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ARTICLE · 15 MARCH 2005

Foreign Stock Option Plans and Québec Health Services Fund Contributions

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Generally, the LRAMQ provides that every employer shall pay to the Minister of Revenue of Québec a contribution to the Québec health services fund based on a percentage of the total wages that the employer pays or is deemed to pay to its employees who report for work at the employer’s establishment in the province of Québec. The percentage payable varies according to the amount of the total wages, from a minimum of 2.7% to a maximum of 4.26%

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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Article by Jean Gagnon, ©2005 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

This article was originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Pensions - February 2005

In a case that could have significant implications for multinational corporations operating in Québec, the recent Cour du Québec decision, Merck Frosst Canada & Co. c. Le Sous-Ministre du Revenu du Québec, concluded that foreign stock option benefits must be included in employees’ wages in calculating the employer obligation under section 34 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (LRAMQ).

Generally, the LRAMQ provides that every employer shall pay to the Minister of Revenue of Québec a contribution to the Québec health services fund based on a percentage of the total wages that the employer pays or is deemed to pay to its employees who report for work at the employer’s establishment in the province of Québec. The percentage payable varies according to the amount of the total wages, from a minimum of 2.7% to a

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