MTLQC – Montréal QC

Montreal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

We hope your coffee is nice and hot this Thursday morning, because today’s edition touches on several sensitive issues. Between acts of hate that shock us, ongoing public safety concerns, and developments that shape our daily lives, there’s plenty to take in. Take a good sip, and let’s dive in.

Main Story

Swastikas discovered on three Jewish-owned businesses in Saint-Laurent

An act of hate targeted three neighbouring businesses in the Saint-Laurent borough. Swastikas were found on the storefronts of three adjacent companies, prompting an investigation by the Montreal police hate crimes unit.

This targeted attack against Jewish-owned businesses comes at a time when community tensions remain high, especially as the war in the Middle East continues to have ripple effects here at home.

Montrealers of Lebanese origin are also living with fear and anxiety after the United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and after Israel launched strikes on Lebanon.

Since then, many Lebanese Montrealers have been anxiously following the news, waiting for updates from friends and family as violence escalates in the Middle East.

These hateful acts of vandalism have no place in our city, and police are working to identify those responsible for these unacceptable actions.

Noteworthy

23-year-old man drives himself to hospital after shooting

A 23-year-old man was the target of an attempted murder Wednesday night in the Ahuntsic–Cartierville borough. He drove himself to a local hospital with an upper-body injury, possibly from a gunshot. His life is not in danger.

Police were alerted around 9:45 p.m. and began searching for the location of the attempted murder. Investigators determined the incident took place in a parking lot near Grenet and Louisbourg streets.

A vehicle with bullet holes was still on site, and shell casings were found on the ground. No arrests had been made as of early Thursday.

This marks the second attempted murder reported on the island in the past 24 hours.

Carney says Canadian military involvement in the Middle East cannot be ruled out

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada cannot yet rule out military involvement in the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

At a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Carney said questions about Canada’s potential future involvement remain “fundamentally hypothetical.” “You can never categorically rule out participation,” he said. “We will support our allies when it is justified.”

Carney distanced himself from his earlier unconditional support for U.S. airstrikes on Iran, softening his tone in Australia. “Canada takes the world as it is, not passively waiting for the world we might wish to see. However, we take this position with regret because the current conflict is yet another example of the failure of the international order,” he said.

“It appears these actions are inconsistent with international law.”

Few details on Canadian troops in the Middle East

As Ottawa refuses to say exactly how many Canadian soldiers are currently in the Middle East, experts are questioning the government’s claim that Canada played no role in the U.S. attack on Iran.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister David McGuinty said only that “a few” Canadian military personnel are in the region and insisted they are “out of harm’s way.”

Last June, the Department of National Defence revealed that “up to five” Canadian Armed Forces members were operating out of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Canada also has an operational support hub in Kuwait, and the CAF website suggests Canadian personnel were recently stationed at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

Retired Major-General Denis Thompson told CBC News it is likely that Canadian military officials on exchange with U.S. forces in the region were involved at some point in planning or coordinating the operation.

Quebec’s dairy industry seeks protected designation for poutine cheese

The Quebec Dairy Processors Council is seeking a protected geographical indication for “Quebec poutine cheese.” Such a designation is a public intellectual property right defended by the state, linking products to a specific region—similar to Bordeaux wine or Champagne.

The goal is to protect Quebec’s culinary heritage and determine how many producers are interested in certifying their cheese curds. The designation would also help promote Quebec cheese curds internationally as poutine grows in popularity outside the province.

The process will define the precise qualities required for certification, including how the cheese melts, its heat resistance, and possibly its signature squeak.

Both the dairy council and the CARTV believe a decision could come by 2027.

93% of young Canadian women see no path to promotion

Many young women in Canadian workplaces are facing stalled careers. Data from Fora: Network For Change shows that 93% of Canadian women and gender‑marginalized workers aged 18 to 29 see no clear path to promotion at work.

Another 85% say they do not feel challenged or stimulated professionally, and 51% report being stuck in entry-level positions.

When asked about barriers to advancement, 94% cited identity-related obstacles to meaningful employment. Fifty‑one percent pointed to age, 36% to gender, and 41% to race.

Support for Quebec sovereignty hits a 30-year low

Support for Quebec sovereignty has fallen below 30%, while the provincial Liberals gain ground on the Parti Québécois.

50-year-old man charged with second-degree murder in Saint-Jérôme

A 50-year-old man from Saint-Jérôme has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of a local woman last week.

Quebec faces a family doctor recruitment crisis

Quebec’s system for family physicians is discouraging new doctors from entering the field, according to the Montreal association of family doctors. New data shows the province accounts for the majority of unfilled family medicine residency positions in Canada.

Quebec coroner calls for more mental health support for MAID applicants

A Quebec coroner is calling for improved mental health support and resources for people seeking medical assistance in dying.

Warmer temperatures could lead to ice jams and flooding

Quebec flood forecasters say the risk of spring flooding remains low, but localized winter flooding caused by ice jams is possible as temperatures rise over the next two weeks.

Gas prices rise due to war in Iran

The five‑day‑old war in Iran has “supercharged” oil prices, which Canadian drivers are already seeing reflected at the pump.

Chez Nous

Bixi is coming to Dollard-des-Ormeaux this summer

Dollard-des-Ormeaux will get its first Bixi bikes and stations this summer, making it the first city in the West Island to receive the bike‑share service.

Montreal comedians raise funds for tenants’ rights

On March 10, Montreal comedians Sadie Moland and Sarah Warren are putting on a show called “Sadie and Sarah Solve the Housing Crisis” at the COOP Bar Milton Park. The event is inspired by Sadie’s experience after being forced out of her Verdun apartment following a fire in 2024.

The goal is to raise money for local tenants’ rights groups SLAM MATU and CACV. Moland’s Verdun apartment suffered severe water damage, and she hasn’t been able to return since 2024.

Her landlord delayed repairs, hoping tenants would leave so he could raise the rent.

The show will also include a raffle with prizes donated by sponsors.

REM introduces short-turn trains ending at Bois-Franc for testing

The REM is warning riders to double‑check before boarding if they plan to travel northwest of Bois-Franc station. The network will be inserting short-turn trains that end at Bois-Franc as part of testing for the future Anse‑à‑l’Orme branch.

McGill study finds breathing practices can help people with dementia

A new study from McGill University has found that breathing practices can help reduce mental‑health symptoms in people living with cognitive decline or dementia.

Researchers examined several non‑pharmacological interventions, including mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and other breathing practices. Many studies reported improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life.

The best results were seen when programs were shorter, simpler, and less cognitively demanding, and when caregivers and technological reminders were involved.

💛 Spotlight

Montreal comedians Sadie Moland and Sarah Warren, who are turning a difficult housing experience into community action by organizing a March 10 fundraiser for tenants’ rights groups… showing that solidarity can take many forms.

🚇 Practical Corner

Watch for short-turn REM trains

If you’re planning to travel northwest of Bois-Franc station on the REM, make sure to check before boarding. The network is introducing short-turn trains ending at Bois-Franc as part of testing for the future Anse‑à‑l’Orme branch. A small disruption to your morning routine, but worth noting.

Prepare for possible ice jams

With temperatures warming over the next two weeks, localized winter flooding caused by ice jams is possible. The risk of spring flooding remains low, but keep an eye out if you live near waterways.

👋 Before We Go

That’s it for this Thursday morning.

Between the security concerns and acts of hate that remind us of the importance of vigilance and solidarity, the national issues that affect us all, and the small local initiatives that make a difference, there’s plenty to reflect on.

Take care of yourselves and each other, stay united in the face of intolerance, and have a great day, Montréal.