Montréal QC ☕ The Evening Chat

Good evening, Montréal.

For this slightly off‑schedule edition, we’re catching up with you at the end of the day with a roundup that covers traffic, local news, decisions shaping things in Québec and across Canada, plus a few cultural and sports notes to accompany your evening. Enough to keep you well informed, even when the day has slipped by faster than expected.

Top Story

Stabbing in Côte‑des‑Neiges Leaves Man in Critical Condition

A 40‑year‑old man is in critical condition after being stabbed Thursday afternoon in Côte‑des‑Neiges. The attack happened around 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Queen‑Mary Road and Trans‑Island Avenue, an area usually busy at that time of day.

When officers arrived, they found the victim with at least one upper‑body wound. He was conscious during transport to hospital, but his condition was quickly deemed serious.

Early information suggests an altercation broke out between the victim and another man shortly before the attack. The suspect allegedly stabbed him at least once before fleeing.

No arrests had been announced at the time of writing. Police set up a large security perimeter while investigators interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage. They hope these elements will help identify the suspect and clarify the circumstances of the incident.

Local Stories

Two Walmart Stores to Close in Montréal

Walmart will close two of its Montréal locations as part of a review of its store strategy. The company still plans to invest more than $150 million in the Québec market this fiscal year.

For the neighbourhoods affected, it’s the kind of change that reshapes daily routines — especially when a store has become part of the landscape. You don’t need a long explanation to feel the very real gap a closure like this leaves behind.

Carpooling Could Save Montréalers Time on the Road

A study cited in the report ranks Montréal among the top five cities in the world where carpooling could most improve travel times. The estimate: about 7.15 minutes saved per trip.

In other words, it’s not a magic wand that will erase congestion, but it’s enough to imagine sipping a morning coffee a little more peacefully. In Montréal, seven fewer minutes in traffic is practically a small civic victory.

Espace St‑Denis Marks 110 Years With New Funding

Espace St‑Denis, located in the Quartier latin, is celebrating its 110th anniversary and receiving a new round of financial support. The report highlights its importance as a cultural and entertainment venue, though the amount wasn’t specified.

It’s a reminder that amid construction sites, detours, and the city’s relentless pace, some places endure — and continue to hold a real place in Montréal’s cultural life.

Montréal Author Launches His 15th Book

Montréal writer H. Nigel Thomas is releasing his 15th book, And Then Again Begin, marking another step in a literary career spanning several decades. The launch will take place May 7 at UNIA Liberty Hall, where he’ll offer a reading, a signing session, and a conversation with the audience.

This new book fits into a body of work deeply rooted in Montréal’s cultural landscape. Nothing flashy — just the steady continuation of a literary voice that moves forward with consistency, book after book, reminding us that local creativity never really stops breathing in this city.

Family of Teen Killed in 2021 Speaks in Court

Relatives of Meriem Boundaoui, killed in a 2021 shooting in Saint‑Léonard, spoke Thursday at the Montréal courthouse during sentencing arguments for Salim Touaibi. The 30‑year‑old man was found guilty of first‑degree murder and four counts of attempted murder.

Family members described the lasting impact of the teen’s death and expressed their grief before the court. The judge must now determine the sentence related to the attempted‑murder charges. A decision is expected April 16.

In Québec

Québec Adopts Its Union Governance Law

The National Assembly has passed the union governance bill by a vote of 70 to 34. The new law introduces optional union dues for activities not directly tied to defending members’ rights, such as certain public campaigns or legal actions.

It also requires audited financial statements based on an organization’s revenues, along with new rules on expense disclosure and secret‑ballot voting. The government says the law increases transparency, while several major unions denounce it as interference in their internal affairs and an added administrative burden.

“Le communautaire à boutte” Movement Reaches Its Peak in Québec City

Thousands of community‑sector workers gathered in Québec City for the final day of a two‑week mobilization. About 10,000 people were expected for this show of force, organized to demand more resources and support for community organizations.

