Author name: Cult MTL

Mark Carney wins Liberal leadership race, becomes prime minister-designate

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Liberal Party of Canada has selected Mark Carney as its new leader and prime minister-designate.

Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, received 85.9% of the vote, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland coming in second with 8%, followed by Burlington, Ontario MP Karina Gould (3.2%) and Montreal businessman and former MP Frank Baylis (3%).

A recent Angus Reid poll found that more Canadians trust Carney to deal with the Trump administration than they do Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

Carney will officially replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister after being sworn in by Governor-General Mary Simon, following what is expected to be a brief transition period.

Parliament is scheduled to return on March 24 following its prorogation when Trudeau announced plans for his resignation on Jan. 6.

Mark Carney wins Liberal leadership race, becomes prime minister-designate Read More »

Trump tariffs on Canadian goods that comply with CUSMA paused until April 2

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Two days after the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canada, Trump has paused tariffs on all Canadian goods that comply with the CUSMA free trade treaty, until April 2. CUSMA doesn’t cover goods such as dairy, lumber or alcohol, and MSNBC is reporting that 62% of American imports from Canada don’t fall under CUSMA.

The U.S. is also reducing the levy on potash to 10%, while tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, which go into effect next week, will not be modified.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc shared the federal government response to Trump’s latest move, announcing on Twitter that Canada will suspend the second round of retaliatory tariffs (on $125-billion of U.S. goods) until April 2. The first round of retaliatory tariffs, on $30-billion in goods, went into effect on Tuesday.

Trump tariffs on Canadian goods that comply with CUSMA paused until April 2 Read More »

SAQ to remove American products from its shelves in response to U.S. tariffs

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The SAQ is removing American products from its shelves in response to the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods by the U.S. today, according to Radio-Canada.

The Société des alcools du Québec threatened to stop selling American alcohol brands when the U.S. tariffs were first due to come into effect a month ago, but held back when a 30-day pause was announced by the Trump administration.

Quebec Premier François Legault, who released a video yesterday saying that he’s “very motivated to fight Donald Trump” with the economic tools at his disposal, is meeting with his cabinet this morning and is expected to make a statement in Montreal at 1 p.m.

The federal government has announced that it will move forward with 25% retaliatory tariffs on $155-billion worth of American goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is speaking to reporters this hour.

SAQ to remove American products from its shelves in response to U.S. tariffs Read More »

Canada confirms plans for Alto, a high-speed rail line connecting Quebec City and Toronto

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The federal government has announced plans to begin work on Alto, a high-speed rail line connecting Quebec City and Toronto — “Canada’s largest infrastructure project ever” according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The rail line, on a newly built, separate, electrified track, would carry trains travelling at 300 kilometres per hour, double the speed of Via Rail trains.

The high-speed, high-frequency rail line will reportedly reduce travel time between Montreal and Toronto from nearly six hours by car (or five hours by Via Rail express) to three hours. Other cities served include Trois-Rivières, Laval, Ottawa and Peterborough. The plan for the location of stations will be determined over the next four years.

The contract bid for the project, which was green-lit in October, has been awarded to Cadence. The consortium of companies will co-design and build the rail line as well as finance, operate and maintain the project.

The Government of Canada is investing $3.9-billion over six years in the co-development phase of the project, beginning in 2024-25. This is in addition to the $371.8-million that was provided in Budget 2024.

Canada confirms plans for Alto, a high-speed rail line connecting Quebec City and Toronto Read More »

City of Montreal offers financial aid to small music venues and theatres

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has implemented a new financial aid program for small, independent music venues, theatres and other performance spaces that are “facing economic and operational challenges that threaten their sustainability,” as Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante explained.

There are approximately 60 venues in the city with the audience capacity to qualify for this program, which is intended for spaces with fewer than 1,000 seats and that host a minimum of 35 shows per year. The city is investing a total of $855,757, to be distributed through the PME, as part of its Nightlife Policy. Individual venues can receive $40,000, while groups of eligible venues can apply for $100,000.

Alia Hassan-Cournol, a member of the city’s executive committee, explained that the program (which opens in March) will allow venues to consolidate business plans, increase attendance, diversify programming, improve marketing and promote the pooling of inter-venue resources.

This news follows the controversial closure of la Tulipe last fall following years of noise complaints from a neighbouring building, subsequent fines and a Quebec court order to silence the music venue’s sound system.

City of Montreal offers financial aid to small music venues and theatres Read More »

City of Montreal drops Amazon from list of suppliers, pledges to buy local

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that the city had dropped Amazon from its list of suppliers in response to the still-looming tariff threat from the U.S. Plante pledged to buy local, or use international alternatives.

Amazon critics are also calling for a boycott following the closure of seven warehouses in Quebec, leading to a loss of 1,700 jobs in the province — 4,500 if subcontractors are included, according to the CSN union. Amazon is now facing legal action from CSN.

“The City of Montreal is stopping orders from Amazon until further notice. Despite the reprieve on tariffs, Montreal is not letting its guard down. We are combing through our supplier list to find local or international alternatives. We remain united and will buy locally when possible.”

City of Montreal drops Amazon from list of suppliers, pledges to buy local Read More »

No more American products to be sold at the SAQ as of Feb. 4

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Quebec Premier François Legault has confirmed that no more American products will be sold at the SAQ as of Tuesday, Feb. 4. The move follows Donald Trump’s announcement that 25% tariffs will be placed on all Canadian goods entering the United States, along with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy.

Legault made the announcement earlier today, confirming that his government “will do everything possible to protect our economy and support our businesses and workers.

“We will fight, Mr. Trump.”

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard also confirmed that additional retaliatory measures will follow.

The federal government announced on Saturday that it will move forward with 25% retaliatory tariffs on $155-billion worth of American goods.

No more American products to be sold at the SAQ as of Feb. 4 Read More »

Foreign Interference Report: ‘Disinformation is an existential threat to our democracy’

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative report

In her final report as part of the foreign interference inquiry, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue presented Canadians with a stark warning about the threat to our democracy posed by disinformation and misinformation on social media. While she concluded that attempts by foreign governments to curry favour with parliamentarians and interfere directly in Canadian federal elections has largely been ineffective — she saw no direct evidence of “traitors in Parliament” — her findings pointed to a much larger and more insidious problem.

Her report reads:

“Disinformation is difficult to detect and, above all, to counter since the technological means available evolve at breakneck speed. It’s noxious, it’s powerful, it poses a major risk to Canadian democracy. If we don’t find ways of addressing it, misinformation and disinformation have the ability to distort our discourse, change our views and shape our society.

“In my view, it is no exaggeration to say that, at this juncture, information manipulation — whether foreign or not — poses the single biggest risk to our democracy. It’s an existential threat.”

