God day Montreal,
We’re starting the day with information on the blue‑collar front, an important celebration kicking off, and a few stories reminding us that February is rarely a calm month. Grab your coffee, here’s your update.
🔴 Main Story
5,500 Montreal blue‑collar workers on strike tomorrow
It’s official: on Wednesday, February 4, 5,500 blue‑collar employees of the City of Montreal will walk off the job. After a year of negotiations and with no collective agreement since December 31, the pressure tactics are escalating. The city says essential services — snow removal, road repairs, traffic lights, drinking water, arena inspections — will be maintained, but it’s best to check whether your favourite municipal facility will be open before heading out. Information is available on the city’s website or by calling 311. Expect disruptions.
⚡ What to Know
🏒 Canadiens lose in overtime in Minnesota
Kirill Kaprizov scored twice, including the overtime winner, giving the Wild a 4–3 victory Monday night. Quinn Hughes collected three assists, reaching the 50‑assist mark. Brendan Gallagher, Ivan Demidov, and Kirby Dach scored for Montreal. The Canadiens’ three‑game winning streak ends. They face Winnipeg on Wednesday before the Olympic break.
🏛️ National Assembly returns amid tension
After nearly two months off, the National Assembly resumes Tuesday. The Liberals will elect a new leader on March 14 following Pablo Rodriguez’s departure. The CAQ will choose its leader on April 12, with Christine Fréchette far ahead of Bernard Drainville in the polls. Meanwhile, the Parti Québécois continues to dominate voting intentions. The Gallant report on the SAAQclic fiasco is expected this month.
⚖️ Marwah Rizqy accuses former chief of staff of rule‑breaking
In her defence against a $500,000 lawsuit filed by Geneviève Hinse, former PLQ chief of staff, Marwah Rizqy claims Hinse attempted to use National Assembly funds for partisan purposes benefiting Pablo Rodriguez, who was not an elected official. Rizqy says Hinse suggested “falsely assigning tasks on paper” to employees who would actually be working for Rodriguez. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
🚇 Full REM shutdown on February 15
The REM network will be completely closed on Sunday, February 15 for “routine maintenance,” according to Pulsar. Alternative transportation options will be provided. The service will also close early — at 9 p.m. — on February 6, 7, and 27.
💔 Three Alberta junior hockey players killed in crash
JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine, members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs, died Monday morning in a collision between their vehicle and a semi‑truck on Highway 2 in Stavely, Alberta. They were on their way to practice. The players were 17 and 18 years old.
🏈 Marc‑Antoine Dequoy retires from the CFL
The 31‑year‑old safety from Île‑Bizard announced Monday that he is retiring after five seasons with the Alouettes. A two‑time all‑star (2023, 2024) and 2023 Grey Cup champion, Dequoy played 73 career games. He had an offer to return, but said his body was no longer able to handle the sacrifice.
📊 Suicide rate continues to decline in Quebec
The INSPQ released its 2026 report Monday: the suicide rate dropped from 17.9 to 11.9 per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2023. Regional disparities remain significant. Nunavik has the highest rate (122.7), while Laval (6.4), Montreal (9.9), and Montérégie (10.3) have the lowest. Men remain three times more affected than women.
🎓 Quebec maintains 33% tuition increase
Despite a Superior Court ruling calling the increase “unreasonable,” Quebec is maintaining the 33% tuition hike for non‑French‑speaking students from outside the province, saying its revised policy complies with the court’s decision.
🇬🇧 Bill Blair appointed High Commissioner to the UK
The former federal minister and ex‑Toronto police chief will leave his MP seat to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The appointment takes effect this spring. Nathalie Drouin will become ambassador to France and Monaco.
🇯🇵 Canadian woman dies in Japan
Global Affairs Canada confirmed the death of a Canadian citizen in Japan. Japanese media identified the victim as Ashley Kay Bernice, 39, who died Sunday after falling into a waterfall basin while backcountry snowboarding.
⚖️ Two teenagers charged with first‑degree murder
Two teens arrested last week in connection with a double homicide in the Cree Nation of Mistissini, in northern Quebec, are now facing first‑degree murder charges.
🔥 Body found after Longueuil fire
Police found a body in the remains of an industrial building after a major fire in Longueuil.
🎿 $5.1M settlement for Mont‑Sainte‑Anne incident victims
Victims of two incidents at Mont‑Sainte‑Anne ski resort during the winter of 2020 will receive compensation under a $5.1‑million settlement, pending court approval.
🏠 Local Happenings
🎉 Montreal launches the 35th Black History Month
On Monday evening at City Hall, Montreal opened the 35th edition of Black History Month. This year marks three anniversaries: 35 years of local programming, 100 years of Black History Month, and 15 years of the official logo. Theme: “Together, let’s raise our voices.” Twelve honourees were recognized for contributions across various fields. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and spokesperson Tamara Angeline Medford emphasized the importance of collective action against discrimination. Events throughout the month include shows, exhibitions, BLK WinterFest, and a blood drive supporting people with sickle‑cell disease.
🏘️ Second modular housing project inaugurated
The City of Montreal opened its second modular housing complex Monday in Ahuntsic–Cartierville. It will house more than two dozen people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, helping them transition to permanent housing.
🏒 CF Montréal trades Jonathan Sirois to Dallas
After more than a decade with his hometown club, goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois is leaving CF Montréal.
⚡ Over 100 Côte‑Saint‑Luc residents still without heat
A prolonged power outage continues to leave residents without heating. A class‑action proposal is now underway.
🏥 Flooding at Douglas Hospital: major setback for researchers
On January 26, several pipes burst in the Lehmann building, causing significant damage to Alzheimer’s and mental‑health research infrastructure.
💙 Spotlight
Will Baptiste, founder of Parlons Entre Hommes and the Rising Men Alliance, is among the 12 honourees recognized yesterday — a validation of five years of behind‑the‑scenes work on mental health and healthy masculinity.
📌 Practical Tip
If you plan to use a municipal facility tomorrow, check ahead: the blue‑collar strike may affect some of them. Info online or via 311.
Have a great day, Montreal. See you tomorrow.