Over the past few decades, the costs of public transit in Montreal have outpaced services rendered. This occurred while many municipalities around the world opted to reform their public transit systems by increasing the involvement of the private sector. This Economic Note provides an overview of the history of public transit in Montreal and of international experiences with private involvement.

Public transit and international experiences with private involvement.

Imposing plain packaging on tobacco companies.

Advertising-related regulations.

Plain packaging and the food sector.

In Canada, tobacco is one of the most regulated and controlled industries, and smoking, because it is hazardous to one’s health, is one of the most heavily regulated behaviours. It thus provides a good example of how far risky behaviour is being regulated and taxed in Canada. The case of tobacco may also hint at how government might next regulate and tax other industries like alcohol, fast food, and sugary beverages.

The debate over plain packaging in Canada.

Montreal taxpayers lost more than 19 million $ in the BIXI adventure.

The introduction of supply management in the field of restoration.

The market for maple products in Quebec.