Montreal Morning Thoughts☕

Good morning, Montreal. We hope you slept well, because the world certainly didn’t rest. Between the Olympic Games, closed tunnels, and some news that makes you think, we’ve got plenty to fill your cup. Settle in comfortably—it’ll take five minutes, promise.

🔦 Main Story

Marie-Philip Poulin: The Story Continues

The Canadian women’s hockey team beat Switzerland 2-1 in the Olympic semifinal, and our national captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored both goals. Two. Both. She is now the top scorer in the history of women’s Olympic hockey—across all nations. Canada will face the United States in the gold medal final. In freestyle skiing, Mikaël Kingsbury from Deux-Montagnes won two more medals in Milan-Cortina, becoming the only male freestyle skier in history to win five Olympic medals. He also recorded his 100th World Cup moguls victory. In other words: a great week for Quebec sports.

⚡ Noteworthy

Jesse Jackson has died at 84.

A major figure in the American civil rights movement, right-hand man to Martin Luther King, and twice a presidential candidate, he died Tuesday surrounded by his family. His work—from voting rights to economic opportunities—has impacted several generations.

Ottawa and Cuba: A decision is needed.

Prime Minister Carney is under pressure to respond to the expanded US blockade on fuel destined for Cuba. Canadian flights are suspended, essential goods are lacking, and Mexico has already sent ships with aid. The NDP and Bloc are calling for Canada to do the same. Minister Anand has not confirmed any concrete response.

Carney’s defense strategy is official.

The federal government has launched a $6.6 billion plan to develop Canada’s defense industry: prioritizing domestic contracts, supporting SMEs, and up to 125,000 new jobs over ten years. The goal: to reach 5% of GDP devoted to defense by 2035, as required by NATO.

Inflation rising in January?

Statistics Canada is releasing January 2026 inflation data today. Economists anticipate between 2.4% and 2.6%, as last year’s tax holiday created a distortion effect. Food inflation could exceed 7% year-over-year.

Retirement under pressure.

A BMO survey reveals that 74% of Canadians are worried about having enough for retirement because of inflation, and 66% say it’s already affecting their ability to save. 30% simply don’t know how long their money will last.

Canadian provinces holding up better than expected.

According to a Desjardins analysis, ACEUM exemptions have limited the impact of US tariffs, and Statistics Canada’s GDP revisions have improved fiscal outlooks. Quebec remains exposed in aerospace. Alberta enters 2026 with the best fiscal position of all provinces.

SAAQclic: The commission says “lie.”

The Gallant Commission concluded that SAAQ management repeatedly lied to the provincial government about the real costs of the SAAQclic project—a $500 million overrun. The premier’s office was aware 18 months before the public. SAAQ has since apologized and promises a major restructuring.

Wakefield: A 13-year-old child has died.

A teenage girl from Ottawa died several days after being injured on February 11 during a school outing at Centre Vorlage in Wakefield, Quebec. Heartbreaking news.

Nunavik and tuberculosis.

The Nunavik Regional Health Council has reached a two-year agreement with the Canadian Red Cross to fight tuberculosis in the region. Officials say Quebec government support is insufficient.

227 dilapidated hospital buildings in Quebec.

The number of pavilions in poor or very poor condition more than doubled in 2026, reaching 227 buildings. A worrying figure for Quebec’s health network.

Uncertain future for Quebec’s budget.

The CAQ leadership race is creating uncertainty around immigration pathways and the provincial budget, following Premier Legault’s departure.

Rural mayors in Outaouais disappointed.

More than three years after an election promise by the Legault government to resolve cell coverage in rural Outaouais by 2026, the mayors involved say the situation remains clearly insufficient.

Electoral map: Supreme Court to decide.

The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear the Quebec government’s appeal on a law postponing the redrawing of the provincial electoral map.

15 kilos of cocaine seized from a Hells affiliate.

A series of police raids over two weeks in Quebec led to the seizure of 15 kg of cocaine, cash, and firearms.

Stronach trial: a second witness expected.

The sexual assault trial of billionaire Frank Stronach, 93, continues in Toronto. A second complainant is expected to testify today. He faces 12 charges related to 7 complainants for incidents dating back to the 1970s.

🏙️ Local Stories

A table of mayors for better communication.

The City of Montreal has created a forum bringing together the mayors of its 19 boroughs to improve coordination. The table has already met twice this year. The mayors of LaSalle and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension are co-chairs.

Two children hit in Montreal West.

Two children were taken to hospital with minor injuries after being hit by a car earlier this week in Montreal West.

Macabre case: community sentence.

A man from Montreal North who kept the body of an Inuit woman on his couch for six months was sentenced to 10 months of community detention. His brother received 70 days of pretrial detention and three years probation.

McGill converts urine into energy.

Researchers at McGill University announced Monday a significant improvement in the efficiency of a method for converting human urine into clean energy. No, you didn’t misread.

💛 Favorite Story

The Canadian Red Cross is settling in Nunavik for two years to fight tuberculosis alongside local communities, a concrete act of solidarity where needs are urgent.

🚗 Practical Corner

Tunnel Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine: caution this week. The tunnel and Highway 25 will be completely closed in both directions:

• Night of February 16 to 17: 10 pm to 5 am
• Night of February 20 to 21: 11 pm to 8 am
• Highway 20 westbound will also be closed the night of February 21 to 22, from 10 pm to 8 am. Check Quebec 511 before hitting the road.

👋 Wishing You a Great Day

That’s it for this Tuesday morning. Between Olympic medals and municipal decisions, a lot is happening in your city and your country. Take care of yourself—and have a good day, Montreal. 🍁