Author name: Cult MTL

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has launched the Responsible Landlord project, which includes the inspection of 10,000 rental housing units by the end of 2024. Inspectors will identify any unsafe or unsanitary conditions, such as toxicity, infestations and structural problems, and hold landlords to account if they don’t fix them — with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.

“Having a clean home is not a luxury. Our Responsible Landlord project will help to better defend tenants’ rights and ensure housing in Montreal is healthier and safer.”

Inspectors will prioritize buildings with more than 100 rental housing units, particularly buildings where there have been complaints, as well as apartments in “vulnerable sectors” of the city.

The Responsible Landlord project also includes an investment in the Vivre en ville rent registry, which the city has encouraged Montrealers to participate in in order to collect data that could help the city deal with abusive rent increases.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the federal government will implement a Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights as part of the upcoming budget. The measure would amend the Canadian Mortgage Charter to allow prompt rent payments to apply towards a tenant’s credit score, unlocking future home ownership and borrowing ability.

As Trudeau explained during a press conference in Vancouver today, the Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights would also create “a nationwide standard for lease agreements giving renters a clear history of apartment pricing so they can bargain fairly.”

The federal government will also invest $15-million in provincial legal aid organizations to better protect tenants against unfair rent payments, renovictions and bad landlords.

The 2024 federal budget will be tabled on April 16.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Plateau Mont-Royal borough announced today that 200 new plots will be excavated in April to make space to plant trees in order to combat heat islands in Montreal. The city is asking drivers to respect the temporary parking bans next to these plots during the short-term road work project.

In 2022, the City of Montreal launched a study on heat islands and the impact of urban development on heat. The data on air temperature and humidity is being collected at 10 sites across the city over the course of 10 summers, through 2031.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has put out a call for proposals today to build social and affordable housing units on the site of the former bus station between Berri and St-Hubert streets, and de Maisonneuve boulevard and Ontario Street. The 700 units will be located in a new 23-storey building.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante called the project “a win-win,” given that the centrally located property is being offered “at a fraction of the price, with profitable and responsible terms.”

“We are giving ourselves the means to ensure that it is built quickly and efficiently. The city purchased the land and we made sure to set up a call for tenders so that it aroused strong interest from the market.”

Plante previously stated that the goal is for work to begin at the site in the summer of 2025. Plante announced the project in the context of the “the housing crisis raging throughout Quebec.”

“We are using all the means at our disposal to create affordable housing in Montreal. We intend to increase the number of such actions, which allow us to maintain the affordability of living in the city.

“This project will offer more social diversity to the sector and more affordable housing in Montreal. We can’t wait to see it get off the ground.”

Îlot Voyageur, which is currently occupied by an apartment building on the north end and a building that will be demolished on the south end, was the site of a scandalous unfinished UQAM real estate development project in the 2000s, which cost $300-million in public funds. The land was bought from the Quebec government by the city for $18-million in 2018.

The City of Montreal is calling on all tenants to register their current rent with Vivre en ville, whose online registry aims to help curb soaring rental prices — a situation that has exacerbated the housing crisis in Montreal for years.

Southwest borough mayor Benoit Dorais, who’s also the VP of the city’s executive committee, noted that registering rent “is essential while waiting for the government of Quebec to make such a measure mandatory.”

As Vivre en Ville general director Christian Savard explained, “the rent registry can be a valuable tool for governments in their mission to protect tenants against abusive rent increases and curb property inflation.”

To register your rent in Montreal (or elsewhere in Quebec or Ontario), please visit the Vivre en ville website.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that 92% of local restaurants and food businesses no longer distribute single-use plastics. This comes nearly a year after the ban on certain types of single-use plastics came into effect in Montreal. The ban includes most types of plastic takeout containers, including straws, utensils, cups and their covers, plates, burger containers and cylindrical containers.

Plante noted that the ban, which has been adopted in several other Canadian cities since it was tabled in Montreal in 2021, effectively reduces the amount of plastic in overflowing landfills. This is key to the ecological transition given that plastic takes up to 500 years to degrade.

