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Effective January 2026, Quebec has implemented a new enforcement measure aimed at curbing persistent non-payment of support owed to children and former spouses. Under a new provision of the Act to facilitate the payment of support, where a support debtor owes arrears equivalent to at least six months of payments, the Minister, through Revenu Québec, may request that the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) suspend the debtor’s driver’s licence or their right to obtain one if they do not already hold a licence. Following receipt of a formal notice, the debtor then has 30 days to contact Revenu Québec and address the arrears. Failing this, a learner’s, probationary, or regular driver’s licence may be suspended.

Driving while under this suspension carries serious consequences, including fines ranging from $600 to $2,000, as well as the seizure of the vehicle for 30 days.

The suspension may be lifted where the debtor pays the arrears in full, makes a partial payment that is considered reasonable in the circumstances, or enters into a payment arrangement with Revenu Québec.

This measure reinforces Quebec’s commitment to ensuring that support obligations are respected, and adds to the already robust enforcement powers available to the Minister, such as wage garnishment, bank seizures, and tax refund interceptions, as well as federal enforcement measures, including the suspension of a Canadian passport and certain marine and aviation licences.

Support debtors are therefore strongly encouraged to address arrears promptly, as delays can now result in significant and far-reaching consequences beyond purely financial measures.