Quebec News | Drop for 2025-11-16

TL;DR

  • REM opens its Deux‑Montagnes branch: 14 new stations, free rides launch weekend, regular service begins Monday, Nov 17. This triples current REM coverage and adds key metro connections. (rem.info)
  • STM labour turmoil eases for now: a last‑minute deal averted the Nov 15–16 full shutdown; maintenance workers suspended their month‑long strike earlier in the week; another one‑day strike by a fourth union lands Nov 19. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Ottawa budget math: the Carney minority survived the first two confidence votes (Nov 6–7); the decisive final vote is set for Monday, Nov 17. One Conservative MP resigned and another crossed the floor, tightening margins. (winnipegfreepress.com)
  • Quebec doctors’ law (Bill 2): a judge declined to endorse a joint “interpretive” workaround; Health Minister Dubé now pledges to never apply the law’s “surveillance” provisions while broader challenges proceed. (lanouvelle.net)
  • Culture: At the Nov 9 ADISQ main gala, Lou‑Adriane Cassidy, Pierre Lapointe and Elisapie headlined the winners; Les Cowboys Fringants took “Album de l’année – Succès populaire.” (presse.radio-canada.ca)

REM Deux‑Montagnes branch opens: 14 new stations and free rides

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • The REM’s Deux‑Montagnes branch adds 14 stations and ~33 km, linking downtown to the North Shore with three new metro interchanges (Bonaventure, McGill, Édouard‑Montpetit). Regular service begins Monday, Nov 17; free rides were offered over the Nov 15–16 inauguration weekend. (rem.info)
  • Important context and background information
    • This phase roughly triples REM coverage and brings the network to 50 km/19 stations, a major step in Greater Montréal mobility. (cdpqinfra.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Despite concurrent STM labour actions, REM proceeded with public events and service start; CityNews confirmed opening timing and free‑ride details. (montreal.citynews.ca)

STM strikes: full weekend shutdown averted; more labour dates ahead

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • After the labour tribunal authorized a full shutdown for Nov 15–16, a last‑minute deal between the STM and bus/metro operators averted it; paratransit would have been the only service. Maintenance workers had already suspended their Nov 1–28 strike mid‑week. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • Earlier TAT rulings and rotating actions had severely constrained service; the government has weighed legislation to manage essential services. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • A fourth STM union (administrative/technical/professional staff) will strike on Wednesday, Nov 19 under an essential‑services agreement; mediation with maintenance workers continues to Nov 28. (montreal.citynews.ca)

Ottawa’s Budget 2025: two confidence hurdles cleared; final vote Nov 17

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • The Liberal minority survived the first two confidence votes on Nov 6–7 (defeating a Conservative sub‑amendment and then a Bloc amendment). The final, decisive budget vote is scheduled for Monday, Nov 17. (winnipegfreepress.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • House arithmetic tightened after Alberta Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux announced his resignation and Nova Scotia Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont crossed to the Liberals earlier in the week. (ipolitics.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • With margins narrow, any absences/abstentions could be pivotal on Nov 17; outlets note opposition caucus turbulence and floor‑crossing dynamics ahead of the vote. (globalnews.ca)

Quebec doctors’ law (Bill 2): court setback on “interpretation”; minister drops surveillance piece

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • On Nov 11, Quebec Superior Court declined to issue a declaratory ruling endorsing a joint government–FMSQ interpretation of contentious “concerted actions” clauses, sending parties back to regular litigation channels. (lanouvelle.net)
  • Important context and background information
    • Bill 2 (adopted Oct 25 under closure) ties part of pay to performance and bans certain pressure tactics; federations have launched constitutional challenges and sought stays. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • On Nov 13, Health Minister Christian Dubé said the government will “never” apply the law’s monitoring/surveillance provisions, even though they remain on the books; broader challenges continue. (montreal.citynews.ca)

ADISQ 2025 main gala: big night for Lou‑Adriane Cassidy, Lapointe, Elisapie

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • At the Nov 9 televised gala, winners included: Artiste féminine – Lou‑Adriane Cassidy; Artiste masculin – Pierre Lapointe; Artiste autochtone – Elisapie; Groupe/duo – 2Frères; Révélation – Billie du Page. (presse.radio-canada.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • “Album de l’année – Succès populaire” went to Les Cowboys Fringants (Pub Royal); “Chanson de l’année” was Lou‑Adriane Cassidy’s Dis‑moi, Dis‑moi, Dis‑moi; “Spectacle de l’année” to Journal d’un Loup‑Garou (Cassidy). (presse.radio-canada.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • These results cap a strong ADISQ week after the Nov 5 Industry and Premier galas, where Cassidy, Klô Pelgag and Pierre Lapointe had already scored key wins. (adisq.com)