SAQ must evolve because society has evolved, says Quebec’s finance minister

A man leaves an SAQ store in Montreal on June 18, 2018. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Finance Minister Eric Girard defended on Wednesday the shift by the Quebec liquor board with its $300 million warehouse to increase home delivery of products.

According to him, the the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) must evolve, otherwise consumers will go elsewhere and the monopoly will collapse.

The automated centre, currently under construction, has made headlines because its cost has ballooned from $48 million to $300 million.

SAQ president Jacques Farcy said before a parliamentary committee that the automated centre project is perfectly managed and in line with the Crown corporation’s objectives.

Québec solidaire MNA Alejandra Zaga Mendez expressed her concern that this shift would be to the detriment of the stores.

Girard, for his part, accused her of dramatizing things.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 13, 2026.

Patrice Bergeron, The Canadian Press