On the fourth day of Quebec’s election campaign, the focus has been primarily on affordability, except for the Parti Québécois (PQ), which emphasized the protection of the French language.
The PQ proposed an extension of the Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, to include CEGEPs and the children of temporary immigrants residing in Quebec for more than a year.
Key highlights from today’s announcements include:
CAQ’s Commitment to Fiscal Balance:
Christine Fréchette, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), affirmed the party’s commitment to achieving a balanced budget by 2030, despite facing a $6 billion shortfall. The CAQ revealed that its election promises would require nearly $10 billion over the next five years. Specific pledges disclosed so far include $1 billion allocated for home care services, housing initiatives for seniors, and $304 million earmarked for regional support. The party plans to uphold investments in public infrastructure and address challenges posed by the 50% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Tax cuts are postponed until a balanced budget is attained.
QS’s Housing Strategy:
Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire (QS), criticized the CAQ for its handling of the housing crisis and unveiled QS’s housing plan. The plan comprises seven measures, such as establishing a national registry of rental units, restricting evictions, combating illegal Airbnb units, and advocating for neighborhood densification. QS also aims to implement a national strategy to eradicate homelessness.
PLQ’s Senior Housing Protections:
Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard vowed to cap rent increases at private seniors’ residences (RPAs) and proposed a policy shift to ease the burden on residents when challenging rent hikes. The new policy would enable the housing tribunal to intervene in rent increase disputes, mitigating seniors’ concerns about rising costs without compromising essential services.
Conservatives’ Tax-Cutting Initiatives:
The Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) introduced its fourth tax-cutting measure, intending to eliminate the Quebec sales tax (QST) on used goods like thrifted clothing. This move is projected to save Quebecers an average of $867. The PCQ outlined plans to slash $47 billion in government spending over five years without diminishing public services, with combined tax cuts expected to yield an $11,000 saving per household over five years.
PQ’s Language Expansion:
Despite facing backlash for immigration policies, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon reiterated the party’s commitment to extending Bill 101 to CEGEPs and the children of temporary immigrants. St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the importance of bolstering French language use and investigating students’ socialization language in Montreal and Laval schools, aligning with the party’s sovereignist agenda.
The ongoing election campaign in Quebec continues to address crucial issues ranging from fiscal responsibility and housing to language protection and tax reforms.
