Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard has expressed optimism about the province's economic recovery, despite looming uncertainties stemming from U.S. policies. In an economic update presented on November 21, 2024, Girard outlined several key measures aimed at bolstering the province's financial health, including indexing welfare payments and making adjustments to the tax system [4c0747f8].
One significant change is the increase in the age for the senior career-extension tax credit from 60 to 65, which is projected to save Quebec approximately $877 million over the next five years. Despite these measures, Quebec's deficit remains substantial at $11 billion [4c0747f8].
Girard has revised the province's growth projections, now estimating a growth rate of 1.2% for 2024 and 1.5% for 2025. Additionally, he announced $2.1 billion in new spending, which includes a notable $5.2 billion in tax relief aimed at benefiting 5 million low-income households [4c0747f8].
However, the update has not been without controversy. Opposition parties have criticized the government's approach, alleging that it masks hidden deficits and could lead to potential austerity measures in the future [4c0747f8]. As Quebec navigates these economic challenges, the balance between fiscal responsibility and support for vulnerable populations remains a contentious issue.