MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

Today’s briefing looks at what affects daily life most directly: gas prices, public safety, decisions that weigh on housing, and a few files that remind us Montréal is at once a crossroads, a community, and a place where many things unfold at the same time.

There’s also a bit of culture, a bit of sports, and several practical notes to keep in mind before heading out.

Top Story

About 40 stolen vehicles intercepted at the Port of Montréal

A coordinated operation intercepted roughly 40 stolen vehicles Tuesday at the Port of Montréal, mainly pickup trucks and luxury cars.

Operation WINN brought together the SPVM, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Montréal Port Authority and the Ontario Provincial Police. Information gathered on site also led to the seizure of six additional vehicles in a commercial building in Anjou.

In total, 47 truck drivers were questioned and 21 tickets were issued. The file will be sent to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions for potential charges, and the evidence collected could lead to further investigations in Quebec and Ontario.

Local Stories

Gas prices expected to drop 9 cents in the Montréal region Thursday

A drop of about 9 cents per litre is expected across Greater Montréal starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. The decrease is tied to renewed optimism on global markets as tensions between the U.S. and Iran appear to be easing and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is being considered.

Forecasts remain volatile, though, a bit of relief at the pump, but still with a sense of suspense.

SPVM arrests three men in connection with 2022 fatal shooting at Saint‑Léonard car wash

Montréal police arrested three men in their 50s Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in April 2022 at a Saint‑Léonard car wash. Details on the charges have not yet been released, but the arrests mark a significant step forward in the investigation.

One person killed in collision in Mercier–Hochelaga‑Maisonneuve

One person died early today following a collision near Bossuet and Hochelaga streets. Authorities have not yet released details on the circumstances, but the death was confirmed at the scene.

Uncertainty grows at Villa Maria as decision on school’s future approaches

As a decision on the future of Collège Villa Maria draws closer, anxiety is rising among families and alumni. NDG MNA Désirée McGraw says the board could issue a recommendation in the coming weeks, renewing calls to protect the institution.

The religious congregation that owns the property had already announced plans to sell the land in 2030, a context that weighs on enrolment and fuels uncertainty. The board says it is working toward a long‑term solution, while the community hopes the school can remain on its historic campus.

Residential school survivors testify in Montréal on missing Indigenous children

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves continued its hearings in Montréal on Tuesday. Survivors of residential schools shared testimony, and a panel on investigative journalism was also heard.

The tribunal, hosted by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, was created to seek accountability for allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide linked to residential schools and other institutions in Canada.

Montréal Victoire signs the city’s Golden Book as Walter Cup celebrations continue

Montréal Victoire marked another milestone in its championship week by signing the city’s Golden Book at city hall, where players, coaches and fans were welcomed by Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and several elected officials.

The team — the first Canadian PWHL franchise to win the Walter Cup — continues its week‑long celebrations, which will culminate in a downtown parade on Saturday.

Festival TransAmériques brings 25 acclaimed dance and theatre works to Montréal

The Festival TransAmériques returns May 28 to June 10 with 25 dance and theatre productions from international, Canadian and Quebec artists.

Shows will be presented at several key venues, including the Place des Festivals, Place d’Armes, the Monument‑National, Espace Libre, ESPACE GO and Usine C.

Across Quebec

Collective calls for right to housing to be added to Quebec Charter

A Quebec coalition is calling for the right to housing to be added to the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The report also recommends banning short‑term rentals like Airbnb, creating a mandatory public rent registry, and recognizing a duty of assistance for people leaving certain public institutions.

Roughly 12,000 people experiencing homelessness were counted in Quebec in 2025. The group is also calling for a stronger legal framework to hold the government accountable.

Family doctors register 500,000 new patients as requested by Quebec

Family physicians have registered the 500,000 new patients requested by the province, including more than 220,000 considered vulnerable.

Quebec politicians push for public Habs watch parties in the Outaouais

Provincial elected officials supported a motion asking the National Hockey League to allow public gatherings to watch Canadiens games in the Outaouais.

No further details were given on the follow-up of the matter, but the motion received unanimous support.

Two people missing after pair of suspicious fires in Val‑d’Or

Two people are missing after two suspicious fires damaged several residential buildings early Wednesday in Val‑d’Or. Authorities continue to treat both fires as suspicious.

UPAC meets with former Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier

UPAC met with former Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier regarding the “brownies” text‑message controversy that affected Pablo Rodriguez’s leadership race.

She denies any involvement. UPAC is still investigating, and Élections Québec is also reviewing Rodriguez’s candidacy.

PSPP declines to comment on OUI Québec report

Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon said he does not feel concerned by a recent OUI Québec report on social cohesion.

The report was produced following consultations with 50 civil‑society organizations.

Taxi permit holders ask Supreme Court to hear their case

Taxi permit holders are asking the Supreme Court of Canada to hear their case over the loss of value of their permits following the 2019 deregulation of paid passenger transport.

A class action had initially succeeded in Superior Court in 2024, before the decision was overturned on appeal on March 25.

National Stories

Germany promises $86B in economic benefits in submarine bid

The German‑Norwegian consortium TKMS is promising $86 billion in economic benefits to Canada as part of its bid for a submarine contract.

It faces competition from South Korea’s Hanwha.

Ottawa negotiating with Saab to build airborne‑radar aircraft in Canada

Ottawa is negotiating with Saab to build its airborne‑radar aircraft in Canada… a deal that would represent a setback for Boeing.

Opioid crisis: victims urged to join class action

Victims of the opioid crisis are being encouraged to register for the class action. The lead plaintiff is sharing his story to encourage others to file claims.

Man denied dental coverage says insurer is “playing with Canadians”

A man says he was denied dental coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Repeated refusals for pre‑authorization of more complex procedures, such as crowns, are leaving patients and providers without clear explanations.

Liberal MP and climate advocate Steven Guilbeault expected to leave politics

Guilbeault is expected to leave politics. He is said to have been frustrated as Prime Minister Mark Carney dismantled several climate and energy policies he had helped design or implement.

Travellers from Ebola‑affected regions must isolate for 21 days

The federal government will require a 21‑day isolation period for travellers arriving from Ebola‑affected regions. The measures take effect Saturday under the Quarantine Act and will remain in place until August 29.

Final decisions on certain immigration applications from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda will also be suspended for 90 days.

Coup de Cœur

There is something deeply important about Montréal hosting a space where survivors can testify, be heard and contribute to a process of memory and accountability. Some stories don’t call for speed… they call for listening.

Practical Corner

A small break at the pump

If you need to fill up, a drop of about 9 cents per litre is expected in the Montréal region starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Be advised, things can change quickly.

On the cultural calendar

The TransAmériques Festival will take place from May 28 to June 10 at various venues in Montreal. For those who love dance and theater, make time for the festivities in the coming days.

A celebration ahead

Montréal Victoire will hold a parade Saturday, with an event planned in the Quartier des spectacles. If you’re heading downtown, it’s worth keeping in mind.

Closing Note

Wishing you a grounded day, with just enough calm to take things one piece of information at a time. Montréal often has a thousand stories at once… but a good summary and a good coffee already make a strong team. ☕