[1] The Fonds de solidarité FTQ was constituted on June 23, 1983 by an act of the Québec National Assembly,[2] then headed by the René Lévesque government.

The initial capital came from workers affiliated to FTQ that was complemented by provincial and federal governments.

[3] Fonds shares, which are eligible for the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), can be purchased by any Québec taxpayer either through payroll deduction – available in unionized companies or government organizations (an FTQ-affiliated or other union), – preauthorized withdrawals, or a lump sum payment.

Fonds shares are a popular investment because in addition to the tax benefits individuals obtain for buying an RRSP, they also receive two additional tax credits: 15% from each government (Québec and Canada) on the first $5,000 invested each year.

Fonds shares cannot be sold before retirement except under certain conditions such as loss of employment, participation in the federal government's Home Buyers’ Plan, and disability.