MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

We hope your coffee is nice and hot this Saturday morning, because we have a special edition for you. Between international tensions affecting Canadians abroad, inspiring local news, and a great opportunity to enjoy your city tonight, there’s plenty to fuel your morning. Take a good sip and let’s dive in.

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🔦 Main Story

United States and Israel Attack Iran, Ottawa Urges Canadians to Shelter in Place

The world woke up Saturday morning to troubling news from the Middle East. Prime Minister Mark Carney is urging Canadians in Iran to shelter in place after the country was attacked by the United States and Israel.

The first apparent strike occurred near the offices of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. President Donald Trump declared in a video that the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He claimed Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and plans to build missiles capable of reaching the United States, and called on the Iranian people to “take control of your government.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canadians in Iran should leave now if they can do so safely. Anand added that Canadians in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon should also consider leaving while commercial options remain available.

The federal government advises against all travel to Iran due to the risk of civil unrest, regional tensions, high risk of arbitrary detention, and unpredictable enforcement of local laws. The attack also disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond, with airspace closures in the United Arab Emirates and Israel on Saturday. Qatar Airways temporarily canceled flights to and from Doha.

A rapidly evolving situation, reminding us of the importance of following government advice for those traveling in the region.

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⚡ Noteworthy

Rise in Protests in Canada Reflects a Polarized World

Toronto police estimated 350,000 protesters filled the streets on February 14 in what was likely the city’s largest single-day demonstration, part of solidarity protests with Iran.

Vancouver police estimated 50,000 people gathered in a local park the same day. Police in Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa also reported well-attended rallies in recent months as people opposed Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.

Toronto police say protests occur weekly, sometimes daily, fueled by an “increasingly polarized global environment.” About 4,000 protests have taken place in Toronto since October 7, 2023, including more than 850 related to the war in Gaza.

In Calgary, the number of protests has risen by 300% over four years. In Vancouver, protests increased by 75% between January 2025 and January 2026.

Anand Refuses to Say if Ottawa Still Believes India Is Interfering

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand refused to answer questions about whether the government believes India is still engaging in foreign interference. Anand was pressed repeatedly by journalists in Mumbai, where Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting as part of an ongoing reset of trade and diplomatic relations.

Before Carney’s trip, a federal official said Carney would not make the visit if Canada still believed Indian government agents were involved in extortion or threats of violence in Canada.

Some Canadian Sikhs are urging the government to take a firmer stance on India, while Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said on social media Thursday that he strongly condemns the federal official’s remarks because they contradict Canadian security agency assessments.

McGill and Concordia Drop Legal Battle Over Tuition Increases

Concordia and McGill universities both filed lawsuits in early 2024, arguing that the government’s plan to increase tuition for students from other provinces was discriminatory and threatened their institutional viability.

The English-language universities won a judgment last April after the Superior Court annulled the approximately $3,000 increase, ruling it unreasonable.

McGill and Concordia have now dropped their legal fight.

Quebec Grants $36 Million to AI Research

The government is funding the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Mila, while considering the risks AI could pose to the labor market. The funding totals $36 million.

Canada Ranked Fifth Most Free Country in the World

According to a Freedom House report, Canada was named among the world’s freest countries. The report, which assesses access to political rights and civil liberties in 208 countries, ranked Canada as the fifth most free country with a score of 97 (where 100 is most free and 1 is not free).

Finland received the highest score at 100, followed by New Zealand (99), Norway (99), and Sweden (99). The United States ranked 57th with a score of 84.

Rock Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dies at 86

Rock singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at age 86. He became a key figure in the early days of rock and roll.

Warner Bros. Discovery Acquired by Paramount Skydance for $110 Billion

Warner Bros. Discovery has finalized its purchase by Paramount Skydance for $110 billion USD. This transaction ends a long-running battle with Netflix.

Quebec MP Praised for Speaking Openly About Menopause

A Quebec MP is receiving widespread praise after interrupting a parliamentary committee to say she was experiencing a hot flash. An act of authenticity that resonated.

McGill Launches Task Force on University Sports

McGill University announced Friday that it is launching a new task force to chart the future of athletics and recreation on campus, but indicated its decision to cut a series of university teams remains in place.

New Commissioner of Official Languages Will Strengthen Bilingualism

The new federal Commissioner of Official Languages, who will take office next month, is well positioned to protect Canadian bilingualism and “build a stronger and more inclusive Canada,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday.

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🏙️ Local Stories

New Free Skating Rink Under the Place Ville-Marie Ring

A new outdoor skating rink has opened under the iconic ring at Place Ville-Marie, transforming the Esplanade PVM into a gathering spot for skaters. The Rink Under the Ring is open from February 27 to March 29, 2026, offering free access downtown.

Visitors can bring their own skates or rent equipment on site for a fee. The rink is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with hours subject to weather and events.

The project is presented in collaboration with Jeux Urbains. Chalet 1664, located next to the rink, offers a place for visitors to warm up, grab a drink, or lace up their skates.

Language Bureau Contacts Montreal Bakery

Lahmajoune Villeray, a family bakery in Montreal, received a letter from the Language Bureau stating that most of its social media posts are not available in French on TikTok. The bakery is a family business that has operated for 40 years.

New Transitional Housing Center in Montréal-Nord Focused on Mental Health

A new transitional housing building will help dozens of Montrealers with psychosocial challenges move off the street and into permanent housing. The center is located in Montréal-Nord and focuses on mental health.

Man on Trial for Teen’s Death Insists on His Version

One of two men on trial for the death of Meriem Boundaoui, 15, in Saint-Léonard five years ago, appeared frustrated at times Friday afternoon as he continued to insist before a jury that he fired the shots that killed the young girl and that her death was an accident.

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💛 Spotlight

The new free skating rink under the Place Ville-Marie Ring transforms the heart of downtown into a space for winter fun accessible to all until March 29, perfectly embodying Montréal’s spirit of embracing winter rather than fleeing from it.

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🎭 Practical Corner

Nuit Blanche Tonight with INTERFACES at PHI

For Nuit Blanche 2026 in Montréal, happening this Saturday, February 28, PHI invites you to an epic evening with INTERFACES.

The event will take place across PHI’s many spaces and floors, featuring interactive art experiences, immersive installations, electronic music DJ sets, and live performances.

Festivities begin at 9 p.m. with the opening of installations. Music starts at 10:30 p.m. with DJ sets by con secuencias and Monsieurmadam, enhanced by digital art.

Join us at 407, Saint-Pierre Street. A perfect opportunity to dive into Montréal’s cultural life.

The Free Skating Rink Under the Ring Awaits You

If you’re looking for a weekend activity, the new rink at Esplanade Place Ville-Marie is open today from noon to 10 p.m.

Free admission, skate rentals available on site. Chalet 1664 is there to warm you up between laps.

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👋 Before We Go

That’s it for this Saturday morning.

Between global tensions reminding us of the importance of staying informed, local initiatives making our city more beautiful, and opportunities to enjoy Montréal’s culture, there’s plenty to enrich your day.

Enjoy your weekend, take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and happy Saturday, Montréal. 🍁