Tag: Montreal

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. jun. 22, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The daily chat

Good afternoon,

Today we begin with a shooting that shook Montréal and caused major disruptions for commuters. Further down, you will also find a roundup of stories touching on justice, the cost of living, energy, culture and a few developments that resonate well beyond Île Jésus.

What to Know This Day

  • Montréal shooting: A police officer, a civilian and the suspect were killed. The response triggered an active shooter alert, road closures and the shutdown of Namur station.
  • Inflation in Canada: The rate reached 3.2 percent in May, up from April.
  • Carey Price and Patrice Bergeron to the Hall of Fame: Both former players are being inducted, with Carey Price entering as the winningest goaltender in Canadiens history.
  • Ottawa wants new nuclear reactors: The federal government is aiming for up to ten new reactors as part of a strategy valued at more than 100 billion dollars.
  • Intimate partner violence: A coroner’s committee recommends more awareness and training to prevent deaths linked to intimate partner violence.

Justice and Society

  • Second trial avoided in manslaughter case: A young man with an intellectual disability, previously found guilty of killing his mother, will not face a second trial.
  • Weight‑loss product fraud: A Montréal man has been sentenced to three years in a U.S. prison after defrauding victims of 1.8 million dollars.
  • Alleged racism at Station 39: The Red Coalition has opened a public testimony space as the investigation involving 16 SPVM members continues.

Quebec and Canada

  • 31.5 million dollars to be paid by the Archdiocese of Quebec: This is the largest settlement of its kind in the province’s history.
  • Quebec invests 609.6 million in audiovisual production: The five‑year strategy includes a transformation of Télé‑Québec and new production funding.
  • Mining claims and First Nations: Chiefs are demanding greater involvement and say they will firmly oppose any development without proper consultation.
  • Glenn Joyal to the Supreme Court: The Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada.
  • Opioid‑related deaths: Canada is seeing an overall decline, although Alberta’s progress is much slower than Ontario and British Columbia.
  • Lytton, BC: Residents have been allowed to return home after a wildfire, though caution remains necessary.

In Depth

The Côte‑des‑Neiges shooting left three dead and paralyzed part of Montréal

The shooting left three people dead, including a police officer, a civilian and the suspect. A second officer was seriously injured but later declared in stable condition. Another civilian suffered minor injuries.

The incident triggered an active shooter alert and a shelter‑in‑place order. The response led to closures on Highway Décarie, the shutdown of Namur metro station and service interruptions across the transit network.

The public security minister said the event is not being considered an act of terrorism.

Further Reading

Ottawa plans up to ten new nuclear reactors and a strategy worth more than 100 billion dollars

The federal government wants to build up to ten new nuclear reactors in the coming years. At least one would be located outside Ontario.

The strategy could cost more than 100 billion dollars. It also aims to increase Candu reactor sales and exports of enriched Canadian uranium.

Coroner’s committee proposes 13 measures to prevent intimate partner violence deaths in Quebec

A committee appointed by the Coroner’s Office recommends 13 measures to prevent deaths linked to intimate partner violence.

The report is based on 10 events that caused 16 deaths, including 12 murder‑suicides. It calls for more public awareness, more training for health professionals, social workers and police, and better information‑sharing between organizations.

There have been 10 femicides in Quebec since the start of 2026.

Quebec invests 609.6 million dollars in audiovisual production over five years

Quebec is investing 609.6 million dollars in its 2026‑2031 Quebec Audiovisual Strategy.

The first phase allocates 240.6 million dollars from 2026 to 2028, followed by 369 million dollars from 2028 to 2031. The plan includes transforming Télé‑Québec into a media platform for youth aged 9 to 17.

Quebec is also setting aside 100 million dollars for SODEC to create a transitional program linked to the refundable tax credit for film and television production.

Red Coalition hosts public testimony session during Station 39 investigation

The Red Coalition held a press conference to allow Montréal residents to share their experiences with police.

The discussion focused on racial profiling, community concerns, accountability and lived experiences. It takes place as the SPVM investigates allegations of racism and misconduct at Station 39 in Montréal‑Nord.

Sixteen members of the service are implicated, including two suspended officers who may face criminal charges.

Coup de Coeur

The induction of Carey Price and Patrice Bergeron into the Hall of Fame is a reminder that, amid heavy public issues, there are still stories that bring people together. A moment of sports pride in today’s coffee does not hurt anyone.

Before We Go

Thank you for spending this moment with us.

