Press release
A predictable budget: the FTQ is ready to move on

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) expresses a predictable disappointment with the budget tabled today by the Minister of Finance. The labour federation deplores the lack of a structural vision to support workers in a context of economic turbulence..

“There is little in this budget that meets the expectations of workers. We anticipated this, considering that the Minister of Finance’s budget was already drafted when we met with him. It only partially takes into account the growing social inequalities, the housing crisis, the current economic uncertainty, and the urgent need to address climate change. This is yet another example of the CAQ government’s disconnect from the expectations and needs of the Québec population,” said QFL President Magali Picard.

The government has announced some new spending and investments in areas that are important to Québec society, which is always welcome. However, the QFL regrets the lack of vision and ambition in this budget. For example, the conversion of 5,000 unsubsidized childcare spaces into subsidized ones appears to be good news, but what Québec truly needs is a complete and accessible network of early childhood centres (CPEs). We support additional assistance for the forestry sector, but when will Québec adopt a real industrial policy?

Spending growth will be very limited in the coming years, raising concerns about a return to austerity. Health and social services spending will remain at an acceptable level for 2026–2027, but will see only minimal increases the following year. In education, the projected increases appear insufficient and will have negative impacts on services. These are political choices, especially given the significant amounts allocated to the Generations Fund and the absence of new revenue measures, particularly targeting the wealthiest. The government could also have implemented a public and universal pharmacare plan, which would have generated billions of dollars in savings annually.

“In Québec, there are people who work hard and still can’t make ends meet. Families are cutting back on groceries, and some people are working full-time without being able to get by. Our members, like all Quebecers, do not need a spectator government. They need a government that protects jobs and improves their quality of life,” added the QFL President.

After two CAQ mandates, the FTQ is ready to move on and to actively contribute to developing solutions to the challenges facing Québec society.

“It is unusual to say this in March as spring approaches, but we are already looking forward to October, when elections will finally be called. At the QFL, we have already moved on to the next step. We are preparing to work with the next government, regardless of its political affiliation. There is an urgent need to restore social dialogue, which has been severely undermined by this government. This is not a union whim, but a smart way to navigate economic turbulence and benefit from on-the-ground expertise,” concluded the QFL President.

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

Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.