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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"/><br/><br/><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Here's everything you need to know about this month's deposit, including how much you might get and who qualifies.</p><h3>How much can you get in June 2025?</h3><br/><p>OAS amounts vary based on your age and annual income. For the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), the maximum monthly amounts are:</p><ul><li>$727.67 for seniors aged 65 to 74</li><li>$800.44 for seniors aged 75 and over</li></ul><p>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.</p><p>You can use Service Canada's online estimator to get a better idea of how much you'll receive based on your situation.</p><p><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></p><h3>When is the June 2025 OAS payment coming?</h3><br/><p>This month's Old Age Security payment is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2025.</p><p>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.</p><h3>Who's eligible for OAS payments?</h3><br/><p>You may qualify for Old Age Security if you:</p><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><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/eligibility.html" target="_blank">More about OAS eligibility</a></p><h3>How to apply</h3><br/><p>Many Canadians are automatically enrolled in OAS, but not everyone.</p><p>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.</p><p>You can apply by:</p><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><p><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></p><div></div><h3>Is OAS taxable?</h3><br/><p>Yes, OAS is considered taxable income.</p><p>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.</p><p><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></p><p><br/></p><p>Here are the upcoming OAS payment dates for 2025:</p><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><p>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>.</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>

mingooland · · 3 min read
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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"/><br/><br/><p> If you've stepped outside in Montreal today and noticed the haze, you're not imagining it — the air really <em>is</em> hard to breathe right now. </p><p> <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. </p><p>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. </p><p> 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. </p><p>"As smoke levels increase, health risks increase," the government warns.<br/></p><p> Here's what you can do to protect yourself: </p><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><p> 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. </p><p> Environment Canada also urges Montrealers to check in on neighbours or family members who might be more sensitive to the air conditions. </p><p> 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. </p><p> 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. </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>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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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"/><br/><br/><p><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.</p><p>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.</p><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> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <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> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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>. </p><p><br/></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><br/></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><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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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"/><br/><br/><p><span></span><span style="background-color: initial;">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.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: initial;"><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. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"></span><span style="background-color: initial;">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.</span><span style="background-color: initial;"> </span><span style="background-color: initial;">The survey gathered responses from over 50,000 people across 34 countries between October and December 2024. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;">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. </span>Trustworthiness stood out as the most critical factor, particularly in today's uncertain economy. </p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"></span><span style="background-color: initial;">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</span><span style="background-color: initial;">. </span><span style="background-color: initial;">Simplii Financial, CIBC's online bank, secured second place, meaning two digital banks surpassed RBC, Canada's largest bank, in overall customer satisfaction. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"></span><span style="background-color: initial;">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.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"></span>Here's the full rundown of Canada's best banks for 2025, per Forbes:</p><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><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>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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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"/><br/><br/><p>Montrealers will soon have a brand-new reason to hit the Old Port — and this time, it's for mini putt with a view.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><span></span>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>.</p><p>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.</p><h3>Mini Putt Montréal</h3><br/><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"/><p>Address: Quai des Convoyeurs, Old Port<br/>Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.<br/>Opening date: April 24</p><p><a href="https://miniputtmontreal.com/" target="_blank">Mini Putt Montréal website</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><p><br/></p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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Essential Contacts to Notify When You Move in Canada

<p>When moving to a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the change and forget to take care of essential tasks. Amidst the hustle of packing, organizing, and settling into your new space, one essential task you shouldn’t overlook is notifying the relevant people and organizations about your change of […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/contacts-to-notify-when-you-move/">Essential Contacts to Notify When You Move in Canada</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zoocasa.com/blog">Zoocasa Blog</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 5 min read
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