We wish you a grounded day, a clear mind and just enough good news to balance out the rest. ☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 31, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The daily chat

Greetings,

Today brings a mix of concrete updates, practical information and a bit of unsettled weather. Between the border, the storms, the wildfires, rail transport and a few stories that directly affect Quebec and Montreal, here is the clear version to fuel your conversations.

Update on our schedule

We are staying with you, but easing the pace a little. Part of the team is heading into vacation time, and we are also taking this moment to fine‑tune the site, review some tools and prepare what is coming for the summer.

We will continue publishing, but not every day. Expect at least two editions per week while things settle back into place.

Thank you for being here, for reading us and for keeping Laval Today alive. We will keep you in the loop.

What to know today

  • Canada introduces new border measures related to Ebola Travellers who have recently stayed in certain African countries will be assessed upon arrival.
  • Montreal under a severe thunderstorm watch Rain, lightning, strong winds, hail and possible power outages are expected through Monday.
  • Ottawa adds 10 aircraft to wildfire response The federal government says it wants to strengthen its capacity as 65 fires are already active across the country.
  • CPKC keeps operating despite a strike Nearly 300 signal workers are on strike, but the company says its operations continue in Canada.
  • Crossing into the United States is not more difficult, says CBSA The topic is resurfacing as electronic device inspections reached a record high last year.
  • Quebec launches the experimental phase of a cultural data bank for artificial intelligence The project aims to better represent Quebec society and Indigenous languages in AI systems.

To watch

  • A meteor spotted as far as Montreal Reports came in after an object about one metre wide entered the atmosphere near Boston.
  • Shawinigan gathering An event condemned by the City that revives broader concerns about identity, culture and how to hold this conversation without dehumanizing people.
  • CHUM expands a telehealth program for addiction care Twenty‑four Indigenous communities in Quebec are already participating.
  • Tour de l’Île draws thousands of cyclists More than 15,000 participants for an edition tied to the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Games.

Across Canada

  • Poilievre calls for an emergency debate on the economy He describes the situation as a recession and wants Parliament to address it.
  • Ottawa must choose a supplier for its submarine fleet by July Two bidders remain in the running.
  • Organizations urge Ottawa to curb youth nicotine use They want stricter measures on vaping.
  • Canada misses the bronze at the world hockey championship The team lost to Norway.
  • Canadian women win gold in artistic swimming It is their second medal at this World Cup.

Top story

Ottawa strengthens wildfire response with 10 new aircraft as 65 fires are already active

The federal government says it has leased 10 new planes and helicopters to increase Canada’s wildfire‑fighting capacity. Provinces and territories will be able to request their use through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

The aircraft include heavy‑lift helicopters, water bombers and a support plane. The goal is to add resources to provincial fleets when pressure increases.

Sixty‑five fires are currently burning across the country, including six that are out of control.

Quebec also maintains its own resources: 17 water bombers, other aircraft and several helicopters, with the option of calling in private support if needed.

It is estimated that about 80 percent of fires could be avoided since they are linked to human actions. In short, this is not the week to play backyard fireworks expert.

In detail

Montreal prepares for severe thunderstorms with possible power outages

Rain, lightning, strong winds and hail are expected through Monday.

Power outages are possible and officials remind the public that lightning can cause injury or death. Early next week should calm down with a gradual return of sunshine.

U.S. border remains accessible despite increased electronic inspections

Crossing into the United States is not more difficult, says the CBSA.

At the same time, American border officers inspected a record number of electronic devices last year. It does not change the overall conclusion, but it explains why the topic keeps resurfacing.

Strike affects CPKC signal workers but trains keep running

A union representing nearly 300 CPKC signal workers says its members have been on strike since Sunday morning.

These workers handle installation, maintenance, testing and repairs of signalling and communication systems from Vancouver to Montreal.

The company says contingency measures are in place and operations continue. The dispute involves pay, recruitment, retention and work‑life balance.

Quebec moves ahead with a cultural data bank to better anchor artificial intelligence here

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec has launched the experimental phase of a cultural and government data bank in French and Indigenous languages.

The goal is to improve the presence of Quebec realities in AI systems, which currently lack sufficient data on Quebec society, economy and culture.

The project is still experimental, with an estimated budget of about 10.5 million dollars over five years through 2030. Access to the data would be tightly controlled.

Coup de CÅ“ur

The CHUM project with Indigenous communities is a reminder that a useful service is not just about technology. When a tool is designed to adapt to people rather than the other way around, the result is often something simpler, more dignified and more human.

