Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette announced three new measures Monday afternoon to help Quebecers cope with the rising cost of living.
“Inflation affects everyone. … We need to give Quebecers some breathing room. We need to give Quebecers a financial boost,” Fréchette stated in a Sherbrooke grocery store.
As revealed over the weekend, the CAQ government will permanently abolish the Quebec sales tax (QST) on a range of everyday consumer goods, effective July 15.
This measure will affect snacks, such as granola bars and nuts, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, such as pre-cut vegetable platters and fruit salads, as well as toilet paper and tissues.
Quebec estimates that removing the QST from these various products will allow a couple with two children to save an average of nearly $50 per year.
Fréchette also confirmed her commitment to applying a $50 reduction to the cost of renewing vehicle registration fees for one year, starting Sept. 1.
At a press conference with Finance Minister Eric Girard, the premier explained the reduction will be applied automatically upon registration renewal. The government states this measure will apply to gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel vehicles, representing nearly 4.9 million cars.
Finally, the Fréchette government announced a one-time assistance for recipients of the Solidarity Tax Credit. Starting June 4, these individuals will automatically receive a lump sum payment of up to $200. This measure is expected to benefit 3.5 million people, including 295,000 families with children.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