Projet Montréal also heralded the news today.

“With 92% of establishments adopting ecological alternatives, we are proud of Montreal’s contribution to waste reduction. It is with these kinds of concrete actions that we can have a greener future!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that the city is distributing over 50,000 free protective glasses ahead of the solar eclipse on April 8. The glasses, which are available at 45 Montreal libraries “starting today and while supplies last,” will allow people to safely observe the upcoming eclipse.

“During an eclipse, the sun’s rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes. The glasses, offered in collaboration with the Planetarium and the University of Montreal, allow you to look at it in complete safety.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has announced that a new permanent public square for summer events will be developed at the corner of Ste-Catherine and Wolfe: the Place du Village.

The square, which is supposed to be ready sometime this spring, will feature colourful bistro tables and chairs and a container converted into a reception area where drinks and food will be served. There will also be “a diverse cultural program” in the Place du Village, located at the heart of the portion of Ste-Catherine East that is pedestrianized in summertime.

Saint-Jacques city councillor Robert Beaudry said that this project is in line with the city’s Collective Intervention Strategy for the Village, and is “part of a series of projects and interventions that will soon be unveiled to promote the development of this emblematic district of Montreal.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

After the Quebec budget was announced by Finance Minister Eric Girard yesterday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante raised concerns that the province is abandoning public transportation.

Noting that the budget was released at a difficult time for Quebec, given multiple economic crises unfolding here and elsewhere, Plante said the announcement does not “respond to the glaring issues experienced in Montreal.”

“We are particularly concerned about the disengagement in public transportation, even though it is an essential service for the population. As mayor of Montreal and president of the CMM, I will continue to defend investments in public transportation, the construction of social and affordable housing, support for vulnerable populations and the adaptation of our territory to climate change. These are crucial issues that affect the entire population of Quebec.

“We have already achieved great things with our government partners. Despite the challenges, we continue to work to meet the needs of Montrealers.”

Housing advocates have also criticized the Quebec budget for failing to adequately address the housing crisis.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A number of faculties at both McGill and Concordia universities in Montreal are on strike this week. As many as 21,000 students have opted out of class from March 11 to 15 and are planning to participate in a protest on Wednesday against the tuition hikes being imposed on out-of-province and international students at English-language universities.

“For decades, students in Quebec have fought against unjust tuition hikes and assaults by privatization, and we’ve won. But now, Legault wants to take us back to square one. This racist and xenophobic move is jeopardizing our right to education and everyone’s future!

“Join us in the streets to fight back! This is not just about us; it’s about future generations of students who deserve access to affordable education. Let’s show Legault and his government that we are united, we are strong, and we will not back down!”

This is the second joint tuition protest by students since the move was announced by the Quebec government in October. Last semester’s demonstration was called the Blue Fall Protest, a call-back to the famous Maple Spring protests of 2012.

This student strike follows joint legal action against the province by the administrations of Concordia and McGill, which have both seen a significant drop in enrolment this year.

The protest will take place at de Maisonneuve and Mackay on Wednesday, March 13, 3 p.m. For more details, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

While everyone was bummed out by the cancellation of the 2024 edition of Just for Laughs this week, a reminder of another very special upcoming summer event has emerged. Fierté Montreal Pride unveiled the theme of the 2024 parade, which will close out the festival on Aug. 11: “We Are the Rainbow.”

“We Are the Rainbow is a rallying cry, inspired by the fight for the recognition and respect of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities’ rights. It is a reappropriation of the rainbow. It is a more inclusive evolution of its meaning. We Are the Rainbow. We are the possibilities. We are what’s to come.”

Fierté has also opened registration for community days (Aug. 9 and 10) and put out a job offer for community and content manager.

For more on Fierté Montreal Pride 2024, which will take place from Aug. 1 to 11, please visit the festival’s website.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced this week that 43 new social housing units are being built in Saint-Michel for homeless people, people at risk of becoming homeless and vulnerable youth.

The units will be located in housing projects by the Old Brewery Mission (OBM), which will cater to homeless Montrealers over 50 with a 27-unit apartment building, and Logis-Rap, who will open 16 studio apartments for youth. Both projects are being supported financially by all levels of government.

“The crisis of vulnerability that is affecting all of Quebec is directly caused by the housing crisis, and it’s projects like these that we need to multiply and accelerate.”

Montreal public health director Dr. Mylène Drouin and her provincial equivalent Dr. Luc Boileau spoke to the media about measles on Monday, sharing information about recent sites of potential transmission in the city. While measles is a virtually eradicated virus that’s easily preventable via basic childhood vaccinations, Drouin noted that vaccination rates in local elementary schools can be as low as 30%.

The measles resurgence appears to be a global phenomenon, with outbreaks reported in Florida as well as in parts of Europe and beyond. Quebec has the most measles cases in Canada, 10 (7 of which are in Montreal), 3 linked to travel and the other 4 via community spread. There are also 5 cases in Ontario and 1 in B.C.

Standard childhood vaccinations have included the measles vaccine since the 1970s, but experts have noted that two doses are required, not one as previously believed. Public health is urging everyone to make sure that they and their kids are up to date with their immunizations.

Symptoms of measles include itchy red spots, a rash that appears 3 to 5 days after other symptoms, which are similar to cold and flu: high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, which is why public health included end-dates for monitoring your condition if you’ve been to any of the sites of potential transmission.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

An anti-Airbnb protest will take place in Montreal this Wednesday, March 6 in front of a newly constructed building in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve that’s currently being used for temporary tourist rentals. Going against the borough’s bylaws (and contrary to what housing advocates and residents were told during construction), 3 of the building’s 29 units are currently listed on Airbnb. Advocates suspect that the rest of the units, which are furnished but with no tenants, are destined to serve the same purpose.

“We are calling on our neighbours to come together to proclaim loud and clear that this project will not be tolerated. Together, let’s put pressure on our local representatives to honour their commitments to our community. Let’s protect the integrity of our neighbourhood and work for dignified housing for all.”

The demonstration will take place at 3650 Ontario E. this Wednesday, March 6 at noon. Organizers (Entraide Logement Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Anti-évictions Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) are also holding a sign-making workshop this afternoon.

For more on the anti-Airbnb protest in Montreal, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec Court of Appeal has ruled that Quebec secularism law Bill 21 is constitutional. The law bars public sector employees in positions of authority (including teachers) from wearing religious symbols.

Though the law was upheld by the Quebec Superior Court following a challenge in April 2021, provisions relating to English school boards and a ban on face coverings for MNAs were struck down. The Quebec government appealed the ruling on English school boards, with Premier François Legault saying, “We fully respect the rights of the English-speaking minority, but secularism and Quebec’s common values have no language barrier.” English schools have had to abide by Bill 21 pending the conclusion of the government’s appeal, but their exemption from the law has been overturned by today’s ruling.

The earlier ruling also acknowledged that the law violates the rights of Muslim women and is “cruel” towards people who wear religious symbols and are forced to choose between their beliefs and their ability to work in the public sector.

In order to pass Bill 21 in 2019, the Quebec government invoked the notwithstanding clause, meaning the law couldn’t be challenged on the grounds that it violated basic rights according to certain sections of the charter. However, the law could still be subject to a Supreme Court challenge, and should this take place, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated in a press conference today that the federal government would intervene “to protect the rights and freedoms of Canadians.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante released a statement yesterday after the announcement of additional funding from the Government of Canada to fight car theft in the city. Following the dismantling of a criminal car theft network that morning in Montreal, Plante also issued a direct message to car thieves, saying, “You will be arrested.”

The federal government is investing $15-million to deal with car theft, to be distributed among police forces across Canada.

Last year alone, there were 11,831 vehicles reported stolen in Montreal, according to the SPVM.

