Laval QC ☕ Daily Chat
Good morning,
Today we’re covering a tentative agreement that could end a very local strike, the Rocket’s broadcasters for the coming season, and a few files touching the region and Quebec. Enough to start the day with the essentials in mind.
What to know this morning
- Tentative agreement at Metro’s Laval distribution centre: The strike, which began March 30, could end after workers vote on September 24.
- Laval Rocket unveils its broadcasters for the 2026-2027 season: All games will stream on FloHockey, with French and English commentary for home games.
- SPVM bans the “hog tie” restraint technique: The decision follows the coroner’s report into the death of Abisay Cruz in 2025.
- Gas prices jump in Montreal: The average hits $2.07 a litre, up 3.5 per cent in a single day.
Close to home
- Tentative agreement at Metro’s Laval distribution centre: The 550 workers represented by the CSN will vote September 24 on an offer that includes 22 per cent wage increases over five and a half years.
- Laval Rocket to stream on FloHockey: Every game, home and away, will be available on the platform, with French and English commentary for local games.
Across Canada
- Churchill Falls: N.L. politicians vote in favour of the framework agreement: A tight 21-18 vote closes a four-day special debate on the deal with Hydro-Québec.
- More than 160,000 immigrants will be able to vote for the first time in Quebec: They can take part in the October 5 election.
- Canadian military looks to a controversial Ukrainian drone market for ideas: Experts worry about a “gamification” of war.
Main story
Tentative agreement at Metro’s Laval distribution centre: the strike could soon be over
Metro management and the union representing workers at the Laval fruit and vegetable distribution centre have reached a tentative agreement to renew the collective agreement. The news was confirmed Thursday by the CSN and Metro management.
The strike, which began March 30, affects the distribution centre that supplies grocery stores, as well as the head office and transport operations. The dispute was mainly about wages.
The agreement includes 22 per cent wage increases over five and a half years, including a 6 per cent increase in the first year, paid retroactively to September 17, 2025. The bargaining committee will recommend that members vote in favour of the deal.
The strike will continue until the workers’ vote, set for September 24. Metro says its stores remain well stocked to meet customer needs.
In detail
SPVM bans “hog tie” restraint technique after a man’s death
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal has ordered its officers to stop using the controversial restraint technique known as the “hog tie,” following the death of Abisay Cruz in 2025. The coroner concluded the position “very likely” contributed to his death.
Deputy director Marc Charbonneau said an internal memo was sent to officers after the coroner’s report was published on August 12. The technique, which involves binding a person’s hands and feet behind their back, is not officially taught by the SPVM or the École nationale de police du Québec.
The SPVM says it supports the coroner’s recommendations and is committed to continuing its review of the report.
Baby found near a Montreal encampment reignites the homelessness debate
A one-year-old baby was placed with the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse after a police intervention near the Notre-Dame encampment in Montreal. Police were called last Friday around 7 p.m. and observed “concerning” elements.
The discovery drew sharp reactions from political party leaders, who called for urgent action. “There were serious failures,” said Liberal Leader Charles Milliard. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said she was examining every option, “even legal ones.”
Major AI conference in Montreal explores solutions to the doctor shortage
At the fourth edition of the All In 2026 conference, experts debated whether artificial intelligence can help patients without a family doctor. About 5.9 million Canadian adults have no primary care provider, according to a 2025 survey.
Muhammad Mamdani, director of the Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine at the University of Toronto, cited Google’s AMIE project, which allows video consultations with an AI. He noted that AI could “ease the pressure” on the health-care system without replacing doctors.
Coup de Coeur
There’s something genuinely encouraging about the Laval Rocket making every game available on FloHockey this season, complete with French and English commentary for home matchups. For a team that pulls so much energy from its community, that kind of accessibility isn’t just convenient, it strengthens the connection between fans and the players they follow night after night. A small shift, but one that brings the team a little closer to the people who care about it most.
Before you go
We wish you a full day, with a little gentleness and some good news. May your coffee be hot and your traffic light. Back tomorrow for another look around. ☕