U.S. interference probe, Encampment survival & Zoom murder — Montreal Friday

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🏛️ Government & Politics

CAQ leader asks federal help after alleged U.S. interference in Quebec campaign. Christine Fréchette contacted Prime Minister Mark Carney and alerted CSIS after reports a U.S. think tank urged support and financing for sovereigntists and unnamed sources said American officials sought direct tariff talks with Quebec; Quebec heads into the final 10 days before the Oct. 5 vote.
Party leaders continue full-campaign sprint on day 30 before Oct. 5. Leaders of the CAQ, Quebec Liberal Party, Québec solidaire, Parti Québécois and Conservative Party of Quebec campaigned Thursday with immigration and AI among top themes; PQ pledged cutting temporary immigrants from 500,000 to 250,000.
Élections Québec told employees not to speak English, raising rights questions. Élections Québec issued a directive restricting English use by staff, prompting debate over whether anglophone rights are affected during the Oct. 5 provincial election.

Montreal woman killed during a work Zoom call, homicide unit now investigating. Leila Ben Salem, 45, a Canada Revenue Agency employee, was found dead in a Ville-Marie apartment after a wellness check; Montreal police said the case moved to the homicide unit and it is the city’s 19th homicide this year.
Nine Islamic schools nationwide on high alert after email threats. The Muslim Association of Canada says nine MAC schools in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec received an anonymous email threatening the “slaughter” of Muslims; local police forces and hate-crime units have been notified and MAC hired paid security.
Québec City man charged over online threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney. Ousmane Bah, 45, was arrested and charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and wilfully promoting hatred; he remains in custody until an Oct. 1 court appearance.

Notre-Dame encampment became a flashpoint while residents focus on survival. About 180 people live in roughly 200 tents on the east-end strip near the St. Lawrence, and residents cite urgent fears about spending another winter outside as leaders discuss housing ahead of the Oct. 5 vote.
Coroner: homeless Montreal senior died days after urgent housing request was denied. A coroner’s report found a senior experiencing homelessness died shortly after an urgent housing plea was refused; the case underscores waitlists and program gaps detailed in the coroner’s findings.
Quebec author dropped from Goncourt longlist amid AI and plagiarism allegations. The Académie Goncourt removed Thélyson Orélien’s novel “C’était ça ou mourir” from its 16-title long list after analyses raised concerns about AI use and alleged plagiarism; his Quebec publisher suspended promotion and a Quebec book fair cancelled his appearances.

Residents of headline-making Montreal encampment prioritizing survival, around 180 tents reported.
CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette warns of U.S. interference risk, raised during campaign stops.
Police probing threatening email sent to Muslim schools across Canada, linked to MAC alerts.
Canada’s Fernandez reaches Singapore semifinal, upset of top seed Andreeva.
Wheelchair user says Habs policy forced him to beg for tickets, alleges discriminatory practice.
Quebec City school emailed hundreds of families’ personal information, mass data exposure reported.
Sarault and Roussel win 1,500m short-track nationals races, result from national meet.
Final leaders’ debate done; analysts ask what can change before Oct. 5, post-debate analysis noted.
Carney and Poilievre paid tribute to CRA employee killed in Montreal, statements in the House of Commons cited.
Award-winning book AI question deepens literary skepticism, debate over AI-authored literature continues.