period. With just over three minutes left in the opening frame and Montréal on the power play, Poulin collided with Boston forward Shay Maloney along the boards. She immediately favoured her right leg, the same one she injured against the Czech Republic at the Winter Olympics on February 9.

With the win, Boston now sits three points ahead of Montréal at the top of the standings.

Poilievre Wants to Save Canada’s Auto Industry

The Conservative leader wants to bring Canadian vehicle production back up to two million units per year.

FIFA World Cup: Construction Projects Could Be Halted in Toronto

Builders and developers are concerned about a proposed three‑month construction blackout zone.

New Brunswick Lobster Fishers Show Interest in Seal Hunting

A workshop on seal processing has sparked curiosity among fishers who dream of a commercial hunt.

Québec Solidaire Presses Government to Act on Energy Drinks

The party wants a cross‑party parliamentary study on energy drinks and youth, similar to the work done on screen use.

Will Canadian Immigration Regret Relying on AI?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has unveiled its new artificial intelligence strategy as part of the federal public service AI plan for 2025 to 2027.

The department aims to use AI to streamline administrative tasks while insisting that the technology will not make final decisions on immigration files. IRCC says it has used AI since 2013, but only for simple “if‑then” models.

Starting this year, AI will be used to sort applications and respond automatically to certain inquiries. The department says these tools are meant to speed up processing without replacing human judgment.

“There Is Room for a Party on the Left,” Says Yvon Godin

The former NDP MP believes the party can experience a revival, even though it currently holds only six seats.

Small Businesses Hit Hard by Rising Fuel Costs

Canadian small businesses are already feeling the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the war in the Middle East. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 80 percent of the roughly 1,200 members surveyed fear the conflict will affect their operations.

Two thirds of businesses say they are absorbing the higher fuel costs rather than passing them on to customers. The remaining third has raised prices. Between 10 and 15 percent of surveyed businesses have also reduced employee hours, or their own, to cope with rising energy costs.

Ontario Wants Citizens to Be Allowed to Defend Themselves with Pepper Spray

The Ford government also wants people arrested for sexual offences to be required to provide a DNA sample.

Lindsey Vonn Not Ready to Discuss Her Future

The American skier is still recovering from a serious injury sustained at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics.

Pakistan Says It Has Struck Targets in Afghanistan

Clashes between the two countries have intensified since February 26.

Finding Refuge on Stage: Displaced People Turn to a Beirut Theatre

For many Lebanese, the theatre has become a space of freedom and a form of therapy as they flee ongoing bombardments.

The Challenges of Covering the War in the Middle East

Reporting from conflict zones remains difficult for journalists, who face obstacles such as restricted access, censorship and the growing influence of AI.

Carney Meets Starmer on His 61st Birthday

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Monday. Starmer opened the meeting by wishing him a happy 61st birthday.

A statement released after the meeting said both leaders condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. They also expressed deep concern about civilian casualties, the risk of further regional escalation and the broader economic fallout.

Before the meeting, Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Bill Blair, said Canada supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while remaining outside the conflict. The United Kingdom is considering deploying naval assets to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

At a news conference, Starmer said reopening the strait is essential, while acknowledging that it will not be a simple task.

Being Around Negative People Accelerates Aging

The study suggests that negative relationships can be a chronic source of stress.

Sex in Space: The Last Taboo

Scientists are still asking whether humans can truly reproduce in space.

💛 Spotlight

Congratulations to Montreal creators Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, who won the Oscar for The Girl Who Cried Pearls and thanked the NFB for “allowing eccentrics like us, who are still playing with dolls in our fifties, to create things that genuinely inspire the world.”

👋 To Wrap Up

A magical night for Canadian cinema at the Oscars, a Monday that begins with new pressure tactics in the health system, and Mark Carney celebrating 61 years in London. The week is off to a strong start. See you tomorrow.

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning! It’s Saturday, and the news keeps coming. The war in Iran is intensifying, the Carney government marks its first year in office, and Just for Laughs has reversed course on Julien Lacroix after a day of backlash.

Meanwhile, Montréal is now home to its first sovereigntist‑themed café.

Grab your coffee and let’s dive into the weekend’s stories.

🎭 Top Story

Just for Laughs cancels Julien Lacroix’s show

After announcing Thursday that comedian Julien Lacroix would return to the stage, four years after stepping back in 2020 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Just for Laughs reversed its decision on Friday.

The company cancelled the show after widespread criticism of Thursday’s announcement.

Lacroix had withdrawn from public life in 2020 after the allegations surfaced.

⚡ The Essentials

Canada to release 23.6 million barrels of oil

Canada has committed to supplying 23.6 million barrels of oil as part of a broader International Energy Agency plan to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. The announcement comes two days after Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said Canada would “do its part” to help lower global oil prices.

A statement from the minister’s office says Canada’s natural gas exports will also increase in the coming months. The 32 IEA member countries, including Canada, agreed to a coordinated release of oil reserves, the largest in the agency’s history.

Global oil prices have surged as the war disrupts shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Aviation fuel prices rise, summer flights expected to cost more

Aviation fuel prices are climbing as the war in the Middle East disrupts global oil supplies, putting pressure on airlines heading into the busy summer travel season. Experts say the question isn’t if fares will rise, but when, for how long, and by how much.

The average U.S. price hit $3.99 per gallon on Friday, up from $2.50 the day before the war began two weeks ago. Several non‑U.S. airlines have already announced fare hikes or fuel surcharges.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific will raise its fuel surcharge starting Wednesday. Air France‑KLM says round‑trip economy fares on long‑haul flights could rise by about €50 (roughly $57). Air India introduced fuel surcharges on Thursday.

Six dead in U.S. refuelling aircraft crash in Iraq

Six people were killed when a U.S. refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq as part of the Middle East conflict.

90 strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island

Ninety per cent of Iran’s oil exports pass through Kharg Island, which is now being hit by heavy strikes.

Decapitation of Iran’s leadership seen as intelligence success

Reports say Mossad and the CIA had been working for years on the operation launched on February 28.

Cuba confirms talks with the U.S., releases prisoners

Havana had previously denied that negotiations with the United States were underway.

🏙️ Around the Region

Carney: One year in office, a transformed government

One year into his mandate, Mark Carney is leading the federal government very differently from Justin Trudeau. Asked Thursday whether he was satisfied with the pace of his agenda, he replied that things “could always move faster.”

Carney gained momentum during the 2025 election thanks to comedian Mike Myers and his “elbows up” rallying cry against U.S. President Donald Trump. A year later, it appears Canadians weren’t looking for a fight with the Americans. Recent polling shows Carney’s Liberals in the high‑40s — majority territory.

The party has pivoted sharply from a focus on social equity to prioritizing economic consolidation, major infrastructure projects, and Cold War‑level military spending. Carney quickly scrapped key Trudeau‑era policies, including the carbon tax and the digital services tax.

He has spent an exceptional amount of time abroad meeting world leaders and CEOs, revitalizing ties with India, warming relations with China, and opening new channels with Japan, Malaysia, and others. He has also reset federal‑provincial relations, extending an olive branch to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and securing a deal to build a pipeline to the B.C. coast.

Carney has also dealt psychological blows to his opponents by recruiting four Conservative and NDP MPs to cross the floor. Three by‑elections are coming in April, two of them in safe Liberal ridings. Winning two would technically give Carney a majority.

Club Pays: Québec’s first sovereigntist café opens in Montréal

Club Pays, Québec’s first sovereigntist‑themed café, opened Friday on Montréal’s Plaza St‑Hubert. The café is run by OUI Québec, a non‑partisan citizens’ group advocating for Québec independence.

From “Québecanos” to “bisc‑oui‑ts,” the café serves snacks and drinks, including alcohol, and hosts live events showcasing Québec artists.

Camille Goyette‑Gingras, president of OUI Québec, says Club Pays is more than a sovereigntist project… it’s a community. The group says people from all backgrounds are welcome. All proceeds go to OUI Québec.

Meriem Boundaoui trial: surveillance video shown in court

Closing arguments wrapped up Friday in the case of two men charged with first‑degree murder in the death of 15‑year‑old Meriem Boundaoui. In a Montréal courtroom, Crown prosecutor Simon Lapierre presented surveillance footage of the shooting.

Lapierre argued that the two accused, Salim Touaibi and Aymane Bouad, were attempting to resolve a conflict when the shots were fired, killing Boundaoui on February 7, 2021, in Montréal’s Saint‑Léonard borough. The Crown also presented additional evidence, including geolocation data from a Mercedes vehicle and cellphone records.

The judge is expected to give instructions to the jury next week before they are sequestered to deliberate.

Bank of Canada: rate decision coming Wednesday

The Bank of Canada will weigh a last‑minute influx of economic data against uncertainty surrounding trade and the war in the Middle East as it prepares to deliver its second interest‑rate decision of 2026 this week. Economists say the central bank is navigating turbulent waters as it sets monetary policy this year.

The policy rate remains at 2.25% after being held in January. Friday’s jobs report showed unemployment rising to 6.7% after the economy shed 84,000 jobs in February. Late last month, Statistics Canada also reported that the economy contracted at an annualized rate of half a percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Policymakers will also have to factor in fresh inflation data from Statistics Canada on Monday. BMO chief economist Doug Porter said February’s inflation rate could fall as low as 1.8%. Financial markets are pricing in roughly a 92% chance that rates will be held steady on Wednesday. Many economic forecasts had expected the bank to remain on the sidelines for the rest of 2026.

However, the Middle East war, triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has pushed global oil prices sharply higher. Porter warns that April’s inflation reading could spike due to comparisons with last year, when the federal Liberals removed the consumer carbon price.

Middle East evacuations: nearly 8,500 Canadians have returned home

Since the United States launched its war against Iran on February 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says her top priority has been helping Canadians who want to leave the Middle East. As of Friday, nearly 8,500 Canadians and permanent residents had returned home, while more than a thousand others had been evacuated to safe third countries.

Ottawa notes that it has no legal obligation to extract Canadians from crisis zones, it is a service the government chooses to provide. Global Affairs Canada operates an emergency response center to help citizens with everything from lost passports to imprisonment abroad. The federal government sometimes charters aircraft or calls on the military to assist with evacuations.

According to Sébastien Beaulieu, Global Affairs Canada’s director of international emergencies, diplomats always look to commercial airlines first before turning to chartered flights. The government often uses “block booking,” paying to temporarily hold seats. In Cuba, where a U.S. oil blockade has worsened a humanitarian crisis, the embassy in Havana is coping with fuel shortages by using solar panels and reducing service hours.

In the days following the start of the war, Global Affairs staffed “more than three‑quarters of 50 people per day,” but that number has since dropped as daily requests fell from 1,400 to 400. Many Canadians live full‑time in places like Dubai or Beirut due to family ties. On March 7, only 3% of the 24,045 Canadians registered in Lebanon had requested help to leave.

Canada spent $11 million to keep charter aircraft on standby for three months starting in August 2024, and about $4 million to transport 844 people from Lebanon to Istanbul in October 2024.

Four Washington‑area airports halt flights due to chemical smell

Four airports serving Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond, Virginia, suspended all flights for more than an hour Friday evening because of a strong chemical odour affecting air‑traffic controllers. The ground stop impacted Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore–Washington International Airport, and Richmond International Airport.

The disruption caused delays of up to two hours at some of the busiest airports in the country. Flights began departing again after 7 p.m. ET Friday.

The odour originated from Potomac TRACON, a terminal radar approach control facility. Between 25% and one‑third of all departing flights from the four airports were delayed following the ground stop.

Alexandre Texier sits out again at Canadiens practice

Alexandre Texier was once again among the extra forwards at Canadiens practice on Friday. Brendan Gallagher’s mix of merit and survival instinct continues to keep him in the lineup.

Canada eliminated from World Baseball Classic

Team Canada was knocked out by the United States at the World Baseball Classic. It was Canada’s first‑ever appearance in the quarterfinals.

11,000 photos of Montréal discovered in painter John Little’s archives

Roughly 11,000 photographs were found in the studio of Montréal painter John Little.

Santé Québec concerned about specialists’ pressure tactics

Québec’s medical specialists are in negotiations with the province over compensation.

New Oscar for Best Casting delights Québec

The creation of this new category comes nearly a century after the Oscars were first awarded in 1929.

Simon Plouffe wants to understand everything about pi

Simon Plouffe has devoted much of his life to uncovering the mysteries of the mathematical constant.

Women reclaim control over their finances

“Finance used to look like hieroglyphics”: Toronto women are helping others learn the basics of money management and investing.

Trump administration adds Canada to its trade investigations

The Trump administration is expanding its tariff strategy by opening new trade investigations that now include Canada.

Ottawa extends permits for temporary foreign workers

Ottawa is extending certain temporary foreign worker permits by one year, describing the move as support for Québec’s new immigration policy.

Four plasma donors have died in Canada over the past 10 years

Health Canada says four people have died in the past decade after donating plasma.

Experts call for safeguards to protect youth from AI

AI and safety experts are calling for stronger “guardrails” to protect young people, warning that conversational robots are designed to “maximize engagement,” which they see as problematic.

Setback for Trump: legal action against Fed chair dismissed

In January, Jerome Powell said he was the target of a process that could have led to criminal charges. That action has now been dismissed.

Doug Ford wants Al-Quds Day march banned

Ford has asked the Attorney General to seek an injunction to prohibit the Al‑Quds Day demonstration in Toronto.

☁️ Practical Corner

MONTRÉAL WEATHER – SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Saturday: Montréalers woke up to a snowy start as a late‑winter system moved through the region. Environment and Climate Change Canada is calling for about five centimetres of snow throughout the day.

Southwest winds of 20 km/h, gusting to 40, will shift west this afternoon and strengthen to 40 km/h with gusts up to 60. The daytime high will reach +2°C.

Snow is expected to taper off this evening before skies gradually clear. The temperature will drop to –8°C.

Sunday: Cloud cover will increase again Sunday before snow begins in the afternoon. About two centimetres of accumulation is expected.

The daytime high will be –1°C. Periods of snow will continue Sunday night with a low of –1°C.

👋 To wrap up

One year of Carney, a Just for Laughs reversal, and a new sovereigntist café in Montréal. The war in Iran continues to shake global markets and our wallets.

It’s Saturday, there’s a bit of snow, so enjoy the warmth indoors.

Have a great weekend! ☕❄️

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning! As we wrap up this week of freezing rain, things are slowly getting back to normal. The storm caused less damage than expected, but we still have major economic news today: Canada lost 84,000 jobs in February. Grab your coffee… here’s what you need to know.

📉 Main Story

Canada loses 84,000 jobs in February, unemployment rises to 6.7%

Statistics Canada reports that employment fell well below expectations in February, with a surprise loss of 84,000 jobs pushing the unemployment rate up two points to 6.7%.

The agency says last month’s job losses were concentrated among youth aged 15 to 24 and men aged 25 to 54, with most of the decline coming from full‑time work and the private sector.

Quebec accounted for the majority of the drop, losing 57,000 jobs in February, while British Columbia lost 20,000.

This sharp decline follows the loss of 25,000 jobs in January.

A Reuters poll of economists ahead of today’s release had expected a slight increase in the unemployment rate but also predicted a gain of 10,000 jobs last month.

Wholesale and retail trade led February’s losses on the services side of the economy, while goods‑producing sectors such as construction and manufacturing also shed jobs.

⚡ Key Updates

Ottawa unveils $40‑billion plan for the Far North

“The country is moving from dependence to resilience,” the Carney government says as it presents its economic and military strategy for the North.

War in Iran could give Canada leverage in CUSMA negotiations

Countries around the world are facing soaring costs for key goods like oil and fertilizer as the war with Iran continues to disrupt global trade. With no end in sight, the conflict is likely to overshadow trade talks ahead of the mandatory review of the Canada‑U.S.‑Mexico Agreement — and could ultimately give Canada more bargaining power.

Oil and natural gas prices have surged after Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S.–Israeli bombing campaigns. Fertilizer inputs and potash are also being held back, driving up global prices just weeks before planting season. Aluminum prices have jumped as well.

Canada is a key alternative supplier for many of these products. Trump has repeatedly claimed the U.S. “doesn’t need anything from Canada,” but the Middle East conflict may suggest otherwise.

Massive explosions shake Tehran

Iran marks Qods Day on Friday with demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians. The Gulf remains a target.

Canadians turn to alternative spring break destinations

Many Canadian travellers are choosing different destinations this year as unrest and violence disrupt tourism in traditionally affordable hotspots.

Travel agents in the Greater Toronto Area say economic and political instability in Cuba, fears of violence in Mexico, and the impact of a devastating hurricane in Jamaica have pushed many people to change their plans.

Cuba is facing a humanitarian crisis triggered by shortages of fuel, food, and medicine caused by a U.S. oil blockade. Last month, cartel violence erupted in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

John Wood, president of Durham Travel, says bookings to Cuba have dropped 86% this month compared to March 2025. The company also reports a 15% decline in bookings to Mexico. Florida and the Dominican Republic “are absorbing most of the redirected business,” with bookings up 163% and 142%, respectively.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

Alarming report on Montréal’s bedbug problem

A housing advocacy group is sounding the alarm about the impact of bedbug infestations in Montréal with the release of a new report calling for stronger government action. The Comité logement de La Petite‑Patrie published the report Friday to coincide with World Sleep Day.

Titled “The Bedbug Plague in Montréal: A Call to Action,” the study was produced with financial support from Montréal’s regional public health authority.

According to the report, pest‑control companies recorded more than 41,000 bedbug infestations in the city between 2014 and 2024. Researchers say the real number is likely much higher, since many cases are never reported.

The document also highlights the health impacts associated with infestations, including stress, sleep disruption, and anxiety.

Suspicious fires in Montréal and Longueuil

Two vehicles were reduced to charred wrecks early Friday morning after a fire believed to have been intentionally set in Saint‑Léonard. The blaze was reported around 2 a.m. when a 911 caller alerted Montréal police to vehicles on fire on D’Antibes Street near De L’Aiglon. Officers found a pickup truck and an SUV already engulfed in flames. Both vehicles were completely destroyed, though nearby buildings were not damaged and no injuries were reported. Early findings suggest an incendiary substance was used to ignite the vehicles.

Meanwhile, Longueuil police are investigating a house fire in Brossard that may have been deliberately set Thursday night around 9 p.m. on Castello Street, as well as a vehicle fire shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Carignan Street. In both cases, preliminary observations suggest the fires may have been intentionally lit.

🎸 The secret behind Angine de Poitrine’s guitar

The extravagant instrument was designed by a luthier from Alma, owner of Lutherie Le Breton. Fans have been working hard to figure out who is behind Angine de Poitrine, and some internet sleuths have managed to identify the musicians behind the masks.

⛸️ Kim Boutin reflects ahead of her final championship

The prolific speed skater will end her athletic career this weekend at the world championships in Montréal.

⚡ More outages in Centre‑du‑Québec

The provincial utility is reporting more than 4,000 outages.

🌨️ The orange alert was justified, says Environment Canada

The winter storm caused fewer power outages than expected.

⚖️ Dave Turmel faces nine new charges

The alleged head of the Blood Family Mafia is now facing nine additional charges.

👮 Ian Lafrenière open to publishing BEI reports

Other independent investigative bodies in Canada make their reports public, unlike Quebec’s BEI.

🎭 Julien Lacroix returns to the stage with Juste pour rire

The comedian stepped away from performing in 2020 following allegations of sexual misconduct.

🔬 Ottawa announces $552M for Canadian research

The federal government was set to unveil today which projects will receive funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation at an event at Université de Sherbrooke. The money, distributed through the Innovation Fund, supports dozens of research projects in life sciences, engineering, and other fields at post‑secondary institutions across the country.

🏀 Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander breaks a Wilt Chamberlain record

The Canadian scored 20 points in his 127th straight game, breaking a record held by Wilt Chamberlain since 1963. He surpassed it Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

🏛️ Conservatives push for a self‑defence law

They are calling for legislation that would add new protections for people who fight back during a home invasion.

🏒 Don Cherry’s Order of Canada nomination sparks controversy

Paul‑Hus says he is looking for “something positive” in his party’s choice. The hockey figure has been criticized for comments disparaging francophones, Indigenous people, and women.

⚖️ Canadian found dead on boat off Belize

A man found dead on a drifting catamaran was a Canadian originally from Vancouver.

🇮🇷 Carney government criticized over lack of transparency on Iran

Bloc and Conservative MPs say Ottawa is being too quiet about the conflict in the Middle East.

💻 Bill aims to expand access to digital data

A new bill would make it easier for law enforcement to access digital information and would also change rules around computer search warrants.

💡 Petition filed over blinding LED headlights

A Gatineau resident says LED headlights pose a road‑safety hazard and has submitted a petition to the House of Commons.

💼 Return‑to‑office policy catches departments off guard

Several departments and agencies were unprepared for the three‑days‑a‑week return‑to‑office requirement. The new telework framework is proving challenging for public‑service managers.

🛢️ U.S. temporarily authorizes sale of some Russian oil

Washington says the move is intended to “increase the global reach of existing supply.”

🕍 Shooting at Michigan synagogue

The suspect rammed the building’s doors while driving alone. The attacker was killed.

🍺 Is Canada missing the mark on alcohol awareness?

A new cross‑Canada study finds alcohol is the most harmful substance in the country. While it may not cause the most deaths, the study suggests it causes the most overall harm — made worse by the fact that most Canadians are poorly informed about basic alcohol‑consumption safety.

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💫 Spotlight

Kudos to the Comité logement de La Petite‑Patrie for thoroughly documenting Montréal’s bedbug problem and calling for action instead of letting the issue worsen in the shadows.

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👋 To wrap up

A week ending with tough economic news, but at least the freezing‑rain storm caused less damage than expected. The weekend is here — along with the world speed‑skating championships in Montréal, where Kim Boutin will take her final bow.

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend! ☕

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Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning! Day 2 of the ice storm, and it’s not over yet. More than 175,000 addresses are still without power this morning, schools remain closed, and the REM is slowly coming back online. If you have electricity to read this, consider yourself lucky. Here’s the latest on the situation and the rest of today’s news.

⚡ Top Story

Ice storm: More than 175,000 addresses without power in Quebec

More than 175,000 addresses were without electricity across Quebec Thursday morning as the ice storm continued to affect several regions.

The largest outages were in Montérégie, where about 80,540 addresses were affected.

Roughly 33,972 customers were without power in Montreal, with additional outages reported in Laval (4,315), the Laurentians (13,743) and Lanaudière, where 24 addresses were without power out of more than 276,000 customers.

The outages come as freezing rain coats power lines and trees across parts of southern Quebec, creating difficult conditions for crews working to restore service.

Authorities warn that outage numbers may fluctuate throughout the day as the storm continues.

Widespread school closures

The ice storm forced school closures across several school service centres Thursday morning.

• The Centre de services scolaire des Patriotes closed all its schools.
• The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board closed Heritage Elementary, Joliette Elementary, Joliette High School and Rawdon Elementary.
• The Marguerite‑Bourgeoys, Pointe‑de‑l’Île and Lester B. Pearson school boards also closed several schools.

REM and airport disruptions

Service on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) was interrupted early Thursday due to weather conditions linked to the ice storm.

At 5:10 a.m., the network announced a shutdown between Brossard and Gare Centrale. The REM said the disruption was caused by weather conditions and that there was no estimated time for service to resume.

At 8:55 a.m., REM officials confirmed that service was gradually resuming across the network. The next update is expected at noon.

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport continues to experience major disruptions. More than one‑third of all scheduled flights (about 184) were cancelled Wednesday. While some operations are resuming today, dozens of flights remain cancelled this morning.

⚡ The Essentials

Man in his 80s dies in Longueuil, possibly electrocuted

A man in his 80s died after collapsing in Longueuil on Wednesday. Police say he may have been “electrocuted.” The incident happened shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Springfield Street in Greenfield Park. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died. Investigators are looking into whether freezing rain played a role.

Jacob Fowler recalled from Laval to face the Senators

Laval Rocket goaltender Jacob Fowler has been called up by the Canadiens after Samuel Montembeault allowed nine goals over his last two games.

Demidov scores the winner as Canadiens beat Senators 3–2

Ivan Demidov scored the game‑winning goal to lift the Montreal Canadiens to a 3–2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. Demidov also picked up an assist in the game.

Juraj Slafkovsky and Alexandre Texier scored the other goals for Montreal, while goaltender Jacob Fowler earned the win with 32 saves.

Demidov netted the winner for Montreal (36‑18‑10) with 7 minutes and 20 seconds remaining, jumping on an Alex Newhook rebound to beat Linus Ullmark, who made 20 saves.

Drake Batherson scored both goals for Ottawa (32‑23‑9). The Canadiens, coming off a 3–1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, tied the game earlier in the night on a sequence that began when Slafkovsky rang a shot off the post.

🏙️ The Rundown

New banking rules: NSF fees capped at $10

New rules are now in effect limiting how much banks can charge customers who don’t have enough money in their account to cover a cheque or pre‑authorized payment.

The new Canadian cap on non‑sufficient funds (NSF) fees is set at $10 for personal deposit accounts. Banks are also prohibited from charging more than one NSF fee within two business days for the same account, and from charging any NSF fee when the overdraft is under $10.

The federal government says NSF fees previously reached up to $50. The new cap is expected to save Canadians more than $600 million per year.

Carney heading to Yellowknife, then Norway

Prime Minister Mark Carney is once again travelling abroad, this time to Norway to observe NATO’s Cold Response military exercises as Canada deepens its ties with Nordic countries. His first stop is Yellowknife on Thursday.

Norway’s ambassador to Canada, Hanne Ulrichsen, said Norway invited Carney and convened the heads of government from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland in Oslo.

Carney will travel to Bardufoss, Norway, on Friday to watch the exercises alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Norway‑led exercise takes place every two years and involves 25,000 troops from 14 member countries.

Carney is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Støre on Saturday, followed by a visit to a cross‑country ski training centre near Oslo. On Sunday, he will meet with leaders from all five Nordic countries.

He will be the first Canadian prime minister to make an official visit to Norway since 1980.

Carney will then leave Norway for London on Sunday, where he is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Monday.

Kim Jong Un and his daughter test new pistols

Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter tested new pistols during an inspection of a light‑weapons factory, according to photos released Thursday by North Korean state media.

The official news agency said Kim visited the factory the previous day, where he examined a newly produced pistol model. After testing it on a firing range, he reportedly called the weapon “excellent.”

Since her first public appearance during a long‑range missile test in November 2022, Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and about 13 years old, has accompanied him at an increasing number of official events.

Markets fall as oil jumps another 5%

Wall Street markets slipped Thursday morning while oil prices surged another 5% as the war in Iran entered its second week.

S&P 500 futures fell 0.5%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 0.6%. U.S. crude rose $4.52 to reach $91.77 a barrel. Brent, the international benchmark, climbed $5.34 to $97.32, after briefly surpassing the $100 mark.

Iran’s actions have effectively halted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for one‑fifth of the world’s traded oil. In response, the International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. It’s the largest release in its history. The United States plans to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve next week.

Oxford Economics warns that oil prices could climb as high as $140 a barrel if the situation worsens.

Blitz to register 180,000 vulnerable patients

The health networks in Montreal and Laval are running a blitz to register 180,000 vulnerable patients into the primary‑care system. About 58,000 are already registered, but 122,000 still need to be reached by the end of March.

Teams from the CIUSSS, community organizations and pharmacies are actively identifying people without a family doctor and helping them sign up for the Guichet d’accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF), a key step to being matched with a Family Medicine Group (GMF) and receiving individual follow‑up.

China becomes a clean‑energy leader despite its reliance on coal

China has emerged as a global powerhouse in renewable energy, dominating the world’s production of solar panels, wind turbines and batteries. Its new five‑year plan confirms massive investments in clean‑energy technologies.

This shift stems from two decades of strategic investment, driven by domestic pollution problems and the need to reduce energy dependence. Today, renewables account for more than 11% of China’s GDP, and the country is both the world’s largest market and the largest exporter of green technologies.

But this progress coexists with a major contradiction: China remains heavily dependent on coal, which still provides 60% of its electricity. The new energy plan sets no firm limits on fossil‑fuel use, sending mixed signals about the country’s climate ambitions.

Muse, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll and Kesha at the Festival d’été de Québec

Organizers have announced a “joyful and festive” 58th edition of the Festival d’été de Québec, featuring major artists from the 1990s.

Quebec inmates confined to cells two hours earlier

Quebec is moving to reduce overtime costs for correctional officers by requiring inmates to return to their cells two hours earlier.

Stéphanie Meunier eligible to seek release

Stéphanie Meunier, convicted of the “heinous” 2008 killing of a four‑year‑old child, will be allowed to apply for release.

Pablo Rodriguez leadership race: Elections Quebec confirms investigation

Elections Quebec has confirmed it is investigating the matter but is withholding details for now.

“I’m on agricultural land but can’t farm!”

A regulatory grey zone in Sainte‑Pétronille has caused major headaches for resident Nicolas Gagné.

Inside the 811 health line in Estrie

The Info‑Santé team fields questions, reassures callers and directs patients through the health‑care system every day.

Canada reaches quarterfinals at the World Baseball Classic

Canada’s win over Cuba secured first place in its group and a quarterfinal matchup against the United States… the first time Canada has ever reached this stage of the tournament.

Ottawa tightens controls on fentanyl‑related substances

New rules governing the import and distribution of chemicals used to produce fentanyl will take effect on April 12.

Ottawa releases $10 million for Jewish community security

Three synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area were targeted by gunfire in less than a week.

Ottawa considering reopening its embassy in Venezuela

Canada closed its embassy in Caracas in June 2019.

Pierre Poilievre travels to the United States but will bypass Washington

This marks his second international trip as Leader of the Official Opposition.

Fourth opposition MP crosses the floor to join the Liberals

Pragmatism is taking over in Ottawa as a fourth opposition MP defects to the Liberal Party.

AI can encourage violent attacks, study finds

According to the study, 8 out of 10 AI systems tested provided assistance to potential attackers in more than half of their responses.

Vaccine hesitancy: empathy over shame

Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, an immunologist and vaccine advocate, says that in an era of growing health misinformation, empathy will always be more effective than shame.

Toronto expecting over one million visitors for the FIFA World Cup

Residents are torn between excitement and concern as the city prepares for the massive influx.

Global aluminum reserves plunge amid Iran war

Worldwide aluminum reserves have dropped sharply since the start of the conflict.

Mystery surrounds Iran’s next Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei fears he may be a prime target for the United States and Israel. Observers are asking: “Where is he?”

Donald Trump and the Iranian spiral

Paths out of the Middle East war are proving complicated and risky for the U.S. president.

⚠️ Practical Corner

Ice Storm Thursday Morning Update

Conditions remain difficult this Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

Major outages:

• Montérégie: 80,540 addresses
• Montreal: 33,972 customers
• Laval: 4,315 customers
• Laurentians: 13,743 customers
• Lanaudière: 24 addresses

Transport:

• REM: Gradual service resumption underway since 8:55 a.m.
• Montréal–Trudeau Airport: Dozens of flights still cancelled this morning
• Roads: Still slippery — avoid non‑essential travel

School closures (Thursday):

• Centre de services scolaire des Patriotes (ALL schools)
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (multiple schools)
• CSS Marguerite‑Bourgeoys (multiple schools)
• CSS de la Pointe‑de‑l’Île (multiple schools)
• Lester B. Pearson School Board

If you have electricity, stay home. If you don’t, find a safe, warm place. Conditions should gradually improve throughout the day.

Stay safe!

👋 To wrap up

The storm is winding down, but its impacts are still being felt.

More than 175,000 addresses remain without power, schools are closed, and transportation is disrupted. It is one of those days when being warm and safe at home feels like a luxury. If you have heat, power and a roof over your head this morning, count yourself lucky.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and courage to everyone working to restore services. ☕❄️

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Well, the ice storm we warned you about yesterday has definitely arrived. If you’re reading this comfortably from home while the kids enjoy a snow day, you’re probably making the right call. Stay warm — here’s your news roundup while everything freezes outside.

❄️ Top Story

Ice storm slams Montreal and Laval: widespread closures

The major ice storm forecast for Wednesday has arrived, bringing dangerous conditions, widespread shutdowns, and the potential for significant ice buildup across southern Quebec.

Environment Canada says the system could deliver 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain, with the event lasting up to 24 hours from Wednesday into Thursday morning.

The storm is expected to affect Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre‑du‑Québec, and the Quebec City region.

Officials warn that heavy ice accumulation could disrupt services, impact transportation, and lead to prolonged power outages as ice builds up on trees and power lines. Roads and sidewalks are expected to become extremely slippery, and residents are urged to avoid non‑essential travel.

Freezing rain was falling across the Montreal area Wednesday with northeast winds of 30 km/h, gusting to 50, and temperatures hovering near –1°C, with a wind chill of –9°C. The freezing rain is expected to change to rain this evening as winds shift and strengthen overnight. Gusts could reach 80 km/h by Thursday morning as temperatures rise to around 5°C.

Unsettled weather will continue Thursday as the system moves out. Skies will remain cloudy with a 40% chance of morning flurries, while strong westerly winds gradually weaken. Temperatures are expected to fall to –2°C in the afternoon, with a wind chill near –9°C.

Mass Closures

All schools and centres under the Centre de services scolaire de Laval are closed Wednesday, along with the English Montreal, Lester B. Pearson, New Frontiers, Riverside, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier school boards.

The following universities and cégeps have confirmed closures: Concordia University (all in‑person classes cancelled, online classes continue), Dawson College, John Abbott College, McGill University (all classes and exams cancelled at the downtown, Macdonald, and Outaouais campuses; some courses moved online), Marianopolis College, Vanier College, and several others.

Dozens of morning departures and arrivals at Montréal–Trudeau Airport have been cancelled or delayed.

The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is urging drivers to postpone non‑essential travel in the coming days. The agency recommends checking Québec 511 for road conditions, fully clearing ice and snow from vehicles, reducing speed, and keeping a safe distance.

Officials say cold conditions in the days following the storm may slow the return to normal services as ice buildup persists across the region.

⚡ What Else You Need to Know

Carney: Canada will “never” join offensive against Iran

The prime minister adjusted his schedule to attend Question Period on Tuesday and delivered a firm statement.

Canadiens hand Maple Leafs their eighth straight loss

Oliver Kapanen scored his 20th of the season as the Montreal Canadiens held on for a 3–1 win, handing the Toronto Maple Leafs their eighth consecutive defeat Tuesday night.

Phillip Danault also scored, while Jake Evans added an empty‑netter for Montreal (35‑18‑10). Jakub Dobes made 17 saves.

William Nylander replied for struggling Toronto (27‑27‑11), which is on track to miss the playoffs after nine straight appearances.

The Leafs entered the night 11 points out of a playoff spot and 13 points behind the Canadiens, who held the second wild‑card position in the Eastern Conference.

Cyclist in critical condition after collision in Prévost

A cyclist is in critical condition after being struck by an SUV Tuesday evening in Prévost, in the Laurentians.

According to the Sûreté du Québec, the crash happened at the intersection of Route 117 and rue de la Station early in the evening. Police say the cyclist, a man from Saint‑Hippolyte, may have entered the intersection while the SUV had a green light.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical condition. The SUV driver was not hurt.

Brick wall partially collapses onto car in Westmount

A man suffered minor injuries after part of a brick wall collapsed onto his car Tuesday afternoon in Westmount.

Paramedics were called around 1:40 p.m. to the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Sherbrooke Street West, where a section of a residential building’s brick wall had fallen.

The bricks crashed onto the roof of a vehicle, partially crushing it while the driver was still inside. First responders treated the 58‑year‑old man on scene before transporting him to hospital. His injuries are minor and not life‑threatening.

Man found dead in Rosemont apartment

Montreal police are investigating after a man was found dead inside an apartment building Tuesday night in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie.

Officers were called to the building on Masson Street near 4th Avenue around 10 p.m. following a 911 call reporting an incident. Responding officers found an unresponsive man inside an apartment.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the cause and circumstances of the death remain unknown, and the man’s identity has not been confirmed.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

Town of Mount Royal launches plumbing inspection program

The Town of Mount Royal is launching a homeowner plumbing inspection program that will be fully funded by the municipality at a cost of $1 million.

Starting March 10, 350 eligible homeowners can register to receive a free, professional, full plumbing inspection of their property. The program is open to homeowners who have experienced and reported a water‑related incident to the Town or to their insurer since June 15, 2022. The incident must have been caused by heavy rainfall, flooding, or sewer backups linked to exceptional weather conditions.

The inspection will include an evaluation of backwater valves, French drains, foundations, gutter systems, window wells, as well as grading and landscaping around the home.

A total of 350 inspections will be offered in 2026. Spots will be assigned on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The program will roll out over three years, until 2028, for a maximum of 1,000 inspections.

Ouellet case: “It can’t be the cardinal,” judge says

Judge Martin Castonguay questioned the testimony of Paméla Groleau and another woman in the Marc Ouellet case.

Father and son could face ban on donating sperm

Donations by Philippe Normand and Dominik Seelos are believed to have resulted in the birth of roughly 600 children.

Marwah Rizqy: “I wish the ending had been different”

Former Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy testified about the past few months, which she described as “quite difficult.”

NDP MP crosses the floor to join the Liberals

Her decision comes after three Conservative MPs defected to the Liberals. Mark Carney edges closer to a majority.

Vote on arms exports to the United States

MPs will vote Wednesday afternoon on whether to advance a bill that would close a loophole in Ottawa’s arms‑export regime allowing Washington to send Canadian weapons to countries that would otherwise be blocked.

NDP MP Jenny Kwan introduced the private member’s bill last September after Washington attempted to purchase Canadian weapons for Israel, despite Canada’s ban on exporting several types of arms to that country.

Bill C‑233 is expected to face a second‑reading vote after Wednesday’s Question Period.

Colorectal cancer screening: Canadian Cancer Society calls for lower age

On Wednesday, the Canadian Cancer Society urged provinces and territories to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 45. The organization says people under 50 are two to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than previous generations.

The society highlighted a recent modelling study published March 7 in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, which estimates that starting at‑home fecal immunochemical testing at age 45 could potentially prevent 15,070 colorectal cancer cases and 6,100 deaths over the next 45 years.

The research also estimated $233 million in savings on cancer treatments, even after accounting for the cost of additional tests and colonoscopies.

Gun‑control groups frustrated by lack of information on Tumbler Ridge shooting

Five gun‑control advocacy groups told the RCMP they were “alarmed and disappointed” that the force has yet to release basic information on the firearm models and legal status of the weapons used in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting in British Columbia.

The RCMP responded that the information is part of an active investigation, meaning it is unclear when details will be available.

Van crashes through barriers near the White House

The driver broke through a security gate near the White House.

Death of Nooran Rezayi: BEI submits report to Crown prosecutors

The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions will decide whether charges will be laid against the officer who shot the teenager.

First Nations unveil repatriated cultural treasures

First Nations communities unveiled around 50 artefacts during an event titled The Return of the Ancestors, some publicly and most privately.

Station10 hair salon will appeal ruling

Station10 has reversed course and will appeal its $500 fine in a case involving gender‑neutral haircuts.

Sherbrooke opposes dumping treated leachate into Lake Memphrémagog

Sherbrooke says it “formally and permanently” opposes the discharge of treated landfill leachate—often called “garbage juice”—into Lake Memphrémagog.

François Ruel‑Côté: likely his final play

François Ruel‑Côté is presenting what will likely be his final play due to lack of funding. Producing theatre at a loss, even with sold‑out shows, is no longer sustainable.

Mobilité Infra Québec still not in charge of the PSE

Although Mobilité Infra Québec says it is ready to take over the East End transit project, the provincial government has yet to give the green light.

Access to Information Commission under investigation

The president and a vice‑president of the Commission are being scrutinized for their management of staff.

Price accuracy policy still poorly applied in grocery stores

In Quebec, when a scanned price does not match the displayed price, retailers must compensate the customer. The policy is still inconsistently applied.

Brittany Hudak wins bronze in para cross‑country skiing

The para‑nordic skier took bronze in the 10 km standing event at the Paralympic Games.

Auger‑Aliassime eliminated, Mboko advances to quarterfinals

Félix Auger‑Aliassime was stopped by Arthur Fils at Indian Wells. Victoria Mboko defeated American Amanda Anisimova in the round of 16 to move on to the quarterfinals.

Bam Adebayo scores 83 points

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points, the second‑highest total in NBA history behind Kobe Bryant. Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record with 100 points, set in 1962.

Iran escalates tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

Washington says it has sunk mine‑laying vessels near the strait, where attacks on ships have been increasing.

Rising costs for Canadians as Iran conflict intensifies

The conflict in the Middle East is now well into its second week, and like the rest of the world, Canadians are beginning to feel its impact in daily life — especially at the gas pump.

Confusion from the White House has only made things worse, with oil prices swinging wildly after U.S. Energy Secretary Wright made a false claim about the movement of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz.

The critical passage has in fact been closed by the Iranian regime.

Epstein case: investigators search New Mexico ranch

Authorities believe young girls and women may have been victimized there by the convicted sex offender.

London to release documents related to Peter Mandelson

According to Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson misled Downing Street about the extent of his ties to Epstein.

💫 Spotlight

Kudos to the Town of Mount Royal for investing $1 million to help homeowners affected by flooding inspect and protect their plumbing — a proactive initiative that shows prevention can happen before disasters, not just after.

⚠️ Practical Corner

IMPORTANT WARNING: MAJOR ICE STORM UNDERWAY

If you don’t absolutely need to go out today, stay home. The ice storm has arrived… and it’s a serious one.

What to expect:

• 20 to 30 mm of freezing rain through Thursday morning
• Extremely slippery roads and sidewalks
• Risk of prolonged power outages
• Winds up to 80 km/h overnight

Confirmed closures:

• All schools under the Centre de services scolaire de Laval
• All English‑language school boards
• Universities: Concordia, McGill, Université de Montréal
• Cégeps: Dawson, John Abbott, Vanier, and many more
• Flights cancelled or delayed at Montréal–Trudeau

If you must drive:

• Check Québec 511 before leaving
• Remove ALL ice and snow from your vehicle (including the roof)
• Reduce your speed
• Keep a safe following distance
• Carry a winter emergency kit

Freezing rain is expected to turn to rain this evening, but conditions will remain difficult Thursday as temperatures drop to –2°C.

Stay safe and take care.

👋 Before we go

A perfect day to stay inside, enjoy a good book, or catch up on your favourite shows.

Schools are closed, roads are dangerous, and the safest place to be today is definitely at home.

Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you tomorrow when this has all passed. ☕❄️

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning! We’re starting the day with some welcome news: Ottawa is finally looking for a solution in the Gilles Vaillancourt tax saga. Meanwhile, Quebec is preparing to allow stores to stay open later on weekends, and the rest of the world keeps turning. Coffee in hand—let’s dive in.

🏛️ Top Story

Gilles Vaillancourt tax bill: Ottawa says it’s looking for “a solution” for Laval

After weeks of refusing, Ottawa has changed its tone and now says it is looking for “a solution” to prevent Laval from having to pay $1 million to former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt.

Until now, the federal government had refused to grant the city an exemption that would spare it from paying this massive sum to Vaillancourt to cover federal taxes owed on money recovered from his corruption scheme.

The issue sparked outrage yesterday when Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer made a public appeal to Ottawa. “Laval residents have already paid a heavy price for this fraud. It would be unacceptable to ask them to pay taxes on money that was stolen from them,” he said.

Boyer urged Ottawa to use its discretionary powers to exempt the recovered funds from federal tax, noting that Quebec took a similar step in 2016.

Vaillancourt, who served as mayor from 1989 to 2012, was sentenced to six years in prison in December 2016 after pleading guilty to fraud, breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit fraud. Authorities say he ran a large‑scale corruption system involving kickbacks from construction contractors.

Ottawa’s announcement that it is now seeking a “solution” marks a major shift and could finally bring an end to this long‑running controversy.

⚡ What You Need to Know

Quebec stores to stay open later starting Wednesday

Beginning Wednesday, a one‑year pilot project will allow retailers in Quebec to stay open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, instead of the current 5 p.m. closing time set by rules introduced in the 1990s.

“We believe that for small and local businesses, it’s good to stay flexible and be more available to customers and their needs,” said Jane Ding, general manager of Signé Local, a Quebec retailer specializing in locally designed and made products.

Ding said their store at Montreal’s Eaton Centre is eager to take part, adding two hours on Saturdays and one hour on Sundays.

The 1990s rules were designed to protect workers’ work‑life balance and help small businesses compete with large retailers. Some malls, including CF Carrefour Laval, have already tested extended hours.

Business groups say the change could boost local spending and create more weekend job opportunities, especially for students.

Quebec is currently the only province in Canada that regulates retail hours year‑round. The pilot project will run for one year while the province evaluates whether extended hours should become permanent.

TikTok allowed to continue operating in Canada

TikTok can continue operating in Canada after the federal government completed a national security review.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the decision comes with key conditions, including stronger protections for minors and for Canadians’ personal information. She also says the move will protect jobs by ensuring TikTok Canada maintains a physical presence in the country.

The decision reverses a 2024 order requiring TikTok to shut down its Canadian offices over national security concerns. Last month, a Federal Court judge overturned an order requiring the company to cease operations in Canada.

Joly says the government will monitor compliance and consider additional measures to make social media safer for young Canadians.

Seniors losing pension payments due to federal software issues

The federal government’s new pension management system, CÚRAM, is causing worry and anxiety among seniors across the country.

Carney heading to Norway to observe NATO exercises

Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to travel to Norway on Friday to observe Cold Response, a Norwegian‑led military exercise above the Arctic Circle. The NATO exercise takes place every two years and involves about 25,000 troops from 14 countries training together in Arctic conditions. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, and Finland are among the participants.

While in Oslo, Carney is expected to meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss trade, investment, clean energy, critical minerals, and the aerospace sector. He will also attend the Canada‑Nordic Summit to meet Nordic leaders and discuss ways to strengthen geopolitical cooperation.

Before returning to Canada, Carney plans to stop in London to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss defence and the war in the Middle East.

Former broadcaster Peter Mansbridge voices submarine ad

South Korean firm Hanwha Oceans has enlisted former news anchor Peter Mansbridge to voice an advertisement as it seeks a multibillion‑dollar procurement contract from Ottawa.

Mansbridge, the former voice of CBC’s The National, can be heard in a video posted last week on Hanwha’s YouTube page promoting the company’s submarines as proven and reliable.

Hanwha Oceans is competing with German submarine manufacturer TKMS for a contract to supply Canada with up to 12 new submarines.

Mansbridge, who now hosts a podcast called The Bridge, says that since leaving daily news nearly a decade ago, his company has expanded into strategic communications.

In recent months, Hanwha ads promoting its KSS‑III submarine have appeared across Ottawa as the shipbuilder works to raise its profile in the nation’s capital.

Annette Ryan appointed new Parliamentary Budget Officer

Annette Ryan previously served as a senior official at Canada’s financial intelligence agency.

🏙️ The Daily Rundown

6‑year‑old injured after being struck by a vehicle in Anjou

A child was taken to hospital with serious injuries Monday evening after being struck by a vehicle in Montreal’s Anjou borough.

Montreal police say they received a 911 call around 5:40 p.m. reporting a collision involving a car and a pedestrian near the intersection of Châteauneuf Boulevard and Guy Avenue.

Officers found the young victim with a lower‑body injury. The child was conscious when transported to hospital, and police say their life is not believed to be in danger.

A section of Châteauneuf Boulevard was temporarily closed during the police response but has since reopened. The investigation is ongoing.

Woman dies after SUV crashes into STM bus in Montreal North

A 25‑year‑old woman has died after an SUV rear‑ended a city bus in Montreal North on Saturday evening.

Police say the collision happened just before 5:50 p.m. near Henri‑Bourassa Boulevard and Salk Avenue. The STM bus was stopped at a bus stop when it was struck from behind by the SUV.

The woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died of her injuries. The 29‑year‑old driver suffered minor injuries. No bus passengers were hurt.

Investigators say the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses.

Woman found dead in the St. Lawrence River in Lachine

Montreal police have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was pulled from the St. Lawrence River Monday afternoon.

Authorities say they received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. reporting a body in the water near 44th Avenue and Saint‑Joseph Boulevard in Lachine.

Firefighters were already on scene when police arrived and were working to recover the woman. She is believed to be about 36 years old and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police set up a security perimeter so investigators could examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

Closing arguments begin in Cardinal Ouellet trial

A woman is accusing the religious leader of sexual misconduct.

Frank Stronach trial: defence calling more witnesses

Defence lawyers are expected to call additional witnesses today in the sexual assault trial of Canadian auto magnate Frank Stronach.

The defence began presenting its case Monday, calling several witnesses, including Stronach’s former driver. Glenn Anderson told the court he spent about a decade in the 1980s driving Stronach to business events, meetings, and other engagements.

He testified that Stronach was not a “car enthusiast” and owned no European or sports cars—only Cadillacs. The last of the seven complainants testified last week that Stronach had picked her up in a low, two‑door foreign car she believed was a Porsche.

Since the trial began last month, prosecutors have reduced the number of charges they are pursuing and said Monday they are now seeking convictions on seven counts involving four complainants.

Suspicious death of a woman in Drummondville

An unconscious woman was found Monday morning around 8 a.m. on des Mésanges Street in Drummondville.

Beauce farmers denounce trail blockages

A long‑running dispute continues between agricultural and forestry producers and the Express Beauce‑Mégantic over a snowmobile and ATV trail.

64 Mauricie officials reject TES Canada wind project

“Never has our region seen a citizen mobilization of this scale,” the signatories say.

Quebec’s next generation of researchers “deserves better”

The Quebec Student Union says it’s time to lift young researchers out of precarity.

900 workers invited to Quebec’s selection program

About 900 workers in health care, education, and early childhood sectors received invitations under the PSTQ for priority fields.

Ontario town on the brink of bankruptcy

The township of Fauquier‑Strickland was facing an accumulated deficit of more than $2.5 million.

Shots fired at U.S. consulate in Toronto

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:30 a.m. on University Avenue downtown.

Allan Legere, the “Monster of the Miramichi,” has died

The serial killer and rapist terrorized New Brunswick in the late 1980s.

Another revival of the Keystone XL pipeline

Despite federal ambitions, a pipeline to the United States still holds economic interest.

Live Nation reaches settlement with U.S. government

If approved, the deal would end the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation.

Canada and India: trade versus security

Two years ago, Justin Trudeau told Parliament there was credible evidence the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen.

Since becoming prime minister, Mark Carney has worked to rebuild ties, inviting India to the G7 and travelling to the South Asian country on trade missions.

Despite these efforts, the Canadian government still has no clear answer on whether India is considered a security threat.

Opposition parties criticize Carney’s absence from debate

Opposition parties say the prime minister’s statements on the Middle East conflict are contradictory.

Donald Trump sends mixed messages on Iran

While announcing Monday that the war would end quickly, Trump also threatened to strike Iran “20 times harder.”

Gulf states face a dilemma over Iran

They had invested significant diplomatic effort to avoid a direct confrontation with their neighbour.

Can you really make money selling your grocery receipts?

Inovo CB’s promise is tempting: get back 20% of what you spend on everyday purchases.

Family of Tumbler Ridge victim sues OpenAI

The family of 12‑year‑old Maya Gebala, who is fighting for her life at BC Children’s Hospital after the Tumbler Ridge shooting, has filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

OpenAI has faced criticism after it was revealed that the ChatGPT account belonging to the shooting suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had been internally flagged in 2025 for misuse “toward violent activity,” months before she was accused of killing eight people in February. The account was banned, but OpenAI says she circumvented the ban by creating a second account.

The company said in February it had considered reporting the account to law enforcement but determined the activity did not meet the threshold.

Calling OpenAI “reprehensible and morally repugnant,” the lawsuit accuses the company not only of failing to raise the alarm but also of what it describes as the “negligent design” of ChatGPT itself.

The family is seeking compensation for losses and punitive damages on behalf of Maya, her sister, and her mother.

Radio‑Canada explains its decision on Prime Video

Several political figures have criticized the arrival of ICI RDI and CBC News Network on Amazon’s platform.

👋 Before we wrap up

That’s it for this Tuesday. Some welcome news for Laval as Ottawa finally appears to be moving on the Vaillancourt file, and a few practical changes coming as early as Wednesday for weekend shopping. Enjoy your day and stay warm! ☕

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning! We’re starting the week with several important stories that directly affect our region. Between the Laval mayor’s appeal to Ottawa, a major weather warning for Wednesday, and international developments that continue to affect our wallets, there’s plenty to talk about. Grab your coffee—let’s dive in.

🏛️ Main Story

Laval mayor urges Ottawa to exempt recovered corruption funds from taxation

The mayor of Laval is pressing the federal government to ensure residents are not taxed on money recovered from a major municipal corruption scheme linked to former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt.

Vaillancourt, who served as mayor from 1989 to 2012, was sentenced to six years in prison in December 2016 after pleading guilty to fraud, breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit fraud. Authorities say he ran a large‑scale corruption network involving kickbacks from construction contractors.

Municipal officials say the recovered funds may now be subject to federal tax—something the current mayor considers unfair to residents who were victims of the fraud.

“Laval residents have already paid a heavy price for this fraud. It would be unacceptable to ask them to pay taxes on money that was stolen from them,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

He is asking Ottawa to use its discretionary powers to exempt the funds from taxation, noting that the Quebec government took a similar step in 2016.

“There is discretionary authority to correct exceptional situations like this. We are asking the federal government to exercise that judgment, just as Quebec did in 2016,” Boyer said. “I would find it very difficult to write a cheque to Mr. Vaillancourt—we need to be on the right side of history.”

This request comes as Laval is being forced to issue a one‑million‑dollar cheque to the former mayor to cover taxes owed to the Canada Revenue Agency. The City is outraged.

⚡ Key Updates

IMPORTANT WEATHER ALERT: Major freezing rain expected Wednesday

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Monday morning: 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain could fall between Wednesday and Thursday across several regions.

Affected areas include Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre‑du‑Québec, and the Quebec City region.

Freezing rain could last up to 24 hours, creating dangerous travel conditions and potentially disrupting services. Ice accumulation of this magnitude can weigh down tree branches and power lines, causing prolonged outages.

Temperatures are expected to remain cold in the days following the storm.

Monday in the Montreal area will be mostly cloudy before clearing in the afternoon, with southwest winds of 30 km/h gusting to 60 and a high of 14°C.

Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 12°C before conditions deteriorate Tuesday evening.

Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for possible power outages.

Montréal eases rules to speed up housing construction

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada is fulfilling a campaign promise by easing regulations for developers to help address the housing crisis.

A total of 80 municipal lots have been identified as suitable for residential development. About 40 can be used immediately, including 13 newly added to an interactive map.

Martinez Ferrada is scrapping the policy introduced by former mayor Valérie Plante that required developers to include affordable, social, or family housing in their projects—or pay a financial penalty. Critics said the policy wasn’t working and often pushed developers to build in the suburbs instead.

To support the rapid development of social and affordable housing projects, the City is making $83 million in financial assistance available.

Montréal man facing terrorism charges appears in court today

A Montreal man previously convicted in the United States for supporting al‑Qaida is set to appear in court today as he faces multiple terrorism‑related charges in Quebec.

Mohammed Abdullah Warsame, 51, faces a terrorism charge after allegedly telling a worker at Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission that he knew how to make explosives and wanted to build bombs to use on public transit to kill a large number of people.

Warsame also faces two additional provincial charges for allegedly threatening to burn or damage Passport Canada offices in Montreal and Quebec City. Prosecutors say the threats were made during four phone calls on November 20 while Warsame was being held at the Rivière‑des‑Prairies detention centre.