Hogue continued on the same topic in her televised statement presenting her report on Tuesday:

“The impact of traditional methods (of foreign and election interference) should not be under-estimated, but the greatest threat, the one that I believe threatens the very existence of our democracy, is disinformation.

“This threat is all the more nefarious because the means available to counter it are limited and very difficult to implement on social media. Distinguishing what is true from what is false is becoming increasingly difficult and the consequences are, in my view, extremely high.

“Nevertheless, we must not give up but rather attack it forcefully, all together. This cannot be the sole purview of government.”

Prior to last year’s U.S. presidential election, Elon Musk and X were found to be the epicentre of election-related misinformation, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate. This week, it was reported that Russian-backed sponsored posts about Canadian politicians, mimicking CBC news stories, have been proliferating on X.

Foreign Interference Report: ‘Disinformation is an existential threat to our democracy’ Read More »

short-term rentals montreal airbnb

City of Montreal to limit short-term rentals, freeing up 2,000 housing units

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Given that 65% ​​of Montrealers rent their homes, and that roughly half of the city’s 4,000 short-term rental units are operating illegally, the City of Montreal is placing added regulations on the likes of Airbnb and VRBO in order to free up a projected 2,000 much-needed housing units. Short-term rentals will now be allowed across Montreal in primary residences between June 10 and Sept. 10. Throughout the remainder of the year, short-term rentals will be restricted to primary residences that are registered with the city, within permitted zones.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante made the announcement today, saying that short-term rental regulations established by the Quebec government haven’t been effective. Under the new regulations (to be implemented this summer), the inspection team dedicated to short-term rentals will be enhanced, and those inspectors will be able to issue $1,000 fines directly to offenders — with additional fines of $2,000 for each day of repeated offence — instead of ticket delivery through the province taking up to a year, as was previously the case.

City of Montreal to limit short-term rentals, freeing up 2,000 housing units Read More »

‘Humanitarian crisis’: Plante accuses Legault of turning a blind eye to homelessness in Montreal

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante held a press conference this week to discuss the “humanitarian crisis” unfolding in the city due to homelessness, and accused Quebec Premier François Legault of turning a blind eye to the issue.

“I saw François Legault arrive with his boots when there were floods in Baie-Saint-Paul, when there were forest fires, to reassure people. He’s supposed to be a good family man. How come we haven’t seen him, or anyone from his team, at the camp on Notre-Dame Street, or in the overflowing shelters in the Village, where residents are increasingly complaining about insecurity? Or in the Ville-Marie borough councils, when citizens come to say they’re at their wit’s end finding syringes in their alleys?”

Plante said that the city has been left to do the job of the province, and that Montrealers are being taxed twice to deal with this issue — once by Quebec for the services the province is supposed to provide and a second time by Montreal for having to pay for those services.

Plante has been asking for urgent intervention from the province to assist with temporary shelters for the homeless since winter temperatures arrived in December. The city went ahead and established several emergency warming centres, saying they would simply bill the province. So far, one of these warming centres alone — in a building next door to City Hall — has cost the city $700,000.

The mayor is now suggestion a provincial plan to deal with homelessness that includes mental health and addiction support, as well as housing solutions.

Quebec’s Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant, said in a written statement that he was surprised by Plante’s statement and accusations. “Can we stop looking for someone to blame?” he wrote. “If the problem was just money, we would have solved this crisis a long time ago.”

‘Humanitarian crisis’: Plante accuses Legault of turning a blind eye to homelessness in Montreal Read More »

475 kilos of cocaine stopped by Canada Border Services in historic $83-million drug bust

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Toronto police made a historic drug bust this week, seizing 835 kilograms of cocaine — 475 kilos of which had been intercepted by Canada Border Services at the U.S. border. In a press conference on Tuesday, the police presented $83-million worth of cocaine, over half of which were transported to Canada by truck, from Mexico and through the U.S. The remainder of the drugs were confiscated from “stash houses.”

This seizure, the largest in the history of the Toronto police force, follows a months-long investigation that they say points to the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, considered one of the most violent and prolific drug trafficking operations in the world. Two Mexican nationals and four Canadians were arrested, and three additional warrants have been issued ( for two Mexicans and one Canadian).

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended the law enforcement agencies who worked together on “Project Castillo,” which also included members of the York Regional Police Service, the Canada Border Services Agency and border officials in Windsor.

“Outstanding work by Toronto Police, Canada’s border agents and RCMP officers. More than $80-million worth of cocaine kept off our streets. This will save lives.”

475 kilos of cocaine stopped by Canada Border Services in historic $83-million drug bust Read More »

Quebec rental board recommends record-high 5.9% rent increase despite 2% inflation

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec rental board has issued its annual rent guidelines for landlords, and this year’s recommendation is a record-high 5.9% increase. Every year, the board presents the province’s landlords with calculations of property expenses to justify rent increases.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented on the fact that this number is roughly triple the current rate of inflation in the city, which is currently 2%, saying the rental board’s formula needs to be revised.

“We know that interest rates make things difficult for many small landlords, but inflation has been even harder on renters. A record increase in rents that’s close to 6%, while inflation is 2%? That does not hold water. The calculation formula must absolutely be revised.”

The rental board’s guidelines apply to the year beginning on April 2, 2025.

The 5.9% rent increase is recommended specifically for tenants who pay for their own heat. Last year, the recommended increase for that category was 4%. For tenants in heated dwellings, the 2025 rent increase recommendations are 5.5% (electric heating), 5% (natural gas) and 4.1% (heating oil).

For information about tenants’ right to refuse rent increases, please visit the Educaloi website.

Quebec rental board recommends record-high 5.9% rent increase despite 2% inflation Read More »

Canada is sending 60 firefighters and additional resources to Los Angeles

By Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The government of Canada has confirmed that 60 firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia have been deployed to battle the ongoing fires in Los Angeles. The feds are also coordinating with the provinces to provide additional resources over the days ahead.

Last week, Quebec sent CL-415 firefighting aircraft to the region (and will send more this week), while senior-level staff at the B.C. Wildfire Service have been consulting directly with CAL FIRE.

So far, 24 fatalities have been confirmed, 16 people are reported missing and over 100,000 people remain under evacuation orders. Multiple fires have been burning in Los Angeles since wind storms hit the region last Tuesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on Canada’s role in battling the fires.

“California’s always had our back when we battle wildfires up north. Now, Canada’s got yours.”

Canada is sending 60 firefighters and additional resources to Los Angeles Read More »

Report finds Loblaws is overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A CBC investigation found that Loblaws and other major grocery stores have been overcharging customers for meat by weighing the product with packaging, increasing the price by 4% to 11%.

Underweighted meat was sold at 80 Loblaws stores in Western Canada for an undisclosed period ending in Dec. 2023, according to CBC, who also discovered the same phenomenon in recent months at four stores in three provinces: two Loblaws locations, one Sobeys and one Walmart.

