The Quebec government wants to impose a "significant" financial penalty on the "small minority" of Quebecers who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Premier François Legault made the announcement — which would be a first in Canada — during a press conference on Tuesday. He said he was working on the tax with Finance Minister Eric Girard while also reviewing the measure's legality.

"Unfortunately, there is still a small minority, about 10 per cent of the population, that refuses to get vaccinated," Legault said. "I sense the frustration from Quebecers towards that minority that … is clogging our hospitals."