Montreal ☕ The morning chat

Good morning, Montreal.

Health, sports, politics and societal issues intersect in today’s stories. Headlining: a new initiative mobilising hundreds of women to fund research on diseases that have long been under-studied.

Also in this edition, the SPVM is investigating a 20th homicide this year, the Canadiens secure a fifth consecutive win at the Bell Centre, Guy Cormier may enter federal politics, and Quebec is possibly poised to move on from the time change.

Top Story

Campaign to get women involved in health research

The Montreal General Hospital Foundation has launched the Women’s Health Circle, an initiative to bring together up to 500 female donors to fill gaps in research on health issues that affect women.

“Women only contribute 40 to 60 per cent of what men contribute,” says Marie-Hélène Laramée, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “It’s no surprise that our specific interests aren’t represented philanthropically.”

Already, 90 women have joined the movement and given about $8.9 million. Six projects have been picked, including ones on ovarian cancer, endometriosis, menopause and cardiovascular disease.

Around Town

Montreal’s 20th homicide of the year

The SPVM is investigating the 20th murder on its territory in 2026. A 20-year-old man died after a fight involving three people, early Friday morning, near the corner of Papineau and Beaubien avenues, in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.

The victim was found unconscious on the ground and died at the scene. The other two men, aged 25 and 28, were arrested quickly and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. The SPVM’s major crimes unit has taken over the case.

Canadiens win fifth straight at home

Josh Anderson scored twice and added an assist as the Canadiens beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on Saturday night at the Bell Centre, their fifth straight win.

Oliver Kapanen, Alexandre Texier and Chris Kreider also scored for Montreal (9-3-2), which was coming off a perfect four-game road trip. Rookie goalie Jacob Fowler made 25 saves and is the third rookie goalie in the club’s history in 40 years to win seven games in a row.

Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson each had a goal and two assists for Pittsburgh. Captain Nick Suzuki, out for a fifth game with a hand injury, skated with the team Saturday morning and seems close to returning.

Quebec speed skaters shine in Montreal

Félix Roussel won gold in the 500 metres and silver in the 1,500 metres in front of his home crowd at the Maurice-Richard Arena, during the Montreal stop of the short-track speed skating World Cup.

Maxime Laoun completed a Canadian one-two in the 500 metres, finishing second after a collision between the two Dutch skaters in the final corner.

In Case You Missed It

Guy Cormier tipped as Liberal candidate in Laurier–Sainte-Marie

Guy Cormier, former president and CEO of Desjardins, is reportedly set to run for the Liberal Party of Canada in the riding of Laurier–Sainte-Marie, according to several media outlets. The by-election will be called Sunday in six ridings across the country, with voting set for December 7.

Cormier’s name hasn’t been officially confirmed by the party, which says the nomination process will follow its rules. He would be looking to replace former minister Steven Guilbeault, who resigned in May.

The NDP has already said Nimâ Machouf will run again, while the Bloc Québécois will put forward Zumretay Arkin, former vice-president of the World Uyghur Congress.

‘Die-in’ to protest pesticide rule changes

More than a hundred people, many in Halloween costumes, took part in a “die-in” protest Saturday outside Health Canada’s offices in Montreal, denouncing what organizers call “historic rollbacks” by the Carney government on pesticides.

Participants lay down on the ground in front of the Guy-Favreau complex, while people in white suits simulated spraying. A Grim Reaper on stilts walked through the crowd, and a cardboard coffin and tombstones with names of diseases had been set up.

Organizers, including Vigilance OGM, are denouncing the passage of Bill C-30 in June and Section 13 of Bill C-31, which would end the requirement to re-evaluate registered pesticides every 15 years. “It’s like giving pesticides a lifetime authorization,” argues Thibault Rehn, executive director of Vigilance OGM.

New search for Liam Toman in Mont-Tremblant

The family of an Ontario man who disappeared during a ski trip to Mont-Tremblant in February 2025 is relaunching efforts to find him. A ground search is being organized this weekend with volunteer teams and search-and-rescue canine units.

A $50,000 reward is still being offered for any information leading to his location. The family has also started a blue bracelet campaign to keep attention on the disappearance.

Is this the last time Quebec changes the clocks?

Quebecers gained an hour of sleep Saturday night as standard time returned at 2 a.m. But this might be the last time.

The PQ government has announced it will table a bill to end the time change, after listening to experts and the public. “We will act appropriately and wisely,” said Justice Minister Marie-Claude Sarrazin.

Note that British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and the Northwest Territories are staying on daylight time this year. The Canada Border Services Agency has adjusted its hours at 26 land border crossings to align with the U.S.

Practical Corner

Man, 32, dies after being crushed by forklift in Sainte-Thérèse

A 32-year-old man died Friday afternoon after being trapped and crushed by a forklift during a maneuver in Sainte-Thérèse, in the Laurentians. The accident happened around 5 p.m., outside 217 René-A.-Robert Boulevard.

The victim was alone at the time of the maneuver and no one else was hurt. The CNESST has taken over the investigation, with surveillance footage confirming it was a workplace accident.

Safety reminder: Health and safety experts at work suggest keeping clear of forklift operating areas and following safety procedures when moving heavy equipment.

Editor’s Pick

The story of the family organizing a new search for Liam Toman, 21 months after his disappearance, is a reminder that some bonds never break. Between the blue bracelets, the reward and the volunteer teams heading out into the field, it’s a community that refuses to move on. In a world where news moves fast, that persistence deserves recognition.

To Close

We hope your day starts with an extra hour of sleep and a good cup of coffee. Between sports, politics and neighbourhood stories, there’s plenty to talk about. See you tomorrow ☕