Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved a recommendation to authorize a payment to Quebec’s Ministry of Justice for municipal judges’ services in 2025. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The city staff report says the payment would reimburse advances made by the province, as required by law.
- The recommended payment is $719,761.40, taxes included, for a final 2025 bill of $14,252,219.50; $13,532,458.10 has already been paid.
- The payment is “under reserve”: city staff say discussions with Quebec about the billing basis and financial responsibilities are continuing, and the city may consider adjustments or compensation later.
- The bill is due by February 20, 2026. City staff say paying by the deadline avoids interest under the applicable regulation.
What it means for you#
- Montréal residents: This is a municipal payment for the cost of municipal judges. It does not directly change residents’ rights, court services, or fees.
- Montréal and linked municipalities: The city’s recommendation concerns a service that falls under agglomeration responsibility. The materials do not explain how this cost is shared among municipalities.
- Taxpayers: The staff report says the expense will be charged according to financial information in the file. It does not identify a new tax or fee.
Money#
The recommended payment is $719,761.40, taxes included; the staff report gives $758,240.13 as the amount net of tax rebates.
- The final 2025 bill is $14,252,219.50, taxes included. The amount already paid was $13,532,458.10, taxes included.
- City staff say the payment has no impact on the city’s 2025 financial framework because a provision was recorded in December 2025.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain what “under reserve” means in detail, or whether it would lead to a refund or compensation.
- The basis for the final bill and the division of financial responsibilities remain under discussion, according to city staff.
- The materials do not say how the cost is allocated among Montréal and the linked municipalities.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the payment is that the city is required to reimburse the province for advances made for judges’ pay.
- Paying by the deadline would avoid interest, according to city staff.
- Making the payment under reserve may allow the city to pursue adjustments or compensation while discussions continue.
Case against#
- One concern is that the final bill exceeds the estimate already paid, while the billing basis and financial responsibilities are still being discussed.
- The materials do not explain whether paying under reserve would secure any later adjustment or compensation.