Latest news with #IsabelleTremblay
Montreal Gazette
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Montreal Gazette
STM's bus on-time rates plummeted in February
By Montrealers were waiting longer than usual for their buses in February, as only seven out of every 10 STM buses arrived within five minutes of their posted schedules. Statistics unveiled by the transit authority show bus punctuality rates plummeted to historic lows last February. In a monthly performance review the STM submitted to its board of directors last month, the on-time rate of buses fell to just 70 per cent in February from 80 per cent during the month of January. In February 2024, however, 82.3 per cent of buses arrived on time, and the punctuality rate for buses hovered between 75 per cent and 80 per cent for much of the calendar year 2024. The same report also showed a dip in the overall satisfaction rate of STM users. That fell to just 54 per cent, from 56 per cent. Reached this week, the STM said record snowfalls in February were to blame for the situation. STM spokesperson Isabelle Tremblay explained that if you exclude the days affected by snowstorms, including back-to-back record-setting ones (Feb. 6 and Feb. 14-21), the STM's overall on-time rate for buses was around 78 per cent. 'The decrease in the on-time rate of buses to 70 per cent is essentially due to the storms that occurred during the month,' Tremblay said. 'Buses were also affected by the collateral damage of the storms and snow removal operations, which caused congestion throughout the road network after the Feb. 13 storm.' She pointed out that it took roughly 10 days for city crews to remove all the snow that fell during that period. Speaking for opposition Ensemble Montréal, Christine Black said public transit needs to be reliable, and both the STM and the Plante administration should have taken measures to ensure buses continue to run smoothly. 'When major climate events occur, we can see that little has been done to limit the impact on the service, and that's what these figures show,' Black said in a statement. She added that buses have been chronically late for several years now, and it's unacceptable. 'Despite the implementation of numerous reserved lanes over the last few years, which were supposed to improve the situation, the punctuality of buses still leaves much to be desired,' she added. Black said with fares going up another three per cent in July, users expect more for their money, rather than a degrading service. This isn't the first time the opposition has highlighted the problem of late buses. Ensemble Montréal's Chantal Rossi denounced the situation back in November 2022, when the bus on-time rate dropped to 76.8 per cent. The STM's punctuality rate for buses in 2024 was 80.8 per cent, up slightly from 79.4 per cent in 2023. The STM's target for 2025 is for 81 per cent of buses to be on time. For the first two months of the year, that rate sits at 75 per cent. Montrealers also reported feeling less safe taking transit in February, with only 45 per cent of users saying they feel safe taking transit, down from 50 per cent. A year ago, 59 per cent said they felt safe taking transit, while that figure was at 64 per cent for the year 2023.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RBC Investor Services' Canadian DB pension plans generate modest returns while facing heightened market volatility in Q1 2025
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Despite market volatility fueled by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and political changes both globally and domestically, defined benefit (DB) pension plans managed by RBC Investor Services clients posted a modest gain of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2025. The results are based on a recent analysis encompassing various client plans across private and public sectors. Canadian equities returned 1.2% for pension plans, slightly underperforming the TSX Composite Index, which rose 1.5%. The materials sector was the main contributor to positive performance, surging 20.3% on the strength of gold stocks. However, the information technology sector declined 7.5%, reflecting broader challenges within the tech industry. Foreign equities held by pension plans fell 0.1%, while the MSCI World Index declined 1.7%. Within the benchmark, there was a sharp contrast between the performance of value and growth stocks: the MSCI World Value Index rose 4.9%, while the MSCI World Growth Index fell 7.7%. Meanwhile, U.S. equities, as represented by the S&P 500, declined 4.2%, underperforming the MSCI EAFE Index, which gained 6.9%. The EAFE's outperformance was driven by strong results in European markets, particularly Germany, which is expected to benefit from fiscal stimulus, and by the euro's appreciation against the Canadian dollar. Emerging markets also advanced, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rising 3.0%. In fixed income markets, pension plans gained 1.8%, compared to a 2.0% increase in the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index. Mid-term bonds led the way, climbing 2.7%, reflecting investors' preference for safer assets amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and political transitions. "The first quarter reminded us that sector positioning, currency exposure and geopolitical awareness are key to pension performance," said Isabelle Tremblay, Asset Owner Segment Lead at RBC Investor Services. "The appreciation of the euro versus the Canadian dollar amplified foreign equity gains, while political developments, including leadership changes both domestically and abroad, sparked investor recalibration. Pension plans that remained diversified and nimble were better positioned to navigate these challenges." About RBCRoyal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at About RBC Investor ServicesRBC Investor Services delivers investment servicing solutions to Canadian asset managers and asset owners, insurance providers, investment counsellors and global financial institutions. With more than 1,500 employees and offices across the globe, our focus is on safeguarding the assets of our clients and enabling their growth. Part of Royal Bank of Canada, Canada's largest bank, RBC Investor Services has over C$2.6 trillion of assets under administration. Learn more at For more information, please contact: Ylana Kurtz, RBC SOURCE RBC Investor Services View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
