Tag: Montreal Canadiens

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 25, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Morning Chat

Good morning,

Today brings a lot of concrete, very concrete news: your wallet, the roads, major events in Montréal and a few signals worth keeping in mind for everyday life on the North Shore. We start with a quick overview, then take a bit more time with what might actually change your week.

What to know this morning

  • Quebec announces three new cost‑of‑living measures: The province will remove the QST from certain products, cut the annual vehicle registration renewal by 50 dollars for one year and provide a one‑time payment of up to 200 dollars for people who receive the solidarity tax credit.
  • Road closures in Montréal near Highways 13 and 520: Lane and ramp closures are planned from May 29 to June 1 in an area directly affecting travel between Montréal and Laval.
  • Montréal’s pedestrian streets return for 2026: Seven streets in six boroughs will go pedestrian‑only, with more than 1,260 businesses within walking distance.
  • The Montreal Heart Institute reports a rise in cardiac emergencies during Canadiens games: More than a 20 percent increase in patient volume during playoff games.
  • The 2026 Dictée lavalloise highlights French in Laval’s public spaces: Municipal representatives were present, reflecting a clear desire to promote French in the city.
  • Ottawa strengthens its wildfire‑fighting air fleet: The federal government has leased about ten additional planes and helicopters.
  • Canada welcomes a major business delegation from India: Around 150 business leaders are visiting the country to build commercial ties.

Justice and society

  • Serge Audette found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Patricia Ferguson, 30 years later: The case dates back to 1996 and involves the disappearance of Patricia Ferguson in Pointe‑aux‑Trembles.
  • Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal holds hearings in Montréal on Indigenous residential schools: The tribunal aims to shed light on testimony and allegations of violence against Indigenous children.
  • Ontario minister Caroline Mulroney announces her resignation: She had served as Minister of Francophone Affairs since 2018.
  • Quebec’s “Votre Santé” IT project draws scrutiny from investigators: A contract was renewed without a call for tenders by an American firm.

Close to home

  • The Victory Parade will take place Saturday in Montréal: The event will be held downtown, though the route has not yet been announced.
  • Just for Laughs unveils its 2026 program in Montréal: The festival runs from July 15 to 26 across 25 downtown venues.
  • The Merhaba Bazaar in the West Island brought together communities from several areas, including Laval: Part of the proceeds will go to a Canadian organization.
  • Montréal firefighters and local businesses show support for the Canadiens ahead of Game 3: Donations, hot dogs and team‑themed shirts are on the menu, with a rare bit of citywide coordination around hockey.

Main story

Quebec introduces three cost‑of‑living measures that affect daily life

The Quebec government is announcing three measures tied to the cost of living, with very concrete effects on everyday expenses.

First, the province will permanently remove the QST from several common consumer products starting July 15. This includes certain snacks, ready‑to‑eat fruits and vegetables, toilet paper and facial tissues.

Next, a 50‑dollar reduction in vehicle registration renewal will apply for one year starting September 1. The reduction will be applied automatically.

Finally, a one‑time payment of up to 200 dollars will be issued automatically on June 4 to people who receive the solidarity tax credit.

In a local bulletin, announcements like this matter because they touch the things that come back every week or nearly so: groceries, the car, the fees that pile up without asking permission.

In detail

Closures near Highways 13 and 520 may complicate some trips between Laval and Montréal

Closures are planned from May 29 to June 1 in the area of the Highway 13 and 520 interchange due to reconstruction work on the Highway 520 overpass above Highway 13.

Several ramp and lane closures are expected, along with periods of congestion. The pedestrian passage under Highway 520 near Highway 13 will also remain closed until it is rebuilt.

A continuous shuttle service will be available for pedestrians. For Laval residents who travel through this area, this is the kind of detail that can save an unnecessary detour or at least help with mental preparation, which, if it doesn’t speed up the trip, sometimes helps preserve patience.

Montreal Heart Institute notes a rise in cardiac emergencies during Canadiens playoff games

The Montreal Heart Institute reports more than a 20 percent increase in patient volume during Canadiens playoff games.

The study cited shows a 40 percent rise in major heart attacks after a win. The cases mainly involve men aged 50 to 55 with certain risk factors.

