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Weekly Montreal Sep 7 - Sep 13, 2026

Dawson Anniversary, Airbag Arrests & Céline’s Comeback — Montreal’s Week in Review.

49 articles 1 hour ago 5

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

  1. Worker killed by train while working on Montreal tracks. A man was struck and killed on Montreal rail lines while performing maintenance, according to the report; local transit agencies halted nearby services during the emergency response and police are investigating the scene to determine circumstances and timing of the death.
  2. Appeal fails to block Van Horne encampment dismantling decision. Montreal lost its appeal in a court ruling upholding a lower-court decision that prevents the city from dismantling the Van Horne encampment; the judgment preserves legal protections cited by encampment residents and sets deadlines for further municipal action.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

  1. Montreal police arrest suspect tied to 30-plus airbag thefts across the island. Officers arrested a 20-year-old in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles on Sept. 8 and executed search warrants, linking him to thefts in Anjou, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rivière-des-Prairies and Villeray; he faces charges including theft, mischief and possession of break-in tools and remained in custody after his court appearance.
  2. Quebec judge acquits rapper K’naan of 2010 sexual-assault charge. Judge Julie Roy found Keinan Abdi Warsame not guilty after concluding evidence did not meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt in an allegation arising from a July 2010 hotel-room incident in Quebec City.
  3. Man sentenced to two years for firebombing West Island synagogue. A Quebec court imposed a two-year prison sentence for the 2023 arson attack targeting a Montreal West Island synagogue, as recorded in court documents detailing the conviction for hate-motivated property damage.
  4. Mother of slain children opposes Guy Turcotte’s parole; to appear Sept. 22. Isabelle Gaston said she will deliver a victim impact statement at the Parole Board hearing set for Sept. 22 opposing supervised temporary absences for Guy Turcotte, who was sentenced in 2016 to 17 years without parole eligibility for the 2009 killings of his children.

🏛️ Government & Politics

  1. Quebec leaders head into first election debate as campaign enters third week. Parties wrapped up 18 days on the trail with the first leaders’ debate scheduled for Tuesday and Quebec voters set to cast ballots Oct. 5; the Liberals planned to release a financial framework while Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon said the Parti Québécois would unveil its numbers the day of the debate.
  2. Court hearing on bilingual voter mailouts could force one English reminder card. Élections Québec told a Montreal judge it may be too late to mail both an English voting guide and notice card before Oct. 5 but said a single English reminder card might still be possible if a court orders it by Sept. 16; officials estimated the extra English cards would cost about $6 million.
  3. Provincial leaders press tariffs and sovereignty themes in campaign’s 15th day. Quebec party leaders resumed public events after prime‑time interviews, with trade-war and sovereignty debates prominent and TVA debates starting Sept. 15; polls cited in the coverage show the Parti Québécois leading earlier surveys while the Coalition Avenir Québec has gained momentum.

💼 Economy & Business

  1. Montreal electronic artist CRi lands global Apple campaign for Apple Watch Series 12. Christophe Dubé (CRi), 36, confirmed Apple bought an isolated audio track of his song “Naissance” and placed it in a worldwide ad campaign released this week; Dubé said the deal came together over roughly three weeks and described the placement as life-changing for his career.
  2. Quebec-born novelist Thélyson Orélien shortlisted for France’s Prix Goncourt. Orélien’s debut novel C’était ça ou mourir made an initial 16‑book shortlist for the Prix Goncourt and was also shortlisted for the Femina and Renaudot, a rare recognition for a Quebec author, which he discussed while on a press tour in Paris.

🎨 Community & Culture

  1. Céline Dion draws electric reviews for her Paris comeback shows. Coverage from Paris reports Dion’s recent concerts delivered a strong return to the stage with international attention, marking the singer’s high‑profile resumption of performances after a prolonged absence.
  2. Dawson shooting survivor James Santos is now a Montreal police officer, 20 years after the attack. Santos, then 17 at the Sept. 13, 2006 Dawson College shooting that killed 18‑year‑old Anastasia De Sousa, recounted diving for cover that day and has since joined the force he credits with saving his life.
  3. Dawson community marked 20 years since the Sept. 13, 2006 shooting at a Peace Garden commemoration. Alumni, survivors and first responders gathered Friday to remember Anastasia De Sousa and other victims; survivor Hayder Kadhim, who was shot three times during the attack, spoke about the anniversary and resilience.
  4. Migratory Birds stage production shares migrants’ stories in Quebec. A new theatre project titled Migratory Birds brings the lived experiences of migrants in Quebec to the stage, presenting local narratives about migration and settlement.
  5. Beloved Caribbean restaurant in Côte‑des‑Neiges closes after more than 45 years. A longtime Côte‑des‑Neiges eatery announced it is shutting its doors after serving the neighbourhood for over 45 years, according to the report on the restaurant’s final days.
  6. Michel Jean’s novel about an Innu man on Montreal streets is translated into English. The novel by Michel Jean, which follows an Innu man’s experience living on Montreal’s streets, has now been released in an English translation, widening its potential readership.