Federal regulations state that posted net weights for packaged food, and subsequent pricing, can’t factor in the packaging.

Terri Lee, who was a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspector for 24 years before her retirement in 2021, told the CBC that grocery stores have been overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat for years. Lawyer and consumer advocate Daniel Tsai said that even a small weight discrepancy could add up to millions of dollars in profit for grocery chains over time.

“There’s definitely a need here for some kind of rectification that consumers get compensated,” Tsai said.

Iris Griffin, a Manitoba woman who discovered that her local Loblaws was overcharging for meat, alerted the CFIA, which took the case to the grocery chain. A Loblaws representative has issued an apology, blaming “operational errors” for the problem and stating that the company is “refreshing” their in-store training.

“We apologize for these errors… We have robust internal processes and controls in place; however, they are subject to the occasional operational error. Even though 97% of our [2,400] stores were unaffected, any pricing issue that results in an overcharge is one too many.”

Report finds Loblaws is overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat Read More »

City of Montreal to open winter warming centre for homeless next door to city hall

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As an emergency measure to provide shelter and warmth for homeless Montrealers this winter, the City of Montreal is opening a warming centre in the Lucien-Saulnier building next door to city hall on Saturday.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante explained that, given the upcoming cold snap, there is no time to wait for approval from the province for the $20,000 expense, and that she would simply bill the Quebec government, who won’t be able to refuse to pay.

This news comes days after a homeless man died in the cold in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The cause of death is suspected to be hypothermia.

“The shelters are already full, and just yesterday, dozens of people were turned away. Faced with the emergency, we are taking action,” Plante said. “Providing safe and warm shelter is about respecting the dignity of people experiencing homelessness in difficult times. It is not a perfect solution, but it is a humane decision.”

30 makeshift beds have been set up, 24 for men and 6 for women, in the building 155 Notre-Dame E. that served as a temporary city hall from 2019 until earlier this year, when municipal officials moved back into the renovated city hall building at 275 Notre-Dame E.

The Old Montreal warming centre, which will be open all winter, will be supervised by security guards, with social workers on hand to support the people using the space.

City of Montreal to open winter warming centre for homeless next door to city hall Read More »

Terry Fox will be the new face of Canada’s $5 bill

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Humanitarian icon Terry Fox will soon be featured on Canada’s $5 bill. Aside from honouring the legendary athlete and cancer research activist for (among other things) his 1980 Marathon of Hope across Canada, the placement of Fox on the bill also aims to inspire Canadians to donate $5 to the cause that he championed.

When the Bank of Canada asked for public input on a new Canadian icon to feature on the $5 bill back in 2020, an Angus Reid study found that 57% of Canadians favoured Terry Fox.

Fox will replace the current face of the $5 bill, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who will move to the next version of the $50 bill. There is no word of whether William Lyon Mackenzie King (the longstanding face of the $50) will appear on a different bill.

The federal government made the announcement about honouring Terry Fox on Monday, as part of their 2024 Fall Economic Statement.

Terry Fox will be the new face of Canada’s $5 bill Read More »

Quebec and Canada implement emergency aid for the homeless with onset of winter

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

With the onset of winter, the provincial and federal governments have introduced a joint plan to provide emergency funding to aid the homeless in Quebec. The Canada-Quebec Agreement on Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments aims to provide “rapid and targeted” support to people living in encampments and other unsheltered situations.

Quebec communities will receive nearly $50-million in federal funding over two years, as part of the $250-million that Ottawa announced in the 2024 budget to address encampments and unsheltered homelessness across the country. Quebec will match that amount, bringing the funding for the endeavour to $100-million.

This investment will be allocated to provide additional shelter spaces during winter, help expand 24-hour services for the homeless in Quebec and “enhance support aimed at promoting housing stability and street outreach efforts to address the needs of individuals at imminent risk of unsheltered homelessness, or transitioning out of homelessness.”

Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant commented on today’s news.

“The homelessness situation in Quebec remains extremely concerning and requires coordinated action at all levels,” Carmant said. “This calls for concrete measures and strengthened collaboration with our partners, particularly within the community sector, to continue providing additional shelter spaces and suitable housing to support the most vulnerable individuals. Our government is proud to implement this initiative and reaffirms its commitment to restoring dignity, safety and stability to those who need it most.”

Quebec and Canada implement emergency aid for the homeless with onset of winter Read More »

The homicide rate in Montreal decreased by 21% in 2023

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal saw a 21% decrease in the number of homicides in 2023, according to Statistics Canada. Montreal is also among the Canadian cities with the lowest homicide rates, at 1.19 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The city with the highest homicide rate is Thunder Bay, ON, at 5.34.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante shared the news about the city’s homicide statistics, saying, “Our Montreal model of public safety is bearing fruit.”

Overall, the province of Quebec saw homicide levels reduce to numbers not seen since the 1960s. Across Canada, homicides have also gone down, for the first time in a decade.

While homicides in Montreal decreased in 2023 — there were 31 murders last year, and 42 in 2022 — rates of assaults, hate crimes and property crimes (such as car thefts) rose over the same period.

As of Oct. 31, 2024, there have been 32 homicides in the city this year.

The homicide rate in Montreal decreased by 21% in 2023 Read More »

New Montreal neighbourhood at Molson Brewery site to feature off-market housing, parks, riverfront promenade

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told reporters today that the Molson Brewery site is going to be developed into a new neighbourhood, spanning roughly 1.2 million square feet between Old Montreal and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

The area will feature off-market housing (and a total of 3,200 housing units), green spaces, parks and a riverfront promenade with access to the river. A consortium formed by Groupe Sélection, Groupe Montoni and Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ bought the land in question in 2019, for $126-million.

“The iconic Molson Brewery site is beginning its transformation,” Plante said.

New Montreal neighbourhood at Molson Brewery site to feature off-market housing, parks, riverfront promenade Read More »

Namur-Hippodrome and Louvain-West chosen as sites for modular housing developments

The City of Montreal is moving forward with the construction of modular housing units for the homeless as part of the forthcoming Namur-Hippodrome district in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and in the Louvain-West area in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. The construction of the two buildings, which will temporarily house a total of 60 people as they await more permanent housing solutions, is expected to be completed by the spring. The developments themselves are temporary, and will “give way to residential projects, including off-market housing.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante described these innovative modular developments as “unprecedented efforts” on the part of the city to provide a “dignified and safe” housing solution for the homeless. Plante also noted that the issue of homelessness represents a “collective failure” and that the province needs to step in to ensure people’s safety this winter.

“The vulnerability crisis affecting Montreal and all of Quebec is a collective failure that requires leadership at all levels. In the short term, a plan from the Quebec government remains essential to quickly deploy additional measures dedicated to mental health and addiction care, offer more emergency shelter spaces and accelerate social housing units. Our administration will not give up and we are reaching out to the government and all our partners to ensure that everyone is warm during the winter.”

