Daily news — Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Montreal

Police chief admits to racial profiling as force launches anti-discrimination plan

Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher said he has experienced racial profiling both as a victim and as a perpetrator, acknowledging he profiled people during the 1990s. His remarks came one day after a public meeting on a racism scandal involving the force’s Montréal-Nord unit, where three officers have been suspended. The service has launched a broad response plan aimed at restoring community trust and combatting discrimination.

Two armed assaults injure teenager and man in downtown Montreal

Two separate armed assaults Tuesday evening left a 16-year-old and a 36-year-old man injured in downtown Montreal. Police said they do not believe the incidents are related.

Jewish advocacy group urges city to reject motion cutting ties with Israel

A leading Jewish advocacy group called on Montreal to reject a motion that would sever the city’s ties with Israel. The group expressed concern about rising hostility and safety risks facing the Jewish community.

Montreal’s former anti-racism commissioner sues Jewish advocacy group

Montreal’s former anti-racism commissioner has filed a lawsuit against a Jewish advocacy group. No further details on the nature of the claims have been made public.

Fierté Montréal draws over 1 million participants in record 20th edition

The 20th edition of the Fierté Montréal Festival, which ran from July 31 to Aug. 9, attracted more than 1 million participants. The Pride Parade alone drew 20,000 marchers and 200,000 spectators.

Montreal tourism hits record highs this summer

Montreal’s tourism sector is on pace for a record-breaking summer, fuelled by business events, sports competitions, and festivals. Hotel occupancy reached 82 per cent between May and July.

Canada

LeBlanc meets US trade representative ahead of August 19 deadline

Canadian Minister of Commerce Dominic LeBlanc met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Tuesday, seeking to present a trade agreement outline to President Donald Trump before the Aug. 19 deadline. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to resolve trade tensions between the two countries.

Constitutional challenge targets Quebec law ending mandatory oath to the King

A constitutional challenge is underway against a Quebec law that would eliminate the mandatory oath to the King for members of the National Assembly. The case raises questions about the province’s obligations under Canada’s constitutional framework.

Quebec moves to stop refunds for empties brought in from Ontario

Quebec is implementing measures to crack down on people bringing empty beverage containers from Ontario to claim refunds under the province’s deposit-return system. The move is aimed at closing a cross-border loophole.

World

Colombia earthquake death toll surpasses 200 as rescuers search rubble

Search and rescue teams continued working through western Colombia on Wednesday after a powerful earthquake killed more than 200 people, with officials warning the toll could rise into the thousands. Rescue efforts are ongoing as crews work through damaged structures in affected communities.

Total solar eclipse draws crowds across Northern Hemisphere

The only total solar eclipse of 2026 swept across parts of the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, with observers gathering in Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain to witness the event. It is the sole total solar eclipse visible this year.

Sports

Vancouver Whitecaps sign Serbian midfielder Aleksa Cvetković

The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired 21-year-old Serbian midfielder Aleksa Cvetković from OFK Beograd, signing him to a U22 Initiative contract through the 2029-30 MLS season. The club did not disclose financial terms of the deal.

Weather

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low of 17°C. There is a 60 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm overnight.

Thursday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 26°C, a humidex of 30, and another 60 per cent chance of showers with a risk of a thunderstorm. Moderate westerly winds are expected, and the UV index will be high.

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