Tag: Laval

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning!

It’s Tuesday morning in Laval, and while some of you are already planning for spring break, others are closely following the news from here and elsewhere. Between safety issues in the region, international developments, and cultural projects moving forward in Montreal, you have plenty to fuel your conversations. Grab your coffee, let’s dive in.

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🚸 Main Story

Parents Demand Crossing Guard in Montreal West After Multiple Collisions

The intersection of Westminster and Ainslie in Montreal West became the center of a community mobilization Tuesday morning. Sofia Milbrandt, 13, a student at Royal West Academy, was hit by a car on February 16 while walking with a friend. She was sent to the hospital and now has difficulty climbing stairs due to an injury to her right leg. Police considered her injuries minor, but she was clear: “I was very lucky my injury wasn’t serious, but the next one could be fatal.”

On Tuesday morning, Milbrandt stood alongside dozens of parents and residents at the corner of Westminster and Ainslie, demanding stricter safety measures at this intersection, which they describe as dangerous and very busy. Parents counted 491 pedestrians crossing Ainslie and Westminster during school rush hours. The intersection is just steps from a railway crossing and becomes congested during rush hour as drivers head toward Highway 20.

Royal West parents now demand that a permanent crossing guard be assigned to the intersection. After a previous incident in October 2024, the school’s parent involvement organization submitted a 10-point safety petition to the City and the SPVM. A request for a crossing guard was denied.

Under current provincial rules, high school students are considered adult pedestrians, and crossing guards receive no funding from Quebec if stationed near a high school. A petition to the Quebec National Assembly calling for a change to the provincial rules for crossing guards at high schools gathered 3,535 signatures and was submitted on February 24, the day of the rally.

Montreal West mayor Jonathan Cha said the city acted within 48 hours of the February 16 collision, installing two new stop signs in the middle of the street. Flashing stop signs were installed in December 2024 and lighting was improved in summer 2025. Other design changes are planned, including new road markings, raised crosswalks, and possibly overhead lights. The city hopes to finish the work by summer.

Quebec’s Ministry of Transport stated that the decision to place a crossing guard is up to the city as long as it meets provincial standards. The question of responsibility remains at the heart of the debate.

“What are we waiting for, for a child to die on this street for them to actually do it?” asked Sofia’s mother.

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⚡ Noteworthy

Ottawa Promises $2 Billion to Ukraine Four Years After the Invasion

Prime Minister Mark Carney promised an additional $2 billion in military aid and new sanctions against Moscow Tuesday, as Ukraine marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

The new sanctions will target 100 ships of the “shadow fleet” involved in attempts to evade sanctions on Russian oil sales.

Ottawa is also pledging $20 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes.

Defense Minister David McGuinty said Canada is sending 400 armored vehicles to Ukraine and extending a training mission for Ukrainian troops by three years.

Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2014, taking control of Crimea, before launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

Our Olympic Medalists Are Back

Valérie Maltais, Mikaël Kingsbury, and Courtney Sarault were all smiles upon their return to Montreal. A well-deserved welcome for our athletes.

More Than 26,000 Canadians Stranded in Mexico

Canadians remain stuck in Mexico as the country deals with cartel violence following the death of El Mencho.

The cartel leader, officially known as Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed during a military operation Sunday morning in Jalisco, Mexico. He was known as the head of one of Mexico’s most violent criminal gangs, the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel.

Two Canadians shared their experience in Puerto Vallarta, a “city under siege by the cartel.”

Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter have resumed flights to Mexico.

Canada Approves Latest Gulfstream Jets After Trump Threats

Federal regulators gave the green light to Gulfstream G700 and G800 business jets a few weeks after new tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Transport Canada database shows it certified the latest private jets from the American company Monday, about a week after approving two older Gulfstream models.

Last month, Trump threatened to decertify and place tariffs on all planes built in Canada unless the government approved the Gulfstream business jets.

Transport Canada’s approval comes despite concerns about de-icing raised by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Trump’s 10% Tariffs Take Effect

Donald Trump’s new 10% tariffs have taken effect. However, they do not replace so-called sectoral tariffs, which range from 10% to 50%.

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🏠 Around Us

What’s happening around us in the greater metropolitan area.

Street Closed in Longueuil for Emergency Repairs

An emergency intervention at a pumping station forced the complete closure of rue de la Savane in Longueuil starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The street is closed between Leckie and Bishop for an indefinite period.

Emergency work began early Tuesday and crews are expected to remain on site all day.

Authorities have not provided details on what prompted the emergency repairs.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

UQAM Study on Birth Control Pill and Anxiety

A laboratory study by UQAM suggests a link between anxiety and birth control pill use.

This association seems to persist among women who stopped taking the pill more than a year ago.

The results do not show a causal relationship but indicate correlations, says Lisa-Marie Davignon, PhD candidate in psychology and lead author.

During the experiment with 147 participants, women taking the pill showed higher fear responses in safe contexts than women who had never taken the pill.

Davignon believes the results support the need for further research to better understand the effects of hormonal contraception on mental health.

Empress Theatre to Become Cultural Space

After more than 30 years of vacancy, the former Empress Theatre in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is ready for a new chapter.

The borough announced plans to deconstruct the deteriorating building on Sherbrooke West while preserving its iconic neo-Egyptian facade.

In its place, an outdoor cultural and community space will be created, with outdoor screenings, performances, and artistic activities planned for fall 2027.

Public consultations are scheduled for early summer.

At Least 1,000 School Employees Face Forced Departure

Hundreds of immigrant school employees face forced departure from Quebec following the end of the PEQ.

Quebec Announces Mini-Reform of Forestry Regime

Natural Resources and Forests Minister Jean-François Simard hopes to help the industry.

Municipal Police Federation Wants to Be Heard

Facing more complex issues, the Federation of Municipal Police Officers is calling for the reinstatement of an advisory council as provided by law with Minister Lafrenière.

Service Dogs Abused at Taxpayer Expense

Quebec reportedly paid at least $1.2 million for these dogs intended for victims of crime.

PQ Wins Chicoutimi By-Election

Marie-Karlynn Laflamme becomes the new MNA for Chicoutimi.

