Montreal
Blue-collar strike shuts down Sherbrooke Street
Blue-collar city workers walked off the job Monday, blocking Sherbrooke Street as they push for salary increases of more than 20 per cent. The strike is causing disruptions to traffic and municipal services across Montreal.
Daycare workers warn Bill 9 religious symbols ban will worsen staff shortages
Daycare staff are raising concerns that the provincial government’s Bill 9, which would extend the religious symbols ban to subsidized childcare workers, will deepen an already critical labour shortage. Workers say the measure will drive qualified educators out of the sector at a time when the network is struggling to fill positions.
School calls for Quebec to restrict energy drink sales to teens after student death
A Montreal-area school has banned energy drinks on its premises and is urging the Quebec government to limit sales of the beverages to minors following the death of a student. School officials are pressing provincial authorities to act on what they describe as a public health concern.
City cuts terrace permit fees for downtown restaurants until 2030
Montreal city council has approved a reduction in terrace permit fees for downtown restaurants, with the measure set to remain in effect until 2030. The move is aimed at supporting businesses in the core as they continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic years.
Montrealers petition to ban social media for children under 16
A citizens’ group has launched a petition calling on authorities to prohibit social media account access for users under 16 years old. Organizers say the campaign is gaining traction among parents and educators concerned about the effects of social media on youth mental health.
Lakeshore General ER has worst wait times in Quebec, report finds
The emergency room at Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire has been ranked last in the province for patient wait times. The finding raises fresh concerns about access to care on the West Island, where the anglophone and allophone communities rely heavily on the facility.
Arson probe under way after early-morning fire in St-Léonard
Investigators are looking into a possible arson after a fire broke out at the entrance of a building in the St-Léonard borough in the early hours of Monday morning. No injuries have been reported and the cause remains under investigation.
Canada
Inflation rises to 2.4% in March amid Iran war fuel costs
Statistics Canada reported Monday that the national inflation rate climbed to 2.4 per cent in March, driven in part by rising gasoline prices linked to the conflict involving Iran. The figure marks an uptick from previous months and is likely to draw attention ahead of upcoming federal budget discussions.
Carney says Canada must move away from U.S. economic dependence
Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians in a national address that the country’s longstanding economic ties to the United States have become vulnerabilities. Carney said Canada must diversify its trade relationships and strengthen domestic economic resilience.
Canada targets Mercosur free trade deal signing this year
A Brazilian official said Canada is aiming to sign a free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc before the end of 2026. The deal would open Canadian access to markets in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Ottawa River expected to peak at major flood levels this week
Forecasters warn the Ottawa River is on course to reach major flooding levels this week along the Ontario-Quebec border. Residents in low-lying areas on both sides of the river have been advised to monitor conditions and prepare for possible evacuations.
Quebec Premier Fréchette to unveil new cabinet Tuesday
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette is set to reveal the composition of her new cabinet on Tuesday in Quebec City. The announcement is expected to signal the direction of her government’s priorities in the months ahead.
Sports
Canadiens beat Lightning 4-3 in overtime to take Game 1
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime Monday night to take a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the playoffs. Juraj Slafkovsky scored three power-play goals, including the overtime winner, to lead the way for Montreal.
Oilers host Ducks in Game 1 playoff opener
The Edmonton Oilers opened their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night at home. Lineup details were being finalized ahead of the puck drop in what marks the Ducks’ return to the postseason.
Weather
Tonight, skies will clear with temperatures dropping to -4 C and winds of up to 15 km/h. Dress warmly if you are heading out after dark.
Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 8 C and a low of 1 C, again with winds up to 15 km/h.
