Montreal, QC: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is urging the Legault government to rein in excessive spending and present a clear plan to pay down debt following the release of its economic update.

“This update confirms that the Legault government continues to dig the province deeper into debt at the expense of future generations, instead of putting forward a real plan control spending,” said Nicolas Gagnon, Quebec Director of the CTF.

“With interest charges on Quebec’s debt now exceeding $10 billion per year, it is more important than ever to cut spending and start paying down debt.”

The Government of Quebec released its fall economic update on Tuesday.

The province is now planning to borrow $12.4 billion in 2025-26. 

The provincial debt is projected to reach $256 billion by the end of the fiscal year. 

Interest payments on that debt will cost Quebec taxpayers about $10.2 billion this year.

The update contained no relief on gas taxes.

However, the government announced reductions in contributions to the Quebec Pension Plan and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. Those changes represent a maximum saving of about $137 per worker in 2026.

“Premier François Legault promised to help taxpayers by putting money back in their pockets, but this update shows that promise was just political spin,” said Gagnon.

“Instead of multiplying accounting manoeuvres with the Green Fund and maintaining a carbon tax that only Quebecers still pay, Legault should focus on controlling spending and reducing the tax burden on families.”