Tag: Quebec election

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Laval Today. Oct. 5, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

It’s the big day. After 39 days of campaigning, voters in Quebec and Laval head to the polls. We explain how to vote, we tell you about two Laval candidates facing complaints, and we take you to the museum for an exhibition that promises to lower the pressure.

What to remember this morning

  • It’s election day in Quebec: Polls are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. More than 1.6 million voters have already cast their ballots in advance.
  • Two Laval candidates face complaints: The independent candidate in Chomedey and the Liberal candidate in Vimont-Auteuil are the subject of denunciations.
  • An exhibition on stress at the Armand-Frappier Museum: The Laval museum offers an interactive journey to understand and tame stress.
  • A benefit show for Autisme Laval: Geneviรจve Cรดtรฉ and Jade Mathieu will be on stage on October 23 at the Thรฉรขtre Marcellin-Champagnat.

In our backyard

  • Fabreville residents demand the Richard-Trottier arena be kept: During a public consultation, residents argued for saving the building, whose renovation could cost $30 million.
  • Autisme Laval will hold its benefit show “Ensemble, tout simplement”: The event, which will take place on October 23, aims to fund the organization’s future Centre multiservice.

Across Canada

  • MPs back in Ottawa: Debate on Bill C-39, which proposes, among other things, creating national interest zones, continues this week.
  • Experts call for regulating social media: A series of articles published in The Lancet says screen time limits are not enough to protect young people.

Main story

Quebecers head to the polls to elect their next government

After 39 days of campaigning, it’s finally the voters’ turn. Polls are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Quebec, and more than 15,000 polling stations are ready to welcome citizens.

To vote, just show up at your polling station with an ID: driver’s licence, health insurance card, Canadian passport, Indian status card, or Canadian Forces ID card. The yellow reminder card you got in the mail isn’t required, but it can speed things up.

More than 1.6 million voters have already cast their ballots in advance. Preliminary results will be available starting at 8 p.m.

This election is shaping up to be tight. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s Parti Quรฉbรฉcois leads the polls, but the race is fragmented among five parties, a situation Quebec hasn’t seen in half a century. Charles Milliard’s Liberals, Christine Frรฉchette’s CAQ, ร‰ric Duhaime’s Conservatives, and Ruba Ghazal’s Quรฉbec solidaire all hope to spring a surprise.

For Laval voters, the stakes are also local. Several ridings in the region are considered races to watch.

In detail

A complaint and a report target two Laval candidates

On the eve of the vote, two Laval candidates face denunciations. Independent candidate in Chomedey, Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, is the subject of a formal complaint filed with ร‰lections Quรฉbec. She is accused of distributing a partisan flyer bearing the National Assembly of Quebec logo, a practice prohibited during an election period.

Liberal candidate in Vimont-Auteuil, Louis Ialenti, is the subject of a report. A citizen indicated that the candidate, whose flyer describes him as a “lawyer,” is not a member of the Barreau du Quรฉbec. The Order reminds that the title of lawyer is protected by law and only those registered on its roll may use it.

Fabreville residents want to keep their arena

The first public consultation on the future of the Richard-Trottier arena took place on September 15, and residents were clear: they want the rink to stay in their neighbourhood.

The building has been closed since 2018 due to concrete slab problems. Repair costs could reach $30 million, and the building would need to be expanded by nearly 20% to meet current standards.

The City presented replacement options, such as a fitness trail or a sensory garden, but residents argued for keeping the arena, noting there are none left in Fabreville-Sud.

An exhibition to tame stress at the Armand-Frappier Museum

Laval’s Armand-Frappier Health Museum offers a new temporary exhibition called “Studio pas de stress,” which explores the effects of stress on the body and ways to manage it.

Designed for visitors aged six and up, the exhibition uses interactive activities to address emotions, breathing, movement, and social connections. Laval youth contributed to the project, including through video capsules and art therapy works.

The exhibition runs until September 7, 2027, at 2150, autoroute des Laurentides.

Coup de Cล“ur

The Armand-Frappier Museum exhibition doesn’t just explain stress. By integrating the questions and creations of Laval youth, it turns visitors into participants. A nice reminder that health is something we cultivate together.

To wrap up

We wish you a day that starts with a simple gesture: going to vote. Whatever the outcome, it’s a precious right, and it’s waiting for you. Happy Monday! โ˜•

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Laval Today. Sep. 18, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• 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-Quรฉbec.
  • 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 Montrรฉal 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 ร‰cole nationale de police du Quรฉbec.

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

Thereโ€™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 isnโ€™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. โ˜•

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Laval Today. Sep. 16, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The daily chat

Greetings to all,

This morning we take you to Percรฉ, Montreal and Quebec City, with a required stop at a Laval story that calls for a moment of silence. There is also election news, artificial intelligence and a tribute to a young pilot.

Enough to start the day informed, without chasing the news.

What you should know this morning

  • A diver injured by a great white shark in Percรฉ: The incident happened Wednesday morning during a diving activity, and all activities have been suspended for the rest of the season.
  • The second leaders’ debate is tonight: The five leaders meet for a second time in two evenings, covering five main themes.
  • Trump signs an order to remove Canadian products from U.S. government purchasing: He directs his administration to identify Canadian exports that could be excluded.
  • Alberta separation could cost up to $170 billion initially: A University of Calgary report did the math.
  • The Fed raises interest rates for the first time in three years: Citing persistent inflation, it raises its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points.
  • The U.S. Congress passes a new package of sanctions against Russia: It is Congress’s first major action against Moscow since Trump’s return to power.
  • LoiZรฉro secures more than $300 million in funding: The announcement was made on the sidelines of the ALL IN summit, taking place in Montreal.

Close to home

  • A Laval mother remembers her daughter, a 23-year-old pilot: Mayan Guesmi died on July 20 during a solo training flight in Victoriaville, when the aircraft crashed into a field and caught fire.
  • A baby referred to the DPJ after an intervention near the Notre-Dame encampment in Montreal: The SPVM received a call around 7 p.m. Friday and contacted the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse after observing elements deemed concerning.

Across Canada

  • ร‰lections Quรฉbec will have to send its reminder cards in French and English: A judge issued a ruling to that effect Wednesday morning, in the first year the agency sent its election documents in French only.
  • Canada knocks on the European Union’s door: The country is popular on the European stage, but how far will this romance go?
  • The Bank of Canada worries the trade conflict will weigh on confidence: The central bank publishes a summary of the deliberations that led to keeping its policy rate unchanged.
  • A federal party to carry Alberta’s voice is in the works: The future political formation would be modelled on the Bloc quรฉbรฉcois.

Main story

A Laval mother mourns her daughter, a 23-year-old pilot killed in a Victoriaville crash

Samah Jebbari wants people to remember who her daughter was. Mayan Guesmi, 23, died on July 20 while on a solo training flight in Victoriaville. The aircraft crashed into a field and caught fire on impact.

“I don’t know what happened because I don’t know what happened to Mayan,” her mother says. She says she is speaking with investigators to understand exactly what happened.

Mayan worked at Air Canada as a flight attendant. Her mother says she had become “full of energy, full of life,” and that after about six months, she began talking about becoming a pilot.

In her grief, Samah Jebbari found comfort with another mother who lost her daughter in an accident involving two flight-school planes in Winnipeg. She hopes the safety recommendations that come out of these tragedies will spare other families from the same experience.

In detail

The five leaders meet tonight for a second debate in two evenings

After a first face-off Tuesday, the leaders of the five main parties return to the stage tonight for the “Grand Dรฉbat des chefs.” It is the second of three election debates, all in French.

Five themes will be addressed: the cost of living and U.S. tariffs, finances and infrastructure, children’s future, health and homelessness, and the protection of French.

The debate is moderated by Michel Bherer at Campus Bell, on รŽle des Sล“urs, and broadcast on Crave and Noovo. The five leaders in the running are Christine Frรฉchette (CAQ), Charles Milliard (Liberal), Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (PQ), Ruba Ghazal (Quรฉbec solidaire) and ร‰ric Duhaime (Conservative).

During the first debate, Christine Frรฉchette was the main target. Her opponents sought to present her as a continuation of Franรงois Legault, and the CAQ was accused of wasting taxpayers’ money. The next debate will take place on September 23, and voters go to the polls on October 5.

A diver injured by a great white shark in Percรฉ, activities suspended for the season

The incident happened Wednesday morning during a diving activity in Percรฉ, in the Gaspรฉsie region. According to Plongรฉe Percรฉ, care measures were triggered immediately: the person received first aid on site before being transported to hospital for further evaluation.

The scuba diving centre thanked the teams that responded for their speed and professionalism, and said no further details would be released, out of respect for the privacy of the person concerned.

As a precaution, all diving activities in Percรฉ have been suspended for the rest of the season. According to the most recent data from the Canadian Shark Attack Registry, only 15 incidents have been confirmed in Canada out of the 30 attacks reported over the past 330 years.

The ALL IN summit opens in Montreal, and LoiZรฉro lands more than $300 million

Montreal is at the centre of Canada’s conversation on artificial intelligence as thousands gather for ALL IN 2026 at the Palais des congrรจs. The two-day event brings together companies developing AI, organizations adopting it and researchers working to shape its future.

Among the day’s biggest announcements, Canada and Germany committed up to $300 million in joint funding for LoiZรฉro, the Montreal non-profit founded by AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Canada is investing $150 million, and Germany plans to provide 100 million euros.

This funding will support LoiZรฉro’s work on Scientist AI, an approach designed to make advanced AI more transparent, reliable and safe by design. It will also support research, engineering talent and computing capacity, including a new German office and sovereign computing infrastructure dedicated to Canada.

Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, said the goal is not to stop AI development, but to ensure it is done responsibly.

Up to 30 STM bus routes could be detoured during the world cycling championships

Montreal is preparing to host the UCI Road World Championships, an eight-day competition that will cause major road closures. Up to 30 bus routes could be detoured.

The STM says it has been preparing for the event for more than three months, in collaboration with the City of Montreal, police and organizers. Alexandre Fernandez, head of bus dispatching at the STM, notes that the length of the event represents a different challenge from the weekend events the agency is used to.

The STM’s operations centre will monitor the network throughout the competition and respond to unforeseen events, such as accidents and road blockages. For users, the STM recommends consulting its dedicated event webpage, scanning the QR codes posted in affected areas, allowing more time for travel and combining bus and metro when possible.

Editor’s pick

Mayan Guesmi’s story is a reminder that a dream of flight rarely begins in a cockpit. It begins with a conversation, a bit of daring, and a mother who chooses to believe her daughter can go further. What Samah Jebbari asks for today is not pity, it is that we remember, and that we learn.

In closing

We wish you a full day, a trip without unnecessary detours and just enough time to breathe between two appointments. In Laval as elsewhere, small minutes well used often make all the difference. โ˜•