Montreal
Record Lyme disease cases reported in Montreal, with 61 acquired locally
Montreal public health announced 161 Lyme disease cases for 2025, a record high for the city. Of those, 61 were acquired locally, a sign that the tick-borne illness is spreading within the island.
Concordia to lay off staff to address $35-million budget shortfall
Concordia University announced May 21 that it will cut staff positions as part of efforts to close a $35-million budget gap. The university did not immediately specify how many positions would be affected.
Air France flight diverted to Montreal-Trudeau amid U.S. Ebola travel restrictions
An Air France flight from Paris bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal-Trudeau Airport on May 20 after U.S. Ebola-related travel restrictions prevented it from landing. The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed the diversion on May 21.
First Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship opens in Montreal
Montreal is hosting the first-ever Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship, with competition beginning May 22. The tournament marks a milestone for the sport in Canada.
98 per cent of Montreal stores pass French service inspections
The Office québécois de la langue française reported May 21 that 98 per cent of Montreal stores inspected passed French service requirements. The results reflect compliance checks conducted under Quebec’s language legislation.
Drug dealers targeting unhoused people in Montreal, reports say
Local reports published May 21 highlight a pattern of dealers specifically targeting Montreal’s unhoused population. Community organizations are calling for greater support and outreach services.
City looks at road repair options without raising taxes
Montreal officials discussed options for addressing crumbling infrastructure on May 21, with a focus on finding funding solutions that do not require new taxes. No specific plan was announced.
Canada
Carney urges B.C. premier to back pipeline development
Prime Minister Mark Carney pressed British Columbia Premier David Eby to support pipeline development during a visit to the province on May 20. Carney has framed energy infrastructure as central to Canada’s economic strategy.
Canada joins condemnation of international developments
Canada added its voice May 20 to a multinational statement condemning unspecified international developments. Ottawa did not provide additional detail in its public statement.
Cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs arrive in Canada, raising safety concerns
Lower-cost versions of GLP-1 medications reached the Canadian market as of May 21, but health authorities have raised questions about their safety and regulation. GLP-1 drugs are widely used for weight management and diabetes treatment.
Montreal Victoire win first-ever PWHL Walter Cup title
The Montreal Victoire claimed the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League Walter Cup on May 20, defeating the Ottawa Charge 4-0 in Game 4 in Ottawa. The sweep gives Montreal its first PWHL championship.
Sports
Victoire sweep Ottawa Charge to claim Walter Cup in four games
The Montreal Victoire shut out the Ottawa Charge 4-0 in Game 4 on May 20 to complete a sweep and win the PWHL Walter Cup. It is the first championship title in the franchise’s history.
Canadiens open Eastern Conference Final against Carolina in Game 1
The Montreal Canadiens began their Eastern Conference Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes on May 21 in Raleigh. No score was available at the time of publication.
Weather
Tonight will be clear with a low of 5°C and a light northwest wind.
Friday will bring sunny skies, a high of 22°C, a low of 8°C, and a moderate northwest wind — good conditions for the opening day of the Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship.
