<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-construction-workers-work-on-a-job-site.jpg?id=59928051&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>In case you haven't noticed the never-ending sea of orange cones, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-construction" target="_blank">Montreal is no stranger to construction</a> — or to the drama that sometimes surrounds it. </p><p>Now, nearly 14 years after an illegal protest shut down job sites across Quebec, workers and contractors who lost wages that day can finally <a href="https://www.ftq-inter.ca/documents/fr/ftq-inter-avis-de-jugement.pdf" target="_blank">apply for compensation</a>.</p><p>After a final ruling in a long-running class-action lawsuit this week, <a href="https://courdappelduquebec.ca/en/" target="_blank">Quebec's Court of Appeal</a> has approved payouts for thousands of people affected by the province-wide construction shutdown that took place on October 25, 2011.</p><p>The class action was brought against <a href="https://www.ftq-inter.ca/fr" target="_blank">FTQ-Construction and CPQMC (Inter) </a>over disruptions tied to unauthorized union demonstrations. If you were on the job — or unable to work — that day, you might be eligible for a cheque.</p><h3>Who's eligible?</h3><br/><p>There are two groups that qualify:</p><ul><li>Workers whose job sites (with 50 or fewer employees) were shut down or disrupted on October 25, 2011.</li><li>Small business owners with 50 or fewer employees who lost income or paid wages that day without work being performed.</li></ul><h3>How much can you get?</h3><br/><ul><li>Workers can claim up to $500, but most will likely receive around $300 after fees.</li><li>Small businesses may be eligible for higher (uncapped) amounts depending on how much revenue or payroll was lost that day.</li></ul><h3>When is the deadline?</h3><br/><p>The deadline to claim is April 16, 2026.</p><p>Payments will be made by cheque or Interac e-transfer, though processing and legal fees (35% + tax) will be deducted from the total.</p><p>You'll need to fill out a claim form to get your money. Head to <a href="http://www.ftq-inter.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ftq-inter.ca</a> to submit.</p><p>For help, contact the claims administrator:<br/>Phone: 1-877-770-8091<br/>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ftq-inter@conciliainc.com</a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/canadian-money-tucked-in-a-wallet-on-a-wooden-surface.jpg?id=28053101&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C12%2C0%2C12"/><br/><br/><p>If you're a senior in Canada who relies on <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/government-payments" target="_blank">government payments</a> like the Canada Pension Plan and <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-age-security-payments" target="_blank">Old Age Security (OAS)</a>, here's some good news — March 2025 OAS payments are just around the corner.</p><p>Old Age Security is a monthly benefit provided by Service Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada. It's designed to support Canadians aged 65 and older with their retirement expenses. While many seniors are automatically enrolled, not everyone qualifies, so it's important to check your eligibility.</p><h3>When are the March 2025 OAS payments coming?</h3><br/><p>Mark your calendars! The March OAS payment is scheduled to be deposited on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Payments are generally sent out on the last week of every month.</p><h3>How much can you get?</h3><br/><p>For March 2025, eligible seniors between 65 and 74 can receive up to $727.67. For those aged 75 and over, the maximum amount is $800.44. The exact amount you'll receive depends on your income. Payments are reviewed quarterly to keep up with inflation, but they never decrease.</p><h3>Who's eligible?</h3><br/><p>You may qualify for OAS if you:</p><ul> <li>Are 65 years old or older.</li><li>Are a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved.</li><li>Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.</li></ul><p>Even if you've moved abroad, you might still be eligible if you were a Canadian citizen or legal resident before leaving and lived in Canada for at least 20 years as an adult.</p><h3>How to apply</h3><br/><p>Most Canadians are automatically enrolled, but if you're not, Service Canada will usually send you a letter around your 64th birthday. To apply, you can log in to your My Service Canada Account and apply online or mail a paper application form at a Service Canada office.</p><h3>Is OAS taxable?</h3><br/><p>Yes, OAS payments count as taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your monthly payments or pay them later when filing your taxes. Service Canada will provide the appropriate tax slip for your location.</p><p class="">To help you stay on top of things, here’s a look at the upcoming OAS payment dates for 2025:</p><ul><li>April 28</li><li>May 28</li><li>June 26</li><li>July 29</li><li>August 27</li><li>September 25</li><li>October 29</li><li>November 26</li><li>December 22</li></ul><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p></p>
