Quebec budget 2017: What it means for your wallet

We break down what the budget means for your pocketbook, your business, your education and your health

Image | ISTOCK PHOTO DO NOT USE wallet

Caption: The Liberal government's new budget includes a small income tax break for all taxpayers. (iStock)

Here are the highlights of Quebec's 2017-2018 financial plan:

For your pocketbook:

  • No health tax for 2016 for people making less than $134,095. If you've already submitted your taxes for 2016 1) wow! and 2) expect a new notice of assessment by June 30.
  • $55 income tax cut. The zero-tax threshold will be raised to $14,890. That means all 4.3 million taxpayers making more will see a little extra cash on their 2017 returns.
  • One year extension to the RénoVert tax credit. If you spend more than $2,500 on home renovations that support Quebec's sustainable development goals, you qualify for a 20 per cent tax credit. The rebate is capped at $10,000.

For your business

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Caption:

  • $26 million in new funding for start-ups and small- and medium-sized businesses.
  • $125 million in new money for innovating Quebec's manufacturing sector.
  • $179 million over five years for programs to help integrate immigrants into the labour market.

Smarter

Image | Concordia University file photo

(Radio-Canada)

  • $17.9 billion for education (including higher education).
  • Money to hire 1,500 new staff members for Quebec schools, who are to start in September.
  • $100 million, between now and 2021-2022, to develop Montreal as an artificial intelligence super-cluster.

Healthier

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(iStock)

  • $36.8 billion for health and social services.
  • $100 million to cut hospital wait times, and an additional $41 million for cutting diagnostic and surgery wait times.
  • $65 million to improve care in seniors' residences (CHSLDs), part of which will go towards hiring 1,150 nurses and other attendants.

FOR FULL DETAILS: