Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette defended her recent spending commitments after concerns emerged from Finance Minister Eric Girard that her promises could exceed the province’s allocated political spending fund.

According to reports from Radio-Canada, Girard warned Fréchette earlier in May that Quebecers expect responsible financial management and cautioned against excessive spending.

Since becoming premier in April and taking leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), Fréchette has introduced several financial measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.

These include reimbursing part of the welcome tax for first-time homebuyers, refunding carbon tax costs for farmers, and reducing taxes for small and medium-sized businesses.She is also expected to announce the removal of the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) on selected grocery and pharmacy products.The proposed QST exemption alone is estimated to cost approximately $100 million.

Combined with her earlier commitments, the total value of her promises is estimated at roughly $330 million, exceeding the $250 million annual fund set aside in the provincial budget for the premier’s initiatives.

Fréchette argued that Quebec residents are facing rising expenses linked to housing, groceries, fuel prices, and global instability, including tensions in the Middle East.She stated that her role is to balance fiscal responsibility with supporting citizens during difficult economic conditions.

Finance Minister Girard minimized the controversy, saying his message to Fréchette was consistent with his long-standing approach to protecting public finances.Environment Minister Pascale Déry also described the exchange as normal within government operations.

Opposition leaders criticized the CAQ government, accusing Fréchette of continuing the spending habits of former premier François Legault in an attempt to gain political support ahead of future elections.