From housing to health care, what to expect in Quebec's budget

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard says today's provincial budget will be "prudent" but will still include relief for those struggling with the rising cost of living. 

"We're dealing with the immediate need," Girard told reporters Monday.

"We're also funding long term the principal missions of the state — health care, education, the economy, the environment."

The budget — the Coalition Avenir Québec government's last before the fall election — is being tabled as Quebecers grapple with inflation that is pushing up the cost of food, services and gas. 

In January 2022, the rate of inflation in Canada exceeded five per cent for the first time since September 1991, according to Statistics Canada.

On the positive side, Girard said the economy had rebounded more quickly than expected despite the pandemic, driving down the structural deficit from an expected $6.8 billion for the fiscal year to roughly $3 billion. 

"The rebound was exceptional," he said. 

The province still faces a monumental challenge. Last year, Girard suspended the province's Balanced Budget Act, which requires the province to balance the budget within five years. He pushed that goal back to seven years. 

With all that in mind, here are four key things to look for in the budget, which is expected to be tabled shortly after 4 p.m. (See below for full details of CBC's coverage.)

Advocacy groups have called on the government to mitigate the rising prices facing Quebec households by freezing Hydro-Québec rates or reducing the provincial gas tax, for example.

Quebec Premier François Legault had previously said his intention was to "put money back into the pockets of Quebecers," although he did not say how.

However, some economists and other experts say giving out cheques might do more harm than good.

Last November, Girard announced an allowance for more than three million low- and middle-income Quebecers in 2022. Couples will receive $400 and people living alone $275. An investment of $2.1 billion over five years will cover the cost, Girard said. 

He also announced an increase in financial assistance for Quebecers aged 70 and up, bringing it to a maximum of $400 per person starting this year.