Why Should you Participate in Quebec’s Upcoming Pre-budget Consultations?
Starting in December, various groups and organizations will have the chance to participate in the Quebec government’s pre-budget consultations. This time-limited period[1] is a crucial opportunity to present key recommendations and strategic priorities the government should integrate in the next budget. As these consultations approach, here are some compelling reasons to consider preparing a written submission (or more simply a brief):
1) Influence Government Decisions
While the number of briefs submitted may make the process seem inefficient to some organizations, these documents are not ignored by the Ministry. Félix Bhérer-Magnan’s excellent essay explores pre-budget consultations and reveals that even though not all briefs are directly reviewed by the Minister of Finance, “all briefs are read and analyzed by the ministry under the guidance of Éric Girard”[2]. Participating in these annual consultations is not a worthless exercise. It allows your organization or association to establish a connection with the ministry and democratize the key priorities of your sector of activity.
2) Attract Media and Public Official’s Attention
A brief is not just for the Ministry. It can be shared with media outlets, targeted journalists, and political advisors to spread your message. In other words, don’t limit your brief to the consultation period; use all the communication channels you use on a daily basis.
3) Internal Benefits
Writing a brief also has internal benefits. For example, the process of drafting may lead to a consultation within your organization to identify and prioritize key issues. These discussions are therefore fundamental to building consensus on your budgetary demands, and can establish an annual cycle to revisit and update your priorities yearly.
Based on these three points, submitting a brief during the pre-budget consultations is not to be overlooked in your government relations strategy. Interested in submitting a brief to the upcoming consultations in Quebec? Our team is here to support you and ensure you are heard.
[1] Last year, pre-budget consultations ran from December 2024 to February 2025. However, this period is subject to change.
[2] Bhérer-Magnan, F. (2024). Une incursion dans l’univers des consultations prébudgétaires au Québec : comment le processus des consultations prébudgétaires permet-il de prendre en compte les préoccupations des groupes ? Essai, Fondation Jean-Charles Bonenfant. *The document is only available in french.
Alexis Morin
PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE