Quebec defends decision to cut inflation cheques and ask Ottawa for more health funds

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard is defending his government’s decision to transfer one-time cash payments to most Quebecers while it demands more money from Ottawa for health care.

Girard told reporters in Quebec City the payments of up to $600 will help Quebecers deal with temporary inflation, adding that health care is a recurring cost that needs stable, long-term funding.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized provinces that are seeking more money from Ottawa for health care while spending billions of dollars in inflation-related payments or tax cuts.

Trudeau was also referring to New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, whose government is asking for more health-care funding and also cutting taxes for high earners.