30-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
RBC Investor Services' Canadian DB pension plans generate modest returns while facing heightened market volatility in Q1 2025 Français
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Despite market volatility fueled by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and political changes both globally and domestically, defined benefit (DB) pension plans managed by RBC Investor Services clients posted a modest gain of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2025. The results are based on a recent analysis encompassing various client plans across private and public sectors. Canadian equities returned 1.2% for pension plans, slightly underperforming the TSX Composite Index, which rose 1.5%. The materials sector was the main contributor to positive performance, surging 20.3% on the strength of gold stocks. However, the information technology sector declined 7.5%, reflecting broader challenges within the tech industry. Foreign equities held by pension plans fell 0.1%, while the MSCI World Index declined 1.7%. Within the benchmark, there was a sharp contrast between the performance of value and growth stocks: the MSCI World Value Index rose 4.9%, while the MSCI World Growth Index fell 7.7%. Meanwhile, U.S. equities, as represented by the S&P 500, declined 4.2%, underperforming the MSCI EAFE Index, which gained 6.9%. The EAFE's outperformance was driven by strong results in European markets, particularly Germany, which is expected to benefit from fiscal stimulus, and by the euro's appreciation against the Canadian dollar. Emerging markets also advanced, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rising 3.0%. In fixed income markets, pension plans gained 1.8%, compared to a 2.0% increase in the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index. Mid-term bonds led the way, climbing 2.7%, reflecting investors' preference for safer assets amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and political transitions. "The first quarter reminded us that sector positioning, currency exposure and geopolitical awareness are key to pension performance," said Isabelle Tremblay, Asset Owner Segment Lead at RBC Investor Services. "The appreciation of the euro versus the Canadian dollar amplified foreign equity gains, while political developments, including leadership changes both domestically and abroad, sparked investor recalibration. Pension plans that remained diversified and nimble were better positioned to navigate these challenges." About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at About RBC Investor Services RBC Investor Services delivers investment servicing solutions to Canadian asset managers and asset owners, insurance providers, investment counsellors and global financial institutions. With more than 1,500 employees and offices across the globe, our focus is on safeguarding the assets of our clients and enabling their growth. Part of Royal Bank of Canada, Canada's largest bank, RBC Investor Services has over C$2.6 trillion of assets under administration. Learn more at
Fox Sports
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Montreal buses change 'Go! Canadiens Go!' signage to French after complaints to language watchdog
Associated Press MONTREAL (AP) — City buses in Montreal have dropped the expression 'Go! Canadiens Go!' following a complaint to Quebec's language watchdog. Montreal's transit agency is now using the French expression 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' on the electronic displays on the front of its buses to show support for the Montreal Canadiens' NHL playoff run. The decision was made because the word 'go' is an anglicism, said spokesperson Isabelle Tremblay. The expression 'Go Habs Go!' is used extensively in Quebec to support the Montreal hockey team. It is also used widely by the team itself, including on social media. The hashtag #GoHabsGo appears in oversized letters outside the Bell Centre in Montreal, the home arena of the Canadiens. Tremblay said Quebec's French-language office received a complaint last year about buses displaying the words 'Go! CF Mtl Go!' — a reference to Montreal's professional soccer club. In response, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) decided to change the word 'go' with 'allez' — the French equivalent — on all of its messaging. Tremblay said it 'maintains team spirit' while complying with Quebec's recent overhaul of its French language charter. The agency has been gradually changing the language on its fleet of buses since the end of last summer. Tremblay said the modification must be made manually on each bus, so the work was only completed earlier this year. The change was first reported Thursday by the Montreal Gazette. A spokesperson for the Montreal Canadiens declined to comment on the matter. The team clinched a playoff spot last week, and trails 2-0 in the best-of-seven matchup against the Washington Capitals. The Canadiens host Game 3 of their first-round series on Friday. In Quebec City on Thursday, the move was widely panned by opposition parties, including the Parti Québécois, which positions itself as a champion of the French language. 'We have other priorities for the French language in Quebec,' said PQ legislature member Catherine Gentilcore, adding that leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will continue to use #GoHabsGo on the X platform. The Quebec Community Groups Network, which represents English-speaking Quebecers, dismissed the decision as 'silliness' in a social media post. 'EVERYONE yells #GoHabsGo! at the Bell Centre,' the group said. 'Our buses should be allowed to do the same.' recommended in this topic
Washington Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Montreal buses change 'Go! Canadiens Go!' signage to French after complaints to language watchdog
MONTREAL — City buses in Montreal have dropped the expression 'Go! Canadiens Go!' following a complaint to Quebec's language watchdog. Montreal's transit agency is now using the French expression 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' on the electronic displays on the front of its buses to show support for the Montreal Canadiens' NHL playoff run. The decision was made because the word 'go' is an anglicism, said spokesperson Isabelle Tremblay.
