Wednesday, March 18, 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

More than 400 U.S. health-care workers have been hired by B.C., Premier Eby says

More than 400 U.S. health-care workers have been hired by B.C., Premier Eby says
A recruitment campaign in the United States has allowed British Columbia to hire more than 400 health-care professionals in less than a year. 

More than 400 U.S. health-care workers have been hired by B.C., Premier Eby says

Strong winds leave thousands in the dark in Central Canada, Maritimes

Strong winds leave thousands in the dark in Central Canada, Maritimes
Strong winds put electrical grids to the test across Central Canada and the Maritimes on Tuesday, with Quebec particularly hard hit by the massive gusts.

Strong winds leave thousands in the dark in Central Canada, Maritimes

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped
More heavy rain is in the forecast for British Columbia's coastal regions as a series of atmospheric rivers rolls in after the first deluge dropped more than 100 millimetres. 

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026
The Power Women of Influence Gala 2026 will feature an inspiring and dynamic panel of leaders and changemakers, including Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, physician and global health advocate; Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, scholar and founder of the South Asian Studies Institute; Farkhunda Muhtaj, Afghan-Canadian footballer and humanitarian activist; Diana Hayden, international actor and Miss World 1997; and Simi Sara, award-winning journalist and radio host. The evening’s conversation will be moderated by veteran journalist and media strategist Robin Gill.

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she agrees with Prime Minister Mark Carney that the U.S. attack on Iran violates international law — and so does Iran's blockade of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs
Ever since the U.S. launched its war against Iran on Feb. 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has said her top priority is helping Canadians who want to leave the Middle East.

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs