Quebec Chapter | Government Relations
Municipal Pesticide Regulation Updates: Gatineau & Sherbrooke
Gatineau
NGCOA Canada received positive news regarding the City of Gatineau’s pesticide regulation. The requirement for Audubon Certification was removed from the bylaw during the adoption process.
Article 11 now reads:
“Ecological Management
Golf courses located within the territory of the City must, before January 1, 2027, implement management practices aimed at reducing pesticide use and promoting environmentally responsible approaches.”
In practical terms, the City of Gatineau will require a copy of the pesticide reduction plan approved by the course’s agronomist and submitted to the Ministry of the Environment.
Sherbrooke
On April 20, NGCOA Canada participated in a meeting with Sherbrooke golf facilities and environmental advisors from the City of Sherbrooke.
Recognizing the significant efforts golf facilities are already making to reduce pesticide use and improve environmental practices, the City has agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in January 2026 to discuss participation in the GEO Foundation commitment and a pathway toward certification.
No formal requirements or decisions have been implemented at this time.
NGCOA Canada remains actively engaged in these discussions and will continue supporting members as these files progress.
High-Speed Rail Project Update: Meeting with Alto Group
NGCOA Canada recently met with Alto Group, the Crown corporation responsible for planning the proposed High-Speed Rail corridor between Quebec City and Toronto.
During the meeting, NGCOA Canada outlined the significant impacts that expropriation can have on golf facilities, noting that partial expropriation is often not a viable option for golf course operations.
The Cadence Consortium, consisting of six companies, will be responsible for construction. Alto expects the final route to be confirmed by the end of 2026, with affected property owners being contacted in 2027. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2029.
Alto indicated that it will seek negotiated agreements wherever possible, although the project will proceed under government authority, which may limit the negotiating power of affected property owners.
Compensation considerations are expected to include both market value and business losses, with evaluations being conducted by accredited appraisers.
At this stage, it remains possible that no golf facilities will be impacted by the final route.
NGCOA Canada Affiliate Legal Counsel
Me Sébastien Poirier
Partner, DE GRANDPRÉ CHAIT S.E.N.C.R.L./LLP
T. 514.878.3287
F. 514.878.4333
[email protected]
Golf in Your Riding Returns for Summer and Fall 2026
Golf in Your Riding returns for Summer and Fall 2026.
Golf facilities are encouraged to invite their local Member of Parliament to visit their club and learn more about the impact golf has within their community. David is available to participate in meetings and will be conducting several visits throughout the season.
Whether held at your facility or at a constituency office, these meetings provide an excellent opportunity to discuss industry priorities and engage directly with elected officials.
Key advocacy priorities include:
Modernization of Golf Facilities in Quebec
Supporting golf facilities in the robotization and modernization of turf maintenance equipment.
Promoting Industry Competitiveness
Allowing businesses to claim tax deductions for entertainment expenses incurred on golf courses, similar to other sectors within the entertainment industry.
Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Quebec Launches New Graduate Employment Subsidy
The Government of Quebec has announced a new wage subsidy program aimed at encouraging employers to hire recent graduates.
The initiative, titled “A First Job for You!”, is expected to help approximately 5,000 young people enter the workforce and could represent an investment of up to $10 million.
For non-profit organizations, the subsidy may cover up to 100% of eligible salary costs.
Upcoming Government Meetings: Key Topics
NGCOA Canada is preparing to meet with provincial government officials in Québec this spring to represent your interests and advocate on key industry priorities.
Modernization of Golf Courses in Québec
Recommendation 1: Support golf courses in the robotization and modernization of their turf maintenance equipment.
Promote the Development and Competitiveness of the Golf Industry
Recommendation 2: Allow businesses to claim tax deductions for entertainment expenses related to activities on a golf course — similar to other entertainment industries.
Reduce the Labour Shortage
Recommendation 3: Reinstate the tax credit for career extension for individuals aged 60 to 64.
Entertainment Expense Survey
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)
Prepaid Rounds & No-Shows
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.
National Golf Day 2024
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 Defends the Golf Industry in Quebec • September 20, 2023
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.
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.
Expropriation and Zoning Act for Golf Courses
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 |
Minimum Wage Increase May 1
Tax Fairness: Your Chapter President Brings new attention to the issue
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.