🏈 Sports

  1. B.C. Lions rout Montreal Alouettes 48‑29 as Nathan Rourke throws for 317 yards. In Vancouver, Rourke totaled 394 yards (317 passing, one TD; 77 rushing) to lead the Lions to a 48‑29 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.
  2. Cole Caufield and the Canadiens reflect on last season amid Atlantic Division reloads. At the NHL/NHLPA media tour, Caufield cited the Canadiens’ 106‑point season and Eastern Conference final run from last spring as a building block while noting Atlantic rivals strengthened rosters ahead of 2026‑27.
  3. Montreal Canadiens rookie camp opened with fans eager to spot new talent. The club’s rookie camp kicked off in Montreal as fans and analysts gathered to evaluate prospects ahead of training camp and the 2026‑27 season.

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Source Articles (49)

Quebec-made vehicles hit by Trump's latest trade move

BRP, a Quebec-based recreational vehicle manufacturer, is among the Canadian companies facing the impact of the latest U.S. trade measures as the Canada-U.S. trade war escalates.

General Sep 9, 2026

André Pronovost, former Canadiens winger and 4-time Stanley Cup champion, dead at 90

The Shawinigan Falls, Que., native spent 10 seasons in the NHL with Montreal, Boston, Detroit and Minnesota.

General Sep 9, 2026

Your guide to the promises of Quebec's major parties in 2026 election

General Sep 10, 2026
Dawson families urge Ottawa to strengthen gun laws ahead of 20th anniversary of college shooting

Dawson families urge Ottawa to strengthen gun laws ahead of 20th anniversary of college shooting

Families of Dawson College shooting victims are urging Ottawa to strengthen gun laws ahead of the attack's 20th anniversary, saying key firearms-control measures remain unfinished.

Crime Sep 9, 2026
Mother of slain children opposes Guy Turcotte’s release

Mother of slain children opposes Guy Turcotte’s release

Turcotte was sentenced to 17 years in prison without parole eligibility for murdering his children, who were five and three years old.

Crime Sep 9, 2026

Quebec party leaders talk tariffs, sovereignty in TV interviews

The trade war with the United States and Quebec sovereignty took centre stage as leaders of Quebec's five main parties appeared in back-to-back interviews on prime time television Wednesday evening.

General Sep 10, 2026

‘Why did you go to school that day?’: Mother of Dawson shooting victim reflects 20 years later

Louise De Sousa lost her daughter Anastasia in the Dawson College shooting in Montreal nearly 20 years ago. She reflects on the anniversary of her death, memories she has of her daughter and working through grief.

General Sep 10, 2026

A Quebec town’s 100-year-old ‘toxic relationship’ with the smelter at its core

Between acceptance and resistance, residents of Rouyn-Noranda, Que., have seen their concerns over pollution levels at their local copper smelter drift all the way to Quebec’s National Assembly. With the company and the city now both celebrating their 100-year anniversary, residents, artists, workers and the industry are trying to find middle ground.

General Sep 10, 2026
Quebec political leaders enter 15th day of provincial election campaign

Quebec political leaders enter 15th day of provincial election campaign

While the Parti Québécois has been favoured by some public opinion polls, recent surveys appear to show the Coalition Avenir Québec gaining momentum. 

Politics Sep 10, 2026

Man pleads guilty to firing shots at Montreal Jewish school in 2023

Abdirazak Mahdi Ahmed, 23, has pleaded guilty to firing shots at a Jewish school in Montreal three years ago.

General Sep 10, 2026
From Haiti to Canada, a Quebec debut novel reaches for France’s top literary prizes

From Haiti to Canada, a Quebec debut novel reaches for France’s top literary prizes

For a Quebec writer — especially a debut novelist — the recognition is highly unusual, said Michel Lacroix, a professor of literary studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Canada Sep 10, 2026
Caufield, Habs ready for Atlantic Division battle

Caufield, Habs ready for Atlantic Division battle

Cole Caufield and his teammates took a massive step last season.

Sports Sep 10, 2026
Canada’s army overhaul aims to be ‘more agile, lethal’ amid threats

Canada’s army overhaul aims to be ‘more agile, lethal’ amid threats

CFB Edmonton will now be home to the 1st Canadian Division — the main force responsible for deploying large-scale combat operations and responding to crises at home and abroad.