When a call for tenders was put out for this pilot project in August, the city’s executive committee member responsible for the homelessness file, Robert Beaudry, told La Presse that each building would feature common areas as well as 30 separate rooms with toilets and showers. He added that a community organization (TBD) would be present to assist residents in need of specialized services.

Namur-Hippodrome and Louvain-West chosen as sites for modular housing developments Read More »

Federal governments adds over 300 weapons to list of banned firearms

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government has expanded gun control measures in Canada by adding over 300 models and variants of assault weapons to its list of banned firearms. In a press conference, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said, “These firearms can no longer be legally used, sold or imported in Canada,” effective immediately.

Owners of the newly prohibited assault weapons will be granted amnesty from criminal liability until Oct. 30, 2025, when they will be required to comply by disposing of the firearms in question.

Announced on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Montreal massacre, the expanded gun ban is meant “to ensure that no community, no family, is devastated by mass shootings in Canada again,” Leblanc said.

“The best thing we can do to honour the memories of those we lost in mass shootings is to act on gun control and to restrict access to the very weapons used to commit these horrible crimes.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on this news, and on the buyback system inviting gun owners in Canada to collect and destroy these assault weapons in exchange for compensation.

“Military-style assault rifles don’t belong in your community. So, we’ve banned them.”

“Our buyback system that collects and destroys these banned firearms has launched with an early pilot program. In the coming days, it will open to businesses — and later, to individuals, so they can turn over these weapons.”

Federal governments adds over 300 weapons to list of banned firearms Read More »

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Federal government to give cities resources to crack down on illegal short-term rentals

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As part of their efforts to stabilize the cost of housing in Canada, the federal government is investing $50-million in the Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund. With an estimated 235,000 Airbnbs, Vrbos and other short-term rental units in Canada right now, the goal of the fund is to “bring non-compliant units back to the long-term housing market” by helping cities to properly enforce regulations.

As Housing Minister Sean Fraser noted, the aim is “to make sure that short-term rentals don’t contribute to Canada’s housing crisis.”

The fund will specifically finance hiring enforcement staff, managing complaints and conducting inspections. To be eligible for funding, municipalities, Indigenous communities and (by exception) provinces and territories must already have strict regulations in place, include limiting short-term rentals to principal residences.

“There are more than 200,000 short-term rentals across the country — like Airbnbs or Vrbos — that could be turned into housing,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “So we’re giving cities more resources to crack down on those rentals and unlock more homes for Canadians.”

Federal government to give cities resources to crack down on illegal short-term rentals Read More »

Christian Dubé Quebec Health Minister

Quebec to require new doctors to work in public system for 5 years or face up to $200K daily fine

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec government has tabled a bill that would require new doctors to work in the province’s public healthcare system for the first five years of their career, or face a fine of up to $200,000 daily.

Bill 83 (An Act to Foster the Practice of Medicine in the Public Health and Social Services Network) was tabled by Health Minister Christian Dubé in the National Assembly on Tuesday. The bill includes fines ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 per day, with repeat offences incurring fines of $40,000 to $200,000.

The law, which would apply to both general practitioners and specialists, aims to curb the trend of Quebec doctors choosing the private system over the public system. The Ministry of Health and Social Services reports that 775 of the 22,479 doctors in Quebec work exclusively in the private system, which constitutes a 70% increase since 2020.

Dubé says the law will improve access to the public healthcare system, including access to a doctor. In November, the Health Minister stated that the province is aiming to provide all Quebecers with access to a health professional by the summer of 2026, as part of the new Quebec Health Plan.

“Quebec invests a significant amount of time and money to train doctors. Places are limited and training takes many years. It is normal for doctors to give back to the community after their studies,” Dubé said.

“The private sector can be complementary to serve Quebecers more effectively, but there are issues that concern us. The bill is a first step, we will get back to you in early 2025,” he added. “We are considering different solutions, particularly concerning the back-and-forth between the public and private sectors, and will listen to the partners’ comments.”

Quebec to require new doctors to work in public system for 5 years or face up to $200K daily fine Read More »

Partial pedestrianization of Ste-Catherine West to address safety, infrastructure wear-and-tear

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has announced redevelopment plans for Ste-Catherine West, which include making the street “calmer, safer and greener” via partial pedestrianization and urban landscaping.

Plante noted that the wear-and-tear of the street’s century-old infrastructure, as well as pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns and the impact of online shopping, have moved the city to re-imagine the heart of the downtown core.

“It’s time to open a new chapter in the history of this iconic artery. Our plan is to create a calmer, safer and greener street than ever, with a public pedestrian plaza and urban landscaping that will transform the experience for those who visit, work and live there.”

The areas to be pedestrianized will be named after downtown Montreal’s universities, known as Place McGill (between Robert-Bourassa and Mansfield) and Place Concordia (between Bishop and Guy). Work on Ste-Catherine between Peel and St-Marc is scheduled to pick up in April and be completed in the summer of 2025.

Critics, including city hall opposition Ensemble Montréal, have decried a lack of consultation in regards to this plan, though the city claims that workshops were held in 2022 and 2023 and that the plan was pushed forward due to popular demand — both from the public and the universities.

 Glenn Castanheira, the executive director of downtown business association Montréal Centre-Ville, insists that there was no consultation and wants the plan to be postponed until after next year’s municipal election.

“If Montrealers don’t feel listened to, neither do we. The business community feels lied to and cheated with this project.”

Partial pedestrianization of Ste-Catherine West to address safety, infrastructure wear-and-tear Read More »

GST to be suspended on beer, wine, restaurant meals, diapers, kids’ clothes, toys, books & more

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As part of the federal government’s multi-billion-dollar affordability package announced today, GST will be suspended on certain essentials and retail items for Canadians from Dec. 14 to Feb. 15.

Among the items in this “GST holiday” are restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout or delivery), prepared foods at grocery stores, snack foods, beer, wine, cider and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7% ABV, diapers, kids’ clothes and shoes, kids’ car seats and toys, books, newspapers, puzzles and real and artificial Christmas trees.

The Quebec Restaurant Association and Quebec’s Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez have voiced their approval of the GST suspension, forecasting an increase in spending at restaurants over the holidays. Some merchants, including Ted Dranias, who owns the restaurant Petros in Westmount, have concerns about the logistics of removing GST at checkout and eventually putting it back on invoices, estimating it will cost his business $1,000.

The GST holiday is a joint effort by the Liberal government and the NDP, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday.

“The holiday season is when expenses are highest for many Canadians and their families — even with inflation back down to 2% and interest rates being cut four times this year,” Freeland said. “With new tax relief on groceries and seasonal expenses and a rebate for working Canadians, we are reducing costs when they are highest for Canadians. This is about helping you celebrate with family and friends and start 2025 with a little extra money in your bank account.”