OpenAI Summoned to Ottawa After Tumbler Ridge

OpenAI officials are summoned to Ottawa following revelations about interactions between the Tumbler Ridge shooter and ChatGPT.

Fifth Complainant in Stronach Trial

A fifth woman finished her testimony at Frank Stronach’s trial, stating: “He became an animal.”

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💛 Spotlight

Violette Ramirez, a sixth‑grade student at Edward Murphy Elementary School in Montreal, has been knitting every day since the beginning of February to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

It’s the kind of initiative that reminds us you can make a difference at any age.

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🛠️ Practical Corner

❄️ Winter Safety Before Spring Break

The Montreal Children’s Hospital and public health officials urge families and seniors to take precautions to prevent winter-related injuries as spring break approaches. Since November, the Trauma Center has treated more than 200 children and teens for injuries related to skating, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

Families are encouraged to ensure skates, ski bindings, and other equipment are properly fitted, and to closely supervise children. Helmets should be worn for all sports and replaced after significant impacts.

Seniors are also at high risk. One in three people aged 65 and over falls each year, and more than 6,500 seniors were hospitalized in Montreal for falls in 2020-2021. Falls increase significantly during winter months, especially from December to February, due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

Public health authorities recommend caution during icy periods, especially after rain followed by freezing temperatures. Wear winter shoes with good traction and, if needed, use supportive devices like canes with non-slip handles. Choose well-maintained pedestrian pathways.

Rockaberry Laval: Verify Opening Hours

Rockaberry in Laval opened its doors at noon today, rather than at 11 a.m. as listed online. If you were planning to pick up a slice of what many say is the best cheesecake in town, it’s best to check opening hours before heading out.

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👋 Before We Go

A day full of discussions, from community safety to international developments. Enjoy your Tuesday, and take care. Have a great day, Laval. 💙

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning to one and all!

We hope your coffee is nice and hot this morning, because we’re starting the week with plenty of concerns. Between changes that affect your daily life and stories that remind us of the importance of our community, there’s lots to fuel your morning. Settle in comfortably.

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🔦 Main Story

Stores Can Stay Open Later Starting March 11

Beginning March 11, retail businesses in Quebec that wish to do so will be able to stay open later on weekends, as part of a one-year pilot project. The Quebec government will allow eligible businesses—such as stores, boutiques, and hardware stores—to open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on holidays.

Currently, retail establishments must close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This pilot project follows trials in three cities, including Laval, where stores could stay open until 8 p.m. on weekends, on a voluntary basis, excluding holidays.

Grocery stores and pharmacies, which already have exemptions from restrictions on opening hours, are not affected by these changes.

Quebec is also running a separate pilot project allowing adult stores to stay open until 11 p.m. every day. That pilot project is ongoing.

For Laval merchants, this is a new flexibility that could be a game-changer.

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⚡ To Note

Raymond Bouchard has passed away.

Actor Raymond Bouchard, who died Saturday, distinguished himself in theater, television, and film. He was described as extraordinary, humane, funny, and touching.

A loss for Quebec’s cultural world.

Senate wants immigration measures removed from Bill C-12.

Senators on the social affairs committee want the immigration sections of Bill C-12 removed or significantly amended by the Senate’s national security committee.

The committee heard concerns that the legislation contains possible human rights violations, excessive executive powers, and a lack of procedural fairness.

Bill C-12 proposes to ban people who arrived in Canada more than a year ago from applying for refugee status and would give the government the power to cancel or modify immigration documents, including permanent resident cards.

The Senate’s national security committee will conduct a clause-by-clause review of the bill on Monday.

Armed man shot near Trump property.

A man carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a gasoline can was shot near Donald Trump’s property in Florida, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Caroline Proulx trial begins.

The trial between Harvest Ministries International, a Christian group, and former Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx began Monday at the Quebec City courthouse.

The British Columbia-based group is contesting the Quebec government’s cancellation of its planned conference in June 2023 at the Quebec Convention Centre. Proulx justified her decision by citing her disagreement with the organization’s beliefs on abortion.

The group is seeking more than $200,000 in compensation.

Drainville proposes carbon tax refund for farmers.

CAQ leadership candidate Bernard Drainville is proposing a full and permanent refund of the carbon tax for agricultural businesses.

He also plans to ease environmental permits for cleaning waterways, water withdrawals, and farm expansion projects.

Drainville faces Christine Fréchette in the CAQ leadership race. Legault’s successor will be elected April 12.

Loblaw to invest $2.4 billion and open 15 new stores in Quebec.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. plans to spend $2.4 billion to expand and renovate its store network and supply chain this year, opening 70 new stores in Canada, including 15 in Quebec.

The retail giant says its expansion in Quebec could create 1,985 jobs in 2026. The plan includes 34 new Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix pharmacies and clinics and 31 No Frills and Maxi stores.

The company will also renovate 191 stores. Last week, it opened a new Maxi store on Sainte-Catherine Street, employing 70 people.

Canada finishes the Games with 21 medals.

Canada finished the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with 21 medals, its lowest total since Salt Lake City 2002, when the country won 17 medals. Of these 21 medals, only five were gold.

Canada ranked eighth overall in the medal standings, its worst result since Albertville 1992. About three-quarters of Canadian medalists are 30 or older.

COC CEO David Shoemaker said this is not the result Canada strives for. With federal government funding unchanged since 2005, Canadian Olympic officials had warned for years that a decline could occur.

The COC is requesting $144 million in additional funding for national sports organizations.

By-election in Chicoutimi.

Voters in the Chicoutimi riding head to the polls Monday to elect their next representative in the National Assembly. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former CAQ municipal affairs minister Andrée Laforest, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Saguenay in November.

Polling stations are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 17 stations open. Seven candidates are vying for the seat.

Before falling to the CAQ in 2018, Chicoutimi had long been a PQ stronghold.

Quebec winter sports must adapt to climate change.

Research by the Ouranos consortium in 2024 for the Quebec Ski Areas Association predicts a decrease of 15 to 45 centimeters in natural snow cover, a reduction of 15 to 25 days of continuous snow cover on the ground, and an increase in winter rain and freeze-thaw cycles depending on region and scenario.

