Quebec removes sales tax from some groceries as part of wider affordability push

SHERBROOKE — Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette announced on Monday she’s permanently removing provincial sales tax from some grocery and pharmacy items, as part of what she called a “bouquet” of measures to address cost-of-living concerns.

Fréchette told reporters in Sherbrooke, Que., the products that will no longer be subject to Quebec sales tax as of July 15 include pre-cut fruit and vegetables, granola bars, salted nuts, tissues and toilet paper. She said it would also apply to products like muffins, which are currently taxed when bought individually but not at volumes of six or more.

Fréchette also announced a one-time $50 reduction for car registrations for gas and hybrid vehicles and a one-time payment between $100 and $200 for low-to middle-income earners.

“Inflation affects everyone…we have to give some oxygen to Quebecers,” she said. “We need to give Quebecers a financial boost.”

The newly elected CAQ leader and premier says the three measures could save a family with two children nearly $350.

Some 3.5 million people will be eligible for the one-time payments, including 295,000 families with children, the government said. The income threshold to receive the payment ranges from a maximum of $63,258 for a single person to just over $74,000 for a couple with two children.

Fréchette confirmed Monday’s announcement will push her spending well past the $250 million annually that was allocated to her in the spring budget to fulfil her leadership campaign promises. She said the province’s financial situation had improved in recent months, allowing her to increase spending.

“There was additional money coming in, which gave us some extra flexibility,” she said. She added that global instability, including conflict in the Middle East, has resulted in higher gas prices that has put strain on Quebecers.

Finance Minister Eric Girard previously expressed concern about Fréchette’s spending. Radio-Canada reported that he wrote to the premier earlier this month to warn her that Quebecers “are intelligent and know how to count.”

But on Monday, at Fréchette’s side, Girard downplayed the cost of the promises. He said Fréchette has so far announced about $336 million in annual intiatives, exceeding her budget by about $86 million.

“To give you an idea of the scale, the Quebec government’s spending is $165 billion, so we’re talking about five hundredths of one percent,” he said. “It’s really a small amount that we can easily absorb with additional revenue.”

The registration tax decrease, at $245 million, and the one-time payment, at $335 million, add hundreds of millions more in non-recurring expenses, which Girard says the province can afford.

He said he will release new numbers next month that will show a better-than-expected financial picture for the province, noting that both tax revenue and federal transfers have gone up.

“I can confirm that we have the room for maneuver to take the actions we’re taking today, and that protecting Quebecers’ purchasing power remains a priority for us,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2026.

The Canadian Press