Conservative Party of Quebec pitches $11,166 tax cut over five years

Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime unveiled the first part of his party's tax-cut plan Friday, promising a typical Quebec household would save $11,166 over five years — roughly $183 per month.

The PCQ's four tax measures are pitched as putting money back in the pockets of households struggling with the cost of living. Duhaime pointed to Quebec's tax burden, mortgage pressures, and food-bank use as evidence that households are struggling.

However, the framing of Quebec's tax position is contested. While Duhaime argues Quebec is the highest-taxed jurisdiction in North America, critics note that characterization only holds when taking a narrow view of taxation and overly focusing on the well-being of highest earners and profitable corporations. Everyone else, they argue, benefits from one of the best wealth distribution systems in North America.

Duhaime, best known for his association with Quebec City radio poubelle and his long opposition to François Legault's pandemic response, has positioned himself as an alternative to both the CAQ and the Parti Québécois. He opposes Bill 96, supports Bill 21, and advocates for fracking. Though he calls himself a Quebec nationalist, he does not support a referendum on sovereignty.

The announcement came as the campaign entered its final week before Monday's provincial election.