The 2024 Quebec Budget, titled ‘’Priorities | Health and Education,” unveils the government’s commitment to enhancing public services to meet the needs of Quebecers. The budget announces an investment of more than $8.8 billion over the next 5 years. In this article, we will dive into details to understand the investments that will be made for key areas of focus, including health and education, community support, and economic growth.
Health and Education
The 2024 Quebec Budget allocates $3.7 billion over the next six years, to health and social services. This investment aims to enhance access to care and services, especially for seniors and vulnerable populations, while also accelerating the digital transformation of the healthcare system and bolstering homecare services.
In the education sector, the government is allocating nearly $819 million over six years to support student success. This funding will not only foster academic achievement but also address staffing needs, bolster infrastructure maintenance, and promote educational partnerships.
As for higher education, the Quebec government plans to invest nearly $421 million over five years to bolster higher education. This investment will support university students’ success, prioritize training in key fields, facilitate digital transformation, expand student housing options, and maintain educational facilities.
Community Support
The 2024 Quebec Budget also includes investments of approximately $441 million to support Quebec communities. Nearly $86 million will be allocated to promote sustainable participation in recreation and sports.
To tackle the housing crisis, the government is allocating $482.5 million over four years, with a focus on improving access to housing. Of this amount, $200.8 million will be used to continue offering assistance through the Shelter Allowance Program. $219 million will go towards maintaining the social housing stock, and $62.3 million towards adapting and promoting the housing market.
Additionally, investments of over $214 million over the next five years will be directed towards improving public safety, in particular to ensuring safety in aboriginal communities, improving cell phone coverage, and combating sexual violence. $25 million for 2025-2026 has been allocated for the construction of 100 new cellular sites in certain areas, including Bas-Saint-Laurent, Estrie, and Nord-du-Québec.
To ensure that the Quebec community has the infrastructure it needs, the Quebec government has published the Quebec Infrastructure Plan for the next 10 years. In this plan, the government plans to invest approximately $153 billion. 62% of this amount will be used to maintain existing buildings, and 38% for new infrastructure. Under the Quebec infrastructure plan, hospitals and social services, schools, CEGEPs, and universities, as well as social housing, public transit and road network, will receive a considerable sum.
Finally, over $140 million over five years has been earmarked to strengthen support for vulnerable people, particularly to deploy the specialized sexual and domestic violence court throughout Quebec and to reinforce security in courthouses.
Economic Growth
Initiatives totaling nearly $443 million over five years are planned in Quebec’s strategic sectors to drive economic growth. These measures will not only enable the development of new technologies but also modernize companies and support emerging technologies. The 2024 Quebec Budget includes allocations for the following:
- $125 million over five years to set up industrial laboratories in innovation zones;
- $74.5 million over five years to ensure the growth of Quebec’s aerospace sector, in order to support the development of new technologies, attract new talent, and make companies in this sector competitive.
- $31 million over three years to pursue the development of the aluminum sector;
- $203.6 million over five years to promote the adoption of new technologies and research;
- $9 million over three years to support entrepreneurship;
- $500 million to recapitalize the Capital Natural Resources and Energy Fund.
To ensure the economic prosperity of the regions, the government plans to implement initiatives totaling nearly $889 million over five years:
- $347.5 million to support Quebec’s forestry sector;
- $337.1 million to support regional mobility and dynamism, including $250 million for road maintenance;
- $107.5 million over five years to promote the development of the bio-food sector;
- $48.8 million over four years to continue revitalizing the tourism sector;
- $25 million over five years to strengthen partnerships with First Nations;
- $22.6 million in 2025-2026 to support businesses through Accès entreprise Québec
The 2024 Quebec Budget reflects a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents while fostering economic growth and prosperity. By prioritizing investments in health, education, community support, and strategic economic sectors, the government is laying the groundwork for a resilient and prosperous future.
