Montreal
City moves on Notre-Dame encampment as tent count reaches 95
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced new measures Wednesday to address the homeless encampment along Notre-Dame Street, which has grown to 95 tents and an estimated 150 residents. The city has not yet specified a timeline for the measures to take effect.
Mayor signals review of protest policing after effigy incident
Martinez Ferrada indicated the city may reconsider its limits on protest policing following an incident at a pro-Palestinian rally May 27 in which effigies were hung. The SPVM has opened a hate-crimes investigation into the matter.
Quebec language commissioner pushes to limit English on government websites
Quebec’s French language commissioner has recommended scaling back the use of English on provincial government websites, allowing only limited exceptions. The recommendation, reported May 27-28, is likely to draw scrutiny from English-speaking communities across the province, including Montreal’s Anglo-Hellenic community.
New area code coming to parts of Quebec
A new area code will be introduced for parts of Quebec currently served by the 367, 418, and 581 codes, the federal telecommunications regulator announced May 28. Residents and businesses in affected regions will need to update contact information once the new code is assigned.
Montreal population in decline, report finds
A recent report shows Montreal’s population has declined, driven by reduced immigration levels and aging demographics. The findings raise questions about long-term planning for housing, transit, and city services.
Thousands of cyclists to take over city streets this weekend
The Tour de l’Île returns May 30-31 as part of the Festival Go vélo, with thousands of participants expected on closed Montreal streets. The annual event is one of the largest cycling gatherings in North America.
Montreal strippers plan strike during Formula One weekend
A group of Montreal strippers has announced plans to strike during the upcoming Formula One Grand Prix weekend, one of the city’s busiest periods for the industry. Dancers remain divided over the central demand for employee status rather than independent contractor arrangements.
Canada
Carney calls for new Canada-U.S. partnership in New York speech
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed economic challenges and urged a renewed partnership with the United States during a speech in New York on May 28. Carney framed the relationship as one requiring fresh terms amid ongoing trade tensions.
CUSMA talks show signs of progress under tariff pressure
Negotiations over the renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement showed signs of progress May 28 as the parties approached key milestones. U.S. tariff pressures continue to weigh on the talks, with all three governments seeking a stable framework for cross-border commerce.
Ottawa tables supplementary spending estimates for 2026-27
The federal government tabled Supplementary Estimates A for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the House of Commons on May 28, outlining additional planned investments across government departments. The estimates are subject to parliamentary approval.
Federal government issues wildfire season forecast
The Government of Canada released its 2026 wildfire season preparedness update May 28, warning of elevated risk in several regions as temperatures rise heading into summer. Federal and provincial agencies said they are co-ordinating resources ahead of the season.
Poilievre presses Carney on affordability, question period attendance
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney during a May 26 exchange in the House of Commons, questioning both the government’s record on affordability and Carney’s attendance in question period. Carney defended his government’s approach to cost-of-living pressures.
Sports
Victoire advance in Walter Cup Finals against Ottawa Charge
The Montréal Victoire have advanced in the PWHL Walter Cup Finals against the Ottawa Charge, with the series having seen action through May 15-21. No games were scheduled May 28; the next matchup date has not been confirmed in available reports.
Weather
Tonight, expect a mix of sun and cloud giving way to cloudy skies, with a low near 12 to 13°C and a northwest wind around 20 km/h.
Friday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers, a high of 18 to 21°C, and a low of 8 to 10°C. North winds of 15 to 20 km/h are expected through the day.
