Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
This morning, we look back on a marathon weekend that brought together thousands of runners, including a couple who crossed the finish line hand in hand. We also look at a computer bug that caused confusion for hundreds of immigration applicants, and a Montreal surgeon fired after troubling allegations. There’s also an important reminder for travellers planning a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Main Story
Montreal couple runs marathon to raise awareness about ALS
On Sunday, Spencer Levine and Amanda Tam crossed the finish line together at the Beneva Montreal Marathon, after covering 42.2 kilometres. Levine pushed his wife, who lives with ALS, in a special wheelchair. The couple completed the race in three hours and 47 minutes, beating their goal of four hours.
“We wanted to finish in four hours, and we finished in three hours and 47 minutes. We far exceeded our target, and we had so much fun along the way,” said Levine. For Tam, who was running her first marathon, the experience was emotional. “It was super fun. I was overwhelmed; I wasn’t ready for so many people to know me or know my story.”
The couple hopes to raise public awareness about ALS and share Tam’s daily life with the disease. “ALS doesn’t discriminate. The average person diagnosed with ALS is usually a white man in his fifties or sixties, and I clearly don’t fit that profile. So I want to raise awareness and share my story,” Tam explained.
Their journey caught the attention of runners, spectators, and organizers. “It gives me chills. I saw them at the starting line this morning. I gave them a hug. I told them you are beautiful, keep smiling,” said Alex Ratthé, general director of Courons. The couple also raised $15,000 for SLA Québec, hitting their fundraising goal the day before the race.
For Tam, this marathon was also about showing what life with ALS can still be, and giving a voice to those who have lost theirs to the disease. “I want to show people that even if you have a death sentence with ALS, it doesn’t mean you have to stop living. I’ve lived more now than ever before.”
Around Town
35,000 runners took part in the Beneva Montreal Marathon
About 35,000 runners took part in the various events of the Beneva Montreal Marathon over the weekend, including the Canadian 5K Championship, the Shop Santé half-marathon, and the marathon. Montrealers gathered in 21 cheering zones, including a special one set up at the 19.76 km mark to mark the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Olympic Games.
“It warms our hearts to see 35,000 runners get up at dawn to run with us. Every person who crosses the starting line validates our mission, because at COURONS, we firmly believe that running together takes us far,” said Alex Ratthé in a statement.
On Saturday, Matthew Beaudet and Julie-Anne Staehli won the Canadian 5K Championship, while Robin Lefebvre and Sabrina Lavigne won the Quebec Mile Championship. Among the elites, Ethiopia’s Alem Gebremariam won the women’s marathon in 2:29:17, and Kenya’s Geoffrey Birgen retained his men’s title in 2:16:29.
Montreal surgeon fired by Lasik MD after allegations
Lasik MD has fired a Montreal surgeon following allegations about his alleged involvement in an escort network. Company spokesperson Jessica Lukian Papineau said Dr. Bashour was suspended immediately that evening, and all his surgeries were reassigned to other doctors the next morning.
The case is due back in court next year, and no charges have been officially filed against the surgeon. Lasik MD acted quickly to ensure continuity of care for its patients.
Key Points
Computer bug: 746 immigration files closed by mistake in Quebec
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry has confirmed that a computer bug led to erroneous communications being sent to nearly 750 applicants in the skilled worker program. These file-closure notices were sent by mistake, and the ministry says it is working to contact those affected.
Affected applicants are advised to ignore these closure notices. The ministry says it is working to rectify the situation and contact each affected applicant to clarify the error.
Kevin’s Natural Foods turkey gravy recalled in Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for Kevin’s Natural Foods brand turkey gravy, sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The product contains mustard, which is not declared on the label.
The agency says the recall was triggered by the company itself, and no reactions have been reported to date. People allergic or sensitive to mustard should not consume this product. The agency is investigating and verifying that the product is being removed from the market.
Practical Corner
Canada advises against all travel to Riyadh airport
Canada’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau, posted a video on Sunday to reassure Canadians that the embassy in Riyadh remains open for consular assistance. He recommends that anyone in Riyadh stay away from military debris and contact authorities, without posting photos on social media.
Canada has issued a travel advisory advising against all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, and advising against all travel to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The warning follows deadly Houthi strikes on the airport, which killed 12 people and wounded hundreds of others.
To Close
We wish you a day that starts on the right foot, maybe even with the urge to go for a run. And if you received a notice about your immigration file being closed by mistake, breathe: it’s just a bug, and the ministry is handling it. Happy Monday, and have a great week. ☕