Premier Philippe Couillard is doing nothing to douse speculation that universal $7-a-day-daycare could be axed as part of a series of future budget cuts.

Couillard told reporters that the future pricing model remains to be determined.

But at the recent Forum for Ideas for Quebec, Couillard said that the rate could be adjusted to reflect parental income.

The Liberal premier said that the government would study a variety of propositions in an effort to wrestle down the provincial deficit.

Couillard has set up a pair of committees to slash billions of dollars in spending to balance the 2015-16 budget.

Couillard noted that other fees could be also be adjusted to reflect the income levels of consumers.

Couillard will be one of about 400 taking part in a second budget forum, entitled Living Innovation to  take place this weekend at Champlain College in St. Lambert.

About 40 experts from France, the United States and Canada will be present for discussions.