Montreal
Union mourns member killed in downtown apartment
Leïla Ben Salem, 45, was killed in her apartment on René-Lévesque Boulevard near Saint-Christophe Street on Tuesday while on a video call with a colleague. Her union, the Union of Taxation Employees’ Montreal Local 10008, and community members are mourning her death. Police are still searching for a suspect; the killing is the 19th homicide in Montreal this year.
Man arrested for drug trafficking near Notre-Dame encampment
Montreal police arrested Clément Christian Massé, 23, in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough on charges of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Investigators seized a replica handgun, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and said the alleged trafficking targeted vulnerable individuals near the Notre-Dame encampment. Additional arrests are expected.
Woman dies after crashing into construction machinery on Highway 13
A woman in her 40s died early Thursday after her vehicle struck construction machinery on Highway 13 in Laval around 2 a.m. The Sûreté du Québec said the driver had been seen operating erratically before the crash.
Man in critical condition after brawl on Pie-IX Boulevard
A 50-year-old man is in critical condition after being attacked while trying to stop a fight at Pie-IX Boulevard and 44th Street in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension early Thursday morning. Suspects fled the scene and no arrests have been made.
St. Mary’s Hospital launches $16.3-million emergency department renovation
St. Mary’s Hospital has begun a $16.3-million renovation of its emergency department, funded entirely through private donations. The project is intended to modernize care for patients in the west-central part of the city.
Business groups warn strict immigration rules will shrink Quebec labour force
Montreal-area business associations are cautioning Quebec political parties that the province’s current immigration restrictions will reduce the labour force and weigh on public finances. The groups are calling on parties to reconsider the policies ahead of any further tightening.
Four Seasons Montreal earns two MICHELIN Keys
The Four Seasons hotel in Montreal has become the first hotel in the city to receive two MICHELIN Keys, the hospitality rating introduced by the guide to recognize exceptional hotels. The designation places the property among a select group of hotels recognized across North America.
Canada
Carney announces $100 million in Palestinian aid, new Iran sanctions at UN
Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the UN General Assembly in New York this week, co-hosting a high-level meeting on the two-state solution and announcing an additional $100 million in aid for Palestine, bringing Canada’s total contribution to over $600 million since October 2023. Canada also imposed new sanctions against five individuals and five state-directed Iranian entities for human rights violations.
David Suzuki says Carney is driving Canada ‘into a ditch’ on climate
Environmentalist David Suzuki publicly criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying he is driving Canada ‘into a ditch’ with his climate policy decisions. Suzuki pointed to Carney’s cancellation of the consumer carbon tax, the repeal of a mandate to phase out gas-powered vehicles, and the scrapping of an emissions cap on oil and gas production since taking office in March 2025.
Victim impact statements delivered at sentencing hearing for poison seller Kenneth Law
Family members delivered emotional victim impact statements in an Ontario courtroom Wednesday at the sentencing hearing for Kenneth Law, who previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding in suicide. Law sold poison to individuals who used it to end their lives.
Health Canada suspends licence of Winnipeg plasma clinic
Health Canada has suspended the operating licence of a plasma collection clinic in Winnipeg. The federal regulator did not immediately provide details on the reasons for the suspension.
World
World leaders approve UN declaration on rising sea levels
World leaders approved a new UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise on Thursday, aimed at addressing the threat posed by rising oceans to low-lying and vulnerable nations. The declaration was adopted during the UN General Assembly session in New York.
US invites Putin to December G20 meeting in Miami
The United States has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a G20 meeting in Miami in December, where a potential summit with US President Donald Trump could take place. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the invitation on Wednesday.
Sports
PWHL announces first all-star event at Scotiabank Arena in March 2027
The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Thursday that its first-ever all-star event will be held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on March 7, 2027. The event will feature a four-team, three-on-three tournament with sides named PWHL Canada, PWHL International, PWHL USA, and PWHL Rookies.
Weather
Tonight will be clear with a low of 8°C — a good night to leave the windows open.
Friday brings sunny skies and a high of 21°C, with a moderate UV index expected through the afternoon.
