MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

Today we’re talking about safety, justice, traffic, health, and a bit of hockey popping up in the most unexpected places. There’s also very practical news for your daily movements, along with several issues that touch Montréal life directly — from the street level to the courts.

Main Story

Montréal appeals major ruling on racial profiling

The City of Montréal is appearing before the Quebec Court of Appeal in an effort to overturn a 2024 ruling on racial profiling by police officers.

In this class action, citizens from minority communities argued they were unjustifiably stopped, detained, and targeted between mid‑August 2017 and January 2019. In September 2024, the Superior Court concluded that the City of Montréal was responsible for racial profiling committed by its police officers in the course of their duties.

The ruling also stated that racial profiling is a systemic issue within the Montréal police service. Compensation of up to $5,000 per person was awarded to the plaintiffs.

It’s a case with significant consequences returning to the forefront today, with implications far beyond the courtroom.

Local Stories

Île Mercier bridge closed to vehicles due to flooding

Rising water levels forced the closure of the Île Mercier bridge to vehicles Monday at 7 p.m. in L’Île‑Bizard–Sainte‑Geneviève.

Pedestrians can still cross, but vehicle traffic is suspended until further notice due to high water on the Rivière des Prairies. Chemin de l’Anse‑à‑l’Orme, between Chemin de Senneville and Timberlea‑Trail, has also been closed since Sunday.

The City has activated its spring flood response plan. Crews remain on site, and residents are asked to avoid affected areas and follow posted signage. In short, not the best time for a scenic detour.

Montréal concerned about adults recruiting youth into crime

In Montréal, young people appear to be getting involved in criminal activity at increasingly early ages, sometimes as young as 14 or 15.

What’s more troubling is that it may not be limited to peer influence. A former SPVM lieutenant‑detective says adults are directly recruiting teens to commit certain crimes while keeping their distance.

Youth crime prevention is now a priority for the SPVM in 2026. The goal is clear: be present earlier, talk to young people sooner, and avoid stepping in only once the problem is entrenched.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts displays photo of the Canadiens

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has installed a framed photo of the Canadiens near its entrance.

The image, posted by the team with a caption joking that it belonged in a museum, was taken literally. The 36‑by‑24‑inch print will remain on display throughout the team’s 2026 playoff run.

It’s not the first time the museum has tipped its hat to the club. This time, the gesture turns a viral moment into a very Montréal blend of culture, sport, and self‑aware humour.

Counterfeit bills circulating more widely in Montréal

Counterfeit money is becoming harder to distinguish from real bills in Montréal.

The issue isn’t limited to the city, but authorities say it’s clearly present here as well. The main takeaway: the quality of counterfeits is getting closer to that of authentic currency.

It’s the kind of detail no one wants to think about when getting change — but a bit of vigilance seems necessary.

Mother upset over son’s image used in bus shelter ad

A mother says she agreed to let her son’s photo be used as part of an ambassador role for his school and the Marie‑Victorin school service centre.

She expected to see the image in newsletters or on a school website, not in bus shelters. Her concern now centres on how far the original consent extended and how publicly the photo is being used.

The situation raises a very real question for many families: how far does consent actually go, and when does public use exceed what was intended?

Across Quebec

Open letter calls for law to prevent femicides

About 600 signatories support an open letter calling for a new law and strong measures to prevent femicides in Quebec.

The authors propose a “Gabie Renaud Law,” which would allow women to check whether their partner has a history of violence. They also urge Premier Christine Fréchette to reconvene the National Assembly before May 5 to act quickly.

They are also calling for stable, adequate funding for shelters supporting women experiencing domestic violence. The message is clear: waiting any longer is not acceptable.

Christine Fréchette to unveil her cabinet

Premier Christine Fréchette is expected to announce her cabinet today.

She has recently said she wants a team that blends continuity with new faces. With the National Assembly set to resume on May 5, there is little time to set the tone for this new government.

