Quebec News | Drop for 2026-07-31

TL;DR

  • Osheaga opens today (July 31–August 2) at Parc Jean‑Drapeau with headliners Lorde, Tate McRae and Twenty One Pilots plus a strong Quebec slate. (osheaga.com)
  • Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival is mid‑run (July 16–August 2) for its 30th edition, showcasing Quebec and international genre films. (fantasiafestival.com)
  • Wildfire file: Quebec lifted remaining forest‑access bans (July 20) and SOPFEU has since deployed air tankers to assist British Columbia. (quebec.ca)
  • “One project, one assessment”: Ottawa–Quebec’s draft pact to streamline major‑project reviews is out for public comment to August 10; Ottawa says it has already received heavy feedback on broader federal review changes. (canada.ca)
  • Quebec’s proposed update to its zero‑emission‑vehicle regulation finished public consultation on July 24. (quebec.ca)

Osheaga 2026 kicks off (July 31–August 2)

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Osheaga runs July 31–August 2 at Parc Jean‑Drapeau; the official schedule and site logistics are live. (osheaga.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • This year’s lineup features headliners Lorde, Tate McRae and Twenty One Pilots alongside dozens of acts, including multiple Quebec artists. (montreal.citynews.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Final set times were posted this week; attendees should check the festival schedule day‑of for updates. (osheaga.com)

Fantasia turns 30: festival in full swing (to August 2)

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • The Fantasia International Film Festival’s 30th edition runs July 16–August 2 across Concordia venues and Cinéma du Musée. (fantasiafestival.com)
  • Important context and background information
    • Programming highlights include Quebec premieres and international titles; official communications and local coverage underscore strong turnout into the second weekend. (fantasiafestival.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Mid‑festival events include masterclasses, awards ceremonies and Quebec‑focused programs; the final week schedule is posted on Fantasia’s site. (fantasiafestival.com)

Wildfires: restrictions eased; Quebec assists B.C.

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Quebec lifted the remaining provincial ban on travel and access to affected forest territories effective July 20 as conditions improved. (quebec.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • SOPFEU reports ongoing suppression in the north; earlier in July, multiple provinces and international partners aided Quebec’s firefighting. (sopfeu.qc.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • With the situation stabilizing at home, SOPFEU deployed three water‑bombers to British Columbia on July 25 to support wildfire response. (journaldemontreal.com)

“One project, one assessment” pact: public input window now open

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Ottawa and Quebec published a draft cooperation agreement to coordinate federal–provincial impact assessments under a single process; comments are open July 20–August 10. (canada.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • Legal and industry briefs summarize how the pact aims to cut duplication while maintaining standards and Indigenous consultation. (dentons.com)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • Separately, the federal government says it has received more than 21,000 emails on proposed changes to major‑project reviews, indicating high stakeholder engagement. (montreal.citynews.ca)

ZEV policy: consultation on regulation update closed July 24

  • Key facts and current state of the topic
    • Quebec’s proposed amendments to the regulation implementing its zero‑emission‑vehicle mandate (cap‑and‑trade/EV credits framework) were out for public consultation in the Gazette officielle; the window closed July 24. (quebec.ca)
  • Important context and background information
    • The update forms part of Quebec’s broader decarbonization strategy and transport‑sector emissions targets. (quebec.ca)
  • Recent developments or changes
    • The environment ministry will now review submissions and finalize the regulation; watch the Gazette for the coming order‑in‑council. (quebec.ca)