Canada Sep 10, 2026
Quebec judge acquits rapper K’naan in sexual assault case

Quebec judge acquits rapper K’naan in sexual assault case

The artist had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Quebec City hotel in 2010

Crime Sep 10, 2026

Educators welcome Quebec AG's investigation into pre-K, primary school classroom management

Quebec’s auditor general will investigate classroom management in the province's preschools and elementary schools amid an increase in violence and students with individualized education plans.

General Sep 11, 2026

Truck driver in fatal 2022 Montreal South Shore pileup expected to get 6-year sentence

The truck driver who caused the deaths of two people on Montreal’s South Shore in July 2022 — because he was playing a video game on his cellphone while driving — is expected to receive a six-year prison sentence.

General Sep 11, 2026

Court hears arguments on legal challenge over Quebec's French-only voter info mailouts

The plaintiff is Geoffrey Chambers, former president of the Quebec Community Groups Network. He wants to reinstate English voter information before the Oct. 5 election.

General Sep 11, 2026

Montreal loses appeal as decision stands to block dismantling of Van Horne encampment

A Quebec Court of Appeal judge has refused the City of Montreal’s request to appeal a safeguard order that prevents the dismantling of a homeless encampment.

General Sep 11, 2026
Montreal police arrest suspect linked to over 30 airbag theft cases

Montreal police arrest suspect linked to over 30 airbag theft cases

Police say the thefts occurred in the boroughs of Anjou, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.

Crime Sep 10, 2026

Crown prosecutors now reviewing case of Ottawa teen fatally injured on Quebec ski lift

Crown prosecutors are now reviewing the evidence in the case of an Ottawa teen who was fatally injured at a western Quebec ski hill earlier this year.

General Sep 11, 2026

'Why did I make it?': Survivors of Dawson shooting on compassion, finding purpose

On Sept. 13, 2006, Hayder Kadhim and Meaghan Hennegan survived being shot during a mass shooting at Montreal's Dawson College. Twenty years later, they reflect on compassion, healing and finding a purpose in life.

General Sep 11, 2026

Man sentenced to 2 years in prison for firebombing Montreal West Island synagogue

A man who pleaded guilty to firebombing a synagogue in the West Island Montreal suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux and damaging a nearby Jewish community centre was sentenced to two years in prison, three years of probation, and ordered to reimburse the victims.

General Sep 11, 2026

Sovereignty referendum would cost $130M under a Parti Québécois government, leader says

The leader of the Parti Québécois says it would cost at least $130 million to pay for the sovereignty referendum he plans to hold in 2029 or 2030 if his party forms a government.

General Sep 11, 2026

Quebec parties face scrutiny over silence on Indigenous election priorities

Two weeks into the Quebec election period, most of the five major parties have yet to make any clear commitments to address the priorities of First Nations and Inuit in the province.

General Sep 11, 2026

Would a $20 minimum wage in Quebec actually be a 'big blow' to the economy?

Québec Solidaire is pitching a $20 minimum wage to help bring relief to low-income workers, but Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette said hiking the rate too quickly would have a detrimental ripple effect. Others aren't so sure.

General Sep 11, 2026
Court asked to order Élections Québec to mail out English voting information

Court asked to order Élections Québec to mail out English voting information

Élections Québec said earlier this month that it would be providing the documents in French only.

Politics Sep 10, 2026

Dawson College commemorates 20th anniversary of fatal campus shooting

This Sunday will mark 20 years since Montreal’s Dawson College shooting, which left an 18-year-old student dead and 19 others injured. The sombre occasion was marked on Friday with a ceremony that focused on remembrance and resilience.

General Sep 12, 2026

She helped people during 9/11. Now she’s battling cancer tied to air quality at Ground Zero

Montrealer and investigative journalist Patti Sonntag spoke with Let’s Go guest host Matt D’Amours about her recent cancer diagnosis that was linked to the air quality after 9/11. She also wrote about her experience in an opinion piece in The Globe and Mail.

General Sep 12, 2026

New study finds metal contamination in homes near Horne Smelter

A new peer-reviewed, citizen-led study found concentrations of metals including lead, arsenic and cadmium increased in residential dust and snow closer to Rouyn-Noranda’s Horne Smelter. The researchers say the smelter was the dominant factor explaining contamination, while acknowledging the study’s small sample and non-standardized dust collection methods.

General Sep 12, 2026

Montreal Canadiens rookie camp kicks off with fans eager to spot next star

The rookie camp features 23 players who hit the ice in front of a few dozen fans on Friday. Most of the players are young draft picks looking to earn a contract and be invited to the Habs’ main training camp on Sept. 16. So far, only three have NHL contracts with the team.

General Sep 12, 2026

New cultural arts centre in Kahnawà:ke preserves history

Kanatahkwèn:ke is a new cultural arts centre in Kahnawà:ke, southwest of Montreal. The $56-million facility is designed to be a hub dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Kanien’kehá:ka language, culture and heritage.

General Sep 12, 2026

Poutine pit stops and political optics: Why food matters on Quebec's campaign trail

A plate of poutine has become a familiar sight on the Quebec campaign trail. Political analyst Antonine Yaccarini says these stops are carefully planned to make politicians appear accessible and connected to voters — but the strategy can backfire if it feels staged.

General Sep 12, 2026

Biologists are fighting this invasive plant – by hand – to protect some Quebec waters

Water chestnut, an invasive aquatic species, multiplies quickly and blocks the light other species rely on. The watershed council for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area is working to eradicate it from the Ottawa River and the Lake of Two Mountains.

General Sep 12, 2026
Canadian musician CRi lands ‘life-changing’ campaign with Apple

Canadian musician CRi lands ‘life-changing’ campaign with Apple

The campaign, released this week, features "Naissance," a track created by Quebec artist CRi.

Entertainment Sep 12, 2026
Dawson community marks 20 years since college shooting

Dawson community marks 20 years since college shooting

Survivors and family members reflected on the tragedy's legacy and ongoing calls for stronger gun-control measures.

Canada Sep 11, 2026

Man killed by train in Montreal while working on tracks

The fatal collision happened in the city's Ville Marie borough around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

General Sep 12, 2026

Céline Dion has electrified Paris — and beyond — for her big comeback

Paris is electric with anticipation for the return of a superstar many thought would be impossible: Céline Dion, who is set to return to the stage Saturday night at Europe's biggest indoor concert venue, Plenitude Arena, to kick off her Paris residency.

General Sep 12, 2026

Les Louanges offers a loving reality check on his Polaris-nominated album

General Sep 12, 2026

Migratory Birds brings the stories of migrants in Quebec to the stage

Montreal's Backyard Theatre Festival features the play Migratory Birds, which tells the story of three Latin American characters who move to Canada and navigate their new lives while longing for home. CBC's Sonali Karnick speaks with Cristina Gomez, co-creator and writer of the play.

General Sep 12, 2026

As 1st election debate approaches, Quebec party leaders talk transport, health

The political parties pitched promises on transport, public safety and health care on the Quebec campaign trail Saturday as leaders will begin making their way to Montreal ahead of televised debates next week.

General Sep 13, 2026

Canadiens sign veteran forward Chris Kreider to 1-year deal

Free agent forward Chris Kreider has signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens. The team made the announcement on Saturday but did not disclose financial details.

General Sep 13, 2026

Is Christine Fréchette exploiting the trade war, or just doing her job as Quebec premier?

The leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec has come under fire from her political opponents after interrupting her election campaign and convening her cabinet amid the ongoing trade war with the United States. Is Christine Fréchette using the moment for political gain, or just doing her job?

General Sep 13, 2026
Rourke, B.C. Lions top Montreal Alouettes 48-29

Rourke, B.C. Lions top Montreal Alouettes 48-29

Even Nathan Rourke gets tongue-tied. 

Sports Sep 13, 2026

24-year-old motorcyclist dies in accident near Quebec City

Quebec City police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash involving a 24-year-old man on Sunday morning.

General Sep 13, 2026
Quebec election leaders’ debates approach as campaigns wrap up 3rd week

Quebec election leaders’ debates approach as campaigns wrap up 3rd week

The leaders debates for the Quebec provincial election are set to get underway with the first on Tuesday and multiple parties have released their financial frameworks.

Politics Sep 13, 2026
Dawson college shooting survivor now serves as Montreal police officer 20 years later

Dawson college shooting survivor now serves as Montreal police officer 20 years later

On Sept. 13, 2006, a gunman entered Dawson college and opened fire on students in the hall. One student was killed and 16 people were injured.

Canada Sep 13, 2026

Céline Dion violinist pulls back curtain on star’s comeback performance

Violinist Phillippe Dunnigan details the nerves and excitement backstage ahead of Céline Dion's comeback concert in Paris.

General Sep 13, 2026

After more than 45 years, beloved Caribbean restaurant in Côte-des-Neiges calls it a day

A beloved restaurant in the Côte-Des-Neiges neighbourhood has closed its doors for good. Caribbean Curry House opened in 1980, but with business in the area going down and amid a competitive market, the owner says he had to cut the cord. Patrons say the community hub will be missed.

General Sep 13, 2026

Michel Jean's novel about an Innu man's experience on the streets of Montreal translated into English

Michel Jean’s latest novel tells the story of an Innu man who finds himself on the streets of Montreal after being released from prison. We speak with Jean about how he developed his characters to show the harsh realities of homelessness, all the while capturing hope and kindness.

General Sep 13, 2026