Here's what's in the Quebec budget for you on education, health, and housing

Quebec's finance minister on Tuesday unveiled a budget centred on the need to stimulate and transform the Quebec economy in the face of U.S. tariffs, effectively pulling the focus away from the average Quebecer.

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government framed its budget as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats. It includes measures to support the economy and help businesses adapt to economic uncertainty. 

But it presents few measures intended to help everyday Quebecers — and their pocketbooks. This time, there are no tax cuts or $500 cheques.

So, what's in it for you? 

Health care and social services

Eric Girard says improving public services remains a priority. The CAQ says it will commit $6.8 billion in new money over six years to support Quebecers. 

Coupled with a growing population and greater need for medical care and home services, Girard says he will invest more than $2.2 billion over five years to improve access to care. 

He says the "key" investments within public services go to health care and education.

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For decades, Quebec's public health system has been criticized for not meeting the population's needs. The province allowed the private sector to fill some of those gaps, but that hasn’t lifted much of the burden off of the public system.

But according to Québec Solidaire treasury critic Vincent Marissal, the government is doing the bare minimum to try and keep the health-care system running. But it's "not even close."

"The increase in spending is less than the minimum required just to stay afloat," he said on Tuesday. 

The budget also provides for $37.5 million over five years to train more doctors and $1.5 billion over five years to fund the supply of pharmaceutical treatments in hospitals.

Protecting seniors 

Quebec is earmarking $318 million over five years aimed at ensuring quality living environments for seniors. The government says it's putting more money into ensuring that seniors living in private and public long-term care homes are receiving the same level of care.

The CAQ is also looking to protect seniors by investing $30 million over three years to extend the financial assistance program for installing sprinklers in private seniors' residences by 2027.

Housing

Overall, this budget provides for nearly $175 million to increase support for housing services for vulnerable people, including those with intellectual and physical disabilities, people on the autism spectrum, those with mental health disorders and people experiencing homelessness.

The government is also looking to continue to help low-income households pay rent and fund the maintenance of subsidized housing stock. Over the course of five years, the government wants to open up subsidized housing to 1,000 more people.

Food aid 

In response to the substantial increase in demand and food prices, Food Banks of Quebec — which counts 33 independent regional members and serves more than 1,300 local community organizations — will receive $24 million over two years for the purchase of food. 

More teachers

Nearly $1.1 billion over five years will go toward fostering educational success, promoting participation in sports and supporting access to child care.

The government is committing $39.2 million for training a greater number of teachers amid a teacher shortage in several regions in Quebec. It's also investing $68.9 million over five years to encourage retirees to return to the education network. 

The government says it will also continue temporary financial incentives for substitute teachers. 

With a total of $165 million over five years dedicated to academic success, the government also wants to reduce the dropout rate which has increased since the pandemic. 

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Enough for the everyday Quebecer?

At a news conference following the tabling of the budget, Liberal finance critic Frédéric Beauchemin says the spending demonstrates a mismanagement of funds. 

"Are they delivering on the promises?" he said of the CAQ government during a news conference on Tuesday. 

Madwa-Nika Cadet, Liberal MNA and vice-chair of the committee on public finance, questioned what measures will "ensure that services to the population are really provided?" 

She says the average Quebecer wants more money in their pocket and to ensure a safe and high standard of care as they age.

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