The movement aimed to highlight that needs remain high and that community groups are struggling to meet demand with their current means.

Study Warns About Emerging Contaminants

An international study involving McGill University warns of risks linked to emerging contaminants found in agricultural environments. These substances — including certain pharmaceuticals, microplastics, nanomaterials and PFAS — can accumulate in soil, be absorbed by crops and enter the food chain.

Researchers recommend strengthening regulations and continuing research to better understand their effects on the environment and human health. They also stress the importance of reducing contamination at the source by rethinking the design of certain chemical products.

Winning $5‑Million Ticket Sold in Québec

Loto‑Québec confirms that a winning ticket for the $5‑million classic Lotto 6/49 jackpot drawn Wednesday night was purchased in Québec. The winner’s identity has not yet been revealed.

François Legault Bids Farewell to the National Assembly

François Legault spoke Thursday for his final day at the National Assembly as premier. He will remain in office until April 12, when his successor is sworn in.

This marks the end of his time leading the government after two mandates and begins the transition toward new leadership in Québec.

Québec Expands Its Secularism Law

The National Assembly has adopted a law that further regulates public prayers and extends the ban on religious symbols to new groups, including daycare educators. The measure also affects certain subsidized private institutions, which will need to adjust their practices to maintain funding.

These changes add to the existing framework and reignite debate over the scope of secularism in Québec.

Across Canada and Beyond

GardaWorld Could Secure Major Contract With ICE

A U.S. subsidiary of GardaWorld has secured an agreement to renovate and operate a new migrant detention centre in Arizona. The contract, signed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, could reach nearly $1 billion by 2029.

The Montréal‑based company would provide all services related to operating the facility, which will be able to house up to 1,500 people.

Artemis II Heads to the Moon With Jeremy Hansen Aboard

The Artemis II mission has launched with four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, including Canadian Jeremy Hansen. The crew will spend about ten days orbiting the Moon to test the module’s systems ahead of future long‑duration missions.

It is the first crewed lunar mission in more than fifty years, and the first time a Canadian astronaut has travelled toward the Moon.

Calls Grow for an Apology to Grassy Narrows

Conservative MP Billy Morin is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to apologize to the Grassy Narrows First Nation following comments made during a demonstration related to mercury contamination.

Leaders from Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong are also demanding an apology, as political pressure around the issue continues to build.

Ottawa Stays Vague on Blocking ICE During the World Cup

The federal government has not said whether it will oppose the presence of ICE agents at World Cup matches in Toronto. City council has adopted a motion requesting that these agents not be allowed on event sites.

For now, Ottawa simply reiterates that law enforcement in Canada is the exclusive responsibility of Canadian authorities, leaving the file open and without a clear position.

Pam Bondi Steps Down as U.S. Attorney General

President Donald Trump has announced the departure of Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general and appointed Todd Blanche as interim replacement. The change comes as the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein file has drawn sharp criticism in recent months.

The reshuffle adds to a series of recent Cabinet departures amid a particularly tense political climate in Washington.

Coup de cœur

The launch of H. Nigel Thomas’s 15th book brings a welcome breath of calm to an otherwise busy morning. Seeing a literary career continue here, in the city, with such steady commitment is a reminder that Montréal is never defined solely by its urgencies.

Practical Corner

Traffic: Souligny Closure and Other Disruptions

Avenue Souligny is closed eastbound between Dickson and Honoré‑Beaugrand from Thursday at 11 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m. due to work on access ramps to Highway 25. The ramps leading to the bridge and the highway are also closed.

Other disruptions are expected across Montréal, including restrictions on Viger Avenue, service adjustments on the REM, and the full closure of the Ville‑Marie and Viger tunnels from April 10 to 13.

In Closing — Evening Edition

Thank you for ending your day with us.

Whether your evening leads to one last email, a quiet dinner, a quick metro ride or simply a moment to breathe, we wish you a gentle end to the day… and, if you’re still on the road, traffic that’s kinder than expected. ☕