Montreal Mayor Criticizes Quebec Budget

0:00From Canada, this is your March 20th update. Montreal's mayor is calling out Quebec's latest budget for overlooking the city's needs as Canada's biggest metropolis. In the 2026-27 plan unveiled this week, there's no funding for critical projects like expanding the Maisonouve Rosemond. Hospital, despite high hopes it would finally get the green light. Finance Minister Eric Gerard pitched the budget as sober and focused, with boosts for businesses, general infrastructure, health, and education across. The province. But for Montreal, key gaps remain, especially in health care for eastern neighborhoods that serve about 10% of Quebec's population. Mayor Saraya Martinez-Ferrada stressed the urgency of tackling homelessness, housing shortages, and aging facilities. She pointed out that Montreal drives the province's well-being, just like other regions, and deserves matching support to keep growing. While not fully slamming the budget, the mayor vows to keep pushing provincial leaders for more targeted investments.

1:01Officials had eyeed a start on hospital work back in 2024, but delays persist without the cash. From South Korea, where she's wrapping an economic mission, Martinez-Ferrada remains optimistic about building those bridges with Quebec to secure. But residents need moving forward.