Symptoms to watch for include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and near‑fainting. The message is simple: the emotion of sports can stay a pleasure, but some warning signs should never wait until the end of the period.

Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal in Montréal seeks accountability for alleged crimes against Indigenous children

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on missing children and unmarked graves began its hearings in Montréal on Monday and will continue until Friday.

The prosecution argues that Canada committed crimes against humanity and genocide, largely through the residential school system. Survivors, experts and other witnesses are expected to testify.

A preliminary declaration is planned for Friday and the full judgment is expected on September 30. It is a heavy file, but an important one to follow because it touches directly on memory, responsibility and what the country is willing, or not willing, to face.

Montréal’s pedestrian streets return with seven corridors and more than 1,260 walkable businesses

Seven streets totalling seven kilometres will become pedestrian‑only in six Montréal boroughs. This includes sections of Mont‑Royal, Duluth, Bernard, Wellington and Villeray, as well as Ontario East and Sainte‑Catherine East.

The City says more than 1,260 businesses will be within walking distance thanks to this measure. The pedestrian periods will run from May 15 to October 12, 2026 depending on the sector.

For Laval residents heading into Montréal for an outing, an appointment or a last‑minute dinner, this kind of information quickly changes how you move around and sometimes even where you decide to go.

Spotlight

The Dictée lavalloise is a reminder that a city can come together around words. It may not be the loudest event of the day, but it says something simple and valuable about Laval: here too, community life runs through the language we share.

Before we go

Wishing you a good start to the week, a commute without unnecessary surprises and just enough calm to stay on course. In Laval as elsewhere, the small bits of morning information often make the biggest difference before 9 a.m. ☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 22, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Morning Chat

Good morning,

Today we start close to home with a story that directly affects Laval, then widen the lens toward Montreal, Quebec and a few Canadian issues with very real consequences. On the menu: transportation, culture, sports and a couple of reminders that the news cycle always finds a new twist.

Top stories this morning

  • Laval will not have to pay 1.1 million dollars to former mayor Vaillancourt: Ottawa will cover 1.1 million dollars in unpaid taxes linked to former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt’s fraud case, which means the City of Laval avoids the bill.
  • Ottawa steps in to prevent pharmacies in Quebec from going back to fax machines: The PrescripTIon Québec project will continue despite the May 29 cutoff.
  • CRTC requires online platforms to invest more in Canadian content: Streaming services will have to invest 15 percent of their Canadian revenues in local content.
  • Partial lane closures on Viger and Saint Urbain: Closures are planned from May 24 to June 6 for work on the Saint Urbain viaduct.

Justice and society

  • Life imprisonment for the murderer of Daphnée Jolivet: An adult life sentence was handed down on Friday.
  • Daniel Rochefort will remain in custody until his trial: His release has been denied.
  • A man from the Quebec area arrested in connection with a terrorism investigation, released under conditions: A man arrested in Lévis has been released under conditions and will return to court on June 1.
  • A mother and her son from Lachine die by drowning in 2025: the coroner rules it an accident: The coroner rules it an accidental drowning and recommends more awareness around private pools and swimming lessons.

Culture, sports and public life

  • Gilles Villeneuve named a historic figure of Quebec: A commemorative plaque will be installed at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
  • An honorary doctorate from Polytechnique Montréal awarded to Charles Tisseyre: Polytechnique highlights his contribution to scientific popularization.
  • Florence Longpré makes the big leap into cinema with La portraitiste: Her first film as a screenwriter will tell the story of a woman’s emancipation and, through her, of Quebec.
  • The Canadiens avoid the trap, the Hurricanes fall into it: Montreal turned the game in their favor in 10 minutes.
  • Victoria Mboko en finale à Strasbourg au terme d’un match marathon : La Canadienne s’est qualifiée pour la finale après une victoire en trois manches.

Across Canada and abroad

  • The Treasury Board wants to provide an office space for the majority of employees: The federal government is committed to offering spaces assigned to the majority of employees concerned.
  • The rise in gasoline prices has boosted retail sales in March: Sales increased by 0.9% to reach $72.7 billion.
  • Anand denounces the mistreatment of Canadians detained in Israel: Twelve Canadians intercepted aboard a flotilla have arrived in Turkey and are receiving urgent medical care.
  • Ebola risk in the DRC rises from high to very high, says the head of the WHO: The WHO reports nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.

