Quebec News | Drop for 2025-09-29

TL;DR

  • Ottawa has shifted Canada–U.S. talks into the formal 2026 CUSMA/USMCA joint review; public consultations run Sept. 20–Nov. 3, 2025.
  • In Quebec City, François Legault’s Sept. 10 cabinet shuffle came with a promised “traitement choc” (deep cuts) in the public service; the National Assembly’s fall session was pushed to Sept. 30.
  • Montreal transit is under a maintenance-workers strike Sept. 22–Oct. 5, limiting métro and bus service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • ADISQ unveiled its 2025 nominations (Sept. 17), with Lou-Adriane Cassidy and Klô Pelgag among top nominees.
  • The Festival du nouveau cinéma (Oct. 8–19) revealed its lineup, opening with Kid Koala’s Space Cadet and closing with Marie Brassard’s Le Train.

CUSMA/USMCA joint review moves forward

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Canada launched public consultations on the operation of CUSMA ahead of the first joint review in 2026; submissions are open Sept. 20–Nov. 3, 2025. The U.S. launched its own comment process Sept. 16, with a public hearing set for Nov. 17. (canada.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • PM Mark Carney signaled talks with Washington will fold into the agreement’s review process after months of limited progress, while Ottawa simultaneously seeks to ease tensions with China over reciprocal tariffs. (reuters.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • As of Sept. 24–29, Carney framed the review as Canada’s main channel to address U.S. tariffs and economic security issues—salient for Quebec sectors like aluminum, aerospace, and dairy as positions are drafted this fall. (reuters.com)

Quebec cabinet shuffle and delayed fall sitting

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • On Sept. 10, Premier François Legault unveiled a major cabinet shuffle (e.g., Sonia LeBel to Education; Bernard Drainville to Environment; Ian Lafrenière to Public Security). The government promised deep cuts in the public service as a “traitement choc.” (quebec.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • The shuffle comes amid low polling and ahead of the Oct. 2026 provincial election; the start of the National Assembly’s fall session was postponed to Sept. 30 to brief new ministers. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • The premier’s Sept. 11 speech reiterated the cuts and regulatory “streamlining,” setting the stage for contentious debates with unions and opposition as the Assembly returns this week. (quebec.ca)

Montreal transit strike disrupts service (Sept. 22–Oct. 5)

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • STM maintenance workers are striking Sept. 22–Oct. 5. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, métro runs 6:30–9:30, 14:45–17:45, and 23:00 to close; bus service is similarly limited during peaks. Paratransit continues. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • The Administrative Labour Tribunal set essential services; STM and the CSN-affiliated union remain far apart on wages and subcontracting. (lhebdojournal.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Public bodies and organizations issued advisories; the strike is impacting evening events and commuters citywide through Oct. 5. (cssdm.gouv.qc.ca)

ADISQ 2025 nominations announced (Sept. 17)

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • ADISQ published the 2025 timeline and unveiled nominations Sept. 17; galas are scheduled for Nov. 5 (Industry & Premier) and Nov. 9 (main gala). (adisq.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • Lou-Adriane Cassidy, Klô Pelgag, Pierre Lapointe, and Jay Scøtt lead major artistic categories; Cassidy and Pelgag top overall mentions (including industry nods). (ca.billboard.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Media and radio-focused “Prix Rencontres” are being awarded Sept. 25 as part of the fall ADISQ events. (adisq.com)

Festival du nouveau cinéma (Oct. 8–19) lineup revealed

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • The 54th FNC runs Oct. 8–19, 2025, across multiple Montreal venues. (mtl.org)
  • Important context and background information
    • Program unveiled Sept. 23: opening film is Space Cadet from Montreal artist Kid Koala; closing film is Le Train by Marie Brassard; more than 260 films from 46 countries are slated. (tvanouvelles.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Sidebars and tributes include a “Grande nuit Twin Peaks” marathon; the lineup positions Quebec creators prominently ahead of award season. (fugues.com)