While the Liberals opted to implement the GST holiday for two months, the NDP would have made it permanent, according to party leader Jagmeet Singh.

The affordability package also includes $250 Working Canadians Rebate cheques, which will be sent out in April 2025 to working Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023.

GST to be suspended on beer, wine, restaurant meals, diapers, kids’ clothes, toys, books & more Read More »

Federal government addresses cost-of-living financial strain with Working Canadians Rebate

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As part of the federal government’s multi-billion-dollar affordability package to address cost-of-living financial strain, $250 cheques will be sent to working Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023. To be eligible for the Working Canadians Rebate cheques, your 2023 income tax has to have been filed, or be filed by Dec. 31, 2024.

The affordability package, a collaborative effort between the Liberal government and the NDP, also includes a two-month GST holiday on prepared foods at grocery stores, restaurant meals and takeout, snack foods, beer and wine (as well as other types of alcoholic beverages below 7% ABV), diapers, kids’ clothes and shoes, car seats, toys, books, newspapers and periodicals and real or artificial Christmas trees. The GST suspension will begin on Dec. 14 and end on Feb. 15.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chyrstia Freeland announced the details of the government’s affordability package in a press conference in East Gwillimbury, ON today.

“Inflation is down. We have been close to a year within the target range that the Bank of Canada set, which is why the Bank of Canada is now dropping interest rates faster than most of our peer countries. This allows us to make sure that we are putting money in people’s pockets in a way that is not going to stimulate inflation, but is going to help them make ends meet and continue our economic growth.

“This is something that we’re able to do because Canada has one of the strongest balance sheets in the world, the lowest deficit in the G7, and the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. We have a strong fiscal position and we are putting it to work, with a tax break for all Canadians and with rebates for working Canadians.”

Federal government addresses cost-of-living financial strain with Working Canadians Rebate Read More »

City launches program to boost art and culture activities in Montreal neighbourhoods

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has announced the creation of the Neighbourhood Cultural Participation Program to boost art and culture activities across the city. The program, the result of a joint investment of $2.5-million from the province and the city, replaces five existing cultural development programs in an effort to simplify the participation process and offer greater accessibility for cultural organizations. 

As part of the Montreal Cultural Development Agreement, this program will “enable various projects in cultural mediation, cultural leisure, amateur artistic practice, promotion of Montreal heritage and digital creativity.”

New features of the program include an entry point for organizations never funded by the Culture Service and a component to support experimental projects.

The Montreal executive committee member responsible for culture, Ericka Alneus, says that the program’s ultimate goal is to contribute to quality of life across the city.

“This program is a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between the city and local cultural stakeholders. We are proud to work to facilitate the daily lives of cultural organizations, for the benefit of the experience of Montrealers from all corners of the city.”

City launches program to boost art and culture activities in Montreal neighbourhoods Read More »

Christian Dubé Quebec Health Minister

Province aims to provide all Quebecers with access to a health professional by summer 2026

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said today that the province is aiming to provide all Quebecers with access to a health professional by the summer of 2026, as part of the new Quebec Health Plan. This deadline lines up with the next scheduled Quebec election.

Getting access to a family doctor for every Quebecer was a CAQ campaign promise when the party was first elected in 2018. Conceding that this was too great of a challenge (a challenge exacerbated by COIVD-19), the government is now including other health professionals, such as nurse practitioners, in their promise of personalized healthcare for all Quebecers.

Dubé, who provided an update on the province’s Health Plan today, said, “We are moving in the right direction.”

“Quebecers are right to want better access to healthcare, and we are working on it every day,” Dubé said. “Today, we presented the advances in the Health Plan that allow us to set a clear, ambitious and realistic goal: to provide the population with care by the summer of 2026. We will work in collaboration with the Federation of General Practitioners and other health professionals to achieve this goal.”

The Quebec order of nurses also announced today that 2,760 new nurses have been added to their ranks.

Province aims to provide all Quebecers with access to a health professional by summer 2026 Read More »

Federal high-speed rail project will reduce Montreal – Toronto travel time in half

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The federal government will soon announce plans for the first high-speed rail line in Canada, according to a report from Radio-Canada. The rail line, on a newly built, separate, electrified track, would link Quebec City and Toronto, with trains travelling at 300 kilometres per hour — double the speed of Via Rail trains.

The high-speed, high-frequency rail line will reportedly reduce travel time between Montreal and Toronto from nearly six hours by car (or 5 hours by Via Rail express) to three hours. Other cities served include Trois-Rivières, Laval, Ottawa and Peterborough.

The government of Canada has reportedly chosen but not officially awarded one of the three contract bids that, according to Transport Minister Anita Anand, were still under consideration as of two weeks ago. Anand spoke about the project at an economic forum in Toronto.

“Rail is going to improve productivity, it’s going to improve efficiency, it’s going to lower carbon emissions and it’s going to allow for more housing to be built along these rail lines,” Anand said.

Federal high-speed rail project will reduce Montreal – Toronto travel time in half Read More »

Legault: “There is no problem with schools that were Catholic”

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The CAQ shot down a Parti Québécois motion on Thursday that sought to cut public funding of private religious schools. This motion was introduced in the National Assembly in the wake of the Bedford School scandal, which reignited conversations about secularism in Quebec.

The roughly 50 Quebec institutions in question, most of which are of Catholic heritage, receive $160-million in public funds annually.

The private schools were founded, Premier François Legault said, “by members of the clergy. Schools that were Catholic, in our opinion, there is no problem with these schools!”

Some critics reacted to Legault’s comments citing the inherent hypocrisy of the government that introduced the secularism law Bill 21 supporting historically Catholic institutions on the basis of their religious or cultural heritage. Others, however, noted that defunding all schools with religious heritage would damage institutions such as Collège Notre-Dame and Brébeuf.

The Bedford School scandal, which resulted in the dismissal of several Maghrebi teachers for not following the curriculum and allegedly implementing Muslim cultural practices in the classroom, prompted Legault to decry “the entry of Islamism” into Quebec schools.

Legault: “There is no problem with schools that were Catholic” Read More »

Quebec to launch public consultation on getting rid of daylight savings time

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec government announced today that the province is considering getting rid of daylight savings time, the practice of moving the clock ahead one hour in March, and back one hour in November.

In a press conference today, Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette announced an online consultation on the topic, including a five-minute survey (to be uploaded to the government’s website soon) that Quebecers can fill out until Dec. 1.

“Every year, the time change sparks debates and raises questions. This practice, which dates back to World War I, has a significant impact on the daily lives of Quebecers. The time has come to think about abolishing the time change and keeping the same time all year round.”

Quebec Premier François has previously stated that he is not opposed to ending the practice of daylight savings time.

Quebec to launch public consultation on getting rid of daylight savings time Read More »

893 social and affordable off-market housing units inaugurated in Montreal

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has inaugurated 893 social and affordable off-market housing units, which are either being built or have officially opened, in collaboration with the community-oriented social enterprise Bâtir son quartier. Of these units, made possible by a joint investment of nearly $340-million by all three levels of government, roughly 600 are currently completed and habitable.

