Montréal QC: Your Morning Digest

Good morning, Montreal! ☕

We hope your coffee is nice and hot and you’re ready for your morning dose of local news. Today, we’re talking politics, solidarity, culture, and a few stories that remind us our city never lacks heart. Let’s go!

Main Story

Charles Milliard Becomes PLQ Leader Unopposed

The Quebec Liberal Party has a new leader: Charles Milliard. And guess what? He was acclaimed, as no one else ran before Friday’s deadline. Milliard replaces Pablo Rodriguez, who resigned in December in the wake of scandals. Mario Roy had declared his intention to run, but was disqualified after accumulating debts during his 2025 bid.

Milliard, a pharmacist by training and former CEO of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce Federation from 2020 to 2024, promises to renew a party that has lost favor with much of the francophone majority. Montrealers interviewed? They admit they don’t know him very well. Neil Colman of Westmount hopes he’ll defend liberal values and oppose Bills 21 and 96. Jacques Malo, also from Westmount, thinks Milliard represents youth and will bring new ideas, even if his inexperience could be a hurdle. Another resident believes the PLQ has a chance to form a minority government against a CAQ that seems to be losing ground in the polls.

Quebecers will head to the polls in October. Until then, Milliard has his work cut out to make himself known.

Of Note

Supreme Court Overturns Liberal Win by One Vote in Terrebonne

The Supreme Court of Canada overturned the results in the federal riding of Terrebonne on Friday. Liberal Tatiana Auguste had been declared winner by a single vote over her Bloc Québécois rival in last spring’s election. The seat is now vacant and a by-election will be needed. One vote really does matter.

Chrystia Freeland Unintentionally Violated Election Law

Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland unintentionally broke the Elections Act by answering journalists’ questions about a Toronto by-election in 2024 at two government press conferences. Her remarks in support of a Liberal candidate at official events constituted a campaign contribution by the Government of Canada valued at $910.58. Freeland pledged not to repeat the error, and her former riding association reimbursed Elections Canada in January.

Trump Threatens Gordie Howe Bridge, Democrats Investigate

U.S. Democrats have launched an investigation into President Donald Trump’s threat to delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan. Trump’s social media post came hours after a meeting between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Matthew Moroun, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge and a major Republican donor. Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Trump about the issue and expects it will be resolved.

Canadian Films Plummet at the Box Office

Canadian films generated only $13.9 million in 2025, a drop of 40.9% compared to $23.5 million in 2024. It’s the third worst year of the past decade. French-language screenings suffered particularly, down $11.3 million. The total Canadian box office still increased slightly to $836.9 million.

Coalition Demands Urgent Action on Immigration

A coalition of municipalities, businesses, unions, colleges, and students is demanding an immediate acquired rights clause for workers and students eligible for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) before its abolition in November. The replacement program isn’t working: fewer than five selection certificates have been issued in seven months. Thousands of already established and integrated people risk having to leave. The message is clear: you can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.

Tumbler Ridge Heroes: Acts of Courage in Tragedy

Teacher Mark Deeley blocked his classroom door with a chair and saved a seriously injured child, even though his own son was in the bathroom. He and two students gave first aid while older kids comforted the younger ones. Police arrived within seconds and climbed the stairs under gunfire. Eight people were killed Tuesday, including six children. Prime Minister Mark Carney and BC Premier David Eby attended a vigil Friday with hundreds of residents. Eby promised students wouldn’t be forced to return to school and a safe space would be provided.

Close At Home

Montreal Bids to Host NATO Defense Bank Headquarters

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Premier François Legault submitted Montreal’s bid Friday to host the headquarters of an international NATO defense bank. The stakes? About 3,500 jobs. Business, academic, and political leaders support the city. Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa are also contenders. Legault downplays referendum risk in the matter.

Joan Chen Explores Montreal in “Montréal, ma belle”

Actress Joan Chen plays a 54-year-old Chinese immigrant and convenience store co-owner in Xiaodan He’s new film. The character experiences a sensual rebirth through a connection with a young Quebecer. Chen loved filming here last summer, struck by the positive atmosphere, repurposed historic churches, and murals. She says even generous lunch breaks let her explore the city and understand how her character falls in love with Montreal.

Alouettes Change Cheer Team

The Montreal Alouettes will use the Carabins cheerleaders from Université de Montréal this season instead of their own dance and stunt team.

Hydro-Québec Wants to Remove Historic Poles from Lachine Canal

Hydro-Québec will soon get rid of old electric poles along the Lachine Canal. Quebec heritage experts say they are an important part of the province’s history. A heritage debate is brewing.

Boatbuilding Workshops at Olympic Stadium

A Montreal non-profit is hosting boatbuilding workshops this winter at the Olympic Stadium to refurbish its fleet. The goal: offer free sailing workshops next summer for those who can’t afford access to the water. Montreal relics are being used in the process.

Protest at GardaWorld Leads to Arrest

Police arrested at least one protester Friday outside GardaWorld’s Montreal headquarters. The private security company is reportedly helping staff the Florida detention site nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Memorial March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The annual Valentine’s Day memorial march for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people takes place Saturday. Departure from Cabot Square at 5 p.m., marching along Sainte-Catherine to Place du Canada. Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to disappear or be murdered than non-Indigenous women in Canada. The event is organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and other groups.

St-Viateur Offers Heart-Shaped Bagels for Valentine’s Day

Montreal’s bagel specialists are selling sesame heart-shaped bagels today and tomorrow at all locations, while supplies last. Love tastes better fresh from the oven.

Students Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Le Phare

Students from the English Montreal School Board visited Le Phare on Friday with handmade bracelets and Valentine’s cards for children in the palliative care center. The “Heart to Heart” initiative included crafts, music, and plenty of smiles. Students also donated $564 in collected funds. A beautiful example of compassion and solidarity.

Best Chocolates According to Readers

According to the Best of MTL survey, here’s where to find the best chocolates: Lecavalier Petrone (2423 Centre), Les Chocolats de Chloé (546 Duluth E.), Chocolats Favoris, État de choc (6466 St-Laurent), and Lindt. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Favorite Moment

The EMSB students who brought love, bracelets, and $564 to Le Phare to celebrate Valentine’s Day with children in palliative care—that’s what “Heart to Heart” truly means.

Practical Corner

Heart-shaped bagels at St-Viateur: Today and tomorrow, all St-Viateur Bagel locations offer heart-shaped sesame bagels while supplies last. Perfect to impress your Valentine!

Memorial march Saturday: The annual march honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people leaves Cabot Square at 5 p.m. Saturday. An important opportunity to gather and remember.

Have a great day, Montreal! We’ll be back tomorrow with your next dose of local news. In the meantime, stay curious, take care, and don’t forget to buy your heart-shaped bagels. ❤️

EXCERPT:

Charles Milliard became the new leader of the Quebec Liberal Party after being acclaimed unopposed on Friday. The former pharmacist and CEO of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce Federation replaces Pablo Rodriguez and promises to renew a party that has lost favor with much of the francophone majority, though several Montrealers interviewed admit they don’t know him well yet.