Premiere Jean Charest says there could be increases in a number of provincial fees such as Hydro Quebec rates, drivers licenses and auto insurance.
Many are speculating that the move is designed to re-fill the money pit dug by the Caisse de Depot.
However, Charest would not link the supposedly impending fee increases to the supposed losses by the Caisse.
The Caisse de Depot is the provincial agency responsible for managing the pension fund. It will release its annual fiscal statement at the end of the month, and is expected to post a loss of $38 billion, or 26 per cent of its value.
While the government says it is not looking at higher taxes or an increase in daycare fees, there are indications that auto insurance, CSST contributions and possibly contributions to the pension plan could increase.
The SAAQ is responsible for drivers' licenses and auto insurance. It has lobbied for higher tariffs for a long time, because it worries it does not have enough money in its reserve to pay for future claims.
Employers, however, are expected to be against a hike in CSST fees. The CSST is responsible for the province's worker's compensation funds. A hike in contributions would mean a larger payout for employers during a time of layoffs and tightened purse strings.
Pauline Marois, leader of the official opposition, has called for a freeze on the fees until the economy recovers.
Charest says it would be irresponsible to freeze fees at this time.
