Tag: Canada

Can Landlords Say No to Pets? Rental Pet Rules Across Canada

You’ve just found the perfect rental unit, but now comes the big question: can your landlord say no to pets? If you’re a pet owner, this uncertainty can quickly turn a move into a stressful experience. The rules around whether landlords can say no to pets in Canada can vary widely, especially when you’re relocating […]

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Montrealers tip more at restaurants than most Canadians but they expect better service

Montreal’s restaurant scene might be world-class, but so are its diners — at least when it comes to tipping. New data indicates that locals are among the most generous tippers in the country, but they expect service to match.

A recent poll from Lightspeed Commerce, which surveyed over 7,000 restaurant-goers across North America and Europe, found that Montrealers are more likely to tip 15–20% than the average Canadian. While just 29% of Canadians reported tipping in that range, 35% of Montrealers said they do.

But that generosity comes with expectations. Rude service was the number one dealbreaker for Montrealers, with 48% saying they’d never return to a restaurant after a bad experience with staff. Other pet peeves included cold food (29%), long waits (27%), and sticky tables or menus (22%).

“For Montreal diners, the experience is paramount. They’re not just looking for a meal; they’re expecting professional, fast service in a clean environment,” said JD Saint-Martin, President of Lightspeed Commerce. “Restaurants that fail to deliver on these fundamental aspects risk losing a significant portion of their clientele.”

The report, which surveyed 1,000 Canadians who dined out in the past few months, also showed that tipping isn’t always expected in every situation. While 55% of Montrealers are fine tipping for food delivery, just 17% felt it was necessary at counter service spots, and only 37% said the same about coffee shops.

However, as debates about tipping culture rage on, 33% of Montreal respondents said they’d rather pay more for their meals if it meant eliminating tipping altogether.

And while the practice of leaving a little extra doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, Quebec recently implemented a new law stating that restaurants, bars, and cafes have to calculate suggested tip percentages based on the pre-tax total — not after GST and QST are added.

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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 Editorial Standards page.

Quebec restaurants can officially charge you for ditching a reservation starting this month

Flaking on your restaurant reservation in Quebec could soon cost you.

Starting July 17, restaurants across the province will be allowed to charge a $10 no-show fee when customers fail to show up for a reservation — but only if a few conditions are met.

Back in March, MTL Blog covered the province’s plan to introduce this penalty, which is now set to take effect in just a few weeks.

The new rule, announced Thursday by Quebec’s Minister of Justice Simon Jolin-Barrette and Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete, aims to help restaurant owners deal with the growing problem of “ghost reservations” while protecting customers from unfair charges.

“This new framework is an opportunity to remind everyone that if you are unable to honour your reservation, the least you can do is cancel it,” Jolin-Barrette said in a news release.

Here’s how the $10 fee works:

  • It only applies to reservations for two or more people
  • The restaurant must inform you ahead of time that a fee may apply
  • They have to confirm your reservation between 6 and 48 hours before the meal (unless you booked within that window)
  • You must be able to cancel easily at any time, like by text or online
  • The fee can’t be charged if you cancel at least three hours in advance
  • And it only kicks in if no one in the group shows up

Restaurant owners have long complained about the cost of last-minute no-shows. According to the Association Restauration Québec, the average restaurant loses $49,000 a year to ghost reservations, and some lose nearly double that. In total, Quebec eateries could be missing out on over $400 million annually.

A recent Léger poll found that 70% of Quebecers support the idea of a no-show fee, suggesting that most diners agree — if you book a table and can’t make it, the least you can do is cancel.

For more information, visit the Office de la protection du consommateur.

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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 Editorial Standards page.

Canadians are leaving the country in record numbers but Quebecers are staying put

More Canadians packed their bags and left the country in 2024 than in any other year since the 1960s — but people in Quebec didn’t seem to get the memo.

According to new data from Statistics Canada, 106,134 people emigrated from Canada last year, the highest number of departures since 1967. The number marks a 3% jump from 2023 and highlights a growing trend of Canadians seeking opportunities elsewhere, whether it’s for cheaper rent, better weather, or a fresh start abroad.

But while provinces like Ontario and B.C. are seeing people leave in droves, Quebec is holding on to its residents.

Ontario led the country’s latest exodus, accounting for nearly half of all departures despite only making up 39% of the population. That’s nearly 51,000 people who left Ontario in 2024 — more than Quebec, B.C., and Alberta combined.

B.C. came in second with just under 20,000 departures, while Quebec saw only about 13,500 people leave, despite having nearly double B.C.’s population.

That puts Quebec at just 12.7% of Canada’s total emigration, far below what you’d expect from a province that makes up about 22% of the national population. The numbers suggest that Quebecers are more likely to stay put, even as other Canadians head for the exits.

Quebec also saw relatively low numbers in interprovincial migration, meaning people aren’t just staying in the country; they’re staying in the province. That could be due to family ties, language, or simply the cost of moving being too high in a shaky economy.

Meanwhile, Alberta came out ahead, gaining a net 36,000 people from other provinces in 2024, while Ontario lost over 23,000 through interprovincial moves.

As inflation, rent, and housing stress continue to drive major life decisions, one thing’s clear: 2024 was a year of big moves — just not so much in la belle province.

You can explore the entire StatCan report here.

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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 Editorial Standards page.

Old Age Security payments are coming this June and Canadian seniors could get up to $800

If you’re 65 or older and relying on Old Age Security (OAS) to help with living expenses, a new monthly payment is just around the corner.