In a press conference this afternoon, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante presented this sum of nine separate projects as part of the city’s plan to combat the housing crisis with not-for-profit housing solutions.

“The City of Montreal is committed to doing everything in its power to create new off-market housing units. The new Loger + strategy proves it. With measures like priority land transfer for off-market housing, the adoption of a 120-day administrative standard for issuing permits for as-of-right projects, and the three-year, $3-million fund I set up to cover project startup costs, Montreal is taking action to make things happen.”

Over 50% of the 893 units inaugurated today are eligible for the Société d’habitation du Québec’s Quebec Rent Supplement Program (SHQ), allowing their inhabitants to pay 25% of their income towards housing.

Plante spoke about the link between the housing crisis and homelessness, and the importance of addressing the needs of both homeless and those who are vulnerable to homelessness.

“Thanks to these projects, more than 1,000 people will be sheltered from the streets and will be able to live in dignified and safe conditions.”

893 social and affordable off-market housing units inaugurated in Montreal Read More »

Over 600 social and affordable housing units are opening in Montreal this week

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As part of the City of Montreal’s ongoing efforts to combat the housing crisis, over 600 social and affordable housing units are being inaugurated as part of seven projects in Montreal this week.

Among the projects are LoReLi in Saint-Henri, which features 35 permanent housing units for homeless women, 55 units for single mothers in vulnerable situations and an additional 22 units reserved for lesbian seniors. Next door, another new building features 300 LoReLi condo units.

Isabelle Duclaud of Maison des RebElles, a non-profit organization responsible for the segment of LoReLi reserved for lesbian seniors, intends to move into one of the units. She told Pivot Quebec that she is looking forward to aging among members of her chosen family. “Most of us don’t have (biological) family. Our activists, our groups, our parties, that’s our family,” she says.

Over 600 social and affordable housing units are opening in Montreal this week Read More »

Car theft in Canada is down almost 20%, over 1,900 stolen vehicles intercepted at border

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Car theft in Canada saw a 20% reduction in the first half of 2024, while over 1,900 stolen vehicles have been intercepted at the border, according to Transport Minister Anita Anand. This update comes five months after the introduction of a federal action plan including tougher, 14-year prison sentences for those found guilty of car theft.

This initiative was developed in response to an issue that has been described as a “national crisis.” Over 105,000 vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2022, which breaks down to one vehicle stolen every five minutes. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, private auto insurers paid out $1.5-billion in theft claims in 2023, an increase of 254% since 2018.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on news of the decrease in auto theft yesterday, saying that “more stolen cars are being intercepted and returned to their rightful owners.”

“Auto theft is down in Canada. More stolen cars are being intercepted and returned to their rightful owners. The tools we’ve equipped law enforcement with — new scanners, new penalties and new intelligence sharing systems — are working.”

Car theft in Canada is down almost 20%, over 1,900 stolen vehicles intercepted at border Read More »

Two suspects arrested in connection with last week’s fatal Old Montreal fire

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal police have announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the fire in Old Montreal that claimed two lives last Friday, Oct. 4. In a press conference this afternoon, the SPVM confirmed that the suspects are aged 18 and 20, one of whom allegedly used a molotov cocktail to set the fire while the other drove the getaway car.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante praised the SPVM for making these arrests quickly.

“I congratulate the SPVM teams who made quick arrests in connection with the Old Montreal fire. These criminal acts will never be tolerated and the perpetrators will face justice. These arrests are a show of strength by our police service, which will continue to shed light on this criminal act.”

French nationals Léonor Géraudie and her seven-year-old daughter Vérane Reynaud-Géraudie perished in the fire, which started in Loum wine bar on the ground floor of the building at 400/402 Notre-Dame E. and spread to the 19-room hostel upstairs, which was called Le 402. CBC reported that one hostel guest who escaped the blaze described his room as a “shoebox” with no windows. Online reviews of the hostel include complaints about windowless rooms and windows that don’t open.

The owner of the building is Emile Benamor, who was also the proprietor of the Place d’Youville building that went up in flames in March 2023, killing seven. That building was illegally being used to rent Airbnb units, at least one of which had no windows.

Two suspects arrested in connection with last week’s fatal Old Montreal fire Read More »

Fabre and d’Iberville metro stations have reopened, Saint-Michel remains closed

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The STM has announced that two of the three metro stations on the Blue Line that were closed last Thursday — Fabre and d’Iberville — reopened this morning as of 10 a.m. Saint-Michel station will remain closed indefinitely.

The three stations were closed on the night of Oct. 3 “as a precautionary safety measure” due to structural issues at Saint-Michel.

“Works currently underway at Saint-Michel station have detected significant degradation of some of the main beams above the bridge. Given the location of the track equipment needed to turn trains, Fabre and d’Iberville stations must be closed as well.”

Shuttle bus service connecting STM users to Saint-Michel station remains in effect.

Fabre and d’Iberville metro stations have reopened, Saint-Michel remains closed Read More »

Fabre, d’Iberville and Saint-Michel metro stations could remain closed for weeks

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The STM has announced that three metro stations on the Blue Line — Fabre, d’Iberville and Saint-Michel — will remain closed indefinitely following an emergency closure “as a precautionary safety measure.” In a press conference this morning, STM Director General Marie-Claude Léonard confirmed that the closure of these stations could last “a few days or even a few weeks.”

“Works currently underway at Saint-Michel station have detected significant degradation of some of the main beams above the bridge. Given the location of the track equipment needed to turn trains, Fabre and d’Iberville stations must be closed as well.”

Shuttle bus service has been set up between Jean-Talon and Saint-Michel stations.

Fabre, d’Iberville and Saint-Michel metro stations could remain closed for weeks Read More »

Valérie Plante: “We’ll get to the bottom of what caused this fire”

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante issued a statement this morning about the five-alarm fire that broke out in Old Montreal overnight. The fire at 400 Notre-Dame E., which Plante referred to as “suspicious” in an earlier statement, resulted in the death of two people on site, and left one person critically injured and two additional people with minor injuries.

“My thoughts are with the people affected by the fire that took place early this morning on the corner of Bonsecours and Notre-Dame streets. This is terrible news, and I’m sending my most sincere sympathies to all those affected.

“The SPVM is in charge of the investigation. We’ll get to the bottom of what caused this fire. Thanks to the City of Montreal Fire Service, who are still on site to control the fire and secure the sector.”

Plante held a press conference this morning outside Saint-Michel metro station to comment on the emergency closure of the station and two others on the Blue Line due to the need for urgent repairs.

Valérie Plante: “We’ll get to the bottom of what caused this fire” Read More »

Police presence in Montreal to be increased during week of Oct. 7

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Montreal police will be holding a press conference tomorrow morning regarding their plans for security in the city next week, the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel.

