Quebec News | Drop for 2025-12-18

TL;DR

Ottawa named Mark Wiseman Canada’s next ambassador to the U.S., resetting the Washington file before the 2026 USMCA/CUSMA review. (reuters.com)
A Toronto-area Conservative MP crossed the floor to the Liberals, leaving Carney one seat shy of a Commons majority. (reuters.com)
Hydro-Québec unveiled grid-capacity maps and said it will launch a new wind-power RFP in spring 2026. (nouvelles.hydroquebec.com)
Montreal transit: STM maintenance workers began a month-long overtime strike (Dec 11–Jan 11); the labour tribunal deemed essential services sufficient, but bus service may be reduced. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Culture/industry: Quebec adopted Bill 108 to modernize SODEC’s financial tools and recognize digital creativity. (quebec.ca)

Key facts and current state of the topic
- Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Mark Wiseman (ex–BlackRock executive) as Canada’s ambassador to the United States, succeeding Kirsten Hillman before the 2026 trade review. (reuters.com)
Important context and background information
- Hillman’s upcoming departure and U.S. signals about potential USMCA changes heighten stakes for Quebec-exposed sectors (aluminum, aerospace, dairy). (reuters.com)
Recent developments or changes
- The appointment was approved by cabinet on Dec 12, positioning Ottawa to intensify review preparations with Washington early in 2026. (reuters.com)

Key facts and current state of the topic
- Conservative MP Michael Ma crossed the floor to the Liberals on Dec 11, leaving the government a single seat shy of majority control. (reuters.com)
Important context and background information
- It’s the second recent defection from the Conservatives, following turbulence in their caucus since the fall budget votes. (reuters.com)
Recent developments or changes
- A near‑majority could ease Liberal legislative passage in a tight House—relevant for Budget 2025 implementation and trade files. (politico.com)

Key facts and current state of the topic
- On Dec 11, Hydro‑Québec published detailed maps of wind‑integration potential and industrial interconnection capacity in 13 hot‑demand zones, and said it will issue a wind‑power call for tenders in spring 2026. (nouvelles.hydroquebec.com)
Important context and background information
- The move responds to consultation on HQ’s 2035 Action Plan and aims to give municipalities, First Nations and developers predictability as Quebec scales clean‑energy supply. (nouvelles.hydroquebec.com)
Recent developments or changes
- Upcoming consultations (Dec–Feb) will refine the RFP’s criteria, with a heavier weight on Quebec content and social acceptability (projects need municipal support). (nouvelles.hydroquebec.com)

Key facts and current state of the topic
- About 2,400 STM maintenance workers began refusing overtime from Dec 11 to Jan 11; the Administrative Labour Tribunal ruled planned essential services sufficient, including on holidays. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Important context and background information
- STM expects metro and paratransit to run, but warns the bus network could see progressive cutbacks as unrepaired vehicles accumulate. (montreal.citynews.ca)
Recent developments or changes
- The strike formally started after the tribunal’s green light on Dec 10, following a procedural delay that shifted the start date from Dec 9 to Dec 11. (halifax.citynews.ca)

Key facts and current state of the topic
- On Dec 10, Quebec adopted Bill 108 to modernize SODEC, expanding and updating its financial toolkit and explicitly recognizing the digital‑creativity sector. (quebec.ca)
Important context and background information
- SODEC is the province’s key financing agency for film, TV, music and publishing; the update targets growth and competitiveness across cultural industries. (quebec.ca)
Recent developments or changes
- Implementation details and program adjustments will follow in regulation and policy guidance for 2026 funding cycles. (quebec.ca)