7 facts that will make you smile on this “Blue Monday”
Are you one of those who get depressed around “Blue Monday”? We may have something for you. Here are seven facts that will make you smile while you read it.
Named “Blue Monday,” the 3rd Monday in January is said to be the most depressing day of the year, according to an urban legend. At Métro, we have instead decided to make it a day of positive news. Happy reading, then, and have a nice day!
1. The end of the curfew
You’ve surely learned it last week, and now it’s official: Quebecers no longer have to respect a curfew. Prime Minister François Legault announced the end of this measure at a press conference, while the health situation seems to be quietly stabilizing.
2. Your children are no longer in your legs!
It’s the return of face-to-face school! Or at least it's supposed to be. Regardless of questions about the spread of the virus in schools, if you're a parent, you can at least breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have the kids jumping at you while you try to have a meeting on Zoom. Even if you have to wait another day.
3. 24 minutes more sunshine
Since January 1, 2022, there are already 24 minutes more sunshine per day in Montreal! Of course, this number will only increase. As of February 1, the sun will shine one hour more over the city compared to the beginning of the year.
4. $24 for driver's license
Driving license renewal will only cost a measly $24 in 2022. Why this freebie? The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has accumulated monetary surpluses and is opting for a discount in the form of a payment holiday. This rate will also be valid for the year 2023. On the other hand, bad drivers will continue to pay more, i.e. from $50 to $450 more, depending on the number of demerit points entered in the file.
5. Quebec strawberries in winter
It is now possible to get Quebec strawberries in the middle of January in grocery stores. Ferme d’hiver has inaugurated its first installation that reproduces the sun, rain and wind using state-of-the-art engineering systems. The winter strawberry is currently on sale in certain IGAs in Montreal and Montérégie.
6. A check at the end of January
It’s still Christmas! Quebecers eligible for the solidarity tax credit will receive a $200 check from the provincial government to offset the rising cost of living. Assistance will be paid automatically on January 24 to eligible individuals. So they don’t need to apply. An additional amount of $75 will also be given to people living alone.
7. QPP contributions up
Good news for (future) retirees! Since the beginning of 2022, beneficiaries of the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) have now seen their pension increase by 2.7%. The QPP contribution rate, shared equally between employees and their employer, also rose to 12.30% in January. The maximum contribution for an employee is $3,776, or $3,315 for the basic plan and $461 for the additional plan.