“I want to thank the teams who worked on this important investigation and reassure the Montreal population. Safety is a priority and we are working as a team to curb the increase in thefts. I also welcome the announcement of this additional amount from the Government of Canada, which, in particular, helps us to carry out prevention and ensure that our young people do not fall into crime.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Quebec Premier François Legault announced on Sunday that the provincial government has made an offer — one that he refers to as a “big move” — to teachers and education staff including an increase in both salary and support. This comes at the close of the latest round of negotiations on collective agreements with unions that were one strike prior to the holidays.

Legault said that the new starting salary for Quebec teachers, should this agreement be accepted, would be $65,000, while the highest salary level would be $109,000, representing increases between 18.6% and 27% “with the compound effect.” The province would also commit to creating 5,000 new permanent positions for teachers and 4,000 full-time equivalent classroom assistants.

“I am confident that with the agreement we signed, salary conditions in the education sector will become much more attractive and that we will gradually fill all positions.

“But I want to say to all Quebecers: this choice will have financial consequences. The next budget will be largely in deficit because of this choice, among other things. But we do it for the good of the Quebec nation. As Premier, I fully accept this. It’s the responsible choice to make!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

According to a report from the Montreal police, the city saw a 26% reduction in gun violence in 2023 compared with the previous year. The SPVM describe “armed violence events” as “firearm discharges, murders and attempted murder by firearm.”

Montreal police reportedly made 351 arrests last year in connection with events involving guns in 2023, and 774 guns were seized. 

The SPVM report attributes this decline in gun violence to various police initiatives, from officer visibility to criminal investigations and intelligence to crime prevention and deterrence programs, as well as work done by community organizations and institutional and government partners.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Amidst the ongoing housing crisis, the City of Montreal has announced what Mayor Valérie is calling a record-breaking initiative to secure affordable housing.

In the East End, 720 affordable housing units have been protected from speculation following investments from the city, other levels of government and private investors.

“This is the largest operation to protect affordable housing in Montreal. We are taking action to house Montrealers!”

By Lorraine Carpenter LJI Reporter

The Sûreté du Québec has confirmed that two women are dead and a third 70-year-old victim was critically injured in a multiple stabbing just before noon today in an apartment building in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Five ambulances were reportedly called to the scene of the armed assault in the town 45 kilometres west of Montreal, where one 44-year-old male suspect was arrested during a major police operation.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented on the incident when the news was first reported earlier today.

“What horrible news. All my thoughts are with the community of the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion.”

by Lorraine Carpenter LJI Reporter

Every Valentine’s Day, the Centre for Gender Advocacy and Iskweu hold a memorial march and National Day of Action in Montreal for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit people. The event aims to honour and raise awareness about the countless disappearances, killings and violence against First Nations and Inuit people over the years.

“Too many Indigenous families have lost loved ones to colonial violence. Many Indigenous women, girls, trans and Two-Spirit people wonder if they will be next. This cannot go on.

“In 2019, the final report of the National Investigation into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released. Now is the time to act, to honour recommendations on how to stop genocide against Indigenous communities. We refuse to let the countless hours of testimony and knowledge from thousands of Indigenous people be wasted. We have all the information we need.”

Iskweu notes that these events, which also take place annually on Oct. 4, offer an “opportunity to learn more about activists and elders, and be inspired to take action through songs and performances by Indigenous artists.” This event’s speakers and performers include MC Sarah Carriere, Elder Kevin Deer, the Travelling Spirit Drum Group and Ellen Gabriel, among others.

The annual vigil — on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. — will take place at Cabot Square, followed by a march on Ste-Catherine to Place du Canada. The event’s organizers encourage participants to bring drums, visual aids and/or candles.

The Assembly of First Nations, which is mandated to raise awareness about and address the issue of violence against Indigenous women, reports that Indigenous women and girls are five times more likely to be the victims of violence than other populations in Canada, and that that violence tends to result in more serious harm.

To view the final report by the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, please click here.

The Montreal MMIWG2S+ vigil and march will begin in Cabot Square (Atwater & Ste-Catherine) on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more details, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A protest against Quebec’s Bill 31 will be taking place in Montreal on Saturday. The demonstration’s organizers, the Coalition of Housing Committees and Tenants Associations of Quebec (RCLALQ), are also demanding a rent freeze in Quebec and that Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau step down.

