MTLQC – Montréal QC

Good morning, Montreal. ☕

We hope your coffee is hot and your toque is snug. Yesterday, quite a few things happened, from electoral theft in Terrebonne, to news from the federal political scene, and some stories that remind us why we keep an eye on our neighborhoods. Settle in, we’ll explain everything.

🔦 Main Story

Carney in Terrebonne: Election Invalidated, New Battle Ahead
Prime Minister Mark Carney made a detour to Terrebonne Tuesday after unveiling Canada’s industrial defense strategy in Montreal. Why Terrebonne? Because the Supreme Court just invalidated the result of last spring’s federal election in that riding. Tatiana Auguste had been declared the winner for the Liberals against Bloc candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné—by a single vote. The catch: one Bloc vote was never counted due to an Elections Canada error. Carney and Auguste visited a local restaurant where customers applauded them. A new by-election must be called within six months, but Carney has not announced a date yet. In short: every vote counts. Literally.

⚡ Of Note

Armed robbery at Promenades St-Bruno.

Late Tuesday afternoon, several suspects entered Bijouterie Lavigueur, stole jewelry, and fled on foot. One person was exposed to pepper spray and treated on site. Longueuil police set up a security perimeter and deployed a canine unit, but the suspects are still at large.

NDP leadership race tightens.

The five candidates for NDP leadership are preparing for their final party-organized debate in British Columbia on February 19. Rob Ashton proposes a national public transit strategy. Tanille Johnston, the first Indigenous woman to run for the leadership, wants to establish a guaranteed basic income. Avi Lewis is pushing for a wealth tax. Heather McPherson, the only MP in the race, wants to rebuild party infrastructure. Tony McQuail, an organic farmer, talks about sustainable housing and environmental regeneration. The final vote will take place March 29 in Winnipeg.

Carney in BC, a week after the shooting.

The prime minister is back in BC less than a week after attending a vigil at Tumbler Ridge, where an 18-year-old girl killed eight people—including five students and a teaching assistant—before taking her own life. This time, Carney will attend a Liberal fundraiser in Vancouver (tickets at $1,775), celebrate Lunar New Year in Richmond, and visit an affordable housing project. No announcements expected.

Many readers wrote to say that certain aspects of this tragedy remain largely absent from media coverage, especially the personal difficulties of the alleged perpetrator, family tensions that may have preceded the events, and questions about treatments, medications, or substances that may have been involved. Several believe that ignoring these elements won’t help prevent future tragedies, and authorities will need to shed light on all possible factors.

Third complainant in Frank Stronach’s trial.

The sexual assault trial of auto magnate Frank Stronach, 93, continues in Toronto. Two complainants have already testified about incidents from the early 1980s. The second testified Tuesday that she felt obliged to visit Stronach’s condo after dinner and was “terrified” when he touched her as she tried to leave. A third complainant will testify today. Stronach faces 12 charges related to seven complainants.

Charles Milliard takes the helm of the Quebec Liberal Party.

Charles Milliard won the leadership of the PLQ by acclamation, replacing Pablo Rodriguez who resigned after a few difficult months. Milliard promises to regain Quebecers’ trust.

Man accused of murdering his partner in Rougemont.

David Guertin, 41, was arrested Tuesday and is expected to be charged with second-degree murder and arson. His partner Véronic Champagne, 40, died in hospital January 18 after being seriously injured during an altercation at their home. She was reportedly stabbed several times. Champagne’s four-year-old child was in the house at the time. The suspect allegedly dressed the child and told him to leave before setting fire to the apartment. Champagne was considered the fourth victim of femicide in Quebec this year. Guertin will appear Wednesday by videoconference.

Montreal tourism up 7% in 2025.

Montreal welcomed 11.8 million visitors in 2025, a 7.3% increase over the previous year. Surprise: a strong rise in visitors from the Maritimes.

Megan Oldham celebrated in her hometown.

Parry Sound, Ontario, is preparing to celebrate its Olympic medalist Megan Oldham, the skier who won gold in Milan-Cortina this week after taking bronze earlier in the Games.

77% of Canadians want to increase trade with the EU.

A Research Co. study reveals that 77% of Canadians want Canada to strengthen trade ties with the European Union, compared to only 13% who oppose it. A previous Nanos study indicated that 85% of Canadians want closer economic ties with the EU to reduce dependence on the United States.

Glove DNA does not match any database.

DNA collected from gloves found about 3 kilometers from Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona does not match any entry in the national CODIS database. Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on February 1. Blood was detected on the porch and a camera recorded a man wearing a backpack, ski mask, long pants, coat, and gloves. Authorities are analyzing other DNA evidence and trying to locate Guthrie by tracking her pacemaker. The sheriff’s office received 28,000 phone calls between February 1 and 16, a 54% increase over the same period last year.

Montreal General Hospital tops urgent repair list.

A new evaluation of Quebec’s hospital network shows that the state of medical infrastructure is much worse than previously thought. The number of buildings in poor condition has more than doubled in the past year. Montreal General Hospital tops the list.

Quebec considers holding SAAQ officials legally responsible.

The Quebec government is reviewing legislative changes to hold SAAQ officials legally responsible for the failure of the SAAQclic project. The auto insurance corporation apologized following the damning report from Judge Denis Gallant filed Monday.

Ski resort allowed to reopen a week after young Ottawa girl’s death.

A Quebec ski resort has been authorized to reopen a week after a 13-year-old girl from Ottawa died following an incident where her clothing got caught in a chairlift at Centre Vorlage in Wakefield on February 11. The family confirmed her death at the hospital a few days later.

Human Rights Tribunal: hair salon fined.

A hair salon was ordered to pay $500 to a non-binary person. The Human Rights Tribunal found that the absence of options other than “men’s cut” or “women’s cut” was discriminatory.

New cases linked to ADHD medications and energy drinks.

New reports are being added to the tragic death of Zachary Miron, 15, linked to ADHD medications and energy drinks.

English school board cancels ethics decision.

The English-Montreal School Board’s commissioners overturned an ethics decision that had found elected commissioner Julien Feldman in violation of the code of conduct. The original decision recommended a 15-day suspension, public apology to his electoral opponent, and a $250 donation to charity for a comment about “Ms. Gaza”.

🏙️ Local Stories

Montreal West parents demand a school crossing guard.

Two Royal West Academy students were hit by a car Monday morning while crossing Westminster Street in Montreal West and were hospitalized with minor injuries. This is the fourth incident involving a car and pedestrian at the intersection of Ainslie and Westminster. In 2024, a 14-year-old was also hit at the same spot. Parents have been demanding safety measures for years. Flashing stop signs were installed last year, but parents say it’s not enough during the morning rush. They want a crossing guard. Problem: under current rules, crossing guards are only assigned to elementary schools. Parents have launched a petition to have the province change the law and allow crossing guards near high schools. The petition closes Friday and had already reached 3,000 signatures by Tuesday.

Montreal launches new group to tackle homelessness.

The City of Montreal is setting up a new group to tackle the homelessness crisis, bringing together city, provincial, community, and public health actors to find solutions and improve the city’s response to the crisis.

Carney unveils industrial defense strategy in Montreal.

Prime Minister Mark Carney officially announced Tuesday Canada’s new $500 billion “industrial defense strategy” at the CAE flight simulator factory and pilot training center in Montreal. The strategy aims to supply the military and strengthen Canada’s national defense industry.

WinterWorks festival at Centaur Theatre.

The annual WinterWorks festival at Centaur Theatre continues until February 22 with four fully staged Canadian productions. Among the works presented: “The Healing,” an immersive dance-theatre piece based on the childhood of Montreal playwright and producer Marie Barlizo and her difficult relationship with her father, who suffered from severe mental health issues and alcoholism. The show uses contemporary dance and a soundtrack without music. Performances from February 17 to 22 at 8 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on the last day.

💛 Favorite

Montreal West parents refuse to wait for another child to be injured. Their petition for a school crossing guard near a high school has already gathered 3,000 signatures, proof that a mobilized community can make a difference.

👋 Final Thoughts

That’s it for this Wednesday morning. Between electoral twists, ongoing trials, and local initiatives taking shape, there’s plenty to fuel your conversations. Take care, keep an eye on your neighborhood, and have a great day, Montreal. 🍁