Daily news — Thursday, July 16, 2026

Montreal ERs hit 200% capacity amid heat and staff shortages, while Quebec's construction holiday brings increased patrols on roads and waterways.

Montreal Montreal police arrest two men in alleged hate crimes against Hasidic Jews Montreal police have arrested two men in connection with alleged hate crimes targeting members of the Hasidic Jewish community. Investigators have not released further details about the suspects or the specific incidents involved. Emergency rooms exceed 200% capacity as heat and staffing strains mount Montreal emergency rooms surpassed 200 per cent capacity between July 14 and July 16, driven by heat-related illness and ongoing staffing shortages.

Public health officials are urging residents to use 811 and walk-in clinics for non-urgent needs to reduce pressure on hospital ERs. Quebec removes QST on select food and hygiene items Quebec began a partial removal of the Quebec Sales Tax on certain food and hygiene products on July 15, drawing mixed reactions from consumers and retailers. Some shoppers welcomed the relief at the checkout, while others said the list of qualifying items was too narrow to make a meaningful difference.

Carfentanil driving surge in overdose deaths, Montreal health officials warn Montreal Public Health reported that naloxone use in the city has already matched the full-year total for 2025, with carfentanil identified as the primary driver of a sharp rise in overdose deaths. Officials are urging anyone who uses drugs not to do so alone and to carry naloxone. Quebec fugitive wanted in Desjardins breach arrested in Mexico Mexican authorities have arrested a Quebec fugitive sought in connection with the Desjardins data breach, which exposed the personal information of millions of Canadians.

The arrest follows a lengthy investigation by Canadian authorities. Jewish General Hospital receives university status designation The Jewish General Hospital in Montreal has been granted university status designation, a milestone that recognizes the institution’s role in academic medicine, research, and clinical training. The hospital, long affiliated with McGill University, joins a small number of Quebec institutions holding the designation.

SQ increases patrols as construction holiday begins The Sûreté du Québec stepped up patrols on roads and waterways across the province on July 16 as Quebec’s construction holiday got underway. Officers will monitor for impaired driving, speeding, and boating safety violations throughout the two-week break. Canada Carney announces armoured vehicle deal as part of defence push Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled new measures to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities at a news conference in southwestern Ontario on July 16, including a partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for the production of armoured vehicles.

Carney said the investment was part of a broader effort to meet Canada’s NATO commitments and modernize the Canadian Armed Forces. Nearly 200 wildfires burning in northern Ontario prompt evacuations About 200 wildfires were active across northern Ontario on July 16, with 148 burning in the northwest region alone. Several First Nations communities have been evacuated and highway closures are in effect as crews work to contain the blazes.

Wildfire smoke gives Toronto worst air quality among major cities Smoke from the Ontario wildfires blanketed Toronto on July 15 and July 16, pushing the city to record the worst air quality among major cities worldwide during that period. Orange skies and health alerts prompted officials to advise residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors. Extreme heat warnings blanket much of Canada Environment Canada issued extreme heat warnings across large parts of the country from July 14 to July 16, compounding the health and safety challenges posed by the wildfire smoke.

Cooling centres were opened in several cities as temperatures climbed well above seasonal norms. WestJet flight attendants vote to authorize strike WestJet flight attendants have voted to authorize strike action, raising the possibility of service disruptions at one of Canada’s largest carriers. The union and the airline have not announced a date for further negotiations.

World Canadian wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts across U.S. Midwest and Northeast Smoke drifting from wildfires in Ontario and Minnesota spread across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast on July 15 and July 16, triggering air quality alerts for millions of Americans. Cities including New York and Boston reported hazy skies as health officials advised vulnerable populations to limit time outdoors. FIFA World Cup matches resume with pollution concerns ahead of New Jersey final FIFA World Cup 2026 matches resumed across North American host cities on July 16 following a brief pause.

Organizers acknowledged concerns about air quality at the tournament’s final, scheduled to be held in New Jersey amid the regional smoke and haze. Sports Canadiens to open 2026-27 season on the road against Toronto The NHL released its full 2026-27 regular-season schedule on July 16, with the Montreal Canadiens set to open their campaign on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Further details on the full slate of Canadiens games are expected to draw significant interest from fans planning their season.

CF Montréal hosts Toronto FC at Stade Saputo CF Montréal returned to MLS action on July 16, hosting Toronto FC at Stade Saputo with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The match marked the resumption of the MLS regular season after a pause in the schedule. Weather Tonight will be clear with a low of 15°C.

Moderate westerly winds, gusting strongly at times this afternoon, will ease to light by this evening. Friday will be sunny with a high of 25°C and a humidex of 27. Moderate westerly winds will develop through the morning.

The UV index is expected to be high, so sun protection is advisable for time spent outdoors.