“As Quebec goes through the most profound housing crisis in its history, as rents surge and evictions multiply, the government has proposed a bill that represents a direct attack on tenants. This is shameful!”

The protest will begin at noon at 425 Beaubien E. (corner St-Denis).

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec government announced today that minimum wage in the province will increase by 50 cents per hour to $15.75 on May 1. This corresponds to a 3% increase in the minimum wage, which is less than the current rate of inflation of 4% in Quebec.

Québec Solidaire MNA Alexandre Leduc, who represents Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, called the announced increase “not sufficient” and “ridiculous.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

On Tuesday, the City of Montreal unveiled a new plan for nightlife in Montreal, which aims to identify areas most conducive to nightlife activity, and build on offerings in the area, in conjunction with the boroughs as well as “cultural, economic and community partners.” Regulations in these areas would be adapted accordingly, says the draft policy, with tranquility in residential neighbourhoods being a priority.

Having already announced intentions to build an all-night party zone in the Quartier Latin, Projet Montréal’s proposal covers three stages of nightlife (evening: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., “heart of the night” 12 to 4:30 a.m. and early morning: 4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.). The plan highlights the following goals:

1. Offer new business opportunities and distribution possibilities to our commercial and cultural partners, ensuring healthy coexistence between nighttime activities and the needs of the population. 
2. Offer a dynamic and safe nightlife, which focuses on entrepreneurship and the Montreal cultural experience. 
3. Ensure the maintenance of current nocturnal activities and equip developing sectors.  

This proposal will be evaluated by the Commission on Economic and Urban Development and Housing, which will hold a public consultation Feb. 13.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has confirmed that over 50 new social housing units will be built in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal.

Plante made the announcement on Twitter, saying, “We continue to accelerate our efforts to house more people and fight the housing crisis.”

Earlier this month, the City of Montreal put out a call for proposals to build 700 affordable housing units on the site of the former bus station between Berri and St-Hubert streets, and de Maisonneuve boulevard and Ontario Street.

By Lorraine Carpenter LJI Reporter

The City of Montreal has launched an online map of construction work that can alert Montrealers to potential traffic obstacles as well as keep a live log of projects in progress.

Located on the City of Montreal website, the construction map is accompanied by a list of projects broken down by borough.

“We want you to know what is happening in front of your home, who is doing the work, for how long and what the impacts will be. The platform also allows you to better plan your trips and avoid unpleasant surprises. We are putting this platform online in a desire for transparency, but also to make the clients who lead the projects more accountable.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement today, the seventh anniversary of the Quebec City mosque attack, addressing the recent rise in Islamophobia since the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent war in Gaza. Trudeau named all the victims of the 2017 massacre in Sainte-Foy, a Quebec City suburb, and expressed condolences to their loved ones as well solidarity with the Muslim community in Quebec and across Canada as they continue to experience Islamophobia.

“This attack was not an isolated incident — it was a painful reminder of the consequences of Islamophobia, hate and violent extremism. In recent months, Canada’s Muslim communities across the country have experienced a disturbing rise in hate speech, discrimination and Islamophobia. This is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to take action so that Canadians can feel safe and secure in their homes, communities and places of worship.”

Outlining what the Liberal government is doing to combat Islamophobia, Trudeau cited the continuing work of Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, investments in the Security Infrastructure Program to support communities at risk of hate crimes (including enhanced security at community gathering spaces) and federal gun control legislation.

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has reacted to the murder of Narjess Ben Yedder in Pointe-aux-Trembles this morning. A suspect, reportedly the woman’s husband, has been arrested.

Plante expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and neighbourhood.

“Another femicide has shaken Montreal. This is unacceptable. Violence against women and girls must end. I offer my condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim as well as to the entire community of Pointe-aux-Trembles.”

To contact SOS Violence Conjugale, please call 1-800-363-9010 or visit their website.

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal announced today that a total of $735,000 in funding is available for professional artists working in visual arts and crafts.

