Quebec opposition parties accuse premier of buying votes with sales tax measures

Quebec Liberal Party finance critic Frédéric Beauchemin reacts to the government's budget speech at the Legislative Assembly in Quebec City on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

On Monday, Premier Christine Fréchette offered tax relief to Quebecers, but a day later, opposition parties at the National Assembly accused the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) leader of just trying to buy votes.

“It’s directly tied to the desire of Christine Fréchette to be re-elected. Simple as that. There is no other way to look at this,” said Liberal MNA Frederic Beauchemin.

Fréchette announced the removal of the Quebec sales tax on certain food and hygiene products, a measure that will save an average couple with two children about $50 a year. Reduced car registration fees will save another $50. A one-time payment of $100 or $200 will be made to low- and middle-income earners.

• READ MORE: Quebec removes sales tax from some groceries as part of wider affordability push

“It’s not enough,” said Ruba Ghazal, Québec Solidaire’s co-spokesperson. “It’s electoral gifts that Mme. Fréchette is doing and it’s costing a lot of money for public finances.”

Québec Solidaire says more should be done to help tenants.

“They are receiving now from the measure of Christine Fréchette maybe $50 or $100 per year. It’s nothing when they are receiving a very big increase of their rent,” Ghazal said.

On Tuesday, the premier was on the defensive at the National Assembly, telling reporters she would not apologize for helping Quebecers.

The CAQ says it’s a responsible move because it puts money in people’s pockets.

“I think it’s very important to put the money where the needs are,” said Chantal Rouleau, the minister responsible for social solidarity. “It’s more important to help the people who are facing the increasing cost of living instead of taking that money for a referendum.”

MNAs in Quebec are set to go into campaign mode later this year with the provincial election scheduled for Oct. 5.