Main story

Ottawa covers 1.1 million dollars in unpaid taxes tied to former mayor Vaillancourt, and Laval avoids the bill

This is the most directly Lavallois story of the day, touching both public finances and a name that still carries weight in local political memory.

Ottawa will assume 1.1 million dollars in unpaid taxes linked to Gilles Vaillancourt’s fraud case. In practical terms, Laval will not have to pay the amount.

It is a simple fact, but it carries real weight. When a city avoids a bill of this size in a sensitive file, it is not trivial. It is not exactly the kind of budget line that calls for celebration, but it is still an important outcome for Laval.

In detail

Quebec avoids a return to fax machines in pharmacies

A sentence we did not expect to write seriously in 2026, yet here we are.

PrescripTIon Québec, which was supposed to be shut down on May 29, will continue thanks to federal intervention. The immediate result is clear: pharmacies in Quebec will not be forced back to fax machines.

It is the kind of technical issue that stays invisible until it starts making life harder for everyone. We will skip the mechanics, but the practical impact is obvious.

Montreal shifts into Grand Prix mode, with the Canadiens humming in the background

Downtown Montreal is gearing up for heavy crowds for the Canadian Grand Prix and the Canadiens playoff run.

Merchants in the Peel sector expect an exceptional week, with some comparing it to a full month of business packed into a few days. And it is not limited to one street. The energy is already spilling into Old Montreal, Crescent, Saint Laurent and Griffintown.

For Laval residents heading into the city this weekend, the message is simple: expect crowds, and plenty of them.

Partial closures on Viger and Saint Urbain until June 6

Transport Québec is implementing partial closures from May 24 to June 6 on Viger West and Saint Urbain for work on the viaduct over Route 136.

One lane will remain open in each direction, detours are planned and trucks will be prohibited between René Lévesque West and Viger West.

Not the most thrilling news, unless you are already stuck in traffic, but exactly the kind of practical update worth keeping in mind before heading out.

Gilles Villeneuve officially named a historic figure of Quebec

Quebec has formally designated Gilles Villeneuve as a historic figure. The announcement was made in Montreal by Premier Christine Fréchette.

A commemorative plaque will be installed at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and a temporary exhibition titled Salut Gilles: A Story of Speed in Montréal will open July 16 at Parc Jean Drapeau.

It is a double gesture: honouring a major figure in Quebec sports history and giving the public two concrete ways to revisit his legacy.

Spotlight

The honorary doctorate awarded to Charles Tisseyre feels especially fitting. Bringing science within reach of the public is not just about explaining things. It is about giving people the desire to understand the world a little better.

To finish

Thanks for spending this moment with us.

This morning, the news takes us from Laval to Montreal and then across the country, with a mix of practical updates, major decisions and stories that touch daily life. A full morning, without even needing to fire up a fax machine. ☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 13, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Laval wakes up today to a major criminal case, movement at Place Bell, and a reminder that travel plans do not always go smoothly. There are also a few political and social decisions worth a look before you head into the rest of your day.

What to know this morning

  • Arrest warrant in the Bobby the Greek case: The Sûreté du Québec is searching for a Laval resident in connection with the shooting at a Starbucks in Chomedey.
  • Canadiens lose 3–2: A strange bounce off the glass changed the course of the game.
  • Decisive game at Place Bell: The fifth game between the Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost is set to be played in Laval after a health‑related postponement.
  • Route 136 closed toward downtown: Montreal will close part of Route 136 eastbound all weekend for work, with heavy congestion expected.
  • New domestic violence bill: Quebec has introduced the Gabie Renaud bill, which would allow the disclosure of certain past domestic violence offences.

Society and politics

  • Bill 101 and adult education: Jean‑François Roberge says an expansion would shift 27,000 students from the English network to the French network.
  • Quebec polling: The Liberals and the Parti Québécois are neck and neck, while the CAQ is climbing.
  • Population decline: Quebec lost nearly 10,000 residents in 2025.

