Québec solidaire (QS) wants to impose higher taxes on large fortunes exceeding $25 million. This is one of the measures adopted by party members gathered at a convention this weekend to prepare their election platform. On Saturday, some 350 delegates from the left-wing political party discussed measures addressing the cost of living and the redistribution of wealth. In particular, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of introducing “a progressive tax on the portion of large fortunes exceeding $25 million.” Earlier in the day, before the vote, spokespersons Ruba Ghazal and Sol Zanetti emphasized the importance of raising taxes on the wealthiest to support public services. “We need to take money out of the pockets of multimillionaires and put it toward measures that will truly improve the daily lives of the majority of Quebecers,” Ghazal stated at a press briefing. QS denies seeking to harm entrepreneurs or prevent the wealthiest from getting richer through such a measure. “People like François Lambert shouldn’t worry,” said Zanetti, referring to the businessman who had expressed his opposition last March to the idea of taxing the rich more. “It’s a small contribution we’ll be asking of them, one that will make a huge difference for Quebec society. For them, it’s pocket change. It won’t change the quality of the bottle of wine they’ll pull from their cellar on Friday night,” argued Zanetti. QS proposes an annual tax rate of 1 per cent for the bracket between $25 million and $100 million, and 2 per cent for amounts over $100 million. The party estimates that this measure would affect approximately 4,000 people. According to its calculations, implementing such a progressive tax would generate $5 billion annually for the government. Some members had proposed lowering the threshold to $5 million instead of $25 million, arguing that the latter would make the measure “symbolic.” The amendment was ultimately rejected. MNA Manon Massé had called on members to maintain the $25 million threshold. “We have to break free from the ‘orange tax’ label they’ve stuck on us. The way to do that is to be very clear, very radical. And at 25 million, no fisherman, no farmer—except those we’re targeting—will feel affected,” argued Massé. During the 2022 election campaign, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) had labeled certain QS tax proposals as “orange taxes,” including an additional 0.1 per cent tax on citizens with a net worth of $1 million to $10 million. CAQ members accused QS of targeting the middle class. QS will also include in its new election platform the full taxation of capital gains, with exceptions such as for primary residences and certain agricultural properties. A ‘Costco’-style public grocery network Earlier on Saturday, the majority of members initially rallied behind the idea of launching a pilot project for wholesale-style public grocery stores, or “Costco”-style stores. MNA Alejandra Zaga Mendez put forward this proposal, which will be one of the flagship measures of the party’s 2026 election platform. The proposed model is a “food wholesaler that will buy local products, purchase in bulk, and resell in bulk,” she explained to reporters. Through this measure, QS aims to promote access to food at reduced prices and prioritize local products, in addition to competing with major retail chains. The political party is drawing inspiration from a pledge made by New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. “It’s an effective way to create competition and then lower grocery prices. The state has a level of influence that few other players can match in the food market,” Ghazal told the media. This network would also be tasked with supporting the development of community-based grocery stores and cooperatives, among other initiatives. The party wants to create “food warehouse”-style retail outlets for the general public, primarily in food deserts and in rural areas where there is no competition. QS also promises to cap the profit margins of major chains at 2 per cent and to ban unfair practices, such as shrinkflation, dynamic pricing, and false promotions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 9, 2026. Frédéric Lacroix-Couture, The Canadian Press
