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Category: General
Everything Montreal Airport wants you to know if you’re travelling in December or January
As Montreal Airport ramps up for the busy holiday season and prepares to break records with 22 million passengers this year, it’s asking travellers to get prepared to avoid getting caught in the Christmas travel chaos.
On December 16, Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) shared some essential tips and updates for anyone travelling in December or early-January.
Whether you’re travelling to spend the holidays with loved ones, jetting off to warmer climates, or ringing in the new year somewhere beautiful, nobody needs the added stress of being stuck at security, circling for parking, or missing their flight because of a traffic jam.
To help make your journey as smooth as possible, here’s everything YUL wants you to know before you head to the airport this holiday season.
Before you leave
Know your travel plan: Before leaving home, check your flight’s status on YUL’s website or via the airline you’re flying with. This way, you can triple-check your flight time and information and stay up to date with any potential delays or issues.
You’ll also want to look at the current parking lot occupancy (it fills up particularly fast during the holidays) and book your spot in advance if possible.
If you’re dropping someone off, the Express West drop-off at the P4 parking lot is a hidden gem. It’s free, easy to access, and comes with a shuttle service to the terminal that takes less than five minutes. Plus, it’s open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The airport also suggests saving yourself some grief by scoping out road conditions and traffic on Quebec 511 before heading out so you have time to change routes or leave earlier if needed.
Understand the baggage rules: When packing your carry-on, remember: no wrapped gifts! They might get unwrapped at security, so stash those in your checked baggage to avoid ruining Christmas before it’s even started. And don’t forget to double-check your airline’s baggage size and weight limits to avoid any last-minute surprises.
When you arrive at YUL
Arrive early: YUL is urging all passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight over the holiday period, no matter the destination. This gives you plenty of time to check in, clear security, and relax before boarding. As soon as you’re checked in, head to security as soon as possible.
Speed up the process: If you’re heading to the United States, download the Mobile Passport Control app to pre-submit your passport info and customs declaration, which will save you some time inside the airport. For other destinations, the YUL Express platform lets you book a specific time slot for security checks, giving you access to a priority line.
When you get home
Get home quicker: If you’re flying back to Montreal Airport, save time by completing your customs and immigration declaration on the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before landing.
You can also avoid long lines by paying for your parking online 15 minutes before you leave the airport. Just scan the QR code on your ticket and follow the instructions. After all, less time waiting means you can get home faster!
Stay ahead of the chaos: If you’re picking someone up from the airport, be prepared! Check if your passenger has landed before heading to the arrivals area, and use the free CellParc holding lot to wait—it’s free for up to two hours.
From December 20, most other parking lots will also offer a 40-minute free period for quick pickups. To avoid congestion, arrange a meeting point in one of the five designated loading zones (A, B, C, D, or E).
If you’re looking for a stress-free alternative, the Express West drop-off can also be used as a pickup point. It’s convenient and helps you dodge the chaos of the main arrivals area.
Finally, the YUL Transit Planner can help you find out which drop-off/pickup spot is most convenient based on that day’s airport traffic forecasts. Easy!
Wherever you’re going, bon voyage, Montreal!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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One week left to claim $375 from the Yahoo class action lawsuit in Canada — Here’s how
Time’s running out, Montreal! If you’ve ever had a Yahoo or Rogers account, there’s a class action lawsuit in Canada you might want to know about, and the deadline to claim is approaching fast.
A major class action lawsuit affecting Yahoo and Rogers customers was settled earlier this year, and Canadians could be eligible to claim up to $375 from the $20 million settlement. The deadline to submit your claim is officially one week away — so don’t snooze on this.
The class action settlement was approved earlier this year after allegations that Yahoo’s “inadequate data security measures” led to data breaches between 2012 and 2016, exposing the personal information of Rogers and Yahoo account holders. Rogers is not named in the lawsuit, but its email services are powered by Yahoo.
While the settlement is not an admission of guilt and Yahoo denies any wrongdoing, it has agreed to the settlement to close the case.
The claims period officially ends next Friday, December 27. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out.
Who’s eligible for the Yahoo class action settlement?
Good news: eligibility is pretty broad. If you’re a Canadian resident who had a Yahoo account at any time between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, you could qualify.
Rogers account holders are also included because Rogers’ email services were powered by Yahoo.
What can you get?
There are three compensation categories to choose from:
- Category A Claims: Get reimbursed for time or expenses spent dealing with the fallout of the data breaches. This covers up to 15 hours of time at $25 per hour (for a maximum of $375) and 25% of the costs of premium Yahoo services (like ad-free email) if you paid for them during the breach period.
- Category B Claims: If you don’t have proof of time or expenses, you can claim up to $125 per breach (up to $375 total) for the inconvenience caused by the incidents.
- Category C Claims: Prefer peace of mind over cash? You can opt for two years of free credit monitoring services (valued at $478.80) instead.
How do you file a claim?
To receive your payout, you must submit a claim form online by December 27, 2024, at the official settlement website YahooClassAction.com.
Be sure to follow the instructions and include any necessary supporting documents. Without a claim, you’ll lose your chance to collect and forfeit your rights to any future compensation from this settlement.
When and how will you get your payout?
Once the claims deadline closes, the settlement administrator will review all submissions. This could take a while, lawyers say, noting that the process could take over a year to complete.
Approved payments will be sent via e-transfer or direct deposit, depending on the information you provide on your claim form. If you choose credit monitoring services, you’ll get instructions on how to activate them once your claim is approved.
For full details or to file your claim, head over to YahooClassAction.com or call the Claims Administrator at 1-866-808-8075. But don’t wait too long — December 27 is almost here!
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VIA Rail is hiring for multiple high-paying roles in Montreal and you can earn $71 an hour
All aboard! If you’ve been thinking about switching tracks in 2025, listen up. VIA Rail is hiring all over Canada right now, and there are several high-paying jobs in Montreal that could set you up for a first-class career among the rails.
From engineering to customer service, there are multiple VIA Rail jobs available, with some positions offering salaries of over $100,000 a year. Whether you’re a locomotive engineer, a project control pro, or a team leader with a passion for delivering excellent service, we’ve got you covered.
VIA Rail is in the middle of some hefty modernization projects at the moment, from introducing a new fleet of ultramodern trains to revamping its infrastructure, so now’s the perfect time to get on board if you’re up for a new challenge.
If you’ve got previous experience in fields like project management, engineering, or customer service, and you’re ready to work for a company thats goal is to keep Canadians moving, one of these roles could be the ideal fit.
Here’s a closer look at the VIA Rail jobs in Montreal right now and what you’ll need to apply.
Locomotive Engineer
Salary: $ 71.53 per hour
Closing Date: December 27, 2024
The Role: VIA Rail is looking for six experienced Locomotive Engineers to join their Montreal (South) team starting in February 2025. In this full-time, permanent role, you’ll be responsible for safely transporting passengers and crew while dishing out excellent customer service.
This is a safety-critical job, so you’ll need to handle varying schedules, extended periods away from home, and high-pressure situations, all while adhering to the Railway Safety Act of Canada and Canadian Railway Operating Rules.
Who Should Apply: To apply, you must be a qualified locomotive engineer, fluent in French and English, and have Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification. You’ll also need strong technical and mechanical skills, a clean criminal record, and the ability to meet the physical requirements of the job.
If you’re safety-oriented, adaptable, and thrive under pressure, this one’s for you!
Manager, VIA Customer Centre
Salary: $79,169 to $97,797 per year
Closing Date: December 29, 2024
The Role: Reporting to the Senior Manager, you’ll be required to lead a team of Contact Centre agents to meet performance and sales goals while creating a highly engaged and collaborative work environment. You’ll handle everything from helping agents deliver exceptional customer experiences to tracking and analyzing performance metrics. This role also involves championing new initiatives, managing employee relations, and overseeing workplace changes.
Who Should Apply: If you have a bachelor’s degree in business (or a related field), five years of Contact Centre experience (ideally in a unionized setting), and are fully bilingual in French and English, this role could be for you. You’ll need experience with multi-channel CRM solutions, knowledge of labour regulations, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is required, and strong leadership and coaching skills are essential.