Mayor Valérie Plante issued a statement today expressing sympathy for Montreal’s Jewish communities, which have suffered a number of anti-Semitic hate crimes — including multiple instances of offensive graffiti and other forms of vandalism at Jewish institutions — since the war in Gaza began last fall.

“I understand the feeling of insecurity among Montreal’s Jewish communities. The police presence will be increased around places of worship and we will not tolerate demonstrations that lead to vandalism, as well as anti-Semitic or Islamophobic acts.”

Police presence in Montreal to be increased during week of Oct. 7 Read More »

Montreal public health reiterates commitment to promoting health equity for Indigenous peoples in the city

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Sept. 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada, and Montreal public health director Dr. Mylène Drouin took the opportunity to address the issue of health equity for Indigenous peoples in the city.

Among many other reported incidents exemplifying the lack of equity for Indigenous peoples in the Quebec healthcare system, the death of Joyce Echaquan in a Joliette hospital in 2020 raised a rallying cry from critics, activists and community members across Canada and beyond.

“The regional director of public health pays tribute to residential school survivors, those who have disappeared, as well as members of their families and communities, and reiterates its commitment to promoting health equity for Indigenous peoples in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also issued a statement to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is bringing the annual Every Child Matters rally and march to Parc Avenue this afternoon.

“Let us not look away from the past. Instead, let us face it and work together to write a new page of history. On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us recognize the progress that has been made and the progress that remains to be made.”

Montreal public health reiterates commitment to promoting health equity for Indigenous peoples in the city Read More »

Montreal marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with march, music, speakers

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Across Canada, Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to commemorate the victims of the residential school system for Indigenous kids. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30 is being observed in Montreal with the fourth annual Every Child Matters: A Day of Action for Truth and Reconciliation, a rally and march organized by Resilience Montreal and the Native Women’s Shelter with support from the David Suzuki Foundation and the POP Montreal festival.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday by the Sir George-Étienne Cartier statue by Mount Royal, and will feature speakers and performers Kevin Deer, Jeremy Dutcher, Sacred Wolf Drummers, Alex McComber, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Ellen Gabriel, Barbara Diabo, Maya Cousineau-Mollen and Beatrice Deer. Talks and performances will be followed by a march on Parc Avenue, Sherbrooke and Mansfield to René-Levesque.

“We come together in honour of the children found in mass graves, residential school survivors, and their families. We invite community members, organizations, and students to stand with us and listen to the wisdom of our powerful speakers.

“We encourage everyone to wear orange shirts and bring their drums as symbols of solidarity.”

Organizers note that the procession will pass Parc and Milton, an area where a number of homeless people gather, and encourages attendees to bring food, clothing and other items to offer.

For more on Every Child Matters: A Day of Action for Truth and Reconciliation in Montreal, please visit the event page.

Montreal marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with march, music, speakers Read More »

Canada calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ along border of Lebanon and Israel

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Following several days of escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in over 600 deaths and thousands of injuries in Lebanon (including two Canadians), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement calling for an “immediate ceasefire” along the border of Lebanon and Israel.

“It has been devastating to the civilians in harm’s way, including the two innocent Canadians killed. We will support all diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.”

The Prime Minister’s Office released a joint statement on the subject, signed by Canada and 10 other countries including the U.S. and U.K., as well as the European Union. The statement calls for a 21-day ceasefire in order to explore diplomatic resolutions for the conflict, and to proceed with ongoing work towards a ceasefire in Gaza, as well.

“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”

Canada calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ along border of Lebanon and Israel Read More »

City of Montreal to change noise bylaw to exempt music venues, bars, restaurants following La Tulipe closure

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Following the announcement yesterday that Plateau music venue La Tulipe is closing after years of legal challenges from a neighbouring building owner, the City of Montreal has announced plans to exempt music venues, performance halls, bars and restaurants from the noise bylaw that facilitated those challenges — and those faced over the past 15 years by Divan Orange and Main Hall, two venues on St-Laurent Boulevard that closed under almost identical circumstances.

After hinting at a regulatory change yesterday, Plateau-Mont-Royal borough mayor Luc Rabouin told reporters today that this amendment will be ratified tomorrow — and encouraged all other boroughs to do the same. The bylaw currently states that any “noise produced by means of sound devices” should not be audible outside a venue; the change will specify that noise is permitted, below a certain decibel level (TBA).

Mayor Valérie Plante reacted to the news of La Tulipe’s closure in an executive committee meeting this morning, and echoed her thoughts on the matter in a video posted on Instagram this afternoon (see the embed below).

“We want to find solutions for La Tulipe, but also for the entire cultural ecosystem. We believe in good neighbourliness, that’s why we have programs to improve soundproofing, upgrade facilities, our bars, our neighbourhood cultural institutions.”

Plante expressed shock and sadness over the venue’s closure, and over the way it happened — one person singlehandedly shutting a venue down. “Yes to good neighbourliness, but no to the dictatorship of a neighbour,” she said. Planted added that the city will also increase their budget for venue sound-proofing.

When questioned about La Tulipe’s future, Rabouin said that he did not know if these measures will lead to the venue’s reopening, but that lawyers are looking into the situation.

No mention was made of city’s erroneous rezoning of the building next to La Tulipe that allowed its owner to convert it into residences in 2016 and launch the legal challenges against the venue.

City of Montreal to change noise bylaw to exempt music venues, bars, restaurants following La Tulipe closure Read More »

Montreal music venue La Tulipe to close following court decision to silence their sound system

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Following yesterday’s Quebec Court of Appeal decision against the longstanding Montreal music venue, la Tulipe announced on their website today that they are essentially being forced to close. The decision requires the venue to stop emitting any noise from their sound system.

This is the culmination of years of lawsuits and police intervention brought about by Pierre-Yves Beaudoin, who owns the adjacent building — which was mistakenly zoned as residential by the City of Montreal before it was sold to him in 2016. Between legal fees, sound-proofing costs and the pandemic, the venue has been decimated financially.

“It is with sadness, disappointment and incomprehension that we received yesterday the judgment of the Quebec Court of Appeal requiring us to stop emitting noise from sound equipment at la Tulipe.

“We are now asking the decision-making bodies of the City of Montreal and the Minister of Culture and Communications of Quebec to take a stand and implement measures to rectify the situation, thus affirming the essential role of live performance, song, music, and artists, in a city with an international reputation like Montreal. Because this decision, in the end, forces artists to keep quiet.”

Montreal music venue La Tulipe to close following court decision to silence their sound system Read More »

Major Montreal climate march on Sept. 27 demands concrete action from Quebec government

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal will be the site of a major climate march on Friday, Sept. 27, the last day of the week-long international Global Climate Strike. The local organizers represent the Quebec group Pour qu’il y ait une suite du monde (So That There May Be a Continuation of the World), which brings together 50 organizations: unions, environmental, health, economic, community and student groups, as well as citizen collectives and elected officials (including Projet Montréal).

The movement is calling for action and mobilization across the province to demand the implementation of concrete action “in favour of the social and environmental transition.” Expressing frustration over provincial government inaction, the organization says, “It’s time to create a balance of power and regain control to act on the future of Quebec.”

In the march’s event page, Pour la suite du monde says:

“For several years, Quebec civil society has been studying, documenting, consulting, working together and agreeing on principles and actions to achieve and implement this transition.

“Conversely, the government does not want to hear anything, and is navigating without adequate planning or clear direction. Our movement was born out of this fed-up feeling. We are calling for social dialogue to implement a true ecological and social transition, because it is together that we will be able to build the Quebec of tomorrow.”

The Montreal climate march takes place on Friday, Sept. 27, assembling at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument on Parc Avenue and Rachel at 6:15 p.m. and progressing to Bonaventure metro from 6:30 until 8 p.m.

Major Montreal climate march on Sept. 27 demands concrete action from Quebec government Read More »

City renews funding for 9 Montreal pedestrian streets through 2027

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Given the fact that, as Montreal city councillor Alia Hassan-Cournol puts it, “pedestrianized streets are now part of Montreal’s DNA,” the city is investing $12-million in the seasonal transformation of nine streets into pedestrian-only zones through 2027.

This investment is a renewal of the funding that City Hall set aside for the pedestrianization of Montreal commercial arteries in 2022, which also covered a three-year period.

The streets that were selected are the most successful pedestrianization projects, which will no longer need to re-qualify annually for funding.

The funding ceiling for pedestrian streets is also increasing from $375,000 to $700,000, and Mont-Royal Avenue and Wellington and Ontario streets will boost their budgets accordingly in 2025.

Montreal’s pedestrian-only streets that have been renewed through 2027 are as follows:

  1. Mont-Royal From St-Laurent to St-Denis, St-Denis to de Lorimier
  2. Wellington From 6th Avenue to Régina
  3. Ste-Catherine From St-Hubert to Papineau
  4. Ontario E. From Pie-IX to Darling
  5. Duluth E. From St-Laurent to St-Hubert
  6. St-Denis (as well as Emery Street) From Sherbrooke to de Maisonneuve
  7. Bernard From Wiseman to Bloomfield
  8. De Castelnau E. From St-Denis to de Gaspé
  9. Plaza St-Hubert From Bellechasse to Jean-Talon

City renews funding for 9 Montreal pedestrian streets through 2027 Read More »

Largest sponge park in Montreal planned for HOMA’s Pierre-Bédard Park

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Plans to build the largest sponge park in Montreal were announced on Tuesday, with nearly $8-million being invested by the Quebec government into the transformation of Pierre-Bédard Park in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough.

To reduce flood risk in the area, the sponge park will have a water retention capacity of 4 million litres — the size of two Olympic swimming pools. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Alongside Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and other government representatives, Quebec’s Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest was on hand at a press conference to discuss the sponge park project.

“Our government is once again demonstrating its commitment to the municipal sector to implementing sustainable solutions to address climate change.”

Today’s news build’s on the city’s plan to develop hundreds of sponge retention areas across Montreal by 2025. Among the other sponge projects previously announced this year are the city’s first sponge street in the Sainte-Marie borough and a massive sponge park in Verdun.

Largest sponge park in Montreal planned for HOMA’s Pierre-Bédard Park Read More »

6 Indigenous Canadians killed by police since Aug. 29 — Montreal vigil to be held Sept. 18

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Over a period of 11 days, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8, 6 Indigenous Canadians were killed across the country in fatal shootings and vehicular manslaughter incidents perpetrated by RCMP and city police officers. In response to these killings, Resilience Montreal and the Native Women’s Shelter have organized a local vigil, “Justice for Indigenous Lives,” to take place in Place du Canada on Sept. 18.

“The legacy of police violence against Indigenous people has to stop! Join us on Wednesday, September 18, at Place du Canada for a vigil to honour the 6 people murdered by the (police).”

According to an APTN report, on Aug. 29, 31-year-old Jack Piché died after being struck by an RCMP vehicle in Clearwater Dené Nation, Saskatechewan. On Sept. 2, Tammy Bateman, an Indigenous woman in her 30s, was killed by a Winnipeg police cruiser.

On Aug. 30, 15-year old Hoss Lightning-Saddleback was shot in Samson Cree Nation, Alberta by RCMP officers responding to a 911 call that he placed, saying he was being “followed by people who wanted to harm him.” On Sept. 6, 57-year-old Jason West was killed by Windsor police, who were responding to a call about a person with a weapon outside a Beer Store.

Steven ‘Iggy’ Dedam, 33, was fatally shot by the RCMP during a “wellness check” at his home in Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick on Sept. 8. On the same day, the RCMP shot and killed 31-year-old Daniel Knife (who they suspected was involved in a machete attack earlier that day) in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Saskatchewan.

For more on the “Justice for Indigenous Lives” vigil at Place du Canada (Peel & René-Lévesque) on Sept.18, 6 p.m., please visit the Facebook event page.

6 Indigenous Canadians killed by police since Aug. 29 — Montreal vigil to be held Sept. 18 Read More »

Bill 96 update: Quebec anglos won’t need to prove ‘historic anglo’ status for English healthcare service

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A Quebec Liberal Party motion was passed unanimously in the National Assembly on Thursday amending the province’s controversial healthcare directives related to Bill 96 and so-called “historic anglos,” which were released to widespread criticism by the CAQ in July.

The 31-page document stated that healthcare services could only be provided in a language other than French if the patient did not understand French, or, in the case of Quebec anglos, if they produced a  a certificate of eligibility for English-language education, proving historic-anglo status.

“Today we didn’t want just words from the minister. We wanted to adopt a motion expressing the will of the National Assembly that that is the case: you do not need a certificate when you walk into a hospital to get service in the English language, and nobody should be worried about that.”

Bill 96 update: Quebec anglos won’t need to prove ‘historic anglo’ status for English healthcare service Read More »

New CAQ law would mandate Quebec restaurants to calculate tips on the price before tax

by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

On Thursday, CAQ minister Simon Jolin-Barrette tabled a law that would regulate tips, mandating Quebec restaurants and other merchants to calculate tips based on subtotals — the price before tax — rather than totals after tax, as is the case now.

The Quebec Restaurant Association responded to the proposed legislation, saying that the passing of this law (Bill 72) “will naturally have an impact on the income of the dining room staff” but could also save money on fees for restaurants. They also expressed disappointment that there are no provisions in the law regarding unhonoured reservations (“no-shows”).

New CAQ law would mandate Quebec restaurants to calculate tips on the price before tax Read More »

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