Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
The day after an election that redrew Quebec’s political map, the city looks ahead with a new premier from its own ranks. Also on the agenda: a fire in Parc-Extension, record hockey ticket prices, and a few practical reminders to start the day right.
Main Story
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon promises to ‘hit a home run’ from day one
Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised to “hit a home run” as soon as he takes office, as his party, the Parti Québécois, forms a minority government with 59 seats. He confirmed he would not form a coalition but would work piecemeal with opposition parties.
This victory, won with only 28% of the vote, is the lowest share for a winning party in Quebec history. Turnout was 66.9%, up from 2022 but below the 2012 peak.
The new premier has already indicated that fighting homelessness and the cost of living will be priorities. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada noted that St-Pierre Plamondon represents a Montreal riding, which could strengthen the city-province partnership.
In Our Neighbourhood
Fire in Parc-Extension: three hospitalized
A major fire ravaged a two-storey residential building in Parc-Extension early Wednesday morning. Montreal firefighters received a call around 2:30 a.m. for a possible explosion on Rue Saint-Roch, near Avenue de l’Épée.
More than 100 firefighters were deployed to bring the blaze under control. Three men were taken to hospital, but their lives are not in danger. About thirty tenants were taken in by the Canadian Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains unknown and the investigation continues.
Mayor wants to strengthen Montreal-Quebec partnership
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the arrival of a premier representing a Montreal riding is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the city and the province. She cited homelessness, public transit, and infrastructure as priorities.
She also mentioned the situation at the Notre-Dame encampment, near the Camille-Laurin riding, as a reminder of the urgency to act for vulnerable people. The mayor said she had a “very good conversation” with St-Pierre Plamondon.
To Remember
Alberta separatists see ally in St-Pierre Plamondon
Leading figures in the Alberta separatist movement are celebrating the Parti Québécois victory, seeing it as an encouraging sign for their own cause. They believe Quebec’s new premier has shown a willingness to support Alberta’s independence.
PQ’s planned immigration cuts raise concerns
The Parti Québécois plans to reduce the number of permanent immigrants to 35,000 per year, a drop of about 10,000 from the outgoing government’s plan. Montreal organizations, such as the Conseil Migrant, are worried about these changes.
Carlos Rojas, director of the Conseil Migrant, said immigrants are “a crucial part of our economy” and that Quebec needs them to care for its aging population. To implement these thresholds, the minority government will need support from at least one opposition party.
A portion of the population even wishes to go further, convinced that a more pronounced slowdown in arrivals is necessary to prevent Quebec’s cultural identity from eroding.
Canadiens fall 6-4 to Hurricanes
The Montreal Canadiens lost their home opener Tuesday night, falling 6-4 to the Carolina Hurricanes. Taylor Hall scored two goals for the visitors, while Zachary Bolduc replied with two for Montreal.
Despite the loss, fans leaving the Bell Centre said they were optimistic about the rest of the season. One fan said, “Even though we lost tonight, I’m here.”
Practical Corner
Canadiens tickets are the most expensive in the NHL
Hockey fans will have to shell out an average of $220 to attend a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre this season, making them the most expensive tickets in the NHL. A fact to keep in mind before planning a hockey outing.
Lobbying commissioner ends post-election ‘open bar’
Between the election and the swearing-in of the new government, it was possible to influence decision-makers in secret. Quebec’s Lobbying Commissioner has put an end to this period of uncertainty, good news for transparency.
Favourite Pick
The Parc-Extension fire reminds us of the solidarity that emerges in difficult times. The Red Cross took in about thirty tenants, and firefighters worked tirelessly. It’s in these concrete actions that the community shows its strength.
To Close
We wish you a day full of good news, even if hockey didn’t smile on the Canadiens last night. The coffee is hot, the city is moving, and there’s always a reason to look ahead. ☕