In closing

Wishing you a solid start to the week, a coffee that is still hot when you drink it, and just enough clarity to get through everything without rolling your eyes too often. ☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 8, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Morning Chat

Good morning,

Today’s bulletin focuses on decisions that affect daily life… some directly, others from a bit farther away, but all with real consequences here at home. We look at health, Montréal, and a few files that capture the mood of the day without requiring a second coffee to keep up.

What to Know This Morning

  • The Digital Health Record will cost $100 million a year to operate: This comes on top of the $402 million already invested in developing the project.
  • Québec’s College of Physicians is concerned about the bill on involuntary hospitalizations: It fears the number of people placed under custody could rise if the criteria are loosened.
  • Montréal launches a one‑stop service for animal services: The city is partnering with Proanima and the Montréal SPCA.
  • Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.9% in April: The economy lost 18,000 jobs during the month.

Close to Home

  • Montréal will host Olympic qualifying events ahead of the 2028 Games: About 500 athletes are expected for urban disciplines.
  • A body was found along the shore in L’Île‑Bizard: The case has been turned over to the Québec coroner.

Health & Society

  • Home‑care support gains one million hours in Québec: The program increases from 14 to 15 million hours offered.
  • The death of Philippe Pinette reignites the debate on systemic racism: Reactions continue following revelations about the circumstances of his death.
  • Perinatal workers denounce a lack of mental‑health training: They say needs are urgent before and during pregnancy.
  • Four Saint‑Léonard schools will receive a total of $20,000: Each EMSB school will receive $5,000 for materials or other needs not covered by regular budgets.
  • Canadian universities hit by a cyberattack: The University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University and the University of Alberta are among those affected.

Main Story

Québec’s College of Physicians fears a rise in involuntary hospitalizations

The Collège des médecins du Québec is raising major concerns about Bill 23, which would loosen the criteria for involuntary hospitalization during a crisis.

Its main worry is clear: broadening the definition of danger could lead to more people being placed under custody. The organization notes that 19,106 people were already placed in preventive custody in 2023–2024, a number it considers significant.

The College recommends that any implementation include structured follow‑up mechanisms. It also calls for a deeper study of advance psychiatric directives before they are rolled out.

Put simply, the debate isn’t only about the law itself. It’s also about whether the system can realistically absorb more custodial cases while still ensuring access to care.

In Depth

The Digital Health Record will add a $100‑million annual bill

The Digital Health Record will cost $100 million a year to operate, on top of the $402 million already invested in its development.

In practical terms, this number changes the scale of the project. It’s no longer just a major technological initiative — it’s a long‑term financial commitment for the health network.

The tool is also meant to centralize patients’ medical data. For the public, that puts two very concrete realities side by side: the promise of better information management, and a recurring operating cost year after year.

Montréal launches a one‑stop animal‑services line with Proanima and the SPCA

The City of Montréal has partnered with Proanima and the Montréal SPCA to create a single call centre for animal services.

The Proanima centre, already open in Villeray, Saint‑Michel and Parc‑Extension, offers stray‑animal sheltering and adoption, sterilization, microchipping, prevention programs and a mobile unit.

In practice, pet owners can be directed to Proanima or the SPCA depending on the situation. While the measure targets Montréal, this kind of service organization is worth watching for readers in Laval and the North Shore, especially in areas where practical day‑to‑day services matter as much as big announcements.

Unemployment rose to 6.9% in April after 18,000 jobs were lost

Canada’s unemployment rate reached 6.9% in April, while the economy shed 18,000 jobs.

This kind of national figure can seem distant from a local bulletin at first glance. But it’s often the type of indicator that shifts the underlying mood of an entire region. Job markets, household confidence, and kitchen‑table conversations follow along.

The takeaway is simple: the increase is modest, but it’s real, and it comes with a decline in employment. And it feels like these numbers are only the beginning — the real impact of automation and AI on the labour market hasn’t yet fully shown up in the statistics.

Bright Spot

Among today’s news, the $20,000 donation to four Saint‑Léonard schools brings a genuinely welcome note. It doesn’t solve everything, of course, but it shows how targeted, concrete support can quickly make a difference for a school community.

Before You Go

Thanks for taking a few minutes to go through the essentials with us.

We’ll let you get back to your morning with a clearer picture of what’s moving in Laval, Montréal and across Québec. A day that starts well is already a small victory. ☕