Quebec voters prioritize cost-of-living measures ahead of October 5 provincial election

With Quebec's provincial election set for October 5, polling shows that voters across party lines are most attracted to promises that put money back in their pockets — a sign that cost of living remains the dominant campaign issue in the province.

According to a Leger poll conducted August 21-24 among 1,010 eligible Quebec voters, eliminating the provincial sales tax (QST) on used goods ranks highest, with 77 per cent saying it would be a good measure. Reducing public transit fares and making transit free for students and seniors receives 72 per cent support, while financial assistance for first-time homebuyers is backed by 71 per cent. Government controls on rent increases draw 74 per cent approval.

The findings suggest that proposals with direct financial impact resonate more strongly than ideological platforms. Support for these measures cuts across party lines — eliminating the QST on used goods ranks first among Parti Québécois, Coalition Avenir Québec and Conservative voters, and third among Liberals. Financial assistance for first-time homebuyers also ranks in the top four across all major parties, including third among Québec solidaire supporters.

The survey was weighted by age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and presence of children in the household, and carried a margin of error of ±3.08 per cent (19 times out of 20). As the October election campaign intensifies, these results suggest that the most compelling campaign messages are not the most ideological — they're the ones that signal relief from everyday expenses.