Montreal
Minister updates on SPVM scandals as mayor backs police chief
Quebec’s Minister of Interior Security, Guy Lapointe Jr., provided an update Friday on ongoing scandals within the Montreal police, including new complaints filed by anonymous officers against SPVM Director Fady Dagher for alleged impartiality in handling a case involving racist acts by officers. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said she retains confidence in Dagher.
Mayors demand safer SQ pursuit rules after cyclist’s death
Martinez Ferrada and the mayor of Ahuntsic-Cartierville signed a letter demanding increased safety measures and better oversight of Sûreté du Québec pursuits on residential streets, following the death of 18-year-old cyclist Isaac Larrivée, who was struck by a fleeing vehicle. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested Tuesday and faces multiple charges.
Olympic Park sues three firms over stadium observatory delays
The Olympic Park has filed a $1.02 million lawsuit against Pomerleau, Lemay CO, and Vitreco over allegedly poorly designed windows with optical distortion, which the park says contributed to delays and cost overruns at the Olympic Stadium observatory. The observatory is now expected to reopen in spring 2027.
Police close theft probe after Saint-Michel fire
A resident displaced by a five-alarm fire at a Saint-Michel apartment building in October reported missing belongings after the building reopened. Montreal police confirmed a theft report was filed but said the investigation has since been closed due to lack of evidence.
MUHC urges public to avoid ERs for non-urgent care
Emergency departments at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Montreal General Hospital are experiencing high patient volumes. The McGill University Health Centre is urging the public to consider alternative healthcare resources for non-urgent medical needs.
Canada
Champagne tables $142-billion budget focused on productivity and affordability
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne released Budget 2026, titled ‘Masters of our Destiny,’ on Thursday, outlining a $142 billion plan to boost the economy, ease affordability pressures, and eradicate homelessness. Key measures include a $36.1 billion productivity mega deduction and $4.6 billion for a grocery rebate.
Budget holds immigration levels steady through 2029
Budget 2026 also revealed Canada’s updated immigration levels plan, maintaining temporary resident arrivals at 370,000 per year and permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year for 2027, 2028, and 2029.
World
Trump acknowledges Iran war hurt Republicans in midterms
Following Democratic victories in U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, President Donald Trump acknowledged the Iran war contributed to the Republican defeat and said he would soon decide on resuming military action in the conflict. Global technology shares fell sharply Thursday on concerns about AI restrictions under the incoming Democratic Congress.
Sports
PWHL adds mandatory neck protection and rule changes for new season
The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced rulebook updates for the 2026-27 season on Thursday, including mandatory cut-resistant neck protection for all players, permission to high-stick the puck for continuous play, and clearer definitions for body-checking.
Women’s world hockey championship opens in Denmark with eight Victoire players
The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship got underway Friday in Denmark, drawing 79 players from all 12 PWHL training camp rosters across 10 competing countries. The Montréal Victoire has eight players participating in the tournament.
Weather
Tonight will be partly cloudy, becoming cloudy near midnight, with a low of 7°C. Moderate northeasterly winds are expected, gusting to strong early this evening.
Tomorrow will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a high of 9°C. Moderate northeasterly winds gusting to strong are forecast, with a low UV index.
