Sports, Business, Transit, and Politics: The Top 5 Montreal News Stories for Wednesday, February 25, 2026

As Montreal wakes up to a crisp Wednesday morning on February 25, 2026, the city's landscape is shaped by significant developments in the financial sector, ongoing high-profile legal proceedings, and the constant evolution of urban infrastructure. In today’s morning brief, we break down the five most critical stories impacting Montrealers today, ranging from the soaring earnings of local financial institutions to the latest updates on the city's transit network and the sports world.

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1. National Bank of Canada Surpasses Expectations with Strong Q1 Performance

Montreal-based National Bank of Canada released its fiscal first-quarter earnings early this morning, posting results that significantly outperformed market predictions. The bank reported a net income of $904.1 million for the period ending January 31, 2026.

Adjusted for non-recurring costs, the bank’s earnings reached $2.34 per share, comfortably clearing the $2.15 per share average estimate held by analysts. Total revenue for the quarter was reported at $5.73 billion. This financial surge is being attributed to robust growth in personal and commercial banking sectors, as well as a resilient performance in wealth management despite fluctuating global market conditions.

Economic analysts point to National Bank’s strategic focus on the Quebec market as a primary driver for this stability. While other "Big Six" banks have faced headwinds in international expansion, National Bank’s concentrated domestic portfolio appears to have insulated it from some of the volatility seen in U.S. and European markets over the last fiscal year.

The report also noted a slight increase in provisions for credit losses, a standard precautionary move by Canadian banks in the current interest rate environment, but the overall sentiment from the bank’s executive leadership remains optimistic for the remainder of 2026. For Montrealers, this performance reinforces the city’s status as a stable and growing financial hub.

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2. Bank of Montreal Declares Consistent Quarterly Dividend

In tandem with the positive news from National Bank, the Bank of Montreal (BMO) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.67 per share on common shares. This figure remains unchanged from the previous quarter, signaling a period of calculated stability for the institution.

The dividend is scheduled to be payable on May 26, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2026. This announcement is particularly relevant to the thousands of Montreal residents who hold BMO stock as part of their retirement portfolios or personal investments.

BMO’s decision to maintain the dividend level rather than increase it suggests a conservative approach to capital management as the bank continues to integrate its recent North American acquisitions. By maintaining a yield of $1.67, the bank is balancing the need to reward long-term investors with the necessity of maintaining high capital reserves in an era of tighter regulatory oversight.

Market observers will be looking toward BMO’s full quarterly report, expected later this week, to see how the bank is managing its operational costs in its Montreal headquarters and across its expanding branch network.

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3. Transit Update: Blue Line Extension and STM Budget Deliberations

On the transit front, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and the provincial government are expected to meet today to discuss the ongoing funding gap for the Blue Line extension. While construction continues at several key nodes, the project remains a focal point of political and public scrutiny.

As of February 2026, work on the tunnel boring for the extension is progressing, but concerns regarding the operational budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year have come to the forefront. The STM is seeking additional subsidies to offset a projected deficit caused by the slow return of peak-hour ridership and the rising costs of maintaining aging infrastructure on the Green and Orange lines.

Furthermore, riders can expect minor delays today on the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) as technicians perform scheduled signaling upgrades on the South Shore branch. While these upgrades are intended to increase the frequency of trains during the upcoming spring rush, they may cause five-to-ten-minute delays during the morning commute. Transit authorities recommend checking the "Chrono" app for real-time updates before heading to the stations.

The city is also monitoring the progress of the "Project Montreal" initiative to further pedestrianize parts of the downtown core ahead of the summer season, a move that remains divisive among local business owners but popular with urban planning advocates.

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4. Legal News: Sixth Complainant Testifies in Frank Stronach Sexual Assault Trial

The sexual assault trial of Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old founder of auto parts giant Magna International, continues today in a case that has captured national attention. The sixth of seven complainants is expected to take the stand on February 25 to provide testimony regarding allegations that span several decades.

Stronach has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges, which include rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, involving incidents alleged to have occurred between the 1970s and the 1990s. The trial, which began earlier this year, has moved through a series of testimonies from women who have detailed their experiences under oath.

The defense team has consistently maintained Stronach’s innocence, challenging the reliability of memories from several decades ago. However, the prosecution has built a case based on what they describe as a "consistent pattern of behavior."

The proceedings are being watched closely by legal experts in Montreal and across Canada, as the case represents one of the most high-profile "historical" sexual assault trials in the country’s recent history. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for how the Canadian legal system handles allegations involving powerful figures and long-past events.

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5. Sports: Montreal Canadiens Prepare for Final Trade Deadline Push

In the world of sports, the Montreal Canadiens are the talk of the town as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Following a series of inconsistent performances throughout February, the team’s management is reportedly at a crossroads regarding their strategy for the remainder of the season.

With the Canadiens sitting just a few points outside of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, rumors are swirling at the Bell Centre about whether the team will be "buyers" or "sellers" in the coming days. Local sports analysts are focused on several key veteran players whose contracts are set to expire, as well as the potential for the team to acquire a veteran defenseman to stabilize the young core.

Practice today at the Brossard facility will be under intense scrutiny, particularly following the injury of a key top-six forward in Monday night's game. The team is expected to provide an update on his status later this afternoon. Fans are also keeping a close eye on the development of the team’s top prospects in Laval, as a late-season call-up remains a distinct possibility if the playoff race stays tight.

Off the ice, the organization is also finalizing plans for the "Community Heroes" gala, an annual event that highlights the philanthropic work of players in the Greater Montreal Area. The event is scheduled for next month, but tickets and sponsorship details are being finalized this week.

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Summary of the Day

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, presents a snapshot of a city in motion. From the halls of justice to the trading floors of the local banks, and from the depths of the metro tunnels to the ice of the Bell Centre, Montreal continues to navigate the complexities of 2026.

Quick Recap for the Commute:

• National Bank: Surpassed earnings expectations with $904.1M net income.
• BMO: Declared a steady $1.67 quarterly dividend.
• Transit: Watch for minor REM delays and ongoing Blue Line budget talks.
• Legal: A pivotal day of testimony in the Frank Stronach trial.
• Sports: Habs fans await trade deadline decisions and injury updates.

For those heading out, the weather is expected to remain steady, though the cold snap persists. Stay tuned to MONTREAL BUREAU for further updates as these stories develop throughout the day.