In other words, the cabinet lineup will say a lot about the direction Quebec intends to take right away.

Quebec and medical specialists reach tentative agreement

The Quebec government and the Federation of Medical Specialists have reached a tentative agreement to renew their framework deal.

The agreement still needs approval from the federation’s internal bodies before details are released. The previous agreement expired on March 31, 2023.

After a long dispute, this step could help stabilize a particularly sensitive file in the health network.

Petition calls for banning social media for youth under 16

A Quebec group called Age Standard is asking Ottawa to ban access to social media for anyone under 16.

The group also wants enforcement mechanisms and CRTC oversight, rather than relying on platforms to regulate themselves. The initiative is gaining attention amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

It’s a debate that’s likely to grow, touching on child protection, platform responsibility, and the role of government.

Bar owners urge Quebec to act on extortion

Quebec’s bar industry says it is facing a wave of extortion stretching from Montréal to the South Shore, Longueuil, Laval, and the North Shore.

The Corporation of Bar, Brewery and Tavern Owners is asking the government to delay the reduction of video lottery commissions and to recreate a consultation committee bringing together police and owners.

Some establishments are investing heavily in security, while others are closing altogether. When nightlife starts to rhyme with threats, it’s clear why the issue feels urgent.

Many municipalities unprepared for natural disasters

At least 14 percent of Quebec municipalities still do not have an emergency response plan.

This highlights gaps in preparedness for natural disasters. With several regions closely monitoring water levels, the lack of planning feels far less theoretical than it did a few days ago.

Noteworthy

Artists gather in Beaconsfield for a good cause

The Art by the Water exhibition returns April 24–26 at the Beaconsfield Yacht Club.

The free, open‑to‑all event will feature local and guest artists, with about 200 works for sale. Proceeds will go to the Liam Foundation, a Montréal organization supporting children with a rare disease.

A simple idea: see art, support local creators, and help a meaningful cause… all in one place.

Canadiens fans hit the road for the playoffs

The Canadiens face the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight in Game 2 of their first‑round series.

Montréal won Game 1 in overtime, powered by Juraj Slafkovsky’s three power‑play goals, including the winner. The series returns to Montréal later this week for Games 3 and 4.

The atmosphere is already building, long before the puck drops at the Bell Centre.

Fans watching playoffs inside a cathedral

In Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Canadiens fans are gathering inside Saint‑Jean‑l’Évangéliste Cathedral to watch playoff games.

The heritage site hosts both religious and cultural events, and now, playoff hockey. Montréal has a unique talent for turning almost any space into a communal hockey lounge.

Canadian tourist killed in Mexico

A Canadian tourist was killed in a shooting at the Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised an investigation. Mexican authorities say the suspected shooter later died from a self‑inflicted injury. Thirteen people were hospitalized, including one Canadian.

Practical Info

Traffic disruptions in the West Island this weekend

Construction will fully close Highway 520 West from Friday at 9:30 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. between Exit 4 and the ramp from Highway 13 South.

After the closure, a one‑lane configuration will remain in place until May 4, and additional closures are planned on Highway 30. If you’re travelling in the West Island, plan extra time and check your route before heading out.

Gas prices drop 10 cents per litre in Montréal

Drivers in Montréal and Laval saw gas prices fall by 10 cents per litre Monday.

The drop is linked to the temporary suspension of certain federal excise taxes on regular gasoline and diesel. Prices Monday morning were 178.9 cents per litre.

Coup de Cœur

There’s something very Montréal about a locker‑room photo ending up at the Museum of Fine Arts, a local exhibition turning into an act of solidarity, or fans gathering in a heritage site to watch hockey. What stands out this morning is our city’s knack for turning everyday spaces into places of community.

Before We Go

Thanks for starting your morning with us.

Grab your coffee, a bit of patience for the road, and a touch of gentleness for the rest of the day. Montréal can be intense, but, it’s also undeniably endearing. ☕