MTLQC – Montreal QC
Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We’re back this Tuesday morning with news that hits close to home for our community.
Between a major decision for tenants that may change your relationship with your landlord, new developments in the tragic air incident that shook the city, and a few local stories reminding us that safety remains a concern in some neighbourhoods…
…here’s what you need to know today.
🔦 Top Story
Pet‑ban clauses in leases violate the Quebec Charter, landmark ruling says
Following yesterday’s decision, new details are emerging.
Quebec tenants can now legally challenge landlords over commonly used pet‑ban clauses, after a landmark ruling from the province’s Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL).
The ruling states that clauses prohibiting animals violate Articles 1 and 5 of the Quebec Charter, which guarantee respect for dignity, freedom, and privacy.
A statement was released today by Kimmyanne Brown, president of the tenant‑rights law firm Défends‑toi, which represented the tenant in the case.
“This important decision confirms that clauses banning animals amount to an intrusion into tenants’ private lives and an infringement on their right to freedom. A tenant should never have to choose between their home and a member of their family. Pets play a real role in the emotional and family life of many people.”
The decision could have major implications for thousands of Montrealers who have had to give up their pets or who hide them while searching for housing.
⚡ In Brief
Air Canada crash at LaGuardia: both pilots now identified
As a follow‑up to yesterday’s tragic news, more details have been confirmed.
The two Air Canada pilots killed when their aircraft collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night have now been identified.
The brother of pilot Antoine Forest, who died in the crash, shared an emotional message on social media. Cédric Forest wrote: “Safe flight, my brother. Yes, we’ve heard that phrase many times, but this time it will be the last. You were always coming and going, always full of new projects. You’ve left us again, too soon to say goodbye. I love you, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.”
Forest’s great‑aunt, Jeannette Gagnier, confirmed his identity, saying he saw her as a grandmother figure and had always dreamed of becoming a pilot.
The co‑pilot has been identified as Mackenzie Gunther. Flags at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto will be lowered Tuesday in his memory.
Coroner launches inquiry into deaths of four construction workers
Coroner Andrée Kronström began a public inquiry Monday to determine the circumstances and contributing factors behind the deaths of four construction workers in Quebec.
The cases under review are: • Vito Fundaro (June 19, 2024 – Montréal) • Médrik Lincourt (August 4, 2025 – Terrebonne) • Maxime Forget (August 21, 2024 – Brownsburg‑Chatham) • Mario Ross (April 4, 2025 – Drummondville)
The CNESST recorded 74 accidental deaths in 2024 across all sectors, including 16 in construction (22%). It also recorded 172 deaths from occupational illness, 52 of them in construction (30%).
Hearings continue until March 27, then resume later this spring and again in the fall.
Pedestrian in critical condition after being struck in Terrebonne
A woman is in critical condition after being hit by a driver Monday evening in Terrebonne, in the Lanaudière region.
The collision occurred around 7:50 p.m. on Philippe‑Chartrand Street in the La Plaine sector.
She was transported to hospital with life‑threatening injuries. An investigation is underway.
Maïté Blanchette Vézina set to join the Quebec Conservative Party
After months of speculation, former CAQ minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina is expected to join Éric Duhaime’s Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ).
The Rimouski MNA is expected to confirm the move Tuesday. This would mark the party’s first official presence in the National Assembly, after failing to elect any members in 2022 or in subsequent by‑elections.
Appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Forests after the 2022 election, Blanchette Vézina was removed from cabinet during the September 10 reshuffle. A week later, she left the CAQ caucus to sit as an independent, sharply criticizing the government for “betraying the regions.”
Industries struggle as targeted U.S. tariffs enter second year
From rolled steel to kitchen cabinets, Canadian companies hit by targeted U.S. tariffs are struggling as the trade war enters its second year.
Daniel Drapeau, CEO of Quebec‑based custom cabinet manufacturer Miralis, says the company invested $43 million since 2022 to build two plants, but is now operating well below capacity.
He estimates Canadian manufacturers are running at perhaps 50% capacity. The auto‑parts sector is among the hardest hit.
Statistics Canada reports 64,828 auto‑parts workers were employed in December — down 9.5% from the previous year.
Liberals lead Conservatives by 14 points in new poll
A new Liaison Strategies poll shows the Liberals at 46%, ahead of the Conservatives at 32%.
The shift follows Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s interview with Joe Rogan, released Thursday.
The NDP sits in third place at 9%.
“Mark Carney continues to hold a very strong position among Canadians, with his approval rating rising to 64% this week. This stability suggests a solid and resilient base of support for the Liberal leader. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre remains significantly underwater, with a 15‑point gap between favourable and unfavourable views.”
🏙️ Local Stories
Shots fired at business in Côte‑des‑Neiges–NDG
Montreal police are investigating after shots were fired at a business Monday evening in Côte‑des‑Neiges.
A 911 call came in around 7:30 p.m. reporting bullet impacts on the storefront window of a business on Édouard‑Montpetit Boulevard, near Côte‑des‑Neiges Road.
Police say an altercation broke out among a group of young men before escalating. Several suspects fled. No victims or suspects were located, and no arrests have been made.
Investigators will interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
Bullets fired through front door of Saint‑Léonard home
Bullet holes and shell casings were found at the entrance of a Saint‑Léonard residence late Monday morning.
Montreal’s Inspector General reviewing pothole repair contracts
As the city continues to struggle with deteriorating roads, Montreal’s Inspector General says she is closely monitoring how pothole repair contracts are awarded.
💛 Heart of the Day
Cédric Forest, despite the immense pain of losing his brother Antoine in the LaGuardia tragedy, found the strength to share a public message filled with love and dignity to honour his memory.
👋 To wrap up
That’s it for this Tuesday morning.
Between a major win for tenants with pets, difficult updates on the air tragedy that continues to affect our community, and reminders that vigilance is still needed in some neighbourhoods, you’re now up to date on the essentials.
Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Have a good day, Montréal. ☕