Notre‑Dame Unveiling, PQ’s Oath Battle & Alto Train Doubts — Montreal Saturday

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Legal group asks court to suspend Quebec law that removes oath to the King. The Public Interest Litigation Institute, led by lawyer Lawrence David, is seeking an interim injunction to freeze Quebec’s law after the Parti Québécois election victory and with premier‑elect Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon refusing to take the oath; the challenge cites Section 128 of the Constitution Act, 1867 and Section 41 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
2. PQ to assume power while a legal battle over the oath continues. The Parti Québécois will take office even as the constitutional challenge over the oath to the monarch proceeds, according to reporting on the transfer of power and the ongoing court action.
3. PQ leader asks caucus to stay ready after minority win. Parti Québécois leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon told caucus members to remain prepared following the party’s minority victory in the recent election.
4. Quebec’s new government could derail Alto’s high‑speed train plans. Reporting says the incoming provincial government’s stance raises questions about the future of Alto’s proposed high‑speed rail project in Quebec.
5. Former premier who oversaw Canada’s first assisted‑dying law warns it may have gone too far. The former premier who introduced the assisted‑dying law publicly stated concerns that the legislation has expanded beyond its original scope.
6. Montreal police investigating possible arson of vehicle in Dollard‑des‑Ormeaux. Police in the West Island are probing a suspicious vehicle fire described in recent local reporting as a possible act of arson.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Notre‑Dame Basilica facade to be unveiled Oct. 25 after nearly ten years of scaffolding. The Fabrique de la paroisse Notre‑Dame de Montréal says about 20 per cent of the restoration is complete, exterior work may take four years and interior work another five to ten years, and the total restoration budget is pegged at $100 million, funded by concerts, café revenue and new digital "sponsor a stone" fundraising using augmented reality.
2. Artist Lyne Lapointe receives a Governor General’s Award. Lyne Lapointe was announced as a recipient of a Governor General’s Award, adding to a lifetime of artistic recognition in Montreal’s cultural scene.
3. Parents and staff alarmed over potential closure of two Laval schools. Reporting names concerns from parents and staff about the possible shutdown of two schools in Laval, outside Montreal, as discussions continue over the schools’ future.
4. Canadiens trade defenceman Struble to the Nashville Predators. The Montreal Canadiens completed a deal sending defenceman Struble to the Predators, as reported in local sports coverage.

📰 Also Today

• Lyne Lapointe wins Governor General’s Award, celebrated for long art career.
• Possible vehicle arson probed in Dollard‑des‑Ormeaux, Montreal police investigating.
• Canadiens trade defenceman Struble to Predators, team roster move reported.
• Former premier warns assisted‑dying law may have expanded, public statement reported.
• Quebec’s new government could stall Alto high‑speed train, project uncertainty reported.
• Legal group seeks injunction over Quebec oath law, constitutional challenge filed.
• PQ leader tells caucus to stay ready after minority win, internal party directive reported.
• Parents, staff concerned about closure of two Laval schools, local education report.
• PQ to take power amid ongoing legal battle over the oath, transfer of power reported.