At The Gazette, we are always looking forward — to the next big story, the next question that needs answering, the next event that matters to Montreal.

We asked our seasoned reporters and columnists what they foresee in 2026. Here's what they had to say.

One story stands head and shoulders above the rest: the provincial election in October 2026. This will be the defining story of the year for us because the PQ is dominating in the polls and openly placing a referendum on the table.

The topic is already taking over dinner tables, boardrooms and headlines. Where we need to come in strong is giving readers the information they need to answer: Where is Quebec headed?

The Gazette is going to have the most comprehensive, insight-building Quebec election coverage in English media. We'll be listening closely all year to what our readers want to know more about and cutting through the noise to report the facts.

With the government’s tumultuous dispute with doctors largely resolved following its adoption of Bill 2, it would be naive to assume things will run smoothly in Quebec’s public health-care system in 2026.

Santé Québec will likely be thrust into the public spotlight again as it struggles to manage the province’s $65.5-billion health network amid rising costs. The state corporation will be under intense scrutiny as it launches two long-delayed pilot projects in May 2026 involving electronic health records, the costs of which have ballooned to $402 million. 

Santé Québec and newly-appointed health minister Sonia Bélanger will also face major challenges in reducing months-long wait lists for surgery while seeking to improve access to family doctors.

In short, when it comes to health care, 2026 will be a lot like 2025 – only a lot more expensive for taxpayers.

Montreal's road congestion has proven intractable in recent years, and it's a safe bet that it will remain just as hellish in 2026.

Despite promises to tame the sea of orange cones, new mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada will probably have no more success than her predecessor, because it's a complex problem that defies easy fixes.

If 2025 has proven anything, it’s that in politics, six months is an eternity and nothing should ever be taken for granted – just ask Pierre Poilievre.

Many Quebecers see the PQ as the only credible alternative to a fatigued Coalition Avenir Québec after almost eight years in power. 

But the political landscape is already shifting with Pablo Rodriguez’s recent resignation as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. It could shift even further if François Legault finally concludes that clinging as premier and leader would be suicidal for the party he established 14 years ago – or if his own party eventually shows him the way out. 

And the more PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon talks about a third referendum, the more it should benefit his opponents, as nearly two-thirds of Quebecers reject sovereignty according to recent polls,

Not only will the Canadiens make the playoffs in 2026, they will also win at least one round with Jacob Fowler in goal.

The Habs aren't ready for the long-awaited Stanley Cup yet, but are getting close.

Ivan Demidov will win Calder Trophy in 2026 as NHL’s top rookie.