He previously pleaded guilty in Minnesota in 2009 to providing material support to al‑Qaida after attending conferences led by Osama bin Laden. He served 92 months in a U.S. federal prison before being deported to Canada in 2010.

Pedestrian hospitalized after collision in Longueuil

A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle early Monday morning in Longueuil.

The incident occurred on Taschereau Boulevard near Curé‑Poirier Ouest.

Longueuil police say there is no indication the collision was criminal in nature. Investigators say the driver likely did not see the man as he crossed the busy boulevard.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with injuries that are not considered life‑threatening.

Bedbugs: Westmount Public Library temporarily closed

The Westmount Public Library has been temporarily closed after inspections found evidence of bedbugs in several areas of the building.

Municipal officials say an initial inspection on March 6 detected bedbugs in certain parts of the library.

A follow‑up inspection on Monday found additional traces beyond the adult computer section, prompting the decision to close the entire facility for treatment.

The building will remain closed while extermination work is carried out.

Digital library services are not affected by the closure.

🏠 Tour d’Horizon

Canada’s first gold medal: Natalie Wilkie

Flag‑bearer at the opening ceremony, Natalie Wilkie has won Canada’s first gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Italy—her second medal of the competition.

Kalle Eriksson adds a super‑G bronze

The Canadian para‑skier earned his second medal at the Milan‑Cortina Paralympics with a bronze in the super‑G.

Frank Stronach: Crown drops additional charges

In the ongoing case, the Crown will now seek convictions on only 7 of the original 12 charges.

Life sentence for the murder of an 18‑month‑old

Former educator Tomy Carranza Ladry has been sentenced to life in prison and will not be eligible for parole for 14 years.

UQAR launches review of its psychosociology program

The Université du Québec à Rimouski has initiated an external review following criticism of certain teaching methods.

Mauricie municipality inherits a dam without knowing it

Saint‑Mathieu‑du‑Parc unknowingly took possession of land that included a dam.

Three federal by‑elections set for April 13

Voters in two Ontario ridings and one Quebec riding will head to the polls.

NDP leadership vote underway, results March 29

Party members are voting for one of five candidates: Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, Avi Lewis (leading fundraising with $724,000), Heather McPherson ($316,000), and Tony McQuail. The winner will be announced March 29 at the annual convention in Winnipeg. There are 100,000 eligible members.

Ottawa invests $94.5M to improve labour‑market data

The federal government plans to spend up to $94.5 million over five years to better understand the labour market.

Fourteen organizations will receive funding to create forecasts and dashboards tracking indicators such as job vacancies in key sectors.

The investment is expected to support industries directly affected by U.S. tariffs, including manufacturing and forestry, as well as construction, trucking, mining, and aerospace.

Bombardier: new defence contracts expected today

The Mark Carney government was set to announce new investments Monday to strengthen Canada’s defence‑industrial capacity, with a particular focus on Quebec‑based Bombardier.

“Today’s announcement will also include positive news for Bombardier,” the company said.

Swedish manufacturer Saab has submitted a proposal to Canada for a mixed fleet of multirole fighter jets, including 72 Gripen aircraft, along with GlobalEye surveillance planes based on Bombardier’s Global 6500 business jet.

Saab estimates the project would create 12,600 direct and indirect Canadian jobs—about 9,000 tied to the Gripen and another 3,600 linked to GlobalEye assembly at Bombardier.

This potential contract would come in addition to the six multirole surveillance aircraft already announced in December.

Canada sees steepest drop in alcohol sales in 20 years

Nearly 3 million litres of alcohol were sold in Canada in 2024–2025, a year‑over‑year decline of 3%.

RCMP in recruitment mode

A little over 8% of frontline police positions at the RCMP are currently vacant.

Haddock quotas cut by 57% in the Maritimes

The reduction could be “extremely damaging” for some fishing businesses in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Arctic Winter Games 2026 kick off in Whitehorse

After months of preparation, athletes marched through the streets to launch the event.

Kyra Wilson: From Long Plain to the Manitoba Chiefs Assembly

A profile of the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Auger‑Aliassime defeats Diallo at Indian Wells

Ninth seed Félix Auger‑Aliassime beat world No. 38 Gabriel Diallo 6‑7 (5), 6‑3, 6‑3. Mboko advances to the fourth round.

Explosion outside a Belgian synagogue

The government condemned the overnight blast in front of a synagogue in Liège as an antisemitic act.

Record number of electronic device searches by U.S. customs

Smartwatches, SIM cards, and USB keys are now among the items subject to inspection. Searches reached a record high in 2025.

Immigration tensions and hateful graffiti in rural Alberta

Once a point of pride in Brooks, diversity has become a source of tension within the community.

Doug Ford defends his health‑care record

Ontario’s government may table its budget before the end of March as hospitals warn of a looming “crisis.”

International Women’s Day: progress still needed

The UN says significant gaps remain in achieving legal equality for women. The day was marked on March 8.

Women’s rights march in Montreal

A demonstration organized by Women of Diverse Origins (WDO) drew a large crowd downtown on Sunday.

The march began at Norman‑Bethune Square near Guy‑Concordia metro and highlighted issues affecting women locally and globally, including immigration, political repression, Indigenous rights, and economic inequality.

Dolores Chew, a founding member of WDO, said that despite some progress, women still face challenges related to pay equity, violence, and reproductive rights.

WDO member Norah Finlay emphasized the importance of intersectionality.

Parliamentary debate proposed on the war in Iran

Some Liberal MPs have expressed discomfort with Carney’s support for U.S.–Israeli strikes in Iran.

Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon announced that the government has proposed a debate on the hostilities in Iran and their impact on Canadians abroad.

Carney does not plan to participate in the debate this evening.

Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, has been appointed his successor.

State television announced the decision early Monday.

At 56, Khamenei now finds himself at the centre of Iran’s theocracy. He is considered close to conservative factions due to his ties with the Revolutionary Guard.

Oil surpasses $100 a barrel

Oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel for the first time in more than three and a half years as the war in Iran disrupts production and shipping in the Middle East.

Brent crude reached $101.19, up 9.2% from Friday’s price of $92.69. West Texas Intermediate traded around $107.06, a 16.2% increase from Friday’s $90.90.

Donald Trump called the historic surge “a very small price to pay.”

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of global oil supply passes—remains nearly at a standstill.

War toll in Iran

The conflict has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, 397 in Lebanon, and 11 in Israel.

Lebanon reports that more than half a million people have been displaced. Bahrain has accused Iran of striking a desalination plant critical to its drinking‑water supply.

Saudi Arabia has reported its first deaths. Israel has reported its first soldier fatalities in southern Lebanon. Seven U.S. soldiers have also been killed.

The U.S. State Department will order non‑essential staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia.

In Lebanon, hotels hit by the war

The Israeli army has struck two hotels in less than a week, saying it was targeting Iranian personnel.

Russian anthem played at the Paralympics

Para‑skier Varvara Voronchikhina earned Russia’s first gold medal, marking the first time the Russian national anthem has been played at the Paralympics since 2014.

⚠️ Practical Corner

Get ready for Wednesday: major freezing rain on the way

Here’s what you need to know for the next few days:

Monday will be mostly cloudy before clearing in the afternoon, with southwest winds of 30 km/h gusting to 60 and a high of 14°C. Overnight, a few clouds and patches of fog are expected, with a low of 7°C.

Tuesday should bring a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 12°C, before conditions begin to deteriorate in the evening. Precipitation is expected to start as rain or snow as temperatures drop toward 0°C.

Wednesday, temperatures hovering near the freezing point are expected to turn the precipitation into freezing rain, continuing into the evening. The system should shift to periods of snow and windy conditions on Thursday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures.

Authorities advise monitoring updated forecasts and preparing for possible power outages, dangerous roads, and disruptions to public transit and other services. Consider delaying or cancelling non‑essential travel on Wednesday and Thursday.

👋 Before we wrap up

It’s a busy start to the week with major local issues and a significant weather alert to keep an eye on. Between Mayor Boyer’s appeal to Ottawa and the incoming freezing‑rain storm, there are plenty of reasons to stay informed and prepared. Enjoy the mild weather on Monday and Tuesday before Wednesday’s messy mix arrives. Have a great week! ☕