US Edition
Highlights of the Budget Presented by Finance Minister Eric Girard
The budget includes a $2 billion contingency reserve and prioritizes health care with a 4.1% spending increase, reflecting economic uncertainty from U.S. trade conflicts.
- On March 18, 2026, Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard tabled a $170.8-billion budget projecting an $8.6-billion deficit, which includes a $2-billion contingency and a $2.3-billion legally required debt payment.
- Pressed by a trade dispute, Girard says economic uncertainty limits fiscal space as Quebec's GDP grew 0.8 and exports to the U.S. fell by $6.5 billion last year.
- Health-Care spending is forecast at $68.7 billion, a rise of 4.1%, while education spending receives $24.1 billion, prioritizing these core sectors.
- Tied to the CAQ leadership race, the budget includes a $250-million discretionary fund for the winner on April 12, 2026, while Charles Milliard warned the deficit limits support for small and medium-sized businesses.
- On March 31, 2026, Quebec's net debt will be $250.3 billion, or 38.8 per cent of GDP, with debt service forecast at $10.3 billion, while the auditor general called the balanced-budget plan unrealistic.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Highlights of the budget presented by Finance Minister Eric Girard
Here are the key points from the budget tabled Wednesday by Finance Minister Eric Girard: The government forecasts a deficit of $8.6 billion for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including the payment into the Generations Fund (or $6.3 billion excluding that payment).
The Toronto Star
Highlights from Quebec budget for 2026-27 fiscal year
QUÉBEC - Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard tabled his eighth and what will likely be his final budget ahead of the October general election. Here are some highlights from Quebec’s
Before drawing his reverence, the Legault government tried to turn the page on an uncertain school year-round. The Girard budget put an increase in education spending by maintaining several measures – including a cultural program that was threatened with cuts.
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