TL;DR
- Quebec adopted a special law (Bill 2) imposing a new, performance‑linked pay system for physicians and banning concerted pressure tactics; federations say they’ll contest it. (leclaireurprogres.ca)
- Montreal’s STM maintenance workers begin a month‑long strike Oct 31–Nov 28; essential‑service levels are set around peak hours, with adjustments sought for municipal voting day Nov 2. (montreal.citynews.ca)
- Quebec’s municipal elections are Sunday, Nov 2 (10:00–20:00); Elections Québec has issued voter reminders and notes potential mail disruptions. (quebec.ca)
- Ottawa’s Nov 4 federal budget looms: Carney frames diversification away from the U.S.; Conservatives set deficit red lines; NDP lists health/housing priorities. Passage is uncertain in a minority House. (reuters.com)
- Culture: Montreal’s RIDM (Nov 20–30) unveiled its 2025 program; Radio‑Canada confirmed La Fureur returns Nov 29 for a one‑night special. (ridm.ca)
Quebec imposes new physician compensation law; unions vow legal challenge
- Key facts and current state of the topic
- In the early hours of Oct 25, the National Assembly adopted Bill 2 under closure (“bâillon”), tying a 10% share of doctors’ pay to collective performance targets and banning “concerted actions” (e.g., coordinated teaching boycotts), with fines up to $20,000/day. (leclaireurprogres.ca)
- Important context and background information
- The law closely follows the previously tabled Bill 106 and caps the “collective supplement” at 15% (5% base + 10% conditional). The Health Ministry had paused Bill 106’s study during mediation, which later broke down. (quebec.ca)
- Recent developments or changes
- Medical federations and students condemned the process and say they’ll challenge the law; the government is publicly defending the measure. (tvanouvelles.ca)
Montreal transit: month‑long STM strike starts Oct 31; voting‑day adjustments sought
- Key facts and current state of the topic
- About 2,400 STM maintenance workers will strike Oct 31–Nov 28; a separate union has filed additional strike notices for selected days. Essential services will maintain limited métro/bus during peaks; paratransit runs at all times. (montreal.citynews.ca)
- Important context and background information
- The labour tribunal (TAT) reviewed essential‑service arrangements and the STM requested extended peak windows on Nov 2 (municipal election day) to facilitate voting. (montreal.citynews.ca)
- Recent developments or changes
- Businesses and the city warn of significant disruption; STM will post last‑train and service windows during the action. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Quebec votes Sunday: municipal elections on Nov 2 (10:00–20:00)
- Key facts and current state of the topic
- General municipal elections are set for Sunday, Nov 2, 2025, across ~1,100 municipalities; polls are open 10:00–20:00. (quebec.ca)
- Important context and background information
- Elections Québec has issued reminders to verify voter registration and polling locations; it also flags that a Canada Post labour action may delay some mailed materials. (electionsquebec.qc.ca)
- Recent developments or changes
- In Montreal, essential STM service windows may be widened for voting day, but riders should still plan extra time. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Ottawa’s Nov 4 budget: diversification push, tough minority math
- Key facts and current state of the topic
- PM Mark Carney previewed a budget to “shrink U.S. reliance,” pursue spending discipline, and boost defence and housing, with a sizable 2025/26 deficit expected. Budget date: Tuesday, Nov 4. (reuters.com)
- Important context and background information
- Conservatives have urged capping the deficit (~$42B) and cutting several taxes; the NDP says it won’t back an “austerity” plan and wants health, non‑market housing, and union jobs prioritized. (montreal.citynews.ca)
- Recent developments or changes
- As of late October, government support from opposition benches remained uncertain, raising the prospect of a confidence showdown next week. (ipolitics.ca)
Culture: RIDM 2025 lineup unveiled; La Fureur returns Nov 29
- Key facts and current state of the topic
- Montreal’s RIDM (Nov 20–30) revealed its full 2025 program on Oct 29; earlier teasers included opening film Letters from Wolf Street and closing film Les blues du bleuet (Quebec). (ridm.ca)
- Important context and background information
- RIDM showcases Quebec and international documentaries and hosts Forum RIDM (Nov 21–26) for industry networking. (ridm.ca)
- Recent developments or changes
- Radio‑Canada confirmed La Fureur will air a 90‑minute special on Nov 29 at 19:00, hosted by Véronique Cloutier, with teams led by Élyse Marquis and Alex Perron. (presse.radio-canada.ca)