Montréal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We start with news that shook downtown, then we look back at the leaders’ debate, less than two weeks before the vote. There’s also a loss in the sports world, a promising project for Chinatown, and a few practical reminders to start the day right.
Lead Story
Woman, 45, killed during video call: community in shock
Leïla Ben Salem, 45, was fatally attacked Tuesday afternoon in her apartment on boulevard René-Lévesque, near rue Saint-Christophe, while on a video call with a colleague. It was that colleague who called 911 for a wellness check around 3:25 p.m. Police found the woman unconscious with serious injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ben Salem was the mother of a 12-year-old boy and worked for the Canada Revenue Agency. Police are still searching for a suspect. A person of interest was interviewed Tuesday but released; authorities have not confirmed their connection to the victim.
The news resonated far beyond the neighbourhood. Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues, noting that Ms. Ben Salem was “a valued member of the Canada Revenue Agency, dedicated to serving Canadians.” Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also offered condolences. The CRA employees’ union said it was “shocked and saddened,” and the organization SOS violence conjugale described the death as a femicide, while acknowledging the investigation is ongoing.
White flowers have been placed outside the building. A neighbour, Tatyana Gonza, shared her shock: “She was on a video conference and someone entered her apartment — it shook me.”
In Our Neighbourhood
A cultural hub for Chinatown
The Wing block, around the former Wing noodle factory, could become a cultural and community hub for Chinatown. That’s the vision of the Table des partenaires du pâté Wing, led by the JIA Foundation, which wants to revitalize the block while preserving its heritage.
The project rests on four pillars: cultural anchoring, a living memory space, quality living environment, and community-led development. “The vision is intergenerational,” explains Jessica Chen, executive director of the JIA Foundation. “There will be many of these old buildings, these residential complexes that have existed since the 1970s and 1980s. They will continue to be there.”
The buildings targeted, on De La Gauchetière, Saint-Urbain and Côté streets, house the former Wing factory, the Chinese Association of Montréal and the former S. Davis & Sons cigar factory. Some may date back to 1826. In partnership with Héritage Montréal, the coalition wants to create dynamic storefronts, community spaces, programs celebrating Asian identities, public art and historical exhibitions, while preserving culinary traditions and focusing on safety and inclusion.
Inspector General recommends $700,000 fine for waste management company
Montréal’s Inspector General is recommending the City impose a $700,000 fine on a waste management company for failing to comply with municipal subcontracting rules. Details of the case have not been disclosed, but the recommendation underscores the importance of compliance in public contracts.
Worth Remembering
Final debate: health, immigration and sovereignty at the heart of exchanges
The leaders of the five main parties squared off Wednesday night in the Radio-Canada debate, 12 days before the October 5 vote. Health opened hostilities, with attacks on the CAQ’s record. Charles Milliard (PLQ) promised a walk-in telehealth platform; Éric Duhaime (PCQ) defended a “mixed” public-private model; Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (PQ) proposed more CLSCs and abolishing Santé Québec; Christine Fréchette (CAQ) said she was open to the mixed model, which Ruba Ghazal (QS) strongly contested, fearing a doctor exodus to the private sector.
The sovereignty question also stood out. PSPP reiterated his promise to hold a referendum in a first mandate, even a minority one, while his opponents noted that 70% of Quebecers don’t want one. The debate took place before a crowd of supporters, protesters and union members, in an electric atmosphere outside the Radio-Canada building. Polls put the PQ in the lead.
Quebec City man charged with terrorism over chemical weapon plot
The RCMP has charged Louay Angoud, a man from Quebec City, with terrorism. He allegedly communicated online with members of a terrorist group and sought to produce a chemical weapon to poison Canadians. The investigation continues.
George Gillett Jr., former Canadiens owner, dies at 87
George Gillett Jr., who was majority owner of the Montréal Canadiens and co-owner of Liverpool FC, died September 22 at age 87. He bought the Molson Centre (now the Bell Centre) and a majority stake in the team for $275 million on January 31, 2001. Geoff Molson, current owner, paid tribute: “George immersed himself in the Montréal community and was appreciated by all.”
Angine de Poitrine wins 2026 Polaris Prize
The microtonal duo from Saguenay won the Polaris Music Prize for album “Vol. 2” and the SOCAN Songwriting Prize for “Fabienk,” at a ceremony in Toronto. The group takes home $40,000 in prizes. Their manager, Sébastien Collin, called the recognition “unexpected but entirely deserved” for music that is both complex and accessible.
Practical Corner
High lead levels near Kahnawà:ke school
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has reported lead levels in the air near the high school, averaging 1.5 times the provincial standard of 100 nanograms per cubic metre when winds blew from the west. Residents are urged to follow health authorities’ recommendations.
Winning $5M Lotto 6/49 ticket sold in Quebec
A Quebec player won the $5 million classic jackpot in Wednesday night’s draw. The ticket was sold somewhere in Quebec. For the next draw, the Gold Ball will reach $12 million.
US tariffs: little effect on groceries, expert says
The latest US reciprocal tariffs mainly target raw materials, not everyday consumer products. Some sectors, such as dairy, cosmetics and health products, are hit at 50%. An expert advises choosing Canadian alternatives to limit the impact.
Favourite Pick
The plan to transform the Wing block into a cultural hub is a fine proof that a neighbourhood’s memory can feed its future. By betting on intergenerational ties and collaboration, Montréal’s Chinese community shows it’s possible to preserve a place’s soul while making it live differently.
To Close
We wish you a gentle day, despite the difficult news. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and don’t forget to check what’s happening around you. See you tomorrow, for another chat. ☕