To adapt, ski resorts should increase their investments by 18% to 23% by 2050 and by 48% to 72% by 2070. They would need 300 to 1,200 additional employees by 2050-2070 to maintain the slopes.

However, ASSQ president Yves Juneau says milder average temperatures will offer more pleasant conditions during January and February, when most business occurs.

The sector plans $134 million in investments over the next two years.

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🚇 Local Stories

Montreal Metro’s tunnel boring machine unveiled.

The 9.7-meter-wide tunnel boring machine that will dig tunnels for the extension of Montreal’s Blue metro line was unveiled Monday. The machine will dig through rock to create the tunnel from the future Vertières station to Anjou station, a distance of 4.6 kilometers.

It is described as the largest drill of its kind in Quebec and a feat of engineering rarely seen in the province. Digging will begin in April and will not stop until the work is completed.

The tunnel boring machine arrived in Quebec in October and had to be assembled.

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👋 Before We Go

That’s it for this Monday morning. Between changes affecting your daily life and projects shaping our region, there’s plenty to reflect on over your coffee.

Enjoy this new week, take care of yourself and your loved ones, and have a great day. 🍁

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning!

It’s Sunday morning, and while some of you are still asleep, others already had their eyes glued to the Olympic final. Today was a big day for Canadian hockey. Between medals, local news, and some notable developments, there’s plenty to fuel your Sunday conversations. Let’s dive in.

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🥈 Main Story

Canada loses Olympic final in overtime

It hurts. The Canadian men’s hockey team couldn’t maintain its dominance over the United States, losing 2-1 in overtime Sunday in the gold medal game at the Milan-Cortina Games. Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils scored 1:41 into overtime, left alone in the slot during 3-on-3 play as Canada scrambled after giving up a two-on-one rush just seconds earlier.

The Americans hadn’t won gold since 1980, when the “Miracle on Ice” team triumphed in Lake Placid. Sunday’s victory came exactly 46 years to the day after the United States defeated the five-time Olympic champion Soviet Union 4-3 in the semifinal.

Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period for the United States. Canadian defenseman Cale Makar tied it 1-1 with 1:44 left in the second period. Hughes finally scored the winning goal in 3-on-3 overtime. American goalie Connor Hellebuyck was solid throughout the game, stopping 41 of 42 shots.

The silver medal is Canada’s sixth in Olympic history. Canada played the final without captain Sidney Crosby, sidelined by a lower-body injury suffered in the quarterfinal against Czechia. Connor McDavid served as captain in his absence.

Canada had previously beaten the United States for Olympic gold in 2002 and 2010. The silver leaves Canada with 21 medals at the Games, eighth overall. Finland won bronze on Saturday with a 6-1 victory over Slovakia.

A tough Sunday for Canadian hockey. But what a final.

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⚡ Highlights

📺 Montreal woke up early for the final

By 7:30 a.m., a line had already formed in front of La Cage at Centre Bell, as bundled-up fans braved the cold for a chance to watch the game.

Inside, large screens and breakfast plates were ready, along with chants of “Go Canada Go.”

The United States took the lead in the first period with a goal from Matt Boldy. Canada tied it late in the second period with a goal by Cale Makar.

🎉 Olympic FanFest in the Quartier des Spectacles

Montrealers gathered in the Quartier des Spectacles on February 21 and 22 to participate in Team Canada FanFest, a two-day public celebration of the Olympic Games.

The festival featured live broadcasts of competitions, interactive winter sports activities, and appearances by Canadian athletes like Mélodie Daoust, Joannie Rochette, Andrew Poje, and Alex Bilodeau.

Activities included public skating, curling demonstrations, speed skating, and hockey. Sunday featured the men’s gold medal game and the festival’s closing ceremony.

🇺🇦 Events across the country mark four years of war in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is holding an event on Parliament Hill today to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s one of 60 gatherings planned across the country.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Four years later, more than a million people have been killed and millions more displaced.

Candlelight vigils, rallies, and roundtables are planned in cities across Canada, from Victoria to Whitehorse to St. John’s.

🎬 Raymond Bouchard has passed away

Quebec actor Raymond Bouchard has died at the age of 80. Among other roles, he played Germain Lesage, the main character in the Quebec film “La grande séduction.”

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🏠 Local Stories

🚔 Laval man arrested for forgery

A Laval man is among three people arrested for alleged forgery of identity documents and credit cards.

🗳️ Québec solidaire makes exception for Gouin

Members of Québec solidaire voted Saturday in favor of an exception to the party’s rules in the Gouin riding, allowing a man to seek the nomination. The party said that 74% of members gathered at the closed national council supported the proposal.

The Journal de Montréal reported Tuesday that Alexandre Boulerice, NDP MP for Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, is interested in running for the left-wing party in the seat currently held by former co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.

QS decided that female or non-binary candidates will be required in seats currently held by the party. Co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal said this would be the only exception.

💻 Artificial intelligence accelerates in Quebec’s public service

The number of AI initiatives in Quebec’s public administration jumped by 54% in less than a year. Last June, there were 258 AI initiatives in Quebec’s public service, compared to 168 in October 2024.

A little over half of these projects were fully operational, while 45% were in development. The health and social services network accounts for about a third of all reported initiatives.

Higher education follows with 58 projects. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests ranks third with 26 initiatives. Last spring, 83 organizations reported having initiatives in this area, compared to 65 eight months earlier.

🍁 $10,000 fine for “maplewashing”

A Loblaw-owned store allegedly used maple leaf-shaped stickers to promote an imported product. A fine of $10,000 was imposed.

🎥 Geneviève Dulude-De Celles awarded in Berlin

The Quebec director won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay.

👮 Challenges for the RCMP reserve program

A report identifies problems with recruitment, training, resources, and overall management of the RCMP reserve program.

💼 Young workers turn away from management positions

Building a pool of potential managers is becoming more difficult as young people are less and less interested in leading a team.

A Robert Half survey conducted in March 2025 among 835 Canadian professionals found that about 50% of Gen Z workers would prefer a promotion to a role where they don’t manage others.

One of the main reasons is an emphasis on work-life balance. There is a “huge shortage” of candidates for management.

🇬🇧 British passport required for dual nationals

The 460,000 Canadians born in the United Kingdom will need a valid British passport to enter the country starting February 25.

🚀 Artemis launch in jeopardy

The Artemis launch scheduled for March is in jeopardy due to a new problem. This issue was announced a day after the date was set for the crewed flight to the Moon.

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👋 Before We Go

Silver hurts, but what an Olympic run. Enjoy your Sunday, whether you’re celebrating Canadian athletes or spending time with family. We’ll see you tomorrow morning for a new week. Have a great Sunday, Laval. 💙

Laval QC ☕ Morning Chat

Hello and good morning!

It’s Saturday, and while some are preparing to dive into the icy waters of the Lachine Canal, others are keeping their eyes on the Olympic Games. Between Canadian medals, local news, and some international developments, you have plenty to fuel your weekend conversations. Let’s get started.

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🏒 Main Story

Sidney Crosby might play in the final tomorrow

The suspense continues around the Canadian captain. Sidney Crosby skated with the team in practice Saturday, giving him a chance to play Sunday. His participation in the gold medal final against the United States will be decided at the last minute, head coach Jon Cooper told reporters after the morning practice.

Crosby was injured in the lower body during Canada’s quarterfinal match against Czechia on Wednesday. He limped off the ice in the second period after being crushed along the boards in the neutral zone by Czech defender Radko Gudas, then suffered another awkward hit along the boards later in the same period.

The 38-year-old player has collected two goals and four assists in four games in this tournament, his third Olympics.

Meanwhile, defenseman Josh Morrissey has been ruled out for the game as he continues to deal with an injury suffered earlier in the tournament. Morrissey was injured in the opening preliminary match against Czechia and has missed all games since. Travis Sanheim has taken his place in the lineup and has a plus-6 rating with one assist in four games.

We’ll know tomorrow morning. In the meantime, fingers crossed.

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⚡ Noteworthy

🥈 Blondin wins silver in mass start

Ivanie Blondin took silver in the women’s speed skating mass start on Saturday, for the second consecutive Olympics. She finished behind Dutch skater Marijke Groenewoud. American Mia Manganello took bronze.

Valérie Maltais finished fifth after recovering from a fall early in the race, narrowly missing a fourth medal at these Games. Canada now has 19 medals at Milan-Cortina 2026: four gold, six silver, nine bronze. One day of competition remains.

🥉 Rachel Homan wins bronze in women’s curling

The Canadian team beat the United States 10-7 in the bronze medal match Saturday. Canada scored three points in the eighth end to break open the game. This is Homan’s first Olympic medal at her third Games.

After starting 1-3, Team Homan won five straight games to reach the playoffs. It’s Canada’s first women’s curling medal since Jennifer Jones’ gold in Sochi in 2014.

⛷️ Disappointment in ski cross: no Canadian medals

For the first time since the event debuted at the Winter Olympics in 2010, Canada did not place any athletes on the podium in ski cross at Milan-Cortina 2026. Canadian star Reece Howden, 27, criticized the conditions after being eliminated in the quarterfinals Saturday: “It’s an absolute joke.

Honestly, I’m glad I’m not involved in this race because it’s ridiculous. This isn’t ski cross, it’s terrible.” Olympic organizers had postponed several events in the mountain region this week due to bad weather.

💵 Trump raises global tariffs to 15%

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is raising his global tariff to 15%. Trump signed an order Friday to impose a worldwide levy of 10% after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled his previous tariff tool illegal.

A White House fact sheet says the latest tariff will not apply to goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. The duty also won’t be applied in addition to sectoral tariffs like steel, aluminum, and automobiles.

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🏠 Local News

🏙️ Laval studies welcome tax payment in installments

The City of Laval is considering allowing the welcome tax to be paid in several installments—a potential relief for new homeowners.

🧊 Polar Bear Challenge at the Lachine Canal

Montreal police officers and elected officials are preparing to dive into icy waters this morning for the 18th annual SPVM challenge. Public Safety Minister Ian Lafrenière and Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada are expected to participate.

The proceeds support Special Olympics Quebec, which offers sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism. Fundraising goal this year: $115,000. Over the past three years, the event has raised more than $300,000.

🐉 Chinatown celebrates Lunar New Year

Montreal’s Chinatown is preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year this weekend with traditional dancing lions, cultural performances, family workshops, and light installations around Place Sun Yat-Sen. It’s the Year of the Fire Horse. The free festivities are organized by Asie en fête.

🔪 Assault downtown: 67-year-old man seriously injured

A 67-year-old man was seriously injured after being struck with a blunt object during a dispute that escalated late Friday night in Ville-Marie. Emergency services were called around 11:30 p.m. after the victim was found lying on Woolf Street near Sainte-Catherine East.

The man suffered significant upper body injuries. His condition stabilized Saturday morning and his life is no longer in danger. Police arrested a 56-year-old man in connection with the assault.

🛂 Transport Canada certifies Gulfstream jets after Trump threats

Transport Canada has certified the Gulfstream G500 and G600 after Donald Trump threatened last month to withdraw certification for planes built in Canada.

🌲 Forestry: Atikamekw and Innus sue governments

Indigenous nations are suing the governments of Quebec and Canada.

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💛 Spotlight

Police officers and elected officials diving into icy water this morning to support Special Olympics Quebec: that’s the kind of solidarity that’s good to see.

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🛠️ Practical Corner

📱 Social media addiction: solutions exist

Social media addiction has been compared to casinos, opioids, and cigarettes. Before setting scrolling limits, it helps to understand how news feeds and advertising work to attract users.

Small, meaningful changes like moving the app on your phone or turning off notifications could help. iPhones and Android devices have built-in controls to help regulate screen time.

Some users set their phone to grayscale to make it less appealing. If all else fails, it may be worth exploring therapy.

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👋 Before We Go

We wish you a great Saturday. Whether you’re diving into icy water, celebrating Lunar New Year, or watching hockey tomorrow morning, enjoy your weekend. See you tomorrow. 💙

Laval QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning to all!

We’re starting the weekend with some difficult news in the region, but also with hope for an Olympic gold medal for Canada. Between hockey keeping us on edge and important local issues, you have plenty to fuel your conversations. Grab your coffee, let’s dive in.

