PLQ – LAVAL QC

Laval QC ☕ Weekend Coffee Chat

Greetings to all,

Today we are keeping an eye on what affects daily life directly, along with a few broader stories that deserve more than a quick glance between sips of coffee. On the menu: Quebec politics, public safety in Montreal, a food recall, and a few Canadian stories that go beyond the headline.

What to know this morning

The National Assembly has adjourned until the fall: The parliamentary session is over and MNAs will next meet on the campaign trail.
The Quebec Liberal Party plans to send a formal notice to Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon: The PLQ is responding after the PQ leader linked the party to organized crime.
The ban on open fires in or near forests has been lifted: Quebec ended the measure Saturday morning in collaboration with SOPFEU.
Five children from the same family die in an Ontario collision: Five adults and an infant were also seriously injured.
Lactantia UltraPūr 2 percent lactose‑free milk recalled: The product is being pulled due to excessive levels of vitamins A and D.
Unauthorized nicotine pouches recalled: Health Canada is recalling Siberia (35 mg) and ZYN (6 mg) nicotine pouches sold without authorization. Incorrect nicotine levels on the labels can lead to overconsumption and adverse effects. Consumers are asked to check their products and stop using the affected lots.
Canada earns a point in its first World Cup match: The Canadian team opened the tournament with a draw.

Justice and society

In Montreal, the investigation into Station 39 is expanding: Two officers have been suspended, three reassigned to administrative duties, and fourteen others transferred or moved to roles without public contact.
Montreal’s mayor wants to speed up the body‑camera project: The city plans to invest 40 million dollars to deploy body cameras and cameras on police vehicles.
The police union condemns the racism allegations: It calls the allegations completely unacceptable and disturbing, while reminding the public of the presumption of innocence.

Across Canada

New Brunswick’s lieutenant‑governor must be bilingual: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau‑Brunswick.
Zero‑emission vehicle sales are rising: In April, sales were up 21 percent year over year nationwide.
Mark Carney sees the G7 as a place of realignment: He believes the summit could help shape a new global order.
Canada denies entry to Thomas Partey for the World Cup: Ghana plans diplomatic and legal steps after the visa refusal.

Top story

Important recall: a Lactantia milk sold in Quebec contains excessive levels of vitamins A and D

A recall affects a specific Lactantia product: UltraPūr 2 percent lactose‑free milk sold in two‑litre cartons, identified by UPC 0 68200 14854 0 and best‑before date June 22, 2026. The product contains excessive enrichment of vitamins A and D, above recommended daily limits.

The recall mainly concerns purchases made at Costco, where the product was sold under item 1987085. Lactalis Canada says the enrichment error may pose a health risk if consumed in large quantities, although no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers are asked not to drink the product, not to serve or use it, and to discard it or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with concerns or symptoms is encouraged to speak with a health professional.

No other UltraPūr products from Lactantia are affected.

In depth

In Montreal, the Station 39 case reignites the body‑camera debate

Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada responded to allegations of discriminatory, hateful and racist behaviour involving officers from Station 39 in Montreal North.

Two officers have been suspended. Three others have been assigned to administrative duties. Fourteen others have been transferred or reassigned to roles without public contact.

The SPVM has been investigating since March. The city plans to invest 40 million dollars to deploy body cameras and cameras on police vehicles.

Legal questions still need to be resolved before the tools can be put into service.

Quebec fully lifts the ban on open fires in or near forests

The Ministry of Public Security has fully lifted the ban on open fires in or near forests.

The decision took effect Saturday at 9 a.m., in collaboration with SOPFEU.

Since the start of the season, 202 fires have affected 194 hectares. At the same date, the ten‑year average is 241 fires and 108,164 hectares burned.

The parliamentary session ends and the political tone continues to rise

The National Assembly has adjourned until the fall.

In the same political wave, the Quebec Liberal Party intends to send a formal notice to Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon after the PQ leader linked the party to organized crime.

In other words, even when the work stops, the atmosphere is not exactly taking a coffee break.

Canada denies entry to Thomas Partey for the World Cup

The Ghanaian government plans diplomatic and legal steps after Canada refused a visa to Thomas Partey for the World Cup opening match in Toronto.

Canada says each entry request is assessed individually based on available facts and applicable laws.

The player will still be able to take part in the June 23 match in the United States.

Before we go

Thanks for starting your day with us.

Wishing you a simple weekend, smooth travel, and a day that moves a little more gently than your inbox. ☕

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today brings a mix of concrete local news, provincial decisions that shape daily life, and a few files that show just how connected our region is to the rest of the province and the country. From public safety in Laval to energy drinks in pharmacies and major political choices in Québec, here’s what you need to start your day, without the unnecessary noise.

Close to Home

Montreal urges Québec to act as water infrastructure deteriorates: More than 10 percent of the city’s water infrastructure is rated in poor or very poor condition.
Laval police renew call for information in 2024 attempted murder case: Reminder: Laval police are seeking the public’s help in the investigation involving businessman Ali Chaaban, which they link to extortion.

Society & Politics

Milliard stumbles by referring to “two official languages”: His comments fuel criticism from the CAQ and PQ over the status of French.
Québec Solidaire to table bill on use of the notwithstanding clause: The debate over this constitutional tool returns to the forefront.
Superior Court overturns “flawed” inquiry report on Tamara Thermitus: The ruling finds the report was unreasonable and tainted.
“Serious breach of dignity”: Innu man’s death recalls Joyce Echaquan case: The Québec Ombudsperson identifies several failures in the care provided to Philippe Pinette.

Across Canada and Beyond

Carney government wants faster pipeline approvals: An announcement is expected later this week.
Canadian Armed Forces must refocus on defending Canada, says Gen. Carignan: She argues the military has lost sight of its core mission by being too involved in humanitarian work abroad.
Hantavirus: three Canadians isolating after cruise ship outbreak: Two Ontarians and one Quebecer are affected.
Hantavirus: dozens of passengers left the ship after the first death: The outbreak has caused three deaths and several illnesses.
Alberta separatism: fertile ground for foreign interference: A report claims Russian and American actors are already trying to exploit divisions. How neutral such a document truly is remains an open question.

Main Story

Chomedey MNA faces recommended $8,000 fine

The ethics commissioner of the National Assembly is recommending an $8,000 penalty against Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier for using her constituency office and public resources for partisan purposes. According to the report, her staff and office space served as a “war room” supporting Pablo Rodriguez’s 2025 Liberal leadership campaign.

The investigation found that staff members were asked to take part in partisan activities during work hours, and that the MNA attempted to influence their responses during the inquiry. The commissioner also notes that messages and images were deleted from a professional chat channel after the investigation began, and that Lakhoyan Olivier activated disappearing‑message features to limit access to the conversation history.

Beyond the actions themselves, the commissioner highlights a lack of cooperation and a “lack of respect” toward staff, which increases the seriousness of the violations. The report even recommends amending the ethics code to require mandatory ethics training for newly elected MNAs at the start of their term.

Politically, the fallout is already visible. Liberal leader Charles Milliard confirmed that Lakhoyan Olivier will remain expelled from caucus and will not run for the party in the next election. Québec Solidaire MNA Ruba Ghazal says the sanction is insufficient and is calling for broader answers about internal PLQ practices. The case unfolds against the backdrop of Pablo Rodriguez’s resignation last December following allegations related to his leadership campaign financing.

In Depth

Three Canadians isolating after hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship

The hantavirus outbreak detected aboard the MV Hondius continues to have repercussions in Canada. Two Canadian passengers have returned to Ontario and are now isolating under daily monitoring by public health authorities. A third Canadian, from Québec, was not on the ship but may have been exposed during the return flight. He is also isolating as a precaution.

All three individuals are asymptomatic, and health officials say they pose no risk to the public. Ontario says it is receiving regular updates, noting that four Canadians were aboard the Hondius. Global Affairs Canada says the Quebecer is not considered a high‑risk contact by the World Health Organization.

Hantavirus, transmitted through exposure to the droppings or saliva of infected rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness. The outbreak on the ship, which departed Argentina in April, has resulted in three deaths and several other cases, prompting medical evacuations to the Netherlands.

Beyond these specific cases, the episode highlights how quickly public attention shifts toward rare and dramatic threats, while more common and steadily rising public‑health issues struggle to draw the same vigilance. For the authorities, the real difficulty is maintaining a consistent response, whether it involves an exotic virus on a ship or well-known infections that progress more quietly.

Québec to add two ridings to its electoral map

The government and opposition have agreed to increase the number of provincial ridings from 125 to 127.

The change comes just months before the next election. Redrawing the map has already caused friction, especially around how seats are distributed between regions.

It’s not the flashiest topic of the morning, but it’s the kind of decision that directly shapes political representation. And when it comes to electoral boundaries, the lines often matter more than they seem.

Coup de Cœur

Some mornings feel heavy, and others just need a small reminder to stay balanced. Tomorrow, the Canadiens get another shot at the Sabres, and it’s comforting to know that a few simple, shared rituals still exist. In a week where everything seems to be debated, questioned, or scrutinized, a hockey game can sometimes be the easiest way to catch your breath.

Closing

Take what you need from this bulletin and leave the rest for later.

A good morning doesn’t have to be perfect to be solid. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of clarity, an honest coffee, and a few reliable markers to start the day. ☕