Tag

Tag: Canada

General

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

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/restaurant-reflection-blur-reflection-in-a-restaurant-windows-in-downtown-montreal-quebec-canada-taken-from-a-driver-seat.jpg?id=61142115&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/> Flaking on your <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-restaurants" target="_blank">restaurant reservation in Quebec</a> 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, <a href="Back%20in%20March,%20MTL%20Blog%20covered%20the%20province's%20plan%20to%20introduce%20this%20penalty,%20which%20is%20now%20set%20to%20take%20effect%20in%20just%20a%20few%20weeks." target="_blank">MTL Blog covered the province's plan to introduce this penalty</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/reservations-fantomes-dans-les-restaurants-des-penalites-pourront-s-appliquer-des-le-17-juillet-844728188.html" target="_blank">news release</a>.Here's how the $10 fee works: <ul> <li> It only applies to reservations for two or more people</li> <li> The restaurant must inform you ahead of time that a fee may apply</li> <li> They have to confirm your reservation between 6 and 48 hours before the meal (unless you booked within that window)</li> <li> You must be able to cancel easily at any time, like by text or online</li> <li> The fee can't be charged if you cancel at least three hours in advance</li> <li> And it only kicks in if no one in the group shows up</li> </ul> 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 <a href="https://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/commercant/nouvelles-obligations" target="_blank">Office de la protection du consommateur</a>.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!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>.

mingooland · July 3, 2025 · 2 min read

General

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

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-montrealer-moves-out-of-their-home.jpg?id=61138269&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/> 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 <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1710004001" target="_blank">new data from Statistics Canada</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/average-salary-quebec-canada-2025" target="_blank">inflation, rent, and housing stress</a> 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 <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1710004001" target="_blank">entire StatCan report here</a>. 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!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>.

mingooland · July 2, 2025 · 2 min read

Politics

Starmer confirms military buildup in Middle East as Europe urges restraint

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the United Kingdom is building up its forces in the Middle East in response to Israel and Iran’s war…

mingooland · June 15, 2025 · 3 min read

General

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

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-pile-of-canadian-100-bills.jpg?id=60857435&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C112%2C0%2C112"/> If you're 65 or older and relying on <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-age-security" target="_blank">Old Age Security (OAS)</a> to help with living expenses, a new <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-age-security-payments" target="_blank">monthly payment</a> 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.<h3>How much can you get in June 2025?</h3> OAS amounts vary based on your age and annual income. For the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), the maximum monthly amounts are:<ul><li>$727.67 for seniors aged 65 to 74</li><li>$800.44 for seniors aged 75 and over</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/benefit-amount.html" target="_blank">More about OAS payment amounts</a><h3>When is the June 2025 OAS payment coming?</h3> 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.<h3>Who's eligible for OAS payments?</h3> You may qualify for Old Age Security if you:<ul><li>Are 65 or older</li><li>Are a Canadian citizen or legal resident</li><li>Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/eligibility.html" target="_blank">More about OAS eligibility</a><h3>How to apply</h3> 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:<ul> <li>Online: Through your <a target="_blank">My Service Canada Account</a></li><li>By mail or in person: Using a completed application form and the required documents</li></ul><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/apply.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More about applying for OAS</a><div></div><h3>Is OAS taxable?</h3> 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.<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/while-receiving.html#h2.3" target="_blank">More about OAS and your taxes</a> Here are the upcoming OAS payment dates for 2025:<ul><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>For more on OAS eligibility, payment amounts, or how to apply, you can visit the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/old-age-security.html" target="_blank">Government of Canada's official OAS page</a>.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!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>.

mingooland · June 11, 2025 · 3 min read

General

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

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/smoke-fills-the-montreal-skyline.jpg?id=60545527&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/> 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. <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/environment-canada" target="_blank">Environment Canada</a> has issued a <a href="https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=45.529,-73.562" target="_blank">Special Air Quality Statement</a> 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: <ul> <li> Stay indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors shut</li> <li> Use a portable air purifier or a clean filter in your HVAC system</li> <li> Reschedule outdoor sports or events</li> <li> If you must be outside, wear an N95 mask for better protection</li> </ul> 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 <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html" target="_blank">wildfire smoke page</a> or keep an eye on <a href="https://weather.gc.ca/mainmenu/alert_menu_e.html" target="_blank">weather alerts</a> 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. 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! 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>.

mingooland · June 6, 2025 · 2 min read

General

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

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/quebec-premier-francois-legault-gives-a-speech.jpg?id=60352592&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/> <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/francois-legault" target="_blank">François Legault</a> may be the premier of Quebec, but a new poll suggests he's viewed more favourably outside the province than within it.According to <a href="https://www.pollara.com/doug-ford-is-best-known-premier-across-canada/" target="_blank">fresh polling by Pollara Strategic Insights</a>, 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.<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKYa7h5vOIL/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKYa7h5vOIL/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>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 <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/francois-legault-quebec-survey-2025" target="_blank">recent Léger poll</a> 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 <a href="https://www.pollara.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Premiers-Media-Deck-May-2025-1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. 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! 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>.

mingooland · June 2, 2025 · 2 min read

World

Canada’s new prime minister arrives at the White House for Trump meeting

Canada's new prime minister has arrived at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Carney received a handshake and a couple…

mingooland · May 6, 2025 · 2 min read

General

Canadian government caves on Vegemite ban

Vegemite has returned to the menu at a cafe in Toronto after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ruled the product could be sold in the…

mingooland · April 19, 2025 · 2 min read

General

Forbes ranked Canada’s top banks for 2025 and some big names didn’t make the cut

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/royal-bank-of-canada-plastic-payment-cards.jpg?id=59941088&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/> If you're considering a new <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/bank-of-canada" target="_blank">bank</a> or wondering whether your current one measures up, a new ranking of Canada's best banks for 2025 offers some unexpected insights that could influence your decision. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/worlds-best-banks/" target="_blank">Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista</a> to survey customers worldwide for their 2025 World's Best Banks list. While several of Canada's "Big Five" banks performed well, others failed to make the list entirely, and the top position was claimed by an unlikely contender. Whether you bank with RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, or a smaller institution, this ranking may challenge your assumptions about which banks excel in trust, service, and digital offerings. The survey gathered responses from over 50,000 people across 34 countries between October and December 2024. Canadians evaluated financial institutions they currently use or recently used, scoring them on trustworthiness, fairness of terms and conditions, customer service, digital functionality, and the quality of financial advice. Trustworthiness stood out as the most critical factor, particularly in today's uncertain economy. The top bank? Not one of the traditional powerhouses. Tangerine, an online-only bank owned by Scotiabank, earned first place, reflecting a growing preference among Canadians for digital-first banking solutions that prioritize convenience and innovation. Simplii Financial, CIBC's online bank, secured second place, meaning two digital banks surpassed RBC, Canada's largest bank, in overall customer satisfaction. Of the 11 Canadian banks included in <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/richest-people-quebec-billionaires" target="_blank">Forbes' global ranking</a>, only three of the Big Five — RBC, TD, and Scotiabank — appeared. BMO and CIBC were notably absent.Here's the full rundown of Canada's best banks for 2025, per Forbes:<ol start="1"><li>Tangerine </li><li>Simplii Financial </li><li>RBC </li><li>PC Financial </li><li>Vancity </li><li>EQ Bank </li><li>TD </li><li>Scotiabank </li><li>National Bank </li><li>Desjardins </li><li>ATB Financial</li></ol>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! 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>.

mingooland · April 17, 2025 · 2 min read

General

Montreal is getting a new outdoor mini putt course with killer views of the city

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/people-play-on-a-new-new-mini-golf-activity-in-montreal.jpg?id=59896208&width=2000&height=1500&coordinates=184%2C0%2C184%2C0"/> Montrealers will soon have a brand-new reason to hit the Old Port — and this time, it's for mini putt with a view.Launching April 24, Mini Putt Montréal is a new outdoor course set up on the Quai des Convoyeurs, offering panoramic views of Old Montreal, the downtown skyline, and the St. Lawrence River. The project was created by local entrepreneur Samuel Cadotte-Holler, who's been involved in several other initiatives in the Old Port.According to a press release shared with MTL Blog, there are two 9-hole courses to choose from: one that's easy-going and family-friendly, and a second that's a little more challenging, but still open to players of all ages. The site is fully outdoors and just steps from some of the city's biggest waterfront attractions.Organizers describe it as an "inclusive and accessible activity" meant for just about everyone, whether you're a family with kids, a group of friends, or even a company planning a team-building afternoon.The course is set along the water at the Quai des Convoyeurs, offering open-air play with a backdrop that includes views of Old Montreal and the downtown skyline.Mini Putt Montréal will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets and additional info are available on their official site and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miniputtmontreal" target="_blank">social media channels</a>.And if you're up for something a little more adventurous, thrill-seekers can also take the plunge this spring when <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-bungee-old-port" target="_blank">Canada's tallest urban bungee jump</a> also arrives at the Convoyeurs Tower. Running from March through December, the jump will be available daily, with both daytime and evening sessions made possible by a custom lighting setup. Tickets cost $179 per jump, and it's open to anyone aged 14 and over.<h3>Mini Putt Montréal</h3> <img alt="People play on a new new mini golf activity in Montreal." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7788ec12de656076556543701ebcdb6b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="ab2fc" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/people-play-on-a-new-new-mini-golf-activity-in-montreal.jpg?id=59896172&width=980"/>Address: Quai des Convoyeurs, Old Port Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Opening date: April 24<a href="https://miniputtmontreal.com/" target="_blank">Mini Putt Montréal website</a>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! 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>.

mingooland · April 14, 2025 · 2 min read