Quebec Chapter | Government Relations

On May 21, 2025, La Table de concertation du golf au Québec met with 23 politicians and advisors through 12 meetings held at the Québec Parliament, a Minister’s office, and virtually. This united front — composed of Golf Québec, PGA Québec, the Association des clubs de golf du Québec (ACGQ), the Association des surintendants de golf du Québec (ASGQ), and NGCOA Canada — aims to support members and golfers across the province by advocating with one voice.

Three key challenges and recommendations were presented:

• Support the sustainable development of golf and create dialogue with all levels of government
• Address the labour shortage
• Promote competitiveness and growth of the golf industry

To learn more about the 3 challenges and recommendations, download our leave behind document (French only).

NGCOA Canada also submitted a memoir (French only) to the Québec Minister of Finances as part of the pre-budget consultation. Submissions are posted on the government website.

NGCOA Canada continues to meet with municipal politicians and organizations regarding pesticide regulations in Québec, including a meeting with the Québec Federation of Municipalities this August.

To help our members stay informed, we’ve uploaded the following resources (French only):

• Bilan 2023 sur les ventes de pesticides au Québec
• Guide de référence du Code de gestion des pesticides
• Q&R pour le golf

NGCOA Canada conducted a survey during winter 2024 regarding entertainment expenses related to golf. The findings support our advocacy for equitable tax treatment for golf-related business entertainment.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (French only)

Over the past several months, NGCOA Canada received questions from Quebec members about the legality of pre-paid green fees related to no-shows and refunds. We contacted the Minister of Justice, who referred us to the President of the Office of Consumer Protection and their legal team. The clarifications confirmed that:

• Pre-payment for tee times is allowed
• No refund is required if a customer no-shows, provided your refund policy is clearly stated at the time of booking

Like concert or airline tickets, prepaid tee times fall under the rules for distance contracts. Golf course operators may require full payment in advance and define their own refund policies.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

 

As part of National Golf Day, the NGCOA Canada – Quebec Chapter had the privilege of meeting with no less than eight different government stakeholders, with another meeting scheduled for September and more being planned. These meetings were extremely positive and led to very promising follow-ups from policymakers. During the meetings, we received a lot of interest and attention on several issues, especially the tax inequity that has plagued the golf industry for decades. One of our meetings with the political attaché of the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance sparked significant interest, leading to another meeting with senior advisors from the Québec Ministry of Finance. A highly productive exchange!

NGCOA Canada has asked other golf associations to discuss the next steps and plan for the next National Golf Day in 2025. By planning well in advance, it will allow everyone to prepare adequately and participate effectively from all golf associations. By uniting our strengths and sharing our ideas, we can continue to build a stronger and better industry.

The NGCOA Canada encourages you to contact your provincial member to share your concerns with this ready-to-send letter (French only). You only need to make two changes and send it to the email address of their constituency office.

Due to a 53-year-old tax reform, Quebec businesses cannot deduct their expenses when meeting clients on golf courses. The golf industry has been discriminated against in the Tax Act because of a policy change made in 1971. Since then, the economy has radically changed in Quebec. Businesses of all types can deduct 50% of entertainment expenses incurred with their clients in many other areas, such as sporting events, concerts, and other shows. The golf industry should be treated the same way as other entertainment industries it competes with. Golf is one of the most valued ways to establish and maintain business relationships.
 

NGCOA Canada was at the Transport and Environment Commission to protect the golf industry in Quebec in the face of Bill 22 - Law concerning expropriation.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Memo:

CLICK HERE for the memo submitted to the Transport Commission (available in french only). For any questions, please contact David Bérubé C: (581) 989-7600.

Press release:

Here is the press release sent to the media explaining how NGCOA Canada protects and defends the golf industry. If you are contacted for an interview, please contact Charles Bernard, Impact Public Affairs C: (819) 674-9604.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

The most recent update from the National Assembly of Quebec:

May 25, 2023

Projet de loi no 22 | Loi concernant l’expropriation (French only)

Reference the table below for the most recent updates from NGCOA Canada:

January 30, 2023	click here
Novmber 8, 2022	click here
October 13, 2022	click here (French only)
September 8, 2023	click here

As of May 1, 2021, the general minimum wage rate in Quebec will increase to $13.50 per hour. This is an increase of $0.40 an hour, or 3.1%. For employees paid tips, the minimum wage will rise to $10.80 per hour, which represents an increase of $0.35 per hour.

Your new Quebec Chapter President is bringing renewed attention to the issue of golf as a deductible expense for businesses in Quebec.  Through her recent interview in Golf Martial Lapointe (available in French only) and meeting with the MP for Quebec, as well as other political figures, Nadia Di Menna is making sure that the issue of Golf as an Allowable Business Expense is front of mind with the Quebec government. You too can help ensure that this issue remains in the forefront by contacting your local MP and media and ensuring your voice is heard.