MTLQC – Montréal QC

Montreal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

We hope your coffee is nice and hot this Monday morning, because today’s edition covers a lot of ground. Between major diplomatic developments for Canada, local news that affects our daily lives, and a few sports victories that feel good, there’s plenty to fuel your morning. Take a good sip, and let’s dive in.

🔦 Top Story

Canada and India revive their economic partnership with major agreements

Canada and India agreed on Monday to strengthen their economic partnership in an effort to improve relations after two years of tensions. During meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries will soon finalize a “comprehensive economic partnership” that is expected to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Carney said both sides aim to conclude the agreement by the end of the year.

Among the agreements announced is a $2.6 billion deal in which Saskatoon‑based Cameco will supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium to India for nuclear energy production. Modi also mentioned the signing of a nuclear agreement under which Canada will provide uranium to India. The two countries will also work to strengthen defense industries and improve maritime domain awareness. The visit also resulted in 10 commercial agreements worth more than $5.5 billion.

A press conference with Carney was cancelled just before it began. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she raised broader concerns about Indian foreign interference and transnational repression during meetings with officials from Modi’s government. Carney said this is not simply the renewal of a relationship, but the expansion of a valuable partnership with new ambition.

⚡ What to Know

Most Canadians no longer see the United States as an ally

A study by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that the vast majority of Canadians no longer consider the United States an ally. Following tariffs and annexation threats, only 22% of Canadians say they view the U.S. as a friend or ally. A large majority of Canadians in every province—including Alberta—no longer see the U.S. as a friendly country.

Conservatives (55%) are far more likely to consider the U.S. a friend or ally than Liberal voters (5%), NDP voters (4%), or Bloc Québécois voters (4%).

As recently as 2023, three‑quarters of Canadians considered the U.S. a valuable friend or ally. Canadians are now three times more likely to believe Canada should approach the U.S. as a potential threat or with caution (69%) rather than treat its southern neighbor as a friend or ally (22%). The survey was conducted online from February 20 to 23, 2026, among 1,650 Canadian adults.

Canada will soon choose its new submarine

The competition to build the Canadian Navy’s next fleet of submarines has entered a new phase after the two finalists submitted their final proposals to the federal government on Monday. Canada plans to purchase up to 12 conventionally powered submarines, with hopes of having the vessels in the water by 2032.

The two bids come from Hanwha Oceans of South Korea and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in a joint offer that includes Germany and Norway.

Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, said in February that Ottawa will likely announce a winner this year.

A union wants to suspend the early retirement program

The Public Service Alliance of Canada wants the federal government to suspend the early retirement program for public servants and has filed complaints with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.

Announced in the latest budget, the program aims to help mitigate job cuts as thousands of public‑sector positions are set to be eliminated by 2029.

Quebecers barred for religious symbols hope for change

The legal challenge to Quebec’s secularism law will go before the Supreme Court of Canada next month. Quebecers who wear religious symbols and have seen their rights restricted hope the court can offer some relief.

McGill will establish an AI centre in India

McGill University announced the creation of a centre of excellence for education and research in artificial intelligence in India.

Félix Auger‑Aliassime left Dubai just in time

The Canadian tennis star managed to leave Dubai just in time before the airspace was closed due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Vincent Marissal is leaving politics

Vincent Marissal, the independent MNA for Rosemont who left Québec Solidaire, announced that he will not run in the next general election and confirmed he will leave politics at the end of his term. Marissal sent shockwaves through the political world last November when he left QS.

The caucus suspended him for holding discussions with the Parti Québécois about the possibility of running for them in the next election. A former journalist, Marissal was elected in Rosemont in 2018 and re‑elected in 2022.

He served as QS’s health critic for many years.

SQ investigating a possible 7th femicide in Quebec

The Sûreté du Québec is investigating the suspicious death of a woman in a residence in Saint‑Jérôme in the Laurentians. Saint‑Jérôme police were called to the scene late Friday afternoon. Officers found an unconscious woman who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man who was present was taken to hospital and will be questioned by investigators when his condition allows. He is not considered a suspect at this time.

🏙️ Local Stories

An 18‑year‑old man found dead under suspicious circumstances

Montreal police are investigating the death of an 18‑year‑old man who was found seriously injured in a residential building in the Ville‑Marie borough early Sunday morning. The death is considered suspicious.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by a vehicle in Ahuntsic‑Cartierville

A 71‑year‑old man who was struck by a vehicle Saturday evening after collapsing in the middle of the road in Ahuntsic‑Cartierville has died. Montreal police say the man who was hit Saturday night in the borough has passed away.

Boil‑water advisory for the West Island and Saint‑Laurent

The City of Montreal issued a boil‑water advisory around noon on Sunday for an area covering several West Island municipalities and the borough of Saint‑Laurent.

Montreal Victoire shuts out the Frost 4–0 and takes first place

Goaltender Ann‑Renée Desbiens recorded a shutout at Place Bell on Sunday, leading Montreal Victoire to a dominant 4–0 win over the Minnesota Frost. Desbiens earned her fourth shutout of the season with a 17‑save performance. Victoire has taken over first place in the PWHL standings.

Canadiens beat the Capitals 6–2

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Washington Capitals 6–2 on Saturday, giving a small boost to their playoff hopes.

Lack of public transit limits access for youth in East Montreal

Young people in East Montreal are more likely to experience social isolation, financial insecurity, and barriers to higher education due to a lack of public transit service in the area, according to a recent report.

Iranian musicians in Montreal dream of returning to Iran

Montreal musicians originally from Iran say they feel hopeful that one day they will be able to return home to play their music. Under the country’s Islamic regime, women could face prison for singing in public, and music in general is heavily censored. After recent attacks against the government, there is hope that things may change.

💛 Spotlight

Montreal Victoire, which not only earned a decisive 4–0 win over the Frost but also claimed first place in the PWHL thanks to Ann‑Renée Desbiens’ outstanding performance and her fourth shutout of the season.

🌡️ Practical Corner

A cold start to the week before a taste of warmer weather

The extreme cold that returned over the weekend will continue Monday, with spring‑like weather arriving later in the week. Environment and Climate Change Canada says Montrealers woke up Monday morning to –19°C. The day will be sunny with a high of –7°C and a wind chill of –13°C in the afternoon.

Tuesday will become increasingly cloudy with temperatures warming to a high of 1°C. Wednesday will be sunny with highs around 7°C, giving you a brief taste of milder weather. Thursday will also be sunny with a high of 4°C and a low of –3°C. Freezing rain is possible Thursday night. Friday will bring freezing rain or rain with a high of 3°C.

Dress warmly at the start of the week, but take heart — milder weather is on the way.

Boil‑water advisory in the West Island and Saint‑Laurent

If you live in these areas, remember to boil your water until further notice. The advisory was issued Sunday at noon.

👋 Before We Go

That’s it for this Monday morning.

Between the diplomatic developments shaping our economic future, the local challenges affecting our daily lives, and the sports victories that make us proud, there’s plenty to carry you into the week.

Enjoy the warmer weather ahead, take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and have a great start to the week, Montreal. 🍁