Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we stay close to home, with a call for witnesses in Laval, a story of perseverance on the North Shore, and a few updates that touch daily life more broadly across Québec and Canada. There is a bit of gastronomy, a bit of consumer news, and just enough concrete information to start your day without getting lost in the noise.
What to Know This Morning
- Laval police reopen a 2024 attempted murder case: A command post has been set up on boulevard de l’Avenir to gather information from the public.
- A Blainville artist continues her work despite serious health challenges: Catherine Lavoie keeps painting, drawing inspiration in part from the Montreal Canadiens.
- Energy drinks pulled from Familiprix pharmacies: The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec cites cardiovascular risks, especially when combined with certain medications.
- Honda may slow its Canadian electric vehicle project: A media report suggests the company could shift its North American strategy toward hybrids.
- Montréal earns two new Michelin stars: Sushi Nishinokaze and Hoogan et Beaufort join the list of one‑star restaurants.
- Friday’s Lotto Max climbs to 80 million dollars in Québec: The draw includes a 70‑million‑dollar jackpot and an estimated 10 Maxmillions.
- OpenAI violated privacy laws without facing penalties: The case is a reminder that these issues often move faster than our morning coffee.
Top Story
Laval police reopen investigation into the attempted murder of Ali Chaaban
Laval police are asking the public for help in the investigation into the February 2024 attempted murder of businessman Ali Chaaban. A command post was set up on May 6 near 1690 boulevard de l’Avenir.
On February 9, 2024, around 1 p.m., police received several 911 calls reporting gunshots in a commercial parking lot. Officers found 33‑year‑old Ali Chaaban with gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe the incident was linked to an attempted extortion. Police also say one of his businesses was targeted twice by acts of violence before shutting down.
The case remains very active, and the renewed call to the public shows investigators are still working to move concrete elements forward. For Laval, this is a heavy, deeply local story tied to broader public safety concerns.
In‑Depth Stories
In Blainville, Catherine Lavoie keeps painting despite surgery and serious health challenges
Blainville‑based artist Catherine Lavoie continues her work while recovering from surgery related to a likely benign brain tumour and a rare inner‑ear condition affecting her balance and hearing.
She says her work has evolved over the past seven years and remains driven by emotion, movement and instinct. Her style sits between abstract and figurative.
The Montreal Canadiens often appear in her creative world, especially during the playoffs, as a symbol of connection. In her current journey, painting seems to hold an even stronger place, both as an artistic practice and as an anchor.
Familiprix pharmacies remove energy drinks following pharmacists’ recommendation
The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec recommends removing energy drinks from pharmacies due to cardiovascular risks when combined with psychostimulants and other medications.
Familiprix quickly announced the complete withdrawal of these products across its network. New signage will also encourage patients to discuss their energy drink consumption with their pharmacist.
The Association des bannières et des chaînes de pharmacies du Québec is asking the government to consider setting a minimum age for access. For families and young people, this is a very concrete issue tied to everyday consumption habits.
Honda may more clearly slow its 15‑billion‑dollar Canadian electric vehicle project
A media report says Honda Motor plans to more firmly pause development of its 15‑billion‑dollar Canadian electric vehicle complex.
The same report says weaker U.S. demand for electric vehicles could push the company to refocus its North American strategy on hybrids. Honda Canada says it has nothing to announce for now.
Even if the project does not directly affect Laval, decisions of this scale reach far beyond a single plant. When a major industrial investment slows in Canada, it draws attention well outside the auto sector.
Montréal adds two new Michelin stars to its culinary map
Two Montréal restaurants, Sushi Nishinokaze and Hoogan et Beaufort, have earned one Michelin star following the update to the Québec edition of the guide.
Montréal now has five one‑star restaurants, with Jérôme Ferrer‑Europea, Mastard and Sabayon keeping theirs. For residents of Laval and the North Shore, it is simply another excellent reason to cross the bridge with an appetite and a bit of planning.
Coup de CÅ“ur
Catherine Lavoie’s story is a reminder that some people keep creating even when life decides to complicate the schedule. On the North Shore, that kind of perseverance feels both simple and powerful.
Wrapping Up
That’s your morning overview. Take what you need, keep a bit of momentum for the rest of the day, and move forward once again with that very local mix of caution, curiosity and coffee. ☕