Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we start with an upcoming increase in public transit fares across Greater Montréal, something that will affect many everyday trips. We’re also keeping an eye on the rain and strong winds expected this week, on a few Quebec files that continue to move slowly, and on several federal decisions that could have broader impacts.
In Brief
- Public transit fares will increase on July 1 in Greater Montréal: Monthly passes will go up, while single tickets and one‑ or two‑trip passes will remain unchanged.
- A stretch of rain and strong winds is settling over Montréal until mid‑week: Tuesday could bring gusts up to 70 km/h, heavier showers, and a risk of thunderstorms.
- The 2026 Census begins across the country: Households will receive a letter with instructions on how to respond.
- Ottawa announces $1.5 billion in support in response to new U.S. tariffs: Part of the aid targets manufacturers affected by surcharges on products containing steel, aluminum, or copper.
Society & Politics
- Return‑to‑office expands in the federal public service: Executives are now back full‑time, and unionized employees will be required to return four days a week starting July 6.
- The PEQ still hasn’t reopened: The relaunch of the Quebec Experience Program was among Christine Fréchette’s commitments, but it remains on hold.
- Quebec gives the green light to a digital‑health rollout in two CIUSSS: Pilot projects will take place in Montréal and Mauricie.
- Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon promises to cut homelessness in half: He presents this as the top social priority of a potential PQ government.
To Watch
- Federal audits highlight several shortcomings: They point to issues in funding for First Nations, avian flu vaccines, accommodation requests in the public service, and flood‑zone mapping.
- Teachers say they lack tools to deal with artificial intelligence in the classroom: There is still uncertainty around how to regulate a technology already widely used by students.
- Patients now expect concrete changes following the agreement with medical specialists: Wait times remain high across the network.
- The restaurant sector continues to struggle: More than one‑third of Canadian restaurants are reportedly operating at a loss or just breaking even.
Main Story
Public transit fares will increase on July 1 in Greater Montréal
The change is simple enough to remember, even if no one on the metro, bus, or train will be thrilled. Starting July 1, public transit fares across Greater Montréal will rise by an average of 3 per cent.
More specifically, regular monthly passes will increase by $5.50, and reduced‑fare passes by $3.25. Monthly bus‑only passes will also go up.
As for occasional fares, single tickets and one‑ or two‑trip passes will remain unchanged. The ARTM is also removing certain temporary fare options linked to the REM on the South Shore. For trips combining the REM and buses, riders will need to purchase standard all‑mode passes.
The stated goal is to limit the financial impact on users while maintaining service quality and network stability. In practice, this means that people who rely on monthly passes will feel the change sooner than those who travel occasionally.
For a Closer Look
A period of rain and strong winds expected through mid‑week
After a brief lull, the weather is expected to turn more unsettled in the coming days in Montréal. Tuesday looks particularly windy, with sustained winds of 50 km/h and gusts reaching up to 70 km/h, along with heavier showers and a risk of thunderstorms.
Rain is expected to continue Tuesday night and Wednesday, with cooler temperatures. Thursday should remain cloudy with another chance of showers. In short, this week calls more for a windbreaker than for any big weather optimism.
Ottawa puts $1.5 billion on the table to help businesses hit by U.S. tariffs
The federal government is announcing $1.5 billion in support in response to the expansion of U.S. tariff criteria. One billion dollars will flow through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support the manufacturing sector, and $500 million will be added to the regional tariff‑response fund.
Affected businesses will be able to access low‑interest loans of up to $50 million over three years. The government says it wants to provide short‑term liquidity while helping exporters adapt and develop new markets.
The 2026 Census begins this week across the country
The 2026 Census begins Monday across Canada. Households will receive a letter with instructions on how to complete the questionnaire.
It’s one of those administrative steps that never steals the spotlight but ends up shaping many public decisions. Once again, it’s worth keeping an eye on the mailbox.
Federal audits highlight delays, blind spots, and a lot of poorly managed paperwork
Five audits released Monday reveal several issues within the federal system. One concludes that Indigenous Services Canada did not effectively implement, monitor, or evaluate certain funding provided to First Nations.
Another notes that 95 per cent of avian flu vaccines purchased by the Public Health Agency of Canada expired without being used. The audits also point to delays in accommodation requests within the public service, gaps in flood‑zone mapping, and weaknesses in tracking the federal climate strategy.
Coup de CÅ“ur
Even in a busy news cycle, there’s something reassuring about seeing Montréal prepare a full year of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Olympics. Exhibitions, sports events, outdoor cinema, tours, and free gatherings — all of it is a reminder that an urban legacy can still be a meeting place, not just a framed memory.
In Closing
Thanks for spending part of your morning with us.
We’re heading into a day filled with movement… on the roads, in mailboxes, and across public agendas. A good dose of coffee helps, but a good summary does too. ☕