MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

This morning, we look at a heavy topic discussed in the heart of the city, a downtown that is still riding the hockey wave, and several very concrete issues touching language, housing and public services. In short, a very local lineup, just dense enough to go with your coffee.

Main Story

Genocide expert testifies on missing Indigenous children in Montréal

In Montréal, the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves continued its hearings Thursday with testimony from Fannie Lafontaine, a law professor at Université Laval and an expert in international law and human rights.

She explained the legal definition of genocide and how it connects to residential schools, forced sterilization and other government policies. One of the central points raised was that a pattern of policies repeated over time can demonstrate an intent to destroy a group.

The tribunal, organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal, is examining allegations that Canada committed crimes against humanity and genocide through residential schools and other institutions. The federal government confirmed earlier this week that it will not take part in the hearings.

An interim statement from the judges is expected Friday at the end of the week’s hearings. The final decision is scheduled for September 30.

Local

Playoff fever is boosting spending in Montréal

The Canadiens’ playoff run is leaving a real mark on downtown streets. On Crescent, bars and restaurants are seeing crowds return on game nights, a welcome boost for businesses still trying to get back on their feet. And the effect goes well beyond pints and chicken wings: shops and hotels are also reporting increased activity. A Léger poll for the CFIB shows that many Quebecers spend more locally during the playoffs, whether for going out, eating out or picking up new Habs memorabilia.

Even everyday institutions feel the shift. At St‑Viateur Bagel, the oven keeps running, but the lines get a little shorter when the Canadiens play. A small detail, yes, but a very Montréal detail: when the Habs are in the playoffs, habits shift, evenings change, and the city starts to vibrate the way it knows how.

Québec promises new housing, but part of the existing stock is already falling apart

While governments announce new projects to address the housing crisis, a significant portion of the existing stock continues to deteriorate. In eastern Montréal, a mother describes living with mice in the walls, signs of moisture and installations that no longer hold up. Her building is not an isolated case: nearly one third of Québec’s social housing units are considered to be in poor condition, and renovations are not keeping pace with wear and tear.

This contrast between new housing announcements and buildings that are already crumbling highlights a problem tenants have seen for years. Before building new units, Québec will also need to save what already exists. For many families, the crisis is not measured in promised units, but in crumbling walls and living conditions that should no longer be tolerated.

By the numbers: the state of social housing in Québec

About 21,500 social housing units, nearly one third of the stock, are considered to be in poor condition. Advocacy groups worry that current budgets are not enough to meet the scale of the need, especially with rising construction and renovation costs.

Across Québec

Too much English on Québec government websites, says language commissioner

Two reports from the French Language Commissioner conclude that several major public bodies continue to offer websites and services in both French and English without properly verifying whether legal exceptions apply.

The reports also note that some organizations have no mechanism to automatically transition newcomers back to French‑only services after six months. Among the recommendations is the idea of publishing government information in French only, except when a legal exception applies.

CSN members asked to update their position on Québec’s political future

Meeting in Québec City for its triennial congress, the CSN wants to launch a consultation to update its position on Québec’s political future. Its current stance dates back to the last two referendums, and its president, Caroline Senneville, believes it is time to revisit that mandate.

She also notes that the new law governing essential services during strikes or lockouts could force unions to rethink some of their strategies.

What happened to Philippe Pinette? His death raises questions about Québec’s correctional system

The death of Philippe Pinette, a 40‑year‑old Innu man, is renewing questions about systemic racism and how people with mental health issues are treated in Québec’s prisons.

A former correctional manager is also weighing in, warning that without real changes in practices and resources, the system will continue to fail its most vulnerable people.

National

Summer conditions expected to fuel wildfires in several regions of the country

Federal authorities expect conditions favourable to wildfires in several regions of the country over the coming months, including southern Québec. Forecasts point to above‑normal temperatures across much of Canada, along with below‑normal precipitation in southern Québec and southern Ontario.

Even though the start of the season has been calmer than in 2025, the risk remains high for the summer. As of May 28, 65 fires were active across the country.

Practical Corner

A large part of Québec is about to get a new area code

Bell Canada says the 273 area code will be introduced next year across a large portion of Québec. Changes like this always end up slipping into forms, contact lists and everyday habits, even if the precise details are still to come.

Coup de Cœur

Even in a busy news cycle, some stories remind us that a city is more than its construction sites, debates or institutions. It is also defined by its ability to gather, to let energy flow from one street to another and to create a sense of belonging around a shared moment. That matters.

Before we go

Thanks for starting your morning with us. Take whatever you need from all this, whether it is one point to remember, a topic to follow or simply the feeling of staying a little more connected to your city. We move forward more easily when we have a better sense of where we are standing. ☕