Press release
Pre-Budget Consultations 2026–2027: FTQ Calls on CAQ to Put an End to Austerity Policies

As part of the 2026–2027 pre-budget consultations, The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) is meeting this Monday with Quebec’s Minister of Finance, Eric Girard. The QFL believes the next provincial budget must include concrete measures to reduce growing social inequalities; adequately fund public services; implement an ambitious industrial policy while supporting workers facing economic uncertainty; provide solutions to the housing crisis; and strengthen efforts to combat climate change.

“The CAQ government must use this final budget exercise before the elections to adopt concrete measures aimed at reducing the social inequalities that have exploded in recent years, and to better support workers and businesses impacted by the tariff war. Put simply, the government must stop distracting the public with bills whose sole purpose is to divide society,” said QFL General Secretary Olivier Carrière.

In its brief, the FTQ emphasizes that Quebec has a responsibility to ensure the well-being and fulfillment of its population. “We need a strong social safety net and quality public services, particularly in health care and education. Quebec must abandon any scenario involving cuts. Long denied by the CAQ government, the housing crisis is now hitting the population hard and that is without even mentioning the homelessness crisis and food banks increasingly frequented by working people. We can no longer sit back and hope that time will fix everything,” added the General Secretary.

“Furthermore, Quebec cannot set aside the fight against climate change. But this must be done fairly, while protecting workers through a just transition policy. Finally, the FTQ extends its hand to the government and invites it to resume social dialogue in order to work together toward building a Quebec that is more just, more democratic, and greener,” concluded General Secretary Olivier Carrière.

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

Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.