Water pricing: Quebec is ready for a reassessment, minister says

The Lachine Rapids are seen Friday, October 22, 2021 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Quebec is ready for a reassessment of drinking water use and pricing, Municipal Affairs Minister Samuel Poulin said on Thursday.

During a parliamentary committee hearing, he cited examples where the use of water meters had helped significantly reduce consumption, thereby avoiding the need to expand the local water treatment plant.

“Does the government intend to take concrete steps to encourage municipalities to implement drinking water pricing?” asked PQ MNA Alex Boissoneault.

“That is not our intention,” replied Poulin.

The government will also soon launch a campaign on drinking water use, the minister announced.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 28, 2026.