Legault promises $500 cheques to help Quebecers cope with inflation in pre-election budget

All adults who earn less than $100,000 a year will be given a one-time payment of $500 to help with rising inflation.

The promise was the highlight of the budget. The province will have a deficit of $7.4 billion in the fiscal year that ends at the end of the month, better than the previous year's shortfall of $9.2 billion, but still short of the minister's goal of narrowing the deficit to $5.3 million.

Despite being on track to meet his budget goals, the government decided to use increased revenue to respond to cries for relief from the biggest shock to the cost of living in more than three decades. The war in Ukraine has added to the price pressures on the consumer price index.

The average price of gasoline in Quebec is a new record, and experts think it could go as high as $2 per gallon.

The budget that I am presenting today is within a context of great uncertainty. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is marked by the tense geopolitics.

Despite opposition parties suggesting freezing electricity rates or removing the provincial gas tax, Legault made good on his promise to give out cheques to help Quebecers cope with inflation and rising gas prices.

The total cost of the $500 cheques for 6.4 million Quebecers was estimated by Girard.

Quebec's economy is looking up. The province's gross domestic product decreased in 2020 but increased in 2021. This year and in the years to come, Girard predicted growth of two per cent.

As health restrictions were relaxed, Quebecers came out in droves. The lockdowns may not be over just yet. The government has pledged $8.9 billion to strengthen Quebec's health care infrastructure.

The last budget released before the provincial election in the fall will be the fourth by Girard since the Coalition Avenir Quebec was elected.

Email: mcoulton@postmedia.com