Press release
QFL’s Reaction to the Economic Update by the Legault Government

Quebec Announces a Return to Austerity

Montréal, November 21, 2024 – The Quebec Federation of Labor (QFL) observes that in its economic update, the CAQ government is preparing for a return to austerity, a strategy that has previously caused significant harm to Quebecers. “By delaying urgent investments in infrastructure such as hospital and school renovations, freezing recruitment in healthcare, social services, and the public sector, and cutting funding for programs like the francization of immigrants—an outrageous move—this government is setting the stage for another crisis. We all know this will inevitably lead to a reduction in services for the population,” says QFL President Magali Picard.

This so-called economic government, which behaves more like a team of accountants, has presented a $11 billion deficit. Once again, its simplistic solution is to target services instead of generating additional revenue. Quebecers have seen this scenario play out before.

“By handing out $3.5 billion in pre -and post-election cash gifts and reducing taxes by $1.7 billion in 2022—measures that deprive Quebec of billions in recurring revenue—this government has emptied the state’s coffers. These decisions have disproportionately benefited the wealthiest at the expense of the most vulnerable. If that wasn’t enough, let’s add the proposed third link project that will cost more than $10 billion. This lack of vision explains why the deficit is unsurprising,” adds Magali Picard.

One of the few positive measures is the termination of paid training in the construction industry, a necessary step. The QFL had previously predicted that this program was mere window dressing—costly and ineffective.

“There are solutions; it just takes courage. This government is disconnected from the needs of ordinary people. For example, we need to accelerate the construction of social and community housing, strengthen the social safety net, implement a truly public and universal pharmacare program, and tackle tax evasion and avoidance,” concludes QFL President Magali Picard.

The QFL, Quebec’s largest labour federation, represents more than 600,000 workers.

Source: QFL

Contact:

Jean Laverdière

Phone : 514 893-7809

E-mail : jlaverdiere@ftq.qc.ca