Quebec City Daily Roundup: Thursday, February 26, 2026 : Today’s Top 5 Stories Explained in Under 3 Minutes

Good morning, Quebec City. It is Thursday, February 26, 2026. As the snow begins to settle across the Capitale-Nationale, the province’s political and economic engines are moving at full speed. Today’s briefing covers a significant strategic shift for the province’s largest financial institution, tightening rules on foreign labor, and the evolving diplomatic landscape between Quebec and international tech hubs.

Here are the top five stories you need to know this morning.

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1. Desjardins Group Signals Aggressive Expansion Beyond Quebec Borders

Desjardins Group, the Lévis-based financial powerhouse, has announced a major strategic pivot. Following a banner year where surplus earnings rose by 14% to reach a staggering C$3.8 billion, the cooperative is sitting on more than C$4 billion in available capital. Leadership has signaled that this war chest will be used to fuel an aggressive expansion into the rest of Canada, specifically targeting the Toronto market.

The expansion is focused on two primary sectors: wealth management and capital markets. Desjardins plans to double its revenue in these sectors and increase its headcount by approximately 50%. The move is seen as a direct challenge to Canada’s "Big Five" banks on their home turf. By hiring specialized talent in over-the-counter equity derivatives and private wealth, Desjardins aims to diversify its income streams away from its traditional Quebec stronghold.

For residents in the Quebec City and Lévis area, this move reinforces the region’s status as a financial hub. While the hiring surge will be concentrated in Toronto to capture local expertise, the administrative and strategic heart of the operation remains firmly planted in the Capitale-Nationale region.

2. Tightened Immigration Rules: Simplified LMIA List Slashed

In a move that has sent ripples through the Quebec City tech sector, the provincial government has significantly narrowed the eligibility for the simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. As of February 24, 2026, the number of eligible occupations has been cut from 76 down to 60.

The simplified process was originally designed to help employers bypass the lengthy and often arduous "recruitment effort" requirements when hiring foreign workers for roles with chronic labor shortages. However, the new update removes several key roles in information technology, engineering, and transportation.

The government’s shift indicates a change in priority. The new list places a heavy emphasis on:

• Critical Infrastructure: Construction and civil engineering roles remain high on the priority list.
• Medical Specializations: Specialized nursing and technical medical roles are still fast-tracked.
• Skilled Trades: Industrial mechanics and electricians are being prioritized to support the province’s manufacturing base.

For the burgeoning tech hub in Quebec City’s St-Roch district, this policy change means that startups looking to hire international software engineers or data scientists will now face stricter requirements and longer processing times. Critics argue this could slow innovation, while the government maintains the move is necessary to ensure local labor is prioritized and to manage overall immigration volumes.

3. Diplomatic Tech Push: Israel’s New Consul-General Targets Quebec Partnerships

Eliaz Luf, the newly appointed Consul-General of Israel in Quebec, has officially begun his mandate with a clear focus: high-tech commercial collaboration. In his first series of briefings this week, Luf highlighted the potential for increased trade between Quebec and Israel, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and optics-photonics: an industry where Quebec City is a global leader.

The timing is significant as Quebec continues to position itself as a "Battery Valley" and a leader in green tech. Israel’s advanced research in water technology and energy storage presents several opportunities for joint ventures with Quebec-based firms.

Economic observers note that while political tensions often dominate international headlines, the bilateral trade relationship remains a pillar of the provincial economy. Luf’s focus on "technological diplomacy" suggests a push for more formal exchange programs between Quebec City’s Universite Laval and Israeli research institutions like the Technion.

4. Public Safety Alert: Investigation Continues into LaSalle Shooting

While occurring in the Montreal borough of LaSalle, a violent incident late Wednesday evening has put provincial police (Sûreté du Québec) on high alert across the corridor. A man in his 20s remains in critical condition after being shot in the upper body near Broadway Street and 7th Avenue at approximately 10:45 p.m.

The suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, and no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area and canvassing witnesses.

This incident adds to a growing conversation regarding public safety and firearm control within the province. For residents of Quebec City, the event serves as a reminder of the ongoing provincial efforts to curb gang-related violence, which often sees activity transit between the province's two largest urban centers. Authorities have not confirmed if this specific shooting is linked to organized crime, but the investigation is ongoing.

5. Infrastructure and Weather: Snow and the "Pothole Emergency"

Quebec City is bracing for a cold and snowy end to the week. Today’s forecast calls for steady snowfall with a high of -9°C. Temperatures are expected to plummet further overnight, reaching a low of -13°C by Friday morning.

The fluctuating temperatures of the past two weeks have exacerbated road conditions across the city. The municipal government has acknowledged a "pothole emergency," with repair crews working double shifts to fill craters that have appeared on major arteries like Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel and Autoroute 40.

Commuter Advisory:

• Visibility: Snowfall will reduce visibility during the afternoon commute.
• Road Surface: Black ice is expected as temperatures drop this evening.
• Healthcare Impact: The combination of weather and ongoing healthcare worker retention issues has led to a warning from local clinics. Patients are advised to check the status of their appointments before heading out, as staff shortages continue to plague the sector following recent immigration policy adjustments.

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The "Under 3 Minutes" Summary

• Business: Desjardins is using its $3.8B surplus to expand into Toronto, focusing on wealth management.
• Immigration: The "fast-track" hiring list for foreign workers has been cut from 76 to 60 jobs; IT and Engineering roles are now harder to fill from abroad.
• Trade: Israel’s new Consul-General is pushing for high-tech partnerships with Quebec firms.
• Crime: A shooting in LaSalle has left one man in critical condition; police are searching for suspects.
• Weather: Snow today, -9°C. Watch out for potholes and deteriorating road conditions tonight.

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This has been the Quebec City Daily Roundup for Thursday, February 26, 2026. Stay safe on the roads, and we will see you tomorrow at 7:00 AM.