Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
With two days to go before the provincial vote, party leaders are making their final rounds while voters across the city share their hesitations. We also look at a new ride-hailing option, security in the metro, and a few feel-good lottery stories.
Lead Story
Less than 72 hours to win over voters
The provincial election campaign has entered its final stretch. The five main party leaders were on the ground Friday, trying to rally undecided voters ahead of Monday’s vote.
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon spoke to supporters in the Quebec City area, while Coalition avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette focused her message on opposing a sovereignty referendum. Liberal leader Charles Milliard stressed the importance of gains in Montérégie, and Conservative leader Éric Duhaime asked voters to hand him the balance of power at the National Assembly. Québec solidaire co-leader Ruba Ghazal urged voters to follow their hearts rather than vote strategically.
Political analyst Daniel Tran says these final days are crucial for turning voting intentions into actual votes. Parties will need to mobilize both undecided voters and those who have already made up their minds, as several events could still shift the outcome.
Among Montreal voters, opinions are split. Massimo Ruffolo hasn’t settled on a choice yet, calling it a “last-minute decision.” Linda Giguère, from the West Island, said she’s undecided because she feels the leaders aren’t addressing voters’ real concerns. Étienne Forget, meanwhile, has already made his choice: “We want change.”
Élections Québec has confirmed that 25.59% of eligible voters cast advance ballots between September 25 and October 1, a higher rate than in 2022. Polling stations will be open Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Around Town
City of Montreal professionals to strike evenings and weekends
About 3,000 City of Montreal professionals will walk off the job starting October 19, but only in the evening, overnight and on weekends. This second strike by the Syndicat des professionnels de la Ville de Montréal aims to show how important their work is without compromising essential services.
Union president Anne Dorais calls it a “disruption strike,” since many municipal services—like libraries, culture and IT—operate on atypical schedules. The dispute centres mainly on wages and remote work. The city recently reached a tentative deal with another major union, the blue-collar workers.
Suspect arrested in connection with 2025 murder
A 22-year-old man wanted for a murder in Montreal in 2025 was arrested Thursday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Gabriel Lavoie is being held pending extradition.
This is the third arrest in the case, which dates back to March 14, 2025, when a 34-year-old man was wounded with a sharp object near Ontario and Saint-Germain streets in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. He later died in hospital. Two other suspects had already been arrested in Montreal and face manslaughter charges.
STM still refuses to arm its special constables
The Société de transport de Montréal has again declined to arm its special constables, whether with firearms or conducted-energy weapons. The STM justifies the decision partly by saying these officers would be too quick to use force in certain situations.
Worth Knowing
Business leaders want Quebec to “win economically”
Days before the vote, well-known figures from Quebec’s business community are calling on the next government. They want a clear, more ambitious economic plan, as Quebec ranks second-last among Canadian provinces and U.S. states for GDP per capita.
Andrew Lutfy, CEO of Dynamite Group and Carbonleo, has set a target: grow Quebec’s economy to $900 billion in five years, then to $1 trillion in seven. Couche-Tard CEO Alain Boucard, meanwhile, stressed the need to boost competition rather than hand out subsidies.
Carney government launches AI council with Yoshua Bengio
The federal government announced Friday the creation of a new artificial intelligence council, bringing together 13 experts from the public and private sectors. Quebecer Yoshua Bengio, one of the world’s AI pioneers, will be on it.
CRTC wants a clearer picture of cell coverage
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced Friday a new approach to help consumers understand the quality of cellular coverage in different regions. Providers will now have to report their network coverage, including outdoor signal strength. The goal is to let Canadians compare options and flag places where actual coverage doesn’t match the maps.
Practical Corner
Lyft is now available in Montreal
The ride-hailing platform Lyft is officially up and running in Montreal, offering a new travel option alongside Uber and taxis. For your trips, it may be worth comparing fares and wait times across the different apps.
Uber adds a “TAXI VAN” option
Uber has also added a “TAXI VAN” option in Montreal, letting you book a taxi that seats up to six passengers. A handy solution for group outings.
Feel-Good Story
Three Montrealers have each won $1 million in the lottery in recent weeks. Joey Sacco and his partner Anissia Vincenza Greco found their winning Lotto Max ticket among old tickets in a work bag. Karina Fuentes Ruiz learned of her good fortune by email. And Winston Mangal, a Montrealer in his sixties, plans to spoil his kids. Stories that remind us luck can strike anytime—even in a forgotten bag.
Before you go
Wishing you a weekend that suits you, whether that means soaking up the final days of the campaign or exploring the new ride-hailing options. And if you come across a forgotten lottery ticket, it might be worth a second look. ☕