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⚠️ Main Story

Fatal Snowmobile Accident in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval

A woman in her fifties lost her life Thursday afternoon in a snowmobile accident in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, in the Capitale-Nationale region. The accident occurred around 2 p.m. The snowmobile driver, a woman in her twenties, reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into a tree. Both occupants were ejected from the snowmobile.

The driver sustained injuries that are not life-threatening, but the passenger, who was seriously injured, was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The Sûreté du Québec is investigating to shed light on the event. At first glance, no criminal element appears to be involved.

This fatal accident adds to four others that occurred last Saturday in Quebec. Men aged 47, 49, and 57 lost their lives, as well as a 47-year-old woman.

A difficult week for snowmobiling in Quebec.

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⚡ Of Note

🏒 Canada in the final for Olympic gold in men’s hockey

Canada won 3-2 against Finland in Friday’s semifinal. Nathan MacKinnon scored the winning goal with 35 seconds left in the third period, assisted by Connor McDavid.

Finland led 2-0 after two periods thanks to goals by Mikko Rantanen and Erik Haula. Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore helped Canada come back.

Sidney Crosby, injured in the lower body, couldn’t play. Connor McDavid wore the “C” and set a record for points in a single men’s Olympic hockey tournament with his 12th assist.

Canada will play for gold Sunday against the winner of the USA vs Slovakia match.

🥉 Valérie Maltais wins bronze in the 1500m

The speed skater from La Baie wins her third medal of the Milan-Cortina Games with a time of 1:54.50. Only Dutch skater Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong (gold) and Norwegian Ragne Wiklund (silver) did better. Maltais already had gold in team pursuit and bronze in the 3000m.

Canada now has 16 medals at these Games: four gold, five silver, and seven bronze. Maltais, 35, was not among the favorites after finishing 13th in this event at last year’s world championships. She’ll have one last chance to add a medal Saturday in the mass start.

🥌 Team Homan to play for bronze

Rachel Homan and her team lost 6-3 to Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg in Friday’s curling semifinal. Canada will play for bronze Saturday against the United States.

The Swedes dominated with an accuracy rate of 84% compared to 73% for Canada.

This will be the third consecutive Olympics where Canada will not win gold in women’s curling.

💔 Gold lost in women’s hockey

The Canadian women’s hockey team came very close to surprising the Americans in the final, but lost the gold medal. The honor remains despite the defeat.

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🏠 Local Stories

🏘️ Montreal and Longueuil adopt new protocols for homeless encampments

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier announced new intervention protocols for homeless encampments on Friday. The new rules aim to balance the rights of homeless people and public safety.

Martinez Ferrada was clear: “We will not make encampments permanent. Our goal is to get Montrealers experiencing homelessness off the street in a sustainable way.”

Montreal will create a centralized tracking tool to coordinate interventions and may designate tolerance zones in boroughs and downtown where encampments would be allowed.

In Longueuil, encampments cannot be set up within 250 meters of schools, daycares, women’s shelters, or seniors’ residences. Maximum of five tents or five people per site. Each person may have only one tent and one bicycle.

The new protocols do not rule out dismantling encampments, but forced relocation must remain a last resort in case of imminent threat to public safety.

🚗 Quebec drivers pay more for less service at the SAAQ

According to a study by the Montreal Economic Institute, Quebecers pay $142.35 for vehicle registration compared to $86.50 in Alberta. Driver’s licenses cost $26.75 in Quebec versus $19.60 in Alberta.

In Quebec, registration and license must be renewed every year, while in Alberta registration is renewed every two years and the license every five years. Quebec drivers pay about 60% more for this service than Albertans.

In 2023, the SAAQ received 15,000 complaints, more than the previous five years combined. In 2024, complaints dropped to over 9,000. In 2025, the SAAQ received 7,299 complaints, down 21.3% from 2024.

The SAAQ says the MEI comparison is misleading and that 99.6% of Quebecers have a service point within 50 kilometers. The SAAQ also notes that its insurance premiums remain among the lowest in Canada.

💰 Community organizations demand an extra $2.6 billion

As part of pre-budget consultations, autonomous community action groups are asking the Quebec government to inject much more funding into their overall mission. The Regroupement québécois de l’action communautaire autonome (RQACA) is demanding an additional $2.6 billion for the 4,500 concerned organizations.

These organizations include food banks, shelters for women victims of violence, and tenant advocacy groups.

The RQACA also asks that funding be prioritized for the global mission of organizations rather than for specific projects or service agreements, which would ensure greater stability and predictability.

📞 Dozens of organizations preparing a strike from March 23 to April 2

They will participate in the movement “Le communautaire à boutte.”

🌊 Cities will have to spend billions to meet new wastewater standards

They are demanding increased financial support from the government.

🏚️ The housing crisis still hits hard in Quebec

Affordable housing remains rare, while properties are being snapped up in the blink of an eye.

🛒 Sobeys stops supplying the only grocery store in Wemotaci

The supplier reportedly decided unilaterally to stop food distribution.

🍁 Hydro-Québec called to compensate for lost maple syrup potential

The construction of a Hydro-Québec line will result in the loss of about 50 hectares of maple syrup potential.

📜 Jolin-Barrette withdraws controversial abortion article

The Justice Minister has withdrawn the abortion article from his proposed constitution. Lawyers had pointed out that enshrining this right in the constitution would expose it to challenges.

🗣️ Ruba Ghazal and Sol Zanetti defend Haroun Bouazzi

The parliamentary leader of Québec solidaire defends her colleague Haroun Bouazzi, who claims that the National Assembly is a toxic environment where “lying, manipulation, and intimidation” are part of daily life. The CAQ is calling for Bouazzi’s expulsion from the QS caucus.

🌍 Quebec immigration increasingly feeds Canadian Francophonie

The end of the PEQ favors the success of Express Entry among temporary immigrants from Quebec.

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🛠️ Practical Corner

⚡ New incentives for electric vehicles

Ottawa is offering between $2,500 and $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

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👋 Final Thoughts

A week ending with ups and downs. Our thoughts are with the family affected by the accident in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval. And on Sunday, we’re crossing our fingers for Olympic gold. Have a great weekend. See you Monday morning. 💙

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good Morning Laval !

