The Couillard government hopes to jumpstart the Quebec economy by offering a bigger tax break for big investors.
Officials held a press conference Tuesday to pledge to create 15,000 jobs within two years by lowering the threshold required to get a tax holiday.
The program, which takes effect immediately, offers tax holidays on 15 percent of revenues for projects of $100 million, a reduction from the previous $200 million minimum. That minimum falls to $100 million in the regions.
The Liberals hope to generate 25 new projects with a total value of $4 billion through the scheme.
Premier Philippe Couillard said that the government aims to improve the economy and create jobs. "This is the first and foremost priority of citizens is to have a good job and good income,” he said.
Quebec Finance Minister Carlos Leitao took the measures well prior to the next budget, which is expected at the end of March.
The Liberals have pledged to create 250,000 jobs by the end of this mandate in 2018.
Manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing and data hosting and processing are expected to be the sectors that will most benefit from the new rule.
The program had a minimum of $300 million when first introduced, by the Parti Quebecois, it was later reduced to $200 million.
The duration of the tax break was also extended from 10 to 15 years.
Meanwhile it is believed that he Liberals are planning to introduce their bill on secularism this June with a possible passage this fall.
