Quebec budget gets personal taxes right but fails on alcohol: Restaurants Canada

Quebec City – The Quebec budget delivered March 29 puts ups no new hurdles for the restaurant industry, but does little to alleviate current problems, including the cumbersome alcohol licensing process, Restaurants Canada said in a news release.

“Our industry has long called for a more streamlined process to obtain a liquor licence,” said David Lefebvre, Restaurants Canada’s vice-president representing federal and Quebec matters. “With a solid surplus, Quebec could have taken a step further to reduce taxes paid by small businesses, especially as the federal government hikes alcohol taxes.”

On the positive side, the government has raised the personal income tax exemption level, the association said, noting it is the right policy to put more money in the pockets of first-time employees.

“We commend the government for maintaining the limited planned tax reductions, while injecting money for employee training, apprenticeships, and help for immigrants and minorities to start new businesses,” Lefebvre said. “As the number one first-time employer in Canada, our industry is especially happy with those measures.”

Restaurants Canada is also pleased with the government’s plans to invest more in tourism.

“We hope the government will acknowledge the role our industry plays in tourism, and develop strategies to enhance it,” Lefebvre said.

With $14.9 billion in sales, the restaurant industry represents 3.8 per cent of Quebec’s GDP and employs nearly 300,000 Quebecers.