We have a great reason to start the day with a smile: Laval shines at the Olympics. Between medals, Quebec issues, and some news that gets people talking, you have plenty to fuel your conversations. Grab your coffee, let’s dive in.

🥇 Main Story

Steven Dubois from Laval Wins Gold in Milan-Cortina

It’s a golden morning for Laval. Steven Dubois won the gold medal in the 500m short track speed skating at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. A brilliant performance that brings Canada’s medal count in Italy to 14.

Dubois, who trains and lives right here in Laval, continues to make history in Canadian speed skating. This medal feels good—and reminds us that our local athletes have what it takes to dominate on the world stage.

Hats off, Steven. Laval is proud of you.

⚡ Worth Noting

🏒 Crosby Still Uncertain for the Semifinal

The Canadian captain was injured Wednesday against Czechia, and his status for Friday’s game remains unclear. Not ideal for a team that relies on him.

🥌 Canadian Women in Curling Semifinals

Rachel Homan and her team beat South Korea 10-7 to qualify for the semifinals. After a rough start (1-3), Canada won its last five games to finish 6-3. Semifinals are Friday.

🥉 Bronze Medal in Women’s Short Track Relay

Courtney Sarault wins her fourth medal of these Games. Canada keeps shining on the short track.

🏅 Canada-USA Final in Women’s Hockey

The two rivals will face off Thursday for the gold—a showdown reminiscent of the Salt Lake City final.

🏠 Local Stories

💰 Hydro-Québec Proposes a Rate of 13¢/kWh for Data Centers

Hydro-Québec wants to charge double the current rate to large data centers (those consuming more than 5 MW). The new rate, set at 13 cents per kWh, would take effect in the second half of 2026 if approved by the Energy Board.

For centers already connected, there will be a gradual transition over five years. Blockchain operations would pay 19.5¢/kWh. François Legault is counting on these centers to develop Quebec’s digital sovereignty, even though Hydro no longer has a surplus.

👴 Crisis in Senior Residences: “We Are in the Middle of a Crisis”

In eight years, 740 private senior residences (RPA) have closed in Quebec. On average, one closes every week. About 1,350 remain. The problem? Funding.

According to a Léger poll, eight out of ten RPA owners say the amounts paid by the health network don’t cover actual costs. The lowest rate? $21 per hour—while it costs at least $39 or $40 to provide an hour of care. Result: many RPAs have stopped offering care. Waiting lists are growing (3,500 for CHSLDs, 5,000 for intermediate resources), and seniors end up in hospitals due to lack of places.

Marc Fortin, from the RQRA, sums up the situation: “A wave is coming. We’re not ready.”

🏡 Real Estate: 43% of Houses Sold Without Legal Guarantees

In 2010, it was 4%. In 2025, nearly one in two houses in Quebec are sold without legal guarantees. A sign of overheating—and a risk for buyers.

📊 Power Could Shift to Workers by 2029

According to the Institut du Québec, the working-age population (20-64 years) will decrease for the first time in over a century between 2026 and 2029. Expected result: shortage of candidates, return of labor shortages, and a job market more favorable to employees than employers.

Salaries have already increased faster than inflation between December 2024 and December 2025: +7.5% in the public sector, +3.6% in the private sector.

🌿 Cannabis: Not All “Problematic”

A Quebec study reveals that 63% of cannabis users are at low risk for problematic consumption. These users are generally women who consume occasionally, socially, and alongside alcohol.

The key factor? Frequency. Daily use dramatically increases risks. A few times a month, risks drop drastically.

🚪 Marwah Rizqy Still Excluded from the Liberal Caucus

The new PLQ leader, Charles Milliard, confirmed Wednesday that Marwah Rizqy remains excluded from the caucus.

💸 Ottawa Invests $33.6M in 28 Quebec Defense Companies

Minister Mélanie Joly promises to “fight” for Quebec in defense investments.

🛂 Ottawa Expands Access to the Express Entry System

The goal: to attract “the best and the brightest,” according to Minister Lena Diab.

🏥 Montreal Hospitals: A Showdown Looms with the Regions

Montreal General Hospital and Douglas Hospital would need more than $400M in renovations.

💛 Favorite

Steven Dubois bringing gold back to Laval—that’s exactly the kind of local pride we need to start the day right.

🛠️ Practical Corner

🤧 Hospitalizations for Pneumonia Skyrocketed Last Year

ICIS data shows hospitalizations for pneumonia increased by one third in Canada last year. Children aged 5 to 17 were especially affected: hospitalizations more than doubled (from 2,698 to 6,547 patients).

The bad flu season and the unusual rise in “atypical pneumonia” cases (mycoplasma pneumoniae) are to blame. To protect your children: make sure their vaccinations are up to date. The vaccine against the most common bacteria causing severe pneumonia is part of the routine vaccination schedule.

👋 Final Thoughts

A gold medal for Laval, major issues in Quebec, and news that’s moving. You’re ready for the day. Have a great day, Laval—and long live Steven Dubois. 💙

Laval QC☕

Hello and good morning!

We hope your day is starting off better than Sidney Crosby’s. Between hockey that keeps us on the edge of our seats, a difficult trial in Laval, and some encouraging news from Quebec research, it’s a busy morning. Take a good sip of coffee, we’ve got a lot to cover.

⚖️ Main Story

A Laval father testifies in his own murder trial
The trial of Kamaljit Arora continues in Laval, and his testimony is hard to hear. Arora, 49, drowned his 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son in their home in Laval in October 2022. He admitted causing their deaths but pleads not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, as well as attempted murder of his eldest daughter and strangulation of his ex-wife.

Before the jury, Arora claims he has no memory of the day of the murders. He says he consumed fentanyl that day and only remembers waking up in the hospital, handcuffed, a few weeks later. According to his testimony, he had suffered from mental health issues since 2020, including severe depression, and had bought what he believed was fentanyl intending to die by suicide.

The Crown will have to prove that Arora’s actions were premeditated. A heavy, difficult case that deeply affects our community.

