Quebec Budget Excludes Relief for Motorists Amid Soaring Gas Prices
Finance Minister Eric Girard has officially announced that the upcoming Quebec budget, set to be presented on Wednesday, will not provide any form of government financial relief for motorists struggling with soaring gas prices. Girard made this clear during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing a cautious approach due to global uncertainties and the impending election campaign.
"Sober, Targeted, and Responsible" Budget Approach
Girard described the 2026-2027 budget as "sober, targeted, and responsible," stating that it will avoid pre-electoral goodies designed to woo voters. "There will be no specific relief for gas prices tomorrow," he said, explaining that the government is waiting to determine whether the current situation is temporary or permanent before making decisions. He cited factors like the war in the Middle East, which has driven up fuel costs, and other global issues such as threats to the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainties around the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
This stance comes despite recent proposals from Coalition Avenir Québec leadership candidates Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville, who have floated plans to return some tax dollars collected at the pump to motorists. Girard argued that Quebec's tax revenue from fuel is limited and tends to decrease as prices rise because demand drops when people travel less.
Budget Highlights and Future Spending
While motorists may not see relief, Girard hinted at some positive developments in Quebec's financial position, which has been battered by a string of operating deficits. He revealed that the budget will include funding to convert 5,000 non-subsidized daycare places into subsidized spots, benefiting more families under Quebec's $10-a-day child care system. This measure, announced with Family Minister Kateri Champagne Jourdain, will cost $400 million over five years.
Additionally, the budget is expected to increase spending on infrastructure, including for Quebec's aging hospital network, as noted by Health and Social Services Minister Sonia Bélanger. Girard also mentioned that the budget includes an undisclosed amount for future spending by the new CAQ leader, who will be chosen on April 12 and will become premier.
Uncertainty and Election Context
Girard emphasized the high level of uncertainty facing Quebec, with an election scheduled for October 5. "There is an election campaign coming. It's not time to launch new spending, new promises," he said, advocating for prudent decision-making. He assured that the budget will be reviewed by Quebec's independent auditor-general before the campaign launches, maintaining its legitimacy.
On the deficit front, Girard hinted at improvements but did not confirm specifics. Quebec's 2025-2026 deficit was initially forecast at $13.6 billion, revised down to $12.4 billion in November, and Girard suggested the 2026-2027 deficit might be under $10 billion, though he reserved details for the official presentation.
Premier François Legault commented that Quebec's deficits are partly due to tax reductions, averaging $950 per person since the CAQ took office. "We chose to have a deficit for Quebec instead of emptying the pocketbooks of Quebecers," he said, defending the government's fiscal choices.
Overall, the budget reflects a cautious stance amid economic and political uncertainties, with targeted investments in areas like childcare and infrastructure, but no immediate relief for motorists facing high gas prices.
