MTLQC – Montréal QC
Good morning, Montréal.
It’s Sunday morning, and we hope your coffee is nice and hot. A historic Olympic final is approaching, and the whole country will have its eyes on the ice. Between hockey captivating Canada, some great local stories, and reminders of the importance of community, there’s plenty to start your day off right. Settle in comfortably.
🔦 Main Story
The long-awaited final: Canada vs. United States, without Crosby
This morning at 8:10, Canada and the United States will face off for the Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey, the first final between these two nations since 2010.
However, Canada will have to do without its captain Sidney Crosby, who is out with a lower-body injury suffered during the quarterfinal against Czechia. Connor McDavid will wear the “C” for the second game in a row. Defenseman Josh Morrissey will also be absent, still dealing with an injury sustained during the opening match.
Both teams enter the final with identical 5-0 records. Canada has scored 27 goals to 8 and fired 202 shots on goal, compared to 106 by its opponents. The United States has scored 24 goals to 8 and has 201 shots to 124.
American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, dominant since the start of the tournament, says his confidence is at its “highest level ever.” Canada’s power play is running at full speed with 7 goals in 16 opportunities, while the Americans have yet to allow a single goal while shorthanded.
⚡ Of Note
Two Quebecers will carry the Canadian flag.
For the first time in Winter Olympic history, both flag bearers for Canada at the closing ceremony will be from Quebec.
Speed skater Valérie Maltais and short track skater Steven Dubois will carry the maple leaf at the Verona arena on Sunday.
Maltais, 35, won three medals in Italy, including gold in the team pursuit. Dubois, 28, took gold in the 500 meters in short track and silver in the mixed team relay.
In total, 10 out of Canada’s 20 Winter Games medals were won in speed skating.
Young workers are shunning management positions.
A Robert Half survey conducted in March 2025 among 835 Canadian professionals found that about 50% of Gen Z workers would prefer a promotion to a position without team management.
Only 39% of respondents from this generation are interested in managerial roles. Among those who want to stay out of management, 51% say they can maintain a better work-life balance in their current role.
According to Tara Parry, director at Robert Half Canada, there is a “huge shortage” of candidates willing to take on management positions.
To adapt to this reality, Shopify restructured its staffing model in 2023 by creating two distinct career paths—managers and specialists—with equal pay.
Four years since the invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will hold an event Sunday on Parliament Hill to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.
It’s one of 60 gatherings organized across the country. More than a million people have been killed since the conflict began, and millions more have been displaced.
Candlelight vigils, rallies, and discussions are planned in several cities, from Victoria to Whitehorse to St. John’s, to honor the victims and support Ukrainian communities in Canada.
The United States suspends airport security programs.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs as the partial government shutdown continues.
These programs normally allow registered travelers to clear security checks more quickly.
The partial shutdown has been in effect since February 14, after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on legislation to fund the department.
Christine Fréchette presents her vision for Quebec.
Christine Fréchette presented her vision for Quebec on Saturday at her first major rally in the CAQ leadership race.
🏙️ Local Stories
Free lunchtime skating for N.D.G. teens
Teenagers skate on the refrigerated outdoor rink Bleu Blanc Bouge in Confederation Park, right next to Saint-Luc High School.
In the park’s chalet, about 60 pairs of skates are available free for young people. Hot chocolate is also offered to those needing to warm up before heading back to class.
A wonderful initiative that gives teens a simple and accessible activity during their lunch break.
Montreal police take the polar plunge in the icy river.
Montreal police held their 18th annual SPVM polar plunge on Saturday, and Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada joined the officers to dive into the icy waters of the Saint Lawrence River.
A gesture of courage and solidarity that marked the event.
A Haitian-Quebec figure skater wants to inspire Black youth.
Bryana Megan Petit Frère, founder of Briser La Glace, an organization in the Montreal area, wants to break the glass ceiling in figure skating.
Through lessons and shows highlighting the cultures of Black communities, her group hopes to help young Black skaters reach the highest levels of competition.
Montreal’s cycling culture in the spotlight.
Quebecers’ passion for cycling is fully showcased at Canada’s largest bike expo.
From 19th-century antiques to the latest carbon gravel bikes, experts and enthusiasts discuss what makes Montreal’s cycling culture strong—a culture with nearly double the bike ownership rate of France.
Further proof that cycling is here to stay.
Ukrainian refugees in Montreal dream of peace.
When a Ukrainian refugee fled to Montreal in 2022, she had to leave behind her son, who had enlisted as a soldier to fight the Russian invasion.
Four years later, Ukrainians settled in Montreal continue to hope the war will finally end.
💛 Spotlight
Free lunchtime skating at the park
The Confederation Park rink in N.D.G., with its 60 pairs of free skates and hot chocolate for Saint-Luc school youth, is exactly the kind of initiative that makes a real difference in teens’ daily lives.
👋 Before We Go
That’s it for this Sunday morning. Whether you’re watching the hockey game or enjoying your day in other ways, remember that the moments that matter are often those we share. Take care of yourself, cheer on our athletes, and have a great Sunday, Montréal. 🍁🏒
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