Montreal
Minimum wage rises to $16.60 an hour across Quebec
Quebec’s minimum wage increased to $16.60 per hour on Friday, up from the previous rate, affecting workers across the province including thousands in Montreal. The change takes effect on May 1, coinciding with International Workers’ Day.
May Day rallies mark two days of labour events in Montreal
Labour groups launched two days of International Workers’ Day events in Montreal on Friday. Demonstrations and gatherings were planned across the city to mark the occasion.
Heavy police presence downtown for Game 6 and May Day
Montreal police deployed in force around the Bell Centre and downtown core on Friday, with both the Canadiens-Lightning NHL playoff Game 6 and May Day events drawing large crowds to the area. Officers were on hand to manage the overlapping gatherings.
Drive-by shooting in Ahuntsic-Cartierville leaves residents uninjured
Unknown suspects fired on a home in Ahuntsic-Cartierville from a passing vehicle on Friday. No residents were injured in the incident, and police were investigating.
Gas prices top $2 a litre at Montreal stations
Prices at several Montreal gas stations exceeded $2 per litre on Friday. The threshold marks a new pressure point for drivers in the region.
Mercier Bridge reduced to one lane each direction starting May 1
The Quebec Transport Ministry reduced the Mercier Bridge to a single lane in each direction beginning Friday, affecting commuters between Montreal and the South Shore. No end date for the restriction was provided in the announcement.
Lachine residents rally to save open-water swimming site
Residents gathered at René-Lévesque Park in Lachine on Friday to protest the potential loss of a popular open-water swimming site. Demonstrators called on authorities to preserve access to the location.
Canada
Ottawa quadruples maximum fines for airlines that breach passenger rights
The federal transport minister announced Friday that the maximum fine airlines can face for passenger rights violations will increase fourfold, reaching $1 million. The move is intended to strengthen enforcement of Canada’s air passenger protection rules.
Canada commits to purchasing HIMARS rocket systems, Pentagon says
The Pentagon’s procurement office confirmed Friday that Canada has committed to buying HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems. The purchase marks a significant addition to Canada’s ground-based firepower.
Manufacturing sector expands as Iran war stirs supply chain concerns
Statistics Canada data released Friday showed Canada’s manufacturing sector purchasing managers’ index expanded, driven in part by supply chain concerns linked to the war involving Iran. Companies appear to be building inventory as a precaution against potential disruptions.
Justice minister announces new Federal Court appointment
The federal justice minister announced Friday the appointment of a new judge to the Federal Court. Details of the appointee were included in the Ottawa announcement.
Ottawa funds new national training centre for Canada Soccer
The federal sport minister announced funding Friday for a national training centre for Canada Soccer. The centre is intended to support the development of the country’s national teams.
Sports
Canadiens host Lightning in Game 6 with chance to close out series
The Montreal Canadiens welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Bell Centre on Friday night for Game 6 of their NHL playoff series, with Montreal in position to advance. Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson are among the key players to watch as the Habs seek to close out the series at home.
Ducks eliminate Oilers 5-2 in Game 6, end Edmonton’s playoff run
The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 on April 30 to win Game 6 and eliminate Edmonton from the playoffs. Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry led the way for Anaheim in the series-clinching victory.
Weather
Tonight will be partially cloudy with a low of 2 C. West winds at 20 km/h will ease to light late in the evening.
Saturday brings a mix of sun and clouds with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a high of 12 C, falling to a low of 1 C overnight. Winds will be light through the day.
