Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette unveiled three new initiatives on Monday, exceeding the initial budget set aside for her predecessor by approximately $80 million, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the finance minister’s office to Radio-Canada. Addressing the crowd in Sherbrooke, Que., the premier announced a nearly $50 reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles and increased funding for vulnerable individuals.
These measures complement a permanent provincial sales tax cut on select groceries and hygiene products starting July 15, which Fréchette had previously announced to Coalition Avenir Québec party members. The aim is to lessen the financial burden on Quebec residents at the point of sale. Fréchette emphasized that these combined measures will result in substantial savings for families, with an estimated $350 benefit for a family of four.
The reduced vehicle registration fees will impact 4.9 million vehicles in Quebec, costing around $245 million, as confirmed by Finance Minister Eric Girard during the announcement in Sherbrooke. The province’s automobile insurance board will automatically apply the reduced fees, effective September 1. Additionally, Quebecers eligible for the solidarity tax credit based on modest incomes can anticipate a direct deposit of up to $200 in extra assistance starting June 4.
Over the weekend, Fréchette faced scrutiny over her spending as reports surfaced that Girard had warned her of surpassing the allocated $250-million fund. However, Fréchette defended her decisions, stating that the measures were developed in collaboration with Girard to address the evolving economic landscape. Girard expressed confidence in absorbing the extra $86 million expenditure, citing increased revenues and federal transfers as supporting factors.
Despite the additional spending, Girard clarified that the changes to vehicle registration fees and support for vulnerable populations are deemed as one-time measures and will not be extended beyond the current fiscal year. He assured that the budget framework for 2026–27 remains robust and anticipates issuing a pre-election report in August to provide further insight into the government’s financial strategy.