Thursday, March 19, 2026
ADVT 
National

It's budget day in Quebec, and finance minister says don't expect major goodies

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Mar, 2026 09:51 AM
  • It's budget day in Quebec, and finance minister says don't expect major goodies

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard is set to table his budget today for the upcoming fiscal year.

Speaking to journalists Tuesday, he said Quebecers shouldn't expect any new big-ticket items as the province tries to reduce the deficit.

Today's budget will likely be Girard's last before the fall general election, and it comes shortly before the governing Coalition Avenir Québec chooses a new leader next month to replace Premier François Legault.

Girard has said the budget will include an envelope of money for Legault's successor — Christine Fréchette or Bernard Drainville — to use to deliver on campaign promises.

In his fiscal update last November, Girard said the province was projected to have a deficit of $12.4 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year, or 1.5 per cent of the GDP.

Girard has said government spending will focus on core functions and infrastructure, as well as on tackling issues like conjugal violence and homelessness.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver's snow-free run could end as late-winter warnings issued in southwest B.C.

Vancouver's snow-free run could end as late-winter warnings issued in southwest B.C.
Snow is expected to make a late-winter visit to southwestern British Columbia, with Environment Canada issuing a snowfall warning for much of western and southern Vancouver Island.

Vancouver's snow-free run could end as late-winter warnings issued in southwest B.C.

Veterinary sedative found in counterfeit pain medication: Manitoba RCMP

Veterinary sedative found in counterfeit pain medication: Manitoba RCMP
Police in Manitoba are warning the public about counterfeit pills containing heroin and a potent veterinary sedative being packaged as over-the-counter pain medicine. 

Veterinary sedative found in counterfeit pain medication: Manitoba RCMP

Canadians arriving home from Middle East express frustration with war, evacuations

Canadians arriving home from Middle East express frustration with war, evacuations
Loved ones waiting with flowers, balloons and open arms tearfully embraced Canadian travellers as they arrived in Toronto’s Pearson airport on Saturday as more Canadians flee the Middle East. 

Canadians arriving home from Middle East express frustration with war, evacuations

Man accused of killing B.C. Mountie Shaelyn Yang testifies at fitness hearing

Man accused of killing B.C. Mountie Shaelyn Yang testifies at fitness hearing
The man accused of killing RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang in a Burnaby, B.C., park is testifying in Vancouver to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.

Man accused of killing B.C. Mountie Shaelyn Yang testifies at fitness hearing

Voting begins in NDP leadership race, Singh's successor to be named March 29

Voting begins in NDP leadership race, Singh's successor to be named March 29
Voting began Monday in the federal NDP leadership race, with a March 28 deadline for party members to cast their votes.

Voting begins in NDP leadership race, Singh's successor to be named March 29

Premier Moe announces 'Patients First' health-care plan to address issues

Premier Moe announces 'Patients First' health-care plan to address issues
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has released a plan that aims to make it easier for patients to access and receive care in the province.

Premier Moe announces 'Patients First' health-care plan to address issues