Project Engineer
Salary: $86,366 to $106,687 per year
Closing date: January 5, 2025
The Role: In this full-time role, you’d work closely with the Senior Manager of Engineering to oversee the planning and execution of various engineering projects. From defining project scopes to supervising technical plans, you’ll ensure projects stay on schedule and meet quality standards. A big part of the role is coordinating design reviews, monitoring work on contractors’ sites, and advising project managers.
Who Should Apply: To apply, you must be qualified to degree-level and be a registered engineer in Quebec with at least five years of project engineering experience. Strong communication skills in both English and French are essential, along with hands-on experience in manufacturing or heavy transport equipment. Railway rolling stock experience is also needed, and certifications like PMP and familiarity with AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
If you’re adaptable, analytical, and knowledgeable about leading multidisciplinary teams, this could be the perfect opportunity to earn big.
Senior Advisor, Program Processes, Performance and Tools
Salary: $91,506 to $113,037 per year
Closing date: December 20, 2024
The Role: VIA Rail is hiring a Senior Advisor, Program Processes, Performance and Tools to support the renewal of its Long-Distance, Regional, and Remote (LDRR) lines. Based in Montreal, the role focuses on integrating project management standards, refining processes, and developing tools to ensure the program’s success as new locomotives and cars are introduced across Canada.
Reporting to the Center of Excellence Senior Manager and collaborating with the LDRR Program Management Office, you’ll lead workshops, monitor program compliance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Who Should Apply: If you have a degree in engineering or administration (a master’s in project management is a bonus), 10-15 years of relevant experience, and expertise in continuous improvement and governance, this role is for you.
You’ll also need a deep understanding of the PMI framework, strong skills with tools like SharePoint and Project Online, and a knack for developing dashboards and performance reports. Fluency in English and French is essential, as are leadership skills, adaptability, and a customer-focused mindset.
Project Control Officer
Salary: $67,859 to $83,826 per year
Closing date: December 26, 2024
The Role: In this role, you’d be responsible for monitoring and controlling project finances, contributing to project start-up activities, and analyzing and assessing project progress. You’ll also oversee activities that monitor and control project delivery while advising project managers on standards, methods, and tools. Your responsibilities will include ensuring timelines are met and analyzing progress to support reporting and risk mitigation.
Who Should Apply: If you have a bachelor’s degree in administration, management, or engineering and 3-7 years of experience as a project controller, this could be your next career move. Proficiency in Microsoft Project, advanced Excel functions, and SharePoint is a must, as are strong organizational and communication skills. Bilingualism in English and French is also required, and familiarity with document management practices is a bonus.
To view the full list of VIA Rail jobs you can apply for across Canada right now, take a closer look here.
Whatever career moves you make in 2025, good luck!
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
You can get free money to spend at these Old Montreal spots and here’s how
If you’re hunting for a holiday gift that’s practical but still feels special, Corner Collection has a deal that might just check all your boxes. From December 17 to 25, they’re running a gift card promotion that makes giving (or treating yourself) way more rewarding.
For every $100 spent on e-gift cards, you’ll get a $20 promotional gift card sent straight to your email. Starting January 6, you can use that bonus at their boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, or spa in Old Montreal.
Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a relaxing spa day, or even a weekend staycation in one of Montreal’s most charming neighborhoods, the recipient gets to choose how they want to enjoy it.
Plus, if you’re planning to treat yourself after the holiday chaos, it’s a pretty good excuse to do just that.
The promo runs for a limited time, and it’s only valid on e-gift cards, so if this sounds like your kind of holiday deal, you’ll want to jump on it before it’s over.
Corner Collection’s gift card promo
Price: Spend $100 on e-gift cards, get a $20 bonus card sent to your email.
Details: Redeem it starting January 6, 2025, at Corner Collection’s hotels, restaurants, or spa in Old Montreal. Treat yourself or someone special.
* Promotional gift cards are subject to the terms and conditions found at https://cornercollection.com/en/gift-cards/
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