OAS is a non-contributory government pension designed to support seniors across Canada in retirement. Payments are typically issued at the end of each month — either through direct deposit or by mail, depending on your setup with Service Canada.

Here’s everything you need to know about this month’s deposit, including how much you might get and who qualifies.

How much can you get in June 2025?

OAS amounts vary based on your age and annual income. For the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), the maximum monthly amounts are:

  • $727.67 for seniors aged 65 to 74
  • $800.44 for seniors aged 75 and over

Payments are adjusted every three months based on inflation. That means if the cost of living rises, your OAS amount may go up — but it won’t go down, even if inflation drops.

You can use Service Canada’s online estimator to get a better idea of how much you’ll receive based on your situation.

More about OAS payment amounts

When is the June 2025 OAS payment coming?

This month’s Old Age Security payment is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2025.

The money usually lands in bank accounts on the official payment date if you’re signed up for direct deposit. If you receive paper cheques, it may take a few extra business days to arrive in the mail.

Who’s eligible for OAS payments?

You may qualify for Old Age Security if you:

  • Are 65 or older
  • Are a Canadian citizen or legal resident
  • Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18

You may still qualify even if you live abroad, as long as you were a Canadian citizen or legal resident before leaving and lived in Canada for at least 20 years as an adult.

More about OAS eligibility

How to apply

Many Canadians are automatically enrolled in OAS, but not everyone.

If you’re turning 65 soon, you should receive a letter from Service Canada explaining your options and letting you choose your start date (anytime between ages 65 and 70). If you don’t get that letter by the time you turn 64 and a month has passed, reach out to Service Canada to check your enrollment status.

You can apply by:

  • Online: Through your My Service Canada Account
  • By mail or in person: Using a completed application form and the required documents

More about applying for OAS

Is OAS taxable?

Yes, OAS is considered taxable income.

The government won’t automatically deduct tax from your monthly payments unless you ask. To avoid a larger tax bill at the end of the year, you can request voluntary deductions through your online account or by submitting the Request for Voluntary Federal Income Tax Deductions (CPP/OAS) form.

More about OAS and your taxes

Here are the upcoming OAS payment dates for 2025:

  • June 26
  • July 29
  • August 27
  • September 25
  • October 29
  • November 26
  • December 22

For more on OAS eligibility, payment amounts, or how to apply, you can visit the Government of Canada’s official OAS page.

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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 Editorial Standards page.

Montreal’s air quality is worse than India today & people are being warned to stay indoors

If you’ve stepped outside in Montreal today and noticed the haze, you’re not imagining it — the air really is hard to breathe right now.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the entire Montreal Island area, warning that wildfire smoke from the Canadian Prairies is drifting in and will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility through Friday and possibly into Saturday.

According to IQAir.com, a website that tracks air quality around the world, Montreal is one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world today, ranking ahead of Delhi, India and Manila, Philippines.

The air quality is so bad that vulnerable groups — including seniors, young kids, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic illness — are being urged to avoid outdoor activities altogether. Even healthy people could experience symptoms like headaches, throat irritation, or coughing.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” the government warns.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors shut
  • Use a portable air purifier or a clean filter in your HVAC system
  • Reschedule outdoor sports or events
  • If you must be outside, wear an N95 mask for better protection

Symptoms to watch out for include coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or eye and throat irritation. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, seek help immediately.

Environment Canada also urges Montrealers to check in on neighbours or family members who might be more sensitive to the air conditions.

You can follow updates on the federal wildfire smoke page or keep an eye on weather alerts issued for your area.

Visibility in Montreal as of 9 a.m. was down to 8 km, with hazy skies and a humidex of 23. If the air looks bad, it probably is — best to stay inside and wait it out.

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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 Editorial Standards page.

Canada’s least-liked premiers have been revealed and it’s not looking great for Legault

François Legault may be the premier of Quebec, but a new poll suggests he’s viewed more favourably outside the province than within it.

According to fresh polling by Pollara Strategic Insights, Legault has a +1 net impression score outside Quebec, compared to a -10 rating within his home province. This makes him one of only two premiers in Canada — alongside Ontario Premier Doug Ford — who are more popular nationally than locally.

In Quebec, Legault’s perception appears to have soured. Just 37% of Quebecers view him positively, while 47% view him negatively, giving the lowest net score of any leader in their own province at -10. That stands in stark contrast to premiers like Wab Kinew in Manitoba (+51), Susan Holt in New Brunswick (+43), and John Hogan in Newfoundland & Labrador (+42), who enjoy strong support at home.

Outside Quebec, however, Legault fares modestly better. Among non-Quebecers, 20% have a positive impression of him, versus 19% negative, resulting in a net score of +1 — a rare upside among Canadian premiers with limited national profiles. For context, Alberta’s Danielle Smith is the only premier with a negative impression both inside (-5) and outside (-12) her province.

Nationally, Legault’s overall net score sits at -2, due to the drag from Quebec sentiment, even as his name recognition remains relatively high at 44%, behind only Ford (79%) and Smith (50%) on the national stage.

A recent Léger poll also noted a drop in voter satisfaction, with over 60% of Quebecers saying they’re dissatisfied with his government.

Legault, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has served as Quebec’s premier since 2018. Barring an early provincial election, Quebecers are scheduled to return to the polls by October 5, 2026.

You can explore the entire Pollara report here.

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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 Editorial Standards page.