⚡ Of Note

🏒 Canada advances, but loses Crosby
Canada survived a big scare against Czechia in the Olympic quarterfinals, winning 4-3 in overtime. Mitch Marner was the hero with the winning goal. But the real news? Sidney Crosby left the game in the second period after a hit from Radko Gudas and will not return. His status for Friday’s semifinal remains unknown. Macklin Celebrini continues to impress. He opened the scoring with a pass from Connor McDavid.

💉 A promising Quebec vaccine for young children
A team from Laval University led by Guy Boivin is developing a vaccine that could protect children aged six months to five years against three respiratory diseases, including RSV. It would be the first vaccine of its kind for this age group. The vaccine is administered nasally and covers 95% of the causes of bronchiolitis and more than 80% of deaths from pneumonia in young children. Tests on mice and rats have shown very encouraging results.

🍔 McDonald’s partners with OVO for a late-night meal
McDonald’s Canada is launching a nighttime meal in collaboration with Drake’s OVO brand. On the menu: the Nite Sprite (Sprite with blue raspberry syrup in a black glass with the OVO logo) and the Afters meal with Junior Chicken or McDouble and poutine. No mention of Drake in the promo—just the iconic owl.

🛒 Canadian Tire bets on AI to predict your needs
Canadian Tire, Mark’s, and SportChek are rolling out a new platform developed with Microsoft to detect consumer trends. The tool, which uses Azure AI, has already identified more than 1,000 opportunities to improve customer service during a pilot project.

🏠 Local Stories

🏐 Sitting volleyball comes to Laval
The coach of the French national sitting volleyball team is in Laval offering introductions to this Paralympic sport. A great opportunity to discover this discipline.

🏘️ Housing cooperatives threatened by Bill 20
The Quebec Federation of Housing Cooperatives is sounding the alarm: Bill 20 on housing could threaten the survival of the cooperative model in Quebec.

💰 Specialist doctors: negotiations at an impasse
Negotiations between Quebec and specialist doctors are still stuck on salaries. Specialists are asking for a 17% increase, a demand François Legault calls “truly unreasonable.” The FMSQ promises pressure tactics that won’t affect direct care.

📜 Christine Fréchette considers removing the abortion article
The CAQ leadership candidate is considering removing Article 29 from the proposed Quebec constitution, which aims to protect abortion rights. Reason? No women’s group supports it, fearing that legislating could open the door to future restrictions.

🗳️ Philippe Schnobb runs for the PQ in Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques
The former president of STM will be a Parti Québécois candidate in the former PQ stronghold currently held by Manon Massé of QS. The PQ hopes to win back the seat with Massé’s departure.

💊 Phoenix: 10 years later, 1,769 civil servants still trying to fix the damage
The federal Phoenix pay system continues to haunt the public service with its monumental backlog of transactions.

☕ Hairdresser convicted for discrimination against a non-binary person
A hair salon must pay $500 to a non-binary person. The Human Rights Tribunal concluded that the lack of options beyond “men’s cut or women’s cut” constituted discrimination.

🔀 A third Conservative joins Carney’s Liberals
Matt Jeneroux joins the Liberal ranks. The Liberals are now three seats away from a majority.

💛 Favorite Story

Laval has its eyes on… Alexander the Great

With such a vibrant Greek community here in Laval, it’s impossible not to share their pride this week: archaeologists have finally rediscovered Charax Spasinou, one of the last cities founded by Alexander the Great, buried under the desert for more than 1,200 years.

Thanks to drones and ultra-modern imaging tools, the lost city has revealed its streets, temples, workshops, and even residential neighborhoods of exceptional scale. A discovery that reconnects the modern world to a mythical page of Hellenic history and makes the eyes of many Laval residents of Greek origin shine.

Here, where frappé coffees flow as much as yiayiá stories, this find resonates strongly: a reminder that Greek heritage continues to amaze the world… and that Laval carries a small piece of that pride every day.

📢 Conclusion
We wish you a gentler day than Crosby’s. Take care, stay warm, and we’ll see you tomorrow morning. Have a great day, Laval. 💙

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Laval QC ☕

Good morning!

We hope your coffee is hot, because a lot happened yesterday. Between medals, potholes, and government scandals, you’ve got plenty to fuel your conversations for the day. We’ve summarized everything for you… you’ll thank us later.

🏆 Main Story

The SAAQclic scandal comes to light

We knew something smelled bad. But the Gallant report, made public this week, confirms the extent of the damage: SAAQ deliberately misled the government and the public for years to hide cost overruns on its digital platform, SAAQclic. The final bill? $1.1 billion. Commissioner Denis Gallant, in a 586-page report, describes the information provided by SAAQ as “deceptive, false, and hypocritically reassuring.”

What’s next? SAAQ has publicly apologized and promised a major restructuring. Three ministers announced the creation of a monitoring committee responsible for implementing the report’s 26 recommendations. The Legault government is also considering legal action against SAAQ executives—and potentially against private firms involved in the project.

In short: someone will have to be held accountable. The case is far from over.

⚡ Of Note

🏅 Triple Canadian Gold in Milan-Cortina
Canada continues to shine at the Games! Blondin, Weidemann, and Maltais won gold in the team pursuit in speed skating—an exact repeat of their 2022 podium. Megan Oldham also took gold in freestyle skiing big air. And Marie-Philip Poulin? Always her, always decisive in women’s hockey.

🥌 Homan Turns the Tide in Curling
Rachel Homan’s team beat Sweden 8-6 in what will go down as the play of the competition so far: a triple takeout in the 8th end when Canada was trailing. Great curling.

📈 Inflation Slows Slightly
Inflation in Canada stands at 2.3% in January, a slight drop from 2.4% in December. Nothing to jump for joy about, but it’s heading in the right direction.

🕊️ Jesse Jackson Has Passed Away
American pastor and activist Jesse Jackson, an iconic figure in the civil rights movement, has died at the age of 84.

🏒 Fatal Shooting During a Hockey Game in Rhode Island
Three people were killed during a shooting at a hockey game. The shooter died from a self-inflicted wound.

