Charest signals fee hikes in spring budget

Quebec Premier Jean Charest is warning that user fees for everything from electricity to auto insurance could go up this year as the province tries to cover the cost of public services.

With his government anticipating its first deficit budget in a decade, Charest said Monday that individual departments will be looking closely at ways to cover their costs.

'When we are in a difficult period in the economy, we have to help the citizens.' —Pauline Marois, Parti Québécois leader

He scoffed at critics who said he has changed his tune on Quebec's ability to handle the current economic stresses since the election campaign late last year.

"The position on [user fees] for us is exactly the same as it was before the election campaign," said Charest.

The Parti Québécois called on Charest to freeze user fees, saying a recession is no time to raise the costs for average citizens.

"When we are in a difficult period in the economy, we have to help the citizens. We have to help the consumers. I think it's time to freeze the fees," said PQ Leader Pauline Marois.

"When we know the economic and budgetary situation of Quebec, we can make a decision."

No matter what happens with the provincial budget, Charest assured the public that he will not raise the cost of publicly subsidized daycare. He said the cost will remain at $7 a day this year.

He also promised to avoid any increase in income taxes.

The Liberal government is expected to table its budget in late March or early April.