After years of talk, Quebec has finally tabled a bill to grant special metropolis status to the City of Montreal.
The government tabled Bill 121 on Thursday — known as the Metropolis of Quebec Act. Among other things, the bill would grant Montreal more control over its own economic development — along with an extra $50 million a year for things like aid programs for small business.
The city would also gain control over bar opening hours — something mayor Denis Coderre had been trying to change during the summer months, with plans to open bars in some downtown neighborhoods until 6 a.m. That plan was ultimately shut down by Quebec's liquor control authorities in 2014.
Mayor Denis Coderre joined premier Philippe Couillard and Martin Coiteux, the minister responsible for the Montreal region, at a signing ceremony in Quebec City on Thursday afternoon.