Quebec City Daily Roundup: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – Today’s Top 5 Stories

Good morning, Quebec City. Here's what you need to know today as we kick off this Tuesday with the top stories shaping our community and province.

1. Court Hears Final Arguments in Christian Event Cancellation Case

Superior Court Justice Alain Trudel is expected to hear final arguments today in a civil case that has drawn attention to religious freedom and government authority. British Columbia-based Harvest Ministries International is seeking $80,000 in damages from the Quebec government after their "Faith, Fire, Freedom Rally" was cancelled at the last minute in 2023.

The event was scheduled to take place at Quebec City's provincially owned convention centre when Housing Minister Caroline Proulx made the decision to block it. Proulx defended the cancellation by saying she had discovered anti-abortion content on the organization's website, which she felt made the event unsuitable for the public venue.

Harvest Ministries International argues that the cancellation violated their Charter rights, specifically freedoms of religion and expression. The case raises important questions about when, if ever, provincial authorities can deny religious organizations access to public facilities based on their stated beliefs or advocacy positions.

The lawsuit centers on whether the government's actions constituted discrimination and whether taxpayer-funded venues can be withheld from groups whose views may be controversial. Legal experts watching the case note it could set precedent for how provincial governments handle similar situations in the future.

Final arguments are being heard today, though a decision from Justice Trudel is not expected immediately. The court will need to weigh competing interests: protecting access to public facilities versus a government's responsibility in managing public property.

2. Gun Rights Rally Set for Saturday in Quebec City

Opponents of federal firearms restrictions are organizing a rally this Saturday in Quebec City to protest what they call unfair implementation of gun prohibitions. The demonstration comes as frustration continues to mount among firearms owners who feel targeted by Ottawa's ban on certain weapons.

Organizers say the rally will focus on accusing the federal government of implementing prohibitions that unfairly impact law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address criminal use of firearms. The event is expected to draw participants from across Quebec and potentially neighboring provinces.

The federal gun ban has been a divisive issue in Quebec and across Canada, with critics arguing it focuses on legal gun ownership rather than illegal weapons trafficking. Supporters of the restrictions counter that limiting access to certain firearms helps improve public safety and reduces the potential for mass casualty events.

Quebec City has become a focal point for these debates, situated as it is at the intersection of urban concerns about gun violence and rural traditions of hunting and sport shooting. The Saturday rally aims to give voice to those who feel their concerns have not been adequately heard in the policy-making process.

Participants are being asked to gather peacefully and demonstrate their commitment to responsible gun ownership while calling for changes to the current regulatory framework.

3. Police-Involved Death Hearing Resumes After Delay

A hearing examining the police-involved death of Myles Gray is resuming this week after being delayed by an unusual courtroom incident. The case has drawn significant attention as it examines the circumstances surrounding Gray's death and the actions of officers involved.

The hearing had been paused following what was described as an obscenity incident, though details of that disruption have not been fully disclosed. Officials overseeing the proceeding have indicated they are now ready to move forward with the examination.

Police-involved deaths remain sensitive and closely scrutinized events, particularly as communities across North America continue to examine law enforcement practices and accountability. These hearings serve multiple purposes: establishing facts about what occurred, determining whether proper procedures were followed, and identifying potential areas for improvement in police training or protocols.

The Gray case is expected to hear from multiple witnesses and review evidence collected during the initial investigation. Family members, legal representatives, and police officials are all expected to participate as the hearing works toward its conclusions.

Public interest in the case remains high, with advocates for police accountability and law enforcement representatives both watching closely. The resumption of hearings marks an important step toward resolution and answers for all parties involved.

4. Major Union Coalition Challenges Workplace Safety Program Exclusions

Six Quebec union organizations are taking the provincial government to Superior Court over the exclusion of health, education, and social services workers from a general workplace accident prevention program. The unions argue that these exclusions leave vulnerable workers without adequate protections.

The motion filed with Quebec Superior Court challenges what the unions describe as arbitrary and discriminatory exclusions from prevention programs that are available to workers in other sectors. Union representatives say that healthcare workers, teachers, and social services employees face significant workplace hazards that warrant inclusion in comprehensive accident prevention initiatives.

Healthcare workers in particular have pointed to physical demands of patient care, exposure to infectious diseases, and increasing rates of workplace violence as factors that make prevention programs essential. Education workers cite concerns about aging school infrastructure and inadequate resources for addressing safety issues.

The unions are seeking a court order that would compel the government to extend the accident prevention program to cover these sectors. They argue that excluding these workers violates principles of equal treatment and workplace safety that should apply across all industries.

Government officials have not yet filed a detailed response to the court challenge, though past statements have suggested that sector-specific programs are more appropriate for certain types of work environments. The unions counter that this approach has created gaps in protection and inconsistent safety standards.

The case could have significant implications for workplace safety policy across Quebec, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of workers in the public and para-public sectors.

5. Economic Development Updates from the Capital Region

Quebec City's economic development continues to show resilience as local businesses adapt to changing market conditions. The capital region has seen steady activity in several key sectors, including technology, tourism, and professional services.

Recent economic indicators suggest that Quebec City's diversified economy is helping buffer against broader economic uncertainties. The technology sector continues to attract investment and talent, while the city's status as a government center provides stability through public sector employment.

Tourism industry representatives are cautiously optimistic as they prepare for the spring and summer seasons. Hotel occupancy rates have shown improvement, and operators are planning for international visitors to return in greater numbers. The city's historic attractions and cultural offerings remain strong draws for both domestic and international tourists.

Local business associations report that entrepreneurs are finding opportunities despite challenges including labor shortages and supply chain issues that continue to affect various industries. Networking events and business support programs are seeing high participation as companies seek to adapt and grow.

The commercial real estate market in Quebec City remains active, with steady demand for both office and retail space in certain neighborhoods. Development projects continue to move forward, adding to the city's infrastructure and creating construction employment.

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That's your Quebec City roundup for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. We'll be back tomorrow morning with the latest news and updates from around the capital region. Have a great day, Quebec City.