Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start with a story that hits close to home, as the Superior Court weighs a request to suspend the city’s anti-insult bylaw. There’s also a tale of resilience and poetry, and an important reminder about public safety.
Top Story
Anti-insult bylaw heads to court
Quebec’s Superior Court heard arguments Thursday on a request to suspend Montreal’s bylaw that prohibits insults toward city employees, including police officers.
Lawyers seeking the injunction argue the bylaw infringes on fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression. They say terms like “offensive behavior” and “insults” are too vague and go beyond protecting municipal workers. They add that because the rule is penal in nature, violators could face arrest, detention, and a criminal record, even if acquitted.
Justice Eleni Yiannakis said she will only rule on the injunction request, not the bylaw’s constitutionality. She also noted both sides lacked evidence to support their arguments, and that since the bylaw has only been in place for 22 days, it’s hard to show serious harm.
City lawyers argued the bylaw serves the public interest and protects all Montrealers, noting other Quebec municipalities have similar rules. They also mentioned a “deterioration of public debate” that needs addressing.
The judge said she will deliver her decision at a later date.
In the Neighbourhood
Two teens charged after Rivière-des-Prairies shooting
Five people were arrested in connection with a September 24 shooting in Rivière-des-Prairies that wounded two. An 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were hit near Jacques-Rousseau Street and Nicolas-Joly Avenue.
The suspects, aged 16 to 20, were arrested Tuesday in several boroughs, and three firearms were seized. Two 16-year-olds appeared in court Wednesday and face charges of armed assault, aggravated assault, intentionally discharging a firearm, and possessing a prohibited firearm. The other three were released while the investigation continues.
Ride-share poet publishes first collection
Jibril Adamu, a Montreal ride-share driver, has turned his trips into inspiration. His first poetry collection, Ode to a Red Country Rooster, grew out of “micro-moments” with passengers, whom he sees as guests in his “sanctuary cab.”
The book’s title comes from an encounter with a rooster during a trip to New Brunswick, an animal that survived harsh winters and an injury. For Adamu, that rooster symbolizes resilience and the working-class spirit. He also works as a building superintendent and raises three children with his partner Patricia.
Keep in Mind
Canadiens without Nick Suzuki for two to four weeks
The Montreal Canadiens captain has an upper-body injury and will be out for two to four weeks. His streak of 546 consecutive regular-season games ends. A big loss for the team, which will have to manage without its leader.
PQ concedes victory to Conservatives in Champlain
Adriana Szalontai will officially become the MNA for the Champlain riding, after the Parti Québécois conceded. A judicial recount was needed to confirm the result.
Protest against police misconduct Saturday
A protest against police misconduct in Montreal will be held Saturday at Station 21 on Berri Street. It follows the suspension of two officers for humiliating homeless and racialized people, and an investigation into an officer who allegedly urinated on homeless individuals. Organizers are asking SPVM chief Fady Dagher to take them seriously.
Practical Corner
Matt Lang show sold out
Quebec country singer Matt Lang celebrates the release of his fourth album with a sold-out show at MTELUS on Friday. For those without tickets, it’ll be a wait for future dates, as the artist plans tours in Ireland, Scotland, the UK, and Germany.
Heated Rivalry marathon hits the big screen
Fans of the Heated Rivalry series can catch season one on the big screen in November. Montreal’s Cineplex Forum will host screenings of two episodes on November 6, and a six-episode marathon on November 8. Tickets are on sale, and Cineplex’s site already crashed due to demand.
Coup de Coeur
After discovering the story behind Ode to a Red Country Rooster, it was hard not to highlight Jibril Adamu’s journey. Between work, family, and long hours on the road, he found time to observe, listen, and create. His story is a reminder that great achievements often start in the most ordinary moments. A beautiful lesson in perseverance, curiosity, and humanity.
To Close
We wish you a day that leaves room for poetry, even in the small gestures. And if you spot a rooster, remember that resilience can take the most surprising forms. ☕