Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard to Table Pre-Election Budget Focused on Deficit Control

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard is set to present the province’s latest budget today, with expectations pointing toward a cautious financial plan aimed at reducing the deficit rather than introducing major new spending initiatives.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Girard signaled that Quebecers should not anticipate significant new programs or large-scale investments. Instead, the government appears to be prioritizing fiscal discipline as it navigates ongoing economic pressures.

This budget holds particular political importance, as it is likely to be Girard’s final fiscal plan before the province heads into a general election this fall. The timing also coincides with an upcoming leadership transition within the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, which is preparing to select a successor to Premier François Legault next month.

Girard indicated that the budget would include a reserved funding envelope for the next party leader either Christine Fréchette or Bernard Drainville. This allocation is intended to give the incoming leader flexibility to introduce campaign commitments and policy priorities during the election period.

The province continues to grapple with a sizable deficit. In his fiscal update last November, Girard projected a shortfall of $12.4 billion for the 2025–26 fiscal year, representing approximately 1.5 percent of Quebec’s GDP. The latest budget is expected to outline steps toward narrowing that gap while maintaining essential services.

Government spending will remain focused on core areas such as public services and infrastructure development. Additionally, the budget is expected to address pressing social challenges, including efforts to combat conjugal violence and reduce homelessness across the province.

As Quebec approaches a pivotal election season, today’s budget is likely to set the tone for both the province’s economic direction and the political debates that lie ahead.