MTL QC – Montréal QC
Montreal QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We hope your coffee is nice and hot this Saturday morning, because we’ve got a packed edition for you today.
Between a major Supreme Court decision already making waves, temperatures set to swing wildly this week, and a few developments that hit close to home, there’s plenty to fuel your weekend reading.
Take a sip, and let’s dive into the things on our mind today.
🔦 Main Story
Supreme Court orders Quebec to open CPEs to asylum seekers
A decision that’s already sparking reactions across Quebec’s political class. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday that asylum seekers must be granted access to Quebec’s early childhood centres (CPEs).
The country’s highest court is ordering Quebec to amend its Reduced Contribution Regulation, overturning a law that had blocked access to subsidized childcare for people seeking refuge in the province.
The reaction was swift. Discussions are already underway across the political spectrum about whether Quebec should invoke the notwithstanding clause to get around the ruling.
The clause allows a province to shield a law from certain rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for a renewable five‑year period.
A heated debate is expected in the coming days as Quebec decides how to respond to this Supreme Court ruling, which reshapes access to childcare services for asylum‑seeking families in the province.
⚡ Noteworthy
PLQ and PQ neck‑and‑neck in new poll
A new Léger poll shows the Quebec Liberal Party and the Parti Québécois now running side by side. The PQ leads voting intentions with 31% support, followed closely by the PLQ at 30%.
The Conservative Party of Quebec sits in third place at 15%, followed by the CAQ (13%) and Québec solidaire (9%). The official arrival of Charles Milliard as Liberal leader appears to have solidified the party’s support, with a four‑point jump in one month.
The study also found support for Quebec sovereignty at 29%, its lowest point since the 1995 referendum.
U.S. tariffs still hitting Quebec businesses one year later
This week marks one year since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, and some Quebec businesses say the impact has been severe. Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the tariffs, U.S. customs officials said Friday that refunds won’t be issued immediately.
A customs official said the department hopes to set up a refund system within 45 days. At Signé Local in Montréal’s Eaton Centre, a shop owner said focusing on Quebec‑made products helped the business weather the pressure.
For Myriam Belzile‑Maguire, who runs Maguire Shoes with stores in Montréal, Toronto, and the U.S., the past year has been a roller coaster. The tariffs forced the company to raise prices by $5 to $10 depending on the product.
Carney considers social‑media ban for children
Prime Minister Mark Carney says that while Canada should debate banning social media for children, he hasn’t made up his mind yet. He says there are arguments on both sides and growing information about how such bans work.
Several countries have implemented or are considering bans since Australia became the first to prohibit social media for children under 16 three months ago.
Carney also says the government must pass online‑harm legislation, and that setting a “digital age of majority” would naturally be part of that discussion.
Carney calls for Mountbatten‑Windsor’s removal from royal succession
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor should be removed from the royal line of succession for his “deplorable” actions. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Carney said the actions that cost him his royal titles “require” his removal.
Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations about his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Formerly known as Prince Andrew, he was released about 11 hours after being detained without charges, but remains under investigation.
Return‑to‑office policies hitting women harder
Years after the COVID‑19 pandemic boosted remote work, more public‑ and private‑sector organizations are calling employees back to the office — and experts say women are disproportionately affected. Women still shoulder more childcare, eldercare, and household responsibilities, and flexible work arrangements had helped ease that burden.
A 2024 Statistics Canada study found that remote workers in 2022 were able to reallocate more than an hour a day on average to other activities because they didn’t have to commute.
Executives generally enjoyed more flexibility with remote or hybrid arrangements, but employers have not shown the same flexibility for lower‑level employees.
Seven ways the Iran war could affect Canadians
The war launched by Washington against Iran could have consequences for Canadians’ wallets and safety. TD economist Marc Ercolao said the national average gas price jumped 12 cents this week — nearly 10% — with more increases likely.
