Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start with news that touches the Jewish community and Montrealers who have protested, as the city marks the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. There’s also an important decision from the chief coroner on doctor suicides, a reminder about safety in encampments, and a few good stories of solidarity and culture. And we haven’t forgotten the Canadiens, who are already dealing with an injury in goal.
Main Story
Montreal marks October 7, three years later
Rallies took place Wednesday on McGill’s downtown campus and around it, as pro-Palestinian protesters denounced Israel. That same evening, Montrealers gathered to mark the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage.
These events show that, three years on, the repercussions of that day and everything that followed continue to echo in Montreal’s streets.
At Home
Woman perishes in fire at Montreal-North encampment
A woman died following a fire in a homeless encampment in Montreal-North, near the corner of Charleroi and Lacordaire streets, just before 5 a.m. Wednesday. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the death is a reminder of the importance of eliminating homelessness.
Parc-Extension fire: 30 displaced, 3 injured
A fire early Wednesday morning in a Parc-Extension building left three injured and displaced 30 people. Residents reported hearing explosions before the fire, which drew more than 100 firefighters. Section chief William Murray said the building was commercial on the ground floor and residential upstairs.
Beyond the material damage, several residents are already worried about the fate of the small supermarket on the ground floor. The store was well known in the neighborhood for its phone order and home delivery service, which was especially appreciated by the elderly. For many seniors in Parc-Extension, this grocery store was part of their daily life.
BEI investigates after fatal shooting in Valleyfield
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) is investigating after a man died following an exchange of gunfire with the Sûreté du Québec in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Police received a call around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday about an armed person in crisis in a residence. The BEI is asking witnesses to come forward.
To Remember
Doctor suicides: no public inquiry, file handed to Géhane Kamel
Quebec’s chief coroner, Reno Bernier, is not proceeding, for now, with the request from many doctors for a thematic public inquiry into doctor suicides in Quebec. In a statement released Wednesday, he announced that the ongoing investigations into five doctor suicides since early 2026 will be grouped and assigned to coroner Géhane Kamel.
This decision follows a letter signed by some 1,500 doctors, sent to Bernier on September 18. Grouping the investigations aims to identify, if necessary, “common contributing factors.” The chief coroner is not completely ruling out a public inquiry, which could be reassessed if the current approach does not shed light on the causes and circumstances of the deaths.
If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about a loved one, support is available 24/7 at 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553), by text (535353), or by chat at suicide.ca.
Elon Musk says he supports Quebec independence
American billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social network X that “Quebec should separate,” adding that “Saskatchewan and Alberta should also separate.” He was reacting to a quote from Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who said the province’s independence “will happen one day.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe replied simply: “No.” Support for Quebec sovereignty is currently at 30%, according to Qc125, and an Angus Reid Institute study indicates Quebec is the most anti-Elon Musk province in Canada.
Lawyers want to force MNA to swear oath to the King
Lawyers are asking Quebec’s Superior Court for an emergency order that would force newly elected MNAs to swear allegiance to the King. Lawrence David and the Consumer Law Group are seeking to suspend a 2022 law that made the oath optional. They argue politicians who do not take the oath are not constitutionally qualified to sit and that laws they pass have no legal effect.
The Parti Québécois, which won a minority mandate, has already said it would refuse to take the oath. A hearing date has not been set, but the lawyers will ask for a decision before the legislature resumes in mid-November.
PQ requests recount in Vachon
The Parti Québécois has officially requested a recount in the Vachon riding on Montreal’s South Shore, where its candidate Stephan Fogaing trails Liberal Affine Lwalalika by 10 votes. It’s one of the tightest races in the province.
Quebec’s electoral system questioned
The Parti Québécois will form the government with 46% of the seats in the National Assembly after winning only 28% of the popular vote, making it the least representative government in the province’s history. Groups like Mouvement Démocratie Nouvelle, the FTQ, and the FIQ, within a coalition of 25 civil society organizations, are calling for a more proportional system.
Practical Corner
Canadiens recall Fowler after Montembeault injury
Goaltender Samuel Montembeault left Wednesday’s practice due to an apparent injury to his right leg or groin. The Canadiens recalled Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket. Montembeault was expected to make his first start of the season Thursday night against the Nashville Predators, but this recall suggests that is unlikely. Fans will have to follow team news before the game.
Festival du Nouveau Cinéma starts today
The 55th edition of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (FNC) runs from October 8 to 18 in Montreal, with films by John Wilson, Pedro Almodóvar, Mike Leigh, and Martin McDonagh, among others. The festival opens with “Violence du corps de l’autre” by Denis Côté and closes with “L’autre” by Alexandre Franchi. Tickets and passes are on sale.
Favourite
Simon Chang honoured by recipients of his prize
Montreal designer and philanthropist Simon Chang was honoured Wednesday by the recipients of his “Difference Maker” prize, which since 2020 has celebrated people who change lives. Teachers and artists shared how his support enabled creative projects and boosted students’ confidence. A nice reminder that small gestures can have a huge impact.
To Close
We wish you a day full of discoveries, whether at the cinema, in the city’s streets, or over a good coffee. Even when the news is heavy, moments of solidarity and culture remind us of what makes Montreal strong. ☕