In conjunction with the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the city is offering funding to artists for studio space — specifically tenants or owners of a workshop space in a non-residential building. The fund will cover $13 per square metre for creative spaces and $3 per square metre for storage space.

Last year, over 400 Montreal artists received financial aid through this program, according to the city’s executive committee member in charge of culture and heritage, Ericka Alneus.

“Our artists contribute directly to the vitality of our city, the quality of life in our neighborhoods and the attractiveness of Montreal. We must offer them every chance to succeed, and accessibility to artist workshops is crucial.”

The deadline to apply for the subsidy this year is March 31, 2024.

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that the city is investing nearly $37-million in local businesses and economic development.

Aside from direct investment, the city also supports local businesses via the PME, an organization overseen by the municipal and provincial government to provide funding and other means of support to Montreal entrepreneurs.

“Local businesses are good for neighbourhood life and the economy. Faced with a difficult economic reality, we continue to support them with investments of nearly $37-million and essential services offered by the PME.”

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Heads of the four Quebec unions that make up the Front Commun, representing 420,000 education and healthcare workers, have announced that an agreement has been reached with the Quebec government today on the crucial issue of salaries.

This comes a day after tentative agreements on working conditions were made during negotiations. All members of the unions in question — the CSN, CSQ, FTQ and APTS — will be presented with the deals at a general meeting after the holidays in order to vote and ratify the deal. It’s up to the members to decide whether the agreements made yesterday and today “constitute a global agreement in principle.”

The CAQ’s Sonia LeBel tweeted about today’s development, explaining that the details will remain confidential until they’ve been presented to union members. According to CBC, it could take up to three weeks for all four unions to vote on the agreement.

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Yesterday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and Ville-Marie MP Steven Guilbault, among others, announced a new joint investment of $80.5-million by the municipal, provincial and federal governments in 191 social and affordable housing units in the city.

The spaces will reportedly include a supervised rooming house for men on social assistance who are on the verge of homelessness, located in a former bed-and-breakfast on Ontario Street near St-Denis, as well as new housing for women, run by the women’s Downtown YWCA, and units for formerly homeless teens and young adults.

Plante reiterated the city’s commitment to working on the housing crisis, and thanked the city’s partners in these projects.

“We continue to take action to house Montrealers. Thank you to the Canadian government and the Quebec government for their support.”

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

According to multiple news sources in Canada, Google has agreed to abide by legislation put forward by the federal government requiring the tech giant to compensate Canadian news companies for their content online.

Google has reportedly agreed to pay $100-million per year to news companies in Canada.

The government had initially estimated the annual amount owed by Google to Canadian news outlets at $172-million.

Federal Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge is expected to formally announce the news in a press conference at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Meta continues to protest Canada’s Online News Act — aka Bill C-18, which comes into effect on Dec. 19 — with a ban on Canadian news content on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

This morning the Quebec government announced a $9.7-million investment to support the homeless this winter. The funding will go towards the addition of beds in emergency shelters, and making the services at those shelters available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who spoke at today’s press conference alongside Quebec ministers Pierre Fitzgibbon and Lionel Carmant, commended the province for the initiative, and community organizations for supporting the homeless year-round.

“The needs of people experiencing homelessness are dire. We have a responsibility to provide them with safe shelter in the winter. It is a question of human dignity. I invite us to continue to work together to support community organizations, which do essential work.”

Plante also made mention of social housing, another financial need in Montreal when it comes to preventing and reducing homelessess.

“We must also work to provide a sufficient quantity of social housing. It is the central solution to respond to homelessness issues.”

Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A petition calling for the cancellation of the impending Quebec university tuition hike is available to sign on the National Assembly website. The petition was sponsored by Liberal MNA for Saint-Laurent Marwah Rizqy, who is the official opposition critic for education and higher education.

The widely criticized CAQ proposal would increase university tuition for out-of-province Canadian students from approximately $9,000 to $17,000, while tuition for international students will exceed $20,000, as of September 2024.

To view and/or sign the petition to cancel the Quebec university tuition hike, please visit the National Assembly website.