The conflict could disrupt shipments of fertilizer, petrochemicals, and fuel used in food production. Prime Minister Mark Carney said this week he could not “categorically” rule out Canadian military involvement in the Middle East.
Canada already has 200 military personnel in six locations across the region. On Thursday, Kuwait activated its air‑defence systems after missiles were fired toward the country. Canada operates a support centre at that base, according to regulatory filings.
Canada’s first Paralympic medal
Kalle Eriksson delivered a standout performance in the visually impaired downhill, claiming silver and giving Canada its first medal of the Paralympic Games.
Teacher challenges school policy on gender identity
The Quebec Superior Court heard arguments Friday in a case involving a high‑school teacher who says her Charter rights were violated when she was ordered to hide a student’s gender identity from their parents.
Provincial policy allows children 14 and older to change their name and pronouns at school without parental consent.
More witnesses testify in Cardinal Ouellet defamation trial
More witnesses took the stand Friday in the civil defamation trial involving Cardinal Marc Ouellet. Marie‑Louise Moreau, 84, testified in the case.
Paméla Groleau testified Thursday, reiterating the allegations that led to the lawsuit. She told the court that Ouellet touched her without consent on three occasions between 2008 and 2010.
🏙️ Local Stories
Montreal’s Iranian community divided over the war in Tehran
As U.S.–Israeli airstrikes hit the Iranian capital of Tehran on Friday, Montreal’s Iranian community was split over the conflict, now entering its seventh day. Some, like Mojan Safari, said the attacks were necessary. Ayrik Armani, an organizer with the Montreal Iranian Youth House, agreed.
But as the Israeli army said it had launched a “large‑scale wave of attacks” on the capital—home to 10 million people—other Iranian Montrealers condemned the strikes. Mina Fakhravar said it was “very absurd” that supporters of Iran’s former monarch were thanking U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the attacks.
The sharp divide within the Iranian diaspora also extended to Canada’s potential involvement in the conflict. While Trump has said he wants a role in choosing Iran’s next leader, Iranian Montrealers said they hope the country’s future will be decided by its own people.
Canadiens lose 6–5 in shootout to the Ducks
The Montreal Canadiens (33‑18‑9) continued their California road trip Friday night against the Anaheim Ducks (34‑24‑3) at the Honda Center. Another comeback attempt fell short as the Canadiens lost 6–5 in a shootout.
💛 Spotlight
At Signé Local in the Eaton Centre, where a Quebec flag hangs in every store as a proud reminder of being made here, staff have turned tariff pressure into a celebration of local products and support for the provincial economy.
🌤️ Practical Corner
Get ready for a “false spring” next week
Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures in the low teens next week, signaling the arrival of a “false spring” in Montreal. Highs of 13°C are expected Monday and Tuesday, followed by a drop to more seasonal highs of 2°C and 0°C on Wednesday and Thursday.
Average highs for the second week of March in Montreal range from 1°C to 4°C. Enjoy it—but keep your coat close.
Papineau–Leblanc Bridge closed Sunday
The Papineau–Leblanc Bridge between Montreal and Laval will be closed in both directions from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday for paving work. Southbound, the highway will be closed starting at Highway 440, though access to Saint‑Martin Boulevard will remain open via the service road.
Plan your travel accordingly.
Don’t forget the time change tonight
Clocks will move forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. overnight from Saturday to Sunday, March 8. You’ll lose an hour of sleep, but gain an extra hour of evening daylight.
British Columbia is switching to permanent daylight time starting Sunday, joining Saskatchewan and Yukon, which do not change their clocks—though those two remain on permanent standard time rather than daylight time.
👋 Before we go
That’s your Saturday morning roundup.
Between a Supreme Court decision sure to spark debate, temperatures set to swing up and down, and a few developments that touch daily life, you’ve got plenty to fuel your weekend conversations.
Enjoy the “false spring” ahead, take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and have a great Saturday, Montreal.