Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
On this Remembrance Day, we pause to honour those who served, while the city braces for its first snow of the season. We also look at the future of CF Montreal, new data on the wealth gap with Toronto, and a well-deserved honour for a legendary goaltender.
Top Story
Remembrance Day, 25 years after Afghanistan
Canadians gather today to reflect on the legacy of war and remember the men and women who served and died defending the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan, a conflict that saw 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces serve and 159 lose their lives.
The national ceremony in Ottawa will feature three Second World War veterans, and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Louise Arbour, and other dignitaries will lay wreaths at the National War Memorial. CF-18 fighter jets and a Black Hawk helicopter will fly over the national ceremony.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion and the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military College. Some 300 cadets are expected at the parade, about 200 more than usual.
This year’s ceremonies come just weeks after the tragic fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright that killed four soldiers and injured dozens of others during a training exercise. A separate ceremony is planned today in Wainwright, where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to attend the tributes.
Close to Home
Montreal sailor to sound the bugle at national ceremony
Leading Seaman Renjie Zhao, a Sino-Canadian serving aboard the NCSM Donnacona in Montreal, will act as bugler at the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. He was selected through the Canadian Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day Sentinel Program.
Zhao, who will be participating in the national event for the first time, said he trains daily and has rehearsed outdoors to be ready for the cold. He hopes Canadians will never forget the sacrifices made and that more people will consider serving their country.
Neighbourhood fight ends in hospital in Côte-des-Neiges
Two men, aged 45 and 59, were injured in a knife attack Tuesday evening in a residential building on Décarie Boulevard, near Bourret Avenue. Police arrived around 9:30 p.m. after a report of a fight between two tenants.
Both men suffered upper-body injuries from a sharp object. The younger man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains in custody. The older man was taken to an investigation centre for questioning. Authorities believe the incident stems from a simmering conflict between the two tenants.
Wealth gap between Montreal and Toronto remains stable
A new report from the Institut du Québec reveals that Quebec regions have closed the economic gap with Ontario, even though the wealth gap between Toronto and Montreal remains. Quebec regions’ GDP per capita reached 99% of Ontario’s in 2022, compared to 91% in 2011.
However, the gap between the two major Canadian cities has not narrowed: Montreal’s GDP per capita remains at about 80% of Toronto’s. Economist Jean-Baptiste Vallantin-Dulac explains that Toronto’s economy relies heavily on the lucrative finance and insurance sectors. The institute warns that the gap could widen if Quebec does not review its immigration policies to attract highly skilled workers.
Worth knowing
Quebec open to public stake to save CF Montreal
Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he is open to the government becoming a shareholder in CF Montreal, following Joey Saputo’s announcement that he is looking to sell the soccer club he founded more than three decades ago. He clarified, however, that Quebec would not provide subsidies or blank cheques, but would examine proposals.
Former Impact player Rocco Placentino, now president of Supra, believes a move by CF Montreal would make the expansion of the Canadian Premier League to Quebec “even more necessary.” Economist Moshe Lander of Concordia University notes that the sale is not surprising, given the drop in attendance and the team’s recent struggles. He adds that the MLS schedule change in 2027 could pose a problem, with home games in the middle of winter.
PSPP and Bloc join forces on US relations
The Parti Québécois leader and the Bloc Québécois leader met in Quebec City to discuss a strategy to improve trade relations with the United States. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon sent letters to about 60 newly elected American officials in states Quebec does business with, an initiative that visibly annoys Mark Carney.
The federal prime minister reminded that trade negotiations are a federal responsibility and that “it is always good to have a single negotiator.” The PQ leader shot back with a hockey metaphor: “Carney would prefer we don’t lace up our skates or even step on the ice, because he wants the rink all to himself.”
Phoenix: $295M in arrears could be lost forever
About one in ten federal workers was still waiting for resolution of pay errors in March 2026, and $295 million in arrears from the Phoenix pay system could be lost forever. The system, which was supposed to replace old payroll software, continues to cause headaches for thousands of federal employees.
Practical Corner
First snow of the season on the way
Environment Canada is forecasting the first snowfall of the season in Montreal for Thursday and Friday. A mix of rain and snow is expected to begin Thursday morning and continue into Friday, with accumulation expected overnight. Roads could become slippery and icy during Friday morning rush hour. Be careful on the roads.
Remembrance Day: What’s happening?
Federal department and agency offices will be closed across the country today. It’s also a day to attend local ceremonies or wear a poppy in memory.
Coup de Coeur
Renjie Zhao’s story reminds us that the duty of remembrance is also passed on by example. This Sino-Canadian sailor, who found his way thanks to classmates, embodies a proud and committed next generation. His presence on the bugle at the national ceremony is a beautiful symbol of the diversity that enriches our country and of recognition for those who served.
Before you go
We wish you a day of reflection and gratitude, and we remind you to bring out the warm coats: snow is coming. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and we’ll see you tomorrow for the rest. ☕