🏠 Local Stories

🚧 Potholes in Montreal: The Root of the Problem
3,824 complaints in one month—that’s nearly five times more than at this time last year. Professor Alan Carter of ÉTS says it clearly: the real issue isn’t a lack of asphalt, it’s lack of preventive maintenance and exhausted road foundations. The city plans $684 million in roadworks in 2026, but according to Carter, they’re still patching cracks on dead bases. His lab is developing more resistant mixes—but his innovations struggle to make it to Montreal’s streets.

🏨 Montreal Strong in Tourism
The metropolis welcomed 11.9 million visitors in 2025, up 7.3%. Canadians lead the charge (+10%), and France accounts for more than 470,000 visitors. Tourist spending remains stable at $5.8 billion.

🛡️ Carney Bets on Made-in-Canada Defense
The prime minister unveiled a $6.6 billion industrial defense strategy in Montreal. The goal: prioritize military contracts with Canadian companies and create up to 125,000 jobs over ten years.

🏥 Dilapidated Hospitals: A Worrying Peak
Quebec now has 227 hospital pavilions in poor or very poor condition—a number that has more than doubled in 2026.

🚋 Gatineau Tramway: Quebec Takes Over
Quebec has withdrawn management of the tramway project from the City of Gatineau. The mayor fears the province will withdraw financial support for the project.

💛 Favorite

In Montreal, the city launches GITI, a group of 12 governmental and community partners, to move from crisis management to sustainable solutions for homelessness. Small step, big signal.

🛠️ Practical Corner

🏫 Tumbler Ridge: A Traumatic but Supported Transition
Even though the Tumbler Ridge tragedy happened across the country, many parents and teachers in Laval relate: how do you help children regain a sense of safety after such a shock?
British Columbia is installing 14 modular classrooms to give students a fresh start, with trauma support on site. It’s a reminder of the importance—here too—of having accessible mental health resources in our schools.

👋 Final Thoughts

It’s a big news day, between shining medals and reports that make you grit your teeth. But you read it all in five minutes. Now, it’s your turn. Have a great day, Laval. 💙

Laval, Quebec: Thoughts of the Day

Good morning, Laval! ☕

Let’s take a moment to reflect, without rushing.

We hope Sunday was calm, because the week begins with many important news stories. Between decisions that shape our collective future, Olympic performances that make us proud, and a community that comes together in adversity, there’s a lot to digest this morning. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started.

📰 Main Story
Canada says goodbye to American military dependence — in 10 years

Ottawa has just drawn a line in the sand: in a decade, Canada will no longer rely on the US for 75% of its military acquisitions. That’s the announced goal as the country has just signed its participation in the European SAFE program, becoming the first non-European country to participate. This program of 150 billion euros offers advantageous loans for the purchase of military equipment. Defense Minister David McGuinty formalized the membership on Saturday in Munich, where Prime Minister Mark Carney was supposed to travel before canceling his trip due to the shooting at Tumbler Ridge. Entry fee? 16 million Canadian dollars. A small price for a big ambition of sovereignty.

⚡ Highlights

• No Quebecers in the men’s hockey team
  No player from Quebec will be part of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the Milan-Cortina Games. That stings a little.
• Kingsbury wins gold
  Mikaël Kingsbury won the Olympic gold medal in parallel moguls, becoming the first Olympic champion in this discipline. “I really wanted this one,” he said. We understand you, Mikaël.
• Air Transat cuts Florida
  No more flights to Florida this summer for Air Transat. The company is completely canceling its summer 2026 flights due to a 30% decrease in travel between Canada and the US. Canadians are increasingly choosing the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America.
• Goodbye visas for China
  Canadians no longer need a visa to travel to China. The announcement was made after Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing in January.
• Hollywood vs ByteDance
  Hollywood organizations accuse Seedance 2.0, ByteDance’s AI video generator, of massive copyright violations. The tool uses actors’ faces and voices without permission. For now, it’s only available in China.
• Four dead in snowmobile accidents
  Black Saturday in Quebec: four people died in as many snowmobile accidents. The SQ has launched investigations.
• Tom Wilson fights at the Games
  Tom Wilson was ejected after fighting with Frenchman Pierre Crinon, who had elbowed Nathan MacKinnon. Canada won 10-2, Wilson completed a rare Gordie Howe hat trick, and everyone appreciates that he defends his teammates.

🏠 Local Stories

• Charles Milliard takes over the PLQ
  On Sunday in Trois-Rivières, about 600 caucus members welcomed the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party in a festive atmosphere. The pharmacist and former president of the FCCQ wants “to turn the page on the Rodriguez era.” His promises include: a telemedicine platform accessible 7 days a week, 100,000 homes per year, and a reduction in the tax burden for SMEs. He also promises a government of integrity and transparency, after recent scandals and the resignation of Pablo Rodriguez in December.
• Pereira and Michaud win bronze
  Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud finished third in the short program for pairs figure skating on Sunday with a personal record of 74.80 points. The free program is today. The 2024 world champions, Deanna Stellato-Dudek (42 years old, the oldest Canadian Olympian this year) and Maxime Deschamps, finished 14th after a fall.
• Insurers tighten the screws
  At least 1.5 million Canadian households — that is, 10% — can no longer get flood insurance. Insurers are raising rates and reducing coverage.
• Accusations of obstruction in Parliament
  The Liberals have accused the Conservatives of obstruction more than 100 times in three weeks. The atmosphere in Ottawa is tense.

💙 Favorite Story

• Tumbler Ridge flooded with global solidarity
  After the shooting that left 8 dead and 3 seriously injured at a school in Tumbler Ridge, thousands of dollars are pouring in from around the world to support families and first responders. Wendy Trueit, co-owner of Twisted Seasons Bistro, offers free meals — a school in Vancouver even offered to pay to feed everyone when classes resume. Combined GoFundMe campaigns have raised over a million dollars. And Maya Gebala, 12 years old, seriously injured, is showing signs of improvement: she has been transferred from palliative care to intensive care. Her family now calls for support for other affected families. Human kindness still exists.

📝 In Brief
Have a good week, Laval. Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones, see you again tomorrow. ☀️

EXCERPT:

Ottawa announces its intention to eliminate its dependence on the United States in matters of defense within 10 years, as Canada becomes the first non-European country to join the European SAFE program, a fund of 150 billion euros for the purchase of military equipment.