The Legault government is handing out checks to Quebecers ahead of the holidays.
Finance Minister Eric Girard announced at a press conference on Wednesday that starting in December, the government will hand out $400 or $600 to individuals who meet the requirements.
- $600 checks will go to people who earned less than $50,000 in 2021.
- $400 checks will go to those who earned between $50,000 and $100,000 in 2021.
Calling the measure “simple and effective,” Girard fulfilled a campaign promise made by the CAQ to help taxpayers cope with the high inflation of the past few months, which has reached between 6.5 and 7 percent.
Girard called the payment a one-time cost-of-living adjustment, adding that Quebecers do not have to apply or request it. The payment will even go to people who owe money to the government.
Those who have signed up for direct deposit will receive the money in their bank accounts, and those who haven’t will receive a check.
The adjustment will cost the government about $3.5 billion, prompting some criticism that it could worsen inflation.
However, Girard said the government considered other methods of providing relief, but ultimately decided this was the best way to help Quebecers.
“We really believe that Quebecers are best placed to determine what to do with this cost-of-living adjustment,” Girard said. “We really think they’re going to decide if they’re able to save it, reduce their debt, or if they’re going to have to spend it immediately because they have immediate needs.”
Checks will be sent to 6.5 million eligible taxpayers.
This is the second donation from the Quebec government this year as a measure to fight inflation, after the government sent $500 to Quebecers who made less than $100,000 in the spring.
Girard said he does not plan to send a third payment to Quebecers, adding that he expects inflation to stop rising as economic growth slows. Girard added that he believes there is a 50 percent chance that Quebec’s economy will be in recession in 2023.
Girard also said he would provide a financial and economic update on Thursday, December 8.
BEWARE OF SCAMS
Girard also warned Quebecers to be vigilant in the coming weeks for scams.
Revenu Quebec will not communicate with anyone via text message or email regarding sending the money. Anyone who receives a message directing them to follow a link to receive your payment should take note – this is a scam.
With files from The Canadian Press and CTV News Montreal’s Matt Gilmore
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