MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

Today’s roundup moves from a serious decision at a Côte‑des‑Neiges elementary school to a few very practical notes for daily life, with a stop along the way for hockey, rough roads and a very Montréal idea for turning an unusual kind of waste into something useful. There is also movement in both Québec City and Ottawa on files that touch the region directly.

Top Story

11 teaching licences revoked at Bedford Elementary in Montréal

Québec’s Ministry of Education has revoked the licences of 11 teachers at Bedford Elementary in Côte‑des‑Neiges following an investigation into physical and psychological abuse.

The decisions are now under appeal. The case follows an earlier investigation that led to their suspension in 2024 and raised concerns about the physical and psychological safety of students.

Local

Montréal lawyer Daniel Rochefort charged with sexual offences against minors

Montréal lawyer Daniel Rochefort faces nine charges related to sexual offences involving children. These new charges come on top of those laid last week.

A Montréal company is turning pet waste into compost

A Montréal company that already transforms organic waste into fertilizer has begun collecting pet waste this spring.

It is the kind of hyper‑local, practical idea that reminds us Montréal never lacks imagination when it comes to rethinking what we throw away.

Canadiens aim to take a 3–1 lead over the Sabres tonight

The Canadiens are looking to take a 3–1 lead in their series against the Buffalo Sabres.

The team is coming off two straight wins, the offence has found its rhythm again and the atmosphere at the Bell Centre has noticeably intensified. The volume is rising.

Game 5 between Montreal Victoire and Minnesota Frost moved to Tuesday

Game 5 between Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost has been postponed to Tuesday.

The change is linked to concerns for player safety due to illness. The stakes remain high, as this game will decide the series.

Restrictions on gender‑affirming care at McGill’s student clinic

A trans rights advocacy group says McGill University’s Wellness Hub is refusing to provide hormone replacement therapy to American students under 19.

The decision is attributed to concerns about potential repercussions tied to the Trump administration.

Of Note

Head of Québec’s Public Service Commission steps down

The president of the Public Service Commission has resigned, denouncing a culture of secrecy surrounding Bill 7. She says the bill effectively sealed the fate of her organization.

TVA crisis: PKP calls for industry‑wide mobilization, does not rule out further cuts

Pierre Karl Péladeau is urging Québec’s audiovisual sector to mobilize, arguing that the crisis at TVA now exceeds the company’s capacity to respond. He points to falling advertising revenues captured by global tech giants, competition from international platforms and declining cable subscriptions, in a context where layoffs, regional closures and asset sales have not been enough.

He is not ruling out further cuts or cancelled productions if nothing changes. He is calling for less administrative burden, more union flexibility and a rebalancing of advertising rules to reduce the advantage held by foreign platforms. Without swift action, he warns, productions will leave, jobs will shrink and original Québec content will continue to erode.

Justice system’s digital “megaproject” under scrutiny

The justice system’s digital transformation, estimated at 500 million dollars, is raising concerns due to delays, excessive fragmentation and unclear overall costs. Several parts of the modernization plan have been pushed to 2029, and the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology is considering an audit to clarify governance, budgeting and the coherence of a project split into dozens of sub‑projects.

Despite progress such as electronic filing and virtual hearings, key components remain behind schedule, and some projects have been suspended or cancelled. The Québec Bar is calling for better capacity to deliver major government tech projects within reasonable timelines.

Québec’s audiovisual sector: unions denounce pressure tactics

Unions in the audiovisual sector say they are facing pressure to weaken negotiated working conditions. AQTIS 514 IATSE says a Québec producer, backed by its broadcaster‑shareholder, asked to reduce key elements of the collective agreement, including minimum pay and social protections.

Unions acknowledge the sector’s financial challenges but say it is unacceptable to shift the burden onto artists and crew. They argue that the strength of Québec’s creative output depends on stable, respected working conditions.

Québec Premier Fréchette heading to Paris for trade talks

Christine Fréchette will be in Paris from May 16 to 20 to meet political, economic and cultural leaders.

The mission aims to promote Québec’s interests, diversify trade and attract investment.

Québec‑made rifles found in Russia: intelligence officials investigate

Canadian intelligence officers met with a Québec company after images surfaced showing Cadex rifles for sale in Moscow and in the hands of Russian snipers.

Akwesasne man pleads guilty in smuggling case that left 9 dead in the St. Lawrence River

A 35‑year‑old man from Akwesasne has pleaded guilty in the United States in a human‑smuggling case. The crossing led to the deaths of nine people, including two young children, in the St. Lawrence River.

Practical Corner

2026 census deadline is today

May 12 is the deadline to complete the 2026 census questionnaire. Refusing to respond can lead to a fine of up to 500 dollars, although follow‑ups are conducted before any penalty.

The most damaged roads in Greater Montréal

CAA‑Québec’s annual ranking does not place any Greater Montréal roads among the province’s ten worst, which is a small moral victory. Still, local users highlighted several rough stretches, including Notre‑Dame East, Souligny Avenue and Sherbrooke East.

Coup de Coeur

The idea of collecting pet waste to turn it into compost feels deeply Montréal in the best way. Quiet, useful, a little improbable at first glance, but rooted in neighbourhood logic, resourcefulness and a shared desire to do things better.

Before You Go

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this morning. Between the serious issues and the small details that make the day easier, there is always a way to take the pulse of the city. Enjoy the rest of your day, and if you hit a pothole, may it at least be with good humour. ☕