Across Canada and abroad

  • Craig Berube fired in Toronto: The Maple Leafs have dismissed their head coach after finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
  • Brandon Clarke dies at 29: The Canadian NBA player from Vancouver has passed away.
  • WhatsApp adds an incognito AI mode: Meta says it wants to better protect sensitive conversations with its assistant.
  • European Union moves to ban conversion therapy: The European Commission wants member states to prohibit the practice.

Main story

The Sûreté du Québec is searching for a Laval man in the Bobby the Greek murder case

The Sûreté du Québec has issued an arrest warrant for Denis Beaupré, a 54‑year‑old Laval resident, in connection with the death of Charalambos Theologou, also known as Bobby the Greek.

He was killed on October 1, 2025, during a shooting at a Starbucks in Chomedey near Highway 440. Two other men with him were also injured.

Police say Beaupré has been missing since October 5. He is also suspected of intentionally firing a gun without regard for the life or safety of others.

A police operation took place on May 6 at a property and residence in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, in connection with his disappearance. For Laval residents, it is a stark reminder that a major organized‑crime case that shook Chomedey is still unfolding.

In detail

The Victoire’s decisive game will be played at Place Bell after a health‑related postponement

The fifth game between the Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost is scheduled for Place Bell in Laval after Monday’s game was postponed.

The postponement was due to concerns for player safety related to an illness. The LPHF says medical evaluation determined the symptoms do not match hantavirus.

According to two people familiar with the situation cited by the Associated Press, the illness appears to be limited to Montreal. This final game will determine which team advances to the Walter Cup final against the Ottawa Charge.

Quebec introduces the Gabie Renaud bill to better inform people facing domestic violence risks

The Quebec government has introduced the Gabie Renaud bill, presented as a measure to better protect women in situations involving domestic violence.

Under the bill, anyone who fears for their safety or that of their child will be able to fill out a form online or at a police station. The Sûreté du Québec will review the request and check for past domestic violence offences involving a current or former partner.

Any relevant information would then be shared through an organization that has yet to be designated. The bill also provides for support and referrals to appropriate resources for the person making the request.

Route 136 closure in Montreal expected to complicate weekend travel

Route 136 eastbound will be fully closed from Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. between Exit 4 and the entrance from Atateken Street.

The work includes slab repairs, paving, and line painting in the Ville‑Marie and Viger tunnels. Ramps from Robert‑Bourassa Boulevard and Cathedral Street will also be closed.

The ministry expects significant congestion throughout the weekend and encourages anyone heading downtown to use public transit. For Laval residents driving into Montreal, the message is simple: check your route before leaving rather than discovering the closure in real time.

In closing

Thank you for making space for Laval en Bref in your morning.

Wishing you a smooth day, easier‑than‑expected travel, and hopefully a coffee break without sirens or surprise detours.

☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 9, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Weekend Chat

Good morning,

For this weekend edition, we’re keeping an eye on the rollout of Québec’s new Digital Health Record, a police investigation in Montréal, and a few national stories that are likely to come up in kitchen‑table or coffee‑shop conversations. We also look at a North Shore incident and several public‑health and political files that deserve a closer look.

What to know this morning

  • The Digital Health Record goes live in two regions of Québec: The rollout began overnight at the CIUSSS du Nord‑de‑l’Île‑de‑Montréal and the CIUSSS de la Mauricie‑et‑du‑Centre‑du‑Québec.
  • Teen killed in the Laurentians after a collision with a truck: The crash happened in Saint‑Hippolyte and the Sûreté du Québec is investigating.
  • Two women injured in a shooting at a Plateau‑Mont‑Royal bar: They were taken to hospital and their injuries are not considered life‑threatening.
  • Four Canadians to disembark from a ship with a hantavirus outbreak: They are expected to disembark in Tenerife for screening and quarantine arrangements.
  • Thirty new measles cases confirmed in Manitoba: Public‑health officials warn the disease continues to spread.
  • Ottawa provides $673 million to Canada Post: The corporation had posted a $1.57‑billion loss in 2025.

Society and politics

  • Québec solidaire debates its platform: The party, meeting in Montréal, is discussing the cost of living, wealth redistribution, and the idea of public, non‑profit grocery stores.
  • Ottawa consults on environmental regulatory changes: Steven Guilbeault says Mark Carney is going further on this issue than Stephen Harper.
  • Danielle Smith expresses confidence after meeting Mark Carney: She says Albertans are growing impatient.

Health and safety

  • Three more Canadians exposed to hantavirus: Ten Canadians have been exposed in total, and six are isolating in Canada.
  • Experts say a hantavirus pandemic is unlikely: They note that human‑to‑human transmission of the Andes virus remains rare and requires close contact.
  • Three Hamilton men charged with attempting to smuggle 89 firearms into Canada: Charges were filed in the United States.

Main story

The Digital Health Record moves from theory to practice in two care networks

After yesterday’s focus on costs, figures, and concerns surrounding Québec’s Digital Health Record, today is about the concrete rollout: the system began deployment overnight at the CIUSSS du Nord‑de‑l’Île‑de‑Montréal and the CIUSSS de la Mauricie‑et‑du‑Centre‑du‑Québec. It’s the first step in a pilot project that will eventually extend across the entire health network.

Santé Québec says the launch went smoothly and that the bugs identified earlier have been corrected. The organization calls it a successful start, while acknowledging that the broader project remains complex and will require adjustments in the weeks ahead.

The pilot project is valued at $400 million. Over the longer term, integrating roughly 400 IT systems could bring the total cost to between $1.5 and $3 billion, according to earlier estimates.

For residents, the project can feel highly technical… almost like redoing all the digital plumbing without shutting off the water. But the core idea is simple: replace a patchwork of systems with a single, coherent platform that’s easier to use.

In detail

La Victoire pushed to a decisive Game 5 at Place Bell

La Victoire de Montréal will need a winner‑take‑all game to reach the Walter Cup Final. The Minnesota Frost won Game 4 by a score of 3–1 last night in Saint Paul, thanks to two quick goals from Sidney Morin in the third period.

Maureen Murphy had opened the scoring early in the third, but the Frost turned the game around before sealing it with an empty‑net goal. Game 5 will be played Monday evening at Place Bell, with the winner advancing to the PWHL Final.

Teen killed in Saint‑Hippolyte collision

A teenage girl died Friday evening in Saint‑Hippolyte, in the Laurentians, after a collision between a delivery truck and a moped carrying two minors.

The moped’s driver was hospitalized and later released. The Sûreté du Québec is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Two women injured in Plateau‑Mont‑Royal shooting

Two women in their twenties were shot shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in a bar on Montréal’s Plateau‑Mont‑Royal.

They were taken to hospital with injuries that are not life‑threatening. The investigation is ongoing.

Four Canadians on ship with hantavirus outbreak to disembark in Tenerife

The Canadians still aboard the ship at the centre of a hantavirus outbreak are expected to disembark early Sunday in Tenerife.

The World Health Organization and other groups will conduct passenger screening and organize quarantine measures. In total, ten Canadians have been exposed, including six who are isolating in Canada.

Experts say the virus is unlikely to spark a pandemic similar to COVID‑19, as human‑to‑human transmission remains rare and requires close contact.

Québec solidaire puts cost of living at the centre of its Montréal convention

Following yesterday’s debates on taxing large fortunes, Québec solidaire continues its convention in Montréal with a clear focus on the cost of living, wealth redistribution, housing, food access, and health.

The party adopted a motion to launch a pilot project for non‑profit public grocery stores. Another motion proposes a 1% annual tax on assets of $25 million or more.

A separate proposal to tax capital starting at $5 million was narrowly rejected. Ruba Ghazal says the party’s upcoming election platform will be guided by “the path of hope” ahead of October’s general election.

Coup de cœur

Some mornings, a simple hockey game is enough to lift the collective mood. The Canadiens’ win yesterday, powered once again by an explosive Alex Newhook, offered exactly that small boost. Nothing dramatic, nothing decisive… just a moment where everyone seemed to breathe a little easier.

In closing

Take what’s useful, leave the rest for later, and enjoy the weekend at your own pace. A good weekend often starts with a clear, no‑nonsense look at what’s happening around us. ☕