Montreal Morning Brief: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Good morning, Montreal. Here's your daily roundup of the top stories making news across our city and beyond this Tuesday, February 24, 2026. From a new cultural destination opening at the waterfront to international travel updates affecting Montrealers, here's what you need to know to start your day.

New Immersive Art Experience Opens at Montreal's Waterfront

Montreal's cultural landscape expanded today with the official opening of Panorama Expérience, a new immersive art destination located at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal. The venue represents a collaboration between the Port of Montreal and Infinity Experiences, bringing together contemporary art, technology, and nature-focused storytelling in an innovative waterfront setting.

The inaugural exhibition showcases works from both local and international artists, establishing the venue as a destination for cutting-edge contemporary art. Among the featured works is "Entrer en flagrant délit de légender" by Montreal artist Maryse Goudreau, an immersive piece that draws on decades of media coverage surrounding beluga whales. The work reflects on how these iconic St. Lawrence River inhabitants have been portrayed and understood through journalistic lenses over the years.

Also on display is "Hong Kong Soup: 1826" by photographer Mandy Barker, a striking photographic series that addresses marine pollution. The piece forms part of Barker's broader body of work examining the impact of plastic waste on ocean ecosystems, presenting the environmental crisis through compelling visual storytelling.

Organizers emphasize that Panorama Expérience is designed as an evolving cultural destination, with plans for regular rotation of new exhibitions. The venue aims to create an ongoing dialogue between visitors and contemporary art forms, utilizing the unique waterfront location to enhance the immersive experience. The opening marks another addition to Montreal's growing portfolio of experiential art spaces, catering to audiences seeking interactive and technology-enhanced cultural experiences.

The Grand Quay location provides easy access for both locals and tourists, with the venue positioned to become a regular stop for those exploring Montreal's Old Port district.

Air Canada Resumes Full Mexico Service with Larger Aircraft

Montreal travelers heading to Mexico will see expanded service as Air Canada resumes full operations to Puerto Vallarta using larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline is deploying the wide-body jets on routes from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver beginning Tuesday, a move that comes amid heightened security concerns in the Jalisco region.

The decision to resume operations with increased capacity follows consultations between Air Canada executives and both Canadian and Mexican government officials regarding the security situation in the region. The deployment of larger aircraft suggests the airline is responding to significant demand from Canadians seeking to travel to or return from the popular beach destination.

The context for this operational decision involves recent cartel violence in Jalisco state, including the reported killing of cartel leader El Mencho. With more than 26,000 Canadians registered as being in Mexico, many in the affected region, Canadian authorities have been actively monitoring the situation and providing guidance to citizens abroad.

The use of 787 Dreamliners: which can carry between 242 and 330 passengers depending on configuration: indicates Air Canada's confidence in the security situation while also ensuring maximum capacity for Canadians who may wish to adjust their travel plans. The aircraft's longer range and enhanced passenger amenities also provide operational flexibility for the routes.

Global Affairs Canada continues to maintain travel advisories for certain regions of Mexico, though Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist destination on the Pacific coast, remains accessible. The Canadian government has emphasized that travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and follow local authorities' guidance.

Stronach Sexual Assault Trial Enters Fifth Week

The sexual assault trial of automotive parts magnate Frank Stronach continued in Toronto on Tuesday, with defence attorneys conducting cross-examination of the fifth complainant. The high-profile case, which began last month, has drawn attention from media outlets across Canada, including Montreal news organizations covering the proceedings.

Stronach, the 93-year-old founder of Magna International, faces multiple charges of sexual assault spanning several decades. The trial has heard testimony from multiple complainants, with the defence now questioning the fifth individual to testify.

The cross-examination process represents a critical phase of the trial, as defence attorneys work to challenge the prosecution's case and establish their client's version of events. Legal observers note that the duration and complexity of the trial reflect the multiple allegations involved and the historical nature of many of the charges.

The case has attracted significant public interest given Stronach's prominent business profile. Magna International, the company he founded, grew to become one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, with operations spanning multiple continents including major facilities in Ontario.

The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks as the defence completes its cross-examination of remaining witnesses and presents its case. Judge and jury members have been tasked with weighing testimony spanning multiple decades and involving complex questions of credibility and evidence preservation.

Canadian Public Trust in Institutions Rising Amid U.S. Tensions

A new poll released Tuesday shows that public confidence in Canadian institutions is experiencing an upward trend, with researchers attributing the shift to heightened tensions with the United States and a corresponding rally-around-the-flag effect among Canadian citizens.

The polling data indicates increased trust in federal government institutions, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and national media outlets. This represents a reversal from previous years when public confidence in many institutions had been declining or stagnating.

Political scientists suggest the rise in institutional trust reflects a pattern commonly observed when nations face external pressures or conflicts. The current tensions between Canada and the United States: involving trade disputes, border issues, and diplomatic disagreements: appear to be generating a more supportive attitude among Canadians toward their national institutions.

The polling results show particular gains in confidence toward institutions perceived as defending Canadian interests and sovereignty. Federal government departments involved in trade negotiations, border security, and diplomatic relations have seen notable increases in public approval ratings.

Media organizations, including Canadian broadcasters and news outlets, have also benefited from increased public trust. Analysts suggest this reflects growing appreciation for domestic news sources amid concerns about misinformation and foreign influence in public discourse.

The trend has implications for upcoming policy debates and political campaigns, as institutions with stronger public backing may find greater support for their initiatives and recommendations. However, researchers caution that such surges in institutional trust often prove temporary, typically moderating once external pressures diminish.

The polling was conducted among a representative sample of Canadians across all provinces and territories, with particular attention to regional variations in institutional trust. Quebec respondents showed patterns generally consistent with national trends, though with some distinctive characteristics reflecting the province's unique political culture.

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These stories represent the major news developments affecting Montrealers as of Tuesday morning. Check back for updates throughout the day as stories develop.