Montreal
Montreal activates flood response as water levels rise
The city activated its emergency flood response protocol on April 18 as rising water levels raised concern across several districts. Warm temperatures earlier in the week accelerated snowmelt, and 15 to 25 mm of rainfall is forecast for the weekend, adding further pressure on waterways.
Salim Touaibi convicted of first-degree murder, four attempted murders in Saint-Léonard case
A Quebec court convicted Salim Touaibi of first-degree murder in the death of Meriem Boundaoui in Saint-Léonard, along with four counts of attempted murder. Touaibi received five life sentences on April 18.
Man arrested in connection with downtown woman’s death
Montreal police arrested Alexandre Karim Amaury Restau, 27, on a manslaughter charge on April 18 in connection with the death of Hiba Elrhazi in the downtown core. Investigators did not release further details about the circumstances of her death.
Two men charged in 2024 killing of 14-year-old
Quebec police arrested Dawson Cyr-Léveillé, 24, and a 30-year-old man on April 18 in connection with the 2024 killing of a 14-year-old. No further details about the victim or location were released by authorities.
Arson investigation launched at Saint-Léonard building
Montreal police are investigating an early-morning fire on April 18 at a commercial-residential building in Saint-Léonard that is being treated as arson. No injuries were reported in initial information released by investigators.
Kahnawake man credited with rescuing five from LaSalle house fire
A man from Kahnawake is being credited with pulling five people from a burning house in LaSalle on April 17 before emergency services arrived. Authorities did not release the man’s name in information made available to the public.
Canada
Carney Liberals secure majority government after byelection wins
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party secured a majority government on April 18 following byelection victories that pushed the party past the threshold needed to govern without relying on opposition support. Carney had led the Liberals into a strong position after taking over the party leadership earlier this year.
US commerce secretary criticizes Canada’s trade ties with China
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly criticized Canada’s trade strategy on April 18, singling out the country’s economic relationship with China. Lutnick did not specify what measures Washington might pursue in response.
Federal dental plan now covers more than six million Canadians
The federal dental care plan has reached more than six million Canadians, one year after the federal government expanded the program’s eligibility, officials said April 18. The plan was introduced to reduce out-of-pocket dental costs for lower- and middle-income households.
Nanos poll shows Canadians feeling squeeze from grocery and gas prices
A new Nanos Research poll released April 18 shows a majority of Canadians are reporting financial strain tied to rising grocery and gasoline prices. The survey did not specify the margin of error or sample size in information made available.
P.E.I. projects record $410-million deficit in 2026-27 budget
Prince Edward Island’s government tabled a 2026-27 budget on April 18 projecting a record deficit of $410 million. Officials did not immediately detail which spending areas were driving the shortfall.
Sports
Victoire beat Boston in overtime to strengthen playoff push
PWHL Montreal Victoire defeated the Boston Fleet 3-2 in overtime on April 18, with Nicole Gosling scoring the winner. The result strengthens Montreal’s positioning heading into the playoff race.
Senators open playoff series against Hurricanes in Game 1
The Ottawa Senators faced the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their NHL playoff series on April 18, entering the post-season as a qualifier. No final score was available at publication time.
Weather
Tonight, expect a mix of sun and cloud giving way to rain overnight, with a low of plus 7 C and light winds.
Sunday brings steady rain with a high of plus 12 C and a low of plus 6 C. Southeast winds are forecast at 20 km/h gusting to 40, with the 15 to 25 mm rainfall adding to already elevated water levels across the region.
