Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start with news that hits close to home for football fans, as two Alouettes find themselves in the CFL spotlight. There’s also word from the housing summit, a reminder about banking services, and a story of resilience worth your time.
Top Story
Alexander and Philpot honoured by the Canadian Football League
Alouettes starting quarterback Davis Alexander has been named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player, while his teammate and friend Tyson Philpot took home the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian award. The two learned the news during a team photo session, where each was tasked with surprising the other with the announcement.
Alexander had a standout season, leading the league in completion percentage (72.1%), touchdowns (35), and plays of 30-plus yards (37). He becomes only the second Alouettes quarterback to surpass 5,000 passing yards in a season, joining Anthony Calvillo.
Philpot, a Delta, B.C. native, set Canadian records for receptions (124) and receiving yards (1,809) over 16 games. He also led the league in receiving touchdowns (13) and yards after catch (750).
Both players stressed the team-first nature of these honours. Alexander said everything they do is for the team and the city. Philpot reminded that the ultimate goal remains winning the team’s ninth Grey Cup, and their second since 2023.
The Alouettes, who finished first in the East Division with a 14-4 record, host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday in the division final. The winner advances to the Grey Cup, set for November 15 in Calgary.
Close to Home
Housing summit: Montreal ‘will run out of space this winter,’ warns mayor
Montreal’s mayor used the housing summit to issue a warning: the metropolis risks running out of shelter spaces this winter. The homelessness crisis, directly tied to the housing crunch, is front and centre in discussions among provincial mayors and the new minister responsible for the file.
Municipal leaders are looking to double the supply of off-market housing to meet immediate needs, particularly shelter spaces and affordable units. The meeting aims to set common priorities as the situation tightens.
Man accused of killing Montreal woman dies before trial
Youcef Moussaoui, 33, died while awaiting trial for first-degree murder in the death of Leila Ben Salem, 45, who was killed during a work video call earlier this year. The coroner is investigating the circumstances of his death.
Heat record broken in Montreal
Montreal set a heat record yesterday, hitting a high of 23.1 degrees Celsius. The old record for November 4 was 18.3 degrees, set in 1956. The mild weather continues today, with a forecast high of 18 degrees, just shy of the 19-degree record for November 5, set in 1988.
Worth knowing
Federal budget: $62.3-billion deficit and grocery measures
Ottawa tabled a budget projecting a $62.3-billion deficit. The Liberal government is promising a one-time assistance cheque to 12 million Canadians and measures to ease grocery bills. It also commits $11.2 billion over four years to ‘pave the way to ending homelessness.’
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will be in Montreal today to tout the budget plan at a Montreal Council on Foreign Relations event. Prime Minister Mark Carney, meanwhile, will be in Winnipeg to highlight anti-homelessness measures.
Laurentian Bank to close services Friday afternoon
Founded in Montreal more than 175 years ago, Laurentian Bank has announced its banking services will permanently cease Friday afternoon. Customers are urged to make arrangements before the closure.
Health Canada approves mRNA flu vaccines
Health Canada has authorized Moderna’s mRNA influenza vaccine, as well as its combined flu and COVID-19 shot. Both are approved for adults 50 and older, but they won’t be available in pharmacies for the current respiratory season.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization still recommends everyone six months and older get the flu shot available this year. A higher-dose version is recommended for those 65 and up.
Online gambling more than doubles among young Montrealers
A new study shows online gambling has more than doubled among young men in Montreal. Treatment providers report a rise in young people seeking help for gambling problems.
Practical Corner
Check your banking before Laurentian Bank closes
If you’re a Laurentian Bank customer, it’s time to review your accounts and plan to move your operations. Services will permanently close Friday afternoon. Make sure you have access to your funds and update any automatic payments.
WestJet strike: check your flight status
Flight cancellations are possible due to the WestJet strike. If you have a flight booked, check your reservation status before heading to the airport. Customers without clear instructions should contact the airline directly.
Coup de Coeur
The story of Alice Daudelin, a young woman from Terrebonne who overcame an alcohol addiction developed in her teens, reminds us that resilience can take root even in the darkest moments. Now sober for three years, she’s studying social work and helping other young people at the Portage centre where she was once treated. Her journey, from shame to pride, is a beautiful lesson in courage and generosity.
Before you go
We wish you a day as mild as that heat record, and a little respite in the rush of preparations. Even when the news is heavy, taking a moment for yourself can make all the difference. ☕