The latest announced tax measures
Quebec Finance – Expansion of the Temporary Contribution Holiday to the HSF in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Sectors
Since January 1, 2026, a temporary contribution holiday to the Health Services Fund (HSF) has been implemented, allowing employers to reduce their tax burden. As a reminder, to qualify for the HSF contribution holiday for 2026 and 2027, more than 50% of an employer’s total payroll (including that of associated employers) previously had to be attributable to the following activities (corresponding NAICS codes):
- Agricultural crop production
- Animal production and aquaculture
- Forestry and logging
- Fishing
- Sawmills
- Pulp mills
On January 28, Revenu Québec announced that employers will no longer need to take into account the payroll of associated employers when determining eligibility. For the purpose of meeting the 50% threshold, employers must now consider only their own payroll.
Revenu Québec also introduced a partial (50%) HSF contribution holiday when an employer’s proportion of payroll attributable to the eligible activities listed above falls between 25% and 50%.
|
Employer’s proportion of Quebec payroll in eligible activites
|
Employer’s HSF contribution holiday rate |
| > 50 % | 100 % |
| ≥ 25 %, without exceeding 50 % | 50 % |
Although these new rules apply retroactively to January 1, 2026, no refunds will be issued for payments made since that date.
Sources : Québec Finance, Information Bulletin 2026‑1: Expansions to the Temporary Contribution Holiday to the Health Services Fund in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Sectors, and Other Adjustments to Quebec’s Tax System, January 28, 2026.
Canada Finance – New Canadian Grocery and Essential Needs Benefit and Immediate Expensing for Greenhouses
On January 26, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a new benefit aimed at making groceries and other essential goods more affordable:
- This measure will replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit, increasing its value by 25% for a five‑year period beginning in July 2026 (subject to Royal Assent).
- A one‑time supplement will be paid in spring 2026, also subject to Royal Assent. This payment will correspond to a 50% increase in the annual GST credit for the 2025–2026 year.
- In practical terms, a family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026, then approximately $1,400 per year for the following four years. A single individual could receive up to $950 in 2026, then approximately $700 per year over the next four years.
To further reduce food production costs, the federal government is also introducing immediate expensing for greenhouses. Producers will be able to deduct the full cost of greenhouses acquired after